Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon

I hope you're ready for the next beautiful cover update to Ruby Dixon's Ice Planet Barbarian Series. This cover is gorgeous!

Synopsis:

'Resonance' is supposed to be a dream - that's when your soulmate is chosen for you. And everyone on the ice planet has hooked up with a big, hunky soulmate of their own...except me. So do I want a mate? Heck yeah. More than anything, all I've ever wanted is to be loved by someone.

Except that the soulmate chosen for me? My least favorite person on the darn ice planet. Haeden's the most cranky, disapproving, unpleasant, overbearing male alien...so why is it that my body sings when he gets close? Why is he working so hard to prove to me that he's not as awful as I think he is?

I hate him...don't I?

Thoughts:

I read this book immediately after finishing ACOSF, and maybe this book was the breather I needed right after that. If you're looking for depth, and soul, and emotional growth in a book...you're looking in the wrong place. The goal of anyone in this book is to find a mate, and make babies with them. That's their sole purpose.

There's a bit of an enemies to lovers feel to the book because they didn't like each other at first, but they end up working through that. She sets off on a tantrum and leaves the community and he chases after her, saves her, and then has lots of crazy sex. He has a tail. He knows how to use it, ya'll.

Overall, if you want to read a quick steamy story about a grumpy alien who's completely devoted to a mate who's not so sure about him at first. Did I mention tail action? TAIL ACTION.

Barbarian's Mate was originally released March 25, 2016, but this special edition cover is being released July 11, 2023 and is available on Amazon.

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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Dance with a Fae Prince by Elise Kova

Ya'll, I'm so glad I decided May was my mood reading month. I chose most if not every book I read on my own, and not from a TBR.  It was my birthday gift to myself. I'm behind on my reviews so keep checking back to see what made it to my mood reading month of May. Dance with the Fae Prince is book two of the Married to Magic series. Each book in the series is a standalone. I read book one so long ago, way before I started this blog so I didn't write up a thorough review. So now you're getting my thoughts on book two. 

Synopsis:

She knew her hand in marriage would be sold. She had no idea a fae prince was the buyer.

Katria swore she'd never fall in love. She's seen what "love" means through the cruelty of her family. So when she's married off to the mysterious Lord Fenwood for a handsome price, all Katria wants is a better life than the one she's leaving. Feelings are off the table.

But her new husband makes not falling in love difficult.

As their attraction begins to grow, so too do the oddities within her new life: strange rules, screams in the night, and attacks by fae that Katria never thought were real. When she witnesses a ritual not meant for human eyes, Katria finds herself spirited away to the land of Midscape.

Surviving the fae wilds as a human is hard enough. Katria must survive as a human who accidently pilfered the magic of ancient kings - magic a bloodthirsty king is ready to kill her for in order to keep his stolen throne - and her new husband is the rightful heir in hiding.

The power to save the fae is in her hands. But who will save her from a love she vowed never to feel?

A Dance with the Fae Prince is a complete, *stand-alone novel*, inspired by the tales of Psyche and Eros, as well as Cinderella, with a "happily ever after" ending. It's perfect for romantic fantasy readers who enjoyed of A Court of Silver Flames and An Enchantment of Ravens. A Dance with the Fae Prince features a slow-burn romance, swoon-worthy couple, and steaminess that ranges from simmering to sizzling.

Thoughts:

Fantasy readers...put this on your list as your next comfort read. Inspired by Cinderella, and other fairy tales but with it's very own twist. Ya'll know I'm a huge fan of the fantasy romance genre, and Elise Kova's Dance with a Fae Prince hits all of my favorites.  A little slow burn romance, a little forbidden love even, the down trodden even slightly abuse underdog female lead, who stumbles into a life that she didn't mean to, and manages to grow into a fierce of her own. Yes, please.

The world-building in this book was lovely and creative. The setting was beautifully described, with lush descriptions that allowed me to picture everything in my mind's eye. I was immediately transported into the story which is what I love about fantasy so much.  Take me to this world please.

Katria was the underdog in this story from the start, with her Cinderella-esq start, her mother having passed away, her father remarried the "evil step-mother" and then weirdly disappears.  Katria then "helps" around the house, but then is forced into a marriage so her step mother and step sisters can continue living the lavish lifestyle they can't afford.

Her marriage is weird though, she's not aloud to look at her husband and she has no jobs or duties in her new home. She at first thinks of it as a vacation (I need this vacation please), but then she eventually gets bored.  Reasonable. 

This ends up being the sweetest of slow burns, with a hint of enemies to lovers. I thought the pacing was just right. The steam level is almost zero, with scenes fading to black. There is talk of sex, we know it happens, but the descriptions are minimal.

The twists are predictable, the slow burn is not a stressful one, and the story happily concludes at the end of the novel making it the easy comfort read that it is.  Fantasy readers, grab this book when a heavy book has you emotionally exhausted and you need a book to set you right again. 

Dance with a Fae Prince by Elise Kova was published August 19, 2021 and is available for purchase on Amazon and Bookshop.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book on my own for my own enjoyment and merriment.  This however does not affect my opinions. 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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Where the Skies Fall by Casey Bond

This is book two in the Where Oceans Burn Duology, if you'd like to read my review for book one, check it out here.

Synopsis:

With these three tenets, we will live. With these three, we will fight.
Bravery. Breath. Brine.

Bravery.
Neera, Goddess of the Sky, claims the war will end in the place where oceans burn. God of the Sea, Talay, believes it to be in the place where skies fall. Yet battles unlike any our people have fought before still wait to be waged. Like it or not, Crest and I find ourselves caught in the middle.

Breath.
He is The Shark, leader of the Guardians of the ocean. Sworn to protect everything in the salty sea below, his people stake claim to the Isle of Kehlani. As The Scourge of the Sky, I was once his mortal enemy. But he and his people took me in and showed me I’m worth more than the power surging through my veins. For the first time, I feel the sky might not be where I belong.

Brine.
The great goddess Neera’s scale has tipped out of my favor. Now, losing the feathers in my wings is the least of my worries. It will take every ounce of my cunning and skills to rip myself from the grip of a cruel goddess who would see me cowed and caged. Talay has claimed me for his own, and for that, I am grateful. When the sky descends, thirsty for blood, I will fight. For those I love. For the life I crave. And for him… For him, I will sink the kingdom of the sky. I will drag Empyrean into the depths and delight in watching it drown.

Thoughts:

Like the first book, I felt anxious while reading it...at least until progress was made in our slowest of slow burn romances. I love Elira and Crest, and while I found myself less emotional in this book than I was in the first book I will still just as pulled in. 

The story is a fast paced continuation of book one, with Crest and Elira trying to figure out what their relationship will be, along with dealing with the goddess Neera. I'm not usually a fan of enemies to lovers stories, but this one is done just right. Neither one ever bullies the other, and they go from being enemies to seeing each other's worth.  This final book in this duology was done so very well. 

If you're on the fence with enemies to lovers, but love fantasy romances, with some amazing found family vibes give this one a shot. 

Where the Skies Fall was released January 13, 2023, and is available on Amazon.

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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A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows by Holly Renee

 

Synopsis:

Destiny or desire?

Where does your allegiance lie?

I am told my union to the crowned prince will determine the fate of the kingdom, but it isn’t my betrothed who haunts my dreams. It’s the half-breed prince who stands at his side.

He is darkness and sin, and when he whispers promises of wickedness in my ear, I crave a man who I can’t have.

Every thought I have is treasonous. The way my hands ache to touch him deceitful.

Even my dreams make me a traitor to the kingdom I am sworn to protect.

But when the kingdom is attacked, I am forced to make choices I’m not prepared for. Our lies and deception are entangled in the shadows and stars, and as they unravel so shall my fate. Betray a kingdom or betray my heart.

Thoughts:

I was supposed to read a different book when I started this, but it pulled me right in and I inhaled this one in about a day. It's on the shorter side, at only 259 pages so it's a quick fun read.

Adara was born Starblessed, and is supposed to marry Prince Gavriel, and become Queen of the fae. When she comes of age, she is collected and whisked away to a castle. She quickly realizes not everything is as they seem. The prince's half brother, Evren is a darker presence, but one she feels pulled to.

Adara seems to have almost no choice in her life, she is directed by her mother, and prophecy. She seems unhappy to go with the flow, but also helpless to get herself out of this situation. There is a lot of room for character development here, but we don't really see it in this book. Instead we get the fate she doesn't want, and a grumpy alpha male to whisk her away from it.

I'm not usually a big fan of a weaker female lead being lead by a alpha male, but the book moved so quickly I still couldn't set it down. The slow burn is satisfying, the forbidden love aspect brings it to another level..and bonus there's lots of spicey spice.

Overall, an enjoyable, fast paced, spicey, fantasy romance. I'm looking forward to book two.

A Kingdom of Stars is available on Amazon and Bookshop.

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book myself for review.  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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Frost by CN Crawford

 

Synopsis:

On the worst birthday of my life, I come home to find my boyfriend in bed with another woman. Within hours, I’m drunk, homeless, and pledging to stay single forever. And that is when the dangerously sexy Seelie King rolls through town, looking for fae like me.

Every generation, the king holds a competition for Seelie queen. But for reasons he won’t explain, Torin is looking for a charade, not a real marriage. So when I drunkenly sling insults his way, I have his attention.

When Torin offers me fifty million to participate, I think, “What have I got to lose?” The answer turns out to be “my life,” because my competition will literally kill for the crown.

And the more time I spend with the seductive king, the harder it becomes to remember it’s all supposed to be fake. Now, my life—and my heart—are on the line.

Thoughts:

This is the kind of romantasy book that is my all time favorite... we have a broody male fae king with a secret curse he can't tell anyone, and a tough independent female lead with a secret past we don't know much about. Combine this with a "Hunger Games" style contest to win a crown, and it's all win for me.

This book could easily have been read in one sitting. I really felt there was never a dull moment, or wordy explanations that take too long. We start right off with the heart break that is mentioned in the synopsis. Andrew is absolutely hated from the start, and of course while at her most vulnerable she meets Torin.

Because of his secret curse, Torin wants to marry someone he can't love, and he thinks he's found that in Ava. However, this is when the slow burn, forbidden romance slowly evolves...and we never really get much satisfaction in this book. The story leaves off here with a bit of a cliffhanger, and completely unresolved. As much as I usually don't like this in books, it actually worked for me, however I'm really glad book two comes out in less than two weeks.

I hope book two in this series keeps up the great momentum that was developed in book one.

Frost by CN Crawford is available on Amazon. Ambrosia, book two of her Frost and Nectar series releases February 20th. 

To learn more about CN Crawford head over to her website here.

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Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book myself for review.  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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Delicate Betrayal by Jessaca Whillis

Viking Queen out to slay a dragon? Yes, please.

Synopsis: 

A marriage to save the kingdom. A betrayal to leave it in ruins.

When Aenwyn’s magic unleashes a reign of dragons upon the kingdoms, she agrees to marry King Everard to atone for the devastation she's caused.

Queendom proves to be as dissatisfying as their loveless marriage. Until the day that fate answers her pleas for adventure with a vision of flames and a chance at redemption.

When the ruggedly handsome knight, Ser Darius Graeme, sees Queen Aenwyn fleeing the castle, he is bound by his oath to the king to chase after her and bring her back unharmed.

But nothing will stop Aenwyn from slaying the dragon and claiming its heart—and perhaps the knight’s as well.

Thoughts:

Viking Queen? Yes, please. This was a well paced, well laid out book with an original plot and storyline. Aenwyn's origins are difficult to empathize with, having seen her entire community die. Being the only survivor of her community, she lived alone for very long time, having been described as feral by those who found her. She was adopted by Baug the Bear, who was the leader of his clan.  She later enters into an arranged marriage partly due to her responsibility in accidentally hatching a dragon that has killed thousands of people. She seizes an opportunity to escape her controlling husand to go slay the dragon...and by chance, she is followed by and then aided by Ser Darius.

Aenwyn I felt was constantly trying to refind herself, and her strength in this story.  Her marriage to the king was contractual and loveless, and when they married the king bound her magic with a ring. For a year she submitted to him, wore the ring, and tried her best to be an obedient wife. She bubbled over with frustration, and on her journey with Ser Darius seemed to have found herself.  The love story between Aenwyn and Ser Darius has left me a bit confused. Other than being physically attracted to each other I'm struggling to see what else their connection is.  He seems pretty foolish at the beginning of the book, even if he is solidly a good guy. I felt the struggle of loyalties between him and the king, and the queen could have been done with more depth.  I hope that it's touched upon more in book two. 

There were lots of twists and turns, and plots that I didn't see coming. Overall I enjoyed the book and recommend for anyone in the mood for a forbidden romance with a Queen who finds her own badassery! 

A Delicate Betrayal is available on Amazon and Bookshop.

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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Rise of a Dark Throne by Ligia N. Cushman

A Dark Fantasy, Enemies to Lovers with lots of Spice

Synopsis:

When Sole awakens from the darkness, a terrifying plague that killed her family, she is left with the one thing she never wanted, Magick. She soon discovers that this rare power, thought to be long lost, has the ability to save her world. The tyrant King of Sundom summons her to serve his own purpose, setting her on an incredibly perilous journey. Sole soon finds herself navigating a dark web of politics, alluring power, desire, and great evil.

Rivian Alacor had his life all planned out. As the high-born second prince of Sundom, he could never be heir to the throne. Instead, he would lead the Sundom Guards, and when his brother became King, he would be part of his high council. Rivian would secure alliances by being mated to Selah Grado, the fairest and fiercest woman in Sundom. But, when his cruel father becomes infected with the Darkness, Rivian is sent on a journey to retrieve the first mage in generations. Meeting Sole changed everything.

Will they be the future of Transea, or will they burn it all down?

Thoughts:

What a whirlwind! This was a unique story, with a immersive world. The world building was done in a semi-gradual way with only minor info dumping.  I love love love the world discriptions, the beautiful sea, the otherwordly surroundings...I want to live there.

Sole was tough, and she met difficulties with an impossible strength.  She was often unyeilding...and I was here for it. Except for when she wasn't and then I was confused. She had such a tough spine while on the ship, but then when she was in front of the king she seemed to cave a bit. She was purposefully slighted, and I thought she was going to kill them all...but then she didn't. 

The romance was also hit or miss for me. Other then being physically attracted to each other and having to share close quarteres (on a ship), I didn't see how they really connected other than them both being second children of their parents. I also would have liked to hear more about the differences in the cultures, and I'm hoping book two further develops both the romance and the setting.  Overall I enjoyed the book, and I'm looking forward to book two. 

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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Beyond the Filigree Wall by Melissa Wright

 

A clean, slow burn, enemies to lovers YA Romantasy

Synopsis:

Antonetta Ostwind is about to get everything she’s ever wanted. If all goes to plan, she’ll end the fae, steal back what was stolen, and win the post she’s dreamed of since she was a girl.

There’s just one problem. His name is Gideon Alexander.

Gideon holds the key to her coveted post. He’s fantastic with a sword, looks amazing in uniform, and commands even the adoration of his great, beastly dog. He’s living the life Etta needs.

Gideon doesn’t believe Etta should have any of it. In fact, he’s planning to make sure she never does. And that’s a real problem, because if Etta can’t take her post as marshal, how can she have her vengeance and save the kingdom from the prince of the fae?

Slip into clean, slow-burn romance with a properly stabby heroine and the low commitment of a standalone series in this light regency fantasy romp for fans of Enchantment of Ravens and Little Thieves.

Thoughts:

So much I didn't see coming in this book.  Including how I was suddenly almost finished with it with out realizing it. It's not often I inhale a book in a day. The storytelling was immersive and vibrant, and I was able to picture what was going on easily. I really loved Etta, and felt like I could relate to her. She was independent, and rash, but she also grew in the story. Gideon I didn't like at the beginning.  He was stuffy, a stickler to rules, but as the story was laid out it made sense he was the way he was, and I loved how he softened towards Etta. Going to be honest, I'm not usually a fan of enemies to lovers, mostly because many are written in a toxic way...and this one refreshingly was done beautifully.

When Etta returned from being a way, I wondered if she was acting like the spoiled child of a monarch. Her father had sent her away for training to become marshal, learning sword fighting and other tools that would make her a good leader of the kingdom's law enforcement. There may have been a bit of spoiledness to her, dispite the hardships she had in life, but the fae prince's curse and having to learn how to overcome that pushed her to become even more resourceful.

If you're looking for a great coming of age fantasy story, with a very light side of clean romance be sure to add this to your shopping list.  

Beyond the Filigree Wall will be available on Amazon beginning December 6th.

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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Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody

 Shadow and Crystal Thorns is book 2 in Kay L. Moody's Fae of Crystal Thorn series. If you haven't read book one stop and check out my review for book one here.

Synopsis: 

War would be easier if she could tell who was right and who was wrong.

Chloe remains in Faerie, but she's only supposed to stay long enough to defeat the bloodthirsty mortals who are trying to claim the land for themselves. But now she's not so sure she wants to return to the mortal realm, especially when the devastatingly handsome fae, Quintus, keeps asking her to stay.

Even worse, defeating the mortals becomes more difficult by the day while their numbers continuously grow. She also learns exactly why they want the land. As a mortal herself, it's hard to disagree with them. But they can't take Faerie unless they steal it from the fae.

Alliances blur when Chloe realizes both sides deserve what they seek. But only one of them can win.

Rating

Thoughts:

Shadow and Crystal Thorns picks right up where book one left off, so if you haven't read book one you should absolutely start there.  Chloe, Quintus and crew are still working to make Faerie safe by cleansing the land of the iron the mortals brought over. The mortals, lead by Julius and Portia wage war against all the immortal fae, but even still Chloe tries hard to see the good in them and hopes to find a solution that will bring everyone peace...except maybe Julius and Portia. 

I love the sweet love story between Chloe and Quintus. It's so much different than the first series...the story between Brannick and Elora. I actually really didn't care for either one of those characters, and I specially didn't like Brannick...but I really do like Chloe and Quintus together.  I love how Chloe brings out the best in him, and I love how fiercly protective he is of her. 

Chloe and Quintus, along with Mishti and Ludo...and a dragon (!!!), work together to save all the courts of Faerie. Each person in the group brings their own strength, and Chloe strives to find her voice and make her ideas heard. She works passed most people underestimating her, proving to everyone that she is capable.

Overall, this book was a quick paced read. If you like a clean fantasy romance, definitely suitable for a younger audience be sure to add this to your TBR. 

Shadow and Cyrstal Thorns is available on Amazon and Bookshop beginning October 18, 2022.

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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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