Book Review: The Awakening (The Dragon Heart Legacy #1) – Nora Roberts

Rating: 1/5 🌟

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Romance

Review:

Has a book ever broken you, not because it was so amazing but because it was so freaking disappointing? I have dreaded writing the review of this book since I started reading it and this dread, I believe now, is what caused my longest reading slump to date. Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors and her stories have always given me strength to deal with my own life so it really hurts when one of her books leave me feeling so slumped and disappointed.

The Awakening started out so well, with such promise. I was first lured by that fantastic cover. I enjoyed the overall plot of it and I loved Breen. I empathized with her and understood what she went through and the strength it took to become who she wanted to be.

I loved Marco. He and Sally were my favorite characters. Breen’s friendship with Marco, that deep connection—Nora Roberts did a great job here because I could feel that depth of feeling.

I’ve always loved Nora Roberts’ books because of the values in them, the connection between people, the consideration and understanding between the main characters, that depth of feeling between them, the freedom of will—I hate that these were missing from the book.

When you’ve been pushed into a certain mold, and it takes Herculean strength to hammer and build yourself up, it sucks when the people who should understand that, who are supposed to be your friends are the ones who get mad when you don’t let yourself be pushed around. Breen didn’t deserve that. This and the lack of depth of feeling between the main characters (except for Breen and Marco) were a big disappointment for me.

I know The Awakening is just the first book in a trilogy but even as a first book, the rich story-telling that is Nora Roberts’ signature would have made this story absolutely gripping to me. It’s a shame because this book did have all the potential of an epic story but it saddens me that not even the cliffhanger moved me.

∼Lyn

 

Synopsis: In the realm of Talamh, a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword—representing both power and the terrifying responsibility to protect the Fey. In another realm known as Philadelphia, a young woman has just discovered she possesses a treasure of her own… When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious twentysomething mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father—and it’s worth nearly four million dollars. This newfound fortune would be life-changing for anyone. But little does Breen know that when she uses some of the money to journey to Ireland, it will unlock mysteries she couldn’t have imagined. Here, she will begin to understand why she kept seeing that silver-haired, elusive man, why she imagined his voice in her head saying Come home, Breen Siobhan. It’s time you came home. Why she dreamed of dragons. And where her true destiny lies—through a portal in Galway that takes her to a land of faeries and mermaids, to a man named Keegan, and to the courage in her own heart that will guide her through a powerful, dangerous destiny…

New Book Releases – 25 May 2021

Hola, Book Dragons. Post #12 of May. Who doesn’t love book release days? Got 2 new releases for you guys today. *drumrolls*

1. Legacy – Nora Roberts

Synopsis:
The #1 New York Times bestselling author presents a new novel of a mother and a daughter, of ambition and romance, and of a traumatic past reawakened by a terrifying threat…
Adrian Rizzo was seven when she met her father for the first time. That was the day he nearly killed her—before her mother, Lina, stepped in.
Soon after, Adrian was dropped off at her grandparents’ house in Maryland, where she spent a long summer drinking lemonade, playing with dogs, making a new best friend—and developing the stirrings of a crush on her friend’s ten-year-old brother. Lina, meanwhile, traveled the country promoting her fitness brand and turning it into a billion-dollar business. There was no point in dwelling on the past.
A decade later, Adrian has created her own line of yoga and workout videos, following in Lina’s footsteps but intent on maintaining creative control. And she’s just as cool-headed and ambitious as her mother. They aren’t close, but they’re cordial—as long as neither crosses the other.
But while Lina dismisses the death threats that Adrian starts getting as a routine part of her daughter’s growing celebrity, Adrian can’t help but find the vicious rhymes unsettling. Year after year, they keep arriving—the postmarks changing, but the menacing tone the same. They continue after she returns to Maryland and becomes reacquainted with Raylan, her childhood crush, all grown up and as gorgeously green-eyed as ever. Sometimes it even seems like the terrifying messages are indeed routine, like nothing will come of them. Until the murders start, and the escalation begins…

2. Shadow Storm (Shadow Riders #6) – Christine Feehan

Synopsis:
Danger inspires fierce passion when a new threat targets Chicago’s Ferraro crime family in this novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling series.
A long-simmering feud between two families comes to a head in this gripping novel in Christine Feehan’s New York Times bestselling Shadow Riders series.
As the youngest member of the Ferraro family, Emmanuelle has watched each of her brothers find happiness in love while her own heart was shattered by a lover’s betrayal. For two years she’s stayed as far away from Valentino Saldi as possible—until she learns that he’s been shot during a hostile takeover of his family’s territory.
Emme’s first instinct is to call her brother Stefano for help, and soon the entire Ferraro clan arrives to bring Val back from the brink of death and protect the Saldis from further attack. With one choice Emme has re-exposed herself to Val’s intoxicating pull and dragged her family into the Saldis’ private war.
A deadly storm is brewing, and only time will tell who survives…

Oh, by the way, these are the UK covers. I can’t wait to read Legacy (fangirl scream) but for Shadow Storm I was hoping for another guy for Emme, not Val who was such an asshole to her. Man, I need to vent on this.

What about you guys? Any new releases you were anticipating today?

∼Lyn

Saturday Stars – 08 May 2021 – Simon Doyle

Hi, peeps. Post #6 of May. So I’ve been thinking about my favorite characters lately and I decided to bring back my Saturday blog meme – Saturday Stars.

Today’s star is *drumrolls*

Saturday Star: Simon Doyle
Book/Series: The Search – Nora Roberts

Synopsis:
A canine Search and Rescue volunteer fights danger and finds love in the Pacific Northwest wilderness in this riveting #1 New York Times bestseller from Nora Roberts.
To most people, Fiona Bristow seems to have an idyllic life—a quaint house on an island off Seattle’s coast, a thriving dog-training school and a challenging volunteer job performing Canine Search and Rescue. But Fiona got to this point by surviving a nightmare: an encounter with the Red Scarf Killer, who shot and killed Fiona’s cop fiancé and his K-9 partner.
On Orcas Island, Fiona has found the peace and solitude necessary to rebuild her life with her three loyal Labs. But all that changes on the day intensely private wood artist Simon Doyle barrels up her drive with an out-of-control puppy, desperate for her help.
As Fiona embarks on training Jaws, and Simon begins to appreciate both dog and trainer, the past tears back into Fiona’s life. A copycat killer has emerged out of the shadows, a man whose bloodlust has been channeled by a master with one motive: to reclaim the woman who slipped out of his hands…

I’ve always had a soft spot for snarky guys and Simon is one of my favorites. He’s grouchy and surly and he guards his solitude like a secret service agent. He’s a wood artist and he doesn’t give a damn what others think of him. I love that about him, how he does what he thinks is best without letting others’ opinions affect him.

He knows who he is, what he wants, and makes no apologies. I can only wish to have even an ounce of that self-confidence.

And when Simon loves, he loves with all his heart, fully, completely, without restraints. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever feel that way. I don’t know but at least I can live vicariously through my favorite characters.

∼Lyn

How to participate in this meme:
1. Credit the creator of this tag (Me! 😉 ) and link back.
2. Answer the three questions pertaining to the character.
3. Have fun revisiting your favorite characters and their worlds.
Questions:
1 - Saturday Star (Name the Character you want to feature.)
2 - Which book or series does the character live in?
3 - Why is this character among your favorites? 

New Book Releases – 24 Nov 2020

Hola, Book Dragons. Three new releases today!

1. The Awakening (The Dragon Heart Legacy #1) – Nora Roberts

Synopsis:
In the realm of Talamh, a teenage warrior named Keegan emerges from a lake holding a sword—representing both power and the terrifying responsibility to protect the Fey. In another realm known as Philadelphia, a young woman has just discovered she possesses a treasure of her own…
When Breen Kelly was a girl, her father would tell her stories of magical places. Now she’s an anxious twentysomething mired in student debt and working a job she hates. But one day she stumbles upon a shocking discovery: her mother has been hiding an investment account in her name. It has been funded by her long-lost father—and it’s worth nearly four million dollars.
This newfound fortune would be life-changing for anyone. But little does Breen know that when she uses some of the money to journey to Ireland, it will unlock mysteries she couldn’t have imagined. Here, she will begin to understand why she kept seeing that silver-haired, elusive man, why she imagined his voice in her head saying Come home, Breen Siobhan. It’s time you came home. Why she dreamed of dragons. And where her true destiny lies—through a portal in Galway that takes her to a land of faeries and mermaids, to a man named Keegan, and to the courage in her own heart that will guide her through a powerful, dangerous destiny…

2. The Princess Knight (The Scarred Earth Saga #2) – G.A. Aiken

Synopsis:
In New York Times bestselling author G.A. Aiken’s gripping new fantasy romance series, the Blacksmith Queen must confront armies and pretenders desperate to take her new-won crown. But with the Princess Knight at her side and a centaur warrior clan at her back, she’ll risk everything for victory . . .
LONG LIVE THE QUEEN
Gemma Smythe dedicated her life to the glory of battle. With her fellow War Monks, she worshipped the war gods, rained destruction on her enemies, and raised the dead when the fancy took her. Until her sister Keeley became the prophesied Blacksmith Queen, and Gemma broke faith with her order to journey to the Amichai Mountain and fight by Keeley’s side.
The Amichai warriors are an unruly, never-to-be-tamed lot, especially their leader-in-waiting, Quinn. But when the War Monks declare support for Gemma’s ruthless younger sister Beatrix, the immaturity of her key ally is the least of Gemma’s problems. She has to get to the grand masters, dispel their grudge against her, and persuade them to fight for Keeley and justice. If her conviction can’t sway them, perhaps Quinn’s irritating, irreverent, clearly unhinged, ferocity will win the day . . .

3. How the King of Elfhame Learned to Hate Stories (The Folk of the Air #3.5) – Holly Black

Synopsis:
An illustrated addition to the New York Times bestselling Folk of Air trilogy, that started with The Cruel Prince, from award-winning author Holly Black.
An irresistible return to the captivating world of Elfhame.
Once upon a time, there was a boy with a wicked tongue.
Before he was a cruel prince or a wicked king, he was a faerie child with a heart of stone . #1 New York Times bestselling author, Holly Black reveals a deeper look into the dramatic life of Elfhame’s enigmatic high king, Cardan. This tale includes delicious details of life before The Cruel Prince, an adventure beyond The Queen of Nothing, and familiar moments from The Folk of the Air trilogy, told wholly from Cardan’s perspective.
This new installment in the Folk of the Air series is a return to the heart-racing romance, danger, humor, and drama that enchanted readers everywhere. Each chapter is paired with lavish and luminous full-color art, making this the perfect collector’s item to be enjoyed by both new audiences and old.

What about you guys? Do you have any new releases for me? 😉

∼Lyn

TYCR – 28 Jul 2020 – The Obsession – Nora Roberts

Hola, Book Dragons, how are you? If you follow my blog, you know what a crazy fan of Nora Roberts I am. Lol. Disclaimer: I don’t claim to have read all her books or even loved all of them. But I’ve read about 100 or so and a majority of that hundred is among my favorites. She’s one of the top-notch storytellers I have ever seen. The best part? Her writing is simply, magical.

I’m on a re-read of The Obsession because I was missing Xander a lot. 😍

The Obsession – Nora Roberts

Synopsis:
“She stood in the deep, dark woods, breath shallow and cold prickling over her skin despite the hot, heavy air. She took a step back, then two, as the urge to run fell over her.”

Naomi Bowes lost her innocence the night she followed her father into the woods. In freeing the girl trapped in the root cellar, Naomi revealed the horrible extent of her father’s crimes and made him infamous. No matter how close she gets to happiness, she can’t outrun the sins of Thomas David Bowes.

Now a successful photographer living under the name Naomi Carson, she has found a place that calls to her, a rambling old house in need of repair, thousands of miles away from everything she’s ever known. Naomi wants to embrace the solitude, but the kindly residents of Sunrise Cove keep forcing her to open up—especially the determined Xander Keaton.

Naomi can feel her defenses failing, and knows that the connection her new life offers is something she’s always secretly craved. But the sins of her father can become an obsession, and, as she’s learned time and again, her past is never more than a nightmare away.

I love Xander. He’s one of my best guys. He’s a total book dragon, too and man, how can you not love him? 😍😍😍 If you haven’t read this book, definitely give it a try.

What about you guys? What are you reading?

∼Lyn

Rules for the blog meme:
1 - Title should be as such: "TYCR - Date - Book Title" (see above)
2 - Credit the creator of this blog meme (Me! 😉 ) and link back.
3 - Book cover and synopsis
4 - Talk about how the current book you're reading or listening to is making you feel 
- share your thoughts but NO SPOILERS, please.

Remember it's an opportune blog meme so use it whenever you want.
You're welcome to use the banner as well if you like.

New Book Releases – 26 May 2020

Hola, Book Dragons! I got 3 new goodies for you today. I still can’t believe I got approved for my first-ever Nora Roberts ARC from Netgalley! You guys are in a for a treat with Hideaway.

Happy Book Birthday to these beauties!

1. Hideaway – Nora Roberts

Synopsis:
A family ranch in Big Sur country and a legacy of Hollywood royalty set the stage for Nora Roberts’ emotional new suspense novel.

Caitlyn Sullivan, a daughter of Hollywood royalty, was already a star at ten, but still loved to play hide-and-seek with her cousins at the family home in Big Sur. It was during one of those games that she disappeared.

Despite her glamorous background, Cate was a shrewd, scrappy survivor, and she managed to escape her abductors. Dillon Cooper was shocked to find the bruised and terrified girl huddled in his ranch house kitchen—but when the teenager and his family heard her story they provided refuge and comfort, reuniting her with her loved ones.

Cate’s ordeal, though, was far from over. First came the discovery of a betrayal that would send someone she’d trusted to prison. Then there were years away in Ireland, sheltered and protected but with restlessness growing in her soul. Then, finally, she returned to Los Angeles, hoping to act again and get past the trauma that had derailed her life. What she didn’t yet know was that two seeds had been planted that long-ago night—one of a great love, and one of a terrible vengeance…

TYCR – 23 May 2020 – The Perfect Hope (Inn BoonsBoro Trilogy #3) – Nora Roberts

Hola, Book Dragons, how are you? Another re-read for me. I was missing Ryder a lot so I wanted to re-read his story.

Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts introduces you to the Montgomery brothers – Beckett, Ryder, and Owen – as they bring an intimate bed-and-breakfast to life in their hometown.

Ryder is the hardest Montgomery brother to figure out – with a tough-as-nails outside and possibly nothing too soft underneath. He’s surly and unsociable, but when he straps on a toolbelt, no woman can resist his sexy swagger. Except, apparently, Hope Beaumont, the innkeeper of his own Inn BoonsBoro…

As the former manager of a D.C. hotel, Hope is used to excitement and glamour, but that doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate the joys of small-town living. She’s where she wants to be – except for in her love life. Her only interaction with the opposite sex has been sparring with the infuriating Ryder, who always seems to get under her skin. Still, no one can deny the electricity that crackles between them…a spark that ignited with a New Year’s Eve kiss.

While the inn is running smoothly, thanks to Hope’s experience and unerring instincts, her big-city past is about to make an unwelcome – and embarrassing – appearance. Seeing Hope vulnerable stirs up Ryder’s emotions and makes him realize that while Hope may not be perfect, she just might be perfect for him…

Ryder is surly, annoying, straight to the point with his no-nonsense attitude. He’s prickly, sarcastic, absolutely irresistible. He’s my favorite among the Montgomery brothers.

What about you guys? What are you reading?

∼Lyn

Rules for the blog meme:
1 - Title should be as such: "TYCR - Date - Book Title" (see above)
2 - Credit the creator of this blog meme (Me! 😉 ) and link back.
3 - Book cover and synopsis
4 - Talk about how the current book you're reading or listening to is making you feel 
- share your thoughts but NO SPOILERS, please.

Remember it's an opportune blog meme so use it whenever you want.
You're welcome to use the banner as well if you like.

ARC Book Review: Hideaway – Nora Roberts

Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Suspense

Review:

Hideaway is the story of Cate Sullivan, the prodigy of a famous Hollywood family. She is kidnapped as a child and that trauma, with its underlying hurtful revelations, ripples throughout her life, re-shaping it from what could have to what can be, disrupting her set path, affecting not just her but her entire family and that of Dillon Cooper’s and forcing her to turn into a new direction.

I have to say upfront, I couldn’t believe it when I was lucky enough to get approved for the ARC of this book. Nora Roberts is my favorite author in the world. Her books saved my life, shaped my future and I can’t thank her enough for her stories. So I was over the moon when I got the ARC. My first ever Nora Roberts ARC! I was both excited and terrified to read Hideaway. The excited part is easy to understand but dread because, what if I hated the book? Or what if the story didn’t speak to me? My principles wouldn’t allow me to give a less than honest opinion. I can’t in good faith ever fake a positive review when I don’t like the book. But thankfully, my fears turned out to be groundless.

TYCR – 17 May 2020 – The Pagan Stone (Sign of Seven #3) – Nora Roberts

Hola, Book Dragons, how are you? Today was Laundry Day for me. And yes, capital first letters like a title because I seriously hate Laundry Day. I’d rather read. I’m finally on Gage’s story and man, I wanted to keep reading instead of doing chores.

Synopsis:
Years ago, after their blood brother ritual, Gage, Fox, and Caleb each emerged from the woods with a piece of bloodstone. Now, it will become their weapon in the final fight against the demon they awakened. Winner take all…

Shared nightmares, visions of blood and fire, and random violence begin to plague the longtime friends and the women bound to them by fate. None of them can ignore the fact that, this year, the demon has grown stronger–feeding off of the terror it creates. But now, the three pieces of the bloodstone have been fused back together. If only they could figure out how to use it.

A gambling man like Gage has no trouble betting on his crew to find a way. And though he and Cybil share the gift of seeing the future, that’s all they share. But Gage knows that a woman like Cybil–with her brains and strength and devastating beauty–can only bring him luck. Good or bad has yet to be determined–and could mean the difference between absolute destruction or an end to Hawkins Hollow’s nightmare…

Gage the Maverick. Okay, I admit it, he’s my favorite. I have a super soft spot for him, think gooey soft. I can’t help it. His childhood was hard and he could have let it harden him into a cruel man. Instead, he faced enormous odds and grew up into a good man. I really love him. He wouldn’t agree but he has such a good heart.

What about you guys? What are you reading?

∼Lyn

Rules for the blog meme:
1 - Title should be as such: "TYCR - Date - Book Title" (see above)
2 - Credit the creator of this blog meme (Me! 😉 ) and link back.
3 - Book cover and synopsis
4 - Talk about how the current book you're reading or listening to is making you feel 
- share your thoughts but NO SPOILERS, please.

Remember it's an opportune blog meme so use it whenever you want.
You're welcome to use the banner as well if you like.

TYCR – 14 May 2020 – The Hollow (Sign of Seven #2) – Nora Roberts

Hola, Book Dragons, how are you? Are you reading good books or ending up with low rating books? I hope you’re enjoying the books you are reading. For today’s TYCR, I’m on my re-read of the 2nd book in the Sign of Seven trilogy by Nora Roberts – The Hollow. Fox’s story. Man, I seriously love this trilogy and it feels good to be re-reading it.

Synopsis:
#1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts continues the thrilling trilogy of a town plagued by evil–and the three men and three women brought together by fate to fight it.

For Fox, Caleb, Gage and the other residents of Hawkins Hollow, the number seven portends doom–ever since, as boys, they freed a demon trapped for centuries when their blood spilled upon The Pagan Stone…

Now, as the dreaded seventh month looms before them, the men can feel the storm brewing. Already they are plagued by visions of death and destruction. But this year, they are better prepared, joined in their battle by three women who have come to The Hollow. Layla, Quinn, and Cybil are somehow connected to the demon, just as the men are connected to the force that trapped it.

Since that day at The Pagan Stone, town lawyer Fox has been able to see into others’ minds, a talent he shares with Layla. He must earn her trust, because their link will help fight the darkness that threatens to engulf the town. But Layla is having trouble coming to terms with her newfound ability–and this intimate connection to Fox. She knows that once she opens her mind, she’ll have no defenses against the desire that threatens to consume them both…

I love Fox. Actually, I love all 3 guys but I have a soft spot for Gage and Fox. What about you guys, what are you currently reading?

∼Lyn

Rules for the blog meme:
1 - Title should be as such: "TYCR - Date - Book Title" (see above)
2 - Credit the creator of this blog meme (Me! 😉 ) and link back.
3 - Book cover and synopsis
4 - Talk about how the current book you're reading or listening to is making you feel 
- share your thoughts but NO SPOILERS, please.

Remember it's an opportune blog meme so use it whenever you want.
You're welcome to use the banner as well if you like.