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loverofromance's reviews
4557 reviews
Forever Valentine by Bianca D'Arc
3.0
I am going to keep this short ....I liked this one but didn't love it. The writing could have been more engaging though. I did love the PNR atmosphere to this one though and the family connections here. I am eager to explore more of this series moving forward.
What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:πππππ
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₯
Relationship Building: πππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππππ
Page Turner Level:πππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
Don't go near the water, love.
Stay away from strand or sea.
You cannot walk on water love;
The lough will take you far from me.
First Impressions
What The Wind Knows is a standalone historical fiction with a strong plot of a romance blended in with it. What The Wind Knows is a book that has been on my TBR for the longest age. I have been wanting to explore way more historical fiction and I knew that this would be just what I needed. I chose this book as one of my Romanceopoly picks and I am so glad that I did. I was highly nervous about this book however, so I wasn't sure how it would exactly work for me though, but what a complex, deeply layered story that resonates deep within you. This is worth all of the love that it has received and so much more. Its definitely one of the top books for me, and definitely at the top of the list for one of the best books of the year. I am recovering from reading this book, that is how impactful it is. It will hit you deep in a place that no many books will go.
βI fell so fast, so hard, and so completely. Not because love is blind, but because . . . itβs not. Love isnβt blind, itβs blinding. Glaring. I looked at you, and from the very first day, I knew you. Your faith and your friendship, your goodness and your devotion. I saw it all, and I fell so hard."
First Line
"Grandfather, tell me about your mother."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Thomas Smith
The Heroine: Anne Gallagher
Summary
Anne Gallagher, is a romance writer and grew up listening to her grandfather's stories of Ireland. When he passes, she goes to Ireland to spread his ashes near his childhood home, while at sea she is pulled into another time....she is now in Ireland and the year is 1921. She has been shot, and she finds herself being cared for by Dr. Thomas Smith, whose guardian is of a young boy who is her grandfather. His mother Anne disappeared and Anne is mistaken for his mother who disappeared some years ago. As Thomas and Anne try to figure out a way through this new relationship, with secrets being kept, Ireland is in a political conflict and Anne wonders if she will be able to stay in this time with Thomas or will she be taken back to the time she was born in and lose the man she loves deeply....
Tragedy makes for great stories, but Iβd much rather your storyβthe one you live, not the ones you writeβbe filled with joy. Donβt revel in tragedy, Annie. Rejoice in love. And once you find it, donβt let it go. In the end, it is the one thing you wonβt regret.
What I Loved
What The Wind Knows is a story that will easily deeply entrench itself into your heart. I am honestly at a loss of words after reading this book but also wondering why I took so so long to pick this book up because it is everything so many readers have claimed it to be and I can see why it was nominated for one of the best books of the year when it came out. This is a captivating historical fiction romance that takes us through this incredible journey of Anne Gallagher and seeing her discover love in a time that was so divided in a culturally rich country trying to discover their identity.
the wind and water know all the earthβs secrets. Theyβve seen and heard all that has ever been said or done. And if you listen, they will tell you all the stories and sing every song. The stories of everyone who has ever lived.
This story was powerful in every single way. I was so in tune with all of these characters and they easily wormed their way into my heart...even my soul so much that they connect to you deeply. There is such poignant love in this family but most especially between Thomas and Anne. At first there is plenty of tension between them. Anne of course is hiding a huge secret of being from the future and knowing details of the time but also not knowing other details. We see how she is being torn on revealing what she knows or determining what not to reveal to others. We see her bonding in a special way to her grandfather who is just a little boy who just sees her as his lost mother and building a sweet relationship with him. We see the deeply layered story that has so much depth in the little moments. I loved the intimacy that we see build between Thomas and Anne. And honestly I love how this author writes her intimacy moments. Its not going to be for everyone, but it just shows you can write a swoony romance without needing explicit scenes and its so flawlessly portrayed here. I was so easily swept up in the almost magical tones of this story that digs deep into the heart of Ireland in a time that was so packed with conflict. It made me appreciate the history of Ireland and its people. Amy Harmon really does her research and she pulls her readers into a story that brings the details out in such a way that you will find yourself captivated and yearning for so much more about this culture and time.
I watch mesmerized, as her skin becomes smooth once more, my touch forgotten. Iβve left a smudge in the crook of her arm. There is ink on my fingers. I like the way it looks, my thumbprint on her skin. If I were a better artist, I would paint her in thumbprints, leaving my mark in my all favorite places, a testament of my devotion.
The ending was pure magical for me. I don't want to reveal too much, but I will say that it had me so much in my feels, that it moved what was a 4 star read to a 6 star read....that is how powerful and moving it is. It will deliver a different perspective that is tug at your soul heart strings and burrow into all the layers of the human condition and the true transcendence of true love where time has no meaning. If you need a deep romance that will have you believing in true love....this book is a must read for you!!! So powerful in every single way.
The wind you hear is the same wind that has always blown. The rain that falls is the same rain. Over and over, round and round, like a giant circle. The wind and the waves have been present since time began.
What I Struggled With
The first half could be a battle sometimes. This isn't the easiest time travel romance to read at all. Its super complex and some of the details can be super confusing lol I think that is what would have made the book even better, is having more clarity on the beginning parts of this but thank goodness the second ending definitely made up for it.
Narration
So rich and detailed, the accents were just right, not too over powering. It really helped you feel for the time and the emotional cadence to the tones delivered the right messaging when it was needed. Truly one of the best I have listened to in a while.
Overall View
What The Wind Knows is a deeply heart achingly moving story that delves past boundaries and delivers a vibrant romantic tale to make you believing in true love and the power it has that stretches past time and into the unknown....A TIMELESS JEWEL THAT IS A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!
I love her with an intensity I didn't think myself capable of. yeats writes about being changed utterly. I am changed utterly. irrevocably. and I can only revel in all its gloriousness.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Fiction, Time Travel
Character Types: Writer, Doctor, Single Dad (guardian)
Themes: Ireland, Fade to Black, Heart/Emotionally Touching
Tropes: Epic Love, Mistaken Identity
Book Perspective
1st POV and Journal Entries of Hero
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Diana Gabaldon
Chanel Cleeton
Lorraine Heath
Song This Book Inspires
New Start by Martin Phillips
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Saskia Maarleveld, Will Damron
Book Evaluation:
Plot: ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ
World Building:πππππ
Cover:πππππ
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₯
Relationship Building: πππππ
Heart & Feels:ππππππ
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: πππππ
Page Turner Level:πππππ
Narration:π§π§π§π§π§
Ending:π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§π§§
Overall View: β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨β¨
Don't go near the water, love.
Stay away from strand or sea.
You cannot walk on water love;
The lough will take you far from me.
First Impressions
What The Wind Knows is a standalone historical fiction with a strong plot of a romance blended in with it. What The Wind Knows is a book that has been on my TBR for the longest age. I have been wanting to explore way more historical fiction and I knew that this would be just what I needed. I chose this book as one of my Romanceopoly picks and I am so glad that I did. I was highly nervous about this book however, so I wasn't sure how it would exactly work for me though, but what a complex, deeply layered story that resonates deep within you. This is worth all of the love that it has received and so much more. Its definitely one of the top books for me, and definitely at the top of the list for one of the best books of the year. I am recovering from reading this book, that is how impactful it is. It will hit you deep in a place that no many books will go.
βI fell so fast, so hard, and so completely. Not because love is blind, but because . . . itβs not. Love isnβt blind, itβs blinding. Glaring. I looked at you, and from the very first day, I knew you. Your faith and your friendship, your goodness and your devotion. I saw it all, and I fell so hard."
First Line
"Grandfather, tell me about your mother."
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Thomas Smith
The Heroine: Anne Gallagher
Summary
Anne Gallagher, is a romance writer and grew up listening to her grandfather's stories of Ireland. When he passes, she goes to Ireland to spread his ashes near his childhood home, while at sea she is pulled into another time....she is now in Ireland and the year is 1921. She has been shot, and she finds herself being cared for by Dr. Thomas Smith, whose guardian is of a young boy who is her grandfather. His mother Anne disappeared and Anne is mistaken for his mother who disappeared some years ago. As Thomas and Anne try to figure out a way through this new relationship, with secrets being kept, Ireland is in a political conflict and Anne wonders if she will be able to stay in this time with Thomas or will she be taken back to the time she was born in and lose the man she loves deeply....
Tragedy makes for great stories, but Iβd much rather your storyβthe one you live, not the ones you writeβbe filled with joy. Donβt revel in tragedy, Annie. Rejoice in love. And once you find it, donβt let it go. In the end, it is the one thing you wonβt regret.
What I Loved
What The Wind Knows is a story that will easily deeply entrench itself into your heart. I am honestly at a loss of words after reading this book but also wondering why I took so so long to pick this book up because it is everything so many readers have claimed it to be and I can see why it was nominated for one of the best books of the year when it came out. This is a captivating historical fiction romance that takes us through this incredible journey of Anne Gallagher and seeing her discover love in a time that was so divided in a culturally rich country trying to discover their identity.
the wind and water know all the earthβs secrets. Theyβve seen and heard all that has ever been said or done. And if you listen, they will tell you all the stories and sing every song. The stories of everyone who has ever lived.
This story was powerful in every single way. I was so in tune with all of these characters and they easily wormed their way into my heart...even my soul so much that they connect to you deeply. There is such poignant love in this family but most especially between Thomas and Anne. At first there is plenty of tension between them. Anne of course is hiding a huge secret of being from the future and knowing details of the time but also not knowing other details. We see how she is being torn on revealing what she knows or determining what not to reveal to others. We see her bonding in a special way to her grandfather who is just a little boy who just sees her as his lost mother and building a sweet relationship with him. We see the deeply layered story that has so much depth in the little moments. I loved the intimacy that we see build between Thomas and Anne. And honestly I love how this author writes her intimacy moments. Its not going to be for everyone, but it just shows you can write a swoony romance without needing explicit scenes and its so flawlessly portrayed here. I was so easily swept up in the almost magical tones of this story that digs deep into the heart of Ireland in a time that was so packed with conflict. It made me appreciate the history of Ireland and its people. Amy Harmon really does her research and she pulls her readers into a story that brings the details out in such a way that you will find yourself captivated and yearning for so much more about this culture and time.
I watch mesmerized, as her skin becomes smooth once more, my touch forgotten. Iβve left a smudge in the crook of her arm. There is ink on my fingers. I like the way it looks, my thumbprint on her skin. If I were a better artist, I would paint her in thumbprints, leaving my mark in my all favorite places, a testament of my devotion.
The ending was pure magical for me. I don't want to reveal too much, but I will say that it had me so much in my feels, that it moved what was a 4 star read to a 6 star read....that is how powerful and moving it is. It will deliver a different perspective that is tug at your soul heart strings and burrow into all the layers of the human condition and the true transcendence of true love where time has no meaning. If you need a deep romance that will have you believing in true love....this book is a must read for you!!! So powerful in every single way.
The wind you hear is the same wind that has always blown. The rain that falls is the same rain. Over and over, round and round, like a giant circle. The wind and the waves have been present since time began.
What I Struggled With
The first half could be a battle sometimes. This isn't the easiest time travel romance to read at all. Its super complex and some of the details can be super confusing lol I think that is what would have made the book even better, is having more clarity on the beginning parts of this but thank goodness the second ending definitely made up for it.
Narration
So rich and detailed, the accents were just right, not too over powering. It really helped you feel for the time and the emotional cadence to the tones delivered the right messaging when it was needed. Truly one of the best I have listened to in a while.
Overall View
What The Wind Knows is a deeply heart achingly moving story that delves past boundaries and delivers a vibrant romantic tale to make you believing in true love and the power it has that stretches past time and into the unknown....A TIMELESS JEWEL THAT IS A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!
I love her with an intensity I didn't think myself capable of. yeats writes about being changed utterly. I am changed utterly. irrevocably. and I can only revel in all its gloriousness.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Historical Fiction, Time Travel
Character Types: Writer, Doctor, Single Dad (guardian)
Themes: Ireland, Fade to Black, Heart/Emotionally Touching
Tropes: Epic Love, Mistaken Identity
Book Perspective
1st POV and Journal Entries of Hero
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Both
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Diana Gabaldon
Chanel Cleeton
Lorraine Heath
Song This Book Inspires
New Start by Martin Phillips
Steam/Spice Explanations
Simmering cup of tea---soft warm touches and light intimacy
Warmin' by the fire- a medium level of sexual tension, a balance of sexual and emotional intimacy, lighter on the details in the sexual moments.
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
Blazing fire to the building-The prime focus is the sex scenes, scorching hot, and could burn one. Less focus on the emotional intimacy to the relationship.
Narrators:
Saskia Maarleveld, Will Damron
If the Boot Fits by Karen Witemeyer
4.5
If The Boot Fits was the second book in the "Texas Ever After" and its been a book that I received ages ago from Netgalley but honestly I just never got around to it. I think I was intimidated due to the backlash that this author received some years ago, which after reading this book, I think was probably false rumors and making a mountain out of a mole hill because its inspirational romance lol
This book kept me on my toes and I honestly never wanted to put it down. I fell so hard for this one here, the audio was great but I really loved the Cinderella twist on this book. It was so unique. The hero was the "Cinderella" and the heroine was the prince of sorts in this story. It starts off with this ball, where the hero has come home to find his mother and brothers kicked off their land when his father died and looking for evidence the man in charge of the land is corrupt and did it for a evil reason. But fails to find evidence, and ends up in saving the life of Samantha's younger brother. Samantha is seeking to contribute to her community and help those in need. She is determined to make a life here. She connects with Asher in tutoring his younger brother in his school studies. But when her life is threatened, Asher is there to be her protector.
I fell so hard for this one and I think the only thing that kept this book from being a five star was I would have wanted a slight more focus on some swoons, but it was still there. It also reminded me that I want to read more inspirational romance for sure. I loved the soft spiritual focus mixed with the danger themed plot and the romance which builds between Asher and Samantha. I loved the western theme and I definitely want to read much more of this author because I fell hard for her writing and I can't wait to explore the rest of this series. I have such a soft heart for retellings and I can tell you this was beautifully done.
This book kept me on my toes and I honestly never wanted to put it down. I fell so hard for this one here, the audio was great but I really loved the Cinderella twist on this book. It was so unique. The hero was the "Cinderella" and the heroine was the prince of sorts in this story. It starts off with this ball, where the hero has come home to find his mother and brothers kicked off their land when his father died and looking for evidence the man in charge of the land is corrupt and did it for a evil reason. But fails to find evidence, and ends up in saving the life of Samantha's younger brother. Samantha is seeking to contribute to her community and help those in need. She is determined to make a life here. She connects with Asher in tutoring his younger brother in his school studies. But when her life is threatened, Asher is there to be her protector.
I fell so hard for this one and I think the only thing that kept this book from being a five star was I would have wanted a slight more focus on some swoons, but it was still there. It also reminded me that I want to read more inspirational romance for sure. I loved the soft spiritual focus mixed with the danger themed plot and the romance which builds between Asher and Samantha. I loved the western theme and I definitely want to read much more of this author because I fell hard for her writing and I can't wait to explore the rest of this series. I have such a soft heart for retellings and I can tell you this was beautifully done.
Montana Desire by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
4.0
Montana Desire is a blend of unrequited love and a fling that turns into something lasting and powerful. There were many aspects to this story that I fell hard for. And some I wasn't a huge fan of. But I can say that this story was dramatic, emotional, spicy and so well pictured. The dynamic between these two was so poignant but yet had a sense of excitement and thrills.
Our story starts off with our hero, who is suffering from a back injury but has loved Cori from afar. When Cori has a painful breakup, he is drawn to her to bring comfort, but chemistry flares instantly between them and they literally jump into the sheets together. But they find something precious together, that neither expected. But there is a mystery surrounding horses being poisoned and a danger that neither of them will truly see coming.
I really enjoy their romance together, I loved how they connect as a couple and how they both seem so hurt in different ways but find solace together. The third act of the story was an element that wasn't my favorite to be honest. I do wish the heroine had made a different choice, to be fully honest. but of course, it couldn't happen that way because authors love drama.
Overall though I found Montana Desire to be endearing and captivated me from the beginning.
Our story starts off with our hero, who is suffering from a back injury but has loved Cori from afar. When Cori has a painful breakup, he is drawn to her to bring comfort, but chemistry flares instantly between them and they literally jump into the sheets together. But they find something precious together, that neither expected. But there is a mystery surrounding horses being poisoned and a danger that neither of them will truly see coming.
I really enjoy their romance together, I loved how they connect as a couple and how they both seem so hurt in different ways but find solace together. The third act of the story was an element that wasn't my favorite to be honest. I do wish the heroine had made a different choice, to be fully honest. but of course, it couldn't happen that way because authors love drama.
Overall though I found Montana Desire to be endearing and captivated me from the beginning.
Lost With Me by J. Kenner
4.0
My Review:
Lost With Me is the fifth installment in the "Stark Trilogy" and while I know I am getting towards the end of the series, its also starting to feel bittersweet that I am also done with Damien and Nikki and I have been loving seeing theme with their kids but still being the spicy edgy couple we know and love. In Lost With Me we have a story about some conflict that will push Damien and Nikki to the edge, that will bring back old demons to the surface. We see a coming danger that is becoming a threat to them, we see how they try to solve the mystery surrounding it, and a threat that they won't see coming.
I really loved seeing what really challenges this couple. I loved their relationship and how strong they are together. We see their ways of coming together and how some conflict can drive a couple apart but also how important trust is in their relationship and how without it, it can push them to the edge. I really adored the third conflict and it kept me on edge. But I am curious to see what will be in the next installment, as things have been building towards something that Damien is hiding from Nikki.
Overall I had a blast with this book that had me in my emotions and feeling on a deep level that J. Kenner does fairly easily.
Lost With Me is the fifth installment in the "Stark Trilogy" and while I know I am getting towards the end of the series, its also starting to feel bittersweet that I am also done with Damien and Nikki and I have been loving seeing theme with their kids but still being the spicy edgy couple we know and love. In Lost With Me we have a story about some conflict that will push Damien and Nikki to the edge, that will bring back old demons to the surface. We see a coming danger that is becoming a threat to them, we see how they try to solve the mystery surrounding it, and a threat that they won't see coming.
I really loved seeing what really challenges this couple. I loved their relationship and how strong they are together. We see their ways of coming together and how some conflict can drive a couple apart but also how important trust is in their relationship and how without it, it can push them to the edge. I really adored the third conflict and it kept me on edge. But I am curious to see what will be in the next installment, as things have been building towards something that Damien is hiding from Nikki.
Overall I had a blast with this book that had me in my emotions and feeling on a deep level that J. Kenner does fairly easily.
Liam Takes Manhattan by Thea Harrison
4.0
My Review:
Liam Takes Manahatten is a very short novella (shorter than many of the others) where Liam is in his teenager mode and is being restless and having to fight for dominance with his dragon and learning about control. He is also finding he is struggling working with his father's demands. We see the aspects of parents working with a teenager who also can shift into a big scary dragon lol And he is only a year old. Poor Dragos and Pia, and Pia is pregnant with another baby that will probably be a unicorn. lol
I found this one quite interesting, I really felt for all of them. Liam is really trying to learn who he is and Dragos and Pia are having to adapt to a teenager with hormones. I found it interesting to see Liam leave for a remote school in Ireland....I didn't see that one coming lol but I am curious to see what is going to happen next. This is a novella you need to read AFTER Shadow's End.
Liam Takes Manahatten is a very short novella (shorter than many of the others) where Liam is in his teenager mode and is being restless and having to fight for dominance with his dragon and learning about control. He is also finding he is struggling working with his father's demands. We see the aspects of parents working with a teenager who also can shift into a big scary dragon lol And he is only a year old. Poor Dragos and Pia, and Pia is pregnant with another baby that will probably be a unicorn. lol
I found this one quite interesting, I really felt for all of them. Liam is really trying to learn who he is and Dragos and Pia are having to adapt to a teenager with hormones. I found it interesting to see Liam leave for a remote school in Ireland....I didn't see that one coming lol but I am curious to see what is going to happen next. This is a novella you need to read AFTER Shadow's End.
Archangel's Ascension by Nalini Singh
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
WOWZERS!!!!!! THIS BOOK WAS PERFECTION!!!! Unfortunately I will need to wait until April before I can post the review, however, a few things I can say. This book was beautiful, heart wrenching, and Nalini Singh held NOTHING back here! And we got a guarantee that this series is NOT over despite what the rumors do say. I loved Illium and Aodhan in this one.....we see so much growth in their relationship and the intimacy between them was so achingly beautiful! I can guarantee you all are in for a special treat!
MY RATING: 6 STARS!!!!
MY RATING: 6 STARS!!!!
One Dangerous Night by Cathy Maxwell
0.25
DNF Review
I am marking this as a DNF at 55%. As I did receive this originally from Harper Collins (Avon) in exchange for a honest review, I did try to give this book a good chance. However, this heroine is a TSTL type of heroine and she was driving me bonkers. It also felt very modernistic so I think I won't be reading any more of this author moving forward for newer releases, I might read A Touch of Steele as I was also gifted an ARC of that one and the blurb doesn't sound too bad on it. I know from this book and other viewpoints from the family that this heroine was the more "feminist" one so I am hoping the other book will be good.
So what did I struggle with on this one? I actually at first really loved the premise, the banter between these two were fun and I really liked the tropes that were involved. However, the heroine was very annoying. Some of her dialogue started to really grate on my nerves, and it became quickly obvious that this book was becoming modernistic. I didn't care for how she treated the hero, like because he was a man he was beneath her and that she didn't need to be respectful as he was really to her most of the time. At first I liked the hero, but he kept apologizing for saying common sense things of the time. The heroine also takes actions in this book that honestly are so stupid lol like I am a woman, I am independent and no harm will happen to me because I say so type of heroine. Like girl....come on use your head. I also wasn't a fan for how she was so impatient and it had to be her way all the time or the highway type of mentality. I was thinking about trying to force myself to read this longer, but honestly I can't keep it with this heroine, its that or just throw my kindle against the wall in frustration. Its sad that I had to DNF a book from a favorite author however, I think this is an author that like many others, has probably been forced by the publisher to change their writing style to fit a modernistic narrative. I will be reading her backlogged books though.
I am marking this as a DNF at 55%. As I did receive this originally from Harper Collins (Avon) in exchange for a honest review, I did try to give this book a good chance. However, this heroine is a TSTL type of heroine and she was driving me bonkers. It also felt very modernistic so I think I won't be reading any more of this author moving forward for newer releases, I might read A Touch of Steele as I was also gifted an ARC of that one and the blurb doesn't sound too bad on it. I know from this book and other viewpoints from the family that this heroine was the more "feminist" one so I am hoping the other book will be good.
So what did I struggle with on this one? I actually at first really loved the premise, the banter between these two were fun and I really liked the tropes that were involved. However, the heroine was very annoying. Some of her dialogue started to really grate on my nerves, and it became quickly obvious that this book was becoming modernistic. I didn't care for how she treated the hero, like because he was a man he was beneath her and that she didn't need to be respectful as he was really to her most of the time. At first I liked the hero, but he kept apologizing for saying common sense things of the time. The heroine also takes actions in this book that honestly are so stupid lol like I am a woman, I am independent and no harm will happen to me because I say so type of heroine. Like girl....come on use your head. I also wasn't a fan for how she was so impatient and it had to be her way all the time or the highway type of mentality. I was thinking about trying to force myself to read this longer, but honestly I can't keep it with this heroine, its that or just throw my kindle against the wall in frustration. Its sad that I had to DNF a book from a favorite author however, I think this is an author that like many others, has probably been forced by the publisher to change their writing style to fit a modernistic narrative. I will be reading her backlogged books though.
Taken by the Horde King by Zoey Draven
4.75
My Review (May contain spoilers, Fair warning upon reading this review)
Taken by the Horde King is the fifth installment in the "Horde Kings of Dakkar" and I am not sure why I took so long to continue the series as I have really enjoyed it. Probably not quite to the level as many other readers have, but I love the epic fantasy world feel to these stories. This is definitely one of my favorites of the series. I think its one of the better books to read in my opinion. I do think you will probably enjoy it a bit more if you read book 4 "Broken by the Horde King" though.
Taken by the Horde King is a twist of the heroine is involved in a plot where she is being forced to capture Rowin who is one of the Horde Kings. Mina has been abused most of her life since her father died, and she has a stutter so she is treated as less then and just as a cheap commodity and not someone with power and magical abilities. When she and her people capture Rowin to be sacrificed by the witches, she is drawn to him and feels remorse over what she has contributed to. From the first moment they met, both felt an instant connection. And when she helps him esscape, he takes her captive, wanting to take out revenge on her.
The romance between these two was just beyond beautiful. I couldn't get enough of what these two become together. And man their bond was so thrilling, toe curling goodness. I felt so drawn to these two, probably more than any other couple. I am not sure exactly why. I think I just resonated with the heroine so well. She is damaged, and abused and she is fairly softer and I really admired that from her. She has her own strength of course, but I loved how genuine she felt. She is the best heroine this author has written in my opinion. I literally had no issue with her. She has such a gentle sweet spirit but with a spine of steel that has taken abuse for years and still has a heart of courage and will protect those she loves with such fierceness.
Overall I found Taken by the Horde King to be such a special story and if you love epic fantasy with a historical barbarian type culture I highly recommend these. I can't wait to read the finale next week!!!!
Taken by the Horde King is the fifth installment in the "Horde Kings of Dakkar" and I am not sure why I took so long to continue the series as I have really enjoyed it. Probably not quite to the level as many other readers have, but I love the epic fantasy world feel to these stories. This is definitely one of my favorites of the series. I think its one of the better books to read in my opinion. I do think you will probably enjoy it a bit more if you read book 4 "Broken by the Horde King" though.
Taken by the Horde King is a twist of the heroine is involved in a plot where she is being forced to capture Rowin who is one of the Horde Kings. Mina has been abused most of her life since her father died, and she has a stutter so she is treated as less then and just as a cheap commodity and not someone with power and magical abilities. When she and her people capture Rowin to be sacrificed by the witches, she is drawn to him and feels remorse over what she has contributed to. From the first moment they met, both felt an instant connection. And when she helps him esscape, he takes her captive, wanting to take out revenge on her.
The romance between these two was just beyond beautiful. I couldn't get enough of what these two become together. And man their bond was so thrilling, toe curling goodness. I felt so drawn to these two, probably more than any other couple. I am not sure exactly why. I think I just resonated with the heroine so well. She is damaged, and abused and she is fairly softer and I really admired that from her. She has her own strength of course, but I loved how genuine she felt. She is the best heroine this author has written in my opinion. I literally had no issue with her. She has such a gentle sweet spirit but with a spine of steel that has taken abuse for years and still has a heart of courage and will protect those she loves with such fierceness.
Overall I found Taken by the Horde King to be such a special story and if you love epic fantasy with a historical barbarian type culture I highly recommend these. I can't wait to read the finale next week!!!!
The Hermit by Michelle Heard
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
My Review:
The Hermit was delightful and had its flaws in some ways. I was very curious to see what the author would deliver on this one and most of the time she really brings together some impactful mafia romances and The Hermit was definitely impactful. Don't let my rating fool you, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit when I read it.
I first want to go over the things that I loved. The HERO is what made this book so amazing and I am not even being humble about that lol On the surface Dominik seems to be like your a typical mafia hero but even from the beginning you sense something different about him. He is an introvert. And I resonated so much with him. When you see him talking about not wanting to be married because he would have to be around a human lol I totally understood that. Now there is some angst between Dominik and the heroine Grace. Grace is overprotective and she is damaged emotionally as she suffered a domestic abusive relationship with her first husband who was killed. And her sister is sensitive and more vulnerable. But there is chemistry between Grace and Dominik and when Grace's sister runs away from the situation, Grace does the honorable thing and marries Dominik but he isn't what she expected. He is patient and understanding and isn't pushing her boundaries until she is ready. But he is the first man she is learning to trust. Dominik was PERFECTION!!! In their moments as husband and wife, he is so romantic and patient and once he learns she suffered an abusive relationship he treats her just right. And literally gives her all the HEARTS AND FLOWERS and I just about swooned!! So perfect for Valentines Day weekend.
My issues were first the heroine Grace. She was a bit crazy lol And honestly her character just didn't really make that much sense to me until the later half. But I also didn't understand why she wasn't more concerned over her sister but maybe those answers will come in the series as I am hoping the sister will have a book. I kinda would love her with Santiago. And my other issue (and BIG SPOILER ALERT) Is that when there is a big battle to fight against the Bratva, Dominik takes Grace with him and she is SO not a fighter lol she honestly would have been safe at his hideout which hardly no one knows about. It just didn't make sense to me at all.
Overall I had a blast with The Hermit and I can't wait to see what this author delivers for the series in the near future.
The Hermit was delightful and had its flaws in some ways. I was very curious to see what the author would deliver on this one and most of the time she really brings together some impactful mafia romances and The Hermit was definitely impactful. Don't let my rating fool you, I still enjoyed this book quite a bit when I read it.
I first want to go over the things that I loved. The HERO is what made this book so amazing and I am not even being humble about that lol On the surface Dominik seems to be like your a typical mafia hero but even from the beginning you sense something different about him. He is an introvert. And I resonated so much with him. When you see him talking about not wanting to be married because he would have to be around a human lol I totally understood that. Now there is some angst between Dominik and the heroine Grace. Grace is overprotective and she is damaged emotionally as she suffered a domestic abusive relationship with her first husband who was killed. And her sister is sensitive and more vulnerable. But there is chemistry between Grace and Dominik and when Grace's sister runs away from the situation, Grace does the honorable thing and marries Dominik but he isn't what she expected. He is patient and understanding and isn't pushing her boundaries until she is ready. But he is the first man she is learning to trust. Dominik was PERFECTION!!! In their moments as husband and wife, he is so romantic and patient and once he learns she suffered an abusive relationship he treats her just right. And literally gives her all the HEARTS AND FLOWERS and I just about swooned!! So perfect for Valentines Day weekend.
My issues were first the heroine Grace. She was a bit crazy lol And honestly her character just didn't really make that much sense to me until the later half. But I also didn't understand why she wasn't more concerned over her sister but maybe those answers will come in the series as I am hoping the sister will have a book. I kinda would love her with Santiago. And my other issue (and BIG SPOILER ALERT) Is that when there is a big battle to fight against the Bratva, Dominik takes Grace with him and she is SO not a fighter lol she honestly would have been safe at his hideout which hardly no one knows about. It just didn't make sense to me at all.
Overall I had a blast with The Hermit and I can't wait to see what this author delivers for the series in the near future.