I thought I would love this book but it was kind of slow at some parts but amazingly hot in others. Definitely give this one a read if you love historical.

This book brought some mixed feelings. I typically don't read Elizabethian era romances but decided to give this one a chance because the synopsis intrigued me. While the synopsis isn't entirely correct, it reveals the main point of the story rather well.
This novel follows Lily Francisca Christian, through a rough and awe-inspiring childhood. Lily becomes an orphaned and somewhat untamed castaway, because of a certain Spaniard who had a penchant for getting even. She spends seven years on the island, becoming its Captain...and learning secrets told through a cherished loved one. Little does she know that those secrets told could be deadly.
Dashing rogue and sea Captain, Valentine Whitelaw has lost a lot to the sea...or so he thought, until news comes along, sending him to a certain island, looking for clues. While there, he finds not only Lily, the young daughter of his close friend, now 14 years old...but, more than he thought he would find...and less.
Lily becomes enamored by Valen, but, is heartbroken when he doesn't stick to his promise, leaving her and her siblings fending for themselves. Years later, an all-grown-up Lily, who's been through traumatic experience after traumatic experience, bumps into Valen again...only they might not recognize each other. Once being reacquainted, they solve deadly secrets in an attempt to not only save themselves...but, Queen Elizabeth, the first of her name, as well!
Wild Bells to the Wild Sky is definitely a great read with a rich history! And that's why I love and dislike this book. The plot is undoubtedly one of the best I've read, the characters and their backstories are well-defined, there is a ton of suspense and heartfelt emotion...my eyes watered when a certain ship and her Captain went down...and the mystery of the traitors kept me turning the page to figure out who they were! I absolutely adored those parts of the book.
The parts of the book that didn't really capture my attention are the romance between Valen and Lily; There was no heat, no fire, no spark between them really. Another part I didn't care for, was the dialogue. Many times, I found myself thinking, 'Wow, this person sure does have a lot to say'. Some of the characters gave long-winded speeches when short and simple would've been better. There was so much that was left unsaid and many questions at the end of this book.
Overall, I liked this book and I would love to read the rest if there is a series...which I couldn't find. But, I would've wanted to read about the younger siblings, Tristram and Dulcie, the cousin, Simon, and even Mustafa.
I know it's a long review, but I felt the need to say it! I liked this book 85% of the time and would recommend to historical romance readers.
3.5 stars

Sadly on this occasion this one unfortunately wasn’t for me.