amberdebo's review
2.0
I wanted to punch the protagonists in the face for the entirety of this book. It only gets 2 stars because I managed to finish it.
juliereadsromance's review
4.0
I really like Elisa Braden. She’s a great writer and often injects a keen sense of humor into an otherwise dramatic story, and this book was no exception. I struggled about whether to give it four or five stars. Ultimately, I felt it was more 4 stars because the hero’s possessiveness got so ridiculous at times. It just went beyond what seemed normal, even by romance genre standards
maisyreads1817's review against another edition
4.0
I was wary of reading this book as it has some tropes I’m often not fond of. However I ended up really enjoying it!
The issues that concerned me were handled expertly, while some arguments you did just wish they understood each other better but that was just their characters.
The plot was crazy, more mystery to it than I expected and while I predicted who was behind it the story itself was still gripping.
Can’t wait to continue into the main series now. Though the end of this sets up the newer spin off series rather than the main series, I understand that this prequel was written after the main series.
The issues that concerned me were handled expertly, while some arguments you did just wish they understood each other better but that was just their characters.
The plot was crazy, more mystery to it than I expected and while I predicted who was behind it the story itself was still gripping.
Can’t wait to continue into the main series now. Though the end of this sets up the newer spin off series rather than the main series, I understand that this prequel was written after the main series.
rknitss's review
I could see the writing on the wall and this shit was gonna be real sad.
alisonb's review against another edition
3.0
With a tragic beginning and separation leading to a bumpy reunion, this book had me hooked. And then the hero started to spout some nonsense about being a warrior and taking what was his at all costs and with no communication whatsoever. I found him to be a bit high-handed and frustrating.
Annabelle was in love with Robert since she was a child and we see her write letters to him (of which she never sends), over the years of separation that he enforced. It was tragic and I felt such sorrow for Annabelle. I hoped she would find a nice reliable guy who didn't play mind games and cause her unnecessary pain and heartache. But, alas, that is not how the story plays out and I found myself loving Annabelle, but less than enthused with Robert.
There also was a side plot that felt extraneous and caused me to do a bit of skim reading in the second half of the story. And then the end came abruptly and everyone had their HEA, except for me.
2.5 stars
Annabelle was in love with Robert since she was a child and we see her write letters to him (of which she never sends), over the years of separation that he enforced. It was tragic and I felt such sorrow for Annabelle. I hoped she would find a nice reliable guy who didn't play mind games and cause her unnecessary pain and heartache. But, alas, that is not how the story plays out and I found myself loving Annabelle, but less than enthused with Robert.
There also was a side plot that felt extraneous and caused me to do a bit of skim reading in the second half of the story. And then the end came abruptly and everyone had their HEA, except for me.
2.5 stars
themeadowlibrary's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
hiba45's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
_mj_'s review
3.0
Heartbreaking. I will say a few things about Robert, who acted very much like a teenage boy. First, for someone who doesn't know how to put his feelings into words, he sure thinks with pretty words.. why not share that with Annabelle? Instead, he broods and pretends he doesn't know how to explain his affections. Second, I call bullshit him, blaming her to protect her. He cut out her heart at 13! My heartbreaks for the amount of love Annabelle had for him, too. She would die for him, and I wish she had more love for herself like the earlier parts. But it hooked me anyways, I won't hold the immaturity against him. Plus he wasn't attracted to her when she was 13 so thank god.