"I wished Marigold was a hideous crone with wrinkled skin and missing teeth. But despite her freckled nose and her too-wide eyes, Marigold Cartwell was a perfectly acceptable sort of attractive. It was most unfortunate.
synopsis
Marigold Cartwell and Tristan Gates have been rivals since their first meeting. Marigold knows she can outshoot Tristan, and most of the other men, but the local bowmen's society refuses to allow women to compete. In the face of yet another rejection, Marigold decides to start her own ladies archery society. Naturally, it has only one rule: no men.
thoughts & feelings
You NEED this book. The end.
Just kidding. Not about you needing this book, but about that being the end. You know I wouldn't leave you with so little information.
In the past few months I have seen so many amazing quotes from A Game of Hearts floating around social media. They gave me all the feels so I knew that I had to give this book a go. I'm being perfectly honest when I say that this book lives up to, and exceeds, all the hype. I loved every second of this book and the amazing rollercoaster that it took me on.
My favorite part of the book was definitely the banter between Marigold and Tristan. I LOVE that they are both quick on their feet and know exactly how to push one another's buttons. The fact that Marigold is a lady does not hold Tristan back. Don't get me wrong, he is a perfect gentleman in his retaliation which kind of makes it even better. Whether on or off the archery field these two had me giggling anytime they encountered one another. Since their estates border one another and the families are friends they are given plenty on chances to interact.
I also enjoyed seeing love portrayed in all its forms. A Game of Hearts truly has it all. We get to see the love between Marigold and her parents and siblings, Tristan and his uncle, the exciting possibility of love, second-chance love, secret love, blooming love, and even a little heartache. What made these portrayals amazing was the way that they felt. Joanna Barker did an excellent job writing each relationship in a very specific, unique, and realistic way. They all felt different, if that makes any sense. For example, Marigold's interactions with her parents gave me the feeling of how much she relies on them even though she is quite independent. They are her rocks and her unfailing support. It's a love that is solid and unwavering.
Trust me when I say that you really do need this book in your life. You won't be disappointed, I promise.
book tags
Steam Level: clean, kissing
Language: clean, there are mentions of people "cursing under their breath" but no specific words are mentioned/written.
Content Warnings: none
Trigger Warnings: serious illness and injury
book information
Title: A Game of Hearts
Author: Joanna Barker
Rating: 5/5
Comments