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A review by emmalb1984
Their Surprise Safari Reunion by Ella Hayes, Ella Hayes
5.0
Ella Hayes’ latest wonderful romance is a beautifully told story of second chances and starting again and is set against the backdrop of an African safari. Several years ago, Maddie and Kaden were childhood sweethearts happily planning their future when a political scandal forced Maddie into hiding, but when travel blogger ‘Lina James’ arrives on Kaden’s reserve he is shocked to discover Maddie standing before him, and sparks fly as the two tentatively begin to talk about the past and discover if the connection is still there.
Both Maddie and Kaden are likeable, well developed characters who you instantly root for as they deal with this unexpected reunion. The fact Maddie is there to review the reserve and it’s experiences for her travel blog gives Kaden an excuse to pull out all the stops for her visit and the reader can delight in the vividly written scenes as they view the landscape and wildlife that make it seem as if you are there with the characters. These scenes make for some truly memorable moments as the animals make their presence felt (there’s an interesting conclusion to a moment of passion as a herd of impala become transfixed on events in Kade’s landrover!), and there are also romantic moments within the accommodation - I know it’s fictional, but it sound a fabulous place! -and even a ride in hot air balloon.
What I love about Ella Hayes writing style is her ability to draw the reader in from the first page and keep you guessing what will happen next, all the while tearing at your heartstrings and making you truly invested in what will become of these characters.
Of course there are bumps in the road as Maddie finds the past catching up with her, and a wayward elephant threatens to ruin the reserve’s reputation (but, then again, we get to see Kade in ‘flying vet’ mode, so, if you didn’t love him already, you will do now!), and, naturally, the happy ending has to be earned, but this is one of those books you are reluctant to finish in that you want to keep finding yourself on safari and enjoying the story, so the plot works well to give both the reader and the characters what they want.
With plenty of romance, and a nice nod to the hair washing scene in ‘Out of Africa’, there is also drama and humour as the past is revisited, Maddie finds out just how far Kade was willing to go for her when the scandal broke, and Kade gets ready to put everything on the line to convince Maddie that he truly is the love of her life. The ending is everything you want it to be and tissues may be required for the grand finale and I cannot enthuse about this book enough.
Ella Hayes has been one of my go-to authors since I read her debut (if this is your first Ella Hayes, please, please go and read the previous books – you won’t be disappointed), and, if anything, she gets better with each book that comes out.
Both Maddie and Kaden are likeable, well developed characters who you instantly root for as they deal with this unexpected reunion. The fact Maddie is there to review the reserve and it’s experiences for her travel blog gives Kaden an excuse to pull out all the stops for her visit and the reader can delight in the vividly written scenes as they view the landscape and wildlife that make it seem as if you are there with the characters. These scenes make for some truly memorable moments as the animals make their presence felt (there’s an interesting conclusion to a moment of passion as a herd of impala become transfixed on events in Kade’s landrover!), and there are also romantic moments within the accommodation - I know it’s fictional, but it sound a fabulous place! -and even a ride in hot air balloon.
What I love about Ella Hayes writing style is her ability to draw the reader in from the first page and keep you guessing what will happen next, all the while tearing at your heartstrings and making you truly invested in what will become of these characters.
Of course there are bumps in the road as Maddie finds the past catching up with her, and a wayward elephant threatens to ruin the reserve’s reputation (but, then again, we get to see Kade in ‘flying vet’ mode, so, if you didn’t love him already, you will do now!), and, naturally, the happy ending has to be earned, but this is one of those books you are reluctant to finish in that you want to keep finding yourself on safari and enjoying the story, so the plot works well to give both the reader and the characters what they want.
With plenty of romance, and a nice nod to the hair washing scene in ‘Out of Africa’, there is also drama and humour as the past is revisited, Maddie finds out just how far Kade was willing to go for her when the scandal broke, and Kade gets ready to put everything on the line to convince Maddie that he truly is the love of her life. The ending is everything you want it to be and tissues may be required for the grand finale and I cannot enthuse about this book enough.
Ella Hayes has been one of my go-to authors since I read her debut (if this is your first Ella Hayes, please, please go and read the previous books – you won’t be disappointed), and, if anything, she gets better with each book that comes out.