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5.0 out of 5 starsperhaps I empathized with the male in the story more than the heroine but your own background will dictate the enjoyment that readers get
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 February 2018
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When you get two people, torn apart by betrayal or baggage from the past, there's always the possibility that a writer can describe it in such a way that readers become involved emotionally in the book. In my circles, perhaps I empathized with the male in the story more than the heroine but your own background will dictate the enjoyment that readers get. No spoilers here. Read every page and be taken on the adventure with the same level of anticipation that I had and you won't be disappointed.
I loved Tara and Cong's romance. Both characters had distinct personalities, strengths and weaknesses that made for an engaging read. The setting of Macau was beautiful and the descriptions were vibrant. Highly recommend.
5.0 out of 5 starsa very emotional story, with beautiful and poetic language, well-crafted characters and attention to details
Reviewed in the United States on 16 July 2018
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This is the first book by LS Slayford I've read and I must say it turned me into a fan of her work and put her among my one-click authors. While the story itself felt like something I have read before and offered very little surprises the execution was masterful. It was a very emotional story, with beautiful and poetic language, well-crafted characters and attention to details. I rarely run into stories with an Asian man as the lead so that was another strong plus, as well as the exotic location the author sweeps us to. It truly showed that she has done her research on Macau, its nature and traditions. Usually I cringe at super clumsy heroines but Tara was pretty awesome heroine if a little naive at times. Cong was just the right amount of ruthless alpha male while also having a tender and caring side to himself. I loved that his charity work was related to the character development rather than being randomly thrown as a sign of guilt on the writer's behalf. All in all, wonderful book. I look forward to read more of L.S. Slayford's work.
Tara is bold and clumsy, two things I absolutely love about her character. The exotic location and the attractive gentleman she meets on her travels are exquisite. I thoroughly enjoyed the backstory for both Tara and Cong and their journey to love. The next time I'm flying, I'm wearing cheap shoes! One thing I liked in particular about the story was that the setting and characters were authentic to the location. The author obviously did a good amount of research into Macau and it's inhabitants. I felt like I was transported across the world as I read about the Spring Festival. Xue's backstory made me cry and really helped me to understand Cong's motivation. Tara's backstory reminded me of my own past and it was masterfully written so I didn't spend too much time feeling sorry for her and instead saw her as a real woman struggling to heal her heart from a disappointing relationship.
4.0 out of 5 starsI am not usually a reader of romance stories, but this one is worth checking out for sure.
Reviewed in the United States on 2 April 2018
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This book is a romantic story of two people who have developed deep feelings for each other despite their undeniable cultural differences. Tara has been painfully betrayed in the recent past and has taken a trip to get away from it all. She didn't expect to meet another man whom she could have chemistry with, but it turns out that the two have an electric magnetism and deep passion. Without giving too much of the story away, I will just say that the author has put a lot of careful attention into the story and also into the personality and relatability of its characters. I am not usually a reader of romance stories, but this one is worth checking out for sure.