Finalist
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: The author presents an engrossing cross-genre work that blends romance with a well-developed suspense storyline. The action is convincing, while the relationship between Emma Gallagher and Jason Chin–whose professional lives intersect years after dating in college–offers compelling sexual tension.
Prose: The author is a talented writer and storyteller, able to engage the reader and hold interest from beginning to end. Action, dialogue, and description are well-balanced, and the work is a pleasure to read.
Originality: Lie With Me expands on conventions, delivering an action-filled, second-chance romance with protagonists who, while initially in conflict, ultimately work together toward a greater good.
Characer/Execution: Hernandez excels at crafting layered characters whose pasts are organically unveiled throughout. Emma is a particularly rich character, with convincing actions, thoughts, and motivations. The chemistry between Emma and Jason is palpable, and readers will root for them to defeat their foes, find a way to reconcile their past mistakes, and be together.
Date Submitted: August 10, 2023
Another emotional, gripping page-turner from Gwen Hernandez! You can always count on her to deliver the perfect balance of steam, action, and suspense!
