"Only a sadist isn't into happily-ever-afters"- Cole Korhonen.
I didn't want this book to end. I took my time to savour every page and glory in the war"Only a sadist isn't into happily-ever-afters"- Cole Korhonen.
I didn't want this book to end. I took my time to savour every page and glory in the warm hug this book offers. If you are a fan of G.A.Mazurke (or her alter ego Serena Akeroyd) this is a bit of a change of pace but is just as beautifully crafted. In fact, I think this series may turn out to be a favourite of mine.
Things Left Unsaid is a slow burning, arranged marriage, family, small town romance set around the world of Pigeon Creek and two family ranches. The slow burn is a delicious tease as our two leads are so crazily heated together. The chemistry crackles off the pages long before we get even the hint of a kiss. Zee, the FMC, is a loyal and dependable friend and passionate advocate for those she loves. She is a paralegal for the incredibly feisty and powerful Rachel (she is a whole other story. See Rex and Rachel from Serena Akeroyd) and gives her all to her life in NYC. You feel the love that people have for her and the importance she has in others lives from her goodbye with her boss to her bestie, Tee, taking charge of her diabetes alerts. The narrative gives such a depth to peoples emotions and the subtext behind all the character interactions.
Zee is called back to Pigeon Creek to help save her family ranch through an arranged marriage to her secret childhood friend, Colton. The McAllisters' and Korhonens' have been rivals for years and their marriage would form a powerful family union and progress both family ranches forward. The situation is not ideal. But to please her fearsome grand-mere, Zee is willing to play her part on her own terms.
Colton is the Korhonen patriarch. He has helped to raised his brothers and has tried to instil decency where their own father failed. He is strong, moral and fair to his employees and loved ones. He is the one who has to make the tough decisions and carry the weight of those with him. What he doesn't expect is a wife and Zee McKallister. She is no longer the girl he knew. She has grown and been shaped by the experiences of her childhood and the ills she faced alone. Colton's devotion to her is shown in the gestures that aren't in your face (diabetes management course anyone?). These two were always fated. It just took ailing ranches for their families to intervene and give fate a bit of a helping hand.
I always find Gemma's books easy to review. I could honestly write so much more about all the things I loved about this book. But the strongest feelings I have been left with are warmth and contentment. Colton is steady and dependable. And his life with Zee will be beautiful. Things Left Unsaid is a different feel than anything I've read by Gemma before and I am loving this new small town era. She writes it with love in her soul for these characters she creates.
And just as an aside, I have also listened to the audio of this book (yes it is that good that I have both read and listened to it already!) and Stella Hunter and Connor Crais are just delicious as Zee and Colton. Seriously, the audio is perfection!!!!...more
This is Rand's story with the real Natalie from the ranch next door. He scents her on the full moon. But as she is human she expects more of him than This is Rand's story with the real Natalie from the ranch next door. He scents her on the full moon. But as she is human she expects more of him than the biological mating. So he sets about wooing her and getting her to fall in love.
Rand is everything I would expect from a wolf shifter in this series- fiercely protective, pushy and possessive (the famous 3 ps). He lays himself on the line to please her and is able to support and encourage her to make a life for herself on the ranch. Natalie is an adorable heroine. She is need of love but protective and wary of falling too fast. She has the added bonus of already knowing the secrets of Wolf Ranch which makes the developing romance fun to follow.
I loved this read and like the other books in the series it was compelling, hot and fun to read. ...more
This book broke me. My heart shattered so many times for Conor and Jake. I've read a fair few cowboy romances and this was unlike any I'd read before.This book broke me. My heart shattered so many times for Conor and Jake. I've read a fair few cowboy romances and this was unlike any I'd read before.
As a teenager Conor is subject to a brutal attack witnessed by her her partner Jake. This is a story of recovery, acceptance, forgiveness, soul mates, abandonment, loneliness and healing. Jake has to face his feelings of failure and loss while protecting Conor from afar. His undying devotion and love and his confidence in his bond with Conor gives such weight and strength to their relationship.
I adored the scene in the barn and my heart leapt at their silent connection. This book is such a roller-coaster of emotions and there are parts that are very challenging to read due to their brutal rawness. I was frustrated at Jake at times for his distance but it all came together by the end and the story felt whole and complete. Conor is a real spitfire and I loved her attitude and spirit. She overcomes so much and faces so much loneliness and gains strength through independence.
This is a definite 5* read and I cannot wait to read the other two books in the series. Conor and Jake's story is definitely going to stay with me for a long time to come...more