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A review by stephdaydreams
Ironling by S.E. Wendel
4.0
Give me one moment to climb the tallest mountain top so I can scream from above: CHAPTER 32!
CHAPTER 32!
I am not one to read a book and recall chapter numbers/titles, but let me tell you, this one will be seared into my memory forever. A core memory in reading for all the right reasons! I shan’t say more!
I quite enjoyed Ironling. It was just so lovely to read such a sweet, empowering romance, featuring an utterly smitten half-orc, half-human man, Hakon, and a swooning, kind-hearted woman, Aislinn. They were so perfect for each other! And an excellent representation of a trope that deserves all the love: strangers (to friends) to lovers!
I so adored how their romance began on a foundation of new friendship, that steadily built alongside that powerful attraction. I was giggling and swinging my feet in the air the entire time reading!
Hakon is such a green flag (no pun intended ha!) of a guy!
I admired his optimism and his dream. It wasn’t grand, rather it was so poignantly simple: to find a place to call home, to share it with a chosen mate, and to make a family together. Knowing of her duties on a grander stage, Hakon recognizes Aislinn cannot be part of the dream— but that doesn’t stop him from wanting it. From wishing, hoping and ultimately, dreaming yet again...and trying for it. Even it means reshaping his own dreams for her. I love how steadfast he is in his friendship and loyalty to her, no matter what. As she rightly deserves.
Aislinn is so incredibly relatable, from her struggle with her panic attacks and anxiety, to her struggle between duty and heart. Her life in many ways feels like an obligation, and as much as she absolutely wishes to serve her people, it’s hard for her to do at the cost of her own heart and wishes. Meeting Hakon allows her to find a safe haven in his arms, to calm her anxious mind and heart. A heart that becomes filled with such strong feelings of the halfling.
She doesn’t dare to dream the way Hakon dreams of his future, but she wholly deserves to do just that. And, as a reader, I cheered her on to do just that!
The narrative unfurls at a slow, steady pace, inviting the reader into the expanding world-building, getting to know each character very well, and arriving to a destination that feels joyously earned through this journey. A journey I am so glad to have taken.
I love Aislinn and Hakon, and their oh so sweet, good-feel romance! A perfect pick me up book when you're feeling down!
Thank you kindly to S.E. Wendel for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
P.S. Isn’t the cover is so gorgeous!? I can stare with starry eyes at it all day long!
CHAPTER 32!
I am not one to read a book and recall chapter numbers/titles, but let me tell you, this one will be seared into my memory forever. A core memory in reading for all the right reasons! I shan’t say more!
I quite enjoyed Ironling. It was just so lovely to read such a sweet, empowering romance, featuring an utterly smitten half-orc, half-human man, Hakon, and a swooning, kind-hearted woman, Aislinn. They were so perfect for each other! And an excellent representation of a trope that deserves all the love: strangers (to friends) to lovers!
I so adored how their romance began on a foundation of new friendship, that steadily built alongside that powerful attraction. I was giggling and swinging my feet in the air the entire time reading!
Hakon is such a green flag (no pun intended ha!) of a guy!
I admired his optimism and his dream. It wasn’t grand, rather it was so poignantly simple: to find a place to call home, to share it with a chosen mate, and to make a family together. Knowing of her duties on a grander stage, Hakon recognizes Aislinn cannot be part of the dream— but that doesn’t stop him from wanting it. From wishing, hoping and ultimately, dreaming yet again...and trying for it. Even it means reshaping his own dreams for her. I love how steadfast he is in his friendship and loyalty to her, no matter what. As she rightly deserves.
Aislinn is so incredibly relatable, from her struggle with her panic attacks and anxiety, to her struggle between duty and heart. Her life in many ways feels like an obligation, and as much as she absolutely wishes to serve her people, it’s hard for her to do at the cost of her own heart and wishes. Meeting Hakon allows her to find a safe haven in his arms, to calm her anxious mind and heart. A heart that becomes filled with such strong feelings of the halfling.
She doesn’t dare to dream the way Hakon dreams of his future, but she wholly deserves to do just that. And, as a reader, I cheered her on to do just that!
The narrative unfurls at a slow, steady pace, inviting the reader into the expanding world-building, getting to know each character very well, and arriving to a destination that feels joyously earned through this journey. A journey I am so glad to have taken.
I love Aislinn and Hakon, and their oh so sweet, good-feel romance! A perfect pick me up book when you're feeling down!
Thank you kindly to S.E. Wendel for this complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.
P.S. Isn’t the cover is so gorgeous!? I can stare with starry eyes at it all day long!