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The Healer and the Protector
Inspired by the timeless tragedy of Samson from the bible.
In a world where power demands loyalty and love invites betrayal, Tiran of Zorah is a force of legend—stronger than any man alive and the last hope of a village on the brink of ruin. But strength alone is never enough, especially when shadows stretch from the distant city of Philistia, threatening to consume everything he holds dear.
When Serena, a beautiful woman, and a healer, arrives in Zorah, her gentle touch brings solace to the weary and wounded. But beneath her gentle exterior lies a dangerous purpose. Sent by powerful forces, she carries a single uncover the secret to Tiran’s strength and ensure his destruction.
What Serena doesn’t anticipate is the man behind the myth. Against her every intention, Serena finds herself drawn to the man she was sent to betray.
In a world where power demands loyalty and love invites betrayal, Tiran of Zorah is a force of legend—stronger than any man alive and the last hope of a village on the brink of ruin. But strength alone is never enough, especially when shadows stretch from the distant city of Philistia, threatening to consume everything he holds dear.
When Serena, a beautiful woman, and a healer, arrives in Zorah, her gentle touch brings solace to the weary and wounded. But beneath her gentle exterior lies a dangerous purpose. Sent by powerful forces, she carries a single uncover the secret to Tiran’s strength and ensure his destruction.
What Serena doesn’t anticipate is the man behind the myth. Against her every intention, Serena finds herself drawn to the man she was sent to betray.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 18, 2024
1 person is currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 27, 2024
I had the pleasure of being to tea and ARC of this book, and it did not disappoint. Growing up in a religious background I have known the story of Samson for as long as I can remember. When I first read the synopsis for this book it intrigued me because it was adding depth to the story. Serena is essentially a court spy sent to figure out the weakness of this legendary protector Tiran, and in the process of this she starts to realize the things she has given up.
I loved how vulnerable Tiran was, he has the weight of his village on his shoulders and he doesn’t want to betray the hope and trust of the people, so he buries a lot down to where they won’t see it. Serena does see it though and that’s where you can really start to see this love bloom between them.
I loved this book so much and might sneak away for a reread!
I loved how vulnerable Tiran was, he has the weight of his village on his shoulders and he doesn’t want to betray the hope and trust of the people, so he buries a lot down to where they won’t see it. Serena does see it though and that’s where you can really start to see this love bloom between them.
I loved this book so much and might sneak away for a reread!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2025
I know I’m a bit late finalizing this review due to some mental health challenges and the overwhelming stress I’ve been dealing with, but I finally got around to it. I read the entire book in under four hours yesterday, and I absolutely enjoyed it. This story is an emotional rollercoaster that tugged at my heartstrings and made me fall deeply for the characters and the narrative.
I’ll admit, I don’t usually read Romantasy books, but this one was truly incredible and beautifully written. The characters were portrayed perfectly, and I loved how the author crafted a story inspired by the tragic love tale of Samson and Delilah from the Bible—such a unique and meaningful touch, which earned bonus points from me.
The writing style, told from a third-person POV, is different from what I typically read, but I ended up loving it regardless. The final chapters left me in tears; they were so heartbreaking yet moving. While the characters did get their happily-ever-after, it was in a bittersweet, better place, which added so much depth to the ending.
Overall, I loved everything about this book, and I highly recommend adding it to your TBR list. Trust me, it’s worth it!
I’ll admit, I don’t usually read Romantasy books, but this one was truly incredible and beautifully written. The characters were portrayed perfectly, and I loved how the author crafted a story inspired by the tragic love tale of Samson and Delilah from the Bible—such a unique and meaningful touch, which earned bonus points from me.
The writing style, told from a third-person POV, is different from what I typically read, but I ended up loving it regardless. The final chapters left me in tears; they were so heartbreaking yet moving. While the characters did get their happily-ever-after, it was in a bittersweet, better place, which added so much depth to the ending.
Overall, I loved everything about this book, and I highly recommend adding it to your TBR list. Trust me, it’s worth it!
December 3, 2024
Serena is tasked with betraying Tiran, the strongest of his people and a symbol of hope—but their inevitable fate pulls them into a deep forbidden love…
Okay I was all over the place with Tiran & Serena in such a good way!!! so many times I wanted Serena to reveal why she was there and for Tiran to keep the guard up until he heard the truth. But I loved that they didnt because I could literally feel the weight of guilt on Serena’s shoulders over time when she and Tiran were getting closer. And you could feel Tiran wanting nothing more but her!!
I love how Tiran as a person was written, dignified, friendly yet cautious, wise, stoic, humble, thoughtful and extremely heroic without being arrogant. The closer I got to the betrayal I just knew it was going to hurt because the chemistry in general between Serena & Tiran flowed so well and felt so genuine even with her harboring the true reason why she was there.
Their love was so beautiful and the ending tore me apart omg
I also like the brief moments we get of Serena interacting with people of the village, the council and even Esadora. Though I did think that Esadora dragged a bit in telling Serena why she was weak/failure BUT I think that plays into Esadora’s overkill tendencies. Serena’s interactions with the people of the village showed us that she actually is compassionate and caring but hesitant and trying not to lose focus. It gives us time to realize that she’s ultimately human. Then her interactions with the council, her resilience to hang on for as long as she could and her utter fear at the discovery UGH I FELT IT ALL!!
Titan still staying true to his very core after everything that was revealed just gives so much homage to who he is as a person. I felt the longing and the need to protect and serve, the undeniable will for the two of them to be together no matter the stakes!!
I already wish I could read this for the first time!! I could go on and on but all in all, this is tragically beautiful and I loved the authors note at the very end 🩷
Okay I was all over the place with Tiran & Serena in such a good way!!! so many times I wanted Serena to reveal why she was there and for Tiran to keep the guard up until he heard the truth. But I loved that they didnt because I could literally feel the weight of guilt on Serena’s shoulders over time when she and Tiran were getting closer. And you could feel Tiran wanting nothing more but her!!
I love how Tiran as a person was written, dignified, friendly yet cautious, wise, stoic, humble, thoughtful and extremely heroic without being arrogant. The closer I got to the betrayal I just knew it was going to hurt because the chemistry in general between Serena & Tiran flowed so well and felt so genuine even with her harboring the true reason why she was there.
Their love was so beautiful and the ending tore me apart omg
I also like the brief moments we get of Serena interacting with people of the village, the council and even Esadora. Though I did think that Esadora dragged a bit in telling Serena why she was weak/failure BUT I think that plays into Esadora’s overkill tendencies. Serena’s interactions with the people of the village showed us that she actually is compassionate and caring but hesitant and trying not to lose focus. It gives us time to realize that she’s ultimately human. Then her interactions with the council, her resilience to hang on for as long as she could and her utter fear at the discovery UGH I FELT IT ALL!!
Titan still staying true to his very core after everything that was revealed just gives so much homage to who he is as a person. I felt the longing and the need to protect and serve, the undeniable will for the two of them to be together no matter the stakes!!
I already wish I could read this for the first time!! I could go on and on but all in all, this is tragically beautiful and I loved the authors note at the very end 🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2024
Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book💕
This book. THIS WONDERFUL BOOK! This is my first time reading this author but it will definitely not be the last. This story is kind of a retelling of the biblical story of Samson, and I have loved every page despite knowing how it was going to end. Nicole has a way with words that makes you feel like you’re reading a poem somehow written in prose, and it’s so beautiful you go through the pages with such ease you’re finished with the book in no time. And this could very well be all my review, but I have more details to give, and both this book and her author deserve to be praised.
📍The story is set in Zorah, where Tiran rules without major trouble because of his incredible strength, which turns him into a threat to those in power in Philistia, who decide to send Serena as a spy to become a healer in Zorah, infiltrate Tiran’s inner circle and find out the source of his power.
✍️This book is a masterpiece mainly because of the beautiful writing style of the author, who manages to tell a religious story in a perfectly inclusive way so that anyone can enjoy it (with myself being the perfect example, because I’m not very religious and I’ve loved it!). The story happens within little time, with Tiran and Serena’s connexion being so obvious their love story blooms slowly but surely, surrounded by Serena’s doubts about her mission and Tiran’s fierce protection over his people, who are being attacked by an unknown magic. The book contains brutal fight scenes and lessons about medicinal herbs, and being a tragedy, it will surely break your heart along the pages.
👥The main characters of this story are Serena and Tiran, the healer and the protector. Serena is a strong, brave woman who’s been used by others because of her beauty, always sidelining her intelligence; and Tiran is a vulnerable man who devotes himself to his people, who always come first. The dynamic between these characters is both beautiful and painful, as we see him blindly trust her while she can’t allow to reciprocate, until she has to make a decision that will make you cry.
🖇️To conclude, this book is perfect to discover one of the most interesting stories in the Bible, with captivating characters who’ll have your heart in their hands, and will make you love this story even though it will also leave you brokenhearted.
This book. THIS WONDERFUL BOOK! This is my first time reading this author but it will definitely not be the last. This story is kind of a retelling of the biblical story of Samson, and I have loved every page despite knowing how it was going to end. Nicole has a way with words that makes you feel like you’re reading a poem somehow written in prose, and it’s so beautiful you go through the pages with such ease you’re finished with the book in no time. And this could very well be all my review, but I have more details to give, and both this book and her author deserve to be praised.
📍The story is set in Zorah, where Tiran rules without major trouble because of his incredible strength, which turns him into a threat to those in power in Philistia, who decide to send Serena as a spy to become a healer in Zorah, infiltrate Tiran’s inner circle and find out the source of his power.
✍️This book is a masterpiece mainly because of the beautiful writing style of the author, who manages to tell a religious story in a perfectly inclusive way so that anyone can enjoy it (with myself being the perfect example, because I’m not very religious and I’ve loved it!). The story happens within little time, with Tiran and Serena’s connexion being so obvious their love story blooms slowly but surely, surrounded by Serena’s doubts about her mission and Tiran’s fierce protection over his people, who are being attacked by an unknown magic. The book contains brutal fight scenes and lessons about medicinal herbs, and being a tragedy, it will surely break your heart along the pages.
👥The main characters of this story are Serena and Tiran, the healer and the protector. Serena is a strong, brave woman who’s been used by others because of her beauty, always sidelining her intelligence; and Tiran is a vulnerable man who devotes himself to his people, who always come first. The dynamic between these characters is both beautiful and painful, as we see him blindly trust her while she can’t allow to reciprocate, until she has to make a decision that will make you cry.
🖇️To conclude, this book is perfect to discover one of the most interesting stories in the Bible, with captivating characters who’ll have your heart in their hands, and will make you love this story even though it will also leave you brokenhearted.
December 9, 2024
When I heard this book was a retelling of Samson I said SIGN ME UP! His story is one of the most interesting stories in the Bible 🫶🏼 Nicole did an awesome job with this, the romance was so sweet, the intrigue, the TRAGIC moments 🥹 I love how she kept everything so similar as well to where you can really tell for sure it’s similar to the Bible story. The writing is beautiful as always, I love the detailed descriptions of everything, as if I’m truly in the characters shoes and seeing everything through their eyes. Tiran is a dream come true mmc, he literally is everything I expected from the Samson in the Bible. He’s sweet, caring, and smart. He’s also literally so handsome 👀 like what I imagined the real Samson to be. Serena is also extremely beautiful, cunning, smart, and living in her feminine energy! I love how soft and kind she seems regardless of the things she had to do and the secrets she had to keep. I loved all of the villagers and their heartwarming moments with Tiran! Overall I really respect this story and the representation it gives to God and the Bible! I think everyone would love this book 👀💓 I would also like to mention I love how inclusive and kind Nicole is to everyone and every gender, and gender identity! This is what it truly means to be a child of God because I truly believe God loves all of his children! 5 ⭐️ no spice! Only a closed door moment 👀
April 21, 2025
Nicole's writing is so enthralling and beautiful that reading it felt like a warm hug around my mind. Her story had a strong start and I felt immersed in her world. It was so easy and delightful to picture what she had created. I especially loved how Zorah looked, smelled and felt (that being said, Philistia was a perfectly captured contrast to the peace, harmony and warmth of Zorah). I enjoyed the interactions with the villagers.
I think Tiran's introduction was one of the most profound character introductions I've read. Nicole did a wonderful job of showing and not telling Tiran's immense strength and the effect he has on not only Serena, but on Zorah as the pillar of their community.
Serena is a sweetheart, a lovely soul who I couldn't help but empathise with because of her circumstance. Her internalisation was expertly captured and convincing. Nicole has a great command of the language that made reading her work a pleasure. She also captured the action scenes in a way that was gripping and entertaining to read.
The chemistry here was tense and palpable, just how I like it. This was my first book by Nicole and I would like to read more of her work!
There are religious undertones to the story as it is based on the Biblical story of Samson. If you also enjoy inner conflict, tragic love stories, and strong characters, I think you'll enjoy this read!
I think Tiran's introduction was one of the most profound character introductions I've read. Nicole did a wonderful job of showing and not telling Tiran's immense strength and the effect he has on not only Serena, but on Zorah as the pillar of their community.
Serena is a sweetheart, a lovely soul who I couldn't help but empathise with because of her circumstance. Her internalisation was expertly captured and convincing. Nicole has a great command of the language that made reading her work a pleasure. She also captured the action scenes in a way that was gripping and entertaining to read.
The chemistry here was tense and palpable, just how I like it. This was my first book by Nicole and I would like to read more of her work!
There are religious undertones to the story as it is based on the Biblical story of Samson. If you also enjoy inner conflict, tragic love stories, and strong characters, I think you'll enjoy this read!
November 30, 2024
Book review:
Serena was sent to unravel the strength of
him and know source of it by council .
Serena was living in hell at the council where being a healer in zorah was like a heaven. Yes, she was sent to betray him, but will? Read the story to know about it.
Tiran was so gentle and graceful that I really started respecting him. Like how can someone who is the strength of the village, the demi god be so humble. He was the heart beat of zorah.
He is so gentle and respectable from small children to older women which made me fell for him💘
She found herself increasingly enhanced by this handsome demigod who commanded both the room and quite possibly ,her future heartstrings.👀💗
Tiran and Serena chemistry was so alluring. The journey was so interesting with so many questions and mysteries. Their are so beautiful and cute.🎀
Even as a dark romance reader, for the first time, I really loved them and their story(then imagine how much you would love)
Nicole wrote the book very well🤩
My fav scenes::
♥︎When Serena said the flowers are beautiful, Tiran said "It is" while looking at her, not the flowers.😩💘
♥︎When they danced together🙈💖
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No spice
Cute and adorable story.
(Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review the book by sending the Arc copy. )
Serena was sent to unravel the strength of
him and know source of it by council .
Serena was living in hell at the council where being a healer in zorah was like a heaven. Yes, she was sent to betray him, but will? Read the story to know about it.
Tiran was so gentle and graceful that I really started respecting him. Like how can someone who is the strength of the village, the demi god be so humble. He was the heart beat of zorah.
He is so gentle and respectable from small children to older women which made me fell for him💘
She found herself increasingly enhanced by this handsome demigod who commanded both the room and quite possibly ,her future heartstrings.👀💗
Tiran and Serena chemistry was so alluring. The journey was so interesting with so many questions and mysteries. Their are so beautiful and cute.🎀
Even as a dark romance reader, for the first time, I really loved them and their story(then imagine how much you would love)
Nicole wrote the book very well🤩
My fav scenes::
♥︎When Serena said the flowers are beautiful, Tiran said "It is" while looking at her, not the flowers.😩💘
♥︎When they danced together🙈💖
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No spice
Cute and adorable story.
(Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review the book by sending the Arc copy. )
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2024
The Healer and The Protector by Nicole Tsopo
🏵️🏵️🏵️🏵️🏵️
Tiran is a fierce protector of Zorah, with incredible strength and the ability to rally people around him, but he's also a gentle giant who loves his people. Of course this makes him a threat to the establishment, so Serena is sent to get close to him and discover the source of his strength. As Serena joins the healers in Zorah she connects with the people and most of all Tiran, and begins to doubt her mission. Tiran is honest and vulnerable with Serena, he has total faith in her and reveals his secret in the hope she would reciprocate, but she is terrified to lose him if the truth comes out. Unfortunately the time will come when she must choose whether to betray Tiran or not.
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover art which is gorgeous. It's a tale inspired by the bible story of Samson. The writing is absolutely beautiful, it was descriptive and poetic without taking me out of the action of the story. The romance between Tiran and Serena was so gentle and lovely. The magical elements were interesting and fearsome and there were some brutal fight scenes. Of course it is a tragedy, so expect to be heartbroken along the way.
🏵️🏵️🏵️🏵️🏵️
Tiran is a fierce protector of Zorah, with incredible strength and the ability to rally people around him, but he's also a gentle giant who loves his people. Of course this makes him a threat to the establishment, so Serena is sent to get close to him and discover the source of his strength. As Serena joins the healers in Zorah she connects with the people and most of all Tiran, and begins to doubt her mission. Tiran is honest and vulnerable with Serena, he has total faith in her and reveals his secret in the hope she would reciprocate, but she is terrified to lose him if the truth comes out. Unfortunately the time will come when she must choose whether to betray Tiran or not.
I was initially drawn to this book by the cover art which is gorgeous. It's a tale inspired by the bible story of Samson. The writing is absolutely beautiful, it was descriptive and poetic without taking me out of the action of the story. The romance between Tiran and Serena was so gentle and lovely. The magical elements were interesting and fearsome and there were some brutal fight scenes. Of course it is a tragedy, so expect to be heartbroken along the way.
December 26, 2024
Before I begin, can we just talk about the cover. The cover is so beautiful, it's actually one of my best book covers and I'm not even kidding you. Whoever made that cover did an amazing job 💙.
This book was good, Tiran is such an amazing person, he is very thoughtful and wants the best for his people so he tries to do what's best for them while failing to put himself and his own wants into consideration. Serena is our fmc and she is also such a sweet person as we can tell from her interactions with the villagers. She just doesn't want to loose focus from her mission and guards herself against people at first.
I love their whole romantic story and connection as well as the fact that they were able to tell what was going on deep within the other person (like when Serena was able to tell what was going on within Tiran that he didn't show other people).The village also seems like such a nice and beautiful place to be so yh I will definitely recommend this book 💙.
This was my first time reading a book by author Nicole Tsopo and overall I rate this book 4 stars ⭐️
Thank you author Nicole Tsopo for giving me this arc in return for an honest review 💙.
This book was good, Tiran is such an amazing person, he is very thoughtful and wants the best for his people so he tries to do what's best for them while failing to put himself and his own wants into consideration. Serena is our fmc and she is also such a sweet person as we can tell from her interactions with the villagers. She just doesn't want to loose focus from her mission and guards herself against people at first.
I love their whole romantic story and connection as well as the fact that they were able to tell what was going on deep within the other person (like when Serena was able to tell what was going on within Tiran that he didn't show other people).The village also seems like such a nice and beautiful place to be so yh I will definitely recommend this book 💙.
This was my first time reading a book by author Nicole Tsopo and overall I rate this book 4 stars ⭐️
Thank you author Nicole Tsopo for giving me this arc in return for an honest review 💙.
December 31, 2024
A lot of us probably know the story of Samson And Delilah, but this is perfection. It takes aspects of the original story but the author has magically woven it into a beautiful tragedy. From the 1st chapter you get drawn in by the mystery surrounding the FMCs backstory. The more you learn about her, the more you empathise with her. That is, until you meet the MMC, he is the most adorable cinnamon roll, who is also strong of body, mind and spirit yet he still has a raw vulnerability underneath it all that makes you heavily empathise with him. Then the author causes your feelings to be conflicted with the FMC, yet she continues to grow on you, you can't stay mad at her even if you want to. The intricate twists and turns in the story will have you crying for a number of reasons, but at least one part will completely break you. The author manages to create suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat biting your nails as it is so tense. And the imagery created is so strong and so vivid that you will just get lost in the world. I absolutely loved the community the MMC is a part of and it is so wholesome. Another amazing story from this author and I cannot wait to see what comes next from her.
December 4, 2024
~“What does caring cost you?”~
A young healer coerced into the servitude of an oppressive high lord counsil is tasked in taking down a demigod. Of course he’s a charming smoke show, a hero and protector of the people, and she’s been sent to betray him. The stakes are high and should she fail everyone will pay the price.
It’s a YA romance with a dark atmosphere and religious background for an older sister.
This is a reimagining of Sampson, but was not overly religious, in fact if you didn’t know it you wouldn’t have guessed the background for its inspiration (legit, I’m not religious and don’t know anything about Sampson, I had to look it up).
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 is beautifully written, immersive, and the narrative flows nicely. The romance is young adult, you won’t find smut here. It was cute and devastating. I do wish there was a little more background on the FMC and she became an indentured pawn for the council but don’t all great females have an air of mystery?
A young healer coerced into the servitude of an oppressive high lord counsil is tasked in taking down a demigod. Of course he’s a charming smoke show, a hero and protector of the people, and she’s been sent to betray him. The stakes are high and should she fail everyone will pay the price.
It’s a YA romance with a dark atmosphere and religious background for an older sister.
This is a reimagining of Sampson, but was not overly religious, in fact if you didn’t know it you wouldn’t have guessed the background for its inspiration (legit, I’m not religious and don’t know anything about Sampson, I had to look it up).
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 is beautifully written, immersive, and the narrative flows nicely. The romance is young adult, you won’t find smut here. It was cute and devastating. I do wish there was a little more background on the FMC and she became an indentured pawn for the council but don’t all great females have an air of mystery?
December 3, 2024
I am utterly obsessed with this book! From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the author's masterful storytelling and beautiful prose. Nicole's vivid descriptions transported me to a world of wonder, and her characters leapt off the page, taking up residence in my heart.
Tiran, the main character, is an absolute gem – gorgeous, sweet, and endearingly flawed. I fell head over heels in love with him, and his journey had me hooked from start to finish.
What resonated with me most, however, was the book's poignant exploration of unconditional love and loyalty. The author's thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of these themes left me feeling seen, heard, and deeply moved.
Overall, I'm thoroughly besotted with this book, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone seeking a compelling, emotionally resonant read. Five stars, without a shadow of a doubt!
Tiran, the main character, is an absolute gem – gorgeous, sweet, and endearingly flawed. I fell head over heels in love with him, and his journey had me hooked from start to finish.
What resonated with me most, however, was the book's poignant exploration of unconditional love and loyalty. The author's thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of these themes left me feeling seen, heard, and deeply moved.
Overall, I'm thoroughly besotted with this book, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone seeking a compelling, emotionally resonant read. Five stars, without a shadow of a doubt!
December 9, 2024
The narrative is remarkably beautiful and captivating. The writing style was exceptionally refreshing, the author has such a way with words.
The village and its residents presented a striking image of beauty, hospitality, and mutual affection, imbued with a palpable sense of optimism.
Serena is assigned the mission of betrayal.
Tiran symbolizes strength and hope for his people.
Their destined path leads them to a passionate, yet forbidden love.
Chapter 15 was incredibly heartbreaking. The grief, the guilt, I perceived the totality of the situation.
"They have taken everything from us," he began, his tone resonating with restrained power. "Our homes, our families, our peace. They believe they have broken us, that we will crumble beneath the weight of this pain. But they are wrong."
The cover design is exquisite, The conclusion is both poignant and pulchritudinous.
The village and its residents presented a striking image of beauty, hospitality, and mutual affection, imbued with a palpable sense of optimism.
Serena is assigned the mission of betrayal.
Tiran symbolizes strength and hope for his people.
Their destined path leads them to a passionate, yet forbidden love.
Chapter 15 was incredibly heartbreaking. The grief, the guilt, I perceived the totality of the situation.
"They have taken everything from us," he began, his tone resonating with restrained power. "Our homes, our families, our peace. They believe they have broken us, that we will crumble beneath the weight of this pain. But they are wrong."
The cover design is exquisite, The conclusion is both poignant and pulchritudinous.
February 5, 2025
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book.
I will note, that the blurb does mention it being based off the story of Samson from the Bible, but when I found it online for the ARC that wasn’t mentioned. There isn’t much religious talk in the book until the last 90% or so and in the final authors note. So if you have any sort of religious triggers, you may want to avoid this.
Unfortunately, most of the story just fell a little flat for me. Tiran and Serena had barely any interactions and she was already saying she loved him. On their own they both were interesting characters. I just would have liked their interactions to be more fleshed out.
Then, if she’d just told him the truth, everything towards the end could have been avoided.
I gave thus a three still at least because the writing style was nice and the cover was beautiful, even if the story really wasn’t for me.
I will note, that the blurb does mention it being based off the story of Samson from the Bible, but when I found it online for the ARC that wasn’t mentioned. There isn’t much religious talk in the book until the last 90% or so and in the final authors note. So if you have any sort of religious triggers, you may want to avoid this.
Unfortunately, most of the story just fell a little flat for me. Tiran and Serena had barely any interactions and she was already saying she loved him. On their own they both were interesting characters. I just would have liked their interactions to be more fleshed out.
Then, if she’d just told him the truth, everything towards the end could have been avoided.
I gave thus a three still at least because the writing style was nice and the cover was beautiful, even if the story really wasn’t for me.
December 10, 2024
I’ll admit, it was the gorgeous cover that first drew me in—it’s absolutely stunning.
This story leans on the classic deceive the enemy but fall in love trope. I recently read a similar one in a contemporary setting and couldn’t finish it, but this one truly delivered. The medieval-style writing added so much charm to the narrative.
The only thing that bothered me was Serena claiming to have fallen in love a bit too quickly. Other than that, it was an excellent read. And Tiran? Absolute perfection.
But that ending—why, Nicole? Just why would you do that to us?
This story leans on the classic deceive the enemy but fall in love trope. I recently read a similar one in a contemporary setting and couldn’t finish it, but this one truly delivered. The medieval-style writing added so much charm to the narrative.
The only thing that bothered me was Serena claiming to have fallen in love a bit too quickly. Other than that, it was an excellent read. And Tiran? Absolute perfection.
But that ending—why, Nicole? Just why would you do that to us?
December 11, 2024
beautiful, tragic and utterly memorable. it’s one of those stories where you know how it’s going to end but you can’t help hoping that it’ll end up differently because that’s how much you’re rooting for the characters. so heartbreaking but so lovely.
i only took off one star because it did get very repetitive at some points and i would’ve liked more information/backstory on Serena, Tiran and the village of Zorah but the overall story was so sweet.
i’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity by the author to read an ARC. ♡
i only took off one star because it did get very repetitive at some points and i would’ve liked more information/backstory on Serena, Tiran and the village of Zorah but the overall story was so sweet.
i’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity by the author to read an ARC. ♡
December 20, 2024
Super amazing rendition of a classic bible story
Reviewed in Canada on December 18, 2024
I’m not a very religious person so I went into this very sceptical and unsure. By chapter 2 I was hooked in for the long run and I finished the whole book in a matter of hours.
Fast paced and very close to the bible version of Samson and the love story is impeccable and very well written. The addition of the supernatural factors? Superb
I’m definitely adding Nicole to my list of always buying and you should too!
Reviewed in Canada on December 18, 2024
I’m not a very religious person so I went into this very sceptical and unsure. By chapter 2 I was hooked in for the long run and I finished the whole book in a matter of hours.
Fast paced and very close to the bible version of Samson and the love story is impeccable and very well written. The addition of the supernatural factors? Superb
I’m definitely adding Nicole to my list of always buying and you should too!
January 1, 2025
I’m not a very religious person so I went into this very sceptical and unsure. By chapter 2 I was hooked in for the long run and I finished the whole book in a matter of hours.
Fast paced and very close to the bible version of Samson and the love story is impeccable and very well written. The addition of the supernatural factors? Superb
I’m definitely adding Nicole to my list of always buying and you should too!
Fast paced and very close to the bible version of Samson and the love story is impeccable and very well written. The addition of the supernatural factors? Superb
I’m definitely adding Nicole to my list of always buying and you should too!
December 2, 2024
Thank you so much for this ARC!
I inhaled this book. Inhaled it! Tiran and Serena's pull to each other was magnetic and so well written, and their tension? Beautiful. There's no spice here, but I didn't even miss it! The ending had me in full-blown tears 😭🖤
🖤 Samson Reimagining
🖤 Novella
🖤 Slowburn Romance
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Hidden Identity
I inhaled this book. Inhaled it! Tiran and Serena's pull to each other was magnetic and so well written, and their tension? Beautiful. There's no spice here, but I didn't even miss it! The ending had me in full-blown tears 😭🖤
🖤 Samson Reimagining
🖤 Novella
🖤 Slowburn Romance
🖤 Dual POV
🖤 Hidden Identity
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews