Review of Moya Lyubov

[Danielle Briggs]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Moya Lyubov" by Ashley Brandt.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

It has been six months since Russia invaded the United States. So far, much of the fighting has been near pivotal, resource-rich cities, leaving many smaller ones untouched. Many people in these smaller regions have begun to resume their daily lives with only the occasional Russian patrol as a reminder of the occupation. Adrienne, an E.R. technician and paramedic, is working in a Kensington, Ohio hospital when it gets hit by a Russian missile. Trying to save as many others as she can, Adrienne does not realize how badly she is wounded. Sergei, a Russian solider, stops Adrienne from returning to the building and takes her to be treated. Even though they are supposed to be enemies, Adrienne and Sergei can’t deny the intense, immediate attraction between them. Unable to stop themselves, the couple begin a dangerous, secret love affair. But will their love be able to survive the turmoil and horrors of war?

There were many things I found positive to say about Moya Lyubov! Right away, readers are thrown into action, with the hospital bombing occurring immediately. The action does not slow much throughout the rest of the book, making it hard to put down. I loved that each chapter alternated first-person perspectives between Adrienne and Sergei. This allowed me to be able to see the full picture of their relationship, not just a single character’s view. There were also a couple chapters from Sergei’s brother’s point of view, which gave a separate, outside view of the whole situation. Ashley Brandt gives the characters extremely descriptive thoughts, showing readers the battle Adrienne and Sergei are both having within themselves over their forbidden love. These thoughts also make the characters seem more real and developed.

I wish there were more details on the setting and day-to-day action within the story. Most of the book consists of thoughts the characters are having, with brief mentions of what they are doing. I think including more of what was going on outside of the characters’ heads would have allowed me to better picture the story in my mind as it played out. For example, Adrienne stops by a coffee shop near her house on occasion, but there is very little description of the place. It is hard to imagine people going on with their normal lives after another country invades, so more background information on the last six months would have been helpful.

I give this book a 3 out of 4. Even though it pulled me into it immediately with action and compelling characters, the book’s negatives listed above prevented me from giving it a perfect score.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy milder romance novels, especially those with a forbidden love theme. The novel does not get too graphic with sexual scenes or violence, but some profanity is noted.

******
Moya Lyubov
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Oluwasogo Familusi]

Love amidst the horrors of war. Sounds like a story I'd like to read. I hope Adrienne & Sergei's love overpowers the hatred between the two countries.

[Patty Allread]

Not having read the book myself, but just going by your review, I can see how more of the surrounding circumstances would enhance this novel.

[Paully_]

The review is engaging and intriguing. What would be the fate of the two lovers? I love book written in each character's perspective. Great review.

[Maliha Naveed]

While the theme of the story is not new yet reading about forbidden love always gives a different kind of thrill. I can't wait to know the end of the story. And yes, you are right about the background details. I also prefer to imagine the setting of everything while reading, and it is always helpful if the author has described the scene in detail. Nice review!

[Summer Henrietta]

The review is really worthy to note.
Who doesn't like a love affair spiced with a bit of danger? Reading all sides of the story from each character's point of view is indeed captivating.
Great one there.

[Onyinyechi Orji]

Love is something that could happen between any two people despite their ethnicity, beliefs or any other thing people see as hindrance. Thanks for this review.

[Abedalrhman Hamdy]

Not having read the book myself, but just going by your review, I can see how more of the surrounding circumstances would enhance this novel.

[Kavita Shah]

Sergei, reminds me of Kallmekris(Youtuber). Thanks a lot for the great review! It sounds love in wartime and a deeper view of the people.

[Giovana Arévalo]

The book sounds intriguing, I like the forbidden love theme, it's always quite thrilling to read about. I think you're right about the more context within the story, it's hard to believe that people would go to get themselves some coffee when their nation is under attack. Great review.

[Giovana Arévalo]

The book sounds intriguing, I like the forbidden love theme, it's always quite thrilling to read about. I think you're right about the more context within the story, it's hard to believe that people would go to get themselves some coffee when their nation is under attack. Great review.