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Men of the North #7
The Dancer
Sometimes the purest love can turn to the deepest hate.
I was twelve when I promised Solo that I would one day marry him. Maybe I would have if he hadn’t gotten impatient and ruined everything that summer when I was fifteen. For the last seven years I’ve replaced the love I once felt for him with anger over his almost getting me killed.
Willow, a talented Motlander dancer, goes on tour in the Northlands. What should have been a chance for a new beginning brings her face to face with her traumatic past when Solo, a mountain of a man and the fiercest warrior of his generation, is put in charge of her safety against her will. If she can’t get rid of him at least she can return the favor and make his job a nightmare too.
The Dancer is the 7th book in Elin Peer’s wildly successful Men of the North series that has readers gushing over the Nmen, unusual plotlines, and the strong set of characters.
If you like large alpha men, strong women, humor, and a lot of depth, then this romantic sci-fi is for you.
Buy it on pre-sale today and save money.
I was twelve when I promised Solo that I would one day marry him. Maybe I would have if he hadn’t gotten impatient and ruined everything that summer when I was fifteen. For the last seven years I’ve replaced the love I once felt for him with anger over his almost getting me killed.
Willow, a talented Motlander dancer, goes on tour in the Northlands. What should have been a chance for a new beginning brings her face to face with her traumatic past when Solo, a mountain of a man and the fiercest warrior of his generation, is put in charge of her safety against her will. If she can’t get rid of him at least she can return the favor and make his job a nightmare too.
The Dancer is the 7th book in Elin Peer’s wildly successful Men of the North series that has readers gushing over the Nmen, unusual plotlines, and the strong set of characters.
If you like large alpha men, strong women, humor, and a lot of depth, then this romantic sci-fi is for you.
Buy it on pre-sale today and save money.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 4, 2018
353 people are currently reading
309 people want to read
About the author
Elin Peer
71 books856 followersWith a background in life coaching, Elin is easy to talk to and with over thirty-six books under her belt, fans rave about her unique writing style that has subtle elements of coaching mixed into fictional love stories with happy endings.
Elin is curious by nature. She likes to explore and can tell you about trekking through the Asian jungle, watching the sunset in the Sahara Desert, sailing down the Nile in Egypt, kayaking in Alaska, river rafting in Indonesia, and flying over Greenland in a helicopter.
She enjoys writing books with her talented daughter Pearl Beacon, whom she describes as one of the kindest and wisest people she knows.
To connect or learn more, please visit Elin at:
Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram or simply send an email to: elin@elinpeer.com
Elin is curious by nature. She likes to explore and can tell you about trekking through the Asian jungle, watching the sunset in the Sahara Desert, sailing down the Nile in Egypt, kayaking in Alaska, river rafting in Indonesia, and flying over Greenland in a helicopter.
She enjoys writing books with her talented daughter Pearl Beacon, whom she describes as one of the kindest and wisest people she knows.
To connect or learn more, please visit Elin at:
Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram or simply send an email to: elin@elinpeer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
August 31, 2019
Willow and Solomon’s story bothered me because of the one sided condemnation that a young Solo had to endure for wanting to be with his love. Willow subsequently forgot what they shared and continued her harsh treatment.
In the end, their love prevailed but i didn’t feel the Solo got a real apology
In the end, their love prevailed but i didn’t feel the Solo got a real apology
August 26, 2018
I am at a loss for words. I have no idea how this author can continue to blow my mind with this series. This time it's Willow and Solo's story. We find out what really happen during the time they were on the run but not just that. When they do finally meet after 7 years it's a bitter and angry Willow that shows up. The memory she has differs from Solo's and she is holding on to her viewpoint with the fierceness of a mama bear. But of course that isn't the only story here. Solo is on the Doom Squad and as fierce and dominate a warrior as he is some of the duties are wearing on him. What we get is the story of teens in love who circumstances blocked. Now Solo is determined and the way he is portrayed is a man deeply in love and determined to have the life they dreamed of.
It's beautiful and awesome and so doggone good that I was glad that I kept distractions at bay so I could be completely immersed in the world of the Men of the North. Ms Peer has skills unparalleled and has brought us a world where endless possibilities and opportunities. A place where a dancer and a warrior from two different worlds get a second chance at love.
It's beautiful and awesome and so doggone good that I was glad that I kept distractions at bay so I could be completely immersed in the world of the Men of the North. Ms Peer has skills unparalleled and has brought us a world where endless possibilities and opportunities. A place where a dancer and a warrior from two different worlds get a second chance at love.
August 31, 2018
I'm a big fan of this series for a number of reasons, but I really like the polarized societies. That might sound funny, but I mean it. The Motherland lives life from one perspective, and is very convinced that's the best way. The Men of the North look at things VERY differently -- and they can't understand the "Momsies." The interesting thing for me is that I almost always find myself more in agreement with the rough-around-the-edges Nmen. Since I'm an independent woman of a certain age, I find that somewhat surprising . . . and appreciate the way that Elin Peer convinces me to step out of my comfort zone.
There were times when I loved Willow. There were times when she upset me. She was, at times, downright mean to Solomon, and it was very clear (if you read the other books) that something was awry. I won't way what, but I loved the way the truth came out and she became more like the old Willow again (except that she'd grown up).
Solo . . . well, damn, I just loved him. He took responsibility for his mistakes, stepped up like a man, took life seriously, and he handled himself like a man I could love. He was misunderstood, but he really wasn't bitter over it. Frustrated, maybe, and hopeful for a second chance, but he was very honorable and yet SO masculine!
This was such a great installment to the series. It was funny at times (the greeting!) but with moments of great seriousness and redemption. I highly recommend this book and look forward to Hunter's book next.
There were times when I loved Willow. There were times when she upset me. She was, at times, downright mean to Solomon, and it was very clear (if you read the other books) that something was awry. I won't way what, but I loved the way the truth came out and she became more like the old Willow again (except that she'd grown up).
Solo . . . well, damn, I just loved him. He took responsibility for his mistakes, stepped up like a man, took life seriously, and he handled himself like a man I could love. He was misunderstood, but he really wasn't bitter over it. Frustrated, maybe, and hopeful for a second chance, but he was very honorable and yet SO masculine!
This was such a great installment to the series. It was funny at times (the greeting!) but with moments of great seriousness and redemption. I highly recommend this book and look forward to Hunter's book next.
September 4, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE AUTHOR. I ALSO PURCHASED A COPY AT MY OWN COST. I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THESE MANNERS DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
It's rare that I rate a book of this series lower than 4 stars, but I really struggled with this one! In the end, I couldn't justify giving it that 4 star rating for the following reasons.
Firstly, the book is told in alternating points of view and in flashbacks, which I found both annoying and confusing. For me, it disrupted the flow of the book, and while I loved learning what had happened when Solo and Willow were alone for that week, I found that going between the love and seeming hate Willow had for Solo was too much to try to keep up with.
Secondly, parts of the book were just a little too unbelievable for me. They were supposed to have this grand epic love for each other, and yet at the first real and great test of that love, it seemed like Solo and Willow just...gave up. Solo because of a restraining order, and Willow because of her brother? It made zero sense to me, not when they had risked so much so many times over the course of the series to be together, damn what anyone else in the Northlands thought of it. Likewise, Willow's hatred of Solo was too over the top to be actually believable, especially with the dreams she mentioned having. I felt there should have been more of an internal conflict in her than there was, even though there seemed to be a good bit of one, it just didn't seem to be a believable one.
Thirdly, the focus is on Willow's suffering more so than Solo's. Most of his suffering is told third hand or glossed over, and it served to marginalize it to me. Willow wound up fundamentally changed from what happened to her, but we don't get to fully understand what Solo went through to become the man he is. That lack of depth, coupled with the lack of depth on Willow's internal conflict, made their love more of an "insta-love" situation, rather than a finding their way back to each other one, and I was vaguely unsatisfied with it.
One of the things I did enjoy in this story was seeing how things were progressing with the changes in the Northlands. There was a lot explored on that theme, and I liked what I was seeing! I can't wait to see what else the author has in store on that front, especially with the set up for the next book in the series! I can't wait to see where things go from here in the Willow/Hunter story!
It's rare that I rate a book of this series lower than 4 stars, but I really struggled with this one! In the end, I couldn't justify giving it that 4 star rating for the following reasons.
Firstly, the book is told in alternating points of view and in flashbacks, which I found both annoying and confusing. For me, it disrupted the flow of the book, and while I loved learning what had happened when Solo and Willow were alone for that week, I found that going between the love and seeming hate Willow had for Solo was too much to try to keep up with.
Secondly, parts of the book were just a little too unbelievable for me. They were supposed to have this grand epic love for each other, and yet at the first real and great test of that love, it seemed like Solo and Willow just...gave up. Solo because of a restraining order, and Willow because of her brother? It made zero sense to me, not when they had risked so much so many times over the course of the series to be together, damn what anyone else in the Northlands thought of it. Likewise, Willow's hatred of Solo was too over the top to be actually believable, especially with the dreams she mentioned having. I felt there should have been more of an internal conflict in her than there was, even though there seemed to be a good bit of one, it just didn't seem to be a believable one.
Thirdly, the focus is on Willow's suffering more so than Solo's. Most of his suffering is told third hand or glossed over, and it served to marginalize it to me. Willow wound up fundamentally changed from what happened to her, but we don't get to fully understand what Solo went through to become the man he is. That lack of depth, coupled with the lack of depth on Willow's internal conflict, made their love more of an "insta-love" situation, rather than a finding their way back to each other one, and I was vaguely unsatisfied with it.
One of the things I did enjoy in this story was seeing how things were progressing with the changes in the Northlands. There was a lot explored on that theme, and I liked what I was seeing! I can't wait to see what else the author has in store on that front, especially with the set up for the next book in the series! I can't wait to see where things go from here in the Willow/Hunter story!
August 28, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
My goodness. I had to take a few hours before I could review this. Elin! What in the world did you put my poor Solo through!!!! I cannot tell you the amount of pieces my heart broke into for him! I loved it. I hated it. It made me absolutely ADORE the man Solo grew into. By far my favorite Northman(I've probably said that already but I'm taking it back).
I have to say...Willow went down in my opinion. A lot. I get her circumstances and what she went through but she spewed a lot of hate. I got pretty pissed off a few times in this book! Whew! I need another break just thinking about it!
Hunters book sounds like it's going to be lots of fun to read! Cannot wait!
My goodness. I had to take a few hours before I could review this. Elin! What in the world did you put my poor Solo through!!!! I cannot tell you the amount of pieces my heart broke into for him! I loved it. I hated it. It made me absolutely ADORE the man Solo grew into. By far my favorite Northman(I've probably said that already but I'm taking it back).
I have to say...Willow went down in my opinion. A lot. I get her circumstances and what she went through but she spewed a lot of hate. I got pretty pissed off a few times in this book! Whew! I need another break just thinking about it!
Hunters book sounds like it's going to be lots of fun to read! Cannot wait!
August 23, 2018
I didn’t know they could get better but this one did. Holy cow my heart was in my throat most of the book. I so wanted this happy ever after. Thank you for a wonderful read.
January 7, 2019
The Dancer is what you get when you use the Romeo and Juliet trope in the future but to the extreme. Romeo (Solo) and Juliet (Willow) fall in love in their teens and decide that the adults won't let them be together, so they run away into the forest. After a week of extreme survival living, they encounter a bear and thus ends the adventure for the teens. The repercussions of their on-the-run teen love lasts 7+ years because their society sees it as Solo (a man) putting Willow (a female) in danger. So rather than being rational about that teens do stupid stuff, Solo at 17 is placed into the Special Forces with a bunch of elite men. Basically at one point he's beaten within an inch of his life because rather than enforce the zero tolerance policy of death for men harming women let's make him pay for his sins by forcing him onto the "Death Squad" to protect other women. He is also hazed and ridiculed to the point that most real men would break but nope, he comes out as the leader and perfectly normal *eyeroll*.
As for Willow, she's sent to place of reflection which is pretty much a brain-washing center. When the two meet again, Willow has now turned her love into hate for the man she pledged her undying love to as a teen and Solo is still in love with her.
So why did I rate it two stars???
Let me state this first, I LOVE this series. I think it really shows the battle of the sexes in a new light and how balance is needed. It's a very compelling series that has a nice balance and flow. I had been waiting for this book ever since they were first introduced. I knew it would be epic!!!
Sadly, the book on all fronts fell short for me.
I could go into example after example of what didn't work for me but that would be even more spoilers. Just know that I hated the flow, how no one just asked WTH happened, I hated how the characters were manipulated, how they didn't continue to fight to be together, how unbalanced the backstories were, how normal Solo is after supposedly 7 years of hell, how freakin' annoying Willow is and so on.
This one book won't take me off the series because I just love it but this book was a miss for me. I still recommend the series but if I never hear from the "kids" again, I'll be happy. To me, they still haven't grown up because all their reactions were still that of children.
I guess what i'm trying to say in a nutshell is: If you have 2 characters that the readers have come to know and you decide as an author to fundamentally change what we know about them because they've been through something traumatic and expect us to buy into whom they are now, you must set up the backstory better.
For example - If Willow was scurried away to a "reflection" center due to what happened and by "reflection" they mean brainwashing, don't just say that the counselors told her Solo was wrong. Walk the reader through the constant bombardment of therapy sessions, maybe even things boarding on torture like if she didn't agree she wouldn't be fed or something. Not that it was bad enough but we need to understand why she is now the way she is. The way it's played out in the book just seems like she was at a spa and eventually agreed with her counselors.
Along those same lines, with Solo, all we were told was that he was young when he went into his new position and was hazed beyond belief and survived but again, it's only vague references. If you want us to sympathize with his plight, we need the gory details of what he went through; even if it's hard to read. We need to understand again why he has changed fundamentally from the character of the previous books.
I guess I was expecting more of the Romeo and Juliet and got different characters that I no longer cared about.
As for Willow, she's sent to place of reflection which is pretty much a brain-washing center. When the two meet again, Willow has now turned her love into hate for the man she pledged her undying love to as a teen and Solo is still in love with her.
So why did I rate it two stars???
Let me state this first, I LOVE this series. I think it really shows the battle of the sexes in a new light and how balance is needed. It's a very compelling series that has a nice balance and flow. I had been waiting for this book ever since they were first introduced. I knew it would be epic!!!
Sadly, the book on all fronts fell short for me.
I could go into example after example of what didn't work for me but that would be even more spoilers. Just know that I hated the flow, how no one just asked WTH happened, I hated how the characters were manipulated, how they didn't continue to fight to be together, how unbalanced the backstories were, how normal Solo is after supposedly 7 years of hell, how freakin' annoying Willow is and so on.
This one book won't take me off the series because I just love it but this book was a miss for me. I still recommend the series but if I never hear from the "kids" again, I'll be happy. To me, they still haven't grown up because all their reactions were still that of children.
I guess what i'm trying to say in a nutshell is: If you have 2 characters that the readers have come to know and you decide as an author to fundamentally change what we know about them because they've been through something traumatic and expect us to buy into whom they are now, you must set up the backstory better.
For example - If Willow was scurried away to a "reflection" center due to what happened and by "reflection" they mean brainwashing, don't just say that the counselors told her Solo was wrong. Walk the reader through the constant bombardment of therapy sessions, maybe even things boarding on torture like if she didn't agree she wouldn't be fed or something. Not that it was bad enough but we need to understand why she is now the way she is. The way it's played out in the book just seems like she was at a spa and eventually agreed with her counselors.
Along those same lines, with Solo, all we were told was that he was young when he went into his new position and was hazed beyond belief and survived but again, it's only vague references. If you want us to sympathize with his plight, we need the gory details of what he went through; even if it's hard to read. We need to understand again why he has changed fundamentally from the character of the previous books.
I guess I was expecting more of the Romeo and Juliet and got different characters that I no longer cared about.
September 3, 2018
No spoilers:
Of course, I loved it! Yes, this story has been building for a couple of books. No, you don’t have to read the others to start with this one but these books are like potato chips, ya know?
Okay, full disclosure, I did receive this free so I could review ahead of time but I also preordered it after I read it because it was SO worth it.
The story begins in the present and switches from past back to present for while so we understand what truly happened in the beginning of Solomon and Willow’s story. This is the year 2447 and the world is a much different place after wars have totally annihilated most of the population and women rule. The wilds of Canada is the only place you’ll find real alpha men who have rebelled against the estrogen society and are cut off from that world and have formed their own government. An novel integration project is started on Vancouver Island that pairs boys from the Northlands and kids from the Motherlands (the women ruled society of the rest of the world). Solomon meets Willow at this school and they have a young romance.
I stress seriously the importance of beginning with the first of the Men of the North series because you don’t want to miss the detailed picture that I had before beginning this book of the society and mindset of the year 2447. The advancements in society have come at a cost to the relationship between a man and woman and sets the tone of the series to perfection. Solo and Willa’s story is tragic and only occurs because of this rift in cultures between the the 2 factions of people and their belief systems. The death penalty for even touching a woman is only one example of the laws in the Northlands and this pushes the young couple to take matters into their own hands. We see the story unfold as the 2 lives intersect again after 10 years, and between memory and the reality we find their truth.
Well, I have to tell you that as a 40 something year old woman I didn’t think I would get as much out of this one but it’s clear that the trauma that both characters have gone through has aged them such that this book has shot up to my top ten!
Of course, I loved it! Yes, this story has been building for a couple of books. No, you don’t have to read the others to start with this one but these books are like potato chips, ya know?
Okay, full disclosure, I did receive this free so I could review ahead of time but I also preordered it after I read it because it was SO worth it.
The story begins in the present and switches from past back to present for while so we understand what truly happened in the beginning of Solomon and Willow’s story. This is the year 2447 and the world is a much different place after wars have totally annihilated most of the population and women rule. The wilds of Canada is the only place you’ll find real alpha men who have rebelled against the estrogen society and are cut off from that world and have formed their own government. An novel integration project is started on Vancouver Island that pairs boys from the Northlands and kids from the Motherlands (the women ruled society of the rest of the world). Solomon meets Willow at this school and they have a young romance.
I stress seriously the importance of beginning with the first of the Men of the North series because you don’t want to miss the detailed picture that I had before beginning this book of the society and mindset of the year 2447. The advancements in society have come at a cost to the relationship between a man and woman and sets the tone of the series to perfection. Solo and Willa’s story is tragic and only occurs because of this rift in cultures between the the 2 factions of people and their belief systems. The death penalty for even touching a woman is only one example of the laws in the Northlands and this pushes the young couple to take matters into their own hands. We see the story unfold as the 2 lives intersect again after 10 years, and between memory and the reality we find their truth.
Well, I have to tell you that as a 40 something year old woman I didn’t think I would get as much out of this one but it’s clear that the trauma that both characters have gone through has aged them such that this book has shot up to my top ten!
September 1, 2018
A wonderful second-chance romance
We first met Solomon and Willow as childhood sweethearts in The Mentor and subsequent books. Having discovered, in The Genius , that things had somehow gone badly wrong for them, I was very eager to know their truths. This book didn't disappoint me at all, and yet again reflects the writing talent that is Elin Peer.
Though I really couldn't understand her animosity at first, I still really liked Willow. She was vile to Solo, yet she was such a gentle, caring person the rest of the time that I knew there was more to the story than we were seeing. Even if she irritates you it is worth continuing with this as the reasons for her attitude to Solo become clearer further into the story. And you would miss one heck of a powerful and wonderful tale.
Solomon is a fierce warrior, not only a Huntsman but one of the feared DoomSquad. In fact we first meet him whilst he is carrying out his soldiering duties. Duties that, despite protecting women from domestic violence, haunt him. In previous books he came across as quite arrogant and even a tad overbearing, but in this book we see quite a different side to him. Ms Peer managed to give us a hero who felt things deeply and acknowledged his own emotions without losing any of his strength or dominance.
There was just such emotional angst and a huge depth of feeling from the outset. My heart ached almost from the first page and there were times when both main characters brought tears to my eyes. Normally in a second-chance I'm wanting the hero to grovel and beg forgiveness before he wins back the heroine, but the story line of this book was so unique that I was just hoping and praying for Willow to realise how much Solo loved her and was perfect for her.
Whilst this can be read as a stand alone, I think reading the two books mentioned will help provide very important background information. Whilst Solo and Willow are only side characters in both books we do see how close they are in The Mentor .
We first met Solomon and Willow as childhood sweethearts in The Mentor and subsequent books. Having discovered, in The Genius , that things had somehow gone badly wrong for them, I was very eager to know their truths. This book didn't disappoint me at all, and yet again reflects the writing talent that is Elin Peer.
Though I really couldn't understand her animosity at first, I still really liked Willow. She was vile to Solo, yet she was such a gentle, caring person the rest of the time that I knew there was more to the story than we were seeing. Even if she irritates you it is worth continuing with this as the reasons for her attitude to Solo become clearer further into the story. And you would miss one heck of a powerful and wonderful tale.
Solomon is a fierce warrior, not only a Huntsman but one of the feared DoomSquad. In fact we first meet him whilst he is carrying out his soldiering duties. Duties that, despite protecting women from domestic violence, haunt him. In previous books he came across as quite arrogant and even a tad overbearing, but in this book we see quite a different side to him. Ms Peer managed to give us a hero who felt things deeply and acknowledged his own emotions without losing any of his strength or dominance.
There was just such emotional angst and a huge depth of feeling from the outset. My heart ached almost from the first page and there were times when both main characters brought tears to my eyes. Normally in a second-chance I'm wanting the hero to grovel and beg forgiveness before he wins back the heroine, but the story line of this book was so unique that I was just hoping and praying for Willow to realise how much Solo loved her and was perfect for her.
Whilst this can be read as a stand alone, I think reading the two books mentioned will help provide very important background information. Whilst Solo and Willow are only side characters in both books we do see how close they are in The Mentor .
August 23, 2018
The Dancer: Men of the North VII, by Elin Peer.
Another late-niter! Once you start a book by Elin Peer, you can't put it down until you're finished. I started The Dancer at 9:30 a.m. Broke for lunch with a friend at noon. Went back to it after lunch, read through supper and finally finished at 1:30 this morning.
The Dancer is a wonderful love story about two teens, Willow Darlington and Solomon Samson who fall in love at fourteen and run afoul of the laws, rules and regulations of a hard-nosed society that prevents them from even touching, let alone marrying. So they elope--and come to grief. When caught they are brutally separated and Solo, according to the laws of the Northland about protecting women, faces a death penalty.
I had my first love affair at twelve, so I completely sympathize with the young couple, whom everyone thought were just infatuated with each other. After a seven-year enforced separation they meet again and much has changed. But not Solo's love for Willow. What follows is an agonizing reconciliation, but you have to read the book to find out what happens.
Elin Peer calls herself a "quirky" writer. I would say brilliant and original. She certainly comes up with stories that hold my full attention once I get started. And I never cease to be amazed at Elin's understanding of the human psyche. Her knowledge of the emotions of individuals in relationships, either singly on in groups is simply phenomenal. She makes the reader believe what is happening is real, and that is an amazing talent.
I could not finish this review without remarking on one of her "quirky" ideas. I don't know where she gets them, but she makes me laugh every time--even in the midst of describing an emotional meltdown.
Much of the story is about a group of artists, dancers, singers and musicians who are sent to the Northlands as part of a cultural exchange program with the Motherlands. The lead singer, Salma, suffers from paralyzing stage anxiety and the Northlanders, in a bid to loosen her up, tell her that if she holds up her hand with her middle finger pointed up it is a gesture of peace and goodwill.
Of course, it is nothing of the kind, as any reader will recognize, but the Northlanders have so convinced star singer Salma that the gesture is perfect to convey her feelings of goodwill towards her audience she uses it on stage at a huge concert. The whole audience (mostly men) breaks up. She is delighted with the success of her gesture, never realizing its true meaning. When I read that part of the story after going through Salma's near nervous breakdown I just fell off my chair laughing out loud.
Any writer who can take me from near tears to laughter at the stroke of a pen is a genius, and "quirky" is fine by me to define it. Read the book. You won't be able to put it down
Another late-niter! Once you start a book by Elin Peer, you can't put it down until you're finished. I started The Dancer at 9:30 a.m. Broke for lunch with a friend at noon. Went back to it after lunch, read through supper and finally finished at 1:30 this morning.
The Dancer is a wonderful love story about two teens, Willow Darlington and Solomon Samson who fall in love at fourteen and run afoul of the laws, rules and regulations of a hard-nosed society that prevents them from even touching, let alone marrying. So they elope--and come to grief. When caught they are brutally separated and Solo, according to the laws of the Northland about protecting women, faces a death penalty.
I had my first love affair at twelve, so I completely sympathize with the young couple, whom everyone thought were just infatuated with each other. After a seven-year enforced separation they meet again and much has changed. But not Solo's love for Willow. What follows is an agonizing reconciliation, but you have to read the book to find out what happens.
Elin Peer calls herself a "quirky" writer. I would say brilliant and original. She certainly comes up with stories that hold my full attention once I get started. And I never cease to be amazed at Elin's understanding of the human psyche. Her knowledge of the emotions of individuals in relationships, either singly on in groups is simply phenomenal. She makes the reader believe what is happening is real, and that is an amazing talent.
I could not finish this review without remarking on one of her "quirky" ideas. I don't know where she gets them, but she makes me laugh every time--even in the midst of describing an emotional meltdown.
Much of the story is about a group of artists, dancers, singers and musicians who are sent to the Northlands as part of a cultural exchange program with the Motherlands. The lead singer, Salma, suffers from paralyzing stage anxiety and the Northlanders, in a bid to loosen her up, tell her that if she holds up her hand with her middle finger pointed up it is a gesture of peace and goodwill.
Of course, it is nothing of the kind, as any reader will recognize, but the Northlanders have so convinced star singer Salma that the gesture is perfect to convey her feelings of goodwill towards her audience she uses it on stage at a huge concert. The whole audience (mostly men) breaks up. She is delighted with the success of her gesture, never realizing its true meaning. When I read that part of the story after going through Salma's near nervous breakdown I just fell off my chair laughing out loud.
Any writer who can take me from near tears to laughter at the stroke of a pen is a genius, and "quirky" is fine by me to define it. Read the book. You won't be able to put it down
September 4, 2018
Solo and Willow will steal your heart
Young love typically fizzles out but not this time, Willow and Solos epic love story came to a tragic end, years later can they find their way back to eachother?
If you've read the series we first meet Solo and Willow in the second book and get to see the beginnings of their love in the third, this book takes place 10 years later. If this is your first book from the Men of the North series don't worry there are enough flash backs that you won't be lost but the flashbacks are new material so don't worry if you're already a fan you won't feel like you're re reading an earlier book!
Solomon has spent the last 7 years protecting women to atone for failing the only women he ever loved. Willow has spent the last 7 years hating Solo with as much passion as she once loved him. Solo is assigned to guard the star of the cultural tour of artist from the Motherlands, Williow is a last minute replacement on the tour which throws these two former lovers together.
In the beginning I found Willow to be a bit over dramatic and not as likeable as she was in previous books but as more of the past is revealed you start to understand where her feelings come from. Solo is the example that all Nmen should hold themseves to he is tall strong and good looking but more importantly his passion and understanding is off the charts. Not only is this book a sweet love story we get to see the progress of the the integration of Motherlands and the Northlands and hints of what the future brings. While we're introduced to new characters (Hello Zasquach!) we also catch up with old friends (poor Magni he's never going to accept democracy). This has been my favorite book so far in series! I can't see what Hunters story brings.
Young love typically fizzles out but not this time, Willow and Solos epic love story came to a tragic end, years later can they find their way back to eachother?
If you've read the series we first meet Solo and Willow in the second book and get to see the beginnings of their love in the third, this book takes place 10 years later. If this is your first book from the Men of the North series don't worry there are enough flash backs that you won't be lost but the flashbacks are new material so don't worry if you're already a fan you won't feel like you're re reading an earlier book!
Solomon has spent the last 7 years protecting women to atone for failing the only women he ever loved. Willow has spent the last 7 years hating Solo with as much passion as she once loved him. Solo is assigned to guard the star of the cultural tour of artist from the Motherlands, Williow is a last minute replacement on the tour which throws these two former lovers together.
In the beginning I found Willow to be a bit over dramatic and not as likeable as she was in previous books but as more of the past is revealed you start to understand where her feelings come from. Solo is the example that all Nmen should hold themseves to he is tall strong and good looking but more importantly his passion and understanding is off the charts. Not only is this book a sweet love story we get to see the progress of the the integration of Motherlands and the Northlands and hints of what the future brings. While we're introduced to new characters (Hello Zasquach!) we also catch up with old friends (poor Magni he's never going to accept democracy). This has been my favorite book so far in series! I can't see what Hunters story brings.
February 28, 2022
4 stars. Second chance romance. The heroine was really really stubborn and it did irritate me at times, but I also forgave her because she was brainwashed to believe untruths about the hero. Otherwise, this was a really good story. I felt like the hero got the shaft pretty badly in a way that was total overkill and just made me dislike several other characters who were heroes of their own books.
Safe; OM drama, no cheating, both virgins and celibate during separation.
Safe; OM drama, no cheating, both virgins and celibate during separation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 22, 2018
Elin Peer is hands down my favorite author. I've read ALL of her books and loved every one of them and have given all of her books a 5 star rating. I guess if I had to choose my favorite, it would be Black from her Color series followed by Violet.... and then this one.
August 22, 2018
Misunderstanding, angsting and sweet love with an HEA! True to Ms Peer's excellent storytelling.
She manages to do it in book after book!
She manages to do it in book after book!
December 9, 2018
Mixed feelings - some spoilers
I love this series. I really did not enjoy this book as much though. I LOVE solo. And I liked Willow. I came to hate her in this book though and feel like she ended up cowing a beautiful strong spirit instead of both of them supporting each other. You’re mileage may vary, but willow came across as a juvenile, bitter, hateful bitch who didn’t take responsibility for her own actions and feelings. It sealed it when at the end of the book, when discussing a possible movie about their love story, she said that she hopes one isn’t made because she’ll be judged for the bad things she said. As she should be. Honestly, by mid way I was hoping that he and the star would get together.
The writing was fantastic as usual and the author did an amazing job of eliciting emotions from me. Unfortunately they were more frustration and sadness for Solo. He deserves way better than an entitled diva. 🤷🏻♀️
I love this series. I really did not enjoy this book as much though. I LOVE solo. And I liked Willow. I came to hate her in this book though and feel like she ended up cowing a beautiful strong spirit instead of both of them supporting each other. You’re mileage may vary, but willow came across as a juvenile, bitter, hateful bitch who didn’t take responsibility for her own actions and feelings. It sealed it when at the end of the book, when discussing a possible movie about their love story, she said that she hopes one isn’t made because she’ll be judged for the bad things she said. As she should be. Honestly, by mid way I was hoping that he and the star would get together.
The writing was fantastic as usual and the author did an amazing job of eliciting emotions from me. Unfortunately they were more frustration and sadness for Solo. He deserves way better than an entitled diva. 🤷🏻♀️
July 26, 2021
*1.5☆* This gets 1 star for the sexy times. The half star is for the narrators of the audiobook. I don't understand what happened. Every book before this has been good. This was a fucking train wreck!
The Motlander's intense socialist society is treacherous. The brainwashing is immoral and the fact that all the charactersignore that the Motlanders were even doing it is proof of how poorly thought out this book is. The gaslighting is off the charts. All of this is delivered in such a manner that I'm not sure if Elin Peer doesn't believe in some of it herself, on some level.
Additionally, the responsibility everyone put on a 17 year old kid was outrageous. And the over reaction to two dumb kids running away together was almost unbearable. This book feels like Peer wanted a story between Solo and Willow so she pushed this loose storyline down our throats. I do not recommend. I should have dnf'd this. Oh well, now I've read it so that you don't have to.
The Motlander's intense socialist society is treacherous. The brainwashing is immoral and the fact that all the charactersignore that the Motlanders were even doing it is proof of how poorly thought out this book is. The gaslighting is off the charts. All of this is delivered in such a manner that I'm not sure if Elin Peer doesn't believe in some of it herself, on some level.
Additionally, the responsibility everyone put on a 17 year old kid was outrageous. And the over reaction to two dumb kids running away together was almost unbearable. This book feels like Peer wanted a story between Solo and Willow so she pushed this loose storyline down our throats. I do not recommend. I should have dnf'd this. Oh well, now I've read it so that you don't have to.
September 11, 2018
I had an interesting response to this book, compared to the others in the series. It did not resonate with me in the sense that I didn't feel the direction of the new world order was furthered much if at all. And while I did like Solo a lot, I did not have one iota of caring or respect for the character (or lack thereof) that was Willow.
The resolution, the regaining of memory as it were, was never really fully explained or explored and any that was there might have had a greater impact on my impressions had it been introduced sooner in the story. Not that the characters had to resolve their differences early, but at least some stronger reader insights/hints might have made both characters more sympathetic. Nothing loses me faster than a character I can not find redeeming in any way.
Sorry Willow. And Solo, you could do better, my man.
The resolution, the regaining of memory as it were, was never really fully explained or explored and any that was there might have had a greater impact on my impressions had it been introduced sooner in the story. Not that the characters had to resolve their differences early, but at least some stronger reader insights/hints might have made both characters more sympathetic. Nothing loses me faster than a character I can not find redeeming in any way.
Sorry Willow. And Solo, you could do better, my man.
September 4, 2018
Solomon was totally devoted to her but Willow was not easy to like.
I understand she was possibly traumatized by events from the past, she was very young and the pressure and influence of others but she was really horrible to him.
He even says she's not the person he was in love with when they were young.
It was difficult to warm to her.
I understand she was possibly traumatized by events from the past, she was very young and the pressure and influence of others but she was really horrible to him.
He even says she's not the person he was in love with when they were young.
It was difficult to warm to her.
August 25, 2019
was so looking forward to this book and the reality was just sad ~ definitely not a favorite within the series
September 5, 2018
I adore this Northmen series, and I’m always eager to put my hands on any new books from Elin Peer.
But I had strange feelings about this one, I hate when angst is the main sentiment leading a book, it was my initial feeling about this one because of the blurb and the small insight given in The Genius.
I really dislike when angst tears characters apart and hurt them more it should.
So now that I’m in, I do put all my faith in Elin Peer’s talent to be able to right the wrong done, without too much hurt, as in only the first two chapters my heart arched for Solo.
“It was like a secret bubble belonging only to her and me. Empowered by her words, I took her entire hand in mine for a few happy seconds, envisioning a future with me and Willow being mated for life.”
The chapter summarizing their last moments together was heartbreaking, just how Willow came to change to this hateful woman wishing to see Solo dead when she fought for him years ago?
The more I read this book, the more I loved Solo, he was such an amazing man, who lost everything because he misjudged his actions and still years later, pays for it. He was just a boy afraid to lose the one person he loved the more. He paid a high price during many years.
“On my side of the stage, I stood alone in the shadows, my mood dark from the sight of my best friend, Zas, grinning with Hunter, who had once been like a brother to me. And Tristan, another former friend, hugging the woman I had once thought of as my mate. There were more than a thousand people in my near proximity, but I’d never felt as lonely as I did in that moment.”
I took me more than half of the book to begin to appreciate Willow and by the end, I’m still not sure I like her. I accepted her because Solo was so certain she was his soulmate but she spent so much time hating him, trying to hurt him because his young love resulted in herself wounded, she betrayed him, she let herself being brainwashed and forgot their promise.
OMG, how I disliked Willow after her first confrontation with Solo, she made the choice to forget their past history and reproached him everything that came from it. Yes she was young, but she was part of the decisions they made, good and bad. She could have grew up and heal without hating him.
When she threatened him, I saw red.
Elin Peer did a good job redeeming her but still I won’t say she is my favorite character.
But the story was narrated perfectly smoothly, everything went flawless, even the angst was bearable thanks to the humorous, flashbacks and the panel of different characters.
But I had strange feelings about this one, I hate when angst is the main sentiment leading a book, it was my initial feeling about this one because of the blurb and the small insight given in The Genius.
I really dislike when angst tears characters apart and hurt them more it should.
So now that I’m in, I do put all my faith in Elin Peer’s talent to be able to right the wrong done, without too much hurt, as in only the first two chapters my heart arched for Solo.
“It was like a secret bubble belonging only to her and me. Empowered by her words, I took her entire hand in mine for a few happy seconds, envisioning a future with me and Willow being mated for life.”
The chapter summarizing their last moments together was heartbreaking, just how Willow came to change to this hateful woman wishing to see Solo dead when she fought for him years ago?
The more I read this book, the more I loved Solo, he was such an amazing man, who lost everything because he misjudged his actions and still years later, pays for it. He was just a boy afraid to lose the one person he loved the more. He paid a high price during many years.
“On my side of the stage, I stood alone in the shadows, my mood dark from the sight of my best friend, Zas, grinning with Hunter, who had once been like a brother to me. And Tristan, another former friend, hugging the woman I had once thought of as my mate. There were more than a thousand people in my near proximity, but I’d never felt as lonely as I did in that moment.”
I took me more than half of the book to begin to appreciate Willow and by the end, I’m still not sure I like her. I accepted her because Solo was so certain she was his soulmate but she spent so much time hating him, trying to hurt him because his young love resulted in herself wounded, she betrayed him, she let herself being brainwashed and forgot their promise.
OMG, how I disliked Willow after her first confrontation with Solo, she made the choice to forget their past history and reproached him everything that came from it. Yes she was young, but she was part of the decisions they made, good and bad. She could have grew up and heal without hating him.
When she threatened him, I saw red.
Elin Peer did a good job redeeming her but still I won’t say she is my favorite character.
But the story was narrated perfectly smoothly, everything went flawless, even the angst was bearable thanks to the humorous, flashbacks and the panel of different characters.
June 29, 2024
Audiobook Read (Audible Plus)
Narrators: John Masterson & Noelle Bridges
3.75🌟
Narrators: John Masterson & Noelle Bridges
3.75🌟
January 5, 2021
I have enjoyed the many books in the Men of the North series, but this one was a bit hard to get through. The writing and dialog were not terrible and the reader does get what is expected from the other books, but the awaited story of Sal and Willow left a lot to be desired. I had to stop and walk away from the story many times because the lead female character's and her brother's actions were super annoying.
I understand where the writer was trying to go with this story. The writer needed to explain why the two ran away when they were younger and then explain why they stayed away from each other for 7 years. The writer also wanted the female lead to be angry at the male lead. The writer was not totally off when she has the Motlanders convinced the female lead that the male lead was at fault and twisted the reason why the two ran away; anyone who understands the world they live in, from the Motlander viewpoint the men of the north are dangerous males who are selfish and only worry about what they want. However, the writer just does not pull it off very well at all.
I found myself frustrated with the lead female and the games she played with the male lead. She was wishy-washy at times and cavalier at other times. She actually told the male lead at one point that she would inform everyone that he touched her even though he had not and held the threat of his death over his head as a consequence. The lead female would get jealous and seek the attention of the male lead only to play another round of mind games. There was an excuse for her not remembering everything that happened when they were younger, but this too did not make sense in the story. The lead female was 17 when the two ran away, I could understand her not remembering or even the influence of the Motlanders if the female was younger, maybe 7 r 8, but at 17, humans have developed enough to hold memories and know our own mind if we have strong feelings. The fugue state the reader finds the lead female in does not feel real and limits sympathy for her. The writer is left with a story where the 17-year-old Willow was written more likable than the 24-year-old Willow.
Many times I looked up wondering why the lead male had not just given up on the whole relationship and moved on with someone else; as a reader, we are not meant to wish the lead female would exit the story, so we could find the happy ending. Even how the two leads end up together is problematic. The lead female's Brother who lost his sh*t when the two ran away when they were younger, creates a situation where the male lead much promise never to see the lead female again. The female speaks up and says No, and tells everyone that they are married and it was her idea, then in the next breath tells the male lead they are not really together. WTF?
I can get behind the dance of will they are won't they if it is executed in a reasonable way, but as a reader, there was not the magnetic push and pull we expect in such stories as these. We just have a man who went through really terrible situations as a result of loving this woman, and then having the women heep more terrible situations on him while she refused to love him at all. Maybe if we saw the women profess her wrongdoings in his treatment and had some an enlightening moment the female lead could find redemption and believe in her love for the male lead, but a moment like this never developed or was not developed enough in the story. The writer tried at it but did not pull it off.
I would call this a transition book, as the writer was drawing in new characters and moving forward in time but even this seems a bit clumsy. Oftentimes, the writer talks about the story telling the writer how it will naturally develop, but this one felt as if the writer was forcing what she wanted in the story.
Should this book be read? Well, there are worst books out there, and the writing is not as terrible as some. However, if the reader wants a story where they can fall in love too, this is not the book.
I understand where the writer was trying to go with this story. The writer needed to explain why the two ran away when they were younger and then explain why they stayed away from each other for 7 years. The writer also wanted the female lead to be angry at the male lead. The writer was not totally off when she has the Motlanders convinced the female lead that the male lead was at fault and twisted the reason why the two ran away; anyone who understands the world they live in, from the Motlander viewpoint the men of the north are dangerous males who are selfish and only worry about what they want. However, the writer just does not pull it off very well at all.
I found myself frustrated with the lead female and the games she played with the male lead. She was wishy-washy at times and cavalier at other times. She actually told the male lead at one point that she would inform everyone that he touched her even though he had not and held the threat of his death over his head as a consequence. The lead female would get jealous and seek the attention of the male lead only to play another round of mind games. There was an excuse for her not remembering everything that happened when they were younger, but this too did not make sense in the story. The lead female was 17 when the two ran away, I could understand her not remembering or even the influence of the Motlanders if the female was younger, maybe 7 r 8, but at 17, humans have developed enough to hold memories and know our own mind if we have strong feelings. The fugue state the reader finds the lead female in does not feel real and limits sympathy for her. The writer is left with a story where the 17-year-old Willow was written more likable than the 24-year-old Willow.
Many times I looked up wondering why the lead male had not just given up on the whole relationship and moved on with someone else; as a reader, we are not meant to wish the lead female would exit the story, so we could find the happy ending. Even how the two leads end up together is problematic. The lead female's Brother who lost his sh*t when the two ran away when they were younger, creates a situation where the male lead much promise never to see the lead female again. The female speaks up and says No, and tells everyone that they are married and it was her idea, then in the next breath tells the male lead they are not really together. WTF?
I can get behind the dance of will they are won't they if it is executed in a reasonable way, but as a reader, there was not the magnetic push and pull we expect in such stories as these. We just have a man who went through really terrible situations as a result of loving this woman, and then having the women heep more terrible situations on him while she refused to love him at all. Maybe if we saw the women profess her wrongdoings in his treatment and had some an enlightening moment the female lead could find redemption and believe in her love for the male lead, but a moment like this never developed or was not developed enough in the story. The writer tried at it but did not pull it off.
I would call this a transition book, as the writer was drawing in new characters and moving forward in time but even this seems a bit clumsy. Oftentimes, the writer talks about the story telling the writer how it will naturally develop, but this one felt as if the writer was forcing what she wanted in the story.
Should this book be read? Well, there are worst books out there, and the writing is not as terrible as some. However, if the reader wants a story where they can fall in love too, this is not the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2021
I don’t know how to feel about this book. On one hand I like Solo and Willow’s story overall but on the other hand it might have been one of the most frustrating books in the series. There were some elements I just could not get past including Willow’s attitude, all the hate that Solo got, and the motlander disrespectful attitude.
Why is it that the women in this series portray themselves as strong and independent and want to be equal to the men of the North but every time something happens it is always the men’s fault and the women are always the victims. And Willow is a prime example of this. She takes absolutely no responsibility for what happened when they were teens up until the last 10% and even then she doesn’t tell everyone, she sort of tells Hunter that it was also her but at the same time there is still this idea that it was more Solo’s fault. How can the women say they are strong when they can’t even take responsibility for their actions? And seriously, the whole time, everyone is upset with Solo because he put Willow in danger and basically didn’t protect her and Willow is the victim. Even the women are upset that he put her in danger. So contradictory. They say that women are equal to men but really they expected Solo, who was only 17 at the time, to be the protector and the bigger person. So how independent are you really? Their situation could have been solved by Willow deciding to stop and going back but no, she wanted to stay so why is it all Solo’s fault? Because he’s the man and in the protector position. And in that case the women who hate when the men are protective really need to stop the hypocrisy. This was the perfect moment for both men and women to be treated equally but no, the woman was the victim and the man the bad guy.
I don’t know if I want to continue with this series because every time the motlanders are doing something they have this hollier than thou attitude and it makes me angry. We can see that the Motherlands is not perfect and in fact they are quite prejudice, close-minded, and sometimes mean but it’s always talked about as if it is nirvana and it’s not right. From what I can see the only ones making changes and compromising are the northlanders. The council has done nothing to come to an equal footing with the northlands, but are the women talking about that? No of course not. They are still going on and on about all the changes that need to be made in the Northlands
Why is it that the women in this series portray themselves as strong and independent and want to be equal to the men of the North but every time something happens it is always the men’s fault and the women are always the victims. And Willow is a prime example of this. She takes absolutely no responsibility for what happened when they were teens up until the last 10% and even then she doesn’t tell everyone, she sort of tells Hunter that it was also her but at the same time there is still this idea that it was more Solo’s fault. How can the women say they are strong when they can’t even take responsibility for their actions? And seriously, the whole time, everyone is upset with Solo because he put Willow in danger and basically didn’t protect her and Willow is the victim. Even the women are upset that he put her in danger. So contradictory. They say that women are equal to men but really they expected Solo, who was only 17 at the time, to be the protector and the bigger person. So how independent are you really? Their situation could have been solved by Willow deciding to stop and going back but no, she wanted to stay so why is it all Solo’s fault? Because he’s the man and in the protector position. And in that case the women who hate when the men are protective really need to stop the hypocrisy. This was the perfect moment for both men and women to be treated equally but no, the woman was the victim and the man the bad guy.
I don’t know if I want to continue with this series because every time the motlanders are doing something they have this hollier than thou attitude and it makes me angry. We can see that the Motherlands is not perfect and in fact they are quite prejudice, close-minded, and sometimes mean but it’s always talked about as if it is nirvana and it’s not right. From what I can see the only ones making changes and compromising are the northlanders. The council has done nothing to come to an equal footing with the northlands, but are the women talking about that? No of course not. They are still going on and on about all the changes that need to be made in the Northlands
October 2, 2018
I love this series. Can you forgive the person you loved when you were a teenager after being hurt by him? After being banned from having anything to do with the girl you love, can you help her to remember what really happened in the accident and get her to stop hating you? When there are two extreme opposing views regarding life and the world, it takes a special author to be able to merge these two cultures together and to understand each side. Men and women process and think differently. When you are rooted in your traditions, it takes a lot of persuasion and compromise from both sides to live in harmony. The people have to want to change and compromise. Elin Peer does a great job with this series. It reflects on the world we live in and how people today do not want to integrate and merge cultures (not all people are like this). There is good in everyone and sometimes, the right person can bring that out. Can Solo and Willow get past what happened 10 years ago after they lift the ban on Solo and he is allowed to interact with Willow? Can she remember what really happened? In her culture, they drummed it into her that Solo hurt her and did not love her when they were teenagers. He has become one of the best fighters in his world and helps women who are abused by men. Can they heal together or is it too late to get back the love they shared as teenagers?
March 2, 2021
I really looked forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, I barely managed to finish it. The amount of hate directed towards Solo baffled me. The amount of life threatening harm to Solo baffled me.
I've disliked my fair share of heroines but Willow takes the cake. There were no redeeming qualities for her as a heroine. Not enough of her hate was explained and when a little of it was it didn't make any sense to me.
Why hasn't Magni tested Solo for paternity?
I've disliked my fair share of heroines but Willow takes the cake. There were no redeeming qualities for her as a heroine. Not enough of her hate was explained and when a little of it was it didn't make any sense to me.
Why hasn't Magni tested Solo for paternity?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2019
I was looking forward to this but unfortunately Willow was acting like a childish brat for more than half the story - taking zero responsibility for her mistakes.
May 7, 2019
i needed like ten fold more angst
September 4, 2018
4.5 Solo Stars.
This book is a great addition to an amazing series.
Some words about the book:
This is Willow and Solomon's story. They met and fell in love when they were 12 and 14 years old- both of them students in Northland. But 3 years later, when the time came up for Willow to go back to Motherland, Solo panicked and convinced her to run away together. While on the run, Willow had an horrible accident and Solo put an end to their adventure so Willow could get the help she needed.
Now, 7 years later, Willow is a dancer, hates Solo with passion and has a new opportunity to tour Northland with other artists and perform. Little does she know, that Solo (now a soldier) is appointed with the task to keep the artists safe and protect them at all costs. Solo thinks that finally now the couple can be reunited and be together like they should but Willow's anger and hate runs deep for what he did to her. But is it really hate? And is the anger because she was injured or is there another reason that Willow didn't realize yet?
My honest thoughts about the book
All the stars of my review belong to Solo. Solo was such a tragic figure and there's no one in this series that deserves a HEA more than this guy. He knows he made a mistake running away with Willow like that, and first chance he gets, he apologizes. What he went throught when they were caught was unimaginable. The beating, the panishment, everything, he endured because he wouldn't give up on Willow. I sinserely think that Solo is the best Man of the North Elin wrote to date (maybe it's a tie with Magni).
Now Willow. I liked Willow as a character and how wonderful she is with everybody except Solo. With him she was reallly mean, rude and crued and she pissed me off. I didn't get it. I couldn't understand why she would be so mean to him and for well over 30% of the book I couldn't excuse or rationalize her behavior towards him. Did I ever warm up to her? Of course, especially when we find out that her time in Motherlands after they were caught was not a picnic either. She had her own battles to fight and not knowing what happened to her soulmate was killing her. Everybody around her in Motherland started drawing a different picture of the one she remembered so her brain started blocking all the good times she had with Solo on the run and bluring the memories of what really happened. But here's where Willow lost points to me: She never properly apologized for all the nasty things she said to Solo. I wanted her to grovel a bit. I wanted her to be the one to initiate getting back together after she realized her mistakes. I felt like Solo was the one that had to do all the work for them to finally have their HFN. It felt unfair.
Loved the second characters (especiallly Zas and Leo) and it's always nice to see how our previous couples are doing.
Side note: Started listenining to audiobooks of the first books while reading the later books of the series. I love the audiobooks.
ARC provided for an honest review
This book is a great addition to an amazing series.
Some words about the book:
This is Willow and Solomon's story. They met and fell in love when they were 12 and 14 years old- both of them students in Northland. But 3 years later, when the time came up for Willow to go back to Motherland, Solo panicked and convinced her to run away together. While on the run, Willow had an horrible accident and Solo put an end to their adventure so Willow could get the help she needed.
Now, 7 years later, Willow is a dancer, hates Solo with passion and has a new opportunity to tour Northland with other artists and perform. Little does she know, that Solo (now a soldier) is appointed with the task to keep the artists safe and protect them at all costs. Solo thinks that finally now the couple can be reunited and be together like they should but Willow's anger and hate runs deep for what he did to her. But is it really hate? And is the anger because she was injured or is there another reason that Willow didn't realize yet?
My honest thoughts about the book
All the stars of my review belong to Solo. Solo was such a tragic figure and there's no one in this series that deserves a HEA more than this guy. He knows he made a mistake running away with Willow like that, and first chance he gets, he apologizes. What he went throught when they were caught was unimaginable. The beating, the panishment, everything, he endured because he wouldn't give up on Willow. I sinserely think that Solo is the best Man of the North Elin wrote to date (maybe it's a tie with Magni).
Now Willow. I liked Willow as a character and how wonderful she is with everybody except Solo. With him she was reallly mean, rude and crued and she pissed me off. I didn't get it. I couldn't understand why she would be so mean to him and for well over 30% of the book I couldn't excuse or rationalize her behavior towards him. Did I ever warm up to her? Of course, especially when we find out that her time in Motherlands after they were caught was not a picnic either. She had her own battles to fight and not knowing what happened to her soulmate was killing her. Everybody around her in Motherland started drawing a different picture of the one she remembered so her brain started blocking all the good times she had with Solo on the run and bluring the memories of what really happened. But here's where Willow lost points to me: She never properly apologized for all the nasty things she said to Solo. I wanted her to grovel a bit. I wanted her to be the one to initiate getting back together after she realized her mistakes. I felt like Solo was the one that had to do all the work for them to finally have their HFN. It felt unfair.
Loved the second characters (especiallly Zas and Leo) and it's always nice to see how our previous couples are doing.
Side note: Started listenining to audiobooks of the first books while reading the later books of the series. I love the audiobooks.
ARC provided for an honest review
October 30, 2018
Well now I'm a little late with my review but it doesn't mean that I wasn't pleased as all get out with Solo and Willow.
This story kind of reminded me of a whirlwind fairytale that you just do not think you will ever see the end in the way you want it to go.
Willow and Solo became fast friends well more than friends after they met each other at the first trial school nobody knowing if it was going to work and Willow also finds and meets her twin brother Hunter, the only family she has ever met or had. So in this story you go back a bit to find out what happens when Solo who is older that Willow and will have to leave the school before her and Hunter, Im not giving any of that away either because well it is written so very well you need to read it yourself...but the things that happen carry into their adulthood and they haven't seen each other in Years, no letters nothing until the school reunion and that didn't go so well.
Anyways Willow who has become a wonderful dancer gets the opportunity to go back to the North to go around to different parts with a traveling group of performers, singers and musicians to show the N'men things they have never seen nor heard. Beautiful Women performing for these women deprived men..its going to go exactly as it sounds but just do happen Solo has been sent with his partner to help the Police protect the performers whom he never in his wildest dreams would consist of the only woman he has EVER LOVED! Now how does he let her know this still holds truth when he hasn't reached out to her in Years. Can he ever get not only her but his best friend Hunter, her twin to believe he has always had the best of intentions and that some things that happened might not have been entirely all his idea but Willows as well, but she is so cold, how could she just turn it all off, has she been brainwashed. Solo is willing to figure it all out regardless of what it can do to him because he just cannot give up on his True Soul Mate that now hates his and scares her.
Yeah what they heck, that is what I thought when I read some of this in the previous book 'The Genius" Elin Peer has done a wonderful job in taking us on a lifetime journey of these Nmen and Momsies. If you have read this series you need to each book just gets better and better!!
Thanks a bunch for allowing me to go on this crazy ride and to watch not just these kids grow up but to continually get to peak in on the past characters!!! I Loved This BOOK!!! its laid out beautifully, your growth in writing this series has been wonderful to watch!!!
This story kind of reminded me of a whirlwind fairytale that you just do not think you will ever see the end in the way you want it to go.
Willow and Solo became fast friends well more than friends after they met each other at the first trial school nobody knowing if it was going to work and Willow also finds and meets her twin brother Hunter, the only family she has ever met or had. So in this story you go back a bit to find out what happens when Solo who is older that Willow and will have to leave the school before her and Hunter, Im not giving any of that away either because well it is written so very well you need to read it yourself...but the things that happen carry into their adulthood and they haven't seen each other in Years, no letters nothing until the school reunion and that didn't go so well.
Anyways Willow who has become a wonderful dancer gets the opportunity to go back to the North to go around to different parts with a traveling group of performers, singers and musicians to show the N'men things they have never seen nor heard. Beautiful Women performing for these women deprived men..its going to go exactly as it sounds but just do happen Solo has been sent with his partner to help the Police protect the performers whom he never in his wildest dreams would consist of the only woman he has EVER LOVED! Now how does he let her know this still holds truth when he hasn't reached out to her in Years. Can he ever get not only her but his best friend Hunter, her twin to believe he has always had the best of intentions and that some things that happened might not have been entirely all his idea but Willows as well, but she is so cold, how could she just turn it all off, has she been brainwashed. Solo is willing to figure it all out regardless of what it can do to him because he just cannot give up on his True Soul Mate that now hates his and scares her.
Yeah what they heck, that is what I thought when I read some of this in the previous book 'The Genius" Elin Peer has done a wonderful job in taking us on a lifetime journey of these Nmen and Momsies. If you have read this series you need to each book just gets better and better!!
Thanks a bunch for allowing me to go on this crazy ride and to watch not just these kids grow up but to continually get to peak in on the past characters!!! I Loved This BOOK!!! its laid out beautifully, your growth in writing this series has been wonderful to watch!!!
September 4, 2018
The Men of the North series is set over 400 years in the future where a war in the past has left earth with way more women than men. Women rule the earth and the men who don’t agree migrate to the Northlands. Those from the Motherlands are called Motlanders and men from the Northlands are called Nmen. In my review of Elin Peer’s last book, The Genius, I made mention of the experimental school that was started to initiate an integration between the Motherlands (lands ruled by women) and the Northlands. Solo and Willow, our main characters were one of the children chosen to participate when Solo was fourteen and Willow was twelve.
Their tale is truly one of star-crossed lovers with all the heart-rending aches that goes with it. Solo is unable to take his eyes off Willow from the first moment he sees her. Willow had never felt accepted, loved and seen like she is when she’s with Solo. And together, they make a pact that they will marry each other when they are old enough. However, one mistake when Willow turns fifteen, and must return to the Motherlands, changes everything for them.
Seven years later, they meet again and the Willow that once loved Solo hates him with equal vehemence. Her twin, Hunter, who was Solo’s best friend, will do anything to keep Solo away from his sister. It seems that Solo and Willow remember their time together differently. Solo is unwavering in his love for Willow, but Willow insists that they never really loved each other. What has happened to Willow? What will happen to Solo if the woman he loves no longer loves him? Can young love stand the test of time?
I usually avoid reading books with angst, but The Dancer was definitely worth the read. The book was filled with moments of great humor and pranks (as always occur when Motlanders and NMen mix). I got to meet old, beloved characters and new ones. It was interesting to read about the dynamics between the Nmen and the Motlanders as they navigate equality and accepting their differences. It echoes the common balance that is still difficult to achieve today between wanting to protect a woman and understanding that she is strong enough to make her own decisions. Let’s hope they figure it out faster than we are. Find out in The Dancer!
Their tale is truly one of star-crossed lovers with all the heart-rending aches that goes with it. Solo is unable to take his eyes off Willow from the first moment he sees her. Willow had never felt accepted, loved and seen like she is when she’s with Solo. And together, they make a pact that they will marry each other when they are old enough. However, one mistake when Willow turns fifteen, and must return to the Motherlands, changes everything for them.
Seven years later, they meet again and the Willow that once loved Solo hates him with equal vehemence. Her twin, Hunter, who was Solo’s best friend, will do anything to keep Solo away from his sister. It seems that Solo and Willow remember their time together differently. Solo is unwavering in his love for Willow, but Willow insists that they never really loved each other. What has happened to Willow? What will happen to Solo if the woman he loves no longer loves him? Can young love stand the test of time?
I usually avoid reading books with angst, but The Dancer was definitely worth the read. The book was filled with moments of great humor and pranks (as always occur when Motlanders and NMen mix). I got to meet old, beloved characters and new ones. It was interesting to read about the dynamics between the Nmen and the Motlanders as they navigate equality and accepting their differences. It echoes the common balance that is still difficult to achieve today between wanting to protect a woman and understanding that she is strong enough to make her own decisions. Let’s hope they figure it out faster than we are. Find out in The Dancer!
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