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Skeleton Key #8
Unlocking Adeline
Skeleton Key Book Series One Skeleton Key. Endless Adventures. One magical key. The turn of a lock. An adventure of a lifetime . Her entire life, Adeline McAllister dreamt of a man whose face she couldn't see. A prince from her father's bedtime story, destined to be her happily ever after. But on the night of her 21st birthday, when a handsome stranger turns out not to be who she expected, she learns that her father's bedtime story isn't just one of the imagination. Lockelan MacCowan, the Prince of Wren is a warrior with a chip on his shoulder. For as long as he can remember the legends of Wren have bonded two families who bear the crescent moon to one another. A mark he bears. And a commitment he wants no part in. Determined to release himself from the responsibility of becoming King, he kidnaps his bonded bride and brings her home to his world. He attempts to remedy his issue by pushing her into the arms of his brother, but the harder he fights to stay away, the more he realizes he may have made a huge mistake. Will Adeline and Lockelan be able to fight their undeniable pull to one another long enough to break their bond, or will destiny take its course? And at what cost will they both sacrifice to get their own happily ever after? **THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE**
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2016
12 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Hollyfield
47 books1,628 followersCreative designer, mother, wife, writer, part-time superhero...
USA Today Bestselling author J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, sons, and doxies. With her love for romance, and a head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.
J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor, and Happily Ever After's.
USA Today Bestselling author J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, sons, and doxies. With her love for romance, and a head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.
J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor, and Happily Ever After's.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 15, 2016
I really enjoy reading fantasy books. I don't pick them very often (I don't know why) but when I do, I always hope to get lost in worlds full of magic, adventure, and love. J.D. Hollyfield nailed it with this book, she gave me all I want from a fantasy book and a little more.
After being captured by Locke, her oh not so nice "Prince", Adeline is forced to time travel to Wren, a place that she has only heard about in her father bed story times. A place she couldn't believe it was real, and where according to her Prince, she belongs.
Despite being destined to be together, Locke and Addie fought with all their might the fate that they were born to follow. But what happens when you can't fight it anymore? Feelings are unlocked and with them an unbreakable bond is born. A relationship packed with a strong friendship and an explosive love that will have you swooning over Locke and laughing so hard with Addie's thoughts.
With a fascinating, funny and steamy storyline, Unlocking Adeline will make you lose the key and get lost in Wren forever!!!
After being captured by Locke, her oh not so nice "Prince", Adeline is forced to time travel to Wren, a place that she has only heard about in her father bed story times. A place she couldn't believe it was real, and where according to her Prince, she belongs.
Despite being destined to be together, Locke and Addie fought with all their might the fate that they were born to follow. But what happens when you can't fight it anymore? Feelings are unlocked and with them an unbreakable bond is born. A relationship packed with a strong friendship and an explosive love that will have you swooning over Locke and laughing so hard with Addie's thoughts.
With a fascinating, funny and steamy storyline, Unlocking Adeline will make you lose the key and get lost in Wren forever!!!
June 4, 2016
J.D. Hollyfield is a go-to author for me when I want something clever and funny with a mix of steamy romance. She didn't disappoint with Unlocking Adeline. In fact, this is without a doubt my favorite book of hers!
I'm not usually a fantasy reader but she knocked it out of the park with this adventurous book. Adeline and Locke had a chemistry that melted the pages as I devoured this book as quickly as I could. It has a time travel feel to it that I absolutely loved and the world she created was descriptive and real. I felt as if I were right there with them.
Addie and Locke were like fire and ice. Both were bullheaded, strong, and feisty. Neither of them yielded to the norms or future that was created for them and always seemed to carve out their own paths. Despite being destined to be with one another, they each fought the path that they were both so obviously born to follow until they couldn't fight it anymore.
"All we have to do is dangle ye in front of his brother and wait until he breaks."
And then, their world exploded with love, a steamy relationship, and an unbreakable friendship. Together they were unstoppable and whole.
"Ye are mine. Do ye hear me? Only mine."
If you loved Outlander, you'll definitely appreciate this book. The two characters reminded me of Claire and Jamie Frazier's explosive relationship that was full of excitement, antagonistic exchanges, and mostly love.
"Ye are perfect. Pure. And I am going to ravish every part of ye, until I feel ye in my blood. God, Addie, thank ye."
Get this book, settle in by the fire, and let J.D. Hollyfield unlock this world for you. Once you step foot inside Wren, you're going to want to lose that key and never come back!
I'm not usually a fantasy reader but she knocked it out of the park with this adventurous book. Adeline and Locke had a chemistry that melted the pages as I devoured this book as quickly as I could. It has a time travel feel to it that I absolutely loved and the world she created was descriptive and real. I felt as if I were right there with them.
Addie and Locke were like fire and ice. Both were bullheaded, strong, and feisty. Neither of them yielded to the norms or future that was created for them and always seemed to carve out their own paths. Despite being destined to be with one another, they each fought the path that they were both so obviously born to follow until they couldn't fight it anymore.
"All we have to do is dangle ye in front of his brother and wait until he breaks."
And then, their world exploded with love, a steamy relationship, and an unbreakable friendship. Together they were unstoppable and whole.
"Ye are mine. Do ye hear me? Only mine."
If you loved Outlander, you'll definitely appreciate this book. The two characters reminded me of Claire and Jamie Frazier's explosive relationship that was full of excitement, antagonistic exchanges, and mostly love.
"Ye are perfect. Pure. And I am going to ravish every part of ye, until I feel ye in my blood. God, Addie, thank ye."
Get this book, settle in by the fire, and let J.D. Hollyfield unlock this world for you. Once you step foot inside Wren, you're going to want to lose that key and never come back!
June 15, 2016
"Ye are mine. Do ye hear me? Only mine."
First of all can I just say LOOK at that gorgeous cover!
Secondly, I haven't actually read much fantasy romance, I read a whole lot of PNR but not fantasy as much but I was pretty excited to read this one!
And it really did not disappoint.
'His eyes; they are just like in my dad's stories. The crescent moon. The eyes of the prince who comes to claim his princess.'
You know that saying 'Be careful what you wish for.' ? Yeah, well, Adeline learns all about that. We all have our favourite fairy tale stories, so imagine that one you've wanted to hear time and time again, the fairy tale that as a little child you wish it was you in the story. Only years later you find out you are that princess in your favourite fairy tale and your prince has come to take you to another world. Only he isn't exactly the prince you had envisioned and you really don't fancy being taken from your life to another world.
That is the basis of what happens here. And it is so good!
Addie and Locke are fire together omg! Locke is a total jerk! ha! He totally is! A hot jerk. He crashes into Addie's world and demands with no apology. He's mean.(Which I totally dig). He has his guard up and eventually we get to see a different side to him but he makes us work for it.
Addie is a tough chick. She had a lot to take on and in a way grew up differently to others around her. She is so stubborn and wasn't afraid to fight back against Locke's bullheaded attitude which I loved her for. She is so witty and hilarious.
The two of these really are so explosive!
The push and pull.
The love and hate.
And then when it all explodes and comes together in their passion. Gah!
These two are seriously one of my favourite dynamics. Probably my favourite ever to be honest.
So perfectly matched.
"Let me go or I am going to scream my head off."
"And I won't ask again. If ye don't calm down, I am going to silence ye,"
"Give me that key"
"No"
I open my mouth to scream just as he slams his mouth onto mine. With a crushing force, his lips make contact, and he certainly does silence me.'
Like I mentioned above, I really haven't read much fantasy but honestly I think this one was pretty damn good! For me, I think to get a reader to connect with a fantasy romance, you need to really put them in the story, right there along with the characters so they can see it all happening, and that was definitely done here. A picture was painted, the details done without being too wordy, it was enough to have you in the story and keep you hooked. Add the explosive romance and J.D. Hollyfield's signature witty, genius humor in her writing and you really do have a winner. This author really does have a knack for creating memorable characters and not just the main characters either; Christof and Greta are brilliant characters and if it was possible to have their stories I'd read them in a heartbeat.
I was so glued to this story.
TAKE ME BACK TO WREN!!! *Cries*
I actually can't fault this book. It was sweet and sexy, entertaining, hilarious and most of all it was an adventure which I think is the key to a good fantasy book. I know fantasy (and PNR) are new genres to J.D. Hollyfield but she really can write the hell out of anything it seems and I love the books she has written in these genres so much. I'd read more from her in these genres without a doubt!*hint hint*
OHH and the Epilogue! Omg the epilogue!
June 28, 2017
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Adeline is desperate for a change. She loves her parents, but she feels held back and at 21 she knows just what she needs to do. First though, she needs a drink and maybe a man. Lockelan is not the man she pictured though and when the familiar man takes her to the magical world of Wren she thought only existed in stories her entire world changes. Destined to be married and to become the next Queen of Wren, Addie fights to find the key that will return her to real life where Wren is only a story made up by her father. Locke is charming in a broguish, intense kind of way though and soon she finds that she can't escape fate or her growing feelings.
If you're familiar with my reviews you're probably asking yourself why I am reviewing a fantasy novel. I know, they aren't my style, but an author I respect 100% suggested it and when J.D. Hollyfield explained the premise a bit more I bought into it. WORTH IT. I loved this book, I might have to read more fantasy like this in the future.
'All we have to do is dangle ye in front of his brother and wait until he breaks.'
The main characters in Unlocking Adeline are so headstrong. Addie and Locke are stubborn characters who are always in denial, it's hilarious. I loved the push pull between these two and that they were both covering up what they really felt due to the pressure on them. Their story is made up of fate, but they're fighting that fate and I think it really brought out some interesting dynamics between the two. It doesn't help that they're from two dimensions, two very different worlds with different ideals and beliefs. That said, I think Addie was written perfectly for the world change, she was so sick of life, of being held back, and this opportunity, though not ideal, really brought out her true self. Definitely loved them both.
Normally I rate fantasy down due to the unbelievable scenarious, but the changing dimension made a world of difference in terms of believability for me. J.D. Hollyfield is an incredibly descriptive writer, she brought Addie's world at home and the skeleton key world of Wren to life. World building is huge for me, so being able to picture the land of Wren like I was seeing it right in front of me was incredible. Unfortunately, I wanted more in terms of character history. While we get the full story by the end of the novel, I was left desperate for a bit more related to the secondary characters. There were a lot of strong emotions left over due to Addie's father and I would have really liked to see those explored more. Plus, with Addie's strong temperment I think it would have expanded the world even more for me.
'His eyes; they are just like in my dad's stories. The crescent moon. The eyes of the prince who comes to claim his princess.'
I really enjoyed J.D. Hollyfield Skeleton Key novel, Unlocking Adeline. It was the perfect book to bring me back into the world of fantasy, as well as a delightful story about family, romance, and fate. I absolutely recommend this one to all readers, even those like me who run from fantasy at every turn.
Adeline is desperate for a change. She loves her parents, but she feels held back and at 21 she knows just what she needs to do. First though, she needs a drink and maybe a man. Lockelan is not the man she pictured though and when the familiar man takes her to the magical world of Wren she thought only existed in stories her entire world changes. Destined to be married and to become the next Queen of Wren, Addie fights to find the key that will return her to real life where Wren is only a story made up by her father. Locke is charming in a broguish, intense kind of way though and soon she finds that she can't escape fate or her growing feelings.
If you're familiar with my reviews you're probably asking yourself why I am reviewing a fantasy novel. I know, they aren't my style, but an author I respect 100% suggested it and when J.D. Hollyfield explained the premise a bit more I bought into it. WORTH IT. I loved this book, I might have to read more fantasy like this in the future.
'All we have to do is dangle ye in front of his brother and wait until he breaks.'
The main characters in Unlocking Adeline are so headstrong. Addie and Locke are stubborn characters who are always in denial, it's hilarious. I loved the push pull between these two and that they were both covering up what they really felt due to the pressure on them. Their story is made up of fate, but they're fighting that fate and I think it really brought out some interesting dynamics between the two. It doesn't help that they're from two dimensions, two very different worlds with different ideals and beliefs. That said, I think Addie was written perfectly for the world change, she was so sick of life, of being held back, and this opportunity, though not ideal, really brought out her true self. Definitely loved them both.
Normally I rate fantasy down due to the unbelievable scenarious, but the changing dimension made a world of difference in terms of believability for me. J.D. Hollyfield is an incredibly descriptive writer, she brought Addie's world at home and the skeleton key world of Wren to life. World building is huge for me, so being able to picture the land of Wren like I was seeing it right in front of me was incredible. Unfortunately, I wanted more in terms of character history. While we get the full story by the end of the novel, I was left desperate for a bit more related to the secondary characters. There were a lot of strong emotions left over due to Addie's father and I would have really liked to see those explored more. Plus, with Addie's strong temperment I think it would have expanded the world even more for me.
'His eyes; they are just like in my dad's stories. The crescent moon. The eyes of the prince who comes to claim his princess.'
I really enjoyed J.D. Hollyfield Skeleton Key novel, Unlocking Adeline. It was the perfect book to bring me back into the world of fantasy, as well as a delightful story about family, romance, and fate. I absolutely recommend this one to all readers, even those like me who run from fantasy at every turn.
February 10, 2017
2.5 STARS
This book was frustrating, the hero..my lawd I want to punch him so hard, other than the epilogue(in which he was really, really loveable) and a few scenes, he was an asshole.
The heroine was just as annoying, she should have made him grovel more after the shit he pulled, and damn she was so so childish at times.
This book wasn't bad and the plot was intriguing, but the characters and the way the characters behaved really got on my nerves.
But the book didn't lose my interest in any way, and I didn't want to DNF, so make what you will with that.
Safety gang - Safe with exception
Anyway, I wouldn't say this book was horrible, just had flaws but, I won't deny that it definitely makes for a decent read.
This book was frustrating, the hero..my lawd I want to punch him so hard, other than the epilogue(in which he was really, really loveable) and a few scenes, he was an asshole.
The heroine was just as annoying, she should have made him grovel more after the shit he pulled, and damn she was so so childish at times.
This book wasn't bad and the plot was intriguing, but the characters and the way the characters behaved really got on my nerves.
But the book didn't lose my interest in any way, and I didn't want to DNF, so make what you will with that.
Safety gang - Safe with exception
Anyway, I wouldn't say this book was horrible, just had flaws but, I won't deny that it definitely makes for a decent read.
June 24, 2016
I was not always a romance reader. At least, not primarily. I gravitated to worlds of fantasy and make believe, worlds of wonder and magic. I still have a soft spot for those lands I spent so many hours exploring. This book felt like a homecoming.
I've been following the writing of J.D. Hollyfield since the beginning. I've fallen in love with her kick-ass heroines and snarky writing style. Always clever, always sexy, and always impossible to put down.
Unlocking Adeline was like the icing on my cupcake, the jelly to my toast, like binging on "better than sex" cake with my favorite glass of wine. It was a ‘kids, shut up; honey, not tonight; go away world, I'm reading’ kind of book. Almost as if she put everything that I love into it, and stirred it into one delicious recipe.
Fantasy land, similar to a medieval historical? Check. Fairy tales and magic? Check. Sexy brooding hero, who is gentle and tender with children? Shut up, stupid ovaries. Strong willed heroine who actually walks the walk? You got it. Snark? Hells yeah! Sprinkle in a cast of amazing secondary characters (who are SCREAMING for their own books), yes, thank you very much.
It was everything I had forgotten I craved, and now the only problem is that it definitely didn't satisfy my appetite. I desperately crave more. ~ George, All the Stars!
I've been following the writing of J.D. Hollyfield since the beginning. I've fallen in love with her kick-ass heroines and snarky writing style. Always clever, always sexy, and always impossible to put down.
Unlocking Adeline was like the icing on my cupcake, the jelly to my toast, like binging on "better than sex" cake with my favorite glass of wine. It was a ‘kids, shut up; honey, not tonight; go away world, I'm reading’ kind of book. Almost as if she put everything that I love into it, and stirred it into one delicious recipe.
Fantasy land, similar to a medieval historical? Check. Fairy tales and magic? Check. Sexy brooding hero, who is gentle and tender with children? Shut up, stupid ovaries. Strong willed heroine who actually walks the walk? You got it. Snark? Hells yeah! Sprinkle in a cast of amazing secondary characters (who are SCREAMING for their own books), yes, thank you very much.
It was everything I had forgotten I craved, and now the only problem is that it definitely didn't satisfy my appetite. I desperately crave more. ~ George, All the Stars!
July 26, 2017
3.5⭐️
June 4, 2016
I received an ARC and this book sucked me in! I hope there will be a second one to finish Adeline and Locke's story. I loved how all the aspects of the book; magic, romance, comedy, and suspense; tied together so well without one overpowering the others.
June 5, 2016
Unlocking Adeline is the best time travel book I’ve read so far this year. I had no idea what to expect because this was the first time I have read this authors work, and I definitely intend to read more. I loved everything about this book. It was a sweet, romantic and hilarious story that I couldn’t and didn’t want to put down. Reading this story was like watching a movie play out in front of you that you were a part of and I enjoyed every minute of it. The characters in this story are the best and you will absolutely love them; I know I did, most of them any ways (except Farah). Even after finishing the book I still thought of the characters and how wonderful the storyline was and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series even though the author hasn’t technically released this one yet. Yes, this story is just that wonderful. I found myself still thinking about the characters even after I finished the story and the images still brings a smile to my face. This story was fantastic in every way for me, and I cannot wait to read more. I would love to see Adeline’s grandmother accept her and not hold what Adeline’s father did against Adeline, but we shall see. You will want to strangle and hug both Adeline (Addie) and Lockelan (Locke) at the same time. They will make you dislike them one minute and fall in love with them all over again the next. I loved both Addie and Locke but Greta had to be one of the funniest, kindest, intriguing sorcerers I have ever read about and I enjoyed her character immensely. This book is definitely a MUST READ for all book lovers!!!!!!
June 17, 2016
Unlocking Adeline is one book you need to read! I could not put it down it was that amazing. I'm still in awe at what I read.
First off, I absolutely love Addie. Love her! She is a girl from my own heart. She's stubborn, has a sharp tongue, a temper just like me but still loving, caring and passionate. She was so easy to relate to.
I love Locke too. Well at first I kinda disliked him I mean he's arrogant, selfish, takes what he wants and has no patience but as the story unfolds we see a completely different side that surprised the heck out of me. I fell in love with him. Not because he was hot but because he was so much more than that.
The story overall was a phenomenal read that will leave me thinking back on it for days. The writing was exceptional. The story was intriguing. Addie, Locke and all the characters will leave you wanting more.
J.D. Hollyfield done a great job of sucking you into the world of Wren that you actually felt like you were living there yourself. The way she was descriptive of the sceneries and smells even dresses and clothes everyone worn. I could close my eyes and see it. The language is that of the old world too. I'm just flabbergasted by not how Unlocking Adeline was written but everything that J.D. put into it to make sure that the clothing, language, etc matched up. I wish I could give it 10 stars!
Please take note it does end in a small cliff but nothing huge like most books just something that has you groaning and making me impatient for book 2!
First off, I absolutely love Addie. Love her! She is a girl from my own heart. She's stubborn, has a sharp tongue, a temper just like me but still loving, caring and passionate. She was so easy to relate to.
I love Locke too. Well at first I kinda disliked him I mean he's arrogant, selfish, takes what he wants and has no patience but as the story unfolds we see a completely different side that surprised the heck out of me. I fell in love with him. Not because he was hot but because he was so much more than that.
The story overall was a phenomenal read that will leave me thinking back on it for days. The writing was exceptional. The story was intriguing. Addie, Locke and all the characters will leave you wanting more.
J.D. Hollyfield done a great job of sucking you into the world of Wren that you actually felt like you were living there yourself. The way she was descriptive of the sceneries and smells even dresses and clothes everyone worn. I could close my eyes and see it. The language is that of the old world too. I'm just flabbergasted by not how Unlocking Adeline was written but everything that J.D. put into it to make sure that the clothing, language, etc matched up. I wish I could give it 10 stars!
Please take note it does end in a small cliff but nothing huge like most books just something that has you groaning and making me impatient for book 2!
June 5, 2016
Wow!! If your looking for a great read that captures you from the beginning. Read this book. I devoured this book as fast as I could. This fantasy romance has everything you're looking for in a great read. The world that the author creates is a place we all wish we could be a part of. This isn't a story about how easy insta-love is, this story gives you the reality of life and how we fight everything. No matter how much we feel something we will fight it if it's new and unknown. I fell in love with Locke even tho he can be a brute and Addie is just to die for. This book has it all, one min you'll be laughing, than mad and than swooning. I can't wait to see if the author gives us more of this wonderful fantasy world and the characters I fell in love with.
June 26, 2016
Oh my god. What a emotional book. Don't get me
Wrong this book is beyond beautiful, but it is packed full of so many emotions that you can't help but feel them as you read it. It has me happy one minute then shocked and wanting to cry the next. The story is amazing though. I do recommend this to everyone. Just beware that it will make you feel everything
Wrong this book is beyond beautiful, but it is packed full of so many emotions that you can't help but feel them as you read it. It has me happy one minute then shocked and wanting to cry the next. The story is amazing though. I do recommend this to everyone. Just beware that it will make you feel everything
January 29, 2019
I recently read the first two books in J.D. Hollyfield’s Love Not Included series, so I was looking at her other books and I had thought about reading Unlocking Adeline, but then the finicky mood I’m still somewhat in, struck and I had decided to pass on it in that moment. And boy, am I kicking myself for doing that and not reading this book earlier because it was beyond fantastic! I just loved Unlocking Adeline to pieces — I couldn’t get enough of it!
I loved Locke and Adeline. Locke could be a jerk at times and he made me rolls my eyes, shake my head, and had me wanting to shake him instead, but there’s a lot more to Locke than meets the eye. I did love his gruff, surly self and I definitely loved his sweet, but Adeline’s the one who takes the cake. She’s so fierce and stubborn and a total boss. Adeline doesn’t take any guff from Locke — she was just amazing and generous and I adored her!
Unlocking Adeline pulled me in from the very beginning and refused to let me go. The world Ms. Hollyfield created was interesting and fascinating and I just wanted to know more, more, more! It was full of passion and tension, humor and entertainment, and heart pounding, heartwarming moments. Unlocking Adeline was wonderful and I’m a little sad that it’s over, but I’m glad Locke and Adeline got their happily-ever-after.
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
I loved Locke and Adeline. Locke could be a jerk at times and he made me rolls my eyes, shake my head, and had me wanting to shake him instead, but there’s a lot more to Locke than meets the eye. I did love his gruff, surly self and I definitely loved his sweet, but Adeline’s the one who takes the cake. She’s so fierce and stubborn and a total boss. Adeline doesn’t take any guff from Locke — she was just amazing and generous and I adored her!
Unlocking Adeline pulled me in from the very beginning and refused to let me go. The world Ms. Hollyfield created was interesting and fascinating and I just wanted to know more, more, more! It was full of passion and tension, humor and entertainment, and heart pounding, heartwarming moments. Unlocking Adeline was wonderful and I’m a little sad that it’s over, but I’m glad Locke and Adeline got their happily-ever-after.
~ Sonja, 5 Stars
April 21, 2022
#Fantasy #FatedMates #EnemiesToLovers
This has been on my TBR for months and I was thrilled to finally get to read it and to meet a reading challenge goal. This book is primarily written in first person from Addie's POV with two exceptions. The prologue is written in third person and is a flashback to Addie as a little girl. There is one chapter written in first person from Locke's POV.
Adeline and Lockelan are bonded mates that have been separated. He take her to his realm, even though he doesn't like the idea of marriage. His actions are a little complicated, and readers are enlightened to his motives when he finally gets his chapter. Addie is feisty and sassy, which sometimes works for her and sometimes works against her. There are steamy scenes that solidify their bond to a certain extent, but these two love to argue with each other about everything. There are elements of danger and betrayal at play to try to keep them apart. The magical and fantasy elements were fun. I loved Christof and Greta, the sorcerer, who are both wonderful secondary characters.
Overall, I liked the book but I wanted a little more, especially from Locke. For a fun and fast fantasy read I do recommend it.
TW: Attempted rape of h, not by H, but she escapes. Knife violence.
This has been on my TBR for months and I was thrilled to finally get to read it and to meet a reading challenge goal. This book is primarily written in first person from Addie's POV with two exceptions. The prologue is written in third person and is a flashback to Addie as a little girl. There is one chapter written in first person from Locke's POV.
Adeline and Lockelan are bonded mates that have been separated. He take her to his realm, even though he doesn't like the idea of marriage. His actions are a little complicated, and readers are enlightened to his motives when he finally gets his chapter. Addie is feisty and sassy, which sometimes works for her and sometimes works against her. There are steamy scenes that solidify their bond to a certain extent, but these two love to argue with each other about everything. There are elements of danger and betrayal at play to try to keep them apart. The magical and fantasy elements were fun. I loved Christof and Greta, the sorcerer, who are both wonderful secondary characters.
Overall, I liked the book but I wanted a little more, especially from Locke. For a fun and fast fantasy read I do recommend it.
TW: Attempted rape of h, not by H, but she escapes. Knife violence.
July 11, 2021
Fairytale Masterpiece
I did not want this relm of enchantment to end. I don't normally read more magical novels but something about this particular book has me intrigued. Once I started I couldn't stop. Sleep be damned. Locke that poor poor Adonis of a man....he has his hands full with Adeline. J.D. hits every emotion in this masterpiece. Let me tell you I had no shame in letting my emotions out either. I hope there's more as I'm not ready to leave Wren.
I did not want this relm of enchantment to end. I don't normally read more magical novels but something about this particular book has me intrigued. Once I started I couldn't stop. Sleep be damned. Locke that poor poor Adonis of a man....he has his hands full with Adeline. J.D. hits every emotion in this masterpiece. Let me tell you I had no shame in letting my emotions out either. I hope there's more as I'm not ready to leave Wren.
April 8, 2018
The key is everything
I really like reading these stories. They are a quick read between series that are being read. Each book is a standalone which is hard to fined. This one is about a little girl with stories of being taken away to her prince and finding out as an adult that the stories are true.
I really like reading these stories. They are a quick read between series that are being read. Each book is a standalone which is hard to fined. This one is about a little girl with stories of being taken away to her prince and finding out as an adult that the stories are true.
March 27, 2023
one of my favorites!
I 👏 can’t 👏express👏 to 👏you👏 how 👏much👏 I👏 loved👏 this👏 book!👏 it made me mad and above all it brought tears to my eyes!
Such a great story! I would love to read another book on their life! Better yet a book on christoph! Ugghhh this book was awesome I can’t even . I wish I could reread with fresh eyes.
I 👏 can’t 👏express👏 to 👏you👏 how 👏much👏 I👏 loved👏 this👏 book!👏 it made me mad and above all it brought tears to my eyes!
Such a great story! I would love to read another book on their life! Better yet a book on christoph! Ugghhh this book was awesome I can’t even . I wish I could reread with fresh eyes.
July 25, 2017
I found some of the Wren folklore to be inconsistent of not making sense. Which really got on my nerves. While I loved the whole prince kidnapping his future queen from another realm, which seems very interesting, the story fell short.
August 1, 2018
Even though I was intrigued by this story, the characters gave me a headache. It felt like they weren't doing anything but yelling and after a while, I god really fed up with that.
October 22, 2019
3.5 Stars
August 27, 2016
º°✩ARC provided by author for an honest review✩º°∘
Unlocking Adeline by Jessica D. Hollyfield
*Best read this year*
First off I must say this was one amazing read!! I wish I could turn back time and read it all over again...
We meet little Addie (Adeline McAllistar) who was so caught up in her father's (Richard McAllistar) bed time story, that she couldn't get enough of hearing of the wonderful land that was Wren.
"almost too lovely for one's eyes." That sentence alone gives you a pretty good idea.
Addie dreamed of the day where her prince will come and sweep her off her feet, but as she started growing up and got faced with realities like her mother being sick and she needed to take care of her little brother Liam, she knew it was all just a fairy tale.
One day on her 21st birthday she decided she's going to break the rules, stay out late and go to a bar... She thought that her father was just being overprotective with all his speeches of not staying out late... Her worst choice ever.
Whirlwind a few moments later and she's in an unknown place with the man she met in the bar, this hunk of a man. She was transported from her living room into an unknown realm by a Skeleton Key...
Not wanting to tell all, I want you to enjoy the story, I will say that Addie met Locke, and they were chosen to be married. As it stands in the Book of Wren, the chosen ones are marked with the sign of a crescent moon, and as you can guess Addie and Locke beared those marks. The Book of Wren ruled the land, everyone lived by it. When that book says something's gonna happen, its gonna happen!
We follow the story how 2 stubborn people fight their feelings for each other, and the roles for King and Queen of Wren. They fight, and make up and fight again. Addie gets to know some townsfolk and starts to wonder if she should follow her heart or her head...All this time she is still trying to get that Skeleton Key to go back home, because Wren is not her home, but she was destined to be there... First of all Wren did not have the luxuries of home or technology (only the sorcerer Greta had technology), and the way they dressed... We won't even talk about their Rennaissance slang.... So Addie knew that she didn't want to stay in Wren, she doesn't want to be married to Locke and there's no chance of her accepting the title of Queen... But there was that little twinkle of hope that messed with her head, and his name was Locke.
If she was faced with the choice of leaving now, if she had the key, would she stay or would she go??
From Chapter 17 I was on the edge of my seat, and I bet you will be too. There's some serious life changing moments, and you might start doubting who you like and who you hate. But soon enough your faith will be restored, or your emotions might double up.. I leave that to you.
This wonderful tale is pretold in the Book of Wren, its just a matter of time for everything to be played out as it should be.
Unlocking Adeline by Jessica D. Hollyfield
*Best read this year*
First off I must say this was one amazing read!! I wish I could turn back time and read it all over again...
We meet little Addie (Adeline McAllistar) who was so caught up in her father's (Richard McAllistar) bed time story, that she couldn't get enough of hearing of the wonderful land that was Wren.
"almost too lovely for one's eyes." That sentence alone gives you a pretty good idea.
Addie dreamed of the day where her prince will come and sweep her off her feet, but as she started growing up and got faced with realities like her mother being sick and she needed to take care of her little brother Liam, she knew it was all just a fairy tale.
One day on her 21st birthday she decided she's going to break the rules, stay out late and go to a bar... She thought that her father was just being overprotective with all his speeches of not staying out late... Her worst choice ever.
Whirlwind a few moments later and she's in an unknown place with the man she met in the bar, this hunk of a man. She was transported from her living room into an unknown realm by a Skeleton Key...
Not wanting to tell all, I want you to enjoy the story, I will say that Addie met Locke, and they were chosen to be married. As it stands in the Book of Wren, the chosen ones are marked with the sign of a crescent moon, and as you can guess Addie and Locke beared those marks. The Book of Wren ruled the land, everyone lived by it. When that book says something's gonna happen, its gonna happen!
We follow the story how 2 stubborn people fight their feelings for each other, and the roles for King and Queen of Wren. They fight, and make up and fight again. Addie gets to know some townsfolk and starts to wonder if she should follow her heart or her head...All this time she is still trying to get that Skeleton Key to go back home, because Wren is not her home, but she was destined to be there... First of all Wren did not have the luxuries of home or technology (only the sorcerer Greta had technology), and the way they dressed... We won't even talk about their Rennaissance slang.... So Addie knew that she didn't want to stay in Wren, she doesn't want to be married to Locke and there's no chance of her accepting the title of Queen... But there was that little twinkle of hope that messed with her head, and his name was Locke.
If she was faced with the choice of leaving now, if she had the key, would she stay or would she go??
From Chapter 17 I was on the edge of my seat, and I bet you will be too. There's some serious life changing moments, and you might start doubting who you like and who you hate. But soon enough your faith will be restored, or your emotions might double up.. I leave that to you.
This wonderful tale is pretold in the Book of Wren, its just a matter of time for everything to be played out as it should be.
June 10, 2016
I have loved every one of J.D. Hollyfield’s books but man this one really blew me out of the water! J.D. stepped out of her everyday comfort zone for what she typically writes and did an amazing job with Unlocking Adeline. The way she described everything and made me as a reader feel like I stepped into the other world she created was great! She really has a talent for making you feel as though you are right there watching the whole book play out in front of you!
Adeline McAllister is just your everyday normal girl who lives one day at a time. She is still living with her parents and helping take care of her sick mother, father, and little brother. She just turns 21 and only wants to stop at a bar for the first time in her life and see what it feels like to be 21 and free for the night. Little does she know that she went against her father’s request to come straight home for work, and now her life changes forever because of her curiosity.
Lockelan McGowan is a man on a mission to get the girl he is destined to be with according the Book of Wren in his country. He just happens to be in the right place when Addie steps into the bar that night because now he has his destiny right in front of him, and he just have to get her to come home with him. Little does he know, Addie is a fierce girl and will put up a fight before she is taken to a world she only believed was real in fairy tales. When Lockelan gets a hold of her finally, she finds out that the fairy tales her father used to tell her are more than made up, they are true and it’s her life.
Wren is such a magical place that happens to be parallel to our world, but old fashion. J.D. did an amazing job describing every aspect of the land and people living there. I love the people she created and all of the humor she put into the story to keep the reader loving each and every character. Addie and Locke were amazing and had the best chemistry, even though they do their best to fight it. These two are magical together and they just need the right shove to figure it out before the land is left without a Queen and King.
J.D. Hollyfield is definitely a go to author for me when I need something with humor and amazing characters. I love that she let me do an ARC for Unlocking Adeline and I recommend anyone that loves a good fantasy story, to get this ASAP! I devoured it in one day and I really want more!! I really wish I could give more than 5 stars because this deserves it!
Adeline McAllister is just your everyday normal girl who lives one day at a time. She is still living with her parents and helping take care of her sick mother, father, and little brother. She just turns 21 and only wants to stop at a bar for the first time in her life and see what it feels like to be 21 and free for the night. Little does she know that she went against her father’s request to come straight home for work, and now her life changes forever because of her curiosity.
Lockelan McGowan is a man on a mission to get the girl he is destined to be with according the Book of Wren in his country. He just happens to be in the right place when Addie steps into the bar that night because now he has his destiny right in front of him, and he just have to get her to come home with him. Little does he know, Addie is a fierce girl and will put up a fight before she is taken to a world she only believed was real in fairy tales. When Lockelan gets a hold of her finally, she finds out that the fairy tales her father used to tell her are more than made up, they are true and it’s her life.
Wren is such a magical place that happens to be parallel to our world, but old fashion. J.D. did an amazing job describing every aspect of the land and people living there. I love the people she created and all of the humor she put into the story to keep the reader loving each and every character. Addie and Locke were amazing and had the best chemistry, even though they do their best to fight it. These two are magical together and they just need the right shove to figure it out before the land is left without a Queen and King.
J.D. Hollyfield is definitely a go to author for me when I need something with humor and amazing characters. I love that she let me do an ARC for Unlocking Adeline and I recommend anyone that loves a good fantasy story, to get this ASAP! I devoured it in one day and I really want more!! I really wish I could give more than 5 stars because this deserves it!
June 12, 2016
Final Score - 5 Weeping Stars!
To find out that the fairy tale you were told was in fact the true is one thing... but that you are the one in the fairy tale? WHAT THE HECK?!
Adeline has just discovered that she's a princess of an unknown land, destined to rule & marry a prince. To anyone that would sound like a dream come true. But to Adeline, who's just been kidnapped by her intended ... she's plummeted into a nightmare where she will never see her loved ones again. Set to be married off to someone not of her choosing. Thrust into an unkind land where she is viewed as the enemy. What's this all-American girl to do?
Locke has just kidnapped is intended and plans to marry her off to his brother. He doesn't want to be a victim to a book's predictions about who he will marry. He doesn't want to rule the land, but rather run his life the way he sees fit. What's this man to do when faced with his intended's wraith?
FALL UNEQUIVOCALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY IN LOVE OF COURSE! But those the course of love is not without it's bumps and hurdles. Such as a scorned ex-fiance (her father's), an angry mother (her father's) and a love lorn childhood friend (his).
This book had me engrossed and I didn't want to put it down. I loved Addie's tenaciousness at standing her ground and trying with all her might not to fall for the brute who dismissed her and then kisses her at every turn. Locke had me wanting to belt him with a couple of knocks up beside his head as well.
Readers will enjoy this book, whether by laughing at Addie & Locke's attempts at trying to ignore one another, or crying over Addie's feeling of isolation and loneliness as she's in a hostile environment where not even the family she has there offer any kind of solace. And the ending to me while a bit abrupt was satisfying. I'm glad they found common ground & were able to bridge the gap - so to speak.
All in all, you don't want to miss this story!
To find out that the fairy tale you were told was in fact the true is one thing... but that you are the one in the fairy tale? WHAT THE HECK?!
Adeline has just discovered that she's a princess of an unknown land, destined to rule & marry a prince. To anyone that would sound like a dream come true. But to Adeline, who's just been kidnapped by her intended ... she's plummeted into a nightmare where she will never see her loved ones again. Set to be married off to someone not of her choosing. Thrust into an unkind land where she is viewed as the enemy. What's this all-American girl to do?
Locke has just kidnapped is intended and plans to marry her off to his brother. He doesn't want to be a victim to a book's predictions about who he will marry. He doesn't want to rule the land, but rather run his life the way he sees fit. What's this man to do when faced with his intended's wraith?
FALL UNEQUIVOCALLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY IN LOVE OF COURSE! But those the course of love is not without it's bumps and hurdles. Such as a scorned ex-fiance (her father's), an angry mother (her father's) and a love lorn childhood friend (his).
This book had me engrossed and I didn't want to put it down. I loved Addie's tenaciousness at standing her ground and trying with all her might not to fall for the brute who dismissed her and then kisses her at every turn. Locke had me wanting to belt him with a couple of knocks up beside his head as well.
Readers will enjoy this book, whether by laughing at Addie & Locke's attempts at trying to ignore one another, or crying over Addie's feeling of isolation and loneliness as she's in a hostile environment where not even the family she has there offer any kind of solace. And the ending to me while a bit abrupt was satisfying. I'm glad they found common ground & were able to bridge the gap - so to speak.
All in all, you don't want to miss this story!
June 15, 2016
I was not sure what to expect when I started Unlocking Adeline but WOW does the author sure know how to suck you in and keep you interested. I'm not usually a big fan of time travel books but this one hooked me from the very beginning. What an incredible love story that also throws in some mystery and suspense. I have read several other books by this author and she has written in several different romance genres and they are all incredibly written and well plotted out. Unlocking Adeline lacks for nothing and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened to her and Locke. I also couldn't help but love Ellie. My only complaint is that I want to know what happens in the future to these lovable characters!
This is the story of Adeline who is basically kidnapped by Locke on her 21st birthday and taken to Wren a completely different realm from where she is currently living. Adeline's father, Richard, told her all kinds of fairy tales about Wren as she was growing up, she never thought it was a real place, but now she's there and the people of Wren think she's a Princess. Locke is to be her Prince, but he doesn't agree and tries to "pawn" her off on his brother. Then you throw in Farrah and you have a real ugly plot brewing as Farrah is in love with Locke. Who will end up together and will Adeline stay in Wren or will she get the skeleton key from Locke and return home?
This is the story of Adeline who is basically kidnapped by Locke on her 21st birthday and taken to Wren a completely different realm from where she is currently living. Adeline's father, Richard, told her all kinds of fairy tales about Wren as she was growing up, she never thought it was a real place, but now she's there and the people of Wren think she's a Princess. Locke is to be her Prince, but he doesn't agree and tries to "pawn" her off on his brother. Then you throw in Farrah and you have a real ugly plot brewing as Farrah is in love with Locke. Who will end up together and will Adeline stay in Wren or will she get the skeleton key from Locke and return home?
June 9, 2016
J.D. Hollyfield, woman, you have written a masterpiece. This book has hit my top 10 most favorite books EVER!!!!!
Little Miss Adeline loved her father fairy tale story. The only story he ever told her was about a far away place where dreams comes true. Wren is the hom of a prince waiting for his princess.
Adeline wanted nothing more than to brush her father's request aside and go party after work. While she visited a bar she encountered a dangerous by so handsome looking man. He wanted her! But she wasn't going down without a fight.
Due to her fathers choices, she had no choice but to honor this mans wishes.
After finding out a few things about her father. She began to experience hatred towards her from the people of Wren. She begged and pleaded to return home. Locke wasn't having it.
She knew she wanted him but it wasn't likely she say it out loud. or will she?
Locke loved her from the moment he saw her a few years back. He knew she was the chosen one. But getting him to admit it was a whole nother story. He was stubborn and bullheaded. But he also said all the right things. He was sweet and gentle on the inside but mean as hell on the outside. He had his work cut out for himself if he was to get Adeline to stay.
This book was fantastic. I freaking adored it. A fairy tale of a book written to perfection. I want my very own Locke. I think I just found my new book boyfriend.
JD woman I love your writing.
10 stars!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤
Little Miss Adeline loved her father fairy tale story. The only story he ever told her was about a far away place where dreams comes true. Wren is the hom of a prince waiting for his princess.
Adeline wanted nothing more than to brush her father's request aside and go party after work. While she visited a bar she encountered a dangerous by so handsome looking man. He wanted her! But she wasn't going down without a fight.
Due to her fathers choices, she had no choice but to honor this mans wishes.
After finding out a few things about her father. She began to experience hatred towards her from the people of Wren. She begged and pleaded to return home. Locke wasn't having it.
She knew she wanted him but it wasn't likely she say it out loud. or will she?
Locke loved her from the moment he saw her a few years back. He knew she was the chosen one. But getting him to admit it was a whole nother story. He was stubborn and bullheaded. But he also said all the right things. He was sweet and gentle on the inside but mean as hell on the outside. He had his work cut out for himself if he was to get Adeline to stay.
This book was fantastic. I freaking adored it. A fairy tale of a book written to perfection. I want my very own Locke. I think I just found my new book boyfriend.
JD woman I love your writing.
10 stars!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤
June 16, 2016
I stepped out of my comfort zone with this one, and so should you! JD has brilliantly woven her knack for feisty characters and her romance story telling into a fantasy world like no other.
When Adeline is a young girl, she is enthralled with her fathers stories of Wren, a fantasy land where everything is beautiful and free. The chosen prince would find her, the chosen princess, and they would live in a vast castle watching over the land as King and Queen. But being chased, kidnapped and possibly drugged on her 21st birthday, is not how she pictured her fairytale playing out. Wren is real? She is the chosen princess? And this Ogre called Lockelan is her prince? Where the hell is that skeleton key and the door to go home!?
This book is HOT! Adeline and Locke are like fire and ice exploding! She hates him and she loves him with everything she has. She is the only one who has been able to thaw his cold, detached heart. But what happens when jealousy turns violent? Will Locke trust the love they share, or will he turn his back on Adeline when she fights for this life?
This book is a MUST read! Whether you like romance, fantasy or suspense, this book has it all and you won't be disappointed!
When Adeline is a young girl, she is enthralled with her fathers stories of Wren, a fantasy land where everything is beautiful and free. The chosen prince would find her, the chosen princess, and they would live in a vast castle watching over the land as King and Queen. But being chased, kidnapped and possibly drugged on her 21st birthday, is not how she pictured her fairytale playing out. Wren is real? She is the chosen princess? And this Ogre called Lockelan is her prince? Where the hell is that skeleton key and the door to go home!?
This book is HOT! Adeline and Locke are like fire and ice exploding! She hates him and she loves him with everything she has. She is the only one who has been able to thaw his cold, detached heart. But what happens when jealousy turns violent? Will Locke trust the love they share, or will he turn his back on Adeline when she fights for this life?
This book is a MUST read! Whether you like romance, fantasy or suspense, this book has it all and you won't be disappointed!
June 23, 2016
This is the third book I've read in the Skeleton Key Collection, and it may be my favorite. I love the characters that Ms. Hollyfield developed and the multiple layers she creates in the story. Every young girl dreams of being carried off by her prince, but what happens when that actually occurs to Adeline? The chemistry between Locke and Addie is intense and the dialogue between them is dynamic. The crossing over between the contemporary world and the world of Wren is interesting, and I think that Greta may well be my favorite character. Her addiction to Pinterest and reality TV is a humorous addition to the storyline, but she is pivotal to the plot.
This book hits all the emotions and pulls the reader into the story. There is passion, intrigue, suspense, danger, humor, jealousy, and sadness. Addie has a very interesting inner dialogue running throughout the book, and most of the story is in her POV. It is refreshing toward the end to see Locke's point of view. These two headstrong people are destined to be with each other, if only they could allow themselves to let it happen. I will definitely be checking out Ms. Hollyfield's other books after reading Unlocking Adeline.
This book hits all the emotions and pulls the reader into the story. There is passion, intrigue, suspense, danger, humor, jealousy, and sadness. Addie has a very interesting inner dialogue running throughout the book, and most of the story is in her POV. It is refreshing toward the end to see Locke's point of view. These two headstrong people are destined to be with each other, if only they could allow themselves to let it happen. I will definitely be checking out Ms. Hollyfield's other books after reading Unlocking Adeline.
June 15, 2016
For some reason when I began Unlocking Adelina I didn’t expect it to be a fantasy type book and I was pleasantly surprised by the whole world of Fantasy romance. It was definitely a good pick-me-up from the book rut I have been in lately. Hollyfield knew what she was doing whenever she created the land of Wren. This story was one that keeps you intrigued from beginning to finish. I fell in love with who Adeline was as a person from the very beginning of this book. She is this kind, caring, yet sassy young lady that keeps everyone around her on their toes and falling head over heels for her witty personality. Lockelan of Wren was not so easily falling for the Adeline charm. He spends a good portion of this book being PISSED at Adeline for more than one thing and it kind of becomes their m.o. Unlocking Adeline is one of those books that has you laughing, choking up, and down right pissed off all in the span of one chapter and on more than one occasion. I fell in love with this book and had so much fun unlocking the mysteries of Adeline and Lockelan. .
June 6, 2016
I was given this ARC for a fair and honest review.
When Adeline was a young child, her father told her fairy tales at bedtime, and her favorite was of a land called Wren. Every night she would have him tell her the same story over and over, always asking many questions till she fell asleep. She would dream of being that princess in the story, and how her prince would come to get her.
Fast forward to the age of 21, no longer believing in fairy tales, helping at home due to her mother being ill, and working to help support the family, she is looking for one fun night...it is after all her 21st birthday... not listening to her father, telling her to come straight home, she heads off to the local pub for a birthday beer. Enter Locke...a gruff man by all means and Adelines worst nightmare.
This is a wonderful time travel story, and I applaud J.D. Hollyfield for stepping out of her comfort zone... She did an excellent job with this story!
I look forward to more!
When Adeline was a young child, her father told her fairy tales at bedtime, and her favorite was of a land called Wren. Every night she would have him tell her the same story over and over, always asking many questions till she fell asleep. She would dream of being that princess in the story, and how her prince would come to get her.
Fast forward to the age of 21, no longer believing in fairy tales, helping at home due to her mother being ill, and working to help support the family, she is looking for one fun night...it is after all her 21st birthday... not listening to her father, telling her to come straight home, she heads off to the local pub for a birthday beer. Enter Locke...a gruff man by all means and Adelines worst nightmare.
This is a wonderful time travel story, and I applaud J.D. Hollyfield for stepping out of her comfort zone... She did an excellent job with this story!
I look forward to more!
July 13, 2016
Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. Adeline when she was a little girl her father would tell her all about a land called Wren and since that day that is the only story she wanted to hear. Every time she heard the story she felt more drawn the prince. On her 21st birthday everything went wrong when she meet a man and he told her that they were meant to be. Locke doesn't won't to be King nor does he want to be married, but that is what the books says, but Locke came up with a plan for his brother to marry Adeline. But the more they were together the more he wanted her and couldn't fight it more. Adeline wanted one thing and that was to go home and she wasn't the only one who wanted her gone. Will Locke realize to late what he has always know or will Adeline be gone for good? Really great story and I love the characters together
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
I received this book in exchange for an honest review
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