Disclosure. This post is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
I have received a free advance e-copy of A Hero Returns by Nikk’s Micheal to review. You may find out more about the author on her website.
Here is the book blurb.
In the smoldering ruins of war, a forbidden love rises from the ashes
London, 1942: As the German bombs rain down, nurse Elizabeth Bradford does her duties tending the wounded at St. Thomas Hospital. But among the chaotic sea of injured soldiers, one man stands out – an enigmatic American, Captain Jack Sawyer. Though from different worlds, Elizabeth finds herself drawn to Jack’s quiet strength and sense of honor.
Jack harbors secrets of his own. As a special operative for the OSS, his mission in London is shrouded in mystery. Elizabeth alone seems to see beyond his stoic facade to the tortured soul within. As the threat of invasion looms, a reckless love affair begins between these unlikely allies, one that could end them both if discovered.
But when Jack vanishes without a trace, pulled back into the shadowy underground war, Elizabeth will stop at nothing to find him. Her search takes her deep into a shadow world of spies, secrets and betrayal that even Jack doesn’t fully understand. What dark secrets is he hiding, and what new dangers could destroy their forbidden love?
Set against the epic canvas of World War II, Jack and Elizabeth’s passionate story will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Rich with historical detail, intrigue, adventure, warming, cold, heart and an epic love you won’t soon forget, this is one book you don’t want to miss. Get swept away to wartime London today in this thrilling new romance.
The story begins by introducing us to Elizabeth, a nurse in wartime London and Jack, an army captain. Their paths first cross when Jack escorts some civilians to the bombed hospital where Elizabeth still cares for patients. And again with Jack as a patient due to shrapnel in his leg. There is a bond between them which continues on Jack’s next leave and beyond.
We focus on their relationship both when they are together and apart, as they write letters.
However whilst reading it, I did feel confused as to what era the book was set in, since I hadn’t seen the blurb at that point. On the one hand with bombs and sirens, it seemed as if it were the first world war, but the cover image looks more 19th century, plus there are references to carriages which I would have thought, would have started to be superceded by motorised vehicles in the military during the first world war.
It wasn’t until I received the blurb afterwards, that I discovered it was actually set during the second world war. And the blurb introduces other elements that I hadn’t picked up on whilst I was reading. Firstly I didn’t realise Jack was American and secondly Elizabeth’s search deep into a shadow world of spies, secrets and betrayal didn’t come across to me.
Also I feel that the story timeline needs some more proof-reading, For instance in chapter two, Jack leads the civilians to the hospital “he had passed earlier”, a few pages before he first sees the hospital. This is just one of several instances that I got confused over the timing, again during whether they were together or writing letters.
Another confusion for me was Jack’s rank. Sometimes he was referred to as Captain, but at other points he reported to a Captain.
A Hero Returns is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. A sweet tale, although the ending did feel rather abrupt.
The author has advised me that proof-reading and updates have been done subsequent to the advance copy I read prior to publication, so hopefully the points that confused me will now be clearer.
I’ve also recently read a couple of other titles by Nikk’s Micheal, so I’ll share a few thoughts on those with you too. These are both from The Love Chronicles series.
Love in the Air (Book 2 of The Love Chronicles)
Eternity is nothing without Love…
Meet Ray Morales, the billionaire who solely devotes his time and energy to work. He lives by the motto that time is money after all.
The two-day flight delay was supposed to be a nightmare for billionaire CEO, Ray Morales, But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise when he met the voluptuous and vibrant flight attendant, Rachel Hodges. Their chance encounter quickly turned into a passionate affair as they explored the depths of each other’s desires. But with their vastly different worlds and obligations, can their love survive outside of the airplane cabin? As they navigate the turbulent skies of family, career, and personal demons, one thing is for sure: Eternity is nothing without Love. Get ready to soar to new heights with this
Love in the City (Book 5 of The Love Chronicles)
Incredible passionate
In “The Play Boy’s Romance,” readers are transported into the life of Freddie Cobbett, a charming and handsome playboy who has never had trouble attracting women. He lives in a luxurious apartment in the heart of New York City, surrounded by all the trappings of success. However, despite his seemingly perfect life, Freddie Cobbett feels unfulfilled and yearns for something more.
Meet Felicia Daniel, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who works in the same building as Freddie Cobbett. Despite their vastly different lifestyles and personalities.
When playboy Freddie Cobbett meets the beautiful and intelligent Felicia, he is determined to prove that his charms go beyond the superficial. Set in the glamorous city of New York, “The Play Boy’s Romance” is a heart-warming and humorous tale of love and redemption that will have readers laughing, and rooting for Freddie and Felicia’s success. Will Freddie be able to overcome the obstacles in their path and prove to Felicia that he is capable of true love? Read this romantic comedy to find out!
I enjoyed both of these tales. The portrayals incorporating jealousies and back-stabbing along with the main romance are great.
Love in the Air. I did find the chapters with Jack seemed disjointed from the rest of the book. Also I found the flow of the story a bit confusing as regards Daniel when Alice discovers his plot and then subsequently he seemed to be all Mr nice guy at the wedding. It just felt a bit back to front in order.
Love in the City. Again I had a little bit of difficulty with the story flow line like exchanging phone numbers seemed a little late. Also some of the words run together at start of chapters, so needs some proofing in that regard.
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