This was such an amazing journey with pirates and treasure hunts and twists and turns. Without wanting to give anything away my heart absolutely broke in parts and still left me with faith in that love Willow was looking for. LA Fiore has written a great story that really takes you on an emotional journey as well as a treasure hunt and one of the first of its kind for me.

Highly recommend for all who are looking for a new adventure that involve pirates

***5 ‘Elusive Heaven’ Stars***

I want to go treasure hunting now...I do, really…*sigh* ok maybe NOT in real life, but I definitely want to read more books like this one because there was just so much to love about Elusive. It has not one, but two epic romances, mystery, adventure, life and death situations, hot as sin pirates and head strong characters with amazing hearts. All of these factors, plus the fact that it gave me the feels and got me a little teary eyed, made it a hard book to put down and one I didn’t want to end.

Kace is an enigma, one I adored, but still an enigma. He’s alpha AF, smexy as sin, protective, has a presence about him that you can feel from miles around, ruthless and is way to intelligent for his own good. He believes his heart and soul are black, and based on his past he’s not too far off course, but even in the darkness there is light always trying to break free.

Willow I out right adored. She comes across as soft and empathetic, and she is. She feels everything and even when that feeling is sadness or pain, she finds a way to deal with it and move on. But this doesn’t mean she is weak, her strength comes from feeling so much and makes her driven and determined to attain her dreams.

Even though their journey to their HEA wasn’t smooth sailing, it was perfect for Kace and Willow. Their connection was soul deep and I enjoyed seeing how that connection helped to make both of them evolve into the people they were always meant to be. The sexual tension between them was, for lack of a better word, intense and it was always there no matter what they were doing. The choppy waters they had to maneuver through were frustrating, but necessary and I was very happy with how everything worked out for them in the end.

I have yet to read all of Ms. Fiore’s books, but Elusive may very well be my favorite of the ones I have read. Not only does she give us an epic romance, but she also gives us a timeless secondary romance that held me as in thrall as Kace and Willow’s. The details, the backstory, and how it all unfolded was truly a joy to read. And you all know while I love the main characters, I’m always checking out the secondary characters and I gotta tell you I’m already making grabby hands for the next book (It doesn’t come out until 2018, but I’m starting now). I honestly can’t decide which of Kace’s crew interests me the most because they are all intriguing in their own right, so I’m just gonna claim them all *BSEG* If you’re looking to get swept away by a romance with hot pirates whose morals go a little sideways, feisty woman and a journal that may hold the key to an amazing treasure then this is book for you!


Fav quote (especially because of who said it): ""...but for just a little while you found that elusive heaven people always talk about...""

Willows dreams are to find treasures but one day she bumps into this handsome stranger named Kace and from that day on Willow can't get him out of her mind. Kace has had a hard life, turning into a pirate was in his blood the minute he got taught how to ship. But memories of the girl Willow follow him , until 8 years go by and they meet up again. Willow and her grandfather plus Kace and his crew all go on a treasure hunt to find Isabella the necklace that has been on Willows mind for years to find. But will Kace give up being a pirate for Willow? Can Willow move on and except that Kace will gone forever? A very unique story that had me on the edge till the end! A thrilling journey with a treasure hunter and a pirate with a intense love that makes the waves fall around you. A must read for 2017!****Reviewed for Sweet & Spicy Read provided for a voluntarily Advanced Reader Copy of this book ****

I confess that when I read this synopsis and saw that it was a pirate's book I was very excited because I spent much of my childhood and adolescence watching pirate movies and I loved the dynamics and adventures of this type of movie. Completing the desire for reading has this cover full of significant elements and this wonderful pirate inviting us to travel in this love story.
I initially thought it would be like a historical romance where the protagonist was a pirate, but I came across a current novel where an orphan boy, suffered and who saw the dark side of many people, ends up becoming a pirate avenger and meets a girl Daughter of treasure hunter parents who ends up becoming a passionate advocate of history behind the treasures.
The book begins with a love letter from Alejandro dating from 1789, writing about the wreck of his vessel and saying goodbye to his beloved Isabella.
Then it jumped to 1999, showing the teenage years of Willow and Kace, two totally different young people who share the loneliness in their lives. With several passages of time, the writer shows the reader the reason for Willow's professional choices and how Kace has become a mysterious and invisible modern pirate.
At a certain point, their way crosses and they live an intense and fast passion of summer that ends marking the life of both. But the fate of Alejandro and Isabella and Kace and Willow seems to be more intertwined than one imagines and it is this adventure to unravel that shipwreck I lived in Elusive.
Filled with strong moments of pain, betrayal, love and many hot scenes, the plot was sucking me and holding on to the reading until culminating in an astounding ending and an ending distilling honey so sweet and fluffy. The writer created a strong suspense story that reminded me of several pirate movies I saw in my childhood, taking the hot scenes, of course .... LOL ... and with such detail that I felt myself struggling, diving, surfing and knowing the Natural beauties of various places.
I, like Willow, am an incorrigible romantic, and I bent my heart out for each character and fell in love and cried for several, highlights for Willow's grandfather, friend Zoe, and Kace's gang.
I loved the way L.A. Fiore shows that even in extremely negative life circumstances, the person has a choice, has a chance to choose the path we want, we can find people who make a difference in the lives of others and that we can be one of those people.
I did not know this writer, this is my first book of her and certainly not the last one.
5/5 stars.

Kisses, Myl

5 Adventure Filled Stars!

Well what can I say about Elusive other than WOW! This one is definitely Liz's best yet, and I love ALL of her books!
It's definitely different from her other reads, but it's still one epic read.
The blurb itself has you hooked, I mean who doesn't want to read a love story with pirates and full of adventure!
It's hard to tell you about the book without giving away too much of the story. So I will just tell you what I love about it most.
I loved the whole back story that you get for Willow and Kade. I think that just makes you connect and fall in love with them that much more. And they certainly had their fare share to overcome. This just had all the feels and more! You just get sucked into their journey that you desperately want to be apart of it. The journey of the unknown, traveling the seas, with a love story to boot. This had everything all wrapped in one book, what more could you possible want! So if you're after a book that's a little different than your usual read. And you want a little adventure just to change things up, this is most definitely the book for you! Fall in love with Willow and Kade, just like I did, you won't regret it!

Can we talk about the serious book hangover I have now that I've read this book!? Holy cow! I was completely consumed by Willow and Noah. I didn't know I would have such feelings toward a pirate. L.A. Fiore does an AMAZING job of sucking her readers into the world of pirates and treasure hunters. She brings her readers ALL. THE. FEELS and consumes them by this adventurous, dangerous, sexy, sweet story.
The characters had many layers to them and I enjoyed how things were brought to light, bit-by-bit. This was a fast paced story and I found myself not stopping to eat or do anything that pulled me away from it. The characters felt realistic and as a reader, I felt for them. Their struggles, their passion, I felt it all. The chase was fun and I held my breath along with Willow! The passion between her and Noah was intense and all-consuming. I wanted them to work out and not let outside forces keep them apart. The element of danger in this book, kept me on the edge of my seat. I had to know WHAT NEXT!? And I was completely thrown off guard as other things started to unfold. I don't want to ruin anything about this book for you. It's best to know it's about pirates and adventures await you! I HIGHLY recommend this read! It's definitely one that will stay with you long after THE END. I'm so looking forward to the next story in this series!

*3.5 Stars*
This book was not quite what I expected. I was completely hooked by the synopsis and couldn’t wait to read my first pirate themed book. What made it better, was the timing of Shark Week. I wanted to love this book so much more than I did.

My biggest struggle with this book was that the first half and second half of this book seemed very disconnected. It was almost as if they were written by two completely different people. Thankfully, the second half was much better than the first and saved the entire book for me. I was able to enjoy, much more, the action packed storyline that took off towards the end of the book.

In most books, the characters change and grow throughout the course of the story. I felt as if the characters changed dramatically and very abruptly towards the end of this book which was a let down for me. There was no gradual change or watching their experiences change how they acted. It was quick and felt a bit disjointed.

The plot also finally picked up pace in the second half of the book while I had to struggle through the first half. Had it not been for a better second half, I likely would have DNF’d this book.

There are some things that I enjoyed about this book. The first is the realistic, today’s world, pirates. They take what they want without questions or remorse. I also enjoyed all of the diving and water scenes. They were my favorite part.

Kace has made his way through life by taking care of himself. From a young age he did what he needed to do to survive.

Willow has led a lonely, but happy life. Being cared for physically, but left alone much of the time, she has nonetheless grown into an open and caring person.

When Kace and Willow meet, they have an unmistakeable connection... but these two people whose lives pull them in opposite directions may never be really be meant for one another permanently...

This book was a great read, it's full of shipwrecks, history... and hot pirates. Kace and Willow's first meeting cemented their dedication to each other. Although they move on with their respective lives, they both never truly forget the day they shared.

The plot was interesting, unique and simply fantastic. I was drawn into the story immediately and the ending was entirely satisfying after the build up throughout the book. I know I'm being vague... but spoilers are the worst, so take a chance on this one! This is one lost love story with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review!

'live, love, be darling and reckless and most importantly be happy'

LA Fiore has outdone herself with this book, its her best yet as how can you not love a sexy modern day pirate!?!? She has weaved a captivating story of love and takes you on quite the adventure whilst we watch this love of a lifetime play out. Once I started this book I could not put it down or go to sleep until I had finished this amazing book. This is different from her normal books but she has hit diamond with this one.

I instantly fell in love with both the main characters Willow and Noah. You follow their stories from childhood through to when they first met and then are reunited again and I loved every part of this adventure. All the secondary characters are also intriguing and brilliantly created, there is no-one I don't like (even the badies).

Willow is a heroine that you love instantly as she's the daughter of famous treasure hunters that have never made her a priority in their lives. She is a dreamer, a hopeless romantic and Noah has given her a dream treasure to find. Noah is a sexy modern day pirate that is running from his past and trying to make a future for him and his crew, he never wants them to be at anyone elses mercy. He just never planned on meeting someone like Willow, he also never planned that when he did meet her she would stay on his mind and under his skin for years after they met, forcing him to seek her out again. Together they embark on the adventure of their lives to find the treasure and hopefully love.

This was superbly written with each page filled with adventure and passion, the excitement of seeking for hidden treasures seeps off the pages and embeds itself under your skin along with all the emotions that are felt by Noah and Willow.

I cannot wait to see what she brings to us next in this series.

Oh man, this is probably the hardest book to review. I don’t feel like I can go into great detail. This is an extremely unique storyline, there is just nothing out there like Elusive. I’m sure other reviewers have said this but this book takes you on an adventure. I seriously felt like some modern day explorer! I would LOVE to see more books like this. I can’t write a lot, I’m too scared I’ll slip and spill the whole darn thing! What you really need to know is this book was fun, a bit suspenseful, with some action tossed in, and packed with adventure, and of course, love is bursting at the seams!

My heart broke for the young Willow. Heck, my heart just broke for her period, having to always be second to her parents. However, she was totally lucky to have her Grandad! I love his motto! Noah is just what Willow needs and meeting him, she goes for her Grandad’s motto and doesn’t really look back… unless she’s watching her back!

Ya’ll should totally pick this up!! I adore LA Fiore’s writing. This book is so uniquely beautiful. Her words seemed to just flow and she painted this vivid detail with her words. I was surprised to feel my heart racing several times and sitting up with… tension. I love when a book makes you FEEL like you are there… I really think that is one of the best ways to show a superb author… did she/he take you there. Heck yeah, LA Fiore took on a major adventure!

I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I will leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

When I decided to read Elusive by L.A. Fiore, I was not sure what to expect. This was billed as a modern day pirate contemporary romance. I have to say I am so happy I went in blind because the story we get was an unexpected journey that surpassed anything I was expecting!

I am not even sure where to begin, because I do not want to give anything away. This is one story you just have to experience. There was romance, adventure, desire, treasure and so much more. It was one wild and crazy ride!

Willow was left behind by her parents most of her life. They travelled the world hunting treasure. This left her with feelings of abandonment, however, her grandfather attempted to fill that void as much as he could. She grew up lonely, but with dreams of her future and love. After once again being forgotten by her parents, she goes on her first adventure and meets a man that changes everything.

Noah was so charming and sexy with Willow. But he was a dangerous man with a hard past. Having been raised on the streets and fighting for everything, he has not led a good life. With only one friend, he grew up hard and determined. His choices were few for where the future would lead him, but he fought for everything he had.

We are introduced to Willow and Noah through the years. Neither has had it easy, though their struggles are vastly different. After their encounter, Noah and Willow are left with only a memory of the perfect time they had together. And so the adventure begins. Will they find their way back to each other?

I was consumed with this story from start to finish. It was riveting. I have read several of LA Fiore previous books and have loved them, but this one blew my breath away. This story had it all, emotional, romance, suspense and so many adventures. This was a beautiful story of star-crossed lovers with a very unconventional journey, but one that will stay with you long after you are done. Bravo LA Fiore!

So first off, I call dibs on Kace, I might be willing to share, but he's mines! He is one of those heroes that you see so many amazing levels to him that you can't help but love the good, and the bad, and when Kace is bad, he is sooo good at being bad.

I love Willow! She was real. She didn't whine, she didn't give ultimatums, she didn't complain. She had a backbone, and was strong and smart. Without giving to much away, her job/hobby/passion is AMAZING, her family...... well her Granddad was one of my favorite characters. I dare you to not love him.

All the secondary characters play such a huge role in this book. Needless to say; I am stoked for more books in this series. I loved them, but they also confused me. I know they all have amazing story's, and I can't wait to see their pasts and see them find the love and acceptance they deserve.

The plot weaved many aspects. We get 2 beautiful love story's, twisted into one amazing action filled plot, to not only find answers to some beautiful history, but also to find something beautiful and real with each other. The author threw me for a few curveballs that I didn't see coming but I enjoyed the ride. No spoilers but crap!!!!! (Hand clip!).

There are some darker aspects, not too detailed so I would call the dark medium. Filled with treasures, love, sharks, pirates, boats, and adventures of a lifetime. This book will hit your heart, make you smile, but you have to remember to breath normally, "I understand it can be scary and you you might be tempted to breath too fast,. The trick is to breathe as normally as possible" when you start to freak out!

Let me talk about the writing. It was amazing! There was the perfect mixture of dialogue and detail and well planned research. None of it was over done, and they balanced each other out. Told in duel POV it helps us readers connect with both characters on a deeper level.

Now, I am a total cover whore, and this cover?!?! Yes! Is is a beautiful cover! That's all; this cover rocks my socks!

So, while this review sucks, I can promise you, that this book doesn't. It's always the super amazing books that are soooo hard to review; and I will tell you; I want to just scream "READ THIS BOOK" as my review, and while it gets my point across, it doesn't do it justice.

Thank you LA Fiore, this book was everything I hoped it will be and far exceeded my expectations! ( not that I had any doubt, because let's face it, you rock!) now hurry up and get those fingers moving on the next book! I maybe not like Snakes (the reptile ) but I think for the next book.... I'll make an exception.
5(hundred?Million?) Stars #2OCCJD

Spoilers are mean, awful, nasty little things. And, I hate them. Unfortunately, to really be able to fully review this title, they would be necessary...and I am just not going to go there, so this is going to be a vague review.

Kace is wonderful. He is compelling, interesting, and has one of the best and most developed characters backstories that I have ever read. It is the perfection of this story that makes him incredibly compelling and allows the reader to understand why Willow is so drawn to him, why the attraction is instant, and why it lingers even years later.

There are moments where you heart jumps; there are moments that make you absolutely unwilling to put the book down; there is an ending that is absolutely perfect, both for the book and for the characters.

The writing in Elusive is dynamic, it pulls you into the story, and it keeps you there. Are there areas where you have to suspend disbelief a little bit? Of course there are, because it is a pirate book. And, we all read books about pirates because, well, they are pirates. And, they are over the top, and kind of grouchy, and tough to get to know, and a little difficult...which also makes them men. :)

The bottom line is that this is a well written, well paced and perfectly developed book.

I definitely recommend this title.

4.5 stars

I just knew I was going to like this book as soon as I read the synopsis. Modern day pirate stories are pretty rare in the indie romance world but I find them intriguing.

Willow has lead a very lonely life as the daughter of two famous treasure hunters. They were never around and always off seeking the next hunt. While she had the love of her grandfather the loneliness brought out the dreamer in her. One of her dreams is to have her own dive team someday. Willow is searching for the romanticism in the hunt and the stories behind them; not the wealth it could bring. This leads her to find the biggest treasure of her life winning the heart of Noah her bad boy pirate.

L.A. Fiore put great detail in this story and it really felt like you were reading an adventure on the high seas. The story takes you from the beginning of Noah’s life on the streets and tells you how he ends up a pirate. It also starts with learning a bit about Willow’s beginnings and her first encounter with Noah. It was one day that impacted them forever. Willow leaves that day with a wonderful memory and a journal. The journal tells the story of two star crossed lovers, a missing shipwreck, and a necklace. As you can imagine she absorbs the story and starts years of research trying to find the Isabella.

Noah and Willow were both great characters. Noah is what you would expect of a pirate. He is sexy, commanding, and he makes no apologies for the things he has to do. Willow is strong and brave and determined to get all she wants out of life. Too many people have disappointed her but she still jumps in with both feet and runs into adventure instead of away from it.

The twists and turns in the story were great and lots of villains to keep things interesting. I especially loved Noah’s crew and Willow’s best friend Zoe coming along for the adventure made things fun. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Well done!

In a person’s lifetime, a bevy of wishes and dreams will elude them, seemingly just out of reach, and while most will more than likely be forgotten, not factoring into their future, a few will always be remembered and be yearned for, keeping individuals hoping against hope that these impossibilities can be obtained despite the risks and heartache that might occur the closer they get to what they’ve always wanted but can’t quite find a way to hold on indefinitely.

The hero and the heroine of Elusive understand how transient life is, leading to choices and decisions that irrevocably change their lives and put them on a course that they never thought possible or perhaps hoped that they would never journey because it meant they were let down by other people’s actions. And while there’s no need to compare their drastically different lifestyles, both growing up and as adults, what’s important to understand is the fact that their chosen paths led them to each other and regardless of how fleeting their time together may be, the knowledge of what they brought/bring to one another’s life will always be present despite the fact that they physically might not be.

I understand L.A. Fiore’s difficulty writing this story because the span of time, the multiple settings, and the extraordinary events that occur are expansive, requiring quite a bit of world building and story manufacturing, which means that the primary story might get lost in translation unless meticulous care is taken to keep the true tale at the forefront of the book. But I can say unequivocally that at the heart of Elusive is a beautiful love story – one that is both romantic and passionate as well as adventurous and chaotic.

Elusive tells a multitude of stories – ones about individuals who are alive and are writing their stories as they live them as well as ones about those who can no longer tell their own tales but still deserve their voices to be heard regardless of how long they’ve been silenced – all narratives that are important to the overarching tale that takes place between the angelic treasure hunter and the recklessly dangerous pirate.

I can’t tell you how excited I was to start Elusive; I’ve read a lot of L.A. Fiore’s books, and I’ve always loved them, but the adventurous journey she takes readers on in Willow and her pirate’s story is truly magical. It’s definitely a book that will stay with me long after I’ve finished this review and moved on to other stories because readers don’t find too many gems like Elusive…simply because, its uniqueness, the interconnectedness that exists between the various plot lines in the story, and the time span involved in truly illustrating all that encompasses the characters and their adventures set this magical tale apart from a multitude of stories in the romance genre.

I cannot wait for the next pirate’s story…with everything that readers know about him from Elusive, it will be interesting to see what adventures L.A. Fiore takes him on and the woman Fiore will put in his sights to undo the calm and collected adventurer of the sea.

5 Poison Apples (The Fairest of All Book Reviews)

" I choose you. "
Elusive by LA Fiore is the first book in the Shipwreck Series.
Meet Willow and Kace. They are not from different sides of the fence, they are from different worlds. While Willow is loved and longs for nothing, is Kace forced to live on the street. He's a runaway and works the oddest jobs to make ends meet.
Over the years both meet and separate, they grow up and ugly truths and secrets are revealed.
This book gutted me. I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I wanted to take a breather, but I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happens to the characters.
This book has everything that I love in a good book, lies, truths, secrets, violence, great feelings, love hurt and a bit of a mindfudge.
I give 5 stars and thank you LA Fiore.

“Once upon a time someone called me a pirate.”

The prologue of this book sets the entire story in motion, but it's so powerful on its own that I just felt the need to address it. It sends you back, gives you a taste of history but also a glimpse into what the characters in this story are fighting for.

"I would find Isabella. I would tell their story, be their voice, share with the world their brief but touching love story."

Knowing absolutely nothing about this book, the blurb is so fantastic at drawing in a reader. The cover is gorgeous, and with promises of history, Pirates and treasure, what's not to like?

Now timeline wise, you see different events from different times in the main characters lives before they even meet. We glimpse at their childhood, their teen years, all the way into early adulthood before they even meet. Then we move farther into the present day when they're in their thirties. I liked seeing all of the stages and how they impacted the specific characters at certain times in their lives. Though I may be partial to Mr. Travers, he might be my favourite kind of person ever.

“A wise man told me once if I ever found someone who made my stomach twist and my palms sweat, someone who made everything else just fade from existence…that I should take her hand because I wouldn’t be sorry I did.” His hand tightened on mine. “I learned what love was from him, but I learned how it felt from you.”

There were a few small details that I caught on to which I thought were so interesting, and they're the underlying magic of fate or how the universe works. Willow could sense Noah around her or feel his presence, until a certain incident happened. Her outlook on this was quite intriguing, and the answer for it even more so. Noah's involvement, his lifestyle, and how it impacted this ideal was really cool.

Before I go any farther, I feel the need to express that I did really enjoy this book. I'll get into what my problems were to only rate it as three stars, but as a whole, I enjoyed the story. Ultimately, it comes down to the fact that this is a romance novel, and frankly, I didn't believe or like the romance between Willow and Noah very much.

There were small glimpses of romance or shall we say love that I just wanted to hold onto and believe, but then there would be contradicting actions or words from (mainly, but not always) the hero and I just didn't know what to think. I couldn't grasp this romance, I guess because it's not at all how I expected two people, supposedly in love, the act. I get it, he's a pirate and it's not your average story but throughout the entire book, I got very little idea or feeling from Noah to actually suggest he liked Willow more than just having sex with her. Small glimpses, yes, and I think I highlighted every one because let's be honest, there weren't many. He intended to still do horrible things to her even while 'loving' her. And she was going to let him because she 'loved' him back. Where did this love even come from? It was an infatuation from one day they shared eight years ago that Willow couldn't let go of, and it's suggested that Noah was the same. That turned to love before he even came back into her life. That's great for me, fine and dandy, if they then started again and grew from where they were before, but it didn't feel like that at all. I fully believe that she loved the guy from her past and transferred that onto the Noah she met in the present day. She even kept saying this herself! How she didn't know Noah, wasn't comfortable with his actions or his life but she wouldn't let him bend or change himself because she already loved him when he came back to her. How does this create a healthy relationship? I just have a really hard time buying the 'one day a long time ago I fell in love with him and I've been treasuring this memory for so long so that means I already love him now'. To me personally, that's not how a romance novel should be, and I think that's where my problems with the romance aspect come from. And, well, I get he's a pirate but show me that he actually feels something for this girl! It seemed superficial, and when he did have a few nice words, he would immediately go back and contradict everything the reader was just lead to believe. It confused me and kept me from getting attached to these two. I was merely reading about a treasure hunt with two people who liked to bang.

"I wanted to keep her, but she was never mine. She was just an elusive dream, a fucking beautiful dream. I slipped out as silently as I slipped in, but I left my damaged heart in that room with the angel who had claimed it."

Now on the flip side of this, the pirate aspect, the treasure hunt, the mystery behind what was happening to the yachts, that was all extremely well done, super exciting and so fresh and unique that it keeps the reader guessing. I never knew what to expect from this group or what might happen next. Though I think there were a couple of minor instances that could've been explained a little more, it was generally easy to follow along and keep up. I have no clue how the author would've come up with this plot but it's like nothing I've ever read before and that's always an exciting journey to take.

I can also really appreciate how it's not just one specific hunt that's happening, there're many different layers to the story. So sure, there's the love story between Alejandro and Isabella that's dissected. The research and dedication into trying to find the ship, what might be on board, piecing together what caused the ship to sink in the first place, etc. All of that could've made one story, but Fiore added so much more to add complexity, suspense, and mystery. But the way she does it, weaving all of these aspects into one singular story line, is practically genius.

“You got a little pirate in you woman. I like it.”

I've always loved reading LA Fiore books and by no means is Elusive the exception. Sure, I had some grievances over the who love story part of it, but I got over it and focused on remembering the rest of it that I loved.

Wow, where do I even begin with this book? ELUSIVE by L.A. Fiore was all that I hoped for it to be and so much more! I mean – Pirates, adventures, treasure hunting and the ocean – what’s not to love? Blown away. Speechless. Yup, that pretty much sums it up. I lived and breathed this story and was devastated when there were no more pages for me to turn. And it’s not only this incredible unparalleled storyline that has me in awe and makes it so special to me. See, I’m a cover w##re (and proud), so it is usually either the cover or certain authors that grab my instant attraction – not so with this book. This time, the cover was not even revealed yet and as L.A. was new to me until this book, it was purely the synopsis that had me all excited and giddy for the story – once again: Treasure hunting with modern day pirates: Oh. My. Gawd. Then came the cover reveal – and I fell in love all over again! I mean, isn’t it stunning?!

This review will be on the shorter side, because I don’t want to take anything away from the pleasure of experiencing it for yourself as a whole: You will be as enthralled, enchanted and captivated by this rare and unique story as I was – still am.

Willow was practically abandoned by her parents, treasure hunting always was and always has been more important to them than their own daughter. It was her grandfather who raised her, his museum being her home, its relics keeping her company. She is a romantic at heart, dreaming of only once to be put first, to be chosen, while living after her granddad’s motto – to be daring and reckless. And that is she, with a man that sweeps her off her feet with not much more than a glance. One day and one night, just a few meagre hours. That’s all she has with her handsome, charming, intense and oh-so dangerous stranger, but it’s enough to create memories that will last her a lifetime – at least that’s what she thinks. Until her stranger barges into her life once again and literally pulls the ground from under her…

Willow’s pirate is jaded, shaped by the events he had to endure and witness. He had come to terms with the things he does, he needs to do to survive. He knows he is no good, but embraces who he is. Dark and dangerous as he is, there is still a kind heart lying underneath. It is this heart that instantly recognizes Willow as his soul mate, that demands him to act on that instant attraction … and to come back so many years later, even if it mars her with his brand of evil in the process.

My heart ached for both these characters so, so much. They deserved to finally find something good in their lives, be it being put first or finally seeing the goodness in himself that is still there. Their story was unconventional, unconditional and beautiful. A love so epic and profound that even after originally only having one night together, years apart mean nothing when they finally reconnect.

But it’s not only their love story you get with ELUSIVE, no. There is a second love story woven in between – one that only gradually is revealed as they are hunting for answers that a mysterious journal conjures up. And not to forget the dangers his, um, profession brings with it. There’s so much to discover with this book, it is an absolute treasure in itself!

Be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime, full of passion and romance, of friendship and kindness, but also of betrayal and spitefulness. It is storytelling at its best, with so many different facets and a concept in the romance genre that has been rarely used – yet. And while I ache for other stories full of pirates and mayhem, I feel myself shying away from picking them up, knowing I will only be disappointed after the bar has been set this inexplicably high. I’d rather wait for L.A. Fiore to give one of this crew’s pirates his own story.

Oh, and by the way, another way to show the impact this book had on me: It’s taken me two hours to come up and write this review, and still there is this terrible feeling in my gut that it doesn’t even scratch the surface…

One hell of a way to make a lasting first impression, L.A. Fiore!