The Paper Swan

Fierce, powerful, and absolutely breathtaking, this beautifully-written book will sweep you away in an epic love story that spans years and lasts a lifetime. The Paper Swan is a must-read for any romance readers who are searching for a completely unique story that’ll captivate you from start to finish. While the twists and turns are intense, gritty, and sometimes even dark, this was actually one of the sweetest and most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read. I loved every word and highly recommend it!I want to be very clear that this is a standalone romance with no love triangle. It’s also not tragic (really, the ending is gorgeous) so you do not have to worry about anything. Yes, it’s a truly crazy ride, but I’m almost certain that any romance reader will love this and not have any problem with any of it’s content.This is one of those stories that you just need to have TRUST with. Trust the author and trust me when I say that its better not to know anything about this story before you start it other than the blurb… And I know there are a bunch of you right now sitting here reading this and eyeing this blurb warily but just trust me, I get it. The very first thing I did when I saw it was go out and make sure there was no triangle/cheating/death before I even considered reading the book, and even though the blurb is accurate, it’s also not what you think. I promise, cross my heart, and pinky swear that it’s not going to devastate you. It’s just a really unique love story, but it has everything that would make a romance fan happy even though it’s edgy and has darker moments. You guys know that I always warn you whenever there’s anything I think you should know beforehand but this is one of those times when really, you’ll be fine. I wouldn’t say that unless I meant it. Just dive in!When you start the book, holy hell, the prologue just throws you right into the story! It’s immediately captivating because you’re suddenly in this intense, life-threatening situation with the heroine and, just like her, you have absolutely no idea why it’s happening, or what is going to happen next. There are so many questions and so many possibly directions for the story to take so it just begs you to turn the page!I loved that the heroine was strong, smart, and capable. She was relatable, down-to-earth, and just felt very much like a real person I’d love to get to know. And I totally fell for the hero (or, you could really say anti-hero). This guy had been dealt a truly unfortunate hand of cards and his life lead him down a dangerous and destructive path, but with the way it was written, you were shown why he’d become that man. At what point does a person bear too much pain? At what point does it change them? I loved the complexity of his character and the range of emotion his story drew out of me over the course of this book.This is a story that keeps you guessing the whole way through and toys with your heart while unraveling an intricate tale of passion, vengeance, redemption, sacrifice, acceptance, forgiveness, and the purest form of love, where the lines between good and bad are often blurred, and with writing so vivid that you feel like you’re experiencing the story alongside the characters. It begins in childhood and tells the story of how a boy turns into a monster and loses himself while trying to save the one he loves most, but how that monster can too find love because even though he’s no longer that boy, a part of him still remembers who he was and who he loved. It’s filled with emotion, intrigue, suspense and passion. I couldn’t put it down!That’s honestly as much as I want to say about the story. I feel very strongly that you should just go into this book blind. I can technically categorize the type of romance but I want you to be as surprised and thrilled as I was while you read. Despite this story’s gritty and sometimes even violent twists and turns, this was honestly turned out to be one of the heart-warming love stories I’ve read. Leylah Attar’s stunning writing wraps you up in this epic journey and sweeps you away. This book had it all — beautiful writing, beautiful story, beautiful cover. It’s one of my top favorites of this year and a must-read recommendation!!“It’s not over, you know. It never has been,” he said.“Whether you say yes or no, you will always be my forever.”Rating 5 stars! Standalone contemporary romance.

Author: Leylah AttarGenre: Mystery Thriller/Romantic SuspenseRelease date: August 4, 2015# of pages: 273Blurb:"Intense, gritty, and full of heart." They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. They lie. For 21 days she held on. But on Day 22, she would have given anything for the sweet slumber of death. Because on Day 22, she realizes that her only way out means certain death for one of the two men she loves.A haunting tale of passion, loss, and redemption, The Paper Swan is a darkly intense yet heartwarming love story, textured with grit, intrigue, and suspense.The beginning of the book did grab me. I was so curious as to what was going to happen. I was reading as fast as I could. However, it did start to slow down and I was beginning to think, is this a romance book or just a thriller?I had a love/hate relationship with the main characters. They had very likable characteristics and very unlikable ones. I really fell in love with some of the other characters as well, but wanted to kill some of the others. “if you close your eyes and think about someone you love, what comes back is not a precise list of hair color, eye color, or the things that go on their driver’s license. Rather, it’s the bits and pieces that seep through your consciousness, the things about them that you never realized you were storing away.”I would like to say how beautifully written this book was. This author defiantly has a way with words. This was a thriller/ romantic suspense novel for sure. However, we didn’t really see the romance side until about 66-70%. The story was separated in to sections told by Skye (1st person) and then switched to Damian (3rd person). This was confusing to me which lead to the 4 stars. You read about the series of events that take place before, during, and after Skye is abducted. The relationship between these characters was really defined by a quote in the book, which I really loved. “we are a question that hasn’t been answered yet, a hiding place that hasn’t been found yet, a battle that hasn’t been fought yet.” The ending, made this book for me. Everything was tied together wonderfully. It was a long ride to get there but I really do love a HEA.I would recommend this book to friends that liked this type of genre. It was somewhat violent and that isn’t for everyone. This author is very talented and I will be reading more from her in the future.4/4.5 Stars 💚💚💚💚😊

It has been a while since I read any dark read and I must say, I missed it. There is something about these type of books, that make you question everything and this one did that as well.Skye and Damian are as passionate as I expected. At first, there is so much hate, betrayal and hurt, but slowly they cannot be apart, besides all the family damage.When I say this book is dark, I truly mean it. There is a graphic scene where the heroine loses half of her finger, which was too unexpected imy. But as I said, the author manages to make you fall for these characters and forgive everything the heroine has been thru.I truly appreciated how their romance took a while and wasn’t never forced. First we have dual timelines, past and present, in which the past we get to see what the heroine has been thru and the main reason the hero does what he did. Keep in mind, that besides how questionable Damien’s actions are, you get to empathize with him and understand his actions. He also redeems his sins by the end.I appreciated how slowly things were going on, because when the romance picks up, it does in a beautiful way.Honestly, I liked the author’s writing and also the story, and for that, i cannot wait to read more of her stories. Definitely a good read if you love dark romance like me!

it had-kidnapping-morally grey characters-a bit mafia-one of the most beautiful writing everand the most heartbreaking story to tell.i‘m at a loss for everything. this is one of the books where u finish it and have to space out first for a few minutes to recollect urself. where u question everything and anything. this book made me cry so many times. i’ve never had a book where i marked so many things. so many words. i’ve marked whole pages. and it still didn’t seem enough. every page was worth marking it. every. single. page. the whole book is worth quoting it.leylah attar delivered a heartbreaking and complex story about violence, vengeance and wrath and so much love. her characters come and love with all their flaws and beauty. i’ve asked myself so many times how will this end? how can this have a happy ending? will it even get a happy one? while my sight was blurry of all the tears still running down.this was only my second book of leylah attar and she’s officially now one of my favorite authors. ever.“I want to remember this,” he said, pulling me into his arms. “If I die tonight, I want to die remembering what it was like to hold the whole world in my hands.”

Hermosa historia, que no podras parar de leer, una combinacion de accion, amistad, lealtad y amor incondicional, y para los que somos mexicanos una buena dosis de nuestras tradiciones.

I haven't read a contemporary novel for such a long time, so when I bought this novel I had mixed feelings about whether I'd like it or not. But the reviews for this book were all over the place and I can now say deservedly so. It's a very well written, well-executed and deep book. When you meet one of the main characters, he's a ruthless and mean jerk. I couldn't stand the guy and was hoping someone would see what was happening and give him what was due. But somehow during the novel.... and I'm saying this with awe....I suddenly found myself rooting for him, even feeling sorry for him, which of course can only mean one thing. That the author knows how to write. This is a beautifully touching and inspiring novel. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy. You won't regret it. A winner for me.

THIS BOOK......WOW WOW!!!!!!!!! This book was like having your favourite food, in your dream destination. Like a dream come true. I'm so so glad to have come across this one. This book is a tale of love, revenge, passion, secrets, hate, healing, friendships and two souls who are forged together through eternal love. Oh my the beauty that is this book. This is a book you read to feel each and every word written in your very soul.10+ stars. Lived Loved this one.