Review: Wickingham Way by S. R Grey

Wickingham Way by S. R Grey
Publisher- S. R. Grey
Released- Jan 19th 2014
Purchase- Amazon / B & N

When Maddy Fitch discovers there's a hit out on the love of her life--the handsome, but often secretive Adam Ward--she concludes life with such a powerful man may never be normal. But who wants normal? Not Maddy--mystery writer and sometimes-sleuth. The heart-stopping action begins immediately in Wickingham Way when an attempt is made on Adam's life, prompting the couple to seek refuge at a "safe house." Tucked away in a cabin deep in the heart of Maine, Maddy and Adam fall deeper in love. But their happiness is cut short when someone they care for deeply is kidnapped, by the same organization that wants Adam Ward dead. Adam and Maddy return to Harbour Falls, and a dangerous cat-and-mouse game ensues. Twists and turns abound, keeping Maddy and Adam on their toes. But will the consequences of the decisions they make prove deadly? Only time will tell.

*Warning. Mature themes, explicit/graphic sex and some violence. For mature readers only*

My Thoughts:

Wickingham Way starts off where Willow Point ended. Maddy just realized how dangerous her boyfriend, Adam Wards, life really is so they decide to go back to Fade Island, only once they get there all hell breaks loose when Adam gets targeted by an assassin. They decide the best thing for them is to hide themselves in a safe house, a secluded cabin deep in the snowy forest. And while this is suppose to be a safety precaution, Maddy and Adam don’t waste any time taking advantage of their cozy getaway, but the danger is still out there and their stay at the cabin abruptly ends when they get word that someone they care about has been taken by the same organization Adam was trying to take down. 

I love these books. S.R Grey has such a natural ability with writing the perfect blend of suspense, action and sizzling romance. This is the last book in the Harbour Falls series and I’m sad to see it go. I've grown so attached to controlling Adam Ward and curious Maddy Fitch, but ya know, I couldn't have asked for a better ending then what we got.

While the first two books in this series are more of a whodunit mystery, I would have to say this one is more action packed and suspenseful. But I don’t really mind since mystery is all about secrets and Adam and Maddy has had more then their share of those. I think in this book we finally get to really see Adam differently as we learn about the Wickingham Way project and his organization. And while we've always known Maddy to be a spunky girl who can take care of herself, it was really good to see that they both took care of each other in this installment. I also really loved the setting in this book. I've always been a huge sucker for tucked away cabins. There is just something so quaint and quiet about them that makes for a wonderful romantic atmosphere. It’s here that Adam and Maddy take the time to really fall more deeply in love. Those were my favorite moments, the talks, dinners and games (Naked Twister. Yum) and all the steamy sexy-times. These two have been through so many obstacles, so it was just really great to seeing them happy.

Adam and Maddy have really grown since we first meet them in Harbour falls, both as a couple and individually.

While I love nothing more then an intense, brooding and always in control Adam West, there was a newer side to Adam in this book that we get to see. He was more playful in a sexy-dangerous way but also tender and warm. I also love the way he’s so protective of Maddy and that he would do anything to keep her safe.

Maddy has always been a curious creature, but I love that she makes snooping look like an adorable art form. Maddy also likes to ask the big questions to get the bigger picture, which I love since she lets the reader into her world and gives us something to ponder and process as the story unfolds. I was also happy to see that she lets Adam lead in this book and while she’s worried about his safety she’s come to understand that he can take care of himself and trust to keep them safe.

Together Adam and Maddy have really grown as a couple. There’s a reason why there is less mystery and curiosity in this book and I think it’s because they finally reached a point in their relationship where they can trust one another with every aspect of their lives and be happy with who they are as a couple. But don’t worry, Adam and Maddy has always had a physical connection that is seductive, sexy and sweet and Grey really takes the intimacy and intensity to a whole new level. Swoon-worthy stuff my friends!

All in all, I really loved this book. I love the heart pounding energy and pace of the plot and the heartwarming moments in the romance. I’m so gong to miss all of these characters and this series. But Grey wrote a perfect ending that made me ready to let them go. Adam and Maddy leaves us with smiles and laughter and kisses and a bright new hope for their future. Fans of the Harbour Falls mystery will love this final installment. And I'm looking forward to reading Grey's next book, Never Doubt Me, the second book in the Judge Me Not series, which stars Chase. Can't wait!!

Special thanks to S. R Grey, congrats girl! These books have been a pleasure and a blast to escape with. Thanks for sharing your world, I’ll never forget them!  

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                              4.5 Snowflakes

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Blurb from Goodreads:
California's gold country, 1850. A time when men sold their souls for a bag of gold and women sold their bodies for a place to sleep.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. Sold into prostitution as a child she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea. A man who seeks his Father's heart in everything, Michael obeys God's call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, day by day, he defies Angel's every bitter expectation, until despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw.

But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs. Back to the darkness, away from her husband's pursuing love, terrified of the truth she no longer can deny: Her final healing must come from the One who loves her even more than Michael does ... the One who will never let her go.

My thoughts and review:
What an incredible journey Francine Rivers takes you on throughout this book. What an amazing story of strength, hurt, hate, fate, love and faith! What an undeniable testament to God’s unconditional love. You will be captivated and pulled in emotionally when you read this story.
Warning: This book is sure to capture you and pull at your heart-strings.

This story is set in New England, 1835. Young Sarah’s life was tarnished from the beginning. Sarah overhears a conversation between her absent father, Alex Stafford and her mother Mae. This conversation sets off the story and an understanding of unacceptable ways of life back in the 1800’s. Mae and Sarah face hard times when Alex kicks Mae out of his cottage he bought for her to stay in. Let’s just say he wanted Mae and only Mae. Your heart will drop to the floor during this conversation and bring tears to your eyes as little Sarah overhears what is said. Sarah ends up basically a glorified prostitute. With her beautiful blonde hair and her pretty face, Angel (aka Sarah) is doomed to this life at a very early age. This seems to be the only way of life for her until she escapes the terrible Duke and ends up in California in another sticky situation. Angel is left battered and bruised. She is taken in by the “Duchess”, which isn’t any better really than Duke was. Life in the brothel was wearing down Angel and she knew she needed an escape. She dreamed of buying land and having a cabin away from the life she grew up in.
Three days a week Angel would be escorted on a walk through town to get some fresh air and she catches the eye of Michael Hosea, a farmer. Michael has always waited for God to lead him to the right woman to marry and as soon as he sets eyes on Angel, he knew she was the one.

There is a love so deep and unconditional between these two, yet Angel is like a stone wall that is uneasy to break. Piece by piece and bit by bit, Michael teaches Angel of true and unconditional love. Angel resists to feel worthy of such a warm, handsome and loving man. Michael is devoted and his will and patience is tested as he helps Angel discover a different way of life and a life with love in it. Not the kind that is faked and forced, but true, real love.

I honestly can say this book has delivered so much more than the title given. The author captures and wraps you up into this amazing story with such detail that you feel as if you were a written character and living Angel’s life as you read. My heart just broke for Sarah. She was a young innocent little girl that was thrown into a life of unspeakable torture. I have been stung by the soul of this story and I don’t think I will be able to release it from my thoughts for quite some time.

A beautifully, touching story that will be a timeless masterpiece.

My Rating: