Review of Marked (The Boys of Bishop Mountain #1) by Emma Hart
Sometimes, a book’s promise lures you in—a tantalizing mix of tropes that should boisterously collide in a whirlwind romance! That’s precisely what Marked by Emma Hart did for me. As a fervent fan of second-chance romances, the blurb set my heart racing: a billionaire, military backdrop, and a brother’s best friend all entwined. But what I found was a convoluted story that left me gasping… for the wrong reasons.
At its core, Marked centers around Jess and Mark. Jess harbors a long-standing crush on her brother’s best friend, Mark, who has always treated her more like a pesky little sister than a potential love interest. A mistaken kiss sparks a brief hope for more, but alas, Mark’s brief military mission shatters those dreams—leading to a series of misunderstandings that feel more tedious than thrilling. The weighty miscommunication between them is less of a rollercoaster ride and more of a bumpy bus ride that seems to go in circles.
Jess is a fiery character in her own right, fiercely independent yet often overshadowed by her overbearing brothers. Their attempts to sell the family land under the guise of helping her move on ultimately come off as selfish—leaving Jess feeling trapped between familial obligation and personal desire. I genuinely appreciated her tenacity but was frustrated by how her worth seemed tied to the notion of motherhood, thanks to an unwarranted fixation on Mark’s need for biological heirs. This idea left a bad taste in my mouth, making Jess feel reduced to a vessel rather than a multifaceted person.
Mark, a combat veteran turned billionaire, is a complex character who, unfortunately, oscillates between being charming and outright irritating. His proposal of a brief affair, coupled with feelings of love he struggles to articulate, only adds to the confusion surrounding their relationship. I would have preferred that he resolve his inner turmoil instead of resorting to emotional outbursts, which he often misdirects at Jess—showcasing an alarming trend of him treating her more like a consolation prize.
The pacing of the narrative left much to be desired. Jess and Mark often spend more time apart than together, resulting in a connection that lacks the electric chemistry we crave in romance novels. Time jumps often felt disjointed, leaving plot holes big enough to drive a military truck through. For instance, why hadn’t they run into each other in a small town after eight years, especially when Mark employs her brother?
Despite the glaring issues, there were moments of humor and charm sprinkled throughout. I chuckled at Jess’s self-description: “I’m still a red-headed mountain girl struggling to make my way in the world while he is the billionaire-in-the-making, Marcus Evan Donovan.” Unfortunately, such moments were too few and far between.
Marked may appeal to readers who enjoy predictable plots filled with familiar tropes and dramatic miscommunications. However, if you seek depth and genuine character evolution, you might find yourself just as frustrated as I was. Ultimately, this reading experience left me more aware of the expectations I hold for characters in romance—ones that prioritize emotional honesty and growth over mind-numbing situations.
In summary, while Emma Hart delivers a fast-paced romp through familiar territory, this book fell flat for me as a contemporary romance. I encourage readers to explore it with caution—you might love it, but if you’re anything like me, it could just leave you longing for more.
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