Review by ShiRah185 -- The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio

[ShiRah185]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio" by Belle Ami.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio by Belle Ami is book two in the Out of Time Thriller Series. I was quite impressed with book one in the series, The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci. The author's method of storytelling is spellbinding and extremely enticing. I was waiting for the second book with agonizingly baited breath. So of course, I jumped wholeheartedly at the opportunity to review it.

In The Girl Who Knew Da Vinci we meet Angela Renatus, an underappreciated art historian. She loves her job completely and truly enjoys it. However, her boss is sexually inappropriate toward her. This makes her afraid to stay yet terrified to leave. Soon, Alex Caine enters the plot and is mesmerized by her beauty. He accidentally causes her to become fixated on him while she is in a trance. Thus, begins an enthralling whirlwind of a romance.

In book two Alex and Angela are about to break the news of their imminent nuptials to their parents. Both are convinced that their past lives' troubles have been resolved with the discovery of missing painting. Therefore, they assume that there would not be any more nightmarish regressions. But alas, what began as a rather racy dream about two lovers ends in murder. Angela's past lives' regressions are back with an overwhelming fury. She soon discovers that the lovers in the dream are linked to a new case.

Alex's PTSD has also returned and cause the fiances tremendous worry. Is it only PTSD though, or is there something more? Just as Angela and Alex are about to claim their happily ever after the past reclaims them with a vicious grip. They are madly in love and want nothing more than to be open and honest with each other. Yet, situations beyond their control force them to hold secrets. Will the lovely couple be able to finally come clean with each other? Will these secrets destroy their relationship? Are they to lose each other again and reunite in yet another lifetime?

The author's style is certainly very engaging. I had much trouble putting the book down even when I was terrified of what may happen next. I fell in love with this couple in book one. Belle Ami caused me to muse over whether it were possible to fall in love with the same individual over several lifetimes. Alex and Angela are definitely destined to work out their karmic baggage together. But what about the rest of us in the real world? Is it possible? And if so, would we have the good fortune of being cognizant of it like Angela and Alex? Being the incurable romantic that I am the possibility is oh, so alluring. I have no problem with loving the same man over numerous centuries.

Having served in the military, Alex can not help but be cynical and harsh at times. It is amazing how his love for Angela tames the beast. Angela, on the other hand, was not enthusiastic about romance before her new beau. The supporting cast is laced with very strong characters who each amplify the strengths of the main protagonists. A mere 239 pages, the plot is evenly balanced though quite eerie at times as past life experiences meld into the present.

I totally and completely love this novel. There are but a few errors which do not detract from the reading experience. Nevertheless, this book is not for everyone. There are quite a number of erotic scenes which make this piece inappropriate for minors. In addition, when irritated Alex has quite a mouth on him in every incarnation. One of his many talents is being a fluent multi-lingual swearer. This is not the read for the austere and religious.

The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio will leave the reader salivating for more adventures of Angela and Alex. As a result, I am overjoyed to award this novel 4 out of 4 stars. Excellent work, Belle Ami.

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The Girl Who Loved Caravaggio
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[kdstrack]

I love the way you connect the first book in the series with this one. This sounds like an exciting continuation of this couple's adventures. I am looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the captivating review!

[Ojaydee]

Woah, what a breathtaking review! You really helped me understand the whole story's concept from the get go - and I'm ITCHING to read that book!

Well done, well done!

[Elvis Best]

Wow that was a sharp turn in the storyline. This book sounds very interesting to me. Grest review!