Acts of Desperation is a fantastic read. Sember is a strong character, driven with her career. Another huge aspect of her life is helping her sister, Sarah, deal with marital struggles. Because of this sisterly bond, the story has a good amount of depth. We see the trials and tribulations of Sember's life, but we also see how events in Sarah's life affect her as well. Overall, it was a suspenseful and emotional read, and the fact that most of this story is based on real life experiences is unbelievable.
A favorite quote-
Then the heavens opened up, releasing their deluge, and drowned the foliage in its tears. I was sure they were crying for me.

Great debut!

I received this novel in a giveaway hosted by the author on Facebook. It was the first time I'd been introduced to Emerson Shaw and I enjoyed chatting with her during the contest.


Acts of Desperation is the story of two sisters, Sember and Sarah,their individual challenges and how they face them with the help of Sember's fellow attorney, Jax. As Jax and Sember work together they begin to fall in love which leads to even more complications. What drew me to the novel at first was the fact that it was based on a true story. Emerson's own life experience, and that of her sister, formed the foundation of Acts of Desperation.

I enjoyed the plot very much and felt the characters and voices were true to life.

The only reason I gave it three stars (liked it) rather than four (loved it) was due to the racy 'love' scenes. I'm certainly not a prude--I've read (and enjoyed--gasp) the Fifty Shades books. However, I didn't feel those scenes added anything to this particular book.

I look forward to reading more by Emerson Shaw.

I received this novel in a giveaway hosted by the author on Facebook. It was the first time I'd been introduced to Emerson Shaw and I enjoyed chatting with her during the contest.


Acts of Desperation is the story of two sisters, Sember and Sarah,their individual challenges and how they face them with the help of Sember's fellow attorney, Jax. As Jax and Sember work together they begin to fall in love which leads to even more complications. What drew me to the novel at first was the fact that it was based on a true story. Emerson's own life experience, and that of her sister, formed the foundation of Acts of Desperation.

I enjoyed the plot very much and felt the characters and voices were true to life.

The only reason I gave it three stars (liked it) rather than four (loved it) was due to the racy 'love' scenes. I'm certainly not a prude--I've read (and enjoyed--gasp) the Fifty Shades books. However, I didn't feel those scenes added anything to this particular book.

I look forward to reading more by Emerson Shaw.