Stolen Dreams

By: Christine Amsden

Narrated by: Melissa Reizian Frank

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

Edward Scot and Victor Blackwood have hated each other for nearly a quarter of a century, but now their simmering hatred is about to erupt.

When Cassie Scot returns home from her sojourn in Pennsylvania, she finds that her family has taken a hostage. Desperate to end the fighting before someone dies, Cassie seeks help from local seer Abigail Hastings, Evan Blackwood's grandmother. But Abigail has seen her own death, and when it comes at the hand of Cassie's father, Victor Blackwood kills Edward Scot.

But things may not be precisely as they appear.

Evan persuades Cassie to help him learn the truth, teaming them up once again in their darkest hour. New revelations about Evan and his family make it difficult for Cassie to cling to a shield of anger, but can Evan and Cassie stop a feud that has taken on a life of its own? Conclusion to the Cassie Scot series.

©2014 Christine Amsden (P)2014 Christine Amsden

What an ending!

Finally the end of the series has arrived. I was really hoping all those pesky questions would get answered. Thankfully most are, some are kind of vague still.

A is typical with this series we jump into the middle of things. There are gaps in time between books that are told but not shown. Sometimes that makes you feel like you are playing catch-up with the story. Things are explained, it just takes a little time.

Everything is not happiness and light in this book. Things are coming to a head and there are casualties. A few really heartbreaking moments, have the tissues handy.

The romance is finally sorted out, I think you will like the end result. There also seems to be a hint of HEA for her friends Madison and Katelyn. It might be nice to have a follow-up novella to tie up those strings.

The story is mostly from Cassie's POV, but there are a few sections of Evan. It gives you a broader view of what is going on. I kind of wish we had more of Evan, it would have balanced things out a bit more.

There is a bit of cracked bedroom door. This means a few people get intimate, with a tiny bit of detail. It is barely worth noting, but I know some people do not like any mention of sex in a book. Up to this point there has been on smexy time in the series.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Melissa Reizian Frank, who has been wonderful throughout the series. She had great voices and characterization a that were easy to identify. She drew you more into the story and had you by the heart at emotional moments! Her pace was perfect for all the action and energy of the story.

I am sad that it is over, but thrilled to see how it turned out. Really entertaining series that kept you guessing!

Disclosure - I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A Spectacular Ending to an Enjoyable Series!

If you could sum up Stolen Dreams in three words, what would they be?

Intriguing, Fun, and Satisfying.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I've enjoyed all the characters in this series - and it's hard to chose a favorite. But it would be crazy not to choose Cassie, since she's the star, so to speak, and since we mostly see the world through her perspective. I enjoy her dry wit and blunt honesty, although sometimes she makes me want to shake her and say, "Wake up, for goodness sake!" She's not as honest with herself as she is with others - so there's a bit of self-delusion and denial always going on in the background. Fortunately, this is all resolved in this last book of the series, with a very satisfying result. ;o)

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the scene where Cassie and Evan finally put aside their anger and talk to each other. The bedroom scene was very well done. And the part where Cassie refused the item Evan was offering her was sweet and heartwrenching. (I'm being purposefully obtuse because I don't want to spoil the story for others who might not have read it yet.)

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Again, I can't say specifically which scene I mean, but it's where someone we all love and care about is reportedly killed. I was actually quite angry when I listened to this scene, and planned to have some words with the author! But she redeemed herself beautifully, with a solution to this problem which caught me totally unaware - and which melted my heart. Well done, Ms. Amsden!

Any additional comments?

I was very disappointed in what happened to Cassie's cousin, Jason - but I know why he made the choice he did. I just hope in the future (I know this is the last book in the series, but in case there is ever a sequel...) that Caitlin really doesn't go with him and let him turn her - for the sake of her baby! That would be horrible. ;o(

Thank you, Ms. Amsden and Ms. Reizian Frank, for a wonderful, entertaining production.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Beautiful finale for a wonderful story

So worth it. I have never been so on edge listening to a book. Fantastic story. Love the characters. So great.