Review: Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

Pestilence

Author: Laura Thalassa
Series: The Four Horsemen #1
Pages: ebook, 382 pages
Genre: Dystopia
Release Date: Published March 20th 2018

Summary:

They came to earth—Pestilence, War, Famine, Death—four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.

When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.

Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed.

Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him.

And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she'll have to sacrifice her heart in the process

Review:

Pestilence is surprising in so many ways, that it left me in awe of Thalassa.

But before I even delf into the storyline, character building or writing style let's just take a moment and look at the cover.


Yeah. Exactly.
I'll give you another minute.


How gorg?
And that's all I shall say to it.

Well, except.
It is definitely the reason I looked at the summery and a huge portion why I decided to give this a try.
I thought this can only go two ways, it's either okay or really terrible.
And here is the first surprise of many. This is definitely more than okay. It is, in fact, a beautifully told dark story, that in some ways is so wrong, yet it is so right.

Pestilence is in many ways your adult fairytale. The kind that reminds me of the old slightly gruesome Grim's tales. Beautifully told, with plenty of gore and injustice, yet it leaves you all fuzzy and happy at the end. (and in this case some smut, hence adult)

I adore Thalassa's writing style. Her descriptions are beautiful, she sets a perfect pace, gets away with pushing boundaries, because she does it with subtlety and finesse.
This is the first book I read by her, I did check out her other books and there seems to be a common theme with them: they all look like dark beauties. I shall definitely read more by her.

The storyline. Sigh. so gruesome so heartbreaking and yet so beautiful. This is your total slow burn romance- no insta at all. It is borderline Stockholm syndrome as well. I totally adore it. Yet the end left me a bit eh. I don't exactly know why but somehow I felt a bit, dunno kinda what that's it? Well, except the last, last bit. Looking forward to the next book

The character building is probably my favourite part of the book. It's so subtly done, with so much finesse. I fell totally and utterly in love with both MCs. My heart broke for both of them, I was beyond touched by their slowly growing love.

The world building is gruesome perfection. In a case of Pestilence coming, that's exactly what I would expect. Freakn well done!

And then there are the ethical implications, the reasons for being, again the bordering Stockholm syndrome.. Thalassa didn't just do a cute & fluffy. She threw in quite a few existential philosophical thoughts as well. Some are simply implied, are like faith, others are starkly put out there, like how much can you accept from your lover, where is your ethic line you going to draw. Or even what is really wrong or right? What is mercy? Quite amazing and astounding that Thalassa managed to pack all this in a beautifully written love story actually.


I didn't expect this at all. I expected some cute and fluffy steamy kinda book with a gorgeous cover. Instead, I got so much more. Great world building, amazing character building and masterful storytelling make this one of my favourites book of 2018.
Can't wait for the next instalment.




Rating: 


Reviewed by Deniz

Review: The Protection of Ren Crown by Anne Zoelle

The Protection of Ren Crown

Author: Anne Zoelle
Publisher: Excelsine Press
Series: Ren Crown #2
Pages: ebook, 597 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: May 9th 2014

Summary:

Barely surviving her first term at college, all Ren wants to do over break is relax and bond with her roommate—not get eaten by a sentient building or attacked on the street. But with increasingly open warfare brewing between the magical factions and Layers of the world, this time, Ren will not fail in making sure everyone she loves stays safe and protected.

That includes doing things like filling her parent's house with personal art heavily embedded with wards, bubble-wrapping her increasingly imperiled roommate, and even making sure that a certain sexy thorn-in-her-side continues to breathe free air.

Finding herself on duty protecting the entire university alongside campus god Alexander Dare...was not what she'd had in mind.

But this time it's not only her life on the line. And Ren will do anything to protect those she loves.

Review:

Gaahhh this book is such a delightful read! There is lots of action, great character developments, some pretty important reveals and overall 400+ pages of awesomeness and magical ka-pow. The pacing is pretty good. The book starts and ends with a bang..and the middle is full of Ren growing her friend circle at Excelsine, trying to free herself of Raphael, working with Con and Will on more crazy inventions, getting to know Dare better and being adorably dorky and brilliant at the same time (oh and simultaneously trying to save the Second Layer from the increasing threat of Verisetti and other Third Layer terrorists. Talk about being busy..wheww!)

Let me first talk about the character development for some of the characters in this book. After finishing book 1, I wasn't sure why or when I had developed a soft spot for Olivia but while re-reading book 2, it all came back to me. We see Olivia's character come to realize what families and friends could mean to each other. She tries to maintain her distance from Ren but fails miserably and ends up getting reeled into Ren's close-knit circle of "friends-to-die-for".

Besides Olivia, we also get to see a lot more of Dare. You know how authors like to make some male MC's to be this exceptionally, absurdly perfect guy? Well, Dare isn't quite that perfect but in Ren's eyes, he definitely is the all-knowing, incredibly gorgeous, extremely dangerous and kind guy that she knows she doesn't stand a chance with but can't help falling for. However in this book, we see her getting to know him more as a person instead of just someone who saved her life and gave her the last few moments with her brother. And at the same time, Dare also gets to know Ren. He sneakily lets Ren know that he knows. I think he does respect and admire her in his own way but it's Dare and I think even after all that, his end goal is something that would end up sacrificing Ren for his family or himself.

As for my favorite person (other than Ren) in this series: Constantine Leandred. He is the epitome of what authors want their dark, hot, gorgeous bad boy to be. He is so wonderfully brilliant, devious, and dedicated to Ren that it just makes my heart swell with so much love for him and Ren that the thought of them not having a happy ever after makes me anxious, resigned and depressed. All at once! I love his relationship with Ren. I love how he treats her so differently than everyone else. I love how they work together in his workshop. I love how Ren doesn't ever give up on him. I love how she keeps on believing in him and defending him from all her friends. *sigh* My poor heart..

As for the other characters (some new, others old): Can I just say that I ADORE them all?? Will & Neph are as fantastic as ever. Mike is GREAT! Trick and Saf are hilarious and Delia is freaking cool. I just want to give them all a big hug and not let them go.

Now, moving on to the actual plot and the ending. I think the story progressed really well. We see Ren trying to acclimate to the fact that Christian has found his peace and that she has to start living without him now. She keeps trying her best to protect her family and friends. It's so heart-warming to read Ren trying to protect everyone in her life because she couldn't protect her brother. She keeps on giving and giving without any strings attached. She is so naive in some matters, yet so smart, observant and quick in others. I loved how she made Olivia a member of the Delinquent Club. I loved how she made with Con. I really liked the fact that some important questions about Raphael's hooks and how he used Ren's magic were answered. Con's motives were also laid bare and even though Dare's motives about Ren are still shady and glossed over (even now.. AFTER 4 freaking books *grumbles*), I'm hoping that they will be answered in the final installment.

Anyhoo, to wrap up, here's a list of some of my favorite scenes:

- The library scene in the beginning
- Ren trying to tell Dare about her mixed algorithm spell
- The lighting festival (dem feeelzzzz)
- Ren making the caterpillar protection egg for Olivia
- All of Guard Rock and Guard Friend scenes!!!
- Dare sneakily handingnto Ren to draw on
- Will, Con and Ren working together <3 span="">
- Ren finding out that Dare and Con were roommates
- Con protecting Ren in the end
- Actually, all of Ch. 34




Rating: 

Review: The Scot Beds His Wife by Kerrigan Byrne

The Scot Beds His Wife

Author: Kerrigan Byrne
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Series: Victorian Rebels #5
Pages: Mass Market Paperback, 394 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 3rd 2017

Summary:
The Scot Beds His Wife is the next lush, captivating Victorian romance in the Victorian Rebels series by Kerrigan Byrne.

They’re rebels, scoundrels, and blackguards—dark, dashing men on the wrong side of the law. But for the women who love them, a hint of danger only makes the heart beat faster.

Gavin St. James, Earl of Thorne, is a notorious Highlander and an unrelenting Lothario who uses his slightly menacing charm to get what he wants—including too many women married to other men. But now, Gavin wants to put his shady past behind him...more or less. When a fiery lass who is the heiress to the land he wishes to possess drops into his lap, he sees a perfectly delicious opportunity...

A marriage most convenient

Samantha Masters has come back to Scotland, in a pair of trousers, and with a whole world of dangerous secrets from her time spent in the Wild West trailing behind her. Her only hope of protection is to marry—and to do so quickly. Gavin is only too willing to provide that service for someone he finds so disturbingly irresistible. But even as danger approaches, what begins as a scandalous proposition slowly turns into an all-consuming passion. And Gavin discovers that he will do whatever is necessary to keep the woman he has claimed as his own...

Review:

Well, what's not to like?
There is a tortured, handsome, thoughtful hero and a strong, intelligent, capable, likeable heroine. They have chemistry, there is fab banter and it's smuttilicious. Add to that great writing style and an interesting storyline.. and you got historical romance perfection.

This is the 5th book in the series, though they are loosely connected the do work as a stand-alone.
And let's just throw it out there, I am dying to get my hands on the next book, this series has not only met all my expectation on each and every book, but it often manages to exceeds them.

Just like always I love Byrne's writing. I love the way she paces things, how she brings in memories, just in the right time. Also the historical parts feel authentic, it feels historically accurate and realistic.

The story lines is on of misfortune, broken hearts and circumstance meeting insta-attraction/lust and loathing, enemies turned to lovers. While it's kinda the usual usual when put like this, it's actually so much more. It's got it own unique little details, but most of all the characters make it unique

That brings me to the character building. It's simply the best part of the book.
The story is told from multiple POV in third person.
We get to know each character rather well, even the support cast. It was amazing revisiting Mina again, really interesting to see her through Sam's eyes. Liam and Gavin's sparing was beyond amusing but also heartbreaking, I loved when Liam had his talk with Gavin, one of my favorite parts in the book.
Sam's trigger happiness was another source of constant amusement. But the best part of all Sam and Gavin's banter. The Best!
Sam and Gavin are both somewhat broken and hurt, while everybody sees how wonderful they are, they have the lowest opinion of themselves. It's amazing to see them change each other, or more accurately open up and become a team.

The sad part is, it was over too fast if you ask me. The book kinda sucked me in and I read it in more or less a sitting. The great news there are two more books to be published in this series. I wonder who they will be about and I have a wish-list!

I think this is a must read for people who love historicals, but also people who want some cute & fluffy with some depths.

Rating: 

ARC Review: The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

The Duchess Deal

Author: Tessa Dare
Publisher: Avon
Series: Girl Meets Duke #1
Pages: Kindle Edition, 384 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date:& August 22nd 2017

Summary:

hen girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules…

Since his return from war, the Duke of Ashbury’s to-do list has been short and anything but sweet: brooding, glowering, menacing London ne’er-do-wells by night. Now there’s a new item on the list. He needs an heir—which means he needs a wife. When Emma Gladstone, a vicar’s daughter turned seamstress, appears in his library wearing a wedding gown, he decides on the spot that she’ll do.

His terms are simple:
- They will be husband and wife by night only.
- No lights, no kissing.
- No questions about his battle scars.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s pregnant with his heir, they need never share a bed again.

But Emma is no pushover. She has a few rules of her own:
- They will have dinner together every evening.
- With conversation.
- And unlimited teasing.
- Last, and most importantly… Once she’s seen the man beneath the scars, he can’t stop her from falling in love…

Review:

And this ladies and gentleman. This right here is why I read historical romances.
So if you wanna try the genre. Read it. If you like the genre. Read it.
Well, basically just READ IT.

END of REVIEW

okay, just kidding. About the end of the review. Not about the reading part. Because The Duchess Deal is .. well nothing short of amazing.
Right from the beginning I got sucked in and I barely could put my kindle down in between. I wasn't really planning to just read for most of my Saturday afternoon. No, I was going to start this because I felt like some Tessa Dare. Something swoony and well written, and adult. (I've been reading YA for the week). My plans were to read a little, finish some work and do some social stuff... and well I read. The fact that I was expected to have supper in between and talk to my husband was a tad exasperating, because hello? how disruptive is that? I was right in the middle of .. of.. well, swooning for Ash.
Let me stop fangirling and get to the crux of the matter.
As I said this is really well crafted.
The writing style is classic Dare. So it has beautiful descriptions and fun banter, hot smut scenes and amazing quirky characters. On top of that, it feels authentic. It feels like it could have happened.

The storyline felt a bit like a mash-up of Beauty & the Beast, Notting Hill and Love Actually. Well, basically if their parents had a love child. Or is it their grandparents? Who knows And actually it doesn't matter. It has the best parts of all three but it feel less fairytale or make believe than any of them. It also seems to have more depth. It definitely is more adult ('cause there is smut, very hot & sensual smut) I didn't want it to end, at all. And I hope there will be a book for each and everyone of the fabulous quirky girlfriends Emma made on the way. And maybe a book for a grownup Menace? Well, I just want more!

The character building is what makes this such an amazing read however. I adored each and every character. I felt for Ash, adore his weird little hobbies and his Robin-Hood streak (or is it more Batman and Robin?) I love how Dare shows how calculating he thinks he is, his insecurities and yet how wonderful he truly is, despite being lost somewhat and grumpy.
Emma is your big hearted do-gooder at first glance. But she is also brave and yet very insecure and lonely. Just like Ash the more I read the more I got her and I rooted for her. I feel like I got to know them both and I understand them. More than that... I could identify with both of them. And let's face it, I have no big ugly scars nor do I have a terrible father. Yet I saw bits of myself in both of them.
The support cast is quite extensive and each character is unique and well written. They don't feel like support but rather like full parts. As I said I hope Dare will write books about them, because not only did I get to know them quite well, I adore them and I want to revisit them all.

I think in the end we all read novels, because we do live through the characters. We discover new worlds through them, explore new settings.. but in only the best books to we identify with the characters, we see pieces of ourselves in them. This is one of those books for me.
Which is why I can only recommend for you to go read it.


Rating: 

Blog Tour: Tied Up In You by Erin Fletcher

Tied Up In You

Author: Erin Fletcher
Publisher: Entangled: Crush
Series: All Laced Up #2
Pages: Kindle Edition, 209 pages
Genre: YA
Release Date: July 10th 2017

Summary:

Everyone says hotshot goalie Luke Jackson is God’s gift to girls, but the only girl he wants is his best friend, Malina Hall. He’s always known how brilliant she is, but now that he’s “accidentally” kissed her, he can’t stop thinking about her…or wanting to kiss her again.

Problem is, things have been a little…awkward since the kiss. Because she likes him, too? Hopefully, but even if she did, their futures—and the ridiculous schedules that come with them—are in the way. And now one of his teammates is showing interest, and the guy has more in common with Malina than Jackson ever will.

As her best friend, Jackson should get out of the way. But if there’s one thing he’s learned from hockey, it’s that you have to go for what you want, even if it means falling flat on your face. And he’s definitely falling for Malina.

Disclaimer: This book contains a hot hockey player who goes after what he wants, a super-hot, super-distracting shirtless workout, and the kind of best friends to lovers romance every girl in the friend zone has dreamed of.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072V26ZGV 

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tied-up-in-you-erin-fletcher/1126605022?ean=9781640631489 

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tied-up-in-you/id1250033681 

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/tied-up-in-you 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35486927-tied-up-in-you 

Entangled:  https://entangledpublishing.com/tied-up-in-you.html 

About the Author:

Erin is a young adult author from North Carolina. She is a morning person who does most of her writing before sunrise, while drinking excessive quantities of coffee. She believes flip-flops qualify as year-round footwear, and would spend every day at the beach if she could. She has a bachelor's degree in mathematics, which is almost never useful when writing books.

Connect:

Website:  https://booklaunch.io/erinfletcher11 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinFletcher11 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7544504.Erin_Fletcher 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Erin-Fletcher/e/B00HV4IQPE 

Newsletter: http://booklaunch.us16.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=93bdb8df983a8ffd72b9b049f&id=4de897a04a 

Review:

Just.. perfect.

Fletcher had me all smitten and fangirling with All Laced Up. I was uber excited about book two and I had high expectations, again. And again, they were more than met.
I love besties to lover stories. Tied Up in You, is cute and swoony. It's the perfect cute & fluffy.

Just like in the previous installment Fletcher digs deeper than expected. Which is what makes this more than just a fluffy read. It has some depth to the cute.

The characters are interesting and unique. I loved revisiting the Hockey boys and co. Malina and Jackson are my favorite! I mean I know I said Pierce was awesome sauce.. I still like him. However Jackson, is just better.. lol. Seriously: The friendship between Malina and Jackson is dynamic and feel very realistic. The changes between them had my all fluttery. I could feel their butterflies, I got their fears and confusions. It's beautifully written. Malina's heritage made her even more interesting. Love her relationship with her grandmother, it reminded me of how special my grandparents were to me.
I love that both Malina and Jackson have high aspirations. Their dreams are really different and so are their interests, I adore that they both value eachothers passions.

I was worried that there was going to be a love triangle. Because, well there could have been. But there wasn't. Just like with the rest of the dramas, there has to be some drama it is a romance, it doesn't drag on. Malina and Jackson do talk to each other, they do trust each other and no matter how confused they are or how angry they sort it somehow out. Which is one of the things I really loved about the story line. They have problems, they deal. Even if it isn't all smooth or perfect it feels like real life. Just with cute hockey boys and lots of swoon.

A must read if you ask me.


Rating: 

Excerpt:

My hand froze awkwardly in midair as reality slammed into me. Oh, shit. Shit. I kissed my best friend. “Sorry,” I said, jumping up and slamming my leg on the coffee table. “Ow,” I moaned as I turned on the lamp, then turned on the overhead light for good measure.
The look on Malina’s face was one I hadn’t seen before. Her eyes were wide with something—shock? Disgust? Embarrassment?
My cheeks and ears burned. Was it possible for your nose to blush? I was pretty sure mine was. “Malina, I’m so sorry. I was just…” I ran a hand through my hair, struggling to come up with something, anything I could say to excuse what had happened. “I was just so relieved there wasn’t a serial killer or something in the kitchen, and I just…” Nope. There weren’t any more words. There were hundreds of thousands of words in the English language and not one of them was going to help me.
For a long time, she didn’t say anything. A long time. The expression on her face didn’t change. Then she nodded slowly. “Right. Yeah. I was relieved, too.”
She was going to accept my ridiculously lame excuse? Or at least pretend to accept it? “Right? Yeah. Okay. Sorry.”
She frowned. “Just…don’t. Do that. Ever. Again.”
“No,” I said quickly. Spastically quickly. Oh God, my cheeks were still on fire. I couldn’t look her in the eyes. “Sorry. I won’t. It won’t happen again. I should probably go.” Then I winced and said, “Ow,” when I took a step that jarred my bruised leg.
Her frown changed from confusion to concern. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah,” I said, too quickly again. “Fine. Just…bruised my leg. Banged it. I’ll be fine.”
“Do you need some ice?”
“No. No. I’m fine. Sorry again. Thanks for dinner. I’ll see you at school, right? Sorry.” Instead of coming out like individual sentences, the words kind of blurred together into one big blob of awkward.
Malina got up and walked me to the door. “Yeah. I’ll see you at school.”
I had one foot out the door when she stopped me.
“Jackson?”
As much as I wanted to keep going, I couldn’t ignore her. I stopped and turned and looked somewhere in the vicinity of her left shoulder. Not in her eyes. Not at her lips or her boobs. Shoulders were safe. “Yeah?”
“I don’t really know what just happened, but it was an accident. We’re still friends. It’s fine.”
I forced a nod and kept my eyes on her shoulder. “Okay. Thank you. Sorry. Good night.”
When I got in my car, I leaned back against the headrest and tried to breathe. Despite what she said, it wasn’t okay. I’d kissed my best friend. I’d acted like an idiot who didn’t know how to human, not the confident hockey player who kissed girls all the time.
But the worst part? Worse than the kiss or the embarrassment or awkwardness that followed?
I liked kissing Malina.
A lot.
I was screwed.


Giveaway:

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Review: Breath of Fire by Amanda Bouchet

Breath of Fire

Author: Amanda Bouchet
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Series: Kingmaker Chronicles #2
Pages: Paperback, 448 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: Expected publication: January 3rd 2017

Summary:

SHE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD...
"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a girl to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world-for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin must embrace their fate together. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or not at all.

Review:


Breath of Fire had me gasping for air, it's non-stop action. Literally, from the first page to the last.
I thoroughly enjoyed that.

I was smitten with Bouchet's writing skills reading her first novel. Breath of Fire just reconfirmed my adoration for it over and over. This is well structured, well paced (extremely fast mind you), has amazing descriptions and wicked world building. Some of the details are rather gory and gruesome, but there are also beautifully described heartfelt moments. Bouchet knows how to keep her readers on their toes. It's balanced just right, so we can connect to the main players, get to know the villains but also that we get a minor breath between action, gore and revelations.

The world building in one world is brilliant. Bouchet draws from greek mythology but makes this new unique world from it. At times Cat's quest reminded me of the Odysseys and at other times it reminds me of classic high fantasy novels. A great mix and to that Cat's prophesied fate, the history of the kingdoms and you have an intriguing, inspired world. I also need to mention the creatures Bouchet conjures up. And there are plenty in this one again. I totally adore her descriptions, some of them are again based on Greek mythology, others are newly invented (at least I think so), but all have Bouchet's own little twist to them. Seriously one of my favorite parts of the series!

The character building is another part this novel shine. I did love Cat in the first book. I ended up having issues with the last part and Griffin's behaviour. But in this book? I ended up totally smitten with Griffin. I mean totally. Cat changes in some ways, significantly. Her growth is steady and yet immense. Griffing is a rock in the tumult. His vision, loyalty and kindness are staggering. Their relationship strengthens and all the things I loved about them before, has be reconfirmed. They still argue, banter and fight the odds. But somehow their trust deepens, they accept each other and their bond becomes even stronger. Their relationship feel tangible and real.
Cat shares more of her past, and with that one starts to understand more about her and her actions.
Team Beta is in full action. And yet we get to know them individually somewhat better. They all grew on me even more.
Frankly the character building is so well done, that I feel like I left a group my close friends behind, after finishing the novel. I am actually invested in several characters and I need them to have some sort of happy ending. To be clear: that's for basically the support cast, we talking about.

The plot as I said before is non-stop action. Never a dull moment. There are quests, riddles, personal problems and disputes, battles and talks with the gods. Plus quite a bit of smut and some budding romances as well. In fact my one and only problem was ALL the smut in the first half. Basically there was dramas, smut, fight nearly die, smut and repeat it over and over. In the second half however, they were on a quest that reminded me of the epics like the Odyssey and very little smut thankfully. now

With her second novel Bouchet firmly planted herself in my favorite fantasy authors list.
My only problem: The next book is only going to be published sometimes in Fall 2017.
And here I am feeling breathless from my reading marathon, desperate to get my hands on the next book.
You however really need to give this series a go if you love the genre!


Rating: 



ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Review: Wild Wicked Scot by Julia London

Wild Wicked Scot

Author: Julia London
Publisher: Harlequin Books
Series: Highland Grooms #1
Pages: Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: December 27th 2016

Summary:

Wicked intrigue unfolds in New York Times bestselling author Julia London's latest historical gem as an unlikely marriage leads to a path of risky desire in the lush, emerald Highlands.

WILD WICKED SCOT has earned three STARRED reviews! See below for the review clippings!

Born into riches and groomed in English luxury, Margot Armstrong didn't belong in a Scottish chieftain's devil-may-care world. Two years ago she fled their marriage of convenience and hasn't looked back--except to steal memories of moments spent in wild, rugged Arran McKenzie's embrace. But as their respective powerful kingdoms unite and political upheaval rings around them, she's forced to return to her husband in order to interrupt his secret plans to invade her country.

Red-haired, green-eyed Margot is a beautiful threat. The bride Arran lost has haunted him for ages. As the Highlands tremble with whispers of her people's plot to seize McKenzie territory, he must outmaneuver her in games of espionage...and seduction. Yet as their secrets entwine and their lands fall prey to a political war, there's nothing to prevent love from capturing them both and leading them straight to danger.

Kirkus STARRED review: "An absorbing read from a novelist at the top of her game. "

Publishers Weekly STARRED review: “Expert storytelling and believable characters make the romance between Arran and Margot come alive in this compelling novel packed with characters whom readers will be sad to leave behind.”

Booklist STARRED review: “With well-developed characters who experience genuine growth, London is at the top of her game in this thrilling tale of political intrigue and second chances. This absorbing and passionate romance bodes well for future Highland Grooms titles.”

Review:

My first reaction when I finished this: I didn't want it to be over!
So I went to see what's next in the series...
Wild Wicked Scot is truly engaging and captivating. Is got caught up in the story from the get go and couldn't put my kindle down until I was finished.

I have never read a book by London before, but I feel I really need to rectify that error now and read all the previously published books by her. Because this is written by a master of her craft. There are multiple POV and then the story jumps back and forth between the time line as well, seemingly all at random. But it's so brilliantly done! Each jump is precisely what the story needed and not only that it's done completely smooth.
The dialogues feel authentic, there is a good dose of humor and some wonderfully sensual smut.
Add to that, the beautiful writing style and you got me attention.
But then  London outdid all of this with the character building. I was so caught up with Margot and Arran, with their feelings, with their hopes and regrets and their fears. I totally got both of them, got their pain and rejoiced over their growth. I needed them to find happiness! Which in itself is a total feat to achieve. I mean I like a happy ending, like anyone, but I never (ok:rarely might be more accurate) have such a desperate yearning for the characters to get it.

The story line is a brilliant tale of star-crossed lovers/ arranged marriage gone bad to finding love with each other.
The romance is beautiful, heartbreaking and wonderfully different in many ways.
The plot is captivating, I kept guessing who the culprit was, was kept on my toes and hoping until right to the end.
The epilogue btw, is simply beautiful. And that, is another stroke for London. Because it could have been simply too mushy for me, which many of them are. But again, just like in so many other instances, she gets it just right, is on point with the emotions, the sweet little details and a dash of humor. It's just perfect, really.
To be honest, I am not sure how historically correct this novel is. I am not clued up on the particular clan history of it's time. I don't even know if there is a Norwood Park. But it feels authentic. The lifestyles, the manners, the prejudice and the dialogues not feel only authentic bu real enough to make this a great historical romance.

The character building, does like I said before outshine everything. It takes this from a good to an excellent novel for me.
Margot, with all her silly naivety, was dear to my heart quite fast. I got where she was coming from, even if I knew she was being ridiculous and utterly spoilt at times. Arran, sigh. Arran is the perfect Scottish hero. I mean this. Sincerely. He is gruff and tough, yet so gentle and caring. Absolutely clueless at times, but again, I got him.
Their characters feel real and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow and breach their differences together. Their flaws and shortcomings make them more realistic.
The support cast is just as well written. Again, London seems to bring just the right characters in when needed to highlight a situation. And more so I want to know more about several of the side cast.. I want to know the details about Nell and Jock. And to be honest I hope there will be a story about Grizella. Oh and one for Knox (who was he with in the village?!)
Basically, I just want more.

Compelling, well crafted novel, that left me wanting MORE!



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ARC was provided by Publishers through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review