Lily Stassen: awkward nobody by day; same by night.
Not suited for the limelight, I was just another face in the background. I was a simple woman who liked simple things, and I craved a simple way of life. But when I met Wren, everything changed… I changed. Wren was the CEO of Intrigue, a luxury lingerie company, and I was his new, reluctant secretary. He was everything I wasn’t: gorgeous, rich, outgoing, and confident. So, imagine my surprise when I found out I had broken his heart in a past life. Me… The nobody.
Wren Everly, Duke of Avondale: sexy billionaire by day; nightmare by night.
Imagine my surprise when my new secretary steps into my office and she looks exactly like a woman from my past. I’d lived a hundred and forty years without Lily, so I couldn’t fathom why I nearly crumbled at the sight of her. Being the fool that I was, I thought I could separate who she was in the past from the woman before me, but it was impossible. She was the same person reincarnated; she was the woman I had loved.
C.L. Walker is an author of paranormal, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She lives in the United States with her family and spends her time writing, reading, and watching dramas.
This romance story in an even greater romance story has it all: death and life, dreams and reality, darkness and light, and defeat and hope.
The story was well crafted as Lily and Wren revisited the past and returned to the present, which made me feel like I was really in for a ride! I especially loved their back and forth banter with a side of sarcasm at times. We really get a glimpse of Wren's lovesick, tormented soul and his longing heart for Lily. At the same time, we see Lily's transformation as she is hit with the realization of how much suffering Wren has endured because of one bad decision she made in the past.
I enjoyed reading about Lily and Wren but am also curious about Mara and Zazel's story! I hope we'll get a chance to read more about them soon!
Trigger warning: there is a very, very small part in the story that may bring discomfort to those sensitive to child or sexual abuse.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The concept of this book was quite unique. I liked the paranormal element and the dual storyline between the past and present. The very beginning of the book was moderately interesting, and I usually enjoy office/billionaire romances. However, this book was very boring and pretty hard to follow.
I wasn’t a fan of either of the main characters, especially Wren. He was rather cold and insensitive for much of the book, although I understand that he was getting over past hurts. Lily and Wren just didn’t seem to have a lot of chemistry, and their dialogue was stilted. The ending was sweet though, if a bit cheesy.
Overall, this book was disappointingly slow and hard to follow. I do not recommend it.
*I received an ARC of this novel. This is my complete and honest review.*
This books synopsis really appealed to me and it didn’t let me down. Initially I found it quite a strange book and it took me a while to understand what was happening. Wren truly loves Lily no matter what time period they are in but she broke his heart through her insecurities but now they have a second chance and the roles are reversed, it’s Wren who’s insecure. This book is set as a paranormal book but at heart it’s a second chance love story. I enjoyed reading the book and definitely want to read Mara and Zazel’s story. That looks like it would be a great book. I received this book from BookSirens. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.
"“What are you?” I whispered. “Isn’t it obvious, darling? I’m the man of your dreams.” He brushed his mouth against mine softly and pulled back enough to look in my eyes. We held each other’s gazes as our breaths, already heavy, mingled." - Wren
Come along dear child... Come along, and fall into a dream... A dream not as others; terrifying yet enticing... Yearning awakens, yet doubt grinds down... Come, my child, and learn... Discover an unending love that might not be enough... To stop the eternal sufferings of star crossed soul mates... be not afraid, as it's only... A dream....
I was super interested in the book as soon as I read the blurb. It started off like a good enemies to lovers but took a very interesting twist. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything like it or anything similar and that stands out so much. The writing is beautiful! Characters are all so complex and have their own story! I think the only thing I would’ve loved even more to see at the end Was how Mara and zazel ended up.
3.5 stars. I did enjoy reading this, the premise was great! Though some of the writing style didnt 100% vibe with me. The last 15% or so felt a bit rushed, like it ran out of steam after Mara performed the curse. Still a lovely read
This was really good. Made me think out of the box. Nightmares will now have new meaning for me. Wren seemed complicated, yet knew he belonged with Lily. Was so happy for Lily's attitude and personality. Looking forward to more from this story! Hoping it continues. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.