The Last Kamaali by Lori Holmes

 

Blurb:

Courage. Truth. Sacrifice.

Nyriaana and Juaan are no longer protected by the might of the Hunting Bear Clan. Alone and on the run, they need to choose their allies and enemies wisely if they are to evade the vengeful clutches of their former chief, Eldrax. But with nowhere to hide, can they truly run forever?

Tormented by visions of the fabled Last Kamaali, Nyriaana must now decide if she is ready to sacrifice everything in order to fulfil her ultimate destiny. In doing so, she may not only lose those she loves most, but unwittingly awaken ancient powers that will jeopardise the very existence of humanity.

In this final chapter of the Ancestors Saga, all races of men must decide once and for all what it truly means to be human.

My rating: 

Thoughts:

Wow...this book ya'll.  My only regret is starting with this book and not starting from the beginning, which I plan on correcting. First...this is a fantasy romance, but an absolutely unique world. It's primitive, with a side of magic, meddling gods, greedy clan leaders, witches, tribes...etc. Gorgeous storytelling, creating a beautiful picture of a harsh world. Get ready to fall in love with these characters.

We follow the story of Juaan and Nyriaana as they try to escape the leader of the Hunting Bear Clan,  Eldrax. Eldrax is a ruthless leader with high ambition to live the life of his choosing, and not to have to bow to gods or anyone else. Eldrax in the past has lifted his clan and protected them from other clans, but by killing a watcher has not only put his own clan in danger, but all of the clans.  

This book had me from the start, moving quickly while explaining some of the things I missed from the earlier books. It was an easy book to pick up and devour...but have your box of tissues nearby. I won't spoil it by telling you why...it was an emotional read.

You can purchase the Last Kamaali on Amazon.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Fractured Legacy by Cristen J. Faulkenberry

Stop!! This is the second book of her Lenoir Legacy series...if you haven't read book 1 yet, I strongly suggest starting there.  You can read my review for book one here.

Blurb:

All Rosealyn LeNoir wants is to take her rightful place as Queen of Orda’an. Instead, she’s magically connected to her father’s murderer, the ancient and once Lost Prince, Xannan LeNoir. When she learns her country has been attacked, Rosealyn must set aside her disdain for Xannan and discover the best way to help her people.

Charles, as king of Jearnia, wishes to repair the rift between himself and his brother while also mending the decades-long rivalry between the country of his birth and the country which protected him.

Memories surface and tensions escalate as all learn how far they will go to protect what they value most.

My rating:

Thoughts:

Like the first book, this book was slow to get going. This particular time I really had to set reading goals to get through the initial story building section. If there is one thing that keeps this book from getting five stars it's the slow dry start. It is worth persevering though, and this book gets very exciting, but it's not until about chapter 12 or so.  So again, cozy up, get your tea, and dig in.

There's a broadening of many of the different storylines in the first book. The underlying romance between Charles and Rosealyn plays a bigger part in this book than it did in the second. They have lots to consider on whether both of them being ruling monarchs of their own countries makes it impossible for them to be together.  They end up working together to bring peace to the region, Charles coming to Rosealyn's aide when Orda'an is invaded by another country.  We get to know Xannan much more in this book, and we also get to know Rosealyn's mother.

We have political rifts, war, evil dragon like drokari, and an alliance between men, elves and dragons. This books very much reminds me a bit of Games of Thrones, not just in the shared genre, but the building of storylines and multiple storylines in one book that are connected. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'll be keeping an eye out for book three!

Spice level: 1 consensual kissing, no sex

Fractured Legacy released September 9, 2022 and can be purchased on Amazon or on Bookshop.

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Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon and bookshop, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Desires of the Immersed by Caelan J. Peters

 

Blurb:

Taylor was a rich, popular, yet completely normal teenage girl until the guy she’d fallen for shoved her off a hundred-foot waterfall. Instead of dying, she emerges into a completely different world where she’s immediately captured and thrown into a brutal training camp. Here she’s forced to face the realities of her forgotten past along with the still all too clear memories that are forming her present. Lucca finally returned his lost fiancé to their own world only to find a war threatening to destroy his entire home country. And his mother seems to think he’s the only one who can stop it. He’d never planned on leading the ground force, and he’d never planned to allow the woman he loved to wander a war-torn world alone. But he might not have a choice.

Thoughts: 

I really enjoyed this book. By the time I was about half way through I couldn't set it down, and it became a life neglecting, sleep depriving, just one more chapter before I go to sleep type of book. That good. I truly didn't know who to root for in this book. Taylor was the main focus of the book, but who was the right person for her to trust? Was it Lucca? Cole? Dawn? Marcellous? The story slowly unravels, as we hop back in forth between the present and the past..almost Godfather 2 style. Sometimes the hop was a bit abrupt, as in I felt like I was pulled into another scene when I wanted to stay right where I was. It added to the suspense of the overall book though, and I think it was well done.

I don't know that I really liked Taylor at first, but I love when characters really come into their own. She is hardened by some pretty brutal training, but it's brutality has a purpose one that she learns to understand and eventually embraces.  The story ends with lots of questions still unanswered...not quite a cliff hanger, but I need answers. I can't wait to dig into book 2!!

Rating: 5 Stars!

Spice level: 1 -- no sex, just kissing.

Desires of the Immersed is available for purchase now.

If you're interested, Book 2: Orders of the Emboldened is also available for purchase. 

Book three is expected to release September, 2023

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Blood and Potions by Maya Morrison

 

Blurb:

An assassin who lives for the hunt. A vampire that loves the chase. A job that went wrong, and a bite that changes everything.

It was supposed to be a simple job. Steal an artifact from a top-secret location, and gain intel about my sister’s killer. Instead, one false move lands me in the hands of the renowned vampire overlord, Quillian Kingsley.

Quillian is cold, callous, and notoriously ruthless with his enemies, especially those he believes wronged him. I was prepared for my death...until he tasted my blood.

After days of interrogation, we come to a mutual agreement, and I agree to his terms by swearing a Blood Oath. I stay in Esneoh to help hunt down his enemies and play the role of his doting wife. And in kind, he will help me find my sister’s killer.
The job should have been easy; however, with every new kill and pursuit, I find myself drawn to the dark, dangerous, and sinfully gorgeous overlord.

There is just one problem - all roads point to him as one of the main suspects. And in this game of power, secrets, and lust, neither of us might come out alive when the truth unveils itself. 

Thoughts:

First of all...this book is steamy! 

The book jumps right in, introducing Meraki as the strong resilient assassin that she is.  The world is beautifully laid out with out the gross info dump.  Meraki is independent and a well trained assassin and thief, living in a world that I can't possibly imagine. She feels she owes her life to the Alokari, the organization she works for. They have trained her for this life, and she is one of their best.  Her sister early on failed the test, and she spends her life looking for clues to kill who ever killed her. 

When she first meets Quillian in a club the attraction is immediate. She doesn't know his name, so he's Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome. On a job to finally get the necklace that should hold clues to her sister's murder, she runs into Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome again...they were both there to take the necklace. She later learns he's a vampire, and he's immune to most of the tricks she knows.  He's able to subdue her, and he kidnaps her to learn about why she was there, what she knows and who she works for.  

Fast forward we end up with a fake relationship trope, and it's done very well.  The physical relationship felt easy, but the two of them slowly figure out if there is anything to their fake marriage beyond amazing sex...which there's a ton of.  If you enjoy the fake relationship type trope, with a bit of an emotional slow burn with a side of alphamale possessiveness, you will like this book. Be warned, this book ends on a HUGE plot twist and a bit of a cliffhanger.

Rating: 4 stars

Steam level: 9/10 ---- hot hot hot

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Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione

 

Ya'll sometimes when a book re-releases they come off outdated, or just feeling old...not this book.  Read on!

Blurb:

They are here. They ride. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

His name is Ares, and the fate of mankind rests on his powerful shoulders. If he falls to the forces of evil, the world falls too. As one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, he is far stronger than any mortal, but even he cannot fight his destiny forever. Not when his own brother plots against him.

Yet there is one last hope. Gifted in a way other humans can't-or won't-understand, Cara Thornhart is the key to both this Horseman's safety and his doom. But involving Cara will prove treacherous, even beyond the maddening, dangerous desire that seizes them the moment they meet. For staving off eternal darkness could have a staggering cost: Cara's life.

Thoughts:

First of all....Ares.  

This is book six in Ione's Demonica Underworld Series, and book one in in her Horseman Series. This is the first book for me in this entire series, and Ione does a great job with world building and bringing me up to speed. You can easily start the series right here. This book was originally released in 2011, and was released this year again with an updated cover.  Being that this book is over a decade old, I felt that this book aged fairly well.

I really enjoyed this story of Cara and Ares.  Ares is a thousand's year old Horseman of the Apocalypse, who is desperately trying not to allow his seal to break.  If his seal breaks he becomes War, and will become evil bringing in his part of the apocalypse. Cara is down on her luck, her father recently passing away she is alone.  I really liked Cara in this story, she's a good natured person, loves animals and doesn't put up with Ares's crap. She stands her ground with him often which he doesn't know how to respond to since no one really does it. Ares struggles with allowing anyone to be close to him, but he softens towards Cara.  It's such a great story watching the two of them slowly open up to each other while navigating them possible impending doom of the apocalypse. 

If you enjoy fantasy romance with a slow burn type trope, you will enjoy Eternal Rider!

Rating: 4 stars

Spice Level: 7 -- descriptive consensual sex 

Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione is available now!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Droplets of Magic: A Review

 Book 4 of the Unstable Magic Series by Emily Bybee

Blurb:

Kira’s spells always end the same—rain and violent storms. She’s what’s called a Defect, and that means one of two things in the witch world—losing your magic or death. After faking her demise, Kira is in hiding. She risks exposure and travels the world, making the Defective magic that would get her killed into a gift by bringing rains to places that most need water.

The witch world has changed in the ten years Kira’s been gone. Kira doesn’t know that she has a much bigger part to play against an ancient danger that threatens the entire world. But the witches want her for their own greedy plans. Her only chance to escape the witch council is to hide in areas where her storms go unnoticed. After one last stop in Africa, she plans to disappear again.

But Kira’s past catches up with her and a decade old blood debt comes due. As if being prey to the witch world isn’t enough, her family’s history with the Russian Mafia causes an enemy who was once her childhood friend to hunt her down. She and her only ally Alex—a naïve American—team up to escape the underworld warlord. As Kira’s feelings for Alex grow, she fears he will be caught in the crossfire. To settle this debt, someone will have to die.

Thoughts:

This is book 4 in a series, and I wish I had read the other books first. Having said that, I still was able to understand the world well enough and many reviews say each book in this series could be read as a stand alone. I love the idea behind of intermixing a bit of science in the magic. Kira's gift is water, and she can manipulate water and even turn oxygen and hydrogen molecules in the air into water. Even with such a strong power, she is considered a defect.

This was a very much a cat and mouse type of book. Kira is being chased by the Russian Witch Mofia and her childhood friend and former betrothed Rurik. Rurik tracks her and hopes to use her for his own political gain. There are lots of tense moments and the story is well paced. I wish the relationships had been given more depth. We learn why Rurik despises Kira, and there's a secondary romance story between Alex and Kira that I just couldn't get into. It almost felt like instant love and I didn't see any thing that would make them attracted to each other beyond physical looks and proximity. This lack of connection between what I think is supposed to be a fantasy romance book is what brought my score down for this one. Even with a lower than normal score I felt it was a good book overall.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Droplets of Magic is available for purchase now and is available on Kindle Unlimited!! Click here!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Possession: A Review

 Possession by Andrea Hagan is book one of her Memphis Magic Series, is a fun paranormal "who dunnit" with a side of romance.

Blurb: 

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I’m learning that lesson the hard way. My name’s Aubry Brooks, and here’s the thing—I’ve got myself a little possession problem.

Yes, I lead a séance I had no business leading in the first place. No, I’m not a channeler of spirit, but let me explain. I was only trying to help a mother find her missing daughter, and then a cocky half-incubus had the nerve to possess me! You’d think a clairvoyant kitchen witch would have seen this coming.

No need to panic. I can figure out a way to exorcise Damion Blackmon, assuming I can withstand his seduction in the meantime. Oh, and he’s agreed to help me find out who killed my best friend. Deals with devils. I'm not sure if it's my soul or my heart that's at risk.

But don’t worry, my grandma was a voyeur in a past life and she'll catch you up to speed. In extremely graphic detail. A word of warning—do not let my aunt talk you into a juice cleanse. Nothing magic about that, I promise.

Welcome to the metaphysical shop Memphis Magic.

Thoughts:

Ya'll...there were lots of little stories weaved into this book, and I thought it was brilliantly laid out. The possession here is just one part of it. Aubrey gets herself possessed in a séance she realizes she really had no business leading to begin with.  We learn she is possessed by a half demon, and everyone is confused because the demon should be able to just...let himself out, but he can't seem to.  So we have this mystery. They try all kinds of spells, rituals, even Damion's demon father is now involved to try to separate them.  

We also have the mystery of her friend being murdered. Who did it? Where? This book is a murder mystery with a side of half demon possessed romance.  Aubrey is independent, sarcastic, and of her own mind, and how in the world you could develop a budding romance with a GUY IN YOUR OWN HEAD is beyond me but Andrea Hagan manages brilliantly.

Possession by Andrea Hagan is available for purchase now and is on KU!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Castle of Bitter Thorn: A Review

Warning...Stop!!

Before you read on, if you haven't read my review of Book 1: A Court of Bitter Thorn do not proceed unless you're ok with spoilers! A Castle of Bittern Thorn is Book Two, of the Court of Bitter Thorn series.

Blurb: 

Fae Bargains are not easily broken.

Elora has decided to stay in Faerie to help Prince Brannick become High King. With the element of surprise on their side, they only have to hide their sword training lessons until the last phase of testing.

But Brannick is ruled by a bargain that could ruin everything. Queen Alessandra is beginning to remember her history with the prince. With one word, she could force him to lose the testing and give up his freedom forever.

With a growing reputation, Elora’s anonymity in Faerie is shrinking fast. Her sisters are safe in the mortal realm, but she is desperate to help Brannick win the throne.

If he doesn’t, any number of fae could capture Elora. Or even worse… her sisters.

Thoughts:

First of all, I love a book that takes me someplace else.  The world Kay L Moody creates is beautiful, vast and dangerous. In the first book Brannick irritated me.  He kept Elora under lock and key (Did we not learn anything from Tamlin's mistake ya'll??). Her bedroom was magically sealed to keep her in, and she wasn't "allowed to leave" with out an escort, but Elora still managed to swoon over him. I'm still having issues with this one. 

Spoiler alter: she doesn't dump him. Instead we have a slow burn type of romance, and if you remember from the first book...Brannick and Elora cannot touch each other. Through out the book he slowly stops acting disgusted in her presence and begins to act somewhat proud of her. Other than Brannick seeming to be her weakness, Elora is quite badass and she shows off not only her sword skills in this book again, but she also rescues herself. 
Brannick...I'm disappointed in you, she is far more than you're worth.  I would have also liked to know more about Queen Alessandra, what's her story? The book ends on another cliffhanger and it doesn't seem we are finished with Queen Alessandra yet, so perhaps we'll find more in book three.
Overall, I've given this book 4.5 stars, despite not liking Brannick, it was a page turner and I really enjoyed it.  Onward to book three!
A Castle of Bittern Thorn is available for purchase here!


Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to my new bookshop, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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With Fangs and Claws: A Review

I'm deep in my arcs at the moment, and when I finished one I grabbed this book as a quick read before I jumped into another ARC.  I saw things like...reverse harem, and wolf knotting, and I thought ok...a fun quick smutty read.  No. It was not smut, ya'll. 

Summary: 

Darcy is the daughter of the Duke of Elverston, and is a trained fight and hunter.  She lives in a world where women are subjugated and often beaten by their father's or husband's.  She meets the four young princes of Stralae while out on a hunt, and they immediately recognize her as their mate and future queen.  Darcy wasn't even sure if she was about the reverse harem that fell into her lap, and could she leave behind the only home she'd ever known, specially when she didn't realize how much better life might be for her if she left this very patriarchal society.

Thoughts: 

I jumped into this book with out reading the reviews, thinking maybe it would be a quick easy smutty read.  It was definitely way more than that.  I really enjoyed the plot, the character development and the contrast between the "heathen warg country" and the "patriarchal human country." The author makes it clear that this is a separate made up world, but I can't help but to see the similarities to our world. Overall I really enjoyed this book, and if you're looking for a different kind of romance book with lots of depth and growth, be sure to grab it! Be ware...she leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger, I'll keep an eye out for book two!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5

Spice: 🍆🍆🍆🍆 - Graphic, but not a whole lot of it, and was well fitting with the story.

Trigger Warnings: Family Violence, physical abuse, and subjugated women.

With Fangs and Claws  is available now and is available on KU! 

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The Fool and the Sparrow by Dana Fox: A Book Review

 

The Fool and the Sparrow by Dana Fox is the first book in her Arcana of the Tarot series.  It's a bit of fantasy romance, with a touch of Ruby Dixon style heat...this series is NOT for younger readers.

Summary:

Kit the Fool feels restless in his life, and worries he may be in for a reversal...think, when the tarot cards are flipped and their meaning is reversed.  To do some soul searching, and to ease his own restlessness he decides to return to earth to search for answers.  He immediately finds Thea, but it isn't their first time meeting each other. Roughly twenty years prior, Kit found her abandoned and alone, and turned her in to the authorities. 

Thea, is a member of a secretive group called  "The Order." Having been abandoned by her family at a young age, Thea was raised and trained by the Order to be a spy, and assassin, but after many years serving this organization she looks for a way out. She finds a file that will expose the group, and is determined to get it to a whistle blower who will broadcast this information to the world.

Kit feels called to accompany Thea on her journey, and while she initially doesn't want him to join her, she eventually allows him to come. With his good looks, blond curls, and beautiful purple eyes she finds herself attracted to him.

Thoughts:

This book peaked my interest because of the unique setting of bringing the tarot card deck to life. The world building was very light with some mystery still left as to how the living arcana came to be. The pacing of the book was quick and easy. I initially found the beginning of the book to be a bit challenging to read.  The unique way the Arcana spoke to each other I found it initially difficult to follow, however once we got to Thea things were much easier.  

Thea reminded me a lot of Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow from the Marvel Comic book, but Kit was a weird combination of aloofness, spontaneity, and recklessness.  The author tries to embody the meaning of the tarot card in his personality, and I feel she does a good job in this, however I didn't really care for him as a character. I felt their initial meeting was awkward and I practically yelled at the book when Thea decided Kit could go with her..

While it was a fun, sexy read, I wish the relationship between Thea and Kit was deeper. It seemed like they were a partnership of circumstance. I love that she mentions lots of today's social issues in her book, and a strong female lead is always ALWAYS a win for me. If you're looking for a quick, steamy read be sure to grab this book.

Heat factor: 

7/10 -- this book plays with being smut, however the storyline is developed enough to keep it out of that category for me. The sex scenes are very intense, but all consensual. 

The Fool and the Sparrow is available for pre-order now, and will be released June 15, 2022.  It will be available on kindle unlimited!!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Of Cages and Crowns: A Book Review

If you liked Hunger Games, you'll love Of Cages and Crowns

Summary:

Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump is book one of a two book series.   Monroe Benson, a young woman who is "goddess touched" and has the ability to use and manipulate fire. Every generation 10 young goddess touched women, each with their own unique ability come together to compete in a contest called the Culling. They compete with each other,  killing each other to become the next queen of Erydia. Monroe doesn't want this future that seems laid out for her.  Her "goddess touched" mark was on her hand when she was born, family moved to a remote part of the country, and hid her entire life from authorities.  Her family though is split on opinions; her brother Kace wants to become a royal guard and tries to encourage Monroe that her gift is an honor and to fight for the crown would elevate their family. Her other brother, Ambrose joins a resistance group called the Culled, and tries to get Monroe out of the country before she is caught and sent to the capital for the Culling.

Thoughts:

Ya'll what a wild ride. For starters, the book was well paced, and it was tough to set down.    The world building was laced beautifully throughout the story, with an introduction in the beginning that helps give the world depth.  **Don't skip the intro**  It's short and helps set the stage. I liked Monroe, she was tough, independent, not whiney, or needy.  There is a sweet but complicated blossoming relationship between Monroe and Cohen, the queen's son.  I love how Monroe was vulnerable, initially depending on her brother to get her to safety, but in the end she really came into her own making tough choices to get herself and those she loved to safety. If you enjoyed the Hunger Games, or the Divergent series you'll enjoy Of Cages and Crowns.  I can't wait for the next book to be available!

Heat Index: Zero

Triggers: Death, Violence, Betrayal

Of Cages and Crowns is available for pre-order now, and will be available for purchase November 22, 2022. 

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Review: A Court of Bitter Thorn

When I read Kay L Moody's Flame and Crystal Thorns I was pulled in, and really wanted to go back and read the series that it was spun off of. This is an cute fae series, not too dissimilar to SJM's A Court of Thorns and Roses.

A Court of Bitter Thorn is book one of her series Fae of Bitter Thorn.

Summary:

Elora, engaged to be married and recently orphaned is tricked by the fae prince Brannick to come back to Faerie and help him become the High King. She is unable to go home to the mortal world until Prince Bannick becomes King.  She feels betrayed by his trickery and ends up turning against him aligning herself with his competition. She finds herself trapped, controlled and lied to by the prince, but she can't help that she's developing feelings for the attractive fae.

Thoughts:

The world building was beautiful, and I love how scenes were described. The bedroom Elora stayed in at the castle is my dream bedroom, ya'll. This book lacked lots of the depth that I was hoping for. Elora is tough...but only kinda? She is the daughter of the best swordsman in the area, and he has taught her how to swordfight. She can hold her own in a fight, but still lives in a man's world where she must set that aside and marry to secure a home for both herself and her sisters.  Bummer.

While gathering apples, Brannick tricks her into a bargain and then traps her in his castle.  He immediately begins manipulating her, trapping her in her room, tricking her so she can't tell people about their deal. This whole relationship between these two is so unhealthy. He's constantly rejecting her, feigning disgust when she's around because she's human. I felt sad for her most of the book, and was annoyed that this person who's supposed to be so strong is attracted to this toxic guy. I don't mind the tough person who's a softy on the inside, but a tough person who is attracted to someone who's constantly putting her down and gas lighting her, no thanks.

The world though is interesting, and having seen her other work I'm going to keep going with the second book. 

A Court of Bitter Thorn is available for purchase here.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses

 

I finally got a chance to read through Sarah J. Mass's A Court of Thorns and Roses.  If you need a book to just take you somewhere else for a bit, this is it.

Summary: 

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

At least, he’s not a beast all the time.

As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Tamlin in his shape shift form.

Art Credit: BlogTealDeal on Tumbler

Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book.  I couldn't set it down.  It was a wonderful escape, and a story that captivated me from the start. The book flowed well, the world building was easy to follow and slowly unfolding throughout the story. The romance between Feyre and Tamlin developed slowly, and in a way that I could relate to, even in a fantasy type sense.  

I really love Feyre, she is intelligent, innovative and doesn't wait for someone to rescue her.  When her family hit rock bottom she taught herself to shoot a bow and arrow, and to track and hunt for food. She was not the eldest sister, but she took care of her father and her sisters. When she moved in with Tamlin, she challenged him.  She wasn't an easy guest initially, often disobeying rules that he established for her.

If you were curious about fantasy books, but haven't ever felt pulled towards high fantasy (think D&D), then this world may be a good starting place for you.

Spice Rating 4/10: There is sex, it's mildly graphic.

A Court of Thorns and Roses is available for purchase here.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book on my own, and reviewed it all on my own. If you appreciate the review and would like to purchase please consider using one of the links here as I get a small monetary kick back that helps keep this blog going. 

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A Review: Flame and Crystal Thorns

If you loved  A Court of Thorns and Roses by SJM, you'll love Flame and Crystal Thorns.

Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody  is the first book of a fantasy novel series spin off from her original series the Fae of Bitter Thorn. If you want to start from the beginning of everything stop right now, and get A Court of Bitter Thorn. 

Summary:

We follow the story of Chloe, a town healer as she discovers people in her town are getting sick with an illness not usually seen.  Quintus, a fae from her past mysteriously shows up and tells her she needs to return to Faery she initially refuses.  Being the town healer she feels she cannot leave when the town needs her the most, but when she realizes her sister is in danger and by saving Faery she saves her town, she agrees to go.

Thoughts:

The story picks right up with a fast paced introduction.  We immediately see Chloe doing what she does best, working as a healer to save her townsman from a mysterious illness. We learn quickly she has a kind, compassionate heart when it comes to the people of her town. There are connections to characters from the previous series right off from the bat, so I strongly feel that this book should be read after you read her Fae of Bitter Thorn Series. This is not what I did (learn from my mistake, ya'll!), because I was frustrated there was a story and a connection that really wasn't well explained.

The chemistry between Chloe and Quintus evolved throughout the book.  Initially neither seemed glad to be with the other, but slowly they both let down their guard. While Chloe was devoted to her healing craft, she was fearful in battle. Quintus knowing how she responds to battle was very protective and was often her rescuer. Chloe's character development though seemed very simple though, going from being so self sacrificial to putting herself higher on her own priorities.   I hope that in the second book we see her develop even further.  I would love to see her become a badass of her own making. Overall,  I really loved this book, to the point where I really couldn't set it down. If you enjoyed ACOTAR and other Fae Court type novels you would enjoy this book. 

Heat Index: Zero: There is no sex, implied or otherwise in this book.

Flame and Crystal Thorns will be available for purchase beginning May 10, 2022. 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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