Love was never supposed to be part of the end game.Fallon’s life has been a road paved in misery and loneliness.Then one day, she’s propositioned with a way to change it all.From that day forward, Fallon planned on never looking back.Until, she met her target, the man who could destroy everything.Fallon’s a survivor, but can she survive him?Gabriel is independent and brutal.He learned early on … independent and brutal.
He learned early on about his mother’s games.
For years his mother has tried to control every aspect of his life.
He was born to be her successor, but he refused to be her chess piece.
When a mysterious woman shows up, Gabriel’s life is turned upside down.
Is she his mother’s pawn?
Soon they will learn that the games Gabriel’s mother, Catherine Stern plays are for keeps.
Secrets and deception always find a way of being revealed.
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Loved this book. It’s full of drama, seduction and love. I wasn’t too sure about it at first but when I started reading it I couldn’t put it down!!
This is a can’t put it down book that I loved. Fallon approached by a older lady offered get her the perfect job little does she know when she meets the job three years later she’ll fall for the bad boy Gabriel and the whole family. This is a must hot read the who,e story from Fallon’s trying to the sexy bad mafia boy to his family and everything they stand for. I can’t wait to read book of this series as book 1 promised and delivered. Highly recommended.
WOW!!! What a Debut Author! I don’t know where Monique Orgeron has been hiding. To come out with her first book this well written, flowed perfectly and not one time did I find myself having to go back a page or 2 to figure out what was going on. If I were a gambling gal, this bet I would have lost. I honestly thought that this was a veteran author now writing under a pen name.
So, once I found out that this was a ‘virgin’ author that nailed it with her debut book, I can only see brighter stars coming from Monique Orgeron!
This book takes you on a Mother’s journey of love. Love for her 3 boys. Catherine will stop at nothing to provide, support and ensure her boys have what they need in life to survive.
Fallon is an 18-year-old that is one step away from prostituting her body just to survive. Shuffled through foster care growing up, between living with her on again off again mother… She is now working in a diner begging for more hours and living in a crappy apartment.
Her eldest son Gabriel is who Catherine is focused on in this book. He needs a wife that will be his support, his shoulder to lean on, someone who is a strong headed woman that can lead her husband to success.
Catherine has been known to control her boys, she knows everything they do and more. Truly though, she does what she does, out of Love. But there are secrets as to why she does what she does. There are reasons for who she picks.
It’s uncovering all the pieces in the puzzle, slowly fitting them together, that brings together a beautiful picture!!!
Although this is a Standalone, there will be more!!!
Art of Forgiveness – Liam’s Story
Art of War – Zander’s Story
Art of Loyalty – Vin’s Story
Bring them on!!!
#BookBistroBlogApproved
This book is amazing. It has so many twists and turns. Being from Louisiana I loved the crooked politician and family with “connections“. Catherine is the perfect family matriarch and I loved the electricity between Gabriel and Fallon. Poor Gabriel, he just doesn’t know what hit him and tries to resist…but Catherine knows her son.
wow this book blow me away. i was drawn in from the first page tell the very end. you are able to feel the feeling rolling off the words. this is the first book that ive read by this author and will not be the last. this book keep me on edge tell the very end. this is a must read book.
Let’s talk about some hot stuff. Art of Seduction, Book 1 of A Stern family saga is going to be a must read for any New Adult Romance lover is not going to want to miss.
So before getting more into detail about the book let me give you some little fun facts.
The last time I crushed on the female lead of a book was way back in February when I read Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas.
This book was the cause of me witnessing Daylight savings time change. It made me feel so awesome, like I traveled back in time.
It’s been awhile since I pulled an all-nighter just to finish a book with being disrupted.
From what I can gather this is the debut of Monique Orgeron. Let’s just say she is off to a phenomenal start of a promising career. And I for one look forward to reading more of her work.
My first thoughts on this book were The Godfather (1972) and The Princess Diaries (2001) with a splash of Pretty women (1990). Yeah, I know, you’re probably sitting there saying what kind of Cluster (excuse my language.) Fuckery is that. So let me break this down so you can see where it is exactly I’m coming from. Please just take these as reference points to grasp the feel of the book. The book is in no way a copy of any one of these movies.
The Godfather; the Stern family is not to be messed with, and Catherine (the patriarch of the Stern Family) is our Don Vito Corleone. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and when she wants something done, it gets done. When she wants for her family, she gets for her family she is not to be messed with in a shape or form. The Stern Family is one you do not want to cross ever unless you’re just threw with life. And let’s just say mother knows best.
The Princess Diaries; Fallon (thinking about her has my heart thumping), My goodness what a fantastic character. Very seldom do I fall for the women more than the Man. Sorry Gabriel, but she is the star of this show (for me anyways), she is strong, fierce and on a mission to be what Catherine molds her to become: a wife for her oldest son. Let’s just Fallon does the job asked of her. Going in with the intent to leave love out of the equation, to move up in the world and out of the slums she grew up in. You see, Catherine needs to control, she controls her life and the lives of those she loves. She finds Fallon and takes her time to mold her to the strong, fierce women in which I’ve come to love. Sort of like what the Grandmother does for Princess Mia (Anne Hathaway).
Pretty Woman; Pretty Woman is about the transformation of not only Vivian (Julia Roberts) but also the growth of Edward (Richard Gere) learning to open his heart before it’s too late. Now swap Edward & Vivian for Gabriel & Fallon. Orgeron truly created a wonderful development for this cast.
Now don’t think ok.”So you gave me all these movies options I think I got the book figured out.” Trust me don’t like they are hidden right there in there under your nose and you still don’t see them. As I read I became more engrossed that I just kept reading. Even when I put it down to get sleep, it didn’t happen. I picked it right back up. I had to finish. I did not see the many turns this one took. And interestingly enough all the secrets, twists and turns made absolute logical sense. Sometimes authors add them in and you’re baffled as to why, but that doesn’t happen here. Monique Orgeron carefully crafted a well-scripted plot to give just the right amount of information needed to string you along to wanting more. There is some pretty epic twist that comes your way. I wish I could spill the beans, but after you read it you’ll get why I can’t.
Fallon was lost before finding the Stern family. It was just her and her mother or the system (foster care). She grew up fighting just to survive her life. The Stern family is composed of Catherine (Mother) and her boys Gabriel, Zander, Liam, and Vin (the not brother but brother). Each of the books in the Saga is for them. And let just say all the men will leave an impression on you. Because as I was reading not only did I want to read about Fallon & Gabriel I found my mind crossing over to the other boy’s lives and wondering what Catherine has in store for them. I’m definitely hooked on learning more about the Stern family.
Art of Seduction is the first book I have read from Monique Orgeron and it will not be my last! I cannot wait to be able to start the next one in the series.
Catherine Stern has 4 sons and she would do anything for them. She knows that she is getting older and won’t always be there to take care of her boys so she wants to see them settle down with good women who will always look out for them.
Gabriel is Catherine’s oldest son and therefore the leader and the most responsible of them all. However, he hates the idea of his mom controlling his choices in any way. Gabriel and Fallon make each other’s acquaintance at a not so chance meeting, but Fallon knocks Gabriel off his feet. At first, he suspects his mom’s involvement and fights the attraction with every fiber of his being, but Fallon has a way of getting under his skin.
Gabriel and Fallon’s story isn’t one that you want to miss. It is filled will sexual tension, angst, and a bit of danger. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the romance genre!
This book hooked me from the very first page! The author’s writing style was easy to fall in to and the story became compulsive reading. It had strong characters, dark themes but not overly graphic if you are faint hearted, sexual tension that will blow you away, the testosterone levels between all the males was scorching.
There are multiple POVs but predominantly the main POV is that of Fallon; the book has a fast pace as past secrets start to unravel. I had an inkling for some of the secrets but I don’t think I was truly prepared for them all. I really can’t decide which son I like, they all have redeeming qualities and I’m looking forward to getting to know them all. I still have questions but I’m sure this will all be answered as each of the sons get to tell their story.
As a first book this author has outdone herself. There is humour, as well as emotional moments woven through this and the author has created a great range of emotions that will keep you turning the pages right to the very end. This book came highly recommended and I’m so glad I took the chance. There is no cliff hanger but the ending does lead nicely into book 2.
Wow! I just put this book down after reading it from start to finish with little interruption (which I can say I hardly ever do, even if a book takes all of my attention I usually have to stop at some point and do things, I couldn’t put this down!) and I have to say hands down a 5 * read! Its the first in the Stern Family saga, and probably the only thing I hate about it is that its probably going to be a bit before the next one! I usually like to only start a series if there are already a few books out, but this story definitely took hold and pulled me right in. It was incredibly well written, humorous, full of passion, fire, and characters you can identify with and welcome into your heart. Even when they do bad things its typically for a reason, you don’t get the feeling like they are bad people. Its not a typical what I would call ‘romance’. Its filled with enough intrigue and mystery to be a more well rounded tale. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for Liam’s story, which was started in this book even though he wasn’t a main character. She gave just enough details about it to pique my interest while still keeping the book about Gabriel and Fallon. Its definitely got a great ending, and could be read as a stand alone if you wanted, though you will probably want to follow the other stories if you are curious like me! Excellent book, pleasantly surprised to like it as much as I did, give it a try you won’t be disappointed!
Art of Seduction by Monique Orgeron is the first book in the “A Stern Family Saga”. This is the story of Gabriel and Fallon. Fallon life started off with a mother who drank and only seem to want her when she was useful to her. When Fallon turned 18 and also became prettier than her mother…her mother tossed her out of the house. So Fallon started working at a cheap dinner where she meets Catherine Catherine takes her under her wing to train, teach and educate Fallon on being the perfect women for her son Gabriel. Catherine wasn’t a women born with a silver spoon and thinks that her sons needs street smart women who also have the education and grace of a lady. Gabriel of course is to be in the dark about Catherine and Fallon’s relationship and teaching. But can they build a life on something that started off with dishonesty?
I think this is the first book by Ms. Orgeron and I must say this was a great first book! I look so forward to reading more from this author!
I always love finding a new Author to read. So when I was asked if I wanted to read this for an honest review I was intrigued. This is the first book in the series which is going to follow 4 brothers. Gabriel is the oldest and he is happy with how his life is. His mother on the other hand has a different idea. This book had me from the very first chapter and I could not put it down. You are taken on a journey that will have you laughing, crying and shaking your head saying where the hell did that come from. Fallon has to be one of the strongest most determined woman I have ever read about and she stops at nothing to get what she wants. This book will have you believing in true love and family and nothing will ever come in between that. This is a must read of 2017. Monique you knocked it out of the park and I cant wait to read the rest of the series. You have a fan for life. (le
Art of Seduction revolves around the Stern family. Catherine is the matriarch and runs the family business with her 3 sons. Catherine brings Fallon into the fold for her son Gabriel. Fallon is street smart, mouthy and doesn’t back down. I loved her and want to be BFF’s with her!! Catherine comes off as controlling but she only wants the best for her sons and will stop at nothing to make sure they have it. This was such a great story! I can’t wait to read Liam’s story in book 2!!
Its been quite a while since I’ve read such a unique and enthralling story.
After reading the blurb I went in prepared to dislike the mother Catherine. I just couldn’t do it.
I think whoever reads this book will really like it.
I can’t wait to see whose story is next.
I enjoyed this book. I think it’s a good start to what can potentially be a great series. The characters and plot were good and well developed. Some of the writing seemed a little stiff at times but overall a really good read.
This book totally blew me away! It is nearly impossible to believe that this book is this author’s debut novel!! I have to say, this is one of my all time favorite books!! The characters, the storyline, the action, the steamy scenes, just everything comes together perfectly and leaves you dumbfounded. I had such a book hangover when I finished this I couldn’t even think of picking up another book for awhile! There are just so many layers to these characters and this storyline. You have to read this book, you will not be sorry!
Omgosh I want to be like Catherine hahaha just kidding (no Im not). I love Gabriel and Fallon romance! How everything fall in place. I love the Boys, Liam, Zander and Vin (I want to read their books too). Fallon and Gabriel are perfect for each other!!! Love everything.
Okay first of all WOW! I mean I couldn’t put it down when I started reading it, I even spend the whole night doing the laundry because I couldn’t stop reading. Jesus that book was so good, as I’m reading it i actually see that I’m reading about Catherine’s life, how she struggle to make a better life for her kids, the strength, the determination, all of it for her kids. Now to witness the fruits of her labors Gabriel getting his happy ending is wonderful. This is my first time reading your work and I can honestly say you did a phenomenal job, this book was beyond my expectations, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars but sadly no, but 5 stars it is.
wow. I don’t give 5 stars normally but I was hooked. The story line was very well thought out. I love how devoted a mother is to her children. Catherine is a very strong woman who has been through so much and still never thinks for herself but for her sons. I can’t wait to read what else this author has up her sleeves.
This is the opening salvo of a series of books written by this author. While this reader hasn’t read the remaining books in this series, this particular book has me very interested in doing so. I’m not totally sure this was her first book, but I believe this is true. If so, this is a decent first foray into writing! Ms. Orgeron creates characters that burrow into the reader’s heart and want to stay there. While there are instances when the brothers featured in this story behave illegally, it is very clear that they don’t do so for power or for money, but they do so to send a message and to right certain wrongs that have occurred to them or to those they care about.
In this particular story, the reader is introduced to Catherine Stern and her sons, Gabriel, Zander, Liam, and Vin. They share a strong bond and are loyal to each other and to the fate of their family. There are secrets that are slowly revealed, and Ms. Orgeron does so masterfully. She pulls the reader in from the prologue, and doesn’t let go until the final page. This book has a few rough edges, like some misspelled words and grammatical errors, and a few times when she relies on clichéd phrases. These are minor blips in the scope of the rest of the book. When we first meet Catherine, it’s not clear whether she is a controlling mother or a loving mother. She spends time watching a waitress named Fallon. Fallon has had a hard life filled with challenges, and she’s been in and out of foster care. Catherine offers her a lifeline, and Fallon accepts it—after she gets over the fact that she has been watched for a few weeks.
Gabriel is aware that he is being manipulated by his mother with the appearance of Fallon in their lives. He resists it for a time, but not permanently. Fallon is young, but very street-savvy. With the training provided by Catherine Stern, she becomes a formidable woman that learns to use her strengths and find her inner power. These two women are incredible protagonists! They are so much fun to read and to learn about. Fallon’s wisdom is gained by spending over three years learning from Catherine and other teachers. She gets a crash course in all of the things that will supposedly hold the interest of Gabriel Stern. She has a few confidence crashes, but mostly learns what she needs to learn and does what needs to get done.
This is a unique storyline with characters that are capable of stealing your heart. Catherine’s motivations become clearer as the story progresses, and the reader gets the feeling that little bits of her life will continue to be doled out sparingly over the course of this saga. The tension stays tight throughout the story, and the motivations of each character are defined clearly. Well done, Ms. Orgeron! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
So wow. This story sucked me into this book. I felt like I was living it with them. A very power full story for all the characters. A man who wanted to live his own life and not let his mom control him. A girl yes an girl who has lived a very hard life but learns to over come it with some help. A strong willed mom who only wants whats best for her boys. A heart wrenching past to a very loved future!!! I so loved this book. I didn’t want to put it down. What an amazing story. I can’t wait to read more.