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A review by gee_reads_books
The Lover's Leap by Callie Chase
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
In "The Lover's Leap", follow-up to Callie's fantasy debut "Dishonour Among Thieves", we're introduced to Palmeria "Pali" Lombard, a nobleborn girl who would do anything to have her future in her own hands. To make sure that his criminal empire will go on, Lord Lombard has arranged a marriage with one of his business associates for Pali—and, although Pali had a plan to break free from this deal and have a chance of living the life she chose, things have gone awfully wrong. Almost at her wits' end, Pali decides to take one last desperate chance, and put her backgammon skills to good use. But her brother's best friend, Syndrian, for whom Pali may or may not have feelings other than friendship, doesn't seem all too eager to let her risk everything; at least, not on her own.
Despite the fact that I haven't read "Dishonour Among Thieves" (yet!), I was immediately enthralled by this fantasy world Callie has built. You don't need to have read the first book in the series to get a hold on the worldbuilding (although it obviously enriches the experience), and you don't need to be a fantasy lover to have an amazing time reading this book. This was a fun, engaging read, and once I was able to understand Pali's predicament, I was so invested in the outcome of her plans! Our Pali is a brave, resourceful young woman who will appeal to any and every readers looking for strong female leads in literature. Rather than having traditionally masculine traits, Pali was strong in her care for others, her smartness, and her determination, all of which made her really loveable. I don't think there's any person who could go into this book, and not root for Pali! I felt for her all along, and I was championing her through every single twist and turn.
The other main character in this novel, Syndrian, was a heartthrob as well. His care for Pali, and his honesty and integrity, were all off the charts, and he was ultimate proof that golden retriever broody men exist. He was really supportive of Pali's choices, and whenever he was worried, or whenever they were having a miscommunication, he was keen on listening to her and talking things out, rather than creating unnecessary drama by trying to impose his views on her. He's a top-notch himbo, and if he and Pali happen to ever part ways..., well, Syn, I'll be more than happy to solace you.
Despite how much chemistry they have right from the start, this book features a slow burn romance. There's a very mild amount of spice, and the two steamier scenes are fade-to-black, without anything too descriptive or detailed. In this sense, readers who don't really do smut shouldn't be thrown off at all! Callie's got your back. I had to admit that it was quite fun to see the relationship between Pali and Syndrian take off, since Pali wasn't even acknowledging her own feelings at first. The development of their bond was so sweet!
Leaving these two and their swoonworthy romance aside for a minute, I must also mention how incredible the world Callie has built was. There are all kinds of supernatural happenings, such as magic, vampires, and goblins; and there's an overarching fantasy vibe that makes the experience so incredibly immersive! I was fascinated by Pali's world, and since it was introduced to us gradually, rather than in a single sitting, I had no issue following and slowly getting a more complete picture. I was also really fond of the way all characters were their own persons, and of the way they all contributed to the story. Nobody was there just for the sake of it, and everyone had their role to play.
Overall, my first Callie Chase book didn't disappoint, and I'm already looking forwards to the next one!
Despite the fact that I haven't read "Dishonour Among Thieves" (yet!), I was immediately enthralled by this fantasy world Callie has built. You don't need to have read the first book in the series to get a hold on the worldbuilding (although it obviously enriches the experience), and you don't need to be a fantasy lover to have an amazing time reading this book. This was a fun, engaging read, and once I was able to understand Pali's predicament, I was so invested in the outcome of her plans! Our Pali is a brave, resourceful young woman who will appeal to any and every readers looking for strong female leads in literature. Rather than having traditionally masculine traits, Pali was strong in her care for others, her smartness, and her determination, all of which made her really loveable. I don't think there's any person who could go into this book, and not root for Pali! I felt for her all along, and I was championing her through every single twist and turn.
The other main character in this novel, Syndrian, was a heartthrob as well. His care for Pali, and his honesty and integrity, were all off the charts, and he was ultimate proof that golden retriever broody men exist. He was really supportive of Pali's choices, and whenever he was worried, or whenever they were having a miscommunication, he was keen on listening to her and talking things out, rather than creating unnecessary drama by trying to impose his views on her. He's a top-notch himbo, and if he and Pali happen to ever part ways..., well, Syn, I'll be more than happy to solace you.
Despite how much chemistry they have right from the start, this book features a slow burn romance. There's a very mild amount of spice, and the two steamier scenes are fade-to-black, without anything too descriptive or detailed. In this sense, readers who don't really do smut shouldn't be thrown off at all! Callie's got your back. I had to admit that it was quite fun to see the relationship between Pali and Syndrian take off, since Pali wasn't even acknowledging her own feelings at first. The development of their bond was so sweet!
Leaving these two and their swoonworthy romance aside for a minute, I must also mention how incredible the world Callie has built was. There are all kinds of supernatural happenings, such as magic, vampires, and goblins; and there's an overarching fantasy vibe that makes the experience so incredibly immersive! I was fascinated by Pali's world, and since it was introduced to us gradually, rather than in a single sitting, I had no issue following and slowly getting a more complete picture. I was also really fond of the way all characters were their own persons, and of the way they all contributed to the story. Nobody was there just for the sake of it, and everyone had their role to play.
Overall, my first Callie Chase book didn't disappoint, and I'm already looking forwards to the next one!