Author: Rebecca Yarros (Page 1 of 2)

BOOK REVIEW: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca YarrosFourth Wing (The Empyrean #1)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
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Synopsis:

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda―because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Review:

We can live as cowards or die as riders.

Fourth Wing was epic, breathtaking and consumed my every thought.  This is easily one of my top favorite books, ever.  This book had me screaming from excitement, gasping from betrayal, and crying all the happy and sad tears. Foreshadowing of what was to come was secretly laced into the pages, leaving us with the feeling of dread that was all consuming. The betrayals cut deep. The friendships were beautiful. The enemies to lovers romance was a slow burn that was passionate and steamy. And the battles were intense and epic. If you love romantasy, you definitely need this one on your tbr!

“I’m used to functioning in pain, asshole. Are you?” I raise the dagger in my right hand just to prove that I can despite the blood that runs down my arm and drips from the tip of my blade, saturating the wrap across my palm. My gaze drops meaningfully to his side. “I know exactly where I sliced into you. If you don’t get to a healer soon, you’ll bleed out internally.”
Rage contorts his features, and he moves to strike.

Violet Sorrengail is one of my favorite heroines.  She was smart, cunning and brave.  She was so easy to connect to and feel all of her emotions.  She thought she was destined to enter the Scribe Quadrant, but her mother changed her future.  As the commanding general, her mother forced Violet to go to the Basgiath War College.  And there she would either survive and become a dragon rider or die trying like countless others. The trials she went through were gutting, and I found myself cheering out loud for her every step of the way! Violet is a heroine that you can respect and love!

His eyes flare, and I don’t miss the hint of a smirk on that infuriatingly decadent mouth of his. It should be against the Codex to look that good and be so ruthless.

Xanden Riorson was someone that was so easy to obsess over. He was Violet’s enemy, because his parents had a rebellion that went against Violet’s mom. In punishment, he and the other children of those who rebelled had to attend the Basgiarth War College. Yet by the end of Chapter 7 I was definitely betraying Violet, I was obsessed. Xaden was smart, sly and seemed honorable. His subtle banter with Violet was EVERYTHING! So when Violet would follow through with one his suggestions for training, I was grinning from ear to ear. And when he taught her how to grapple on the mats, it was so hot *fans face*. It seemed like Xaden was trying to protect Violet, yet in her world deception and backstabbing were done without a second thought. So while I was under his spell, I still didn’t know whether I could trust him or not. I kept whispering for him not to betray her.

The inches between us feel like kindling, ready to burn at the first suggestion of heat, and I’m a living, breathing flame. This is everything I should run form, and yet denying the primal attraction I feel is completely, utterly impossible.
“We’ll both regret it.” He shakes his head, but there’s more than hunger in his eyes as he stares at my lips.
“Naturally,” I whisper. But knowing I’ll regret it doesn’t stop me from wanting it – wanting him. Regretting is a problem for future Violet.
“Fuck it.”

This world was fascinating!  Maybe I was putting the clues together wrong, but it seemed like not everything was as black and white as Violet was taught.  All the while, others around her elicited so many emotions.  It was terrifying not knowing who you could trust.  There were those who had no problem killing a threat, or just killing for fun.  Even the grappling was intense, and I was shocked with my mouth left hanging open over how that would play out.  Broken bones were the least of your concerns. So as people showed their true colors over time, some of that made my blood simmer. But at the same time, be careful who you get attached to. Death found some of them too soon.  One especially I still can’t handle, even after finishing this book *sobs*.

“Are you pushing for a reason?” Tarin asks.
“Can you give me one not to?”
“He cares for you. That’s already hard enough for him.”
I scoff. “He cares about keeping me alive. There’s a difference.”
“Not for him there isn’t.”

The dragons in this book were larger than life! I can’t say much, because of spoilers, but the conversations and interactions were spellbinding. Also I loved the friendships that were formed between the humans. They were the type of friendships where you knew they would do anything to protect your life. Which is desperately needed since life and death moments were always present. Throughout this story, there was always this charge in the air that left me terrified of what was to come. And it was impossible not to have sweaty palms during some of the scenes or to feel your heart pounding in your chest! Plus the twists and turns were done beautifully! Some of it I saw coming, but others left me with my mind blown!

“There is no me without you,” he says against my skin.

With the most epic of last lines, this book left us at the perfect spot where we can breathe. For a bit. Yet you’ll still be left desperately wanting to grab that next one! With emotions and tensions running high, this was an action packed ride! The dragons, sparring, battles, political intrigue, friendships, and scorching hot and seductive scenes made this book beyond memorable. It had my whole heart in the palm of its hand and made me cry all the tears! Fourth Wing was beyond addictive and will easily become a favorite for romantasy fans!

“Going for blood today, are we, Violence?” he whispers. Metal hits the mat again and he kicks it past my head and out of my reach.
He’s not taking my daggers to use against me; he’s disarming me just to prove he can. My blood boils.
“My name is Violet,” I seethe.
“I think my version fits you better.”

PS The nickname that was given to Violet? I loved it so much!

I arch into him and claim his lips, kissing him like this might be the only time I’ll get the chance. This kind of desperation isn’t natural; it’s a wildfire that’s likely to burn us both to the ground if we let it.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Full Measures (Flight & Glory #1) by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: Full Measures (Flight & Glory #1) by Rebecca YarrosFull Measures (Flight & Glory #1)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: Amazon
Book Depository
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Synopsis:

She knew. That’s why Mom hadn’t opened the door. She knew he was dead.

Twenty years as an army brat and Ember Howard knew, too. The soldiers at the door meant her dad was never coming home. What she didn’t know was how she would find the strength to singlehandedly care for her crumbling family when her mom falls apart.

Then Josh Walker enters her life. Hockey star, her new next-door neighbor, and not to mention the most delicious hands that insist on saving her over and over again. He has a way of erasing the pain with a single look, a single touch. As much as she wants to turn off her feelings and endure the heartache on her own, she can’t deny their intense attraction. Until Josh’s secret shatters their world. And Ember must decide if he’s worth the risk that comes with loving a man who could strip her bare.

Review:

Why was it so damn hard to breathe?

Full Measures was an emotionally powerful book.  With healing and love woven together, this story was impossible not to cry while reading.  I was looking for a New Adult romance that would be an angsty, emotional ride and this fit that need perfectly!

I placed my right hand on the chilled exterior of the coffin and stifled my cry with my left. “I love you,” the whisper broke from me. “I miss you, and I don’t know what to do without you,” I cried. I dragged the frost- bitten air through my lungs. “But don’t you worry about them, not Grams, or Mom, April, or Gus. I will take care of them, I promise.”

Full Measures started out with an emotional bang.  It was impossible not to sob your eyes out.  Or cry through that first chapter.  It was horrific watching Ember Howard’s whole world blow up in her face.  Losing her father.  Watching her mother turn into a shell of a woman of who she was.  And she was left trying to help take care of her younger siblings, while not drowning in her own grief.  Watching Ember try and keep it together while everyone else fell apart had me lost in her agony. This book radiated her pain, and it was impossible not to feel every single thing Ember did.

I wanted someone to hold me, to tell me it was going to be okay, to assure me that my life hadn’t ended with Dad’s. I wanted solace, and comfort, and not to think about it for a while. Wasn’t there anyone else who could help carry the weight of this house?

Josh Walker stumbled upon Ember on the most horrific day of her life.  He had gone to school with her and was her little brother’s hockey coach.  His compassion was beautiful.  And I loved how he was always there.  That he could lend a hand and tried his best to help out where he could.  Yet Ember had her walls infinitely high.  She had a boyfriend.  Who I dubbed as a complete douche bag.  And a mother, sister and little brother that she now was like a parent to.  But one of my favorite things about Josh was that he would just show up.  Where others would say if you need help just ask, he stepped in there and helped.  It was impossible not to fall for how kind Josh’s heart and soul were.

“She’s going to be okay, eventually.”
“So are you.” He squeezed my hand gently before quickly pulling it away, careful not to brush the skin of my knee just below my hem.

Josh and Ember together felt inevitable.  Yet they didn’t have an easy path.  It slowly started out as friendship. And I loved how that led to more. Ember was so focused on doing what was right for her family. And I loved that Josh could then help focus Ember on her life. What she wanted to do. Josh was considerate, patient, understanding, protective, caring and such a beautiful book boyfriend. Yet Josh had been the ultimate player. And had girls fawning over him left and right. I loved two of the names Ember gave them haha.

“God, Ember.”
I said the only thing I could think of. “More.”
He lifted his head, staring into my eyes like he could see through my soul. “This isn’t what you want.”

My notes while reading consisted of tears, more tears and that I couldn’t stop sobbing throughout this story.  Ember’s loss and her family’s struggle to survive while going through the motions gutted me.  The emotions were so intense, real.  At times it felt like I was suffocating in all of their grief and I couldn’t stop the tears that constantly kept pooling in my eyes.  YET in the pages was also a beautiful love story.  And another beautiful story about family healing.  It was a rough journey, but by the end of his book my heart was so happy!

“Oh, and Ember?” I blinked in response. “I’m still your whatever, for whatever you need.”

Secrets can never stay hidden, for long.  And Josh had one that could tear him and Ember apart.  So I loved watching the struggle and the path it took.  The clarity moment was so beautiful! Yet I did have a hiccup with this story. Some of the lines just didn’t work for me. And while I do love cheesiness, I just wasn’t looking for it now. I think if I would have read this story when it first came out, it would have worked perfectly for me. But regardless, I’ll be jumping into the next book. I’m excited that Josh’s roommate is getting his own story. And while Josh and Ember’s story ended on a happily for now, you just know they will get their happily ever after. And I’m hoping we’ll get to see it in a future book!

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca Yarros

I’m beyond excited to be on the tour for A Little Too Close! I love the books Rebecca Yarros writes, and this opposites attracts story was so fun to devour! Enjoy ♥

BOOK REVIEW: A Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2) by Rebecca YarrosA Little Too Close (Madigan Mountain #2)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
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Synopsis:

From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros comes a small town, single parent romance.

Nine years ago, Weston Madigan saved me. I came to Colorado penniless, heartbroken, and pregnant, searching for a fresh start. Weston gave me a job at his family's resort, then left the next day and never returned, not even to visit.

Then I stumble in on Weston cooking breakfast shirtless-gloriously, inappropriately shirtless-in the shared kitchen of my duplex in employee housing. Given the shock on both our faces, he wasn't expecting a roommate either, let alone two.

The growly pilot is only home to start his family's new heli-skiing operation. I can handle being his temporary roommate, right? Chemistry and attraction aren't impossible to ignore when you agree on ground rules. Besides, even with those gorgeous, brooding brown eyes, the guy is a walking thundercloud...until my daughter, Sutton, makes him laugh and he smiles at me. Then everything changes. Cue inconvenient heart flip.

This is only temporary.

I can't fall for Weston.

I. Will. Not. Fall. For. Weston.

But rules go out the window when you're a little too close.

Review:

A Little Too Close was a steamy story about opposites attract! With a forced proximity that was done phenomenally, a story-line that will tug at your heart and characters you can’t hep but love, this story was such a huge hit. With the right amount of hope and laughter, mixed with an emotional backstory for both characters, this romance story is bound to sweep you off your feet!

Staring at my roommate’s mouth was the worst idea in the fucking world.
Nope. Kissing her would be the worst. Staring is just…bad.

Callie Thorne was a single mom that was dedicated, a hard worker and had the most beautiful heart. She had put so many of her plans aside for others happiness, and the joy she filled a room with was infectious. She was the photographer for the ski resort, and living in a duplex in employee housing while saving money for her and her daughter, Sutton’s, own place. Yet when she found Weston Madigon cooking in her kitchen shirtless, everything changed. This was the same man who gave her a job ten years ago when she was pregnant and absolutely lost in life. And then he disappeared the next day. When Callie and Weston agreed to share the duplex, along with a list of rules, neither of their lives would ever be the same again.

Weston smiled. He really, actually smiled, and I almost lost my balance. He was gorgeous while broody and serious, but smiling? He was beautiful.

Weston Madigan didn’t expect to find himself back at his family’s ski resort. He left after he helped raise his younger brother, since his mom died and his father checked out while being an alcoholic. He was now in the army as a helicopter pilot. Yet his older brother Reed needed him, to help branch the resort into heli tours and drops for skiing and snowboarding. With resentment towards Reed, questioning himself and a whole slew of other emotions, Weston found himself back home. And sharing living quarters with Callie and her daughter Sutton. Being around Callie and Sutton showed us how considerate, thoughtful, caring and protective he could be. Weston was sigh worthy. For someone who didn’t even want a pet for fear or attachment, I loved watching him come to care for the both of them. And I loved even more the attraction between Callie and Weston that couldn’t be ignored.

A second later, he ripped his head back. “This is a really bad idea.” But his grip tightened on my hips.
“The worst,” I agreed, my hands sliding to his neck and behind, up into his hair.
“Fuck it.” He slanted his mouth over mine and kissed me, his tongue parting my lips and sliding into my mouth like he owned it.

While Weston and Callie each had their walls, I loved watching them get to know each other. As the weeks went by, they let the other in just a little bit more each time they interacted. The friendship that forged felt natural, along with how they cared for the other. Yet they were also both attracted to each other. So the longer they lived together, the more impossible it became for them to ignore the sparks between them. And when they pushed the boundaries from friends to more, oh it was hot *fans face*!

I was a compass, and she was north. I was powerless to fight whatever this was between us.

A Little Too Close was a charming, romantic, opposites attract that will capture your heart. With side characters that I loved, both of their groups of friends were fabulous! And a happily ever after with a look into the future, this book was so wonderful! Ohhhhh I have to share that one of my favorite things in this book was Weston and his bond with Callie’s daughter, Sutton. He was her biggest cheerleader and their relationship will give you all the smiles! And while yes you could technically read this as a standalone, I can’t recommend A Little Too Late enough! I read that story first, since it’s about Weston’s older brother Reed and how he ended up back at the ski resort. So if you love adult romance that has some steam in the pages and lots of heart then this is one you’ll want to check out!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

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About Rebecca Yarros:

Rebecca Yarros is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, including The Things We Leave Unfinished and The Last Letter. “A gifted storyteller” (Kirkus), she is also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. She’s the mother of six children, and is currently surviving the teenage years with three of her four hockey-playing sons. When she’s not writing, you can find her at the hockey rink or sneaking in some guitar time while guzzling coffee. She and her family live in Colorado with their stubborn English bulldogs, two feisty chinchillas, and a Maine Coon kitten named Artemis, who rules them all. Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October, which she co-founded with her husband in 2019. To learn more about their mission to better the lives of kids in foster care, visit www.oneoctober.org. To catch up on Rebecca’s latest releases and upcoming novels visit www.RebeccaYarros.com.

Connect w/Rebecca: Website I Facebook I Facebook Group I Twitter I Instagram I Goodreads I Bookbub I Amazon

BOOK REVIEW: Reason to Believe (Legacy #1) by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: Reason to Believe (Legacy #1) by Rebecca Yarros

Reason to Believe easily landed on my favorites list! Check out my 5 Star Review below ♥.

BOOK REVIEW: Reason to Believe (Legacy #1) by Rebecca YarrosReason to Believe (Legacy #1)
by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
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Synopsis:

From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros comes a brand-new small town, older-brother’s best friend standalone romance.

“I’ll take them!”

That’s what I tell the social worker when my pre-k student and his baby brother need an emergency foster placement. I’ll do anything to keep the brothers from being split up. But my apartment’s flooded and there’s only one house I can take them to on such short notice…his.

Knox Daniels, my older brother’s best friend, offers his new place without hesitation. He’s not moving back to our tiny town until next month—that’s when all our hotshot firefighters are returning for their one and only chance to rebuild our fathers’ fallen, iconic crew.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve been silently in love with Knox since we were kids.
It can’t matter that we pretend that reckless prom night kiss never happened.
It won’t matter that my feelings for him could destroy his lifelong friendship with my brother and threaten the certification of their hotshot crew.
Because I’ll be out of his house long before he gets back.

Except Knox just walked in…a month early.
And the icing on this awkward cake?
He’s gorgeous as always and I’m covered in baby puke.
He takes one look at the boys and tells me we can make this work—
We can temporarily fake a relationship to keep them from being separated by the system.

Suddenly, everything matters.

Review:

Reason to Believe was an emotionally beautiful love story!  With tons of heart, this sexy romance completely consumed me.  It was impossible to put down. As heartbreaking and uplifting moments laced throughout the pages, this book soared right onto my favorites list!

“You’re not always an asshole, do you know that?”
I laughed. “Yeah, well, just don’t tell anyone.”
“I like this version of you.” Her arms tightened around my neck, and I flinched.
Like
was dangerous. It was everything I’d avoided these last seven years when it came to Harper.

With a mix of older brother’s best friend and fake dating, this story was done to perfection! We started out seven years in the past, and got to witness why Knox and Harper could never be together.  Even though the chemistry and connection between them was electrifying. When we jumped seven years in the future, Harper found herself in a situation to help foster two little boys, at Knox’s house while he was away. So when Knox came home a month early, he agreed to help Harper keep the boys from being separated. By pretending that they were together.

I was head-over-heels in love with that arrogant ass and had been since I was old enough to name the emotion.
But to him…well, I wasn’t anything, not even a blip on his sexual radar.
I was his best friend’s little sister.
And I hated that most of all.

I absolutely loved Harper! She was fierce, independent, intelligent and had the hugest heart! When she stepped up to help foster one of her students and his baby brother, after their mom had been killed, I loved seeing her resolve, strength and watching her try to do her best. Even though it was extremely challenging. So when Knox appeared in the picture, I held my breath. She had been in love with her older brother’s best friend since she was a kid. And when Knox stated that they were in a fake relationship, to keep the boys from being separated, it just reinforced why she had been in love with him forever.

“I’m so sorry I dragged you into this,” she whispered.
I dropped my chin to rest on the top of her head, avoiding where she had her hair piled in some kind of knot. “Harper, there is nowhere else I would rather be.”
Her breath hitched, and we both fell silent.

Knox pulled at my heart and it was so easy to fall for him. While he was jaded from the past, he would do anything for Harper. Yes she was his best friend’s little sister, but as we got to hear the story from his point of view also, we saw how desperately he secretly craved her.  She was the only thing in his life he truly wanted, but couldn’t ever have. That need burned him alive. So I loved the forbidden feel of them! As Knox stepped up and helped Harper every step of the way, their friendship showed how perfect they were for each other. And the sexual tension between them was so intense, it was like they were on fire every moment they were near each other!

My breath caught at the longing in his eyes, the need and heat that echoed my own.

This story brimmed with emotions that were raw and real. I already had tears by the second chapter and they just kept appearing as the story unfolded. I even found myself sobbing and couldn’t stop the tears from pouring down my face. While this book was an emotional powerhouse, there was also so much love, friendship, smiles and laughter throughout this story too. I loved their firefighting family! I loved Harper and Knox’s friends, who I had already fallen in love with in previous novellas (Point of Origin & Ignite which are currently FREE!). You don’t have to read them before picking up this book, but I highly recommend you do! Together they made this found family that was uplifting in their little town. And I loved how they had each other’s back. It was smile inducing and their lighter moments were heartwarming. Plus the two little boys in this story will absolutely capture your heart.

I poured all of my messy, unlabeled emotions into the caress of my lips, the stroke of my tongue, hoping she understood what I didn’t know how to say. Praying she knew what she meant to me when I couldn’t put words to it.

Romance lovers will passionately fall in love with Reason to Believe! Within the pages this story was emotional, intense, swoon worthy, intoxicating, heart wrenching and had so much passion! This was a story-line that will capture your heart and one you’ll remember forever. And the HEA at the end?! It was everything I could have ever wanted and more. If you’re looking for an adult romance to pick up, I can’t recommend this one enough!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

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About Rebecca Yarros:

Rebecca Yarros is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of over fifteen novels, including Great and Precious Things and The Last Letter. “A gifted storyteller” (Kirkus), she is also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward from her Flight and Glory series.

Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for almost twenty years. She’s the mother of six children, ranging from kindergarten to law school, and is currently surviving the teenage years with three of her four hockey-playing sons. When she’s not writing, you can find her at the hockey rink or sneaking in some guitar time while guzzling coffee. She and her family live in Colorado with their stubborn English bulldogs, two feisty chinchillas, and a Maine Coon kitten named Artemis, who rules them all.

Having fostered then adopted their youngest daughter who is nonverbal and on the autism spectrum, Rebecca is passionate about helping children in the foster system through her nonprofit, One October, which she co-founded with her husband in 2019. To learn more about their mission to better the lives of kids in foster care, visit www.oneoctober.org.

To catch up on Rebecca’s latest releases and upcoming novels, including The Things We Leave Unfinished, which just received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, visit www.RebeccaYarros.com.


Website I Facebook I Facebook Group I Twitter I Instagram I Goodreads I Bookbub I Amazon

BOOK REVIEW: The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

BOOK REVIEW: The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca YarrosThe Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
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Synopsis:

Told in alternating timelines, THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED examines the risks we take for love, the scars too deep to heal, and the endings we can’t bring ourselves to see coming.

Twenty-eight-year-old Georgia Stanton has to start over after she gave up almost everything in a brutal divorce―the New York house, the friends, and her pride. Now back home at her late great-grandmother’s estate in Colorado, she finds herself face-to-face with Noah Harrison, the bestselling author of a million books where the cover is always people nearly kissing. He’s just as arrogant in person as in interviews, and she’ll be damned if the good-looking writer of love stories thinks he’s the one to finish her grandmother’s final novel…even if the publisher swears he’s the perfect fit.

Noah is at the pinnacle of his career. With book and movie deals galore, there isn’t much the “golden boy” of modern fiction hasn’t accomplished. But he can’t walk away from what might be the best book of the century―the one his idol, Scarlett Stanton, left unfinished. Coming up with a fitting ending for the legendary author is one thing, but dealing with her beautiful, stubborn, cynical great-granddaughter, Georgia, is quite another.

But as they read Scarlett’s words in both the manuscript and her box of letters, they start to realize why Scarlett never finished the book―it’s based on her real-life romance with a World War II pilot, and the ending isn’t a happy one. Georgia knows all too well that love never works out, and while the chemistry and connection between her and Noah is undeniable, she’s as determined as ever to learn from her great-grandmother’s mistakes―even if it means destroying Noah’s career.


Review:

The Things We Leave Unfinished was an emotional powerhouse that quickly enraptured my heart.  The story was hauntingly beautiful and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to these characters.  This is easily one of my top favorite reads of the year and if you love romance, then you should definitely have this one on their tbr.

“You said you know the worth of what I just handed to you.”
“I do,”
Our gazes collided, the electricity – chemistry, attraction, whatever it was – coursing between us enough to raise goose bumps on my arm. “Earn it.” – Georgia & Noah

The book alternated between Georgia and Noah in the present, and her great-grandparents Scarlett and Jameson in the past.  The story flowed seamlessly between the past and the present and in each moment I was captivated with what was unfolding on the pages.  I loved how easy it was to become invested in their lives, and that doesn’t always happen with me when there’s two time periods in a story.  But it was because I loved these four characters with my whole heart and soul.

“I’ve never had a problem reaching for things I want,” I replied softly. “It’s the falling that gets me into trouble.” – Georgia

 Within that first chapter, I was already enchanted with Georgia Stanton and her world.  She was back home, in her quaint town, while healing from a very public divorce.  I quickly connected to her and felt her pain, not only from her past but even when she interacted with her mother.  Georgia’s emotions flowed so easily into my heart.  And when she met Noah Harrison, I loved how she had no problem being vocal with her opinions.  I adored their meet cute and the path he led her down!

It wasn’t that I was living for him, but that he simply made me want to live.  To fight.  To prove my point.  To take a stand when I’d usually defer to someone else’s emotions and take the path of least resistance. – Georgia

Noah and Georgia butted heads right away and were both fabulous at holding their ground.  But Noah had an amazing opportunity to help finish his idols book about her romance with a World War II pilot.  And the author was Georgia’s late great-grandmother, Scarlett.  You could feel the attraction between Noah and Georgia.  And while sparks flew when they were together, they had a lot of obstacles in their way.  Quite a few of their antics had me laughing out loud, and so many of the others had me constantly smiling.   So let it be known that I loved Noah.  Not only was he tall, dark and handsome, but he was determined, thoughtful and caring.  Together, Noah and Georgia filled the pages with laughter, longing and the most wonderful of angst.

Too much, too soon, too fast…it was all of that and then some, but she couldn’t bring herself to slow it down. – Scarlett

 Georgia and Noah’s chapters would always start with a letter from the past.  And a few chapters into this book, we also got to hear Scarlett and Jameson’s story.  Scarlett was active duty and stationed alongside her sister Constance, during World War II in 1940.  Scarlett was brave and strong for helping out her country during the war, and the moment she met Jameson I was obsessed.  Jameson was a pilot who was captivating, seductive, swoon worthy, protective and I couldn’t stop smiling every time he spoke.  Their moments together created butterflies in my stomach and their love story captured me so easily.  Scarlett and Jameson had this soul deep connection that was intoxicating.  But every moment felt like it could be their last, their world was so unstable.

His heartbeat was strong and steady as they swayed. Here was the only place she felt safe or certain about anything lately. There was nothing in this world that compared to the feel of his arms around her. – Scarlett and Jameson

I shouldn’t have been surprised that I already had tears within the first 100 pages of this story, and they definitely weren’t the last.  Because the world that they lived in, the sacrifices they made for the greater good and the risks they took with their own lives was gutting and harsh.  Yet it was their way of life.  It was because of brave people like Scarlett and Jameson that their countries could survive.  But everything could change in the blink of an eye and I was beyond terrified for them.  So there were countless times where it felt like my heart was in my throat, and there was no controlling my emotions when I was in their world.

Nothing was close enough. She wanted to feel his ever breath, every heartbeat, wanted to live inside that kiss where there were no bombs, no raids, nothing that would pry him from her arms.
She lifted her hands to his neck and arched against him as his lips slid to the curve of her jaw. – Scarlett

The happiness that Scarlett and Jameson felt made me sigh out loud and smile.  Their times together were beautiful, emotional and their love was so powerful.  I also loved Scarlett’s sister, Constance, who seemed to be such a huge champion for the both of them.  The bond between the sisters was such a wonderful part of this story and it too pulled my emotions in so many ways with how their lives unfolded.  But with all of the love that flooded the pages, there was also loss.  It was so devastatingly painful that I sobbed.  I couldn’t stop the tears that were falling down my face as I flipped through the pages.  And just when I thought I wouldn’t cry anymore, the steady stream of tears continued.  But have faith, because not only was there so much love within these pages, but we also got to have a happily ever after for some of those we loved.

The smile that lit his face was echoed on hers, and for the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to feel that happiness radiate, to sink into every fiber of her being. – Scarlett

The Things We Leave Unfinished was a beautiful and tragic tale of love, loss, sacrifice and hope.  Since finishing this story, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it days later.  If you love romance, epic love stories and characters that will easily steal pieces of your heart, you definitely want this one on your tbr!  I can’t recommend it enough!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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