Essence Paperback

Essence by Mackenzie Lucas is a classically plotted romance with an unexpectedly ambitious set of emotional issues. It is also very explicit and well-done, with the sexual encounters adding much to the characterizations as well as the progression of the plot. The main character, Haven, is hurting from a precarious childhood, and is further punished throughout the course of the novel to discover she has been treated unjustly by many people she trusted. When she meets hero Pace, a sexy pro golfer with demons of his own, she is instantly attracted to him, but the wedges between them seem too tall to ever scale. He's a competitor who could ruin her business, he's in cohoots with a villainous woman who seems intent on ruining Haven's life, and he's an expert at no strings attached one night stands. There is a little bit too much repetition of internal thought about what the issues are with both Haven and Pace, but through many refreshingly honest conversations, these two characters get to know the internal reasons for their external actions. Add in well-drawn and equally angsty secondary characters including her best friend Sally, and Pace's brother, Jason, and Essence will give you a big, juicy fulfilling read about just what it takes to make love work the second time around.

This was about two people who have lived through the loss of loved ones. And are ready, unknowingly, to move on. She owns a spa, he is in the area to buy land for his next golf club and spa. They also have a woman, one who owns the property, who wants him and wants her to be miserable. There is the possibility of her deceased husband infidelity with the other woman. Will they get together? Or will he ruin her business to make his plans golden? What about the other woman?

Just a cute romance. Spent most of my time turning page after page until I got to read something that helped me understand where this story was going. There was just too much information going on in so many pages. I get that Authors need to write so many words but this was a little ridiculous to me. There are Authors out there that can write so in less words and less pages. Guess I'm just use to a little suspense or some drama that will make me take notice.

I love good world-building in books and we get it in spades with Essence. A luxury spa with all the trimmings? I'm sold!I also love a story with characters I can relate to. Hitching a ride with Haven and Pace, feeling the emotional rollercoaster they went on as they healed themselves and each other - and fought for their happily ever after - was time well spent. I loved the texture and depth of all the characters. Author Lucas made me care.I smiled. I chuckled. I sniffed back a few tears. Good stuff. Looking forward to more!

Pace and Haven were great together but after his tragic loss of his wife and daughter he was damaged. He felt he was unable to love again. Thank goodness Haven pushed him to the point that he couldn't help himself.

I love stories that make sense and feel real. Finding love can be difficult and two friends finding it at the same time is even better. Kinda hoped Heaven would have been pregnant when he came back.

The novel Essence is captivating from the start, the plot was set somewhat in the first two chapters, held me captive to the point I could not put the novel down very long. Just a great novel. The Author did a super job in giving and taking away, that kept you guessing what was going to happen next. I loved it! I can't say enough on how I enjoyed reading this novel. Thank You

Mackenzie Lucas's Essence is a fast, emotional read. Set in a luxury spa, in a dreamy resort location, the character's struggles to find and claim the love they desire and deserve will draw you in and won't let you go. The moment Haven and Pace meet, sparks fly. If undeniable chemistry and hot sexual tension are part of your fantasy--along with a complex emotional storyline and unforgettable characters--Essence is the book for you!

Essence Busy woman dream of the ocean, spa days, and yoga sessions. Mackenzie Lucas adds a healthy dose of romance and she takes the reader to an intimate oasis. She electrifies the senses with vivid imagery and keeps the tension high as she puts her characters through an emotional and physical riptide. Essence