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Recommend this book:
Harvest Wishes
A Sweet Small Town Romance (Starlight Inn)
Jessica Anne Renwick
2021 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Madison has just escaped an abusive relationship and moved back in with her parents. With a failed marriage behind her and no job prospects, she finds it easy to connect with the animals she looks after as a volunteer at the local shelter. But her hometown is a small town in so many ways and it’s not surprising that Madison should run into her high school sweetheart, the one she’d once thought was her forever love before he all but vanished when he went away to college. She’s not planning on entering a new relationship so soon after exiting an abusive one and she’s certainly not interested in reigniting an old romance. Or is she?
Jessica Anne Renwick’s romance novel, Harvest Wishes: A Sweet Small Town Romance (Starlight Inn), is a comfort read that has all the happily-ever-after scenarios one would expect in a good romance. There’s the inevitable conflict with the unresolved old romance and the violent more recent relationship. And then there’s the two families and small town gossips who feel free to voice their own opinions on the sparkling new/old romance. The tension builds as Madison faces her nemesis (her ex-husband) as well as her past and tries to piece it all together and make sense of what had happened to her life. Compelling dialogue, thorough descriptive narrative, and a driven plot push the reader to follow the protagonist to the very end. Like the subtitle suggests, it’s “a sweet small town” story, clean and wholesome, a real feel-good type of story.
Madison has just escaped an abusive relationship and moved back in with her parents. With a failed marriage behind her and no job prospects, she finds it easy to connect with the animals she looks after as a volunteer at the local shelter. But her hometown is a small town in so many ways and it’s not surprising that Madison should run into her high school sweetheart, the one she’d once thought was her forever love before he all but vanished when he went away to college. She’s not planning on entering a new relationship so soon after exiting an abusive one and she’s certainly not interested in reigniting an old romance. Or is she?
Jessica Anne Renwick’s romance novel, Harvest Wishes: A Sweet Small Town Romance (Starlight Inn), is a comfort read that has all the happily-ever-after scenarios one would expect in a good romance. There’s the inevitable conflict with the unresolved old romance and the violent more recent relationship. And then there’s the two families and small town gossips who feel free to voice their own opinions on the sparkling new/old romance. The tension builds as Madison faces her nemesis (her ex-husband) as well as her past and tries to piece it all together and make sense of what had happened to her life. Compelling dialogue, thorough descriptive narrative, and a driven plot push the reader to follow the protagonist to the very end. Like the subtitle suggests, it’s “a sweet small town” story, clean and wholesome, a real feel-good type of story.
Recommend this book:
All or Nothing
Emily Bunney
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Emily Bunney's All Or Nothing is a story about recovering from toxic relationships and being able to move forward by living in the moment. Mila is moving to Seattle after procuring a job as an assistant to Coach Casey. That evening, Mila and her best friend are celebrating at the hotel bar and Mila notices a man that seems to be watching her. After Beth leaves the bar, Mila approaches the man and impulsively has a one-night stand. She leaves his room before he wakes up, which leaves Matt daydreaming about the encounter. He signs the contract to play hockey for the Seattle Whalers and, on the first day of practice, he discovers that his one-night stand is now his coach's assistant. Matt is determined to try a relationship with Mila, but she has just left behind a serious relationship and is terrified of being hurt again. There is also another barrier: No dating any of the team players.
All Or Nothing has an engaging cast of characters that complement the romantic plot. Emily Bunney's story didn't primarily focus on sex, which I found to be refreshing for a romance novel. The narrative is told from Mila's and Matt's points of view and easily transitions between them. I could connect with Mila's aversion to being in a relationship, and I admired Matt's persistence in proving he was interested in more than sex. The Whalers traveled around the country, and it was fun reading how Mila had to deal with any setbacks that occurred. A memorable scene in New Orleans had me picturing how distraught Mila was when she discovered she didn't book a room for herself. I know I would be turning red and arguing with the hotel owner as well. It would be equally embarrassing that the team could witness the entire mistake. This is a 5-star book with an engaging story filled with well-developed characters that had me hooked from start to finish. I would recommend fans of slow-burn romance novels to pick up a copy of All Or Nothing. This isn't love at first sight, but the perfect balance of a suspenseful romance story with a realistic edge of charm.
Emily Bunney's All Or Nothing is a story about recovering from toxic relationships and being able to move forward by living in the moment. Mila is moving to Seattle after procuring a job as an assistant to Coach Casey. That evening, Mila and her best friend are celebrating at the hotel bar and Mila notices a man that seems to be watching her. After Beth leaves the bar, Mila approaches the man and impulsively has a one-night stand. She leaves his room before he wakes up, which leaves Matt daydreaming about the encounter. He signs the contract to play hockey for the Seattle Whalers and, on the first day of practice, he discovers that his one-night stand is now his coach's assistant. Matt is determined to try a relationship with Mila, but she has just left behind a serious relationship and is terrified of being hurt again. There is also another barrier: No dating any of the team players.
All Or Nothing has an engaging cast of characters that complement the romantic plot. Emily Bunney's story didn't primarily focus on sex, which I found to be refreshing for a romance novel. The narrative is told from Mila's and Matt's points of view and easily transitions between them. I could connect with Mila's aversion to being in a relationship, and I admired Matt's persistence in proving he was interested in more than sex. The Whalers traveled around the country, and it was fun reading how Mila had to deal with any setbacks that occurred. A memorable scene in New Orleans had me picturing how distraught Mila was when she discovered she didn't book a room for herself. I know I would be turning red and arguing with the hotel owner as well. It would be equally embarrassing that the team could witness the entire mistake. This is a 5-star book with an engaging story filled with well-developed characters that had me hooked from start to finish. I would recommend fans of slow-burn romance novels to pick up a copy of All Or Nothing. This isn't love at first sight, but the perfect balance of a suspenseful romance story with a realistic edge of charm.
Recommend this book:
Dangerous Rescue
Operation Alpha SEAL’s Secret Mission Book 1
Linzi Baxter, Operation Alpha
2021 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Linzi Baxter creates an action-filled romance novel aptly named Dangerous Rescue. Siena's love life is the polar opposite of her supermodel career. She fell in love with Hudson Smith, a Navy SEAL. The day she discovers that she is pregnant, she finds that Hudson has disappeared. Another failed relationship ensues after she discovers Kyle is a drug dealer. She obtains work at a private school, only to finds herself face to face with Hudson Smith again. Siena accepts a dinner date with him and plans to tell Hudson about their daughter. Unfortunately, for Siena, Kyle has made bail and assaults her in the parking lot. Hudson witnesses the ordeal and immediately has some of his team attempt to find out what danger she is in. Suddenly, Hudson is called into a dangerous mission after finding a notorious cartel has a $500,000 bounty on her.
Dangerous Rescue is more than the average romance novel. Linzi Baxter adds in plenty of danger and suspense with a colorful cast of characters with unique personalities. I was able to connect with Siena's distrust of Hudson, especially with him just up and leaving her without a call or explanation. I also understood why Hudson moved too since his sister's death left his nephew without a parent. Likewise, I think that Siena made a stellar mother figure by raising her daughter not to think poorly of her father. The sudden separation just as Hudson and Siena reconnect adds to the suspense as it is unknown if Hudson will return within days, weeks, months, or even at all. The end fits well and predicts a sequel with other members of the Navy SEAL team as well as CIA members that were revealed throughout the book. This is a book that I would recommend to adults who enjoy a more active plot with only a few intense romance scenes.
Linzi Baxter creates an action-filled romance novel aptly named Dangerous Rescue. Siena's love life is the polar opposite of her supermodel career. She fell in love with Hudson Smith, a Navy SEAL. The day she discovers that she is pregnant, she finds that Hudson has disappeared. Another failed relationship ensues after she discovers Kyle is a drug dealer. She obtains work at a private school, only to finds herself face to face with Hudson Smith again. Siena accepts a dinner date with him and plans to tell Hudson about their daughter. Unfortunately, for Siena, Kyle has made bail and assaults her in the parking lot. Hudson witnesses the ordeal and immediately has some of his team attempt to find out what danger she is in. Suddenly, Hudson is called into a dangerous mission after finding a notorious cartel has a $500,000 bounty on her.
Dangerous Rescue is more than the average romance novel. Linzi Baxter adds in plenty of danger and suspense with a colorful cast of characters with unique personalities. I was able to connect with Siena's distrust of Hudson, especially with him just up and leaving her without a call or explanation. I also understood why Hudson moved too since his sister's death left his nephew without a parent. Likewise, I think that Siena made a stellar mother figure by raising her daughter not to think poorly of her father. The sudden separation just as Hudson and Siena reconnect adds to the suspense as it is unknown if Hudson will return within days, weeks, months, or even at all. The end fits well and predicts a sequel with other members of the Navy SEAL team as well as CIA members that were revealed throughout the book. This is a book that I would recommend to adults who enjoy a more active plot with only a few intense romance scenes.
Recommend this book:
The Studio
Judith Erwin
2020 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Character-driven and cleverly plotted, The Studio by Judith Erwin is a suspenseful romance that follows two rock-solid characters as they encounter each other, each of the two carrying a hidden pain. Kaci is still disturbed by the tragedy that spoiled her career and now she runs her own ballet studio. When Commander Matt Emerson comes to enroll his five daughters on an ordinary day, all that Kaci wants is to get the registration completed as she looks forward to her next class. But she soon develops a fondness for the children that pulls the single father into her orbit. Can she replace the mother and wife who disappeared from the life of this man and his children?
There is a lot to love in this novel. First, the characters are strong and real. Matthew Emerson is a naval aviator and son of a U.S. admiral and a man who can't stop blaming his wife's disappearance on himself. Being a single parent is another experience that doesn't come easily for him. Kaci has her own share of pain and running her studio is what has kept her going. The story starts simply and the emotional depth grows through each page. The elements of the setting are beautifully written in such a way that it is easy to imagine the locales and the places in which the action happens. The writing is stellar and I loved how the intelligently written dialogues deepen plot and character. Judith Erwin deftly uses suspense to keep readers engaged. This is a fast-paced, emotionally rich, and hugely entertaining read with a delightful ending.
Character-driven and cleverly plotted, The Studio by Judith Erwin is a suspenseful romance that follows two rock-solid characters as they encounter each other, each of the two carrying a hidden pain. Kaci is still disturbed by the tragedy that spoiled her career and now she runs her own ballet studio. When Commander Matt Emerson comes to enroll his five daughters on an ordinary day, all that Kaci wants is to get the registration completed as she looks forward to her next class. But she soon develops a fondness for the children that pulls the single father into her orbit. Can she replace the mother and wife who disappeared from the life of this man and his children?
There is a lot to love in this novel. First, the characters are strong and real. Matthew Emerson is a naval aviator and son of a U.S. admiral and a man who can't stop blaming his wife's disappearance on himself. Being a single parent is another experience that doesn't come easily for him. Kaci has her own share of pain and running her studio is what has kept her going. The story starts simply and the emotional depth grows through each page. The elements of the setting are beautifully written in such a way that it is easy to imagine the locales and the places in which the action happens. The writing is stellar and I loved how the intelligently written dialogues deepen plot and character. Judith Erwin deftly uses suspense to keep readers engaged. This is a fast-paced, emotionally rich, and hugely entertaining read with a delightful ending.
Recommend this book:
Restart in Bristol
A Racing Hearts in Serenity Romance
Sedona Hutton
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Stacie Haas for Readers' Favorite
Restart in Bristol by Sedona Hutton is a high-octane story about love that got away and dares to reignite. Like a dangerous restart on a NASCAR racetrack after a crash, a restart in love can be just as precarious. Holly Nicholson is a big-animal veterinarian who has followed her career dreams to the small town of Serenity, a place much like the small town where she was allowed to grow roots with her first true love, Curtis “CC” Clark. Now engaged to a stable doctor, Holly thinks she’s on the verge of having everything she’s ever wanted—until she runs into CC. A former NASCAR truck driver, CC’s successful racing career has veered off track and led him into the same town as the girl he’s never been able to forget. What will the pair do when their feelings resurface—turn away from each other or find a way to overcome the debris in the roadway of their relationship?
Restart in Bristol is a fun ride, full of romantic tension and the longing for home over all else. In addition to the enticing push and pull of Holly and CC’s relationship, of which there is much to love, there is also a fantastic set of secondary characters, including Holly’s eccentric cousin, Skye, who has an exciting storyline of her own, and characters from earlier books in the Racing Hearts in Serenity series. Restart in Bristol can be read as a standalone book—as I read it—and I’m confident it would be wonderful within the series, too, as it brings back “friends” from the other novels. Sedona Hutton’s Restart in Bristol is a quick, delightful read that will satisfy your longing for love—or perhaps a romantic restart. Recommended.
Restart in Bristol by Sedona Hutton is a high-octane story about love that got away and dares to reignite. Like a dangerous restart on a NASCAR racetrack after a crash, a restart in love can be just as precarious. Holly Nicholson is a big-animal veterinarian who has followed her career dreams to the small town of Serenity, a place much like the small town where she was allowed to grow roots with her first true love, Curtis “CC” Clark. Now engaged to a stable doctor, Holly thinks she’s on the verge of having everything she’s ever wanted—until she runs into CC. A former NASCAR truck driver, CC’s successful racing career has veered off track and led him into the same town as the girl he’s never been able to forget. What will the pair do when their feelings resurface—turn away from each other or find a way to overcome the debris in the roadway of their relationship?
Restart in Bristol is a fun ride, full of romantic tension and the longing for home over all else. In addition to the enticing push and pull of Holly and CC’s relationship, of which there is much to love, there is also a fantastic set of secondary characters, including Holly’s eccentric cousin, Skye, who has an exciting storyline of her own, and characters from earlier books in the Racing Hearts in Serenity series. Restart in Bristol can be read as a standalone book—as I read it—and I’m confident it would be wonderful within the series, too, as it brings back “friends” from the other novels. Sedona Hutton’s Restart in Bristol is a quick, delightful read that will satisfy your longing for love—or perhaps a romantic restart. Recommended.
Recommend this book:
Walk With Me
One Hundred Days of Crazy
Ernesto H Lee
2020 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Walk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy is a romantic and bittersweet work of fiction penned by author Ernesto H Lee. Written for mature audiences, but not overly graphic in its romantic content, this tale focuses on love later in life. Our central hero Mark Rennie is a man who once thought he had a perfect life all figured out, but then his life and health fall apart aged forty-one. In a world of difficult choices, Mark chooses to drift the streets of London in search of some kind of answer. When he finds Karen, however, he gets a lot more than he was looking for.
This is an emotional and unusual love story in the realm of tragic romances, but it has so many beautiful and uplifting qualities in spite of the situation that Mark finds himself in. The backdrop of London is well drawn to bring out the atmosphere of each moment in Mark and Karen’s relationship, and author Ernesto H Lee has a cinematic sense of how to construct scenes and move the plot along without any unnecessary details derailing it. The narration is personal, close to the characters, and sensitive in matters of health, the future and the notion of hope. What results is an emotionally intelligent and realistic romance that will grip its readers from start to finish. Overall, Walk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy is a rollercoaster ride with stylish narration, compelling dialogue and a plot you’ll cry over again and again.
Walk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy is a romantic and bittersweet work of fiction penned by author Ernesto H Lee. Written for mature audiences, but not overly graphic in its romantic content, this tale focuses on love later in life. Our central hero Mark Rennie is a man who once thought he had a perfect life all figured out, but then his life and health fall apart aged forty-one. In a world of difficult choices, Mark chooses to drift the streets of London in search of some kind of answer. When he finds Karen, however, he gets a lot more than he was looking for.
This is an emotional and unusual love story in the realm of tragic romances, but it has so many beautiful and uplifting qualities in spite of the situation that Mark finds himself in. The backdrop of London is well drawn to bring out the atmosphere of each moment in Mark and Karen’s relationship, and author Ernesto H Lee has a cinematic sense of how to construct scenes and move the plot along without any unnecessary details derailing it. The narration is personal, close to the characters, and sensitive in matters of health, the future and the notion of hope. What results is an emotionally intelligent and realistic romance that will grip its readers from start to finish. Overall, Walk With Me: One Hundred Days of Crazy is a rollercoaster ride with stylish narration, compelling dialogue and a plot you’ll cry over again and again.
Recommend this book:
The Colonel and The Enchantress
An Enchantress Novel Book 4
Paullett Golden
2020 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
The Colonel and The Enchantress by Paullett Golden is the fourth in her An Enchantress Novels series. Lady Mary Mowbrah waits faithfully for years for her sweetheart to return from the war, rejecting every suitor her mother attempts to shove her way. Duncan Starrett returns as a Colonel and a Baronet, but he also comes back with a battle-worn body and doubts about his future. The love they shared before the war has become more of a fantasy as they realize they have each changed in the past five years. Mary never doubted her devotion to Duncan, but she sees a different man now. His body is much more chiseled, but he lacks the carefree attitude that she loved. Duncan has seen the worst of men, and now he doubts if his low standing in society and crippled body are what Mary deserves in life, though he has been nothing but loyal to her. Will they both be able to set aside their personal baggage and stubborn attitudes for a chance at a love they have waited for?
Paullett Golden isn’t afraid to weave complex family matters into her historical romance, The Colonel and The Enchantress. The characters face the reality of recurring health issues that aren’t often seen in novels. The author’s strong points are her ability to reveal the vulnerability of her characters while showing you how they work through their differences. Though there are many sensual scenes within the novel, the characters develop a deeper love that overlooks the physical aspects of their relationship. This novel heralds the men that represent honor and bravery while showing a humbleness rarely seen. The women are strong and resourceful, yet know what they want. I look forward to reading more from Golden; she is an author that shows great promise in the historical romance genre.
The Colonel and The Enchantress by Paullett Golden is the fourth in her An Enchantress Novels series. Lady Mary Mowbrah waits faithfully for years for her sweetheart to return from the war, rejecting every suitor her mother attempts to shove her way. Duncan Starrett returns as a Colonel and a Baronet, but he also comes back with a battle-worn body and doubts about his future. The love they shared before the war has become more of a fantasy as they realize they have each changed in the past five years. Mary never doubted her devotion to Duncan, but she sees a different man now. His body is much more chiseled, but he lacks the carefree attitude that she loved. Duncan has seen the worst of men, and now he doubts if his low standing in society and crippled body are what Mary deserves in life, though he has been nothing but loyal to her. Will they both be able to set aside their personal baggage and stubborn attitudes for a chance at a love they have waited for?
Paullett Golden isn’t afraid to weave complex family matters into her historical romance, The Colonel and The Enchantress. The characters face the reality of recurring health issues that aren’t often seen in novels. The author’s strong points are her ability to reveal the vulnerability of her characters while showing you how they work through their differences. Though there are many sensual scenes within the novel, the characters develop a deeper love that overlooks the physical aspects of their relationship. This novel heralds the men that represent honor and bravery while showing a humbleness rarely seen. The women are strong and resourceful, yet know what they want. I look forward to reading more from Golden; she is an author that shows great promise in the historical romance genre.
Recommend this book:
On Loving
A Novel
Lili Naghdi
2020 Gold Medal
584 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
On Loving is a work of fiction in the romance and drama sub-genres and was penned by author Lili Naghdi. Cross-cultural and powerfully emotive from the get-go, this novel begins in 1972 and takes us through the tumultuous life of protagonist Dr. Rose Hemmings. Encouraged by the blessing of her adopted father, Rose travels and explores Iran to uncover her Persian heritage, and there she finds a man who loves her with a passion she’s never known. The problem is, Rose already feels deeply connected with another man back in New York City, one whom tragedy brought to her and whom she feels her life will never be separate from.
This is a work that swallows you whole into its deep tapestry of cultural beauty, making you think about love, companionship and the human need for closeness from entirely new angles and viewpoints. In the story itself, Rose is a well-developed figure who gives us confidence as she heads out to explore her heritage, only to be very emotively shaken by what she finds. These peaks and troughs of emotion are brought to life consistently and realistically in author Lili Naghdi’s prose, weaving a plot which brings romantic turmoil to the fore alongside important issues of mental and physical health. On top of this is the conceptual layer with its poignant philosophy and the uncovering of the mythologies of love, which is the part that really stays with you long after you close the book. On Loving is a highly accomplished and recommended romance read.
On Loving is a work of fiction in the romance and drama sub-genres and was penned by author Lili Naghdi. Cross-cultural and powerfully emotive from the get-go, this novel begins in 1972 and takes us through the tumultuous life of protagonist Dr. Rose Hemmings. Encouraged by the blessing of her adopted father, Rose travels and explores Iran to uncover her Persian heritage, and there she finds a man who loves her with a passion she’s never known. The problem is, Rose already feels deeply connected with another man back in New York City, one whom tragedy brought to her and whom she feels her life will never be separate from.
This is a work that swallows you whole into its deep tapestry of cultural beauty, making you think about love, companionship and the human need for closeness from entirely new angles and viewpoints. In the story itself, Rose is a well-developed figure who gives us confidence as she heads out to explore her heritage, only to be very emotively shaken by what she finds. These peaks and troughs of emotion are brought to life consistently and realistically in author Lili Naghdi’s prose, weaving a plot which brings romantic turmoil to the fore alongside important issues of mental and physical health. On top of this is the conceptual layer with its poignant philosophy and the uncovering of the mythologies of love, which is the part that really stays with you long after you close the book. On Loving is a highly accomplished and recommended romance read.
Recommend this book:
Noémie's Journey
Victoria Saccenti
2019 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite
When Richard Winters points his Harley away from New York and heads south, looking for peace and a release from the memories of a devastating love affair, he wants nothing more than solitude and an opportunity to find himself again. The small town of Summitville in North Carolina where nobody knows him seems a great place to start again. What he doesn’t count on, though, is meeting the beautiful and desirable young Creole woman by the name of Noémie, whose desirability he must fight if he truly is to fulfill his promise to himself of no romantic entanglements. Set in the mid-sixties, against the background of the Civil Rights Movement, Noémie’s Journey by Victoria Saccenti explores the reality of life for a beautiful coloured woman in the South. Laws may have changed, but attitudes will take generations to change. Richard, a Yankee from up north, has no perception of what an interracial relationship will entail in North Carolina in the sixties, but Noémie knows well the ingrained racism of her fellow residents that she deals with every single day of her life.
Noémie’s Journey serves to remind us just how far we have come in the forty years in race relations, but equally it also makes us examine our feelings toward people who are different to us, today a touchstone for American society as much now as it ever has been. Author Victoria Saccenti does a superb job of highlighting the institutional and deep racism that was just below the surface of civil society, especially in the South, in those turbulent years of the mid to late sixties. At its heart this book is a love story and a beautiful one at that. I particularly loved the author’s ability to convey the depth of love and the power of their passion in her words without ever having to resort to crudity or erotica. As a reader, I felt the build-up of sexual tension and reveled in the “when will they”, just as much as the participants. This is a real fillip to the author and it is what makes this book so very readable and one of the best of its genre. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can highly recommend it to all readers who like a true romance, but also enjoy a bit of action and thoughtful social comment.
When Richard Winters points his Harley away from New York and heads south, looking for peace and a release from the memories of a devastating love affair, he wants nothing more than solitude and an opportunity to find himself again. The small town of Summitville in North Carolina where nobody knows him seems a great place to start again. What he doesn’t count on, though, is meeting the beautiful and desirable young Creole woman by the name of Noémie, whose desirability he must fight if he truly is to fulfill his promise to himself of no romantic entanglements. Set in the mid-sixties, against the background of the Civil Rights Movement, Noémie’s Journey by Victoria Saccenti explores the reality of life for a beautiful coloured woman in the South. Laws may have changed, but attitudes will take generations to change. Richard, a Yankee from up north, has no perception of what an interracial relationship will entail in North Carolina in the sixties, but Noémie knows well the ingrained racism of her fellow residents that she deals with every single day of her life.
Noémie’s Journey serves to remind us just how far we have come in the forty years in race relations, but equally it also makes us examine our feelings toward people who are different to us, today a touchstone for American society as much now as it ever has been. Author Victoria Saccenti does a superb job of highlighting the institutional and deep racism that was just below the surface of civil society, especially in the South, in those turbulent years of the mid to late sixties. At its heart this book is a love story and a beautiful one at that. I particularly loved the author’s ability to convey the depth of love and the power of their passion in her words without ever having to resort to crudity or erotica. As a reader, I felt the build-up of sexual tension and reveled in the “when will they”, just as much as the participants. This is a real fillip to the author and it is what makes this book so very readable and one of the best of its genre. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can highly recommend it to all readers who like a true romance, but also enjoy a bit of action and thoughtful social comment.
Recommend this book:
Nena
The Viking Treasure Huntress Series Book One
Ann Boelter
2019 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - General
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
Nena knew the gods would one day choose a man for her, but at nineteen it seemed they were waiting. In earnest, Nena had no qualms about this delay. She loved her life as a warrior, the feel of a weapon in her hand, the thrill of battle. All the things she loved about her life would cease to be when the gods revealed the one they chose for her. The gods had their methods, but she had never expected the attack on a friendly tournament to be part of their plan. She had intended to fight to the death, and take as many of the enemy with her as possible. Fate had other plans. The proud warrior princess found herself at the mercy of the enemy. There was one way to secure her freedom; to give herself willingly to the one who held her captive. Their people were enemies, and yet she saw something in her captor, something that made her question everything she thought she knew, and her path no longer seemed clear.
Nena is the first book in Ann Boelter's The Viking Treasure Huntress Series. Straight off, I am going to say this is without a doubt a must-read book. It has everything you could ask for: action, adventure, romance, conflict, and amazing characters. Whether main or supporting characters, you will find them rich, vibrant, and believable as you join them on their amazing journey. As I neared the end, I found myself releasing a breath when I discovered another chapter. This is a tale I did not want to end. I loved the bonds and relationships between the characters, the intense wanting and drives. The intimate scenes were written to encompass passion, yet handled with taste. I loved this story, and I highly recommend every page of it. From prologue to epilogue, Nena will captivate your attention, and hold you in its clutches long after the final page. I whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good story, whether you're looking for action, romance, historical fiction, adventure, or just a tale to entertain. In my eyes, this is a brilliant read, and I look forward to reading more from Ann Boelter in the future.
Nena knew the gods would one day choose a man for her, but at nineteen it seemed they were waiting. In earnest, Nena had no qualms about this delay. She loved her life as a warrior, the feel of a weapon in her hand, the thrill of battle. All the things she loved about her life would cease to be when the gods revealed the one they chose for her. The gods had their methods, but she had never expected the attack on a friendly tournament to be part of their plan. She had intended to fight to the death, and take as many of the enemy with her as possible. Fate had other plans. The proud warrior princess found herself at the mercy of the enemy. There was one way to secure her freedom; to give herself willingly to the one who held her captive. Their people were enemies, and yet she saw something in her captor, something that made her question everything she thought she knew, and her path no longer seemed clear.
Nena is the first book in Ann Boelter's The Viking Treasure Huntress Series. Straight off, I am going to say this is without a doubt a must-read book. It has everything you could ask for: action, adventure, romance, conflict, and amazing characters. Whether main or supporting characters, you will find them rich, vibrant, and believable as you join them on their amazing journey. As I neared the end, I found myself releasing a breath when I discovered another chapter. This is a tale I did not want to end. I loved the bonds and relationships between the characters, the intense wanting and drives. The intimate scenes were written to encompass passion, yet handled with taste. I loved this story, and I highly recommend every page of it. From prologue to epilogue, Nena will captivate your attention, and hold you in its clutches long after the final page. I whole-heartedly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good story, whether you're looking for action, romance, historical fiction, adventure, or just a tale to entertain. In my eyes, this is a brilliant read, and I look forward to reading more from Ann Boelter in the future.
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