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Eleven Roses

Alexander Hernandez
iUniverse (2008)
ISBN 9780595452019


Reviewed byKam Aures for RebeccasReads (3/08)

“Eleven Roses” begins with the main character, thirty-seven-year-old Michael Alvarez, sitting in a bar in Key West.  Even though it was only noon, Michael had already been drinking for over three hours.  His friend, bartender Marco Antonio, could not help but to call him out on it, telling him that he was wasting his life away.  Michael was a former successful attorney who had left his law practice to pursue a writing career but, since retiring, was spending more time downing drinks than picking up a pen. 

The book alternates between the present day and periods throughout the past thirteen years, as Michael relives that time-period with Marco Antonio over a bottle of scotch in the bar’s office.  Michael’s story begins right after he finished his first year of law school.  To celebrate the beginning of three months of freedom before the fall semester started up again, Michael decided to have a night out on the town in South Beach.  His friend Jessie was a bartender at one of the hottest Ocean Drive clubs and got him on the guest list.  Once inside Michael saw one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen, standing next to the dance floor.  He asked Jessie about her but Jessie told him not to waste his time.  Her name was Alexis and not only was she married but she was married to one of the wealthiest men in Miami.  Michael, however, chose to ignore his warning and proceeded to walk over and introduce himself.  Even though Alexis’ husband could destroy Michael’s future career with a single phone call, Michael put that thought on the back burner and chose to pursue her.  The rest of the novel explores the relationship in depth.

The author, Alexander Hernandez, is an attorney who grew up in South Florida.   Therefore, both the field of law and the setting in which the book takes place are very familiar to him.  This definitely is apparent in his writing as he skillfully intertwines his knowledge of these areas into the sensual affair between Alexis and Michael.  The characters are also very well developed and you will have a clear sense of exactly who they are by the time the book is finished.   

While the beginning of the book moves along at a good pace, I found that there were some parts in the middle that were a little slow moving.  However, once you get through those areas there are plenty of surprises at the end awaiting you.  If you enjoy steamy love stories then I recommend giving Hernandez’s debut novel “Eleven Roses” a try.


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