Renaissance Man by M. Garzon

Links to order Renaissance Man:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo 

Description:
“And they lived happily ever after.”

In fairy tales, that’s always how things end. The prince and princess ride away on his white horse, and from then on all’s right with the world. But what if it wasn’t? What if the prince’s life didn’t suit the princess? What if she felt stifled by life inside the castle walls? Could she tell him? And if she loved him—really loved him—how could she ask him to give up his kingdom?

Review;

That little blurb from the back of the book is a very fitting way to describe the events that take place in M. Garzon’s 3^rd and final installment, Renaissance Man, from her Blaze of Glory series featuring the budding relationship between Tea and Jaden.  I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing her previous books; Blaze of Glory, and Look Twice, and it is safe to say that I was not disappointed with Renaissance Man. My only disappointment comes from knowing this wonderful series has come to an end. Over the course of these three novels I have come to learn about and love the characters Ms. Garzon has created and written about and feel like they are old friends.  So no wonder I’m sad to say goodbye to them. 

Throughout the first two novels we’ve seen Tea tackle many obstacles in her young life, and make some hard choices.  However, nothing that has previously happened comes close to the events in Renaissance Man.  In this novel we see just how much Tea has grown not only as a horse-jumper, but also as a woman.  She’s coming to terms with everything in her life and facing many challenging decisions that will affect not only her life, but Jaden’s too, who also happens to be the love of her life. 

Jaden and Tea’s relationship has blossomed and moved past that of young love, to a more mature, life altering love.  They are faced with many decisions that must be made in order for them to make a life together.  These decisions are not easy one’s, they are demanding on both of them, and at times looks like their lives/careers are pulling them in separate directions.  At one point in the story Ms. Garzon had  me worried about them and I wasn’t sure they would make it to their HEA.  Thankfully, after some well written drama, tough decisions, and serious thinking on Tea’s part, she comes to a conclusion that makes not only herself happy, but Jaden as well.  This decision also impacts her other family members; Dec(stepfather), Seth(brother), and her Gran.  When Tea comes to this very mature and well balanced decision to her problems, we see just how much she has grown and is ready to take on the rest of her life and career as a show jumper with Jaden by her side.

Tea and Jaden were meant to be together, they truly are the prince and princess and can now live their fairytale doing exactly what they love most, riding horses; Tea as a show jumper and Jaden as a polo player.  For me I enjoyed not only the love story and adventures of Tea and Jaden, but also the horse side of the book. I loved every scene with Tea jumping her prized horse Hades and watching her figure out just what it is that makes her horse Cal tick.  Tea has a very special relationship with horses and it shines through in every scene she’s in with them.  She knows just what is needed to get them over that next jump, or to help them settle down on a stormy night.  For anyone who loves horses like I do, Ms. Garzon’s writing about them makes you love them even more, and for those of you who maybe aren’t that fond of horses, trust me, you will be after reading this series. 

All I can say is M. Garzon has done it again and has another winner on her hands in Renaissance Man.  The story is expertly written with drama, plenty of emotion, coming of age in both Tea and Jaden’s characters, and learning to navigate through the ups and downs of life and love.  Once again we are swept away into the story and life that is Tea and Jaden and feel as though you are a part of their lives, a spectator on the sidelines watching everything unfold around you.  Ms. Garzon’s writing is smooth and free flowing and keeps you turning page after page, not wanting to put the book down. This was a marvelous ending to a well-crafted series and as happy as I am over the way she ended this series, I’m sad to say goodbye to it.  For anyone who has a teenage daughter and is looking for a remarkable coming of age series I highly recommend this series to you, and for those of you who don’t have any teenage daughters, I still highly recommend this series to you.  No matter your age you won’t be disappointed by this one. 

Until next time, Happy Reading

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Author