As Valentine’s Day was in February, I decided to get stuck into some excellent romance books. I’m a massive fan of Shehanne Moore and Jean Pike’s writing, and these latest releases certainly hit the spot!

Wryson’s Eternity by Shehanne Moore

I had my fingers crossed, hoping that that I’d enjoy the latest instalment in the Cornish Rogues series as much as I enjoyed the first, O’Roarke’s Destiny (see my review here). What surprised me is that I enjoyed Wryson’s Eternity even more! The themes explored really drew me into the plot, as did the author’s incredibly immersive and vivid writing style.

Gil Wryson has lost his memory. When he remembers a cottage in a flashback, he encounters Eternity Jones there, who has fled her abusive husband and is trying her best to get by under difficult circumstances. What follows is a situation full of high stakes chemistry and mounting tension, as these two flawed, three-dimensional characters try to drive each other out.

Those who crave strong, feisty central female protagonists will easily relate to Eternity Jones’s character. I loved the witty banter exchanged between her and Wryson; the sparks just about fly off the page! I’d describe this as a story that is full of romance and danger: two elements that work really well together in holding the reader’s attention throughout.

What I loved was how wonderfully real these characters were, emotionally speaking, and how, layer by layer, they broke through their defenses, which, I think, is what excellent, dynamic romance is all about. Something I enjoy about this author’s particular writing style is her gift for crafting witty dialogue, which heightens the tension and chemistry between the main characters, and Wryson’s Eternity was no exception to this.  

I’d strongly recommend this book to readers who like high-stakes romance with an enemy-lovers trope. The psychological insight that was offered to me as a reader kept me hooked, and, unlike some romance stories, I didn’t feel on the outside looking in, observing these characters from afar; but completely immersed in the unfolding story.

This book certainly got my pulse racing; I couldn’t put it down!

Superheroes by M. Jean Pike

So, the second book I devoured as part of my Valentine’s Day reading was Superheroes. I’ve read one of M. Jean Pike’s books before and was super keen to get stuck into this one!

After a breakup, Abbey takes this as a cue to start living the life she wants, on her own terms. Seeking independence from her parents, she moves to a rented motel room in the town of Redford’s Crossing. She’s friendless and has no partner, but somehow managed to tell her sister that she’s taking a date along to her parents’ twenty-fifth wedding anniversary (oops!). Enter Rory St. George, who offers her a job as a cashier for the store he manages. Abbey agrees, but only if he agrees to accompany her to the wedding anniversary party. What ensures is a moving story of romance, fighting against obstacles, and self-realization that kept me hooked from start to finish.

What I liked most about this sweet romance was the contrasting personalities of the main characters, and the way that the underlying Christian theme was subtly and skillfully woven into the central plot.

Faith is something the central characters have in common, and this is a gentle romance, which explores the theme of family dynamics, something that interests me a lot. Rory is under pressure taking care of his mother and sisters, whereas Abbey feels ill-equipped to even look after herself. She’s had a tough tome of things: her ex-boyfriend was abusive, and her parents are controlling, but she’s trying to break free on her own terms. As a reader, I was invested in her journey.

I think this novel would be an excellent choice for those who enjoy thoughtful Christan fiction or romance, as it isn’t afraid to delve below the surface. The narrative is balanced with a light tone, making this an uplifting read for those who enjoy a heartfelt story.

So, that’s it for this month’s reviews! Below you can find links to Shehanne Moore here and M. Jean Pike’s blog here.

Until next time!

79 responses to “Book Reviews: Wryson’s Eternity by Shehanne Moore and Superheroes by M. Jean Pike”

  1. Dave Astor Avatar

    Two very engaging reviews, Ada! The dynamics of the relationships in Shehanne’s and M. Jean Pike’s books are as intriguing as can be!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Dave, thanks for checking out the reviews and for your kind comments! Yes, I agree; the dynamics are indeed very intriguing. I think that’s important in romance, to keep the suspense up and the reader engaged, which both writers are extremely good at!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Dave Astor Avatar

        I totally agree, Ada!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. shehannemoore Avatar

        Thank you both. I am glad you enjoyed the suspense, Ada. I do think a romance should be more than just romance. x

        Liked by 4 people

      3. Dave Astor Avatar

        A romance being more than just a romance is very welcome for most readers, Shehanne! 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  2. Yeah, Another Blogger Avatar

    Hi. I’m not into romance novels. But I enjoyed your reviews very much.
    Have a good week!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks for checking out the reviews even though romance isn’t your favorite genre! I like to read romance in Valentine’s month, and do enjoy it in general. These two authors are really talented, and I enjoyed the dynamics between the main characters in both books (the chemistry, so to speak!). Thanks again for popping over!

      Liked by 3 people

  3. Rebecca Budd Avatar

    A brilliant review, Ada! Shey is an extraordinary writer and I agree with everything you said in your thoughtful discussion!!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Rebecca. Thanks, I agree that both writers are really talented. What I enjoyed about these books is that they both had different styles and explored different themes, which is something I enjoy in the romance genre.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Rebecca Budd Avatar

        You tempted me to read Super Heroes, Ada! You have the best reviews.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. shehannemoore Avatar

        xxxxxx Ada. I am very drawn to flawed folks. Let’s face it we all have flaws, some more than others it is true. And I also like to add a dash of unselfawareness….. Thank you for the lovely comment.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. shehannemoore Avatar

      Yir too kind Rebecca. Basically I just dump two extremely flawed characters on the page and let them fight it out… . . . . . . . . But I love yah xxxxxxxxxxxxx

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Rebecca Budd Avatar

        You are amazing, Shey!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

        That’s what I like to read about: two flawed characters fighting it out. Maybe that’s why the chemistry is so intense in your writing; it keeps the reader hooked! Romance writing at it’s best!

        Liked by 1 person

    3. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks, Rebecca; you’re too kind! Hope all’s well with you. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Rebecca Budd Avatar

        🤗🤗🤗

        Liked by 1 person

    4. shehannemoore Avatar

      rebecca Budd!!!! i need to get that check in the post to you! Lol. xxxxxxxxx

      Liked by 1 person

  4. ourcrossings Avatar

    These are such fantastic book reviews, dear Ada! I am not much of a romantic book reader, but I used to read them back in the day and loved the ones that promised “happily ever after” because they, in a way, provided emotional comfort and escapism. And what can be better than knowing that when things are difficult in real life, the main character’s needs will be met. Maybe I have to give romance books a chance again to find what I lost. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Aiva, thanks for stopping by to check out the reviews! I totally see what you mean about the emotional comfort and escapism. For me, it’s the struggle and challenges the characters have to go face and go through (which is true for both Wryson’s Eternity and Superheroes) that make the battle for real connection and understanding worth it in the end. That’s why I enjoy romance! These are fantastic books; it’s been a super Valentines-reading month for me! Hope you are well and thanks for commenting. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

    2. shehannemoore Avatar

      I think it is important when things are tough for us that the world we escape to, while imaginary, shows happy endings are still possible, so long as the characters have things to face too. .

      Liked by 2 people

  5. lyndhurstlaura Avatar

    Great reviews here, Ada, and if Valentine’s isn’t a great time to read romance I don’t know what is! I don’t read a lot of it but I do read some, and these look like good contenders when I’m next in romance mode. Thanks for sharing, and good to have you back. 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Laura! Thanks for your kind comments and for checking out the reviews. I agree, Valentine’s month is the ideal time for getting stuck into some romance books. These two are different in style and theme, but I enjoyed both. I guess it reminds me that there are many different kinds of romance and relationships, each with it’s own particular type of emotional connection depending on the characters in question. Thanks again; it’s good to be back! 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        I am so glad you are back too Ada and i do hope you’re much better xxxx

        Liked by 2 people

  6. mjeanpike Avatar

    Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review Superheroes, Ada. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I love the review 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      No bother at all, Jean! I was having some difficulty putting in links to your socials, but it’s all sorted now! I’ll share on Facebook and review on Goodreads and Amazon as well. I really enjoyed Superheroes. Thanks for sending me a copy! 🌷

      Liked by 2 people

  7. shehannemoore Avatar

    Ada, where do I start to thank you? Apart from saying you’re the best, truly and as my net has stopped inching along this morning, I can now get on here to both read, thank, comment and punt. I feel like all the hair tearing slog getting these two on the page was worth it after reading this, because there were times I wanted to strangle them. Her especially. And I had very serious doubts that anyone would like her. So, bottom my heart thank you . AND, having read your review of Jean Pike’s book, honored to be on the same page actually xxxxxxx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Shey, so glad you felt the review did your wonderful book justice! I had a problem getting the links to the socials to work this morning, which has now been sorted. Yes, I know what you mean about the struggle to get these two on the page, but I think that struggle is what makes their relationship (and chemistry re)ally immersive- electrifying, actually (if you could call it that!). I was honestly glued to the pages. Your characters are truly three-dimensional, which makes them relatable and fascinating at the same time! Yes, I ran your review with Jeans, as I was very behind due to my time off, and I thought both would work well together. Hope all’s well with you. I’ll post a mini review on Amazon/Goodreads later on 😊🌷

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        Glad you are obviously feeling better Ada. And it IS an honor to be here with Jean, given the sound of her book. Thank you again, for all the reasons I mentioned. There were times I was hauling her by and going will you just can the lip and get with him. I had set it up specially and really in terms of my heroes he’s a far more decent guy than some I’ve written. But no, no….. xxxxxxxxx

        Liked by 2 people

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Yeah, the characters you write leap off the page and into our imaginations, which is what makes your writing so immersive and real, I think! There are internal defenses, turmoil, and genuine emotional connection. I loved the way you really got into their heads, seeing things from Eternity and Gil Wryson’s perspectives. I can see fans of romance really falling for this novel! 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        xxxxx Ada, yir a gem. really They sort of get in my head, doing their own thing and won’t go away. It is really their book not mine. xxxxxxxxxxxx

        Liked by 2 people

    3. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      lol! That’s a great way to put it! Love it!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        Lol..well they pretty well make me redundant.. xxx

        Liked by 2 people

  8. P. J. Gudka Avatar

    I’m not a big fan of romances but these both sounds quite good, thanks for sharing them here.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Pooja, thanks for checking out the reviews and for commenting. I do love a good romance, especially in February around Valentines Day, and these books, although different in style and theme, really hit the spot! I guess I like seeing how intimacy and relationships develop between two different people, and I like strong female protagonists, which Eternity and Abbey certainly were! 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        You know to be truthful, I am probably not a big fan of romance myself and a fan of writing it even less…. Lol. There’s times I want to take a mallet off my head . . . which is why I love your words Ada. xxx

        Like

      2. P. J. Gudka Avatar

        I really enjoy strong female protagonists too, will definitely keep these in mind. I do occasionally feel like picking up romance novels so these will be good for those moments!

        Liked by 2 people

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      I know what you mean, Pooja! Me, too! Hope all’s good with you.🌸

      Liked by 1 person

      1. P. J. Gudka Avatar

        It is and hope you’re good too 😊

        Liked by 1 person

  9. Mary K. Doyle Avatar

    Both books sound enjoyable, Ada. I’m a blogger friend with Jean, so it’s especially fun to see her book review here. Wonderful!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Mary, thanks for dropping by to check out the reviews! Yes, both of these books were incredibly enjoyable (I love reading romance around Valentine’s Day!). Yes, Jean’s latest novel was gentle and sweet – I enjoyed it a lot. I like the way she subtly weaves Christian themes into her writing. Good to see you, and hope you’re well 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  10. elliethomasromance Avatar

    Two new authors to me. I must check those out! Thanks for the recommendations.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks for stopping by to check out the reviews, Ellie! Yes, I liked these; both stories kept me hooked, and the themes explored in each were different, which made a nice contrast!

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Diana L Forsberg Avatar

    Great reviews! Thanks.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Diana, thanks for checking out the reviews! That’s very kind of you to say. I enjoyed both of these books a lot, and I’m a big fan of Shehanne Moore and Jean Pike’s writing. I was desperate to read the next book in the Cornish Rogues series, and Wryson’s Eternity was certainly worth waiting for!

      Liked by 2 people

  12. balladeer Avatar

    Yay! Shehanne Moore’s works are great! I’m not familiar with the other author but you certainly make these books sound interesting!

    Liked by 5 people

    1. shehannemoore Avatar

      Balladeer…my hero and angel! xx

      Liked by 2 people

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks for checking out the reviews! Yes, I also really enjoy Shehanne Moore’s books; this one’s a real gem! I couldn’t put it down! Jean Pike writes Christian-themed romance, and Superheroes was a very sweet book. I enjoyed both! Thanks for stopping by and for commenting. 😊

      Liked by 3 people

      1. balladeer Avatar

        Glad to do it! I always enjoy your reviews!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. shehannemoore Avatar

        Ada you have indeed created that space. and we are all incredibly grateful for it and for you. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

        Liked by 2 people

    3. shehannemoore Avatar

      I’d say Ada’s reviews are wonderful but that is fine to say when it is one of your own books. What I will say is indeed they are wonderful because it is clear that good or bad she has read he book xxx

      Liked by 3 people

      1. balladeer Avatar

        There ya go!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

        Glad that comes across! I only review books I’ve really enjoyed on IB, so there’s never any negative reviews here! It’s a safe space for authors, I guess. 😊

        Liked by 2 people

      3. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

        Aww, that’s lovely of you to say, Shey. It’s my pleasure. Reading and reviewing one of your wonderful books is always a treat for me! 🌸🌸

        Like

    4. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks, my friend. Much appreciated!

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Resa Avatar

    A fab post Ada, thank you!

    Both books sound terrific, but I know Wryson’s Eternity is amazing. I love that book.

    Shehanne writes a feisty romance like no one else can. Her heroines are strong, resourceful women, in any days’ world.

    Pardon for taking so long to get here, but there was a tragic happening resulting in the death of a loved one, and I am involved in showing some of my Art Gowns (so have been on my Art Gowns blog) and drawings in a show coming up in about 40 days. I am floundering a tad, but things will all work out. One day at a time.

    I’m thrilled to be here and see Shehanne’s book getting some more love. She is a wonderful writer.

    ✨ ~ ❦🕊❦ ~ ✨

    Liked by 5 people

    1. shehannemoore Avatar

      Resa, mah darlin’ are you okay? I know you have this big show coming up but I know if you are anything like my heroines, you will do this. Things will work out no matter how adrift you may feel right now. And when you step back into your world, well it will be in that knowledge. and that will make you stronger still, because it’s life and we get that shot at it. Thank you for your wonderful words, especially right now okay Love yah. You have always been a good friend to me. Chin up. .

      Liked by 4 people

      1. Resa Avatar

        Shey, mah darlin’!
        Yes, I’m okay… mostly.
        I can do it! I will do it!
        Adrift.. yes.. sigh … hopefully I will focus more and more as the event draws nigh.

        Funny, but I have thought of you in that show you did a few years ago, and took some strength.

        Cripes, I ran Wardrobe departments for movies where I had a dozen, sometimes more staff, 3 wardrobe trucks and big stars.

        Now, … but it’s different. Those paid jobs were for someone else.
        This itty bitty one is for me.

        Thank you so much. When someone I admire as much as you tells me to “Chin up” – “Chin up” it is!
        xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

        Liked by 3 people

    2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Resa, so lovely of you to stop by to check out the reviews and leave such lovely comments. I’m sorry to hear about your bereavement; that sounds terrible. It sounds like everything’s happening at once for you, which must be stressful.

      It’s amazing news that you’re showing some of your Art Gowns in a show (wow!!! How cool!). They totally deserve to be displayed for people to appreciate and enjoy, as each one is a work of art in itself. I’m so pleased for you!

      Yes, I agree that Wryson’s Eternity is a fantastic book; so atmospheric and really pulls the reader in. Shey writes about real characters, with their own backstories and traumas/flaws, which is what makes her writing resonate. Thanks again for taking the time to comment! Sending you best wishes and good thoughts 💜👗🌸

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        I know I was thrilled for Resa when I read her latest blog. She’s a tremendous costume designer and her art gowns are works of just at. Art. She is also incredibly generous with her time. So I’m sad to read her news. xxx

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Resa Avatar

        Ada,

        I like coming here a lot!
        You write fab reviews, and with writers like Shey to comment about, I’m in heaven.

        Thank you about my show! Well, it’s 2 of us artists sharing the costs. Scary, and excitinf=g all at once.

        Yes, there has been a tragedy, and a close, loved and healthy friend has died accidentally. We are all grieving. He was a musician, and I will miss him at my show.

        My best to you, and more bests!
        🕊✨❦ 🧡 ❦✨🕊

        Liked by 1 person

      3. shehannemoore Avatar

        Well for our sins, we got one coming up later this year about McGonagall no less. I’m just getting the director’s hat on re the staging and casting as we speak. Quite a few venues are already confirmed, just waiting for the nod to be part of a McG fest that is going to be taking place later. It was them not us who asked so our fingers are crossed. xxxxx

        Liked by 1 person

      4. shehannemoore Avatar

        He is the most interesting guy, certainly there’s a lot of drama about him. The first act is some of the many scenes from his life, the second is sort of a gate crash of the present day–with a nod to the way he gatecrashed everything, from the theatre, to New York in his day—it is a gatecrash in terms of how he’s viewed, what could have been etc etc.

        Liked by 1 person

    3. shehannemoore Avatar

      Oh I’ve done a lot of shows in he last few mah honey, ‘restarting’ a few years back indeed with that one where with a few weeks to go I’d no cast and then there was the one more recently where I’d to pull the entire staging at 11 in the morning for a 3 pm kick off, (I have a very understanding cast.) And there’s been many in between and will be one later this year. The first year we ever ‘ toured’ and it was a tour, was absolutely amazing, a long time ago now and like that I’d a lot of people about me who were great. A year or so later, I’d to pull a show because the person running it took ill and having taken it over, the same happened to me. A year later with another show going out that person was gone, aged 40. This will be hard but the sun always rises regardless. O know for them you will get out there and do this. Your heart may not entirely be in it. But you will do it. For them. it doesn’t matter how itty bitty it is in terms of things you’ve done, you will do it for them xxxxx

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

        Putting on a show sounds like hard work! Way more organizational skills than I could ever muster! These are wise words! I’ve always fancied coming along to one of your shows, Shey. They sound great! 😊

        Liked by 1 person

      2. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

        Wow, McGonagall sounds great! That’s well exciting! 🍾🌸

        Liked by 1 person

    4. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      I’m really sorry to hear that, Resa. That’s very sad news about your musician friend. I do hope all your show prep goes okay and that it all works out! Wishing you all the best! 💜👗

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Carolyn Haynes Avatar

    Wonderful reviews, Ada! I’ve read Shehanne’s, Wryson’s Eternity twice, and for me it remains passionate and utterly unforgettable—a breathtaking blend of danger, romance, and intrigue that kept me captivated from the first haunting line to the final page.

    Your review of Superheroes by M. Jean Pike is truly captivating! It sounds like a book I would absolutely love to read. Thank you, Ada. 😃💕

    Liked by 4 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi Carolyn, thanks for popping over to check out the reviews and for your kind comments. Yes, I agree, Wryson’s Eternity is fab (and a great addition to the series!). I really enjoyed its atmospheric setting and indeed, the danger, romance and intrigue kept me hooked as well! It was really immersive, as are all of her books! Hope all’s well with you and thanks again for stopping by. 🌷

      Liked by 2 people

      1. shehannemoore Avatar

        hank YOU again Ada, for everything xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

        Like

      2. Carolyn Haynes Avatar

        My pleasure, Ada! I love taking a long visit, with a cup of tea, through your blog—so lovely.

        All is well here—I’ve taken a short break from writing and doing some necessary repairs to the house. 😂 I hope you’re doing well too, my friend. xo 😃💕💕

        Liked by 1 person

    2. shehannemoore Avatar

      Carolyn xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Yir an angel, so you are xxx

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Carolyn Haynes Avatar

        Ahh, thank you, meh awfie bonnie Shey. But when it comes to your writing, I believe yir the angel who gives us all a most wonderful adventure, escape, and basically a thrilling ride. Xoxoxoxoxo

        Liked by 1 person

    3. shehannemoore Avatar

      Meh bonnie Carolyn, you are aye so so kind. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

      Liked by 2 people

    4. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      That’s lovely of you to say you enjoy scrolling my blog, Carolyn; I also enjoy scrolling yours, too! I hope your house repairs go well. All’s good with me, thanks; just trying to balance books reviewing with my own stuff, which can be a challenge at times! Sending best wishes to you 🌷💜

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Carolyn Haynes Avatar

        Many thanks, dear Ada for your lovely comments and good wishes about the house repairs—they’re slowly but surely getting there! 😃
        Wishing you lots of inspiration and happy reading (and writing) as you keep everything in balance. xo 😃💕💕

        Liked by 2 people

  15. Danny*Fantod Avatar

    These sound good. Not my usual fare but I might.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Thanks so much for dropping by to check out the reviews! Yes, I know the romance genre isn’t for everyone, but I do love to read them from time to time, and these two are great! Hope all’s good with you and thanks again for popping over. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  16. da-AL Avatar

    these sound wonderful – thank you for telling us about them!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. The Introverted Bookworm Avatar

      Hi da-AL, thanks so much for stopping by to check out the reviews and for your kind comments. Yes, I really enjoyed reading these as part of my Valentine’s month reading! 🌸

      Liked by 2 people

Hello,

Welcome to The Introverted Bookworm!

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