The siren and the sailor

When Finley was a little girl her mother used to tell her stories of a princess—her. And her dear friend… a prince. Prince Declan.
In Greek mythology, the Sirens lured sailors from the sea to a remote island. Much like in Greek mythology Finley is the Siren who lures Declan with her sex appeal.
The only way in and out of Tristan da Cunha is by boat. Finley lives on a remote volcanic island. Finley grew up on this remote island with no interest in leaving.

As a young boy Declan would visit the island with his father. After several long years Declan returns to the island bringing supplies.

Narrators:
Stacey Holmes is the female narrator who performs Finley’s scenes. She is new to me as a performer. I quite like her English accent.
Tim Paige is the male narrator who performs Declan’s scenes. He’s new to me as a performer. It took a few scenes before I warmed up to his voice. Once I gave him a shot he grew on me.
The audiobook had no outside disturbances, the sound quality was outstanding. The narrators performed the scenes word perfectly. I followed along with the ebook. This was my second attempt at reading this book. Having the audiobook version didn’t enhance my reading experience.

Overall:
An enemy’s to lover trope.
The pet nicknames were weird, yet the nicknames were cute. The sailor and the siren was a hard “no” from me. Referring to him as “the Carnegie” was another “no” from me.
The concept was mediocre and the execution was wordy. I wasn’t entertained by the Greek mythology similarities. In fact, I found the behaviors of these characters awkward.
The author chose to write Finley’s character as a twenty-seven year old Catholic with a propriety for modesty. I however didn’t enjoy this aspect of her character. Was it written well? Yes. The author spent a great deal of time convincing me of Finley’s inexperience and simple decency. I felt she was too sheltered and naive for a doctors assistant.

The setting, the way these characters were portrayed, and the environment just annoyed me. Living on this remote island served its purpose in creating Finley’s lack of experience, yet I found it redundant and lacking.

If this was an attempt at taboo it was lost on me. The sex scenes were bizarre. The way they explored each other was odd. I was uncomfortable reading those scenes.

The Push n pull didn’t help bond a connection for me. I always struggle with this type of tactic. It causes a disconnect for me.
This was my fourth attempt at reading an Ella James book. Unfortunately, her writing style and my interest in a dialogue driven story don’t line up.

The story was composed of two parts. Part one is the reintroduction of how they meet in the present. Part two delves into the past.

The author achieved what she set out to do with her characters. Although, I didn’t care for either one. Declan was this emotionally closed off man who brought a past full of haunting nightmares. Finley was this lonely woman desperate for the touch of this star athlete with a physique unlike the men in her hometown.

The guy on the cover is enticing. However, the cover doesn’t adequately represent the content inside. Declan has a deep dark past that crosses over into his present life with Finley. While he is an athlete with a desirable physique he is emotionally cut off. It’s misleading to have this attractive guy on the cover representing Declan.

4 people found this helpful

Very original and emotional

Really liked this book. Didn't see some of it coming.! Love when that happens! Highly recommend it!

4 people found this helpful

Tough subjects Beautifully written 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Ella James is a new author to me. She wrote a love story of two people who reconnect years later after seeing each other during a tragedy when they were children. Each has their demons. Together they heal each other. Twist at the end was so welcome. The narration of Stacey Holmes (what a beautiful accent) and Tim Paige was flawless. I loved this book. ❤❤❤❤❤

2 people found this helpful

That cover though!

First, if you are strong enough to pass by this cover and not be curious… well, you are way stronger than I!! I saw this cover and was beyond… curious, yes, we’ll go with curious. I mean, good Lord man… where is the warning label? This thing is insanely hot! I was a bit shocked with how long the storyline was. I’ve always been used to a decent story from Ella James, nothing too extreme but nothing short and abrupt. I’ll be strait and honest here; I could have dealt with about ¼ of the story removed. It felt like there was a bit too much… description, information… I’m not sure what was too much but it doesn’t feel like it’s all necessary.

However with all that being said, Miss James gives us some really deep and strong characters. The story itself starts off with an emotional bang and leaves you feeling ragged with every single emotion. These characters have connections and even though life has brought them in so many different directions; the island brings them back to the heart of everything. It’s really surprising how much I enjoyed the story… it was incredibly sweet at times and insanely sexy! I really love the way they discover and find themselves over time… it’s a personal adventure!

1 person found this helpful

Good story good narrative no regrets

I'm glad I didn't go by the other reviews because I really enjoyed this book.
I didn't find it confusing in the least and it held my attention all the way through.
I don't regret choosing it and I'd have no problem recommending it to others.

1 person found this helpful

Pretty dang intense, emotionally!

Wow, this was a tough listen, not because it isn’t a well written book, because the subject matter is difficult. I was a moody lady, while listening to this book, and it was a relief to get through it because it really got to me. One thing I learned, while listening, is that a person who is trying to recover from drug addiction, has a more difficult road to recovery, then I thought. I understand now, why so many choose to end their lives then go through the hell required to get clean and stay clean.

Both the Hero and the Heroine have suffered childhood trauma that has continued to shape their world. Therefore, they understand each other and are ideally suited. Unfortunately, they have battle they must fight and win in order to be together.

This is a must listen!
-V from Kansas

Hide me

1 person found this helpful

Should have been 5🤦🏼‍♀️

It is just toooooo loooooooong!! Honestly pretty much ALL of part 1 can be skipped, and 1/4 of part 2!! However the Narration is fabulous!!! I was unfamiliar with both but hope to hear more from them! ( they really save the entire listen!!)

1 person found this helpful

loved it

I really enjoyed reading this author.  I look forward to reading more books by this author in the near future.

In love

This book is so unexpectedly amazing. I love their story. I love the characters and am now left wanting more. Such a beautiful, deep and filled with sorrow love story.

Wow, very original story

I rarely write reviews because what's one man's trash is another man's treasure but I did want to take the time to write a review. A previous reviewer said this was an original story and boy was it. The setting the storyline, all of it. It's a story of two people who come from completely different backgrounds coming back together years later in their adulthood and each with a bit of a messed up past. Without giving anything away and in usual Ella James fashion, there is a twist that you do not see coming. It's a beautiful book and not rushed. It's 15 wonderful hours of a beautiful love story.