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Love and War
She's a singer posing as a maid. He's a surgeon forced to serve the Reich. For both of them, deception is the only way to survive the war.
Cocktail singer Victoire Duplanchier knows Nazi-occupied Paris is not safe for a black woman. But that's exactly why she's trying to get her family out. When she's caught in a roundup, a man with ocean-blue eyes saves her from being sent to the camps. But can she really trust him? He might seem kind and handsome, but he's also a Nazi.
Surgeon, Emil von Konig, was duped into serving the Reich by his deceitful father. When he encounters Victoire, he knows he needs to keep her safe. He offers refuge at his estate in the Parisian countryside, but in order to stay undetected, she must pose as his maid.
Their new roles as maid and master find them in close confines. As their connection grows their passion is impossible to ignore.
While war rages on around them, Emil and Victoire believe they are safe. But danger is closer than ever. When the true nature of their relationship is discovered, everything will be at risk.
Is their love strong enough to conquer the forces that conspire against them?
Cocktail singer Victoire Duplanchier knows Nazi-occupied Paris is not safe for a black woman. But that's exactly why she's trying to get her family out. When she's caught in a roundup, a man with ocean-blue eyes saves her from being sent to the camps. But can she really trust him? He might seem kind and handsome, but he's also a Nazi.
Surgeon, Emil von Konig, was duped into serving the Reich by his deceitful father. When he encounters Victoire, he knows he needs to keep her safe. He offers refuge at his estate in the Parisian countryside, but in order to stay undetected, she must pose as his maid.
Their new roles as maid and master find them in close confines. As their connection grows their passion is impossible to ignore.
While war rages on around them, Emil and Victoire believe they are safe. But danger is closer than ever. When the true nature of their relationship is discovered, everything will be at risk.
Is their love strong enough to conquer the forces that conspire against them?
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2021
18 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Shirrá Lynn
6 books25 followersShirrá Lynn is a native of Washington, DC. A writer of Interracial Romance, she is also a hobbyist poet and floral designer. When she isn’t writing or snipping roses, she loves spending time with her family, especially her nieces and nephew. In college, during a critique session in a creative writing class, her professor described her writing style as ‘too colloquial’. Shirrá took this appraisal and used it as a catalyst to produce stories that are engaging, real and speak to the heart.
‘Love and War’ is her debut romance novel.
‘Love and War’ is her debut romance novel.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 45 reviews
January 4, 2021
*Thank you to Shirra Lynn for a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I was reached out to read this book by Shirra Lynn's social media manager and asked to check out her debut novel, "Love and War". I was immediately intrigued and a little intimidated by the story and content of this romance. I think any time we hear Third Reich or Nazis mentioned in a description, a lot of us curl up in fear and run away. Not wanting to touch the subject. However, I make it my brand to be fearless when trying romances, so I agreed to give it a go.
Love and War is Modern Historical Romance. Meaning it takes place in 1939-1940 France during the Nazi Occupation. It is about Victoire, A Black Lounge singer and Emil, a doctor whose father has pushed him closer and closer to working with the Third Reich. They are both trapped, but in very different ways.
The start of this story is actually 1980 with Victoire's daughter Lily coming to visit her mother and spend an afternoon with her. Which I was confused by at first but it became very clear that I NEEDED those snippets of the future to confirm everything would be okay. Because we are about to go on a bumpy ride.
The set up that gets Victoire and Emil together is very hard to read. She is going home one day when she gets accosted by some Nazi soldiers. Emil sees it happen and barges in to interfere and stop what is happening. Since he needs a reason to stop the assault, he says that she is his new housekeeper and offers her an out. But now, they have to follow through with this lie. Victoire has to give up her career as a singer and become Emil's housekeeper and cook. He moves her to his country estate and she has to learn to do all of those things.
So now we are in a forced proximity set up and we also have an employer/employee situation.The chemistry between them is off the charts, but Emil doesn't want to force himself on her, since he knows he holds all the power, including the power over her life, in his hands. But they are BOTH so drawn to each other and when that explodes… it was so amazing. It was sexy and forbidden and dangerous.
I just… its so hard to explain why this book works for me… but it is so beautiful and the way they fall in love just made my heart ache. There a LOT of issues that the author has to take on, and I will say. She doesn't hide form any of them. Any thoughts or concerns going in your head, they get discussed. But I don't want to spoil them by explaining how.
There are Trigger Warnings of course. This book is just not going to work for some people. There are racial slurs, sexual assault, sexual blackmail, suicide, and a few others in here. But the nothing is done gratuitously and the author did her research as far as I can tell to make sure things were accurately represented.
In the end, I understand this might not be fore you, but I can't wait to own my own copy and I will be talking about this book a lot in the upcoming weeks.
It was 5 stars for me. I am so happy to read it and I will remember it for a long time after.
I was reached out to read this book by Shirra Lynn's social media manager and asked to check out her debut novel, "Love and War". I was immediately intrigued and a little intimidated by the story and content of this romance. I think any time we hear Third Reich or Nazis mentioned in a description, a lot of us curl up in fear and run away. Not wanting to touch the subject. However, I make it my brand to be fearless when trying romances, so I agreed to give it a go.
Love and War is Modern Historical Romance. Meaning it takes place in 1939-1940 France during the Nazi Occupation. It is about Victoire, A Black Lounge singer and Emil, a doctor whose father has pushed him closer and closer to working with the Third Reich. They are both trapped, but in very different ways.
The start of this story is actually 1980 with Victoire's daughter Lily coming to visit her mother and spend an afternoon with her. Which I was confused by at first but it became very clear that I NEEDED those snippets of the future to confirm everything would be okay. Because we are about to go on a bumpy ride.
The set up that gets Victoire and Emil together is very hard to read. She is going home one day when she gets accosted by some Nazi soldiers. Emil sees it happen and barges in to interfere and stop what is happening. Since he needs a reason to stop the assault, he says that she is his new housekeeper and offers her an out. But now, they have to follow through with this lie. Victoire has to give up her career as a singer and become Emil's housekeeper and cook. He moves her to his country estate and she has to learn to do all of those things.
So now we are in a forced proximity set up and we also have an employer/employee situation.The chemistry between them is off the charts, but Emil doesn't want to force himself on her, since he knows he holds all the power, including the power over her life, in his hands. But they are BOTH so drawn to each other and when that explodes… it was so amazing. It was sexy and forbidden and dangerous.
I just… its so hard to explain why this book works for me… but it is so beautiful and the way they fall in love just made my heart ache. There a LOT of issues that the author has to take on, and I will say. She doesn't hide form any of them. Any thoughts or concerns going in your head, they get discussed. But I don't want to spoil them by explaining how.
There are Trigger Warnings of course. This book is just not going to work for some people. There are racial slurs, sexual assault, sexual blackmail, suicide, and a few others in here. But the nothing is done gratuitously and the author did her research as far as I can tell to make sure things were accurately represented.
In the end, I understand this might not be fore you, but I can't wait to own my own copy and I will be talking about this book a lot in the upcoming weeks.
It was 5 stars for me. I am so happy to read it and I will remember it for a long time after.
December 15, 2021
I can’t believe that I slept on this book for so long. When this came out on audio yesterday I knew I had to immediately start it! I finished this in 5 hours, and my heart is so full for this story. Historical romance is my jam so this was just the best thing ever! It starts out in 1980, only to go back and tell the beautiful story of how a black cocktail singer named, Victoire meets the love of her life, Emil Von Konig—a surgeon who is also a blonde haired blue eyed German Nazi. Insert forbidden love, & interracial—I am IN!
“Pictures of her delicate limbs entangled with mine are vivid and arousing...yet foreign. The object of my yearning is black. They’re different from us, right?”
This audio was like a full on production! All the sounds that made the story come alive. The chemistry between these two beautiful people made me blush so much during certain scenes…I felt as though I was a voyeur watching these passionate intense love scenes. I want this on TV badly! It would be so beautiful onscreen.
Forbidden. Tension. Angst. Steamy chemistry.
You need this book in your life!
“Pictures of her delicate limbs entangled with mine are vivid and arousing...yet foreign. The object of my yearning is black. They’re different from us, right?”
This audio was like a full on production! All the sounds that made the story come alive. The chemistry between these two beautiful people made me blush so much during certain scenes…I felt as though I was a voyeur watching these passionate intense love scenes. I want this on TV badly! It would be so beautiful onscreen.
Forbidden. Tension. Angst. Steamy chemistry.
You need this book in your life!
March 7, 2021
A novel about love, sorrow, treachery and despair.
It is a heavy book that one must feel like reading. This is not something I would pursue on my own. It's over 200 pages, but it took me an eternity to complete it, purely because of the wrong structure.
This tells the story of a French singer and a German Nazi surgeon. Sometimes it appears that the only constant thing about the characters is the language difference, but it is sometimes distracting.
The characters pedestals of grief and unconventional romance reads heavy and sour and you cannot feel the love that they share a lot throughout the book.
I had to take many breaks, because I could not get into the head of the character correctly. And all along, I was confused about the rhythm and POV of several characters who don't advance the plot.
In my opinion, the author should have known how to structure his paragraph and how to construct a scene that leads to intimacy.
Her sex scenes are not written bad, but she doesn’t know when to insert a paragraph so your reading this long sex scene with no indents or breakup of a paragraph. So this comes off pretty dry.
Hopefully her next book will improve her writing. This book is not a misinterpretation, but I think the author should learn to know when to begin a new paragraph. Sometimes part of the reading was like a lengthy scenario without secession.
I commend it with caution because the warfare aspect of it was well written and well versed. So if you want something different, it might be for you.
It is a heavy book that one must feel like reading. This is not something I would pursue on my own. It's over 200 pages, but it took me an eternity to complete it, purely because of the wrong structure.
This tells the story of a French singer and a German Nazi surgeon. Sometimes it appears that the only constant thing about the characters is the language difference, but it is sometimes distracting.
The characters pedestals of grief and unconventional romance reads heavy and sour and you cannot feel the love that they share a lot throughout the book.
I had to take many breaks, because I could not get into the head of the character correctly. And all along, I was confused about the rhythm and POV of several characters who don't advance the plot.
In my opinion, the author should have known how to structure his paragraph and how to construct a scene that leads to intimacy.
Her sex scenes are not written bad, but she doesn’t know when to insert a paragraph so your reading this long sex scene with no indents or breakup of a paragraph. So this comes off pretty dry.
Hopefully her next book will improve her writing. This book is not a misinterpretation, but I think the author should learn to know when to begin a new paragraph. Sometimes part of the reading was like a lengthy scenario without secession.
I commend it with caution because the warfare aspect of it was well written and well versed. So if you want something different, it might be for you.
June 14, 2022
4 stars
Timeless, old Hollywood vibe, while Love and War sticks pretty close to the proven formula of a love story set during World War II (political unrest, class difference, with the added racial diversity), it is very handsomely assembled and the whole package just 'makes sense' without any element feeling out of place (other than minor detail like word choice here and there feeling a tad too modern).
I consumed Love and War primarily via its auidiobook, the immersive production (music, sound effect, etc.) definitely heightens the cinematic quality; even the untranslated dialogs (not sure if they are translated in print) are broadly comprehensible due to the emotive performance. If I have one gripe about the audio production, is the 'noises' during steamier scenes — I'm no prude but I can do without the excessive moaning coming out of my earbuds, ha!
For a story that's short in length, Love and War feels epic and well-rounded; I don't think the characters (likable but pretty one-dimensional) and the romance are anything too memorable or extraordinary, but it definitely delivers on the sweeping atmosphere and time-tested love.
Timeless, old Hollywood vibe, while Love and War sticks pretty close to the proven formula of a love story set during World War II (political unrest, class difference, with the added racial diversity), it is very handsomely assembled and the whole package just 'makes sense' without any element feeling out of place (other than minor detail like word choice here and there feeling a tad too modern).
I consumed Love and War primarily via its auidiobook, the immersive production (music, sound effect, etc.) definitely heightens the cinematic quality; even the untranslated dialogs (not sure if they are translated in print) are broadly comprehensible due to the emotive performance. If I have one gripe about the audio production, is the 'noises' during steamier scenes — I'm no prude but I can do without the excessive moaning coming out of my earbuds, ha!
For a story that's short in length, Love and War feels epic and well-rounded; I don't think the characters (likable but pretty one-dimensional) and the romance are anything too memorable or extraordinary, but it definitely delivers on the sweeping atmosphere and time-tested love.
November 15, 2021
A well-constructed, epic, swoon worthy romance that expertly depicts a romance for the ages. Get your tissues ready because Love and War will definitely get those tear ducts flowing.
July 12, 2022
✨I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review✨
2.5/5 🌟
Overall, I have some mixed feelings about this read... In general, there are a few tropes and topics I do my best to steer clear of when reading romance. First, anything set on a plantation or featuring plantation owners. God forbid a romance take place between a plantation owner and their slave. Next, a political "across the aisle" romance. Nobody's asking for it (especially not after the past few years) and to this day, I've never seen one turn out well. And finally, Nazis. It does not matter how much time has passed... I will never be sympathetic towards Nazis, former-Nazis, or "reformed" Nazis.
On the one hand, I think the author has done an excellent job of weaving together several narratives. She's also provided an... acceptable? reason for why our hero, Emil, is serving in the Third Reich (basically, he was forced into it by his father who signed him up for his own political gain). That being said, I still found it difficult to set aside the fact that our hero and his best friend still belong to the Nazi regime... even though they don't want to. Beyond that though, I was willing to set aside my reading preferences when I read that the heroine, Victoire, is a Black woman (coupled with the fact that the author is also Black). Her narrative is intriguing, and I especially love the way her relationship with a neighbor boy paid off near the end. However, I was a little turned off by the way that the white male characters seemed to fetishize Black women. In addition to that, there's a particularly cringeworthy scene in which Emil explodes into a drunken rage towards Victoire that pushed beyond MY boundaries of "dominant hero".
I will say that I do appreciate the way that the narrative unfolds and the fact that the author has incorporated English, French, and German into the text - very reflective of the time! The sex scenes are extremely steamy. In fact, I found the sex scenes between Rolf and his lover just as hot (if not hotter) than those with our male and female leads.
Overall, it was difficult to set aside the nazi element of the story...
2.5/5 🌟
Overall, I have some mixed feelings about this read... In general, there are a few tropes and topics I do my best to steer clear of when reading romance. First, anything set on a plantation or featuring plantation owners. God forbid a romance take place between a plantation owner and their slave. Next, a political "across the aisle" romance. Nobody's asking for it (especially not after the past few years) and to this day, I've never seen one turn out well. And finally, Nazis. It does not matter how much time has passed... I will never be sympathetic towards Nazis, former-Nazis, or "reformed" Nazis.
On the one hand, I think the author has done an excellent job of weaving together several narratives. She's also provided an... acceptable? reason for why our hero, Emil, is serving in the Third Reich (basically, he was forced into it by his father who signed him up for his own political gain). That being said, I still found it difficult to set aside the fact that our hero and his best friend still belong to the Nazi regime... even though they don't want to. Beyond that though, I was willing to set aside my reading preferences when I read that the heroine, Victoire, is a Black woman (coupled with the fact that the author is also Black). Her narrative is intriguing, and I especially love the way her relationship with a neighbor boy paid off near the end. However, I was a little turned off by the way that the white male characters seemed to fetishize Black women. In addition to that, there's a particularly cringeworthy scene in which Emil explodes into a drunken rage towards Victoire that pushed beyond MY boundaries of "dominant hero".
I will say that I do appreciate the way that the narrative unfolds and the fact that the author has incorporated English, French, and German into the text - very reflective of the time! The sex scenes are extremely steamy. In fact, I found the sex scenes between Rolf and his lover just as hot (if not hotter) than those with our male and female leads.
Overall, it was difficult to set aside the nazi element of the story...
February 18, 2021
I really enjoyed this one!! The story starts off in 1980 with a mother telling her daughter a story before she gives birth to her own child. I really loved that aspect, I love love it when older people are telling stories to their children.
The story itself takes place in France during the nazi occupation, following Victiore is a Black lounge singer who has returned to Paris to find her parents and flee with them into the country, and Emil is a German surgeon whose father has forged his signature and signed him up to join the Reich. Emil comes across Nazi soldiers assaulting Victiore and saves her by claiming her as his maid. He moves her into his home and with their forced proximity to each other their connection grows deeper. When the forbidden nature of their love is discovered, everything is at risk, can their love survive it the danger?
The chemistry between these two is intense!! Their love story is forbidden and deliciously steamy and definitely swoon worthy. I truly felt all of the angst and tension these characters went through and I could not put it down! I definitely enjoyed the story as a whole!
The story itself takes place in France during the nazi occupation, following Victiore is a Black lounge singer who has returned to Paris to find her parents and flee with them into the country, and Emil is a German surgeon whose father has forged his signature and signed him up to join the Reich. Emil comes across Nazi soldiers assaulting Victiore and saves her by claiming her as his maid. He moves her into his home and with their forced proximity to each other their connection grows deeper. When the forbidden nature of their love is discovered, everything is at risk, can their love survive it the danger?
The chemistry between these two is intense!! Their love story is forbidden and deliciously steamy and definitely swoon worthy. I truly felt all of the angst and tension these characters went through and I could not put it down! I definitely enjoyed the story as a whole!
May 24, 2021
2.5 stars for this WWII interracial romance. We went into this one with some trepidation, since the love story not only takes place during World War II, the main characters are a Black French woman and a white Nazi doctor. We had a mixed reaction to this one:
Pros:
Unique setting & characters
Fun framing story
Super spicy sex scenes
Cons:
No real in-depth consideration of the circumstances
Heavy on the violence
Tragic B-plot
Ultimately this book probably wasn't for us - we love low-angst, fun and funny romances. We don't mind if they border on the absurd as long as we're having a good time. Love and War is on the darker side, which makes sense - any romance set during WWII is going to have its share of tragedy. It's just not the escapist read we look for.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Pros:
Unique setting & characters
Fun framing story
Super spicy sex scenes
Cons:
No real in-depth consideration of the circumstances
Heavy on the violence
Tragic B-plot
Ultimately this book probably wasn't for us - we love low-angst, fun and funny romances. We don't mind if they border on the absurd as long as we're having a good time. Love and War is on the darker side, which makes sense - any romance set during WWII is going to have its share of tragedy. It's just not the escapist read we look for.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
January 16, 2021
Love & War by Shirrá Lynn
So must of you know I am not much of a historical romance reader but I’m slowly trying to make my way into that genre so thank you to Shirrá for this wonderful work and pushing me in my reading.
This historical romance is set in France in the 1940s Emil is a surgeon for the German Reich and Victoire is a lounge singer. One thing I love in my reading is when authors use their voice to create their own narrative and this is totally that. The angst between these characters was so good but at times stressed me out because I was so ready for them to take that leap in their relationship. I was screaming like you want her, he wants you let’s do this thing. My feelings were magnified because not only is he taking care of her but he’s also protecting her and has to navigate to make sure he doesn’t put her into danger by crossing the line.
Love & War is a forbidden, forced proximity, modern historical romance that was thought out so well. The tension is so sexy as you can tell the angst is real with this book because I keep mentioning it. When they finally get to that point it is totally worth it. Emil has to walk the line between what he wants and pleasing his father. I love his personality sweet but also possessive. Victoire is independent but understands that now because of the time she lives in she must depend on someone else.
At the beginning the multiple points a view are a bit confusing. I also wasn’t super crazy about his best friends love story added in there, I just didn’t feel it was necessary. Aside from that Emil and Victoire have won me over. This is a great read that I would totally recommend. Also if I could I would also love this as a audiobook because of the German and French that is used in the book. I just imagine it so beautiful. Emil and Victoire’s love so forbidden yet they fight all odds to make it and I really enjoyed it. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Was given arc in exchange for honest review
So must of you know I am not much of a historical romance reader but I’m slowly trying to make my way into that genre so thank you to Shirrá for this wonderful work and pushing me in my reading.
This historical romance is set in France in the 1940s Emil is a surgeon for the German Reich and Victoire is a lounge singer. One thing I love in my reading is when authors use their voice to create their own narrative and this is totally that. The angst between these characters was so good but at times stressed me out because I was so ready for them to take that leap in their relationship. I was screaming like you want her, he wants you let’s do this thing. My feelings were magnified because not only is he taking care of her but he’s also protecting her and has to navigate to make sure he doesn’t put her into danger by crossing the line.
Love & War is a forbidden, forced proximity, modern historical romance that was thought out so well. The tension is so sexy as you can tell the angst is real with this book because I keep mentioning it. When they finally get to that point it is totally worth it. Emil has to walk the line between what he wants and pleasing his father. I love his personality sweet but also possessive. Victoire is independent but understands that now because of the time she lives in she must depend on someone else.
At the beginning the multiple points a view are a bit confusing. I also wasn’t super crazy about his best friends love story added in there, I just didn’t feel it was necessary. Aside from that Emil and Victoire have won me over. This is a great read that I would totally recommend. Also if I could I would also love this as a audiobook because of the German and French that is used in the book. I just imagine it so beautiful. Emil and Victoire’s love so forbidden yet they fight all odds to make it and I really enjoyed it. 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Was given arc in exchange for honest review
December 30, 2020
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, Shirra for the opportunity to read your book before the release! I really appreciate it and enjoyed this book so much.
A Black woman running for her life in the middle of WW2 falling in love with a German Doctor serving the Third Reich against his will? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn’t it?
Where do I begin when I loved everything about this story?
Shirra’s poetic storytelling allowed me to visualize the time and place from the moment I started reading. The descriptions of the tension and angst of this tragic age in time was vivid and felt real to me.
The love between Emil and Victoire was courageous from the very start. Although there was nothing cute about the way they met, the attraction and connection between them was visible and heartfelt. Not only physically but also because of the trust and sense of protection they had for one another. Emil trying to protect her from physical harm and the dehumanization she was obviously being subjected to and Victoire trying to heal his heart from all the wounds his family’s expectations and pressures had left in him.
The care for one another’s wellbeing and the soul searching intimacy they experienced made the tension release absolute fire. Believe me, the steamy portions of this book are super sexy and charged with the passion and devotion they had for each other.
Emil was a good man at heart trapped in an obligation he didn’t want and didn’t feel right to his morals and good intentions. He had a pure, compassionate heart. I loved his courage and willingness to question the injustices and society’s rules instead of following them blindly. Not even to stay loyal to his family. The hope he had in his love for Victoire made him hopeful and stronger to keep his beliefs standing, no matter the consequences. It’s in the end what true love makes us find in the end.
I absolutely loved Victoire! She was talented, determined and brave like no one. Her faith in love and kind heart poured out of the pages in absolutely everything she did. She was fully aware of her worth and the power within her even though she lived in a time and place where society didn’t have a place for her. She was strong to do what she had to do and fight for her life and right to love who she wanted.
The side stories and supporting cast made this book even more wonderful. Although this is a fictional story, I have no doubts there were similar scenarios during this point in time. That’s why this book is so powerful and the secondary characters so meaningful. It’s a hopeful look among so much sadness and despair.
I’ve always believed good people have always existed, and I want to believe there were good men with golden hearts like Emil and Rolf during this time. Guys who allowed themselves to love freely and defy the hateful dogmas and ideals that dominated the world back then. People like Ascher and Lily, full of compassion towards the suffering of others, simply because they were human beings in need. And people as innocent and kind like David, who allowed their hearts to judge others by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.
I hope with all my heart we’re able to find their stories someday and share them with the world.
This is a beautiful and poignant story about love, war, hope and kindness! I cried, sighed and smiled hard. Especially with the beautiful and heart touching ending!
Thank you, Shirra for the opportunity to read your book before the release! I really appreciate it and enjoyed this book so much.
A Black woman running for her life in the middle of WW2 falling in love with a German Doctor serving the Third Reich against his will? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn’t it?
Where do I begin when I loved everything about this story?
Shirra’s poetic storytelling allowed me to visualize the time and place from the moment I started reading. The descriptions of the tension and angst of this tragic age in time was vivid and felt real to me.
The love between Emil and Victoire was courageous from the very start. Although there was nothing cute about the way they met, the attraction and connection between them was visible and heartfelt. Not only physically but also because of the trust and sense of protection they had for one another. Emil trying to protect her from physical harm and the dehumanization she was obviously being subjected to and Victoire trying to heal his heart from all the wounds his family’s expectations and pressures had left in him.
The care for one another’s wellbeing and the soul searching intimacy they experienced made the tension release absolute fire. Believe me, the steamy portions of this book are super sexy and charged with the passion and devotion they had for each other.
Emil was a good man at heart trapped in an obligation he didn’t want and didn’t feel right to his morals and good intentions. He had a pure, compassionate heart. I loved his courage and willingness to question the injustices and society’s rules instead of following them blindly. Not even to stay loyal to his family. The hope he had in his love for Victoire made him hopeful and stronger to keep his beliefs standing, no matter the consequences. It’s in the end what true love makes us find in the end.
I absolutely loved Victoire! She was talented, determined and brave like no one. Her faith in love and kind heart poured out of the pages in absolutely everything she did. She was fully aware of her worth and the power within her even though she lived in a time and place where society didn’t have a place for her. She was strong to do what she had to do and fight for her life and right to love who she wanted.
The side stories and supporting cast made this book even more wonderful. Although this is a fictional story, I have no doubts there were similar scenarios during this point in time. That’s why this book is so powerful and the secondary characters so meaningful. It’s a hopeful look among so much sadness and despair.
I’ve always believed good people have always existed, and I want to believe there were good men with golden hearts like Emil and Rolf during this time. Guys who allowed themselves to love freely and defy the hateful dogmas and ideals that dominated the world back then. People like Ascher and Lily, full of compassion towards the suffering of others, simply because they were human beings in need. And people as innocent and kind like David, who allowed their hearts to judge others by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.
I hope with all my heart we’re able to find their stories someday and share them with the world.
This is a beautiful and poignant story about love, war, hope and kindness! I cried, sighed and smiled hard. Especially with the beautiful and heart touching ending!
November 20, 2021
**I received an e-ARC of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review**
I used to be an avid historical fiction reader, and I’ve been really craving to dive back in. I think Shirrá Lynn’s Love & War was an excellent way to pick up historical fiction again!
Love & War is a dual perspective historical romance set during the German occupation of France in WWII. Our heroine is Victoire, a curvy Black songstress, and our hero is Emil, a white German surgeon, forced into conscription. When Victoire is rounded up with other civilians shortly after the occupation begins, Emil claims that she is his maid in order to save her from the abuse of other soldiers. Victoire is whisked away to the countryside to care for his home, giving us an excellent ‘close quarters’ start to the romance.
Lynn’s writing style is fast paced, excellent for a historical fiction in a tense setting, but also very sensual, a style that works perfectly for the story she is telling. One of my favourite writing choices of Lynn’s was her way of starting off a chapter with a three line stanza, which really helped me set up the scene of the chapter in my head and teased what was to come. For example “In a bed / In a very cold room / Waking up for a busy morning” - it just brings you to exactly where the scene is started and I find it so lovely!
I found myself having only one hesitation with this book and that was the encounter with drunken Emil. While still accurate to his character, it is just something that I’m personally uncomfortable reading because of my own experience. Still, it didn’t bother me to the point where I would have put the book down. I would have only slapped him much faster than Victoire did, but Victoire stands her ground and takes what she wants from the man she’s falling for and there is such power in that. Also, readers should take into account this is a historical setting, and Lynn does not shy away from many of the realities of WWII nor the blatant erotiscism of women of colour by white men. Content warnings for racism, assault, and suicide.
Overall, I loved Lynn’s balance of the tense atmosphere and of the sensual romance that blossomed despite it all. This book helped to remind me what I loved so much about historical fiction. Lovely debut! I can’t wait to see what comes next!
March 31, 2022
What a beautiful, epic, and heart wrenching romance!! The author really makes you work for the HEA and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. I highly recommend the audiobook as well! It’s dual narration with sound effects, so it reminded me of the audible original audiobooks I love so much.
July 5, 2022
“ I learned early that in America, the color of money trumps skin tone almost every time, at least superficially.”
𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐫 - 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐲𝐧𝐧❤️
This story that spans several decades is one beautifully told of love, loss, hate, prejudice,attraction, and friendship.
Victoire and Emil need each other in the chaos of war and everything trying to pull them apart. The way this story was written in a quiet yet intense manner makes the reader instantly fall in love. What are you willing to sacrifice so that someone else is spared? That’s the question that looms throughout the book. I loved this book so much and fell in love with the way everything intertwined in order to construct the big picture. A MUST READ!!! A true gift of a book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐚𝐫 - 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐋𝐲𝐧𝐧❤️
This story that spans several decades is one beautifully told of love, loss, hate, prejudice,attraction, and friendship.
Victoire and Emil need each other in the chaos of war and everything trying to pull them apart. The way this story was written in a quiet yet intense manner makes the reader instantly fall in love. What are you willing to sacrifice so that someone else is spared? That’s the question that looms throughout the book. I loved this book so much and fell in love with the way everything intertwined in order to construct the big picture. A MUST READ!!! A true gift of a book.
🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 13, 2021
Love Beyond Borders
From the turning of the first page, this story grabbed me. Ms Lynn's story telling is smooth and poetic. I enjoyed how it began with the mother telling her daughter of a love story that began over 40+ years, and how the times built the strength of love, friendship and family. Now, this story you are going to find those you love and quite a few you want to put hands 👐🏽🤬 on, but overall this was a good read. I hope to have this continued because I did feel a little incomplete at the end, as if more needed to be said. Great Debut Shirrá
From the turning of the first page, this story grabbed me. Ms Lynn's story telling is smooth and poetic. I enjoyed how it began with the mother telling her daughter of a love story that began over 40+ years, and how the times built the strength of love, friendship and family. Now, this story you are going to find those you love and quite a few you want to put hands 👐🏽🤬 on, but overall this was a good read. I hope to have this continued because I did feel a little incomplete at the end, as if more needed to be said. Great Debut Shirrá
February 13, 2022
3.00 Stars. (BW/WM). An Audible audiobook narrated by John Rogers and Aure Nash. Historical interracial romance. This is the love story of the heroine, Victorie, a Black French native and singer and Emil, a German elite and surgeon. Their story takes place in the 1940s during WWII in France during the German occupation. I have mixed feelings about the how Emil and Victorie's romance is told...to my mind, this telling of their story is clinical and feels like a documentary and the feelings of a loving couple whose romantic and physical chemistry defies and out lives the war. I would like reading the love story as it happens instead of being told how it happened.
February 20, 2021
I loved it so much! This was such a moving and passionate story ❤❤ The struggles that Emil and Victoire face are astounding, but very representative of the time period. This would have been a 5 star read for me, but I got a bit frustrated with all of the changes in POV and it was a little difficult to keep up with the timeline of events. It was still and amazing book, though!
December 31, 2020
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you, Shirra for the opportunity to read your book before the release! I really appreciate it and enjoyed this book so much.
A Black woman running for her life in the middle of WW2 falling in love with a German Doctor serving the Third Reich against his will? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn’t it?
Where do I begin when I loved everything about this story?
Shirra’s poetic storytelling allowed me to visualize the time and place from the moment I started reading. The descriptions of the tension and angst of this tragic age in time was vivid and felt real to me.
The love between Emil and Victoire was courageous from the very start. Although there was nothing cute about the way they met, the attraction and connection between them was visible and heartfelt. Not only physically but also because of the trust and sense of protection they had for one another. Emil trying to protect her from physical harm and the dehumanization she was obviously being subjected to and Victoire trying to heal his heart from all the wounds his family’s expectations and pressures had left in him.
The care for one another’s wellbeing and the soul searching intimacy they experienced made the tension release absolute fire. Believe me, the steamy portions of this book are super sexy and charged with the passion and devotion they had for each other.
Emil was a good man at heart trapped in an obligation he didn’t want and didn’t feel right to his morals and good intentions. He had a pure, compassionate heart. I loved his courage and willingness to question the injustices and society’s rules instead of following them blindly. Not even to stay loyal to his family. The hope he had in his love for Victoire made him hopeful and stronger to keep his beliefs standing, no matter the consequences. It’s in the end what true love makes us find in the end.
I absolutely loved Victoire! She was talented, determined and brave like no one. Her faith in love and kind heart poured out of the pages in absolutely everything she did. She was fully aware of her worth and the power within her even though she lived in a time and place where society didn’t have a place for her. She was strong to do what she had to do and fight for her life and right to love who she wanted.
The side stories and supporting cast made this book even more wonderful. Although this is a fictional story, I have no doubts there were similar scenarios during this point in time. That’s why this book is so powerful and the secondary characters so meaningful. It’s a hopeful look among so much sadness and despair.
I’ve always believed good people have always existed, and I want to believe there were good men with golden hearts like Emil and Rolf during this time. Guys who allowed themselves to love freely and defy the hateful dogmas and ideals that dominated the world back then. People like Ascher and Lily, full of compassion towards the suffering of others, simply because they were human beings in need. And people as innocent and kind like David, who allowed their hearts to judge others by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.
I hope with all my heart we’re able to find their stories someday and share them with the world.
This is a beautiful and poignant story about love, war, hope and kindness! I cried, sighed and smiled hard. Especially with the beautiful and heart touching ending!
Thank you, Shirra for the opportunity to read your book before the release! I really appreciate it and enjoyed this book so much.
A Black woman running for her life in the middle of WW2 falling in love with a German Doctor serving the Third Reich against his will? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, doesn’t it?
Where do I begin when I loved everything about this story?
Shirra’s poetic storytelling allowed me to visualize the time and place from the moment I started reading. The descriptions of the tension and angst of this tragic age in time was vivid and felt real to me.
The love between Emil and Victoire was courageous from the very start. Although there was nothing cute about the way they met, the attraction and connection between them was visible and heartfelt. Not only physically but also because of the trust and sense of protection they had for one another. Emil trying to protect her from physical harm and the dehumanization she was obviously being subjected to and Victoire trying to heal his heart from all the wounds his family’s expectations and pressures had left in him.
The care for one another’s wellbeing and the soul searching intimacy they experienced made the tension release absolute fire. Believe me, the steamy portions of this book are super sexy and charged with the passion and devotion they had for each other.
Emil was a good man at heart trapped in an obligation he didn’t want and didn’t feel right to his morals and good intentions. He had a pure, compassionate heart. I loved his courage and willingness to question the injustices and society’s rules instead of following them blindly. Not even to stay loyal to his family. The hope he had in his love for Victoire made him hopeful and stronger to keep his beliefs standing, no matter the consequences. It’s in the end what true love makes us find in the end.
I absolutely loved Victoire! She was talented, determined and brave like no one. Her faith in love and kind heart poured out of the pages in absolutely everything she did. She was fully aware of her worth and the power within her even though she lived in a time and place where society didn’t have a place for her. She was strong to do what she had to do and fight for her life and right to love who she wanted.
The side stories and supporting cast made this book even more wonderful. Although this is a fictional story, I have no doubts there were similar scenarios during this point in time. That’s why this book is so powerful and the secondary characters so meaningful. It’s a hopeful look among so much sadness and despair.
I’ve always believed good people have always existed, and I want to believe there were good men with golden hearts like Emil and Rolf during this time. Guys who allowed themselves to love freely and defy the hateful dogmas and ideals that dominated the world back then. People like Ascher and Lily, full of compassion towards the suffering of others, simply because they were human beings in need. And people as innocent and kind like David, who allowed their hearts to judge others by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.
I hope with all my heart we’re able to find their stories someday and share them with the world.
This is a beautiful and poignant story about love, war, hope and kindness! I cried, sighed and smiled hard. Especially with the beautiful and heart touching ending!
August 17, 2021
This book was phenomenal!!!
The Main Characters:
Emil: If love at first sight was a person it was Emil. While he struggled with his own demons that didn’t stop him from going into a profession that allowed him to help people or from falling head over heels in love with a woman. He truly was willing to risk it all for love.
Victoire: If treat others how you’d like to be treated was a person it was Victoire. A beautifully talented women who wasn’t afraid to fight for her great loves. Her kind and loving heart had the power to move people. Her actions in this story show why it’s so important to be kind to others.
Rolf: If suffer in silence was a person it was Rolf. Rolf quickly became my favorite. He was who he was, and even in a world design to keep him down he fought to keep his chosen family and ideals. He was a real friend who loved hard and was loved in return.
I wasn’t ready for my first romantic historical fiction lol. This story was so beautiful and moving. The characters grab ahold of your heart and won’t let go. The story is so descriptive, and each scene plays out like a moving play. Shirra’ Lynn did a phenomenal job with this story, and I promise you will not leave it the way you came. She wrote about a time in world history that has left such an ugly horrible black mark on human society, but even in the mist of all that hate she showed how beautiful and good love is and why we need more of it in the world.
The story was nothing like I thought it was going to be. I was hooked instantly, and who knew historical fiction came with such steamy scenes lol. This is truly a must read, rather you like historical fictions or not. While some of the themes are hard at times, I think Lynn handle it amazingly. She didn’t shy away from the hate while also not shoving it down your throat and having it become too overwhelming. She did a great blend of everything in this story. You got action, romance, heartache, and suspense. No stone was left unturned, and her writing style is just beautiful. This story is a must read for sure.
The Main Characters:
Emil: If love at first sight was a person it was Emil. While he struggled with his own demons that didn’t stop him from going into a profession that allowed him to help people or from falling head over heels in love with a woman. He truly was willing to risk it all for love.
Victoire: If treat others how you’d like to be treated was a person it was Victoire. A beautifully talented women who wasn’t afraid to fight for her great loves. Her kind and loving heart had the power to move people. Her actions in this story show why it’s so important to be kind to others.
Rolf: If suffer in silence was a person it was Rolf. Rolf quickly became my favorite. He was who he was, and even in a world design to keep him down he fought to keep his chosen family and ideals. He was a real friend who loved hard and was loved in return.
I wasn’t ready for my first romantic historical fiction lol. This story was so beautiful and moving. The characters grab ahold of your heart and won’t let go. The story is so descriptive, and each scene plays out like a moving play. Shirra’ Lynn did a phenomenal job with this story, and I promise you will not leave it the way you came. She wrote about a time in world history that has left such an ugly horrible black mark on human society, but even in the mist of all that hate she showed how beautiful and good love is and why we need more of it in the world.
The story was nothing like I thought it was going to be. I was hooked instantly, and who knew historical fiction came with such steamy scenes lol. This is truly a must read, rather you like historical fictions or not. While some of the themes are hard at times, I think Lynn handle it amazingly. She didn’t shy away from the hate while also not shoving it down your throat and having it become too overwhelming. She did a great blend of everything in this story. You got action, romance, heartache, and suspense. No stone was left unturned, and her writing style is just beautiful. This story is a must read for sure.
June 6, 2022
I wanted to like this book, especially based on some of the recommendations I've read and watched, but unfortunately, I couldn't move past its flaws.
Though there are some truly beautiful lines, the writing ultimately needs a strong proofreading and is riddled with comma errors, run-on sentences, and very strange translation choices. It was incredibly distracting and made it difficult to take the book seriously.
I appreciated the use of multiple perspectives (the quippy lines at the beginning of each chapter were also nice), but I don't think they were used to the best advantage of the story. There are also time jumps to 1980, which I wouldn't have minded except it took a lot of the suspense out of the story and felt too...tropey.
I'm not sure how well researched this was either. I'm not a historian, so much of it seems up to snuff, but there were aspects that just seemed random. I would have liked more background for each of the characters, perhaps more about the war as well.
The characters were likable enough, but they could have used more development. Victoire seems to adjust fairly quickly from making what seemed to be quite a bit of money being a singer to never leaving Emil's home and working as his cook and maid. Emil never really tells us anything about his life beyond the fact that he's a surgeon and he doesn't agree with his father. Rolf was the most interesting character, but he's barely even there. I would have rather read his love story.
I will say, some parts of this were lovely. I loved Victoire's "Little Rabbit" boy and how that relationship plays out. Emil's quiet love for her before he acts on it (and then becomes weirdly possessive and a little scary) is endearing. The ending comes much too soon and doesn't feel resolved in the least.
I think I'll go watch The Exception instead, even if that story doesn't end well. It's compelling, at least.
Though there are some truly beautiful lines, the writing ultimately needs a strong proofreading and is riddled with comma errors, run-on sentences, and very strange translation choices. It was incredibly distracting and made it difficult to take the book seriously.
I appreciated the use of multiple perspectives (the quippy lines at the beginning of each chapter were also nice), but I don't think they were used to the best advantage of the story. There are also time jumps to 1980, which I wouldn't have minded except it took a lot of the suspense out of the story and felt too...tropey.
I'm not sure how well researched this was either. I'm not a historian, so much of it seems up to snuff, but there were aspects that just seemed random. I would have liked more background for each of the characters, perhaps more about the war as well.
The characters were likable enough, but they could have used more development. Victoire seems to adjust fairly quickly from making what seemed to be quite a bit of money being a singer to never leaving Emil's home and working as his cook and maid. Emil never really tells us anything about his life beyond the fact that he's a surgeon and he doesn't agree with his father. Rolf was the most interesting character, but he's barely even there. I would have rather read his love story.
I will say, some parts of this were lovely. I loved Victoire's "Little Rabbit" boy and how that relationship plays out. Emil's quiet love for her before he acts on it (and then becomes weirdly possessive and a little scary) is endearing. The ending comes much too soon and doesn't feel resolved in the least.
I think I'll go watch The Exception instead, even if that story doesn't end well. It's compelling, at least.
March 28, 2022
1st person — Multi-perspectives
Features: Modern historical romance, interracial romance, verbal and physical assault, isolation, grief, suicide, HEA
Synopsis: Victoire, black French singer, was being rounded up and assaulted in the street when Emil, a forced Nazi surgeon, comes to protect her with the help of his loyal friend Rolf.
Why enjoyed it: I was surprised to see multiple perspectives with time jumping, which does not usually appeal to me, although it mainly followed the budding romance between Victoire and Emil. It’s very steamy. This made me teary-eyed and yell my frustrations with the events of the book. I hoped, I grieved, and I loved the characters created in this story. This is a story of loss and perseverance.
Favorite Moments:
-Time jumping between “present” 1980 and the late 1930’s and 40s
- The languages
- Rescue
- Emil’s apology
- Returning home from cottage
- Christmas with Von Konig
- The promise of someday
- The story of Rolf
- The Rabbit friend and family
- Remembered by name
Features: Modern historical romance, interracial romance, verbal and physical assault, isolation, grief, suicide, HEA
Synopsis: Victoire, black French singer, was being rounded up and assaulted in the street when Emil, a forced Nazi surgeon, comes to protect her with the help of his loyal friend Rolf.
Why enjoyed it: I was surprised to see multiple perspectives with time jumping, which does not usually appeal to me, although it mainly followed the budding romance between Victoire and Emil. It’s very steamy. This made me teary-eyed and yell my frustrations with the events of the book. I hoped, I grieved, and I loved the characters created in this story. This is a story of loss and perseverance.
Favorite Moments:
-Time jumping between “present” 1980 and the late 1930’s and 40s
- The languages
- Rescue
- Emil’s apology
- Returning home from cottage
- Christmas with Von Konig
- The promise of someday
- The story of Rolf
- The Rabbit friend and family
- Remembered by name
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
I mean I will say it is partly toxic and I thought that Rofl was gay in the beginning which would have made his storyline a little bit more interesting, but my biggest critic really is, that whenever the author wanted us to believe two people were in love, we were just shown how they have sex. Which like okay, but you might just be horny and not in love?
Also Rolf low key fetishizes black women but I suppose it's the 30s what do I expect.
With that being said, I still enjoyed the book. Their dynamic was actually quite cute at times, I really liked the usage of multiple languages. At times it was even funny, because I actually understand french and am fluent in german, so i caught some of the translation errors. They weren't awful, sometimes it was just funny to read how Emil said "vous" to Victoire, like well into their relationship, which in french is something you only do with like strangers you need to be very polite to. Also Teachers, Police etc.
Also I really liked the timeline thing, hearing from Victoire in the future.
All in all it was toxic and partly boring but it didn't bother me to much, so 3 Stars it is
Also Rolf low key fetishizes black women but I suppose it's the 30s what do I expect.
With that being said, I still enjoyed the book. Their dynamic was actually quite cute at times, I really liked the usage of multiple languages. At times it was even funny, because I actually understand french and am fluent in german, so i caught some of the translation errors. They weren't awful, sometimes it was just funny to read how Emil said "vous" to Victoire, like well into their relationship, which in french is something you only do with like strangers you need to be very polite to. Also Teachers, Police etc.
Also I really liked the timeline thing, hearing from Victoire in the future.
All in all it was toxic and partly boring but it didn't bother me to much, so 3 Stars it is
July 25, 2021
Lovely and poetic. I think from some of the lower stars I'm seeing people misunderstand what's happening here, or they are rating it for reasons that just don't add up, which is sad 'cause this was a really good story, though super sad at parts. I would call this Interracial Romance- Noir, simply because we're dealing with WWII (nothing bright going on there), and because our main hero is flawed in a dark way, emotional childhood trauma from his father which drives his adult emotions that he tries to fight, literally and figuratively. Victoire is lovely, and though she makes some questionable decisions, are they really? I mean, as a black female in Nazi-occupied Paris I'm sure choices would have been slim, so idk, I think she did well there and did what she had to do to survive and keep her sanity. Both Emil & Victoire, and Rolf & Ayouba created some SERIOUS erotic steam (grrrrreat love scenes, like, mouth gape, lol). All-in-all, this story was both beautiful and tragic, also suspenseful with a very sweet HEA. I'd like to see more from this author.
December 18, 2021
Love And War by Shirra Lynn
Narrated by John Rogers & Aure Nash
WOW‼️ This Historical Romance has blown my mind because, it is not in my usual wheelhouse of what I read. But It was bloody brilliant ❣️
It has humor, angst and at parts made me weepy and at others made me want to fight. But it has a HEA ☺️
I would say if anyone has triggers about WWII or race then perhaps this isn’t for you…but the rest of y’all need to get this book❣️
Shirra Lynn is a new author to me and I definitely want to read more.
The perfect narration by John Rogers and Aure Nash who are splendid narrators, bring this story to life. ❣️❣️
Narrated by John Rogers & Aure Nash
WOW‼️ This Historical Romance has blown my mind because, it is not in my usual wheelhouse of what I read. But It was bloody brilliant ❣️
It has humor, angst and at parts made me weepy and at others made me want to fight. But it has a HEA ☺️
I would say if anyone has triggers about WWII or race then perhaps this isn’t for you…but the rest of y’all need to get this book❣️
Shirra Lynn is a new author to me and I definitely want to read more.
The perfect narration by John Rogers and Aure Nash who are splendid narrators, bring this story to life. ❣️❣️
May 23, 2023
At first I thought "Here we go." There was a typo in the very first word of the book. But I hung in there and this was a very loving love story. I don't read a lot of historical romances but this one seemed interesting. I've never read one set during WWII, which is an interesting time frame in our history so I took a shot and it was worth it. It's not a very long story so you can easily knock it out in a day or two, if that. [SPOILER] Brace yourselves for the heartbreaking and tragic end of one of the supporting characters, that's all I'll say. Overall, it was a very moving and touching love story.
March 8, 2021
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
This was a Love story. A love that blossomed during an ugly, hateful time in the world. A love that was both forbidden and needed. Two people who fell in love at first sight at two different times. EMIL & VICTOIRE have made it on my favorite couples list.
I do not like to reveal too much but I can say this book will have you in your feelings while reading this story. The passion, sex and chemistry was 🔥🔥🔥. This author did an amazing job for her debut book. I truly enjoyed it.
This was a Love story. A love that blossomed during an ugly, hateful time in the world. A love that was both forbidden and needed. Two people who fell in love at first sight at two different times. EMIL & VICTOIRE have made it on my favorite couples list.
I do not like to reveal too much but I can say this book will have you in your feelings while reading this story. The passion, sex and chemistry was 🔥🔥🔥. This author did an amazing job for her debut book. I truly enjoyed it.
April 2, 2022
The romance is beautiful, the characters complex, the plot engaging and the plot was solid. Both are 5 stars. However, the audiobook production did not work for me, which is why I gave Love and War 4 stars. I understand trying to make the story come to life, but with all the background noises (sounds of crowds, doors opening/closing, car motors, etc) was so distracting for me that I had a hard time understanding what the narrators were saying. I had to switch to the ebook two thirds of the way through to finish the novel.
June 22, 2022
I listened to this on audio which I think is the way to go with a full cast and sound effects to fully immerse you in the story. This was both tragically heartbreaking (as you might expect from a WW2 romance between a Nazi doctor and a black singer) and beautifully swoon-worthy. This has many TW including racial slurs, violence, assault, suicide. But this does have an HEA so if you do decide to pick this up, hang in there!
May 29, 2022
Love and War
Beautiful story that had me hooked from the start. That was filled with love, sorrow, treachery , and despair. Love how Victoire tells her and Emil love story to her daughter (Lily). Well written historical romance with great characters. The heartache Rolf suffered was heartbreaking. I recommend you read this book!! I loved the story.
Beautiful story that had me hooked from the start. That was filled with love, sorrow, treachery , and despair. Love how Victoire tells her and Emil love story to her daughter (Lily). Well written historical romance with great characters. The heartache Rolf suffered was heartbreaking. I recommend you read this book!! I loved the story.
April 5, 2025
Love and War is about a black Cocktail Singer and Nazi Surgeon who is forced to work for the Reich during World War II. They fall in love slowly, but they must hide it. This book had me all kinds of stressed for them, as well as rooting for them! This story was spicy, romantic and thrilling! Would definitely recommend.
Victorie & Emil ❤️
Victorie & Emil ❤️
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