The Introverted Bookworm

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 and M. Jean Pike’s blogs, amazon pages, and socials:

Until next time!