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Recommend this book:
Trashy Romance Novel
Jacqueline E. Smith
2018 Bronze Medal
376 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Ayrial King for Readers' Favorite
Some writers dream of fame and fortune when they put pen to paper; she only thought of her celebrity crush and how they’ll only meet in her written fantasies. At least until her stories became bestsellers and turned into a television miniseries. Jacqueline Smith’s Trashy Romance Novel chronicles Delaney Brooks’ whirlwind adventure in Scotland as bestselling author Lorelei DuBois. Brooks (aka DuBois) and her best friend, Gemma, who is introduced to everyone as her personal assistant, meet the star-studded cast that will bring The Surrogate series to life. She’s especially thrilled and a nervous wreck when her longtime celebrity crush Matthew Kent is playing the role she based his character on. Being in Scotland takes her breath away, but not as much as when she meets Hollywood bad boy Colin Ward. Sparks fly in the enchanted country, but do they last after the final wrap?
I could not put Trashy Romance Novel down for more than ten minutes without wanting to dive back in. Jacqueline Smith portrayed Delaney Brooks, a shy writer who never expected to make it big, so well that I identified with her instantly. The snippets of The Surrogate novels brought a nice touch to how Delaney and Gemma ended up in Scotland in the first place with all these movie stars – it was not just an implied fact that is almost forgettable as the story moves along. The book also shows how movie stars are really human beings like everyone else – they have jobs, fall in and out of love, and learn from their mistakes. I especially loved reading how Delaney’s love for Colin evolved similarly to her character Corrine’s love for Tristan; I am glad Delaney was able to get her happily-ever-after in the end.
Some writers dream of fame and fortune when they put pen to paper; she only thought of her celebrity crush and how they’ll only meet in her written fantasies. At least until her stories became bestsellers and turned into a television miniseries. Jacqueline Smith’s Trashy Romance Novel chronicles Delaney Brooks’ whirlwind adventure in Scotland as bestselling author Lorelei DuBois. Brooks (aka DuBois) and her best friend, Gemma, who is introduced to everyone as her personal assistant, meet the star-studded cast that will bring The Surrogate series to life. She’s especially thrilled and a nervous wreck when her longtime celebrity crush Matthew Kent is playing the role she based his character on. Being in Scotland takes her breath away, but not as much as when she meets Hollywood bad boy Colin Ward. Sparks fly in the enchanted country, but do they last after the final wrap?
I could not put Trashy Romance Novel down for more than ten minutes without wanting to dive back in. Jacqueline Smith portrayed Delaney Brooks, a shy writer who never expected to make it big, so well that I identified with her instantly. The snippets of The Surrogate novels brought a nice touch to how Delaney and Gemma ended up in Scotland in the first place with all these movie stars – it was not just an implied fact that is almost forgettable as the story moves along. The book also shows how movie stars are really human beings like everyone else – they have jobs, fall in and out of love, and learn from their mistakes. I especially loved reading how Delaney’s love for Colin evolved similarly to her character Corrine’s love for Tristan; I am glad Delaney was able to get her happily-ever-after in the end.
Recommend this book:
A Good Game
D.D. Shaw
2018 Silver Medal
358 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
A Good Game by D.D. Shaw is the first book in The Vision series and is a gorgeous read. Charlotte and Trent are two awesome characters for the sheer reason that nothing seems normal in their lives and each of them seems to carry something tragic deep inside. Charlotte doesn’t like the path her life is taking, and what she hates most is the fact that she may eventually end up married to a very rich man. But when Trent enters her life, she begins to believe in something more powerful and higher. To help Charlotte break free, Trent will have to sacrifice much more. Being the creator of illusions, can Trent help Charlotte see reality as it is, and can Charlotte ever forgive Trent for his deception?
This is a brilliantly plotted and well-written story, one that combines elements from different genres, including fantasy, romance, and the paranormal. The characters are interesting and they are crafted with a lot of substance to keep readers fully engaged in the story. I enjoyed the prose, which is descriptive and punctuated with great dialogues. The story begins in a way that piques the reader’s curiosity as they read about a strange moment between the young Charlotte and the tall man with huge hands. The author introduces something in the narrative that will awaken the reader’s sense of anticipation. The author make readers see the fears and the dreams of the characters and creates in them the feeling that something terrible could happen at any moment. A Good Game is suspenseful and D.D. Shaw has what it takes to hold the reader’s attention throughout the narrative.
A Good Game by D.D. Shaw is the first book in The Vision series and is a gorgeous read. Charlotte and Trent are two awesome characters for the sheer reason that nothing seems normal in their lives and each of them seems to carry something tragic deep inside. Charlotte doesn’t like the path her life is taking, and what she hates most is the fact that she may eventually end up married to a very rich man. But when Trent enters her life, she begins to believe in something more powerful and higher. To help Charlotte break free, Trent will have to sacrifice much more. Being the creator of illusions, can Trent help Charlotte see reality as it is, and can Charlotte ever forgive Trent for his deception?
This is a brilliantly plotted and well-written story, one that combines elements from different genres, including fantasy, romance, and the paranormal. The characters are interesting and they are crafted with a lot of substance to keep readers fully engaged in the story. I enjoyed the prose, which is descriptive and punctuated with great dialogues. The story begins in a way that piques the reader’s curiosity as they read about a strange moment between the young Charlotte and the tall man with huge hands. The author introduces something in the narrative that will awaken the reader’s sense of anticipation. The author make readers see the fears and the dreams of the characters and creates in them the feeling that something terrible could happen at any moment. A Good Game is suspenseful and D.D. Shaw has what it takes to hold the reader’s attention throughout the narrative.
Recommend this book:
Looking Glass Friends
A Novel Inspired by Real Love Letters
E. L. Neve
2017 Finalist
454 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
A unique and refreshing love story is chronicled in Looking Glass Friends: A Novel Inspired by Real Love Letters by E.L. Neve. The relationship that grows between Neil and Ellie begins with her gift to him of a book, Atlas Shrugged. Neil worked in the local bakery that Ellie frequented, and she felt compelled to share this work with him. This book literally changed Neil’s life in many ways. Through email communications, they discovered a connection not felt in each of their marriages. The deep level of sharing and understanding between them did not exist elsewhere in their lives. Ellie is devoted to her little five-year-old son and thinks it would be devastating to disrupt his life. Whether this soulmate relationship survives at all, or if it will culminate in a permanent relationship, is the main theme of the story.
E.L. Neve has written a compelling story in Looking Glass Friends. The focus is on the meeting of minds, rather than a physical sexual relationship – and that is truly refreshing in today’s romantic genre of books. The quality of the author’s writing is superb and thought-provoking. The development of the four main characters – Neil and Ellie, and their spouses Jake and Fay – is certainly intriguing. Likewise, the concepts of what qualities a meaningful love relationship should entail is interesting to mull over while reading this novel. This is a novel to be cherished and considered, not read through quickly - a true gem in the contemporary world of love stories.
A unique and refreshing love story is chronicled in Looking Glass Friends: A Novel Inspired by Real Love Letters by E.L. Neve. The relationship that grows between Neil and Ellie begins with her gift to him of a book, Atlas Shrugged. Neil worked in the local bakery that Ellie frequented, and she felt compelled to share this work with him. This book literally changed Neil’s life in many ways. Through email communications, they discovered a connection not felt in each of their marriages. The deep level of sharing and understanding between them did not exist elsewhere in their lives. Ellie is devoted to her little five-year-old son and thinks it would be devastating to disrupt his life. Whether this soulmate relationship survives at all, or if it will culminate in a permanent relationship, is the main theme of the story.
E.L. Neve has written a compelling story in Looking Glass Friends. The focus is on the meeting of minds, rather than a physical sexual relationship – and that is truly refreshing in today’s romantic genre of books. The quality of the author’s writing is superb and thought-provoking. The development of the four main characters – Neil and Ellie, and their spouses Jake and Fay – is certainly intriguing. Likewise, the concepts of what qualities a meaningful love relationship should entail is interesting to mull over while reading this novel. This is a novel to be cherished and considered, not read through quickly - a true gem in the contemporary world of love stories.
Recommend this book:
Mended
Kayla Marie
2017 Finalist
374 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
When an author's first novel is as well-written as Kayla Marie's Mended, you can be sure she's going to develop a legion of fans just waiting for her next book. What a wonderful, engaging and touching story this is...and that coming from a reviewer who is not a fan of romantic fiction!
So what makes Mended a cut above most romances? It's the author's skill at bringing her characters to life so well that readers can see and feel everything they are experiencing, be it the rush of a new love, the heartache of past trauma, or the difficulties of dealing with current issues and people in their lives. In this case, readers meet Ashley, a widow of four years, and her troubled young son, Emmett, who have just moved into the small town of Mason, Alabama. Ashley has moved here in hopes of keeping Emmett on the straight and narrow after some stints in juvenile detention in the big city.
Enter into their lives, Wade...handsome, rugged and kindly but troubled by demons he doesn't want Ashley or Emmett to know about. It doesn't take long for Ashley and Wade to be fiercely drawn to each other, but both are too afraid to tell the other how they feel. Finally getting to what they both desire takes up most of the book, but in the meanwhile, Wade's entrance into Emmett's life is the best thing that could happen for that boy.
In Mended, Kayla Marie has crafted an excellent story, with realistic characters, life-like dialogue and beautiful descriptions. Emotions run deep and readers identify with the introspection of the two protagonists. Mended is romance, but it's a lot more: it's deep, rich with homey values, and raises issues readers may well be dealing with in their own lives. Well done, Kayla Marie. Now, how long before we get to read your next book?
When an author's first novel is as well-written as Kayla Marie's Mended, you can be sure she's going to develop a legion of fans just waiting for her next book. What a wonderful, engaging and touching story this is...and that coming from a reviewer who is not a fan of romantic fiction!
So what makes Mended a cut above most romances? It's the author's skill at bringing her characters to life so well that readers can see and feel everything they are experiencing, be it the rush of a new love, the heartache of past trauma, or the difficulties of dealing with current issues and people in their lives. In this case, readers meet Ashley, a widow of four years, and her troubled young son, Emmett, who have just moved into the small town of Mason, Alabama. Ashley has moved here in hopes of keeping Emmett on the straight and narrow after some stints in juvenile detention in the big city.
Enter into their lives, Wade...handsome, rugged and kindly but troubled by demons he doesn't want Ashley or Emmett to know about. It doesn't take long for Ashley and Wade to be fiercely drawn to each other, but both are too afraid to tell the other how they feel. Finally getting to what they both desire takes up most of the book, but in the meanwhile, Wade's entrance into Emmett's life is the best thing that could happen for that boy.
In Mended, Kayla Marie has crafted an excellent story, with realistic characters, life-like dialogue and beautiful descriptions. Emotions run deep and readers identify with the introspection of the two protagonists. Mended is romance, but it's a lot more: it's deep, rich with homey values, and raises issues readers may well be dealing with in their own lives. Well done, Kayla Marie. Now, how long before we get to read your next book?
Recommend this book:
The RN Diaries
The Naughty Nurse Series
Dolyn Keys
2017 Honorable Mention
250 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The RN Diaries by Dolyn Keys is a hot entry in The Naughty Nurse Series, a hilarious, captivating story that follows the lives of three nurses and what they do when they are not working. Their names are Vanity Carter, Nadia Hollinsworth, and Kensington Dumas, and they love to party, and when they do, they do it hard. Vanity warns that she can do things that could give anyone a heart attack, but she says not to worry because she can also do CPR. These women all work at the Ellerton Memorial Hospital. Apart from saving lives at the hospital, they share a common passion — sexual pleasure. So when they are not at work, they are out exploring their wild sides, looking for hookups, and organizing adult parties. But for how long can they continue this way? Read on to discover more!
I was hooked from the very beginning of the story and it is only fair to warn readers that this book contains adult content, and it borders on the dark side of it. The book is well structured and the chapters are modeled after each character’s point of view, creating a sense of suspense that makes it irresistible. Each chapter begins with an entry from a character’s diary and it unveils their views on sex, men and relationships. About sex, Vanity says: “At the most random of times, I find that I'm ready to do it anytime, anywhere, and almost with anyone, trying to get that ultimate orgasm that holds me over until the next encounter.” There is great humor sprinkled throughout the book and readers will find themselves laughing through every page. The characters are wonderfully built and thoroughly explored. Dolyn Keys’ The RN Diaries is the sexiest thing I have read in many years, sizzling and spellbinding.
The RN Diaries by Dolyn Keys is a hot entry in The Naughty Nurse Series, a hilarious, captivating story that follows the lives of three nurses and what they do when they are not working. Their names are Vanity Carter, Nadia Hollinsworth, and Kensington Dumas, and they love to party, and when they do, they do it hard. Vanity warns that she can do things that could give anyone a heart attack, but she says not to worry because she can also do CPR. These women all work at the Ellerton Memorial Hospital. Apart from saving lives at the hospital, they share a common passion — sexual pleasure. So when they are not at work, they are out exploring their wild sides, looking for hookups, and organizing adult parties. But for how long can they continue this way? Read on to discover more!
I was hooked from the very beginning of the story and it is only fair to warn readers that this book contains adult content, and it borders on the dark side of it. The book is well structured and the chapters are modeled after each character’s point of view, creating a sense of suspense that makes it irresistible. Each chapter begins with an entry from a character’s diary and it unveils their views on sex, men and relationships. About sex, Vanity says: “At the most random of times, I find that I'm ready to do it anytime, anywhere, and almost with anyone, trying to get that ultimate orgasm that holds me over until the next encounter.” There is great humor sprinkled throughout the book and readers will find themselves laughing through every page. The characters are wonderfully built and thoroughly explored. Dolyn Keys’ The RN Diaries is the sexiest thing I have read in many years, sizzling and spellbinding.
Recommend this book:
Between Breaths
The Seattle Sound Series, Book 2
Alexa Padgett
2017 Honorable Mention
327 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite
Hayden and Briar meet in a most unlikely place to find love – a hospice center. Hayden Crewe is the pianist, singer and composer in the popular Australian rock band, Jackaroo. He receives a phone call that his mother, from whom he is estranged and has not seen for years, is dying from pancreatic cancer. He immediately flies to Seattle to find the explanation for his mother’s silence, and emotional closure, before it is too late. Briar Moore, strongly connected to her ex-significant other’s Aunt Rosie, is spending hours at her bedside. Between Breaths, Book 2 of the Seattle Sound Series, written by Alexa Padgett, is an unpredictable and engaging romantic fictional work. There is a cast of interesting characters – from the members and manager of Jackaroo; Briar’s sister and family; Briar’s ex-significant other, Dr. Ken Brenton; and others. Perhaps, the most interesting characters are the parents of Hayden and Briar – they created deep-seated fears and misgivings about the possibility of forging committed, loving relationships.
The author is a skilled and competent writer, as she creates believable, and likeable, characters. There is an easy flow, as Hayden and Briar each relate their thoughts, emotions and experiences in alternate chapters. There is a depth of understanding for these characters, as Ms. Padgett connects their childhood experiences to current-day decisions. Alexa Padgett has penned the perfect romantic story in Between Breaths. This story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a true page-turner and engages the reader from beginning to end.
Hayden and Briar meet in a most unlikely place to find love – a hospice center. Hayden Crewe is the pianist, singer and composer in the popular Australian rock band, Jackaroo. He receives a phone call that his mother, from whom he is estranged and has not seen for years, is dying from pancreatic cancer. He immediately flies to Seattle to find the explanation for his mother’s silence, and emotional closure, before it is too late. Briar Moore, strongly connected to her ex-significant other’s Aunt Rosie, is spending hours at her bedside. Between Breaths, Book 2 of the Seattle Sound Series, written by Alexa Padgett, is an unpredictable and engaging romantic fictional work. There is a cast of interesting characters – from the members and manager of Jackaroo; Briar’s sister and family; Briar’s ex-significant other, Dr. Ken Brenton; and others. Perhaps, the most interesting characters are the parents of Hayden and Briar – they created deep-seated fears and misgivings about the possibility of forging committed, loving relationships.
The author is a skilled and competent writer, as she creates believable, and likeable, characters. There is an easy flow, as Hayden and Briar each relate their thoughts, emotions and experiences in alternate chapters. There is a depth of understanding for these characters, as Ms. Padgett connects their childhood experiences to current-day decisions. Alexa Padgett has penned the perfect romantic story in Between Breaths. This story is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a true page-turner and engages the reader from beginning to end.
Recommend this book:
Man Down
Wings of Gold Book 3
Tracy Tappan
2017 Bronze Medal
424 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Man Down: Wings of Gold Book 3 by Tracy Tappan is one of the coolest romances I have read so far this year. The story follows a soldier and a doctor who travel through a dangerous land towards safety, and in the meantime, the two of them find love. The story follows Petty Officer Shane “Mad Dog” Madden and Lieutenant Commander Jason “Casanova” Vanderby are the sole survivors of a helicopter crash in Northern Pakistan. Together, these two soldiers find a help station where they meet the beautiful and charming Dr. Farrin Barr. She is the head doctor at the help station and the only one remaining behind.
If Jason and Shane thought this would be the end of their journey, they thought wrong. Now, these two men and Farrin are on the run from terrorists and trying to stay alive. Through this journey, Farrin and Jason feel a strong attraction between them, but this is not the time for romance. Fighting for their survival, they realize that even though they are ready for each other, their pasts and their present are not letting them explore their desires and what their relationship could be. Can Jason and Farrin let go of the past? Will they even get the chance to explore their feelings when the enemy is so close behind them?
What can I say about this novel? I loved the dynamics between Jason and Shane. These two childhood friends had each other’s backs at all times. I loved Farrin, she is smart, strong and not a shrinking wallflower like most of the female characters in similar novels. She gives as good as she gets and she is not afraid to show everyone that she is ready to claw her way out if she has to. The story was intense, the characters were given proper time to develop and heal, and I loved the fact that nothing was rushed, even though it was certainly not a slow paced novel. Even the cover of the novel is awesome!
Man Down: Wings of Gold Book 3 by Tracy Tappan is one of the coolest romances I have read so far this year. The story follows a soldier and a doctor who travel through a dangerous land towards safety, and in the meantime, the two of them find love. The story follows Petty Officer Shane “Mad Dog” Madden and Lieutenant Commander Jason “Casanova” Vanderby are the sole survivors of a helicopter crash in Northern Pakistan. Together, these two soldiers find a help station where they meet the beautiful and charming Dr. Farrin Barr. She is the head doctor at the help station and the only one remaining behind.
If Jason and Shane thought this would be the end of their journey, they thought wrong. Now, these two men and Farrin are on the run from terrorists and trying to stay alive. Through this journey, Farrin and Jason feel a strong attraction between them, but this is not the time for romance. Fighting for their survival, they realize that even though they are ready for each other, their pasts and their present are not letting them explore their desires and what their relationship could be. Can Jason and Farrin let go of the past? Will they even get the chance to explore their feelings when the enemy is so close behind them?
What can I say about this novel? I loved the dynamics between Jason and Shane. These two childhood friends had each other’s backs at all times. I loved Farrin, she is smart, strong and not a shrinking wallflower like most of the female characters in similar novels. She gives as good as she gets and she is not afraid to show everyone that she is ready to claw her way out if she has to. The story was intense, the characters were given proper time to develop and heal, and I loved the fact that nothing was rushed, even though it was certainly not a slow paced novel. Even the cover of the novel is awesome!
Recommend this book:
His Return
HIS Series Book 3
Sheila Kell
2017 Silver Medal
351 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
His Return by Sheila Kell is the third book in the HIS Series, a steamy romance mixed with suspense and punctuated by nonstop action. Yes, this is a romance with a unique flair and readers will find themselves swinging from one extreme emotion to another. Jake has been away for four years, away from Emily Hamilton, a woman he’d shared intense moments of love and passion with, and he still carries memories of her, fresh as yesterday, as if she’s become a part of him. But that night four years ago ruined everything and he woke up with Emily in his bed and his best friend banishing him. After four years, can she still be the same? Can she still see him the way she once did? Now Jake Cavanaugh is coming back to his past, but things have changed, and his new status doesn’t make them any better.
Watch as these two souls reignite the flame and journey into the secret light and darkness in each other’s heart, amidst dangerous threats from unexpected quarters. His Return is the first book of Sheila Kell that I am reading and it has been such sweet delight. Even though it is part of a series, it reads like a standalone novel, with enough backstory to fill in the surprised reader without losing them. I loved the compelling cast of characters. Jake and Emily constitute an incredible pair and readers will enjoy the emotions they evoke. The story is insanely passionate, well-written, and luscious and seductive prose will keep the reader gripped by the story from start to finish. Here is a steamy romance with a unique plot and a whole lot of originality, a story that will appeal more to the reader’s heart than to their thoughts. I still feel its warmth, hours after reading.
His Return by Sheila Kell is the third book in the HIS Series, a steamy romance mixed with suspense and punctuated by nonstop action. Yes, this is a romance with a unique flair and readers will find themselves swinging from one extreme emotion to another. Jake has been away for four years, away from Emily Hamilton, a woman he’d shared intense moments of love and passion with, and he still carries memories of her, fresh as yesterday, as if she’s become a part of him. But that night four years ago ruined everything and he woke up with Emily in his bed and his best friend banishing him. After four years, can she still be the same? Can she still see him the way she once did? Now Jake Cavanaugh is coming back to his past, but things have changed, and his new status doesn’t make them any better.
Watch as these two souls reignite the flame and journey into the secret light and darkness in each other’s heart, amidst dangerous threats from unexpected quarters. His Return is the first book of Sheila Kell that I am reading and it has been such sweet delight. Even though it is part of a series, it reads like a standalone novel, with enough backstory to fill in the surprised reader without losing them. I loved the compelling cast of characters. Jake and Emily constitute an incredible pair and readers will enjoy the emotions they evoke. The story is insanely passionate, well-written, and luscious and seductive prose will keep the reader gripped by the story from start to finish. Here is a steamy romance with a unique plot and a whole lot of originality, a story that will appeal more to the reader’s heart than to their thoughts. I still feel its warmth, hours after reading.
Recommend this book:
The Best Part of Love
A. D'Orazio
2017 Gold Medal
390 Pages
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Romance - General
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The Best Part of Love by A. D'Orazio is a beautifully plotted and well-executed historical romance with a cast of exciting and delightful characters. After the merciless murder of her first husband, Elizabeth Bennet knows there is no future for her with any man. In fact, she spends her days hiding from the people who destroyed her marriage. Many people know this is no secret, except Fitzwilliam Darcy, and he is growing fonder of the country girl than he is aware. Elizabeth quickly develops a friendship with him which soon transforms into love. They are wedded, and, not long after settling into their married life, a condemned man about to serve prison time divulges a secret that makes Elizabeth question everything she thought she knew about her late husband. Now, she could be walking a path that might destroy her new happiness and her entire life.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill kind of romance with predictable plot lines and one-dimensional characters. The plot is well-conceived and it unfolds in an unpredictable manner with surprising turns for readers. I enjoyed the compelling cast of characters. Elizabeth is a broken woman and readers will love the way she’s fleshed out. It is just natural to feel her hesitation when she meets Darcy. The conflict is well developed and it enhances the emotional depth of the story. A. D'Orazio’s writing features great prose and passages that are delightful to read. The Best Part of Love is a book that will transport readers into the inner world of the characters’ hearts; it reels with intense drama and is so emotionally charged.
The Best Part of Love by A. D'Orazio is a beautifully plotted and well-executed historical romance with a cast of exciting and delightful characters. After the merciless murder of her first husband, Elizabeth Bennet knows there is no future for her with any man. In fact, she spends her days hiding from the people who destroyed her marriage. Many people know this is no secret, except Fitzwilliam Darcy, and he is growing fonder of the country girl than he is aware. Elizabeth quickly develops a friendship with him which soon transforms into love. They are wedded, and, not long after settling into their married life, a condemned man about to serve prison time divulges a secret that makes Elizabeth question everything she thought she knew about her late husband. Now, she could be walking a path that might destroy her new happiness and her entire life.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill kind of romance with predictable plot lines and one-dimensional characters. The plot is well-conceived and it unfolds in an unpredictable manner with surprising turns for readers. I enjoyed the compelling cast of characters. Elizabeth is a broken woman and readers will love the way she’s fleshed out. It is just natural to feel her hesitation when she meets Darcy. The conflict is well developed and it enhances the emotional depth of the story. A. D'Orazio’s writing features great prose and passages that are delightful to read. The Best Part of Love is a book that will transport readers into the inner world of the characters’ hearts; it reels with intense drama and is so emotionally charged.
Recommend this book:
Illicit Passion
The Consequences of Seduction
Sarah Stuart
2016 Finalist
321 Pages
Check current price
Romance - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Illicit Passion by Sarah Stuart is the story that made me say, “Oh, my Gosh,” by just reading the blurb. But you know what, I absolutely wanted to read the story. I even broke my own self-imposed rule of not reading novels whose first parts I have not read. I am so glad I did. This taboo subject is enough to make you cringe at first, but it is also good at making you want to read more and more and more to know what really happened. Before we go into the actual review, let me talk a little bit about how the author did not confuse me.
Yes, it is a part of a series I was not familiar with, but I completely understood what had happened in the previous novel and what can I expect from the old characters. The information was subtle, nothing was implied, and all of it was explained in a manner that was not too long and not too short.
Now let’s get to the juicy part: the story. Lisette is a star and her father was her lover. And yes, they have a daughter Harriet. Lisette’s father has devised a plan that will set her free, but it may leave her with nothing else. And her daughter is in love with the man they registered her with as twins, so that her identity and her reality would be hidden from the world. But she will not stand back and let people rule her life and keep the man she loves away from her.
Needless to say, this novel had my attention from page one and kept me entertained. The characters were real and they were believable. Nothing was far fetched and that gets major points from me. I loved it and I am off to read the first novel in the series.
Illicit Passion by Sarah Stuart is the story that made me say, “Oh, my Gosh,” by just reading the blurb. But you know what, I absolutely wanted to read the story. I even broke my own self-imposed rule of not reading novels whose first parts I have not read. I am so glad I did. This taboo subject is enough to make you cringe at first, but it is also good at making you want to read more and more and more to know what really happened. Before we go into the actual review, let me talk a little bit about how the author did not confuse me.
Yes, it is a part of a series I was not familiar with, but I completely understood what had happened in the previous novel and what can I expect from the old characters. The information was subtle, nothing was implied, and all of it was explained in a manner that was not too long and not too short.
Now let’s get to the juicy part: the story. Lisette is a star and her father was her lover. And yes, they have a daughter Harriet. Lisette’s father has devised a plan that will set her free, but it may leave her with nothing else. And her daughter is in love with the man they registered her with as twins, so that her identity and her reality would be hidden from the world. But she will not stand back and let people rule her life and keep the man she loves away from her.
Needless to say, this novel had my attention from page one and kept me entertained. The characters were real and they were believable. Nothing was far fetched and that gets major points from me. I loved it and I am off to read the first novel in the series.
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