Conquered: A WWII Erotic Historical Romance Set in Guam by Paula Ann Lujan Quinene

Conquered: A WWII Erotic Historical Romance Set in Guam Reviews

• 
  Vicki

  This historical novel was very interesting in many ways. The main characters were from two different worlds and through their love, they managed to breach that gap in their heritages. The scenes were realistic and the war raging in the background of the story gave it a heightened sense of urgency. It was a little more graphic than I usually read, but it told how much they aroused each other, so it didn't bother me in the least. I struggled a little bit with the words and terms, but I became accustomed to them. This is a book that erotic readers will enjoy. It has a great backstory and I loved the addition of maps and recipes.
  
  
• 
  Vikki Vaught

  Back in June, I ran a highlight for this book’s release. The book description sounded interesting. I knew very little of Guam’s involvement in WWII, and nothing of Japan’s occupation of this small island. Conquered proved to be an intriguing look at Guam and its unique culture.
  
  The plot definitely pulled me in from the start. I liked both characters a great deal from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the island of Guam. This is a story of not only love but of loyalty to family and traditions.
  
  I tried to take into account that Ms. Quinene is from Guam and English may be her second language, which explained some of her word usage. While a bit distracting at first, I eventually adjusted to her writing style.
  
  Now, I want to discuss the erotic component of Conquered. While the chemistry is extraordinarily strong between Jesi and Johan, I did not truly enjoy the love scenes. They tended to focus more on the physical description of what they were doing, then the emotions behind the sex. They read more like erotica and were not very romantic. While I have no problem with graphic description and terms, I like the emotions behind the physical to be evenly mixed.
  
  If you are interested in learning more about this fascinating island and its people and their part in WWII, then you will enjoy Conquered a great deal. The romance between Jesi and Johan is enjoyable as well. I am glad I took a chance and read this book. Happy reading!
  
• 
  Liz Gavin

  5***** Enchanting journey to WWII Guam
  
  I don’t write spoilers in my reviews because I don’t like reading them so I’ll be vague about some scenes in the story. Please bear with me, okay?
  Paula Quinene did an amazing job with this book and, in my opinion, the huge list of materials she has used as sources is an eloquent example of why that is. Her obviously thorough research into the subjects and narrative skills bring a time period and a place alive for the reader. As you turn the pages, you feel as if you were watching the scenes unfold rather than reading. Her enthralling descriptions of Guam make the reader feel surrounded by its luscious beauty. Kudos!
  Moreover, an engaging storyline that you won’t wish to put down, which is brimming with terrifying war scenes, family values, and Chamorro traditions. By the way, stories like the tataomo’na ones sounded so great to me because they illustrated how the Chamorro’s spiritual traditions got woven with Catholic beliefs. Personally, I found it fascinating because it’s very similar to what has happened in Brazil, where I grew up. Although Brazil’s officially a Catholic country, a lot of the native peoples’ spiritual beliefs, as well as those brought by African slaves, have been assimilated but the Christians resulting in many colorful customs.
  As for the characters, both the main and the supporting ones are realistic and endearing. O loved Mames’s advising and how it cheered Jesi on giving her self-assurance. Awesome job there, Paula! Another example of the books quality, is the characters’ growth. Johan, for instance, starts off as a broken man borderline on suicidal, having joined the army after losing his will to live. Through his experiences in Conquered, Johan ends up as a man committed to making Jesi feel safe and loved. One of the loveliest scenes is when Mrs. T teaches Johan to cook Jesi’s favorite food.
  By the way, can I just say that Johan is the sweetest guy ever? The surprise he orchestrated involving tons of lanterns and flowers such as orchids, hibiscuses, plumerias, and wildflowers plus the tag he gave Jesi for her birthday are only two examples of how awesome he is. I fell for him immediately and it just got stronger as I read the book.
  Jesi is a strong young girl whose horrific experience during the Japanese occupation of her beloved Guam toughens her up without breaking her. Even though she witnesses as well as lives traumatic situations at a very young age, Jesi comes out of them as sweet as before the war. In my opinion, her religious and family values might be at the core of that because she never abandons them. They keep her sane at the same time as they guide her actions.
  Finally, my specialty: the love scenes. As an avid reader of romances and a writer of erotic short-stories and novels, I feel quite comfortable discussing the topic. I enjoyed Johan and Jesi’s lovemaking a lot. It was sweet and an intrinsic part of the storyline. My guess is the book is under the erotic romance category due to the frequency of their love scenes because as far as the description and the quality of them, I’d say they’re light and lovely rather than kinky or over-the-top steamy as it’s the case in most erotic stories nowadays.
  
  I recommend this book for fans of WWII stories, romantic stories, gorgeous places, and good food. You’ll find it all in Conquered.
  
  ** I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription**
• 
  E Reader

  An Excellent love story set during WWII
  
  He joined the Army because he had nothing to live for. Sgt. Johan Landers witnessed his wife and unborn baby killed by a drunk driver. He vowed to never love again.
  For two years, Jesi, lived in caves hiding as the Japanese occupied Guam. Until the fateful night where Johan and Jesi meet.
  This starts a great love story. There is so much to this story; including the history, the beautiful Guam, great characters and some steamy passionate love between Jesi and Johan. They are also star-crossed lovers, resisted by family, separated by war, and an unexpected pregnancy. Overall, this was a great read.
• 
  Paul R.

  An unforgettable story of passion and love
  
  I loved reading this story. It's details are so profound and amazing I could not put it down. I have never been to Guam, but after reading this book I have studied more about Guam and the Chamorro people. As a former Marine that served in the Pacific during the 80s and 90s, I have always been fond of Asian and the Pacific islands. Married to a Filipina, I always enjoy reading love stories of U.S. service members and island girls.
• 
  Ally Swanson

  When I think of WWII, Guam is definitely not my first thought. However, it truly did play a big role in WWII and this is the perfect setting for this book. This book is a very interesting and intriguing concept filled with love, romance, history, honor, and culture. The passion and love just leap off the page! You can definitely feel Johan and Jesi’s connection and chemistry!
  
  Johan is suffering from the loss of his beloved. He feels so guilty and distraught that he enlists in the US Army and is sent to Guam during WWII. Johan is reckless and constantly puts himself in possible life-ending situations.
  
  Johan meets Jesi, a local girl, when he is awaken by her screams as she is being tortured by three Japanese soldiers. Johan immediately goes to save Jesi and quickly defeats her captors. Johan instantly becomes mesmerized by Jesi and their passion heats up for some exploding love scenes. I'm not sure I'd say these scenes are erotic. Maybe somewhat blushing; but not anything close to the 50 Shades World.
  
  I liked the main characters, Johan and Jesi. I could see their story unfold and their infatuation take over. This story felt very real and genuine. I also really liked that both characters, Johan and Jesi, are strong, intelligent, competent characters that both bring something to the table.
  
  However, the love story angle isn’t really anything new. A couple from two different worlds falls in love even though they aren’t supposed to. With their worlds pulling them apart, can these two overcome all the obstacles or will they find love can’t conquer it all. Regardless, this story was still interesting and intriguing! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in a historical romance book that is filled with love, passion, chemistry, excitement, honor, and culture.
  
  **Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
• 
  Paula Quinene

  FROM AMAZON
  auntekim:
  I, too, read this in a day. I honestly couldn't put it down! It was incredibly interesting to me, as the story takes place at a time in Guam that my husband's grandmother was a young Chamorro woman who also fell in love with an American GI. I never got the honor of meeting her, as she passed well before I met my husband, but her memory lives on in the stories of her children and grandchildren. Reading this beautifully written story, I feel like I know her a little bit, and the beautiful land that bore her. Thank you, Paula, for that!
  On a lighter note, my husband says you're his favorite author and he hasn't read the book yet, as it might have gotten a little hot in our humble abode today!
  
  Amazon Customer:
  Loved the book! I really liked how the chamorro history, traditions, language and recipes were woven into the story. I was glad to find and really appreciated the glossary. The authors writing takes you to the the beautiful island of Guam and her descriptive writing makes it a 3D experience!
• 
  Mave

  It 's a very exciting historical novel that captures you from the beginning to the end. It was interesting to learn about the history and traditions of Chamorro and visit the island of Guam. I did not know this island and the terrible events that suffered during the war.
  This story is set during World War II Japanese-occupied island of Guam. Johan is an American soldier and is dispatched to Guam. He is sad and doesn't want to live accomplishes dangerous missions where he risks his lives. But everything changes the day he meets Jesi, a local girl. He saves her from a Japanese attack and between them breaks out the passion.
  I really loved Johan and Jesi, are realistic and genuine characters and the chemistry between them is magical.
  It was a pleasant read, interesting, very romantic with some very hot scenes but would not call this book erotic.
  I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
• 
  Jules

  A WWII Erotic Historical Romance Set in Guam. That is a fairly accurate summary of the book. Although there was nothing original about the story, I did appreciate that the setting was in Guam which provided a unique perspective to the typical WWII historical romance.
  
  My biggest issue with the book was the amount of dialog. There were parts of the book that read more like a play (minus the stage directions) because of the conversations. Generally, I like dialog, but this was hard to read because the dialog was bland and limited to one sentence at a time.
  
  
  I received this book for free through a Goodreads Giveaway.