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Carma (21 KP) rated Forbidden Lovers in Books

Jun 17, 2019  
Forbidden Lovers
Forbidden Lovers
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
My rating is 3.5 stars for Forbidden Lovers by Kimberly Troutte. Ms. Troutte is a new to me author and while I felt this book had some good bones, it failed to grab my attention completely.

Matt Harper is returning home to Plunder Cove after leaving, without a choice, 10 years ago to join the Air Force. He left behind his fiancée, who rapidly remarried (supposedly) 3 months after he left, estranged parents and a home comparable to a compound.

Julia Espinoza lost the love of her life when her fiancé was killed when his plane was shot down in Afghanistan 10 years ago. She doesn’t know her mother and has lived with extended family since she was small. She isn’t wealthy like Matt was but he never seemed to care. She never got to say goodbye when he left, but he left her the most precious gift of all before he enlisted.

Matt returns home after being summoned by his father, along with his siblings, to some big announcement. Reconnecting with Julia, who at first doesn’t recognize him believing he was dead, was an added bonus. Will they be able to pick up right where they left off?

While this story was interesting there was just too much I didn’t like about it. Mostly, the flow and sentence structures. For me, it was too jumbled and while it was short it was very unnecessarily wordy. I voluntarily downloaded a copy from Netgalley without expectation for review. Any and all opinions expressed are my own.
  
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ClareR (5916 KP) rated Sistersong in Books

Aug 9, 2021  
Sistersong
Sistersong
Lucy Holland | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sistersong is a stunning story, steeped in the mythology of Ancient Britain. It’s set in Dumnonia (a real place - I googled it. It was in SW England where Cornwall, Devon and some of West Somerset are now), at a time of great change and fear. Christianity is making itself known, and the Saxons are a very real threat. King Cador has lost his magical connection to his Land, due to the threats and sermons of a priest called Gildas. With this loss comes the danger of the Dumnonians being unable to protect themselves effectively, and the land not providing food for them.

Cadors three daughters do still have that magical connection. The story is told from their perspective. The eldest, Riva, has been badly burnt in the past, and whilst she can heal others, she can’t heal herself.

Keyne, although born female, has never felt female and longs to be recognised as a man.

Sinne, the youngest, lives for love and flirtation.

 When an emissary from another kingdom arrives, he drives a wedge between Riva and Sinne. They see their chance at escape from the Hold. Whilst this is happening, Keyne trains with Myrdin, in the hope that he’ll be recognised as next in line to the throne.

I loved this book - it has all of my favourite elements in a story: mythology, history, magic, lies, deceit, the love of family and siblings, along with the themes of duty and identity. It really packs a punch. The world building is fantastic, and thoroughly immersive. Highly recommended!