Tag: Fantasy (Page 1 of 117)

BOOK REVIEW: A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

January 1, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. And it’s been foretold that such magic will unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she has sworn to protect.

Review:

It was the wanting that made my life hard. If I could only stop wanting, perhaps I might find some happiness in what I had.

A Fate Inked in Blood was a Viking romantasy that was so effortless to love. With a forbidden relationship, a world that was so easy to get lost in, and characters that you’ll be rooting for or against, I adored this book. If you’re looking for a romantasy that has some action, twists, and a slow burn romance, definitely put this one on your tbr.

“Not all scars we earn are skin- deep, Freya Born- in- Fire.” He loosened his grip, my hand sliding through his. Though my scarred palm was numb, I swore I felt his fingers trail across it, and the sensation caused me to shiver. “There is no less honor in them.”

From the moment Bjorn showed up on the page I was a goner. I already liked Freya, she was fierce and I loved how she wouldn’t give up. Even if I did struggle when she let those who were supposed to love her, walk over her. But the connection between Bjorn and Frey was everything. There was definitely some insta-lust, but I loved how it was forced into a slow burn. Their forbidden relationship was done beautifully. And I have so many thoughts on how the story unfolded, but I think it’s best to discover it for yourself!

“It is hard to keep one’s wits when faced with a woman as beautiful as the sight of shore to a man who has been lost at sea.”

With secrets, friendship, battles, traitors, angst, and love, A Fate Inked in Blood was mesmerizing. This story kept me hooked while I alternated between listening and reading on my Kindle. I’m glad I did that because I would have pronounced so many of the names wrong lol. The only hiccup I had was towards the end of the book there was a lot of steam. Usually I want all the steam, but it felt like it kept going on when I just wanted to get back to the story. But with that ending, I’m counting down till the next book releases. We’re left struggling a little, but at the same time it’s the perfect waiting spot. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I liked him. Liked how he was both terrifyingly ruthless and heartbreakingly kind. Liked how he made me laugh and how his wit kept me on my toes. Liked the way I felt not just safe in his presence, but strong. I wanted to be close to him, and I was terrified of how my feelings might grow if I kept feeding that want.
Talk to him.

BOOK REVIEWS: The Stars are Dying (Nytefall #1) by Chloe C. Peñaranda & Saddle Up Cowboy (Coldbank Cowboys #1) by Sade Rena

December 31, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Stars are Dying (Nytefall #1)
by Chloe C. Peñaranda
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
"The brightest star needs the darkest night."

Astraea is a prisoner of her own mind, the past sliding from her grasp like water. But she knows she must escape the tyrannical king who holds her captive and find her clouded memories once again. This quest leads her to the Libertatem, a succession of trials hosted by the king in which five human lands compete for a cycle of safety from the vampires seeking blood, claiming souls, and savaging after dark.

But even winning the Libertatum will not keep Astraea safe from vampires. She’s made a bargain with Nyte, the beautiful, deadly vampire who stalks her dreams and haunts her waking hours. He promises to keep her safe, but she knows she cannot trust him, cannot trust his lies, even as she finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into his seductive embrace.

Caught between Nyte and her own mysteries, Astraea must decide if winning the Libertatem for her kingdom is worth her life, or if protection―and the answers to her past―really are her strongest desires.

Review:

The Stars are Dying was a star-crossed romantsay that was fascinating, but at the same time it gave me vibes of some of my favorite books. And when I end up comparing new books to others I love, that never ends well for me. With whisperings of From Blood and Ash, Spark of the Everflame and a few others, I struggled to connect with this book. I also struggled to connect with Astraea, because I didn’t always understand some of her decisions. There were some fabulous twists in this story, but I guessed quite a few of them. And I liked that the pace was quick, so it kept me turning those 400+ pages. I do think if you haven’t read a lot of romantasy books, this one may completely enrapture you. There were so many elements that I loved. But at the end of the day, this book never pulled me in, so I won’t be continuing on with this series.

“How are you here?” I aired the question, not really expecting an answer as I scanned the room for the satchel I’d arrived with.
“I have always been here,” he said, so quietly I almost missed it.

Saddle Up Cowboy by Sade Rena
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He's eight years too young for me, but I can't seem to stay away.

Parker was the last thing I expected when I packed my bags and moved to small-town Texas after learning my then-ex cheated two months before our wedding. All I knew is that I wanted to be far away.

With my savings and a broken heart, I purchased a fixer-upper and took the next plane to a place where only one person knew my name. It was supposed to be my perfect opportunity to start over and scrub the male species from my mind. And it would have worked had Parker not smiled at me from the other end of the bar with eyes so blue they'd make a nun swoon.

I should have stayed away because the last thing my heart needs is another failed relationship. But before I knew it, that smile turned into drinks, and eventually, his mouth on mine. Our fling was supposed to start and end that night, so imagine my surprise when he showed up at my door, determined to fix my house and broken heart.

What's the problem? I gave up on love the moment my ex stepped all over mine, and Parker's about to learn that some things aren't fixed so easily.

Saddle Up Cowboy, book one in the Coldbank Cowboy series, is a small-town reverse age gap romance that stands alone with a happy ever after guaranteed.

Review:

With the most mortifyingly embarrassing yet hilarious meet cute and hook up, Saddle Up Cowboy was a lot of fun! I listened to this story and was completely swept away. The characters were easy to like, the story-line was enjoyable, and the ending was heartwarming! Parker and Renee made me so happy. From when they met up again, to their exchange agreement, I absolutely adored them! Plus the friendships in this story added a beautiful layer. If you’re looking for a steamy, adult, age gap, cowboy romance, this one was so entertaining!

He inches closer. “yousaid my first time should be with someone who means somethin’. So, I’ll make this mean somethin’,”

BOOK REVIEWS: Cole & Mistletoe by Sadie Rose & Elfemies to Lovers by Jennifer Chipman

December 30, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Cole & Mistletoe by Sadie Rose
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Fired from her corporate motivational speaking job just weeks before Christmas, Sloane Morozov makes the decision to spend Christmas at the same lakeside cabin resort from her childhood. But soon her winter wonderland is invaded by Cole Mansfield, a grouchy workaholic, the last thing you should hope to find in your stocking, but who might turn out to be the only gift she needs.

This is a standalone novel.

Review:

Cole & Mistletoe was a grumpy sunshine Christmas novella that had all the charm. Set in Lake Tahoe, they were surrounded by a Christmas wonderland. I loved how the characters were so easy to like. Even if Cole got off on the wrong foot and his grumpiness couldn’t help but come out time and again. I adored watching Sloane try and win him over! His nice, caring, thoughtful side was so beautiful! And while I predicted where this story was going, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all. With baked goods, steamy moments, a memorable Christmas tree and so much more, this romance was so much fun! I’ll definitely be reading a full length novel by Sadie Rose next!

Maybe, just maybe he isn’t the worst cabin neighbor or grump.

Elfemies to Lovers by Jennifer Chipman
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The daughter of a runaway Christmas Elf. The son of Santa Claus. A whole lot of Christmas Magic. What could go wrong?

Ivy Winters

As the head elf at Santa’s Christmasland, I never expected to be butting heads with the new executive—or going on a date with him. But when he asked me to go home with him for Christmas, I surprised myself by saying yes.

Oh, and he’s from the North Pole.

And apparently, I’m an elf.

Teddy Claus

Training to take over the family business was no small undertaking, but for the last few years, I’d been working my way up through the ranks, mastering each branch of our enterprise.

But everything was different when I arrived at our Christmas themed amusement park and met her.

Maybe that was why I invited her home with me for Christmas.

It felt like I’d been searching my whole life for something, and I’d finally found it.

Maybe, what I’d needed all along was Ivy by my side.

Review:

Elfemies to Lovers had so much potential! With the magic of Christmas, and the background of characters feeling unique for a holiday romance, I thought I would fall head over heels in love with this story. Yes it had some insta love, but I don’t mind that with my holiday reads. The issue was that my feelings towards this book veered off course when we hit about 23%. I started to lose sight of why Teddy liked Ivy, the story-line had a few holes, and I found myself skimming the latter half of this book. I desperately wanted to love this steamy Christmas story more, but the execution wasn’t for me.

It felt a little like fate that Teddy had walked into my life, swept me off my feet, and brought me home for Christmas.

BOOK REVIEW: Servant of Earth(The Shards of Magic #1) by Sarah Hawley

December 20, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.

Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say half feral—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.

Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.

Review:

Servant of Earth was a fantasy that completely swept me away. The world was fascinating, the characters were multifaceted and kept us on our toes, and the storyline played out beautifully! This is a book I’ll definitely be re-reading down the road, because I couldn’t put this one down! With a heroine we could respect, morally gray Fae princes that captured our heart, and political intrigue with games abound, this book was so easy to love!

Kenna Heron became trapped in the underground kingdom of Mistei surrounded by the Fae. She found herself forced to help her new mistress pass trials to gain her immortality and became the new heir of Earth House. Right from the start, Kenna became an instant favorite. She was brave and I loved her ability to dive into any situation no matter how terrifying. Plus, she was smart and had such a good heart. Also I loved that she didn’t think twice about stabbing someone! Yet the world Kenna knew wasn’t as black and white as she thought it was. As new things and horrors became known, Kenna found herself in the middle of a rebellion that she couldn’t walk away from.

While there were multiple morally gray Fae princes in the pages, two of them captured my attention. I have extremely strong opinions on them, but I don’t want to say what they are because of spoilers. Just know that you should trust your heart and gut. Because it led me to screaming, I knew it!. And I was left excited to see what will happen next!

One of my favorite aspects about this story were the tests. And how Kenna had such an intricate role with helping Laura. I was fascinated and so nervous for them. I hung onto their every word. And as the story unfolded, I loved all that we learned. Rules became broken. Alliances formed and others became unknown. And those you thought you could trust seemed to hang on a precipice. This book was absolutely fascinating! Plus I loved how a certain object seemed to become its own character!

With secrets, murder, traitors, kisses, betrayal, twists, and tests, Servant of Earth was a romantasy book that was so easy to love! The ending left us in the perfect holding pattern, and I’m eagerly counting down till that next book releases. I listened to the audiobook of this, and it was beautifully done!

BOOK REVIEW: Dasher by Poppy Minnix

December 1, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Dasher by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A fated but forbidden love holiday shifter/monster mashup

KRAMPUS:

A mysterious new business is poaching workers from my pleasure club, and I have an idea of who’s behind it. My rivalry with Santa is legendary from our competing businesses to the way we handle the holidays, making my half-brother's new does top the naughty list for questioning. Especially one fluttery, pink-haired beauty that’s too enticing to my inner demon.

No one is that innocent. I can't wait to get Dasha Dasher into a private room and uncover everything about her.

DASHA:

Gaining the gift of flying isn’t the only perk as Santa’s new Dasher. The rest of the year, I get to work next to the other reindeer shifters at his mystical gentleman’s club instead of living in a chilly North Pole barn.

At least my aunt is training me, though that hasn’t been all glitter and cocoa. She owned every spotlight when she was a flyer. She’s trying hard to mold me into what she was—smooth, sensual, and able to fake lust without making weird faces.

If I can’t get my act together, Santa will revoke my flying powers, fire me from the club, and then I won’t get to see the intriguing horned legend that makes my skin heat when he watches me.

***
Originally published under pen name Georgie Monroe (book and Kindle Vella)

Review:

Dasher was a holiday romance that had all the spice! With reindeer shifters, Krampus, pleasure club’s and more, this book was unlike anything I have ever read. It is the most unique Christmas book ever! Within the pages were characters that were easy to like, a story-line that was fun, and moments filled with all the heat.

What a twist of fate to link a gentle doe to someone like me.

Dasha Dancer was one of Santa’s reindeer. She was a shifter, who in the offseason worked at Santa’s gentlemen’s club. Dasha was new to both of the scenes, so I loved watching her try and push herself. She wanted to be the best she could be, as a flier and a dancer. Surrounding her were the other reindeer she worked with, plus elfs, and demons too. It was such a fascinating world! So the moment Krampus, Santa’s brother, entered the club sparks flew between them!

“So, it’s pleasure you seek from me, Dasha Dasher?”
She leans forward until we’re eye-to-eye. “That’s one reason.”

From the moment Dasha gave Krampus a lap dance, I couldn’t stop grinning. He had a pleasure club that worked differently than Santa’s, but he couldn’t stay away from her. I loved how he was kind, and that he always seemed to have her back. Even if he came across as a monster to others. Although that tongue of his, it was truly like another character in this book :).

“Dasha.” Krampus’s voice makes me feel like I’m in the kitchen pulling warm cookies from the oven. I want to melt against him. How could one moment together make me need him so much?

The chapters were short, and it made this book so easy to binge in almost a day! And I loved how the side characters stood out so easily. I’m hoping that we’ll get some of their stories or novellas down the road! Also, while the rivalry between Santa and Krampus kept me wondering what was going to happen next, I enjoyed watching how family and friendship played into this story too.

“When I fuck you, Dasha, I will claim you. I will take you in every way you wish, but only when you’re ready to call me yours.”

Dasher was a seductive Christmas story that was filled with all the steam. I really enjoyed reading this book, but you need to be comfortable with erotic moments being watched by others. If you’re looking for something to shake up your holiday reads, this is definitely the book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*