Romance Roundup: January Edition
Welcome to “Romance Roundup”where I share mini reviews of 3-4 romance novels that I’ve read recently. This month’s edition includes stories of adventures on the high seas and a world where technology has suddenly disappeared. Hope you enjoy these reviews!
*I am so sorry I’ve been lacking with segment, the end of 2017 was so busy for me and I fell into a romance (reading slump). I’m starting fresh in 2018, so I will try to get this segment back on a bi-monthly segment.
Within a Captain’s Soul (Captains of the Scarlet Night #5) by Lisa Olech (2017)
Synopsis: Stormy seas, a captive heart, and a coupling that breaks all the rules . . .
After years of committed service, Captain William “Bump” Quinn has finally taken the helm of the pirate ship Scarlet Night. But when rough waters send the Night off course, William winds up shipwrecked and alone on enemy shores—and prisoner to China’s most powerful pirate queen.
Captain Jian Jun is as alluring as she is formidable, and she’s careful not to let anyone too close. But the silence of the handsome Jamaican pirate in her custody intrigues her. Tempted by his topaz eyes and the strength of his character, she allows the captive into her inner sanctum. Though their bond defies all convention, Jun finds she is powerless against the emotions Will stirs in her. She prays their first union will not be her last. But with danger lurking in unexpected places, her beloved pirate may soon get the chance to prove he is every inch the hero he seems in her arms . . . (description from Goodreads)
Review:
I have not heard of the Captain’s of the Scarlet Night Series prior to reading this book, but since I enjoyed this read so much I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series. I was intrigued to pick up this book since I love pirate stories and adventures set on the high seas. Though this book is more romance focused, it still has a few action packed scene that gave it a thrill factor.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the slow buildup of romance between Will and Jian. They are unknowingly from two opposing ships, but once they get to know each other they see the good in each other and want to be in a relationship. I also liked that the main leads are POC. Will is a deaf pirate and I felt his character and disability was carefully written and represented in this story.
My only complaint is that the story was too short!
Final Verdict:
Radio Silence (Off The Grid #1) by Alyssa Cole (2015)
Synopsis: Arden Highmore was living your average postgrad life in Rochester, New York, when someone flipped the “off” switch on the world. No cell phones, no power, no running water—and no one knows why. All she and her roommate, John, know for sure is that they have to get out, stat. His family’s cabin near the Canadian border seemed like the safest choice.
It turns out isolation doesn’t necessarily equal safety.
When scavengers attack, it’s John’s ridiculously handsome brother, Gabriel, who comes to the rescue. He saves Arden’s life, so he can’t be all bad…but he’s also a controlling jerk who treats her like an idiot. Now their parents are missing and it seems John, Gabriel, their kid sister, Maggie, and Arden are the only people left alive who aren’t bloodthirsty maniacs.
No one knows when—or if—the lights will come back on and, in the midst of all that, Arden and Gabriel are finding that there’s a fine line indeed between love and hate. How long can they expect to last in this terrifying new world, be it together or apart? (description from Goodreads)
Review:
I read a few books by Alyssa before and enjoyed them all. I was excited to read this book as I heard it was Sci-Fi meets Romance. Book is set in a post-apocalyptic setting where all technology systems have suddenly died. There’s no way to contact friends, family, and loved ones or finding out how why this is happening. The story has sense of overwhelming anxiety and fear for the characters, on top of that the weather conditions are a frozen tundra (where the story is set).
Arden, the main character, is likable: outspoken, witty, and kind-hearted. Gabriel, the male lead, is confident, strong-willed and incredibly protective of his family. At first they don’t get along, but they slowly develop a relationship after spending time with one another. By far, my favorite character was Arden’s best friend, John. He was so supportive of Arden and had me laughing throughout the book.
Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
Final Verdict:
What romance novels have you read lately? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. If you have any recommendations feel free (particularly #ownvoices novels) to share those as well. 🙂
