We were meant to hate each other…I’ve never wanted a man like I want Finn McCowen.His proposition? One night together, no strings attached.Everything is perfect… time my sisters were free of them, too.
Finn can help me if he wants, but first he has to accept:
I may want him, but I don’t need him.
In this story, the princess saves herself.
The Golden Hour is a STANDALONE, enemies-to-lovers romantic suspense. HEA guaranteed!
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I love L.M. Halloran’s books! I know when I start one, it’s going to take me on one hell of a ride! I was intrigued by Finn in the Illusion Duet and knew his story would be a crazy, bumpy ride. I was hooked from the start and couldn’t put it down. I thought Finn’s story would be front and center but Callisto came in and took over. I love her badassness! She is fierce and so strong to walk back into the lions den. This was so well written and has you guessing clear up until the end. Fantastic read and we’ll worth the wait!!!
Since reading the Illusions duet, Finn has been solidified in the literary brains of many romance readers as their ride or die book boyfriend. And truly, that’s not too far off the mark – I can certainly see the appeal. He’s engaging and kind, and effortlessly gorgeous (that helps). In The Golden Hour, we see another side of him. A sadder side, a gruffer side. Even a heartbroken one. Which, of course, just makes him more appealing. Knowing more of his history, seeing his interactions with Callisto (admittedly, not at the beginning because there is a fine line between being gruff and being an asshole, but there is still a line) – it just increases his appeal.
All of that being said, I think Finn, as a whole, takes a back seat to Callisto’s story and overall character development. From meek to assertive, we watch Callisto become the heroine of her own story, not becoming someone different, but growing into who she always was. She makes mistakes, she learns from them, and she moves on. That’s heroic in and of itself, and a trait that not many (real) people can boast about.
And all of this is happening among the words of an author that knows how to write a damn good story. There’s mystery and intrigue, and twists and turns. A bit coincidental overall, I will admit (and I’m sure those intent on knowing everything about proper police procedure may have a thing or two to say), but it’s just written so well. I mean, come on…
“Like a constellation, our bones are the stars of a design bigger than the two of us.”
I wish I had thoughts as remarkable as that. It’s what makes reading a L.M. Halloran book such a joy. The beauty in her words, conveying a story and theme much bigger than what’s on the page. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
Amazing, dark romance. Finn and Callisto are connected since childhood, but not in a “fun” way. Callisto’s father murdered Finn’s father. Finn is out to get revenge against the Avellino family. He doesn’t plan on falling love with Callisto. If you like romance mixed with revenge, you will love this book.
I’m addicted to Laura’s books. Every word she writes is like a drug. I want more and more.. And every next book tastes better. This one completely dragged me into Finn and Callie’s world. Made me fall in love with them and kept my attention to the last word. The Golden Hour was phenomenal! Worthy of every single star!
The Golden Hour
5 Stars
Omg what an amazing book!! I loved everything from the cover to the very end!!
This is my very first book I have read by this author and it most definitely won’t be my last!!
Very highly recommend!! It is incredible!
Terrified, she ran. Not having the power to stop her family or save her sisters she was out of options. She knew what her family was. She knew they were dangerous. She had no proof and didn’t want to end up like their other enemies. Dead. That was her best shot, she would die. Something about her stirred up something deep inside of him. He wanted her from the moment he saw her. Now he knows who she is and he will do whatever it takes to make her family pay. I absolutely love this author’s books and how she sucks your soul right in and keeps it there. There’s plenty of action and lots to be revealed. Their passion takes a back seat to making things right. The war between these two, the answers she seeks, the power play, when the truth comes out it will change everything she thought she knew. Families, power, misdeeds, betrayal and chaos. It’s a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat not sure who will stand with her and if she will succeed. It’s a battle of wills she didn’t think she could survive, now she’ll have the chance to prove she isn’t the weak link she was made to believe she was. Loved it and this author that always has me spinning from her books.
Enemies to lovers with a mix of badass! Just the story line I love! This is the best book she’s written yet with tons of suspense, nail biting storylines, and of course swooning over Finn who we first met in the Illusions Duet. His character did not disappoint! Callisto was a surprisingly strong woman and I’m so happy they ended up together putting aside their childhood. I did not want this book to end!
The Golden Hour is the kind of book I crave. One that has dynamic characters, a bit of intrigue and a love that is completely unexpected. L.M. Halloran gave me all of that and more as I devoured every single page. After reading the Illusions duet, I was very curious about the mysterious Finn McGowan. And wow was my interest satiated! His very being, the reason he gets up every day has a darkness to it. Although seeking revenge for the untimely and grossly unfair and brutal death of his father became his ultimate focus, I was just as surprised as he was as he falls hard and fast for his nemesis’s daughter, one Callisto Avellino. And together, whether on the same side or on opposite ones, they have a sort of harmony that neither has ever found before.
Once more I was pulled in from the very first words, not wanting this book to end as the last ones were read. What an adventure! As cool and calm as Calli is, her newfound strength to finally right all the wrongs her diabolical family has caused, made me stand up and cheer for the presumed dead Princess of the Avellino organization. Joining forces with Finn was never in her thoughts, but once he shows up in Solstice Bay and figures out just exactly who the sexy bartender is, let’s just say things get wildly exciting and it brings Calli back into the Avellino fold in the most startling of ways.
The electricity between Calli and Finn never wavers and it’s the tenderness he shows her when everything comes crashing down that completely sold me. And that’s what separates Halloran’s stories from so many others out there. Sure, there are sexy times for our couple, but it’s the deep feelings, the almost irrational emotions that come flooding out that solidifies their pairing. It’s beautiful. It can be tragic. But overall it’s amazingly satisfying and I could feel each and every one of those heartfelt stolen moments.
With the help of incredible secondary characters like Aunt Molly and even Ellie and ones who may never embrace reality like they should have, this story is perfect. It’s not the usual kind of HEA but instead one that is borne from real living, insane consequences and the ability to find that one person who can make all the pain tolerable. Calli and Finn have gone through the wringer, both separately and together and it was gratifying to see that they too can find a slice of happiness despite all that they have endured.
The Golden Hour is full of heart and soul. It’s full of mystery and second chances. But mostly it’s full of a love that will always be cherished. This book is not to be missed. Simply put: it is a wonderful story-line that is written exquisitely.
5+ huge stars!
There is light at the end of the dark. The angst is strong, but the HEA is well earned!!
OMG, LM slays me!! I always know even as the book travels down a dark road that it will lead to a rising brightness.
Finn…dreamy, sexy, angry, determined, focused, warm, lost but finds himself. I am so glad we got his story.
We start at the trial of his father’s murderer and we see Callisto, that murderer’s young daughter. Younger than Finn, but becoming a focus of his attention that continues as he gets older, until she disappears. So imagine his shock when his one night stand is that very girl…woman. His enemy’s daughter.
And what a story unfolds. Emotional, passionate, suspenseful, angsty, everything I expect from LM. The Golden Hour does not disappoint. Both Finn and Calli are broken. She has been running from her past, her family. He wants to destroy her family. Their meeting is the catalyst for their future. Both their future happiness but also in laying their past demons to rest. They find the light in each other, but not before delving completely into the darkness.
I received a review copy. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I haven’t seen this in a long time but FINALLY a book where the heroine is able to look after herself and deal with her own problems instead of the getting help from the male character.
Girl power all the way!
There needs to be more books like this! What an excellent quick read.
It doesn’t matter how far you run, your past will always catch up with you, as Callisto is about to find out.
Living a life of pain and anger, Finn finds the person he never knew he needed to help win his fight of revenge over the family who killed his father.
Full of heartache, angst and a spark of lust, The Golden Hour is one of those stories that will have you wanting to hug our lovelies one minute, and throw you reader across the room the next.
I liked the way Finn and Callisto’s lives have intertwined without them knowing, and in the end neither of them know who the real evil was.
I gotta say, I got a smile out of the rich, arrogant and oh so not untouchable families got taken down
And then it came… plot twist
I sooooo was not seeing that coming!
Ms Halloran has taken on one rollercoaster of a ride with The Golden Hour, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next.
How far will you go for revenge? What are you willing to sacrifice to fill the hole that’s left been left by devastation?
Gripping, right from the get-go, Callisto and Finn’s tale starts scorching hot. There is a mistaken identity, and then a sobering truth. In this case, they’ve both been pushed to the edge. There is no trust, and a million secrets between them. This incredibly addictive book will definitely keep you hooked in its gripping tale. There were so many moments in this book where I was shocked by what was being revealed. Definitely a top read for this year. I love the stories that come from this author!!
THE GOLDEN HOUR
There hasn’t been a character, which this author created that I didn’t love. The characters stand out. They make their own type of noise. These characters easily hold their own. Finn wasn’t any different. When I met him in the Illusion Duet, I knew I need more. I needed to know his backstory and what made him tick. The author delivered this and so much more in The Golden Hour.
This story had the revenge, the dark family who does the illegal deeds, and the right amount of sex that steams up the sheets. Finn got added to my book boyfriend harem. Sorry Callisto. Sorry but not sorry.
Gut-punching, thought-provoking, PURE GRIT. Laura Halloran took it up another notch with this romantic suspense. Sexy Finn is back in a big way, going toe to toe with Callisto, who gave him more than a run for his money.
Finn was such an interesting character when we met him in the Illusions duet, he definitely deserved his own story. But this story was equally about Callisto, her survival, growth and finding peace with her decisions. The unexpected twists added surreal palpable moments. Their chemistry was explosive and enticing.
Good, suspenseful, satisfying.
The Golden Hour is AH-MAZING! The story starts in the past. Callisto is just a little girl in a courtroom while her father, head of a crime family, is on trial for murdering Finns father. Finn keeps tabs on Callisto and her family for years. He wants revenge for his fathers death. Several years go by and their paths cross again. He still wants revenge, so he comes up with a plan to use Callisto to get it. Callisto has her own issues with her family and has her own plan. The two of them start off as enemies, but after finding common ground and learning to trust one another, they slowly become more. I loved watching Callisto, aka, Callie come into her own. She finds her inner strength and it was awesome to experience. Finn was a bit of a jerk, but I found him sexy. This book was full of angst, drama, sexiness and suspense. Just when I’d think I had everything figured out, BAM I was thrown a surprise!!
Another fantastic read by Halloran. Did not want to put the book down. The suspense of wondering what was going to happen next and then right when you think you have the story figured out it takes a different turn and surprises you. Finn and Calli’s story is one of the best I have read all year.
This book was intense! I always love dark stories, and this one did not disappoint! I just love Finn!
Outstanding! And a full book..yeah! Not a cliffhanger in sight just a thrilling mafia storyline with gorgeous characters and a steamy romance by one of my favorite authors. It’s not the usual mafia story with a heavy-handed Don but does have all the usual cringe-worthy, brutal elements. Callisto is a beautifully written character with a tragic background but is so strong while being feminine. And Finn!! It didn’t click that he was the hunky bad boy photographer until the mention of Gideon late in the story. That was an OMG moment when I remembered his panty-melting exploits in a previous book. I’m so glad he got a story and he is spectacular in this one. Heroic, sexy and just so dreamy! His backstory is tragic with a tie to Calli’s family that dictated his life for years. He’s a man on a mission. I got into the meat of this story and could not put it down. I had to know if this sizzling duo made it through in one piece and together, especially with evil step-monster, Vivian on the rampage. What a great villain she is along with the rest of the nasty family members. There were heart-stopping moments when the action was ratcheted up to nail biting levels and heart-melting moments when Calli and Finn hit their stride and came together in a beautiful way on so many levels. Their support of each other was terrific. There were a few coincidences that were a little on the nose but so what. So minor they just blew by and didn’t really matter in the overall fabulousness of this story. Great epilogue! I am always so excited when this author puts out a new book with her spectacular writing, fantastic characters, mesmerizing stories and swoon-worthy romances. I can’t wait for the next one! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.
This is a fab story. I highly enjoyed these characters and book.
5 Amazing Stars!
I didn’t want this book to end!
Within the first few pages I knew I wouldn’t want to put it down. Dark, mysterious and full of revenge and so much more to keep you glued to this story!
Finn and Callisto are two lost souls whose lives are effected by deceit, murder and revenge. But what neither was expecting was the connection they felt towards each other.
I cannot put into words how much I loved this story! L.M. Halloran has that special something that has you coming back for more! Cannot wait to see what she comes out with next!