I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.
Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.
Then I thought I’d write one down…
Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!
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They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.
To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.
Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad's drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.
But Raven's stepdad's drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she's ever known out of jail, or worse.
Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries' clothing line, signing over her creative rights.
Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can't imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.
But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?
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My rating
Story Elements
THE ARTISANS is a Beauty and the Beast retelling that takes place in an urban setting with a southern gothic feel to it. While reading, you get the sense that there is something paranormal involved, and many times I felt on edge as I got an eerie feeling while reading this intense story. But figuring out the paranormal element is part of the mystery to this story AND…OMG…it’s all so freaky!
The story primarily takes place at a “Victorian monstrosity” (Giddeon Maddox’s mansion)…a place where Raven Weathersby reluctantly agrees to live while designing clothing to pay off her alcoholic gambler-of-a-step-father’s debt.
Writing Style
I really like Julie Reece’s writing style and I felt like I was able to read THE ARTISANS really fast. Julie’s world building and character development were exceptionally compelling, so much so that she was able to connect me to the story while also compelling me to continue reading.
Characters
I can’t say that I always agreed with Raven’s actions, but I couldn’t help but really like her character. She would do anything for the people she loves. That’s why it’s so easy to understand the reason why she gave up her freedom for her stepfather. And, even though I’m not artistic, I would love to see someone put together some of the outfits she designs. They sound fantastic!
Maggie and Dane are the best-est friends anyone could hope to ask for. I love Maggie’s personality; she’s hilarious. And Dane is so caring and sweet that he seems to worry about and wants to take care of everyone.
Gideon is extremely mysterious! The intensity he portrays throughout the story is what keeps you on edge. I kept craving for him to appear on every page just so I could figure him out.
Final thought
I tried to be really cautious in this review to avoid spoilers, but I have to say that I’m obsessed with this book! I don’t think anyone could have prepared me for the story twists! And the romance is insanely intense! I can’t wait for everyone to experience this book because it is so freakin’ good!
This is a tour hosted giveaway!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of The Artisans by Julie Reece (INT)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Week One:
5/18/2015 Novel Novice – Guest Post
5/18/2015 The Mama Games – Review
5/19/2015 Magical Urban Fantasy Reads – Review
5/19/2015 The A P Book Club – Guest Post
5/20/2015 Jorie Loves A Story – Interview
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5/22/2015 Simple Wyrdings – Review
5/22/2015 The Page Unbound – Spotlight/Promo
5/23/2015 Bitches n Prose – Spotlight/Promo
5/23/2015 YA Chit Chat – Review
5/24/2015 Diana’s Book Reviews – Review
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5/25/2015 We Do Write – Interview
5/26/2015 On Writing and Riding – Interview
5/27/2015 The Shadow Realm – Review
5/27/2015 Kimber Leigh Writes – Review
5/28/2015 A Thousand Words A Million Books – Review
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5/29/2015 Beauty and the Bookshelf – Guest Post
5/29/2015 Tale of the Ravenous Reader – Interview
5/30/2015 Wishful Endings – review
5/31/2015 A Book Addict’s Bookshelves – Guest Post
5/31/2015 Jennifer M. Eaton – Review