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tamscorner's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
sharonwb's review against another edition
4.0
Boy this book was different. So much angst and guilt between MCs. This book gave me Day of the Duchess and Diary of Miss Miranda Cheever vibes. I am confused as how to rate it. I settled on 4.0 stars due just because it was so emotional even though lacked steam. Good sweet romance about childhood love. The letters in the beginning of each chapter were hearwrenching.
loverofromance's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: πππππ
Heart & Feels:πππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππππ
Page Turner Level:πππππ
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
Ever Yours, Annabelle is the prequel to the "Rescued from Ruin" series. This is a book I have been forgetting to read about but I keep seeing as being one of the best Elisa Braden books so I am not sure how I misssed this one. If you want to read this author, this book is in KU right now so. Elisa Braden is a fresh voice in the historical romance genre currently especially in a time where historical romance is NOT what it used to be and it can be hard to find fun sexy adventurous historical romances these days. This is a story that deals with childhood connections, trauma, disability and a beautiful love story.
First Line
Lady Annabelle Huxley had loved Robert Conrad for her entire thirteen years of life.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Robert Conrad
Robert Conrad has been battling a body that fights him constantly and has become hardened and a bit of a "beast" and very moody. Best friends with Annabelle Huxley's brother and been in love with Annabelle for over a decade.
The Heroine: Annabelle Huxley
Been in love with Robert since she was young
A writer
Kind but strong
Summary
Annabelle Huxley has been in love with her brother's best friend "Robert Conrad" ever since she was a girl. When she chases him one day and it goes a bit too far, in an attempt to save her life, Robert ends up crippled and his body practically broken. Robert Conrad lost so much when his body became broken. In an attempt to save Annabelle and protect her, he had to push her away. Now its been seven years, and when Annabelle and Robert are to face each other, the love that has always been there rises to the surface and will the past mistakes keep them from the love they hold or push them away forever...
What I Loved
This book was one of my favorites of the series. It completely surprised me by how much I adored it. I was NOT expecting to find what I did find with this book. I can see now why so many call this one their favorite. This romance was a utter delight. It starts off with such sweet tones, the friendship and connection between Robert and Annabelle was so endearing. Even when the brother was being a jerk sometimes, Robert treated Annabelle with such attentive care and gentleness and respected her so much. Both Robert and Annabelle change in some ways after losing each other in this way. The trauma that we see happen here was so real and delivered all the painful notes that you could expect from seeing someone you love go through this struggle.
I truly adored both characters. They are genuine and believable and felt authentic. The hero is such an alpha male. He doesn't start out that way. We see how he has to cut himself off from Annabelle, and how his body is so broken and your heart breaks for him. He does become such a delicious alpha male. He is so possessive and determined to win over Annabelle and correct the mistakes he made. But he had a reason for hurting he like he did. While I think it was misguided, he had good intentions behind it and wasn't to be callous and mean on purpose. I adored this heroine though. She was so naturally strong and feminine and never ashamed of the love she held for Robert. She never loses her devotion to him and he does have to work on rebuilding her trust.
The plot in this story has a bit more than just the romance that comes into play here. We see how there is a level of danger and suspense elements that come into the story and how our characters react to this. I do think that Elisa Braden handled the plot aspects of a story so well. She really implements this style of plot building that blends in well with the relationship that is happening at the same time.
What I Struggled With
I didn't really struggle with much in this book. It wasn't a 6-star read, but it takes a LOT for a book to get to that rating for me. But I had a blast with this book. I think if the heroine hadn't been pushing the hero away for as long as she does, it felt a bit weird at times in the third act.
Overall View
Ever Yours Annabelle was a passionate romance that delivered strong notes of adventure, suspense, reconnecting with your soulmate and portraying a deep endearing romance to melt your heart!
Favorite Quote(s)
βDo not bloody well run from me.β He reached for her. She shoved his arm away. He grunted, but rather than retreat, he advanced. Moved inside the tiny space. Closed the door behind him, forcing her back against the closetβs wall and trapping them both inside utter blackness.
βIs that very clear, Annabelle?β The growl was low and throaty now, near enough to tickle her skin. She could not see him, but she felt him, felt his arm brace on the wall by her ear. Felt his breath wash against her cheek. Felt his heat and size surrounding her like a furnace.
βNever run from me,β he rasped, βI will always catch you.β
βI expect you to vex me. Thatβs what bumblebees do.β
"Home, my love," she replied. "Wherever else we may wander, our ship will always carry us home."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Character Types: Aristocracy, Alpha Hero, Brooding/Tortured, Pining Heroine
Themes: Childhood Ties, Leading Lady, Book Boyfriend, Disability
Tropes: Best Friend Sibling, Unrequited Love, Second Chance, Childhood Sweethearts
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix
Song This Book Inspires
Just You and I by Tom Walker
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes for the serial plot, but you can read these books as standalones
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:ππππ
Hero: π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»π¦Έπ»
Heroine:π¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈπ¦Έπ»ββοΈ
Intimacy Level: π₯π₯π₯π₯
Relationship Building: πππππ
Heart & Feels:πππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππππ
Page Turner Level:πππππ
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
First Impressions
Ever Yours, Annabelle is the prequel to the "Rescued from Ruin" series. This is a book I have been forgetting to read about but I keep seeing as being one of the best Elisa Braden books so I am not sure how I misssed this one. If you want to read this author, this book is in KU right now so. Elisa Braden is a fresh voice in the historical romance genre currently especially in a time where historical romance is NOT what it used to be and it can be hard to find fun sexy adventurous historical romances these days. This is a story that deals with childhood connections, trauma, disability and a beautiful love story.
First Line
Lady Annabelle Huxley had loved Robert Conrad for her entire thirteen years of life.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Robert Conrad
Robert Conrad has been battling a body that fights him constantly and has become hardened and a bit of a "beast" and very moody. Best friends with Annabelle Huxley's brother and been in love with Annabelle for over a decade.
The Heroine: Annabelle Huxley
Been in love with Robert since she was young
A writer
Kind but strong
Summary
Annabelle Huxley has been in love with her brother's best friend "Robert Conrad" ever since she was a girl. When she chases him one day and it goes a bit too far, in an attempt to save her life, Robert ends up crippled and his body practically broken. Robert Conrad lost so much when his body became broken. In an attempt to save Annabelle and protect her, he had to push her away. Now its been seven years, and when Annabelle and Robert are to face each other, the love that has always been there rises to the surface and will the past mistakes keep them from the love they hold or push them away forever...
What I Loved
This book was one of my favorites of the series. It completely surprised me by how much I adored it. I was NOT expecting to find what I did find with this book. I can see now why so many call this one their favorite. This romance was a utter delight. It starts off with such sweet tones, the friendship and connection between Robert and Annabelle was so endearing. Even when the brother was being a jerk sometimes, Robert treated Annabelle with such attentive care and gentleness and respected her so much. Both Robert and Annabelle change in some ways after losing each other in this way. The trauma that we see happen here was so real and delivered all the painful notes that you could expect from seeing someone you love go through this struggle.
I truly adored both characters. They are genuine and believable and felt authentic. The hero is such an alpha male. He doesn't start out that way. We see how he has to cut himself off from Annabelle, and how his body is so broken and your heart breaks for him. He does become such a delicious alpha male. He is so possessive and determined to win over Annabelle and correct the mistakes he made. But he had a reason for hurting he like he did. While I think it was misguided, he had good intentions behind it and wasn't to be callous and mean on purpose. I adored this heroine though. She was so naturally strong and feminine and never ashamed of the love she held for Robert. She never loses her devotion to him and he does have to work on rebuilding her trust.
The plot in this story has a bit more than just the romance that comes into play here. We see how there is a level of danger and suspense elements that come into the story and how our characters react to this. I do think that Elisa Braden handled the plot aspects of a story so well. She really implements this style of plot building that blends in well with the relationship that is happening at the same time.
What I Struggled With
I didn't really struggle with much in this book. It wasn't a 6-star read, but it takes a LOT for a book to get to that rating for me. But I had a blast with this book. I think if the heroine hadn't been pushing the hero away for as long as she does, it felt a bit weird at times in the third act.
Overall View
Ever Yours Annabelle was a passionate romance that delivered strong notes of adventure, suspense, reconnecting with your soulmate and portraying a deep endearing romance to melt your heart!
Favorite Quote(s)
βDo not bloody well run from me.β He reached for her. She shoved his arm away. He grunted, but rather than retreat, he advanced. Moved inside the tiny space. Closed the door behind him, forcing her back against the closetβs wall and trapping them both inside utter blackness.
βIs that very clear, Annabelle?β The growl was low and throaty now, near enough to tickle her skin. She could not see him, but she felt him, felt his arm brace on the wall by her ear. Felt his breath wash against her cheek. Felt his heat and size surrounding her like a furnace.
βNever run from me,β he rasped, βI will always catch you.β
βI expect you to vex me. Thatβs what bumblebees do.β
"Home, my love," she replied. "Wherever else we may wander, our ship will always carry us home."
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Character Types: Aristocracy, Alpha Hero, Brooding/Tortured, Pining Heroine
Themes: Childhood Ties, Leading Lady, Book Boyfriend, Disability
Tropes: Best Friend Sibling, Unrequited Love, Second Chance, Childhood Sweethearts
Book Perspective
3rd POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
A Mix
Song This Book Inspires
Just You and I by Tom Walker
Recommendation For Reading Order
Yes for the serial plot, but you can read these books as standalones
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
_mj_'s review against another edition
3.0
Heartbreaking. I will say a few things about Robert, who acted very much like a teenage boy. First, for someone who doesn't know how to put his feelings into words, he sure thinks with pretty words.. why not share that with Annabelle? Instead, he broods and pretends he doesn't know how to explain his affections. Second, I call bullshit him, blaming her to protect her. He cut out her heart at 13! My heartbreaks for the amount of love Annabelle had for him, too. She would die for him, and I wish she had more love for herself like the earlier parts. But it hooked me anyways, I won't hold the immaturity against him. Plus he wasn't attracted to her when she was 13 so thank god.
caitieparker's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
paprika411's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this story. I loved the tension between the two lead characters. I definitely felt the torment that each one of them felt throughout. I liked that this story gives a glimpse at them as children, so that you appreciate what becomes of them as the story goes forward. I also loved reading the letters that Annabelle writes throughout, it fits with the overall vibe. A good read.
yourkindredreader's review against another edition
I saw Chloe Liese recommend this book on her IG and thought it was interesting. It's also under KU!
I'm glad I read this, it's such a sweet lovely book. Both our main characters are pining for each other throughout the years without knowing how the other felt, and it's just so tender and heart-warming. There's a bit of mystery and suspense too, which makes the story more intriguing.
A great prequel to a series that I'm eager to read!
I'm glad I read this, it's such a sweet lovely book. Both our main characters are pining for each other throughout the years without knowing how the other felt, and it's just so tender and heart-warming. There's a bit of mystery and suspense too, which makes the story more intriguing.
A great prequel to a series that I'm eager to read!
juliereadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
I really like Elisa Braden. Sheβs a great writer and often injects a keen sense of humor into an otherwise dramatic story, and this book was no exception. I struggled about whether to give it four or five stars. Ultimately, I felt it was more 4 stars because the heroβs possessiveness got so ridiculous at times. It just went beyond what seemed normal, even by romance genre standards
amberdebo's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to punch the protagonists in the face for the entirety of this book. It only gets 2 stars because I managed to finish it.