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Breaking Down Her Walls
Leaving is what Julia Finch does best.
When a meeting with her birth parents goes horribly wrong, Julia escapes on a hastily planned road trip and winds up breaking down in a Colorado town so small the cows outnumber the people. Completely out of her element, she takes a temporary job as a ranch hand at Bennett Ranch. She only has to survive long enough to get her car fixed, and then she’s out of there for good.
Her bad luck continues when she meets the ranch owner, Elena Bennett. Elena is unhappy, abrasive, and annoyingly breathtaking. But the longer Julia stays, the more the ranch starts to feel like home, and her feelings for Elena become impossible to ignore. She’s spent years building her defenses high and running from her past. Could a love worth staying for be the key to breaking down her walls?
When a meeting with her birth parents goes horribly wrong, Julia escapes on a hastily planned road trip and winds up breaking down in a Colorado town so small the cows outnumber the people. Completely out of her element, she takes a temporary job as a ranch hand at Bennett Ranch. She only has to survive long enough to get her car fixed, and then she’s out of there for good.
Her bad luck continues when she meets the ranch owner, Elena Bennett. Elena is unhappy, abrasive, and annoyingly breathtaking. But the longer Julia stays, the more the ranch starts to feel like home, and her feelings for Elena become impossible to ignore. She’s spent years building her defenses high and running from her past. Could a love worth staying for be the key to breaking down her walls?
237 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2018
51 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Erin Zak
18 books352 followersErin Zak is a sapphic contemporary romance writer who loves older women, imperfect people, and beautiful places. She’s a bit dorky and quirky and tries to make sure every single one of her characters has those same qualities. You can find her on Twitter and Instagram at @erinzakwrites. You can also listen to her podcast, The Weekly Wine Down, where she gets tipsy with her best friends while discussing any and everything.
www.erinzak.com
www.erinzak.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
December 5, 2018
4.25 Stars. This was a really enjoyable romance. An ice queen character on a horse, yes please. In all seriousness this was such a pleasant surprise. Zak’s debut book Falling into Her, was not for me at all. I disliked it so much that I was not going to read Breaking Down Her Walls. However, after reading some of the good reviews on here, I just had to take the chance. I’m so glad I did because this was a huge step-up from her debut book and I really enjoyed it.
First off I do have to mention the writing style. It is odd and gives you this weird mix between first and third person. There have been some conflicting answers about how the book is written. Some have been saying this is first person present tense, others say it’s third person present tense. My guess is its third person present tense. The writing is “she this” and “she that”, not “I” as first person is. Anyway, it does take a little while to get use too. Eventually you do and you don’t even notice but it is a little jarring in the beginning.
Lesbian and bisexual women on a horse ranch, plus an age-gap romance with an ice queen character... This totally worked for me. I loved the setting of the ranch in Colorado and the slow-burn relationship that just got hotter and hotter. The two mains had chemistry and the sex scenes were nice and steamy. The difference in this relationship compared to Zak’s first book is just like night and day. She improved so much that I’m really impressed.
Was the book all smooth sailing? No. Unfortunately, Zak fell into the trap of needing to manufacture some angst so she brought in an ex-girlfriend. There was enough going on in the main character’s pasts that she didn’t need to go here. I actually think I would have given this book 5 stars if the ex was not in it. On the good side, the forced angst does not last long. It could have been way worse than it was. And in the end it didn’t stop me from really enjoying this story.
This book was a good reminder to me to give authors more than once chance. I almost always do and the one time I didn’t, I almost missed out on a book I really enjoyed. I hope Zak keeps improving; I’m very excited about what she’ll put out next.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
First off I do have to mention the writing style. It is odd and gives you this weird mix between first and third person. There have been some conflicting answers about how the book is written. Some have been saying this is first person present tense, others say it’s third person present tense. My guess is its third person present tense. The writing is “she this” and “she that”, not “I” as first person is. Anyway, it does take a little while to get use too. Eventually you do and you don’t even notice but it is a little jarring in the beginning.
Lesbian and bisexual women on a horse ranch, plus an age-gap romance with an ice queen character... This totally worked for me. I loved the setting of the ranch in Colorado and the slow-burn relationship that just got hotter and hotter. The two mains had chemistry and the sex scenes were nice and steamy. The difference in this relationship compared to Zak’s first book is just like night and day. She improved so much that I’m really impressed.
Was the book all smooth sailing? No. Unfortunately, Zak fell into the trap of needing to manufacture some angst so she brought in an ex-girlfriend. There was enough going on in the main character’s pasts that she didn’t need to go here. I actually think I would have given this book 5 stars if the ex was not in it. On the good side, the forced angst does not last long. It could have been way worse than it was. And in the end it didn’t stop me from really enjoying this story.
This book was a good reminder to me to give authors more than once chance. I almost always do and the one time I didn’t, I almost missed out on a book I really enjoyed. I hope Zak keeps improving; I’m very excited about what she’ll put out next.
An ARC was given to me by BSB for a honest review.
December 4, 2018
In an emotional turmoil, Julia Finch is driving away from the devastation of being rejected by her biological parents for a second time. Unfortunately, between a detour and her car breaking down, she finds herself in a half-horse town with no means to get herself out. An opportunity to work on a ranch presents itself and it might be the only way to solve her problems. The ranch comes with its own problems though, like the angry and abrasive Elena Bennet who owns the place.
I enjoyed reading this for most of the book. In many ways it reads like fan fiction with an ice-queen who requires diligence and perfection from the hands working for her and a new, fish-out-of-water, much younger farm hand who is cheerful but also doesn’t want to fail. The young city slicker surprises the inflexible ice-queen by her unexpected competence. It’s a trope I enjoy reading.
The story is told from the third person point of view but only from Julia’s side but because Julia is very closed about her past we don’t get much information about what drives her until well into the novel. I would have liked to have seen flashes of her past much earlier in the novel instead of all the information being dumped in one go and I would have liked Elena’s point of view. These things didn’t bother me that much and I really enjoyed the horses and aspects of ranch life.
What broke it for me though, was the last 20% or so. I’m not putting in any spoilers suffice to say that my reaction was partly personal, and won’t bother most people but left me intensely irritated, and partly because I could not suspend my disbelief for a separate incident. So, what started out as a three to four star read ended as a two star read.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this for most of the book. In many ways it reads like fan fiction with an ice-queen who requires diligence and perfection from the hands working for her and a new, fish-out-of-water, much younger farm hand who is cheerful but also doesn’t want to fail. The young city slicker surprises the inflexible ice-queen by her unexpected competence. It’s a trope I enjoy reading.
The story is told from the third person point of view but only from Julia’s side but because Julia is very closed about her past we don’t get much information about what drives her until well into the novel. I would have liked to have seen flashes of her past much earlier in the novel instead of all the information being dumped in one go and I would have liked Elena’s point of view. These things didn’t bother me that much and I really enjoyed the horses and aspects of ranch life.
What broke it for me though, was the last 20% or so. I’m not putting in any spoilers suffice to say that my reaction was partly personal, and won’t bother most people but left me intensely irritated, and partly because I could not suspend my disbelief for a separate incident. So, what started out as a three to four star read ended as a two star read.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
December 26, 2018
I was a fan of Erin Zak back when she was still writing Swan Queen fanfic and posting her updates on Tumblr. That’s how we met and hung out in a time that all our gay little hearts were furiously hoping that the showrunners would take Regina and Emma’s obvious love for each other to the next level. As we know they ultimately chickened out, but we will always have fan fic that celebrates their love and a whole slew of new and exciting talent that originated from that fandom.
It took me until a few weeks ago to figure out that fanfic writer EtotheSwan was in fact Erin Zak (duh!) and so I had to start reading Breaking Down Her Walls in a screaming hurry! I read it as a work in progress when it was a Swan Queen fic but I never saw the finished product and kinda forgot about it.
It was as good as I remembered. I had no problem switching to the format (be it first or third person present time) and I loved the ranch setting. It is very much Zak’s love letter to her birth state Colorado as she lovingly gives us a taste of the mountains in all their finery. If you love horses this is a must read. If you are a romance fan you don’t want to miss this either. The romance is slow burn as both women have some emotional hurdles to climb but oh man, when they do get busy it will melt your socks. That is one seriously sexy snu snu scene.
Too bad for that obligatory angst at the 80% mark to happen. I know it’s the go-to romance format of the moment, but personally I’m not a fan. It does nothing for me to be honest.
But other than that… I’m thrilled to bits Erin got snatched up by Bold Strokes. Not that I’m surprised because she was already a natural and can only grow further as an author. Looking forward to more!
f/f explicit
Themes: city girl, mountain ranch, horses, trust issues.
4 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
It took me until a few weeks ago to figure out that fanfic writer EtotheSwan was in fact Erin Zak (duh!) and so I had to start reading Breaking Down Her Walls in a screaming hurry! I read it as a work in progress when it was a Swan Queen fic but I never saw the finished product and kinda forgot about it.
It was as good as I remembered. I had no problem switching to the format (be it first or third person present time) and I loved the ranch setting. It is very much Zak’s love letter to her birth state Colorado as she lovingly gives us a taste of the mountains in all their finery. If you love horses this is a must read. If you are a romance fan you don’t want to miss this either. The romance is slow burn as both women have some emotional hurdles to climb but oh man, when they do get busy it will melt your socks. That is one seriously sexy snu snu scene.
Too bad for that obligatory angst at the 80% mark to happen. I know it’s the go-to romance format of the moment, but personally I’m not a fan. It does nothing for me to be honest.
But other than that… I’m thrilled to bits Erin got snatched up by Bold Strokes. Not that I’m surprised because she was already a natural and can only grow further as an author. Looking forward to more!
f/f explicit
Themes: city girl, mountain ranch, horses, trust issues.
4 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
February 24, 2019
The past couple of books I've been reading all have one thing in common; they start off good/great but somewhere along the line the author buggers it up, and this book is unfortunately no different.
It's hard to ignore just how much this is fan fiction (if you're familiar with that fandom that is). I wonder if this is another case of the author getting sick of the story towards the end and just throws in the towel by coming up with the most contrived reasons for angst and drama. What started off as a good enemies to friends to lovers book turned into a hot mess in the end.
I really liked the first 80% though. It was a nice slow burn with some very well written scenes that slowly got sexier and hotter the closer Elena and Julia became. The author definitely knows how to create chemistry and crank up the seduction without it becoming sleazy. Another great aspect that I wasn't expecting were the sometimes sweet and surprisingly tender moments between the two main characters. I even came around to liking one or two secondary characters that I didn't like in the beginning.
Unfortunately none of that was enough to stop me from loathing the end of the book. If I could split my rating, the first 80% would get 4,5* and the last 20% would get 1,5*.
I would definitely recommend this book to romance fans but would advise to stop reading around the 80% mark and save yourself the inevitable epic eye roll and exclamation of WTF.
It's hard to ignore just how much this is fan fiction (if you're familiar with that fandom that is). I wonder if this is another case of the author getting sick of the story towards the end and just throws in the towel by coming up with the most contrived reasons for angst and drama. What started off as a good enemies to friends to lovers book turned into a hot mess in the end.
I really liked the first 80% though. It was a nice slow burn with some very well written scenes that slowly got sexier and hotter the closer Elena and Julia became. The author definitely knows how to create chemistry and crank up the seduction without it becoming sleazy. Another great aspect that I wasn't expecting were the sometimes sweet and surprisingly tender moments between the two main characters. I even came around to liking one or two secondary characters that I didn't like in the beginning.
Unfortunately none of that was enough to stop me from loathing the end of the book. If I could split my rating, the first 80% would get 4,5* and the last 20% would get 1,5*.
I would definitely recommend this book to romance fans but would advise to stop reading around the 80% mark and save yourself the inevitable epic eye roll and exclamation of WTF.
August 1, 2019
I love this book with all my heart. I've read it three times now and I just can't get enough. So I thought it might be time to write a review basically just so I can rant about how much I love it.
I feel like I can relate to a lot of things in this book and I think that's what makes me love it so much. Plus I'm always a fan of the whole ''ice queen'' middle-aged women on a horse, yes please. I love the whole setting to the story, after reading this I was set on selling all my stuff, getting a horse and go live on a farm.
The relationship between the two characters was great, the chemistry was there, the slow-burn... I loved it. There was also a lot of funny moments that made me laugh even after reading it three times.
The only thing I had a hard time with and something I usually dislike it the typical crazy ex-girlfriend. I feel like a lot of authors need to bring this in to put some extra angst in there but I don't think it's always neccesary. It didn't stop me from loving the story though and my rating will still be 5/5 stars.
I also really enjoy Erin Zak's writing, something about it is almost addicting and makes me want to read the book again the second after I finish it. I will definitely read her future books.
**update**
I just finished reading this for the fourth time and I'm honestly never going to get tired of this book, it's officially my go-to book whenever I feel like I'm in a reading slump or feeling down.
I feel like I can relate to a lot of things in this book and I think that's what makes me love it so much. Plus I'm always a fan of the whole ''ice queen'' middle-aged women on a horse, yes please. I love the whole setting to the story, after reading this I was set on selling all my stuff, getting a horse and go live on a farm.
The relationship between the two characters was great, the chemistry was there, the slow-burn... I loved it. There was also a lot of funny moments that made me laugh even after reading it three times.
The only thing I had a hard time with and something I usually dislike it the typical crazy ex-girlfriend. I feel like a lot of authors need to bring this in to put some extra angst in there but I don't think it's always neccesary. It didn't stop me from loving the story though and my rating will still be 5/5 stars.
I also really enjoy Erin Zak's writing, something about it is almost addicting and makes me want to read the book again the second after I finish it. I will definitely read her future books.
**update**
I just finished reading this for the fourth time and I'm honestly never going to get tired of this book, it's officially my go-to book whenever I feel like I'm in a reading slump or feeling down.
December 3, 2018
Julia Finch is running away from life. The destination is 100% unknown. How can you run away totally from your past and self-hatred? She tries like hell too, that is until her beat-up old clunker of a car finally gives up on her journey in a teeny tiny Colorado town. With little money, she has to make a deal to work off her automobile repair debt by lending a hand at a large cattle ranch.
Julia spends her days shoveling manure and bonding with the ranch's horses. Her immediate connection to these beautiful working animals endures her to the ranch's owner, Elena Bennett.
Elena Bennett spends her time working her ranch and being perpetually pissed off. Her heart has been broken too many times and she cannot shake off her anger. Her wife was killed in an automobile accident breaking her heart the first time, the second women she trusted with it decided to up and leave her with little warning. Now she's just angry and a bit broken. When she first meets Julia she is hard bitter and has very little patience for the new ranch hand.
I like the premise of the story. Two characters overcoming past tragedies to find their way to love, trust and respect. For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I will be honest I thought the ex-girlfriend showing back up after her disappearing act was a bit contrived and made to story slow way down and become a bit too contrived. I mean if your ex-lover dumps you with no word, disappears out of town and now you have a new lady you are just pining for you're going to hang out with said ex when she shows back up. Hell no! Penn showing back up was a monumental waste of reading space. It would have been infinitely better spent on dialogue between the two mains.
Overall a good book that I am happy that I spent some time with.
3 out of 5 stars
Julia spends her days shoveling manure and bonding with the ranch's horses. Her immediate connection to these beautiful working animals endures her to the ranch's owner, Elena Bennett.
Elena Bennett spends her time working her ranch and being perpetually pissed off. Her heart has been broken too many times and she cannot shake off her anger. Her wife was killed in an automobile accident breaking her heart the first time, the second women she trusted with it decided to up and leave her with little warning. Now she's just angry and a bit broken. When she first meets Julia she is hard bitter and has very little patience for the new ranch hand.
I like the premise of the story. Two characters overcoming past tragedies to find their way to love, trust and respect. For the most part, I enjoyed this book. I will be honest I thought the ex-girlfriend showing back up after her disappearing act was a bit contrived and made to story slow way down and become a bit too contrived. I mean if your ex-lover dumps you with no word, disappears out of town and now you have a new lady you are just pining for you're going to hang out with said ex when she shows back up. Hell no! Penn showing back up was a monumental waste of reading space. It would have been infinitely better spent on dialogue between the two mains.
Overall a good book that I am happy that I spent some time with.
3 out of 5 stars
August 1, 2021
From start to finish, I eagerly read the pages of this book without putting it down, and I gotta admit, the epilogue was my favourite part. The twist with Toni and then Julia's surprising turn of events. I know I'm being cryptic, but you gotta get your hands on this book to get all the gritty details!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2019
5*
Bloody loved it!
Bloody loved it!
October 21, 2019
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚👩❤️💋👩🐴🐎⚢📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of « Breaking Down Her Walls » from BSB (Thank you so much for that … I really appreciated the ride !!!).
So, here it is !!
To begin with this review, I’d like to say that, since I’m not (at all) used to read some books narrated in the third person present tense, I’m still struggling to get used to it (yeah, even after having fnished the reading, LOL)… Think I’ll need to try to read some other books writen like this to be able to appreciate the style … or not … => From my POV the story would have been even more touching and powerful with a « classical » past tense narration…
FYI, I hear about Erin Zak very regularly but because of the curves of life and all kind of duties + my always bigger & never-ending « want to read »-list of novels , it’s actually the first time I’m able to read one of her books. And, aside the narration tense «issue » I mentionned previously, know that this book is definitely my cup of tea…I was totally captivated. I wasn’t able to put it down …
My rating : 4.5 ⭐️.
The story focuses on Julia, a 26 years old perpetual runaway because of a rough past and Elena, a mid-forties rancher Ice queen, mother of a 16 years boy … Both have high and thick walls built all around their respective hearts …
The Pros :
° the title, because it’s relevent for both of the mains charaters
° the cover : when I began to read I thought it would have been better to have a pic with a ranch and/or cattle (including some horses) and/or a Colorado landscape on it since (aside the beginning) all the story happens in a ranch located in Colorado. … But, in the end, I like it just like it is ‘cause, this way, my imagination can do its job all by itself both about the characters and the settings.
° the well-defined/drawn, believable and likeable main characters (Julia and Elena) AND the secondary characters as well (Elijah and Cole, of course but, for me, this category also includes the horses – especially Leia – and even the ranch itself)…
° the age-gap romance and the slow-burn relationship (that just got hotter and hotter like the Colorado days in summer time) due to the main characters’ struggle regarding their respective personal issues / past … (despite their good & instant chemistery)
° the very good description of the settings … Gosh, now I have more than ever the desire to visit Colorado (and it was already very high on my « must be visited places in the US »-list)
° I loved the ranch life described in the book, probably because I grew up in a farm myself, even if the way to raise the cattle was very different
° the lil touches of humor & the references to the comic books and/or movies (Star Wars / Marvel, etc…) found all the novel long…
The Cons :
° the non hygienic side of J & E’s firt real intimate encounter after the hoedown.
° the « F » word definitely said too often : before, in the middle of and after what should have been love making scenes but not only … (I know they live surrounded by cowboys and are ranchers/cowgirls themselves but still … )
° the illogical engagement between the angtagonist woman « Penn » ( in the rear … LOL) with T. mentionned in the end of the novel (illogical from my POV because everybody in town, including T, hates P … )
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Yes !!! A lot…
Did I find the characters believable? => Definitely … and they’re also very touching ..
Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes, absolutely …
Will I purchase the paperback? => Yes … ASAP … I really want this one on my bookshelves !!
Would I read another book by this author? => Yes
Would I recommend this book => Yes …to everybody but more particularly to all the age-gaps novels fans / ice queens novels fans & ranchers- novels fans …
Hey guys and gals, you know that now it’s your turn … So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚👩❤️💋👩🐴🐎⚢📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of « Breaking Down Her Walls » from BSB (Thank you so much for that … I really appreciated the ride !!!).
So, here it is !!
To begin with this review, I’d like to say that, since I’m not (at all) used to read some books narrated in the third person present tense, I’m still struggling to get used to it (yeah, even after having fnished the reading, LOL)… Think I’ll need to try to read some other books writen like this to be able to appreciate the style … or not … => From my POV the story would have been even more touching and powerful with a « classical » past tense narration…
FYI, I hear about Erin Zak very regularly but because of the curves of life and all kind of duties + my always bigger & never-ending « want to read »-list of novels , it’s actually the first time I’m able to read one of her books. And, aside the narration tense «issue » I mentionned previously, know that this book is definitely my cup of tea…I was totally captivated. I wasn’t able to put it down …
My rating : 4.5 ⭐️.
The story focuses on Julia, a 26 years old perpetual runaway because of a rough past and Elena, a mid-forties rancher Ice queen, mother of a 16 years boy … Both have high and thick walls built all around their respective hearts …
The Pros :
° the title, because it’s relevent for both of the mains charaters
° the cover : when I began to read I thought it would have been better to have a pic with a ranch and/or cattle (including some horses) and/or a Colorado landscape on it since (aside the beginning) all the story happens in a ranch located in Colorado. … But, in the end, I like it just like it is ‘cause, this way, my imagination can do its job all by itself both about the characters and the settings.
° the well-defined/drawn, believable and likeable main characters (Julia and Elena) AND the secondary characters as well (Elijah and Cole, of course but, for me, this category also includes the horses – especially Leia – and even the ranch itself)…
° the age-gap romance and the slow-burn relationship (that just got hotter and hotter like the Colorado days in summer time) due to the main characters’ struggle regarding their respective personal issues / past … (despite their good & instant chemistery)
° the very good description of the settings … Gosh, now I have more than ever the desire to visit Colorado (and it was already very high on my « must be visited places in the US »-list)
° I loved the ranch life described in the book, probably because I grew up in a farm myself, even if the way to raise the cattle was very different
° the lil touches of humor & the references to the comic books and/or movies (Star Wars / Marvel, etc…) found all the novel long…
The Cons :
° the non hygienic side of J & E’s firt real intimate encounter after the hoedown.
° the « F » word definitely said too often : before, in the middle of and after what should have been love making scenes but not only … (I know they live surrounded by cowboys and are ranchers/cowgirls themselves but still … )
° the illogical engagement between the angtagonist woman « Penn » ( in the rear … LOL) with T. mentionned in the end of the novel (illogical from my POV because everybody in town, including T, hates P … )
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review it’d be something like this :
Did I enjoy this book? => Yes !!! A lot…
Did I find the characters believable? => Definitely … and they’re also very touching ..
Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Yes, absolutely …
Will I purchase the paperback? => Yes … ASAP … I really want this one on my bookshelves !!
Would I read another book by this author? => Yes
Would I recommend this book => Yes …to everybody but more particularly to all the age-gaps novels fans / ice queens novels fans & ranchers- novels fans …
Hey guys and gals, you know that now it’s your turn … So … Grab your own copy and make your own opinion …
Enjoy (or not) your reading …
🏳️🌈👩❤️👩📚👩❤️💋👩🐴🐎⚢📖👭🏳️🌈
January 2, 2019
This book had a promising storyline and beginning but sadly Ms.Zak went overboard too many times. Where was her alpha readers? I loved the Colorado backdrop, I loved every single moment when Julia stepped into the cattle ranch before Ms.Zak decided to rush the relationship progression and added a shitload of unnecessary / messy / lame dramas.
Ms.Zak did extremely well with the scenes involving Julia and the horses, I was really blown away.
Breaking Down Her Walls is the last book by Ms.Zak for me.
Ms.Zak did extremely well with the scenes involving Julia and the horses, I was really blown away.
Breaking Down Her Walls is the last book by Ms.Zak for me.
February 28, 2019
A decent read at 3 stars for me. This was the first book I have read of Ms. Zak's, and she can certainly write fine, but there were some issues with the story that held me back from rating higher.
Was it just me or did anyone else's eye sockets literally burn in sympathy at the extreme amount of eye rolling that happens in this book? Soooo muuuccchhhh eye rolling, people. I don't think I've eye rolled since I was a teen. And what a segway. to......
MC Julia is written much younger than her 27 years, seeming more like a teenager. I get that she has a "chip on her shoulder" and is supposed to have attitude due to her past, but with her immature dialogue, incessant eye rolling, and lines peppered with too many exclamation marks, I couldn't really take her seriously and found her quite unlikable. We readers are supposed to believe she's had a long, scarred past but her character reads like a spoiled 16 y/o in some places, which made her story unbelievable. I didn't bond with her character at all.
MC Elena held more interest to me, but unfortunately the story isn't written from her perspective, and she comes off as rather weak. Initially she is somewhat aloof with Julia, but not the ice-queen that others have described. The whole title of the book, "breaking down her walls," is supposed to relate to both MCs, but those walls felt a bit flimsy to me. All of Elena's friends/family on the ranch talk fairly openly about Elena's past, which annoyed me, because us readers are led to believe that "she doesn't let people in easily and hates gossip but hell, LET ME TELL YOU EVERYTHING ANYWAY OVER BEERS AND HORSES!" Elena let her walls down real fast it seemed, more from a stiff breeze than a sledgehammer.
I don't know anything about ranching, horses, Wranglers, or Colorado, but Ms. Zak did a great job of describing the environments without going overboard. I didn't have to skim any parts. She restrained herself in a way that kept the story going at a nice pace and my imagination definitely went to some of these lovely-sounding places..
I didn't initially get behind the the attraction between Julia and Elena, it felt forced. Beautiful, moody, teen-angst-ridden Julia and elegant, stunning, rancher-femme-mom Elena. HOWEVER, lemme tell you about the sexy-times. Oh gawd. Heat scale of 5/5 ladies and gents, I was SHOCKED. For a couple who I was slow to warm to throughout the story, was I ever warmed after that scene. Not gonna lie, I looked over my shoulder on the subway, flipped back a few pages and read it again immediately. Holy crap Ms. Zak....well done.
* Thanks much to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. *
Was it just me or did anyone else's eye sockets literally burn in sympathy at the extreme amount of eye rolling that happens in this book? Soooo muuuccchhhh eye rolling, people. I don't think I've eye rolled since I was a teen. And what a segway. to......
MC Julia is written much younger than her 27 years, seeming more like a teenager. I get that she has a "chip on her shoulder" and is supposed to have attitude due to her past, but with her immature dialogue, incessant eye rolling, and lines peppered with too many exclamation marks, I couldn't really take her seriously and found her quite unlikable. We readers are supposed to believe she's had a long, scarred past but her character reads like a spoiled 16 y/o in some places, which made her story unbelievable. I didn't bond with her character at all.
MC Elena held more interest to me, but unfortunately the story isn't written from her perspective, and she comes off as rather weak. Initially she is somewhat aloof with Julia, but not the ice-queen that others have described. The whole title of the book, "breaking down her walls," is supposed to relate to both MCs, but those walls felt a bit flimsy to me. All of Elena's friends/family on the ranch talk fairly openly about Elena's past, which annoyed me, because us readers are led to believe that "she doesn't let people in easily and hates gossip but hell, LET ME TELL YOU EVERYTHING ANYWAY OVER BEERS AND HORSES!" Elena let her walls down real fast it seemed, more from a stiff breeze than a sledgehammer.
I don't know anything about ranching, horses, Wranglers, or Colorado, but Ms. Zak did a great job of describing the environments without going overboard. I didn't have to skim any parts. She restrained herself in a way that kept the story going at a nice pace and my imagination definitely went to some of these lovely-sounding places..
I didn't initially get behind the the attraction between Julia and Elena, it felt forced. Beautiful, moody, teen-angst-ridden Julia and elegant, stunning, rancher-femme-mom Elena. HOWEVER, lemme tell you about the sexy-times. Oh gawd. Heat scale of 5/5 ladies and gents, I was SHOCKED. For a couple who I was slow to warm to throughout the story, was I ever warmed after that scene. Not gonna lie, I looked over my shoulder on the subway, flipped back a few pages and read it again immediately. Holy crap Ms. Zak....well done.
* Thanks much to NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review. *
December 1, 2018
Erin Zak really wow’d me with this wonderful story.
Julia is a runner. She takes off again after her first meeting with her birth parents goes terribly wrong. When her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere in the state of Colorado, she panics until a local cowboy offers to pay for her car repairs in trade for her helping as a ranch hand over herding session. Julia gets stuck into her new job but she can’t stop thinking about the ranch owner and boss, Elena. Elena is the definitive ice queen character but there is something about Julia that she just can’t help but be drawn too. The more time they spend together the more Elena’s walls come down and then Elena’s ex, Penn shows up and Julia starts to worry that this is just another moment of let down in her life. But will she run or stick around and see what life could be with Elena by her side?
This is a love story, 100%! Breaking Down Her Wallshad me completely spun. One minute I’m thinking that it’s such a sweet romance, the next I found it sexy as hell then by the end, I had it as an all-encompassing love story that I just adored.
Erin Zak has written Breaking Down Her Walls in third person, present tense and normally I am not a massive fan of that style but Erin Zak wrote it with such finesse, I was immersed in the story from the first chapter.
I really enjoyed the level of angst in the story and found that it created the perfect balance throughout. The sex scenes were fantastic… I mean wow! The build up in the entire book was like foreplay and then when it happened… boom, my brain explodes!!! Very well done.
Just a side note that I love Colorado and this book took me back there to all of the wonderful memories I have from my time there. Secondly how amazing is this cover? Red Chucks? SOLD!
I really can’t wait to see what comes next from Erin Zak because I will be waiting very impatiently.
5 Stars
Julia is a runner. She takes off again after her first meeting with her birth parents goes terribly wrong. When her car breaks down in the middle of nowhere in the state of Colorado, she panics until a local cowboy offers to pay for her car repairs in trade for her helping as a ranch hand over herding session. Julia gets stuck into her new job but she can’t stop thinking about the ranch owner and boss, Elena. Elena is the definitive ice queen character but there is something about Julia that she just can’t help but be drawn too. The more time they spend together the more Elena’s walls come down and then Elena’s ex, Penn shows up and Julia starts to worry that this is just another moment of let down in her life. But will she run or stick around and see what life could be with Elena by her side?
This is a love story, 100%! Breaking Down Her Wallshad me completely spun. One minute I’m thinking that it’s such a sweet romance, the next I found it sexy as hell then by the end, I had it as an all-encompassing love story that I just adored.
Erin Zak has written Breaking Down Her Walls in third person, present tense and normally I am not a massive fan of that style but Erin Zak wrote it with such finesse, I was immersed in the story from the first chapter.
I really enjoyed the level of angst in the story and found that it created the perfect balance throughout. The sex scenes were fantastic… I mean wow! The build up in the entire book was like foreplay and then when it happened… boom, my brain explodes!!! Very well done.
Just a side note that I love Colorado and this book took me back there to all of the wonderful memories I have from my time there. Secondly how amazing is this cover? Red Chucks? SOLD!
I really can’t wait to see what comes next from Erin Zak because I will be waiting very impatiently.
5 Stars
December 29, 2018
3.6 Stars rounded up to 4 Stars for this pleasant romance. An easy, fast read.
I held onto this book until I got to Colorado. I'm visiting family for the holidays and they live in a small resort town with a home that is surrounded by trees and mountains. This book however, mostly takes place in the sweltering summer months... So I guess it help me feel warm when it was freezing outside.
Twenty-six year old, Julia Finch is on the road, with no particular destination, just away from her former life. Unfortunately her car breaks down in a small Colorado town. She doesn't have enough money to fix it so she agrees to work as a ranch hand in exchange for repairs. At the Bennett Ranch she meets the 40-something, beautiful and abrasive owner, Elena Bennett.
I enjoyed following Julia as she tries to learn to muck out the stables, care for the horses and later to ride. She makes close friends at the ranch, especially with Cole, Elena's teenage son. She begins to really enjoy being and working at the Ranch.
Julia is instantly attracted to Elena and at the same time dislikes her as Elena is naturally abrasive, especially since Julia who obviously has no experience, horse or ranch skills and was not impressed with the City Girl. We learn that Elena has lived through a lot of losses, can Julia help her heal? And likewise can Elena help Julia heal from whatever she is running from? There are bumps in the road as Elena's past returns to complicate things.
A couple of quibbles. This book is that it is written from Julia's point of view and occasionally it is not clear who is talking, Julia or the other person. I had to pause and decipher it. I hate when that happens. But it wasn't enough to make me stop reading. Second, we see quickly by her actions that Elena is probably attracted to Julia. Which seems out of character from how she is described. But it isn't until later that Elena feels it was out of character for her too. The problem of third-person stories?
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book and it sounds like I liked it more that some other reviewers. I'll definitely check out Zak's next book.
I held onto this book until I got to Colorado. I'm visiting family for the holidays and they live in a small resort town with a home that is surrounded by trees and mountains. This book however, mostly takes place in the sweltering summer months... So I guess it help me feel warm when it was freezing outside.
Twenty-six year old, Julia Finch is on the road, with no particular destination, just away from her former life. Unfortunately her car breaks down in a small Colorado town. She doesn't have enough money to fix it so she agrees to work as a ranch hand in exchange for repairs. At the Bennett Ranch she meets the 40-something, beautiful and abrasive owner, Elena Bennett.
I enjoyed following Julia as she tries to learn to muck out the stables, care for the horses and later to ride. She makes close friends at the ranch, especially with Cole, Elena's teenage son. She begins to really enjoy being and working at the Ranch.
Julia is instantly attracted to Elena and at the same time dislikes her as Elena is naturally abrasive, especially since Julia who obviously has no experience, horse or ranch skills and was not impressed with the City Girl. We learn that Elena has lived through a lot of losses, can Julia help her heal? And likewise can Elena help Julia heal from whatever she is running from? There are bumps in the road as Elena's past returns to complicate things.
A couple of quibbles. This book is that it is written from Julia's point of view and occasionally it is not clear who is talking, Julia or the other person. I had to pause and decipher it. I hate when that happens. But it wasn't enough to make me stop reading. Second, we see quickly by her actions that Elena is probably attracted to Julia. Which seems out of character from how she is described. But it isn't until later that Elena feels it was out of character for her too. The problem of third-person stories?
Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book and it sounds like I liked it more that some other reviewers. I'll definitely check out Zak's next book.
November 16, 2018
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book by Zak that I’ve read. I had mixed feelings about the first, but enjoyed this one.
This features Elena, who is a ranch owner and mother, and Julia, who is running from life in general. There’s also an age gap, but nothing is made of this at all, which I found refreshing.
Julia’s car breaks down in a rural Colorado town and as luck would have it, Elena needs help on her ranch. Of course Elena doesn’t even know she’s hired Julia, so they don’t get off to the best of starts, but Julia soon takes to life on the ranch, and all the people who live and work there. She is especially fond of Elena’s son Cole (one of the best characters) and also develops a love for horses. The two grow closer and it’s fun watching them interact.
Then Elena’s ex shows up and this is where the story starts to drag a bit, there’s a lot of ‘I want to be with you, please don’t run’ vs ‘she’s not good for you, please don’t take her back’ and there could have been WAY less of that. There’s also the usual contrived nonsense towards the 80% mark, but it doesn’t drag on for too long.
I liked both MCs, and their relationship develops naturally (and over time), which I also enjoyed. The backdrop of the ranch was also fun. I’m giving it 4 stars because it did drag towards the end, but I enjoyed the story enough to overlook that.
This is the second book by Zak that I’ve read. I had mixed feelings about the first, but enjoyed this one.
This features Elena, who is a ranch owner and mother, and Julia, who is running from life in general. There’s also an age gap, but nothing is made of this at all, which I found refreshing.
Julia’s car breaks down in a rural Colorado town and as luck would have it, Elena needs help on her ranch. Of course Elena doesn’t even know she’s hired Julia, so they don’t get off to the best of starts, but Julia soon takes to life on the ranch, and all the people who live and work there. She is especially fond of Elena’s son Cole (one of the best characters) and also develops a love for horses. The two grow closer and it’s fun watching them interact.
Then Elena’s ex shows up and this is where the story starts to drag a bit, there’s a lot of ‘I want to be with you, please don’t run’ vs ‘she’s not good for you, please don’t take her back’ and there could have been WAY less of that. There’s also the usual contrived nonsense towards the 80% mark, but it doesn’t drag on for too long.
I liked both MCs, and their relationship develops naturally (and over time), which I also enjoyed. The backdrop of the ranch was also fun. I’m giving it 4 stars because it did drag towards the end, but I enjoyed the story enough to overlook that.
December 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this. I was a little hesitant going in because everything about this book is foreign to me. I've lived outside of a large city my entire life and therefore the ranching world is something that I have no knowledge in. Zak's writing was so descriptive that I had no problem picturing what was going on on the ranch.
I love an ice queen so I had no issue liking Elena, although I do wish she had kept some more of the iciness as the book went on. Her son was a welcome addition. I typically prefer an older child in a romance book than toddler age. The secondary characters had well developed personalities and were enjoyable.
I appreciate that the appearance of the ex didn't cause huge issues. The two mains talked to each other and were mostly on the same page.
I definitely recommend this.
(A copy of the book was generously given to me by BSB through NetGalley)
I love an ice queen so I had no issue liking Elena, although I do wish she had kept some more of the iciness as the book went on. Her son was a welcome addition. I typically prefer an older child in a romance book than toddler age. The secondary characters had well developed personalities and were enjoyable.
I appreciate that the appearance of the ex didn't cause huge issues. The two mains talked to each other and were mostly on the same page.
I definitely recommend this.
(A copy of the book was generously given to me by BSB through NetGalley)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2019
This was awesome.
I loved everything about this story, from the characters to the plot, and the morals and lessons it held. It was my first book by Erin Zak and certainly won’t be my last. She has a very unique, easy, writing style and storytelling ability.
Julia was a brilliantly insecure character who had to learn to accept help, follow her heart, and break down her walls, while dealing with a similar character in Elena, the tough, brokenhearted rancher who just stole my heart along with Julia’s.
The story was passionate but grounding, tackling real issues about defensive, closed off characters who run, or hide because of past experiences with love. There was so much to be learned from Julia, Elena, and ranch life that I fell in love with the very idea of the life they were leading in this story. Wise friends also help both of them to come to terms with their feelings, because both characters fall into the trap of being ruled by their emotions.
As with all romance, this has its sweet moments, its funny bits, tension, drama, pasts, exes, and some passion that was amazing!!!
I loved the style it was written in, that tell and narrate where you understand clearly what is going on. It worked well with the storyline, capturing enough of the characters feelings without overcomplicating it, and providing some narrator discrepancies that meant it was open to the reader to interpret if what was being described as a thought or a feeling was correct.
Julia and Elena’s relationship was slow burn, filled with angst, drama, and occasional heartache but that’s what made the story so enjoyable. It was realistic, romantic, and cosy, making me really feel as if I were included in the intimate group the story focused on, and feeling like I belonged at the ranch too. Very enjoyable, and highly recommended. I look forward to reading more from Erin Zak!
I loved everything about this story, from the characters to the plot, and the morals and lessons it held. It was my first book by Erin Zak and certainly won’t be my last. She has a very unique, easy, writing style and storytelling ability.
Julia was a brilliantly insecure character who had to learn to accept help, follow her heart, and break down her walls, while dealing with a similar character in Elena, the tough, brokenhearted rancher who just stole my heart along with Julia’s.
The story was passionate but grounding, tackling real issues about defensive, closed off characters who run, or hide because of past experiences with love. There was so much to be learned from Julia, Elena, and ranch life that I fell in love with the very idea of the life they were leading in this story. Wise friends also help both of them to come to terms with their feelings, because both characters fall into the trap of being ruled by their emotions.
As with all romance, this has its sweet moments, its funny bits, tension, drama, pasts, exes, and some passion that was amazing!!!
I loved the style it was written in, that tell and narrate where you understand clearly what is going on. It worked well with the storyline, capturing enough of the characters feelings without overcomplicating it, and providing some narrator discrepancies that meant it was open to the reader to interpret if what was being described as a thought or a feeling was correct.
Julia and Elena’s relationship was slow burn, filled with angst, drama, and occasional heartache but that’s what made the story so enjoyable. It was realistic, romantic, and cosy, making me really feel as if I were included in the intimate group the story focused on, and feeling like I belonged at the ranch too. Very enjoyable, and highly recommended. I look forward to reading more from Erin Zak!
December 23, 2018
3.5 stars.
Overall I liked this read. The characters were nice, the plot wasn't too standard, the animals are always lovely and done well in this book. The supporting cast also works for the most part except the whole ex situation.
The last 20% or so kinda ruins what could have been a 5 star read for me. The drama was too forced and completely unnecessary. The definition of communication issues. It's one of the tropes I dislike most. Yet the first two-thirds were enjoyable.
Great start, unfortunate ending that's still HEA but with a bad aftertaste.
Overall I liked this read. The characters were nice, the plot wasn't too standard, the animals are always lovely and done well in this book. The supporting cast also works for the most part except the whole ex situation.
The last 20% or so kinda ruins what could have been a 5 star read for me. The drama was too forced and completely unnecessary. The definition of communication issues. It's one of the tropes I dislike most. Yet the first two-thirds were enjoyable.
Great start, unfortunate ending that's still HEA but with a bad aftertaste.
December 21, 2018
Julia Finch is a city girl used to constantly run away from her conflicted past and never settle anywhere. After dealing with her biological parents' rejection she leaves Chicago towards the west. Her car breaks down somewhere in rural Colorado. Alone and without money, she gets a job as a ranch hand but when she meets the enigmatic and gorgeous ranch owner Elena Bennett, all bets are off. Will their attraction be enough to stop Julia from running?
This is an entertaining romance set in rural Colorado where the author grew up. Her descriptions of nature and the landscape are very picturesque along with her accounts of what ranch life is all about.
'Breaking down her walls' is written in third person in present tense from the exclusive point of view of Julia. Some readers might not be comfortable with the choice of present tense despite it isn't as uncommon as one would think. Normally present tense provides a more intimate and immediate relationship with the character, it intensifies the emotions and the connection with the character's consciousness. I personally haven't issues with the present tense narrative but I think that Ms. Zak doesn't use the intimacy with her character in its full potential. There were moments when the author tells us how Julia feels instead of showing it and the closeness is temporarily lost. But other moments, like Julia's connection with her horse are really well done. Hands down, Leia is the best horse character I've read in lesfic.
It took me approximately half the book to feel the chemistry between the mains possibly because Elena's character was harder to grasp. Maybe that was the author's intention as it shows how Julia sees her. However, once the connection is established, the chemistry is strong and the intimate scenes are very realistic and hot. Unlike many lesfic books, the conflict around 80% mark doesn't feel contrived or forced and the resolution makes sense within the plot.
Overall, an entertaining romance for nature and horse lovers. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
This is an entertaining romance set in rural Colorado where the author grew up. Her descriptions of nature and the landscape are very picturesque along with her accounts of what ranch life is all about.
'Breaking down her walls' is written in third person in present tense from the exclusive point of view of Julia. Some readers might not be comfortable with the choice of present tense despite it isn't as uncommon as one would think. Normally present tense provides a more intimate and immediate relationship with the character, it intensifies the emotions and the connection with the character's consciousness. I personally haven't issues with the present tense narrative but I think that Ms. Zak doesn't use the intimacy with her character in its full potential. There were moments when the author tells us how Julia feels instead of showing it and the closeness is temporarily lost. But other moments, like Julia's connection with her horse are really well done. Hands down, Leia is the best horse character I've read in lesfic.
It took me approximately half the book to feel the chemistry between the mains possibly because Elena's character was harder to grasp. Maybe that was the author's intention as it shows how Julia sees her. However, once the connection is established, the chemistry is strong and the intimate scenes are very realistic and hot. Unlike many lesfic books, the conflict around 80% mark doesn't feel contrived or forced and the resolution makes sense within the plot.
Overall, an entertaining romance for nature and horse lovers. 3.5 stars.
ARC provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
September 29, 2021
It started just ok for me initially, and it grew as I read further along. There is just something about ice queen that always get my attention, more so if the said ice queen is an older character in their 40s/50s... Elena Bennett.... Is it just me, or does the name Elena seems to always resonate with someone who is stoic, an ice queen? Maybe it's just me? Anyhow, back to BDHW. It's an age-gap romance (close to 20 years) between an ice queen (Elena) and a runner (Julia Finch). Both have baggage and issues to resolve from their past. Both are different and yet the same.... They build walls to protect themselves cos they don't want to get hurt, and slowly the walls come tumbling down as they slowly open up to the possibility of finding love.
Ratings: 4 ⭐️
Ratings: 4 ⭐️
November 20, 2018
I really, really loved this book! It was fun, it has amazing, sparkling chemistry between two main characters, Elena and Julia; it deals with abandonment issues through tastefully placed moments, with the skill and craft of making it real, but not burdening, and it's in all the right places in the book. The scenes were amazing and only contributed to the already enormous chemistry and flirtation! I have to say that the interaction between these two and some coincidences remind me of my favorite fan-fic pairing, but it's a bonus here! I started reading it around 9 PM last night and I dropped my kindle on a nightstand table after I had finished it, at 2 AM.
January 5, 2025
Was really impressed by this one - first I've read of Erin Zak & I'll certainly be looking for more of her's. Lovely story which hung together really well. Totally real. Thank you.
December 6, 2018
First time reading something of this author and I was nicely surprised about how much I enjoyed it. At the beginning I struggled with the third person present tense use and I was close to giving up but thankfully I didn't.
Julia, a young woman with a painful past, is stuck working for free in a ranch as she needs money in order to get her broken down car repaired. The ranch owner is an apparently cold and rude woman called Elena who thinks that Julia is not capable of working there as she has no experience with horses and ranches in general. Somehow these two women are attracted to each other almost instantly but they have to overcome their painful bad experiences in order to have a chance in happiness.
The way the story is written is captivating and after the initial struggle I literally finished it in one reading. This is not a perfect book by any means and I particularly disliked the way that the last 20% of the book unfolded (drama for the sake of drama) but overall it was an enjoyable read with lovable characters.
*ARC was given to me by NetGalley in exchange of a honest review.
Julia, a young woman with a painful past, is stuck working for free in a ranch as she needs money in order to get her broken down car repaired. The ranch owner is an apparently cold and rude woman called Elena who thinks that Julia is not capable of working there as she has no experience with horses and ranches in general. Somehow these two women are attracted to each other almost instantly but they have to overcome their painful bad experiences in order to have a chance in happiness.
The way the story is written is captivating and after the initial struggle I literally finished it in one reading. This is not a perfect book by any means and I particularly disliked the way that the last 20% of the book unfolded (drama for the sake of drama) but overall it was an enjoyable read with lovable characters.
*ARC was given to me by NetGalley in exchange of a honest review.
December 10, 2018
If I could describe this book in one word it would be this: annnngggssstt. I don't really go for overwrought romances, but this was just right for me. I think it was because we were only in one of the main characters' head space. She is a great lead and it was fun to see her crush on Elena, the other lead, for most of the book.
I thought the romance was well done up to the very last bit of drama. The author was teasing a big blowup for most of the book, but when it happened, it still kind of made my eyes roll. It was an acknowledgment that Julia still had to work through some of her feelings of abandonment. I thought it would have been nice to end a little before that, because we know those types of things take time. But other than that, I thought it was fun reading about the ranch, the supporting cast, and seeing Julia and Elena dance around each other.
If angst is your thing, this a great book for you. I enjoyed it for the most part, and I think my issues with it are more nitpicky than anything, and I did enjoy Cole. Cole is good people.
I received this ARC from BSB via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I thought the romance was well done up to the very last bit of drama. The author was teasing a big blowup for most of the book, but when it happened, it still kind of made my eyes roll. It was an acknowledgment that Julia still had to work through some of her feelings of abandonment. I thought it would have been nice to end a little before that, because we know those types of things take time. But other than that, I thought it was fun reading about the ranch, the supporting cast, and seeing Julia and Elena dance around each other.
If angst is your thing, this a great book for you. I enjoyed it for the most part, and I think my issues with it are more nitpicky than anything, and I did enjoy Cole. Cole is good people.
I received this ARC from BSB via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
December 10, 2018
I’m giving it 3 stars instead of 2 like I originally wanted to because I’m not really sure if I didn’t liked it because lately every book I read seems kind of blah or if it was because I really couldn’t stand it.
I THINK (maybe) this is a swan queen story? It kind of felt like one, and normally I’m all for them, but this just felt rushed and incomplete. I never understood where the love between the MC’s came, can’t recall reading about them interacting, having chemistry, things in common, anything that can justify two people having a relationship.
I read this by Erin Zak because of an anthology, so I had big expectations and maybe my recent disgruntled mood have something to do with my perception of the book, that’s why is getting 3 stars instead of 2. I like some instant love relationships, (check my read list and ratings) but this one wasn’t for me.
I THINK (maybe) this is a swan queen story? It kind of felt like one, and normally I’m all for them, but this just felt rushed and incomplete. I never understood where the love between the MC’s came, can’t recall reading about them interacting, having chemistry, things in common, anything that can justify two people having a relationship.
I read this by Erin Zak because of an anthology, so I had big expectations and maybe my recent disgruntled mood have something to do with my perception of the book, that’s why is getting 3 stars instead of 2. I like some instant love relationships, (check my read list and ratings) but this one wasn’t for me.
December 4, 2018
When Julia's car breakdown, and takes months to be repaired, she ends up stuck on a ranch.
There, she meets Elena. Elena is unhappy, abrasive, and annoyingly breathtaking. The latter being something the reader is not allowed to forget.
This was an okay story to wile away some time, but I had a disconnect throughout. I felt like I was sitting on a bench being 'told' a story that struggled to hold my attention.
It's told in third person, present tense. A style of narration I struggle with, so don't let my review deter you from giving this one a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley
There, she meets Elena. Elena is unhappy, abrasive, and annoyingly breathtaking. The latter being something the reader is not allowed to forget.
This was an okay story to wile away some time, but I had a disconnect throughout. I felt like I was sitting on a bench being 'told' a story that struggled to hold my attention.
It's told in third person, present tense. A style of narration I struggle with, so don't let my review deter you from giving this one a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Copy provided by the publisher, Bold Strokes Books, via NetGalley
February 10, 2019
I was about to say, “while reading this I got this vibe that scream 😱 swan queen !!”. And after checked others’ reviews, it turned out i was right. 😦 though, it’s in another AU, no magic.
Either way, I still enjoyed this book. With ice queen character and such, what not to like eh :)
All characters are likable except that angtagonist woman, Penn, and i found that the story plot between Penn and the two main characters was kind of missing some elements. Thread is not really a thread, I kind of expect something more exciting. And the end, like others’ review had mention, it’s not really sastifying, to be honest.
Anyway, I still enjoyed this book alots.
Either way, I still enjoyed this book. With ice queen character and such, what not to like eh :)
All characters are likable except that angtagonist woman, Penn, and i found that the story plot between Penn and the two main characters was kind of missing some elements. Thread is not really a thread, I kind of expect something more exciting. And the end, like others’ review had mention, it’s not really sastifying, to be honest.
Anyway, I still enjoyed this book alots.
November 5, 2018
I love the characters in this book. The chemistry between Julia and Elena is undeniable. The way they dance around the attraction made me cheer for them from the beginning. Ms. Zak weaved all the people working at the ranch into a family, which made them all so much more relatable. I came away from this story thinking that Bennett Ranch is a place I'd like to visit.
December 29, 2019
I think this is the first time I’ve seen a book with two ice queens and it totally worked for me! Julia and Elena are both guarded, prickly, and not particularly likeable, and the reasons why are understandable. And yet, they manage to slowly thaw each other so they can build something beautiful.
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/brea...
Full review: https://www.thelesbianreview.com/brea...
December 28, 2019
It's a great book about self-acceptance, friendship, and love.
Julia is shattered by years of foster homes, by biological parents who have rejected her, and she spends her life running, running from her past, running who she is, running, always running....
She finds herself, despite herself, because of a breakdown of her car, stuck in a very small town, and to pay for repairs, agrees to work on a ranch. There she meets Elena, a rough woman and unkind. She finds herself, despite herself, because of a breakdown of her car, stuck in a very small town, and to pay for repairs, agrees to work on a ranch. There she meets Elena, owner of the ranch, a rough woman and unkind.
Here we have a lot of secondary characters, but nevertheless very present who play a vital role in the evolution of Julia, Elena and in their love story.
The unique relationship of Julia and her horse is breathtaking, he's the first one who will give his confidence and Julia will give back.
This book is very well written and the story very pleasant and original.
The cover is very beautiful, leaving absolutely no idea what is in the book, if we do not read the synopsis, we are very surprised at its content. Moreover, I decided not to read the synopsis and to let myself be surprised by the cover and then the contents of the book.
This is Ms. Zak's second book, so here's a promising author.
I highly recommend this book.
Julia is shattered by years of foster homes, by biological parents who have rejected her, and she spends her life running, running from her past, running who she is, running, always running....
She finds herself, despite herself, because of a breakdown of her car, stuck in a very small town, and to pay for repairs, agrees to work on a ranch. There she meets Elena, a rough woman and unkind. She finds herself, despite herself, because of a breakdown of her car, stuck in a very small town, and to pay for repairs, agrees to work on a ranch. There she meets Elena, owner of the ranch, a rough woman and unkind.
Here we have a lot of secondary characters, but nevertheless very present who play a vital role in the evolution of Julia, Elena and in their love story.
The unique relationship of Julia and her horse is breathtaking, he's the first one who will give his confidence and Julia will give back.
This book is very well written and the story very pleasant and original.
The cover is very beautiful, leaving absolutely no idea what is in the book, if we do not read the synopsis, we are very surprised at its content. Moreover, I decided not to read the synopsis and to let myself be surprised by the cover and then the contents of the book.
This is Ms. Zak's second book, so here's a promising author.
I highly recommend this book.
December 14, 2018
This was an engaging read with much family drama. Julia Finch is upset after her interaction with her birth family, so she runs. Her car breaks down in a small town with some interesting characters that enhance the story. Elena Bennett is a sour puss with a son she loves very much. She has been hurt in love and takes it out on the people around her. the interaction between Julia and Elena is complex especially with Julia's self talk of will I or will I not. I thought the read had you thinking about the importance of family and family does not have to be blood related.
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
ARC provided by Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley
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