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A review by eantoinette285
Stella's Awakening by R. K. Ryde
5.0
I am left absolutely shattered by this story. Conrad and Stella have thoroughly ruined my heart! I can't tell you how close I am to hopping a plane to Australia to beg and plead for book two right now because I'm so distraught!! I need answers, and I absolutely need more of this couple!
I tried as best as I could to savor the pages of this stunning tale, but I wound up having zero control and wound up devouring all 495 pages in less than a 48 hour period.
Stella Welsch is a thriving name in the design world. Her business and client list is ever-expanding, but her success came at a price. Being raised as a sheltered Jehovah's Witness, her education and independence aren't necessarily looked upon with unwavering pride.
Conrad Adams is a mogul and one of Australia's most eligible bachelors. When he spots Miss Welsch window-shopping at Tiffany's with her morning coffee, he knows instantly that he wants her. Striking up a business deal, the two become friendly, but before it can cross a line, Stella takes a step back and cuts ties with the Adonis. Her devout beliefs frown on much of what Conrad is looking for; true love and a soul mate.
In a moment of weakness, Stella finds herself contacting Conrad for help, and it's all down (or up) hill from here on out. The pair are inseparable. Conrad is patient and attentive with Stella while she teaches him about her past and the demons she's been hiding for years. Through mutual respect and time spent learning about one another's boundaries, their feelings escalate relatively quickly, and life becomes a fairy tale.
Unfortunately, the other shoe has to drop. I had a feeling something was lurking in the depths, but all Hell broke loose and I was left wanting to scream in the middle of my office.
I don't remember the last time I met a man as enamored as Conrad was with Stella. He is gentle, kind, patient, and fiercely protective of her delicate innocence and I couldn't help but swoon over him for looking out for her. It made me glad to know how instantly devoted she was to him as well. When it came to their partnership, she was united with him and never questioned her morals. Yes, her inner voices battled it out on occasion, but never to the point she ran scared or frightened from his presence. She was bold, brave, and inquisitive about how worldly people like Conrad dealt with relationships. Her willingness to learn made it so easy for them to fall head-over-heels so quickly.
I also learned a great deal about her Witness lifestyle, and knew that would be the couples main obstacle. I knew little about the belief and knew it was a strict practice, but the intricate politics behind the scenes were uncomfortable to deal with since I felt protective of Stella as well. I just wanted to see her and Conrad happy, but with her family and church community having such strong convictions, the pair knew an attempt at bliss would come at a price.
My heart aches for them both individually, and as a couple. I'm scrambling for book two because I have so many unanswered questions! Ryde did a good job of tearing my heart out when it came to these two, both in their good moments as bad, and I'm left speechless as to convey my emotions properly. I'm clouded, and in an absolute funk until I get book two in my hands.
I tried as best as I could to savor the pages of this stunning tale, but I wound up having zero control and wound up devouring all 495 pages in less than a 48 hour period.
Stella Welsch is a thriving name in the design world. Her business and client list is ever-expanding, but her success came at a price. Being raised as a sheltered Jehovah's Witness, her education and independence aren't necessarily looked upon with unwavering pride.
Conrad Adams is a mogul and one of Australia's most eligible bachelors. When he spots Miss Welsch window-shopping at Tiffany's with her morning coffee, he knows instantly that he wants her. Striking up a business deal, the two become friendly, but before it can cross a line, Stella takes a step back and cuts ties with the Adonis. Her devout beliefs frown on much of what Conrad is looking for; true love and a soul mate.
In a moment of weakness, Stella finds herself contacting Conrad for help, and it's all down (or up) hill from here on out. The pair are inseparable. Conrad is patient and attentive with Stella while she teaches him about her past and the demons she's been hiding for years. Through mutual respect and time spent learning about one another's boundaries, their feelings escalate relatively quickly, and life becomes a fairy tale.
Unfortunately, the other shoe has to drop. I had a feeling something was lurking in the depths, but all Hell broke loose and I was left wanting to scream in the middle of my office.
I don't remember the last time I met a man as enamored as Conrad was with Stella. He is gentle, kind, patient, and fiercely protective of her delicate innocence and I couldn't help but swoon over him for looking out for her. It made me glad to know how instantly devoted she was to him as well. When it came to their partnership, she was united with him and never questioned her morals. Yes, her inner voices battled it out on occasion, but never to the point she ran scared or frightened from his presence. She was bold, brave, and inquisitive about how worldly people like Conrad dealt with relationships. Her willingness to learn made it so easy for them to fall head-over-heels so quickly.
I also learned a great deal about her Witness lifestyle, and knew that would be the couples main obstacle. I knew little about the belief and knew it was a strict practice, but the intricate politics behind the scenes were uncomfortable to deal with since I felt protective of Stella as well. I just wanted to see her and Conrad happy, but with her family and church community having such strong convictions, the pair knew an attempt at bliss would come at a price.
My heart aches for them both individually, and as a couple. I'm scrambling for book two because I have so many unanswered questions! Ryde did a good job of tearing my heart out when it came to these two, both in their good moments as bad, and I'm left speechless as to convey my emotions properly. I'm clouded, and in an absolute funk until I get book two in my hands.