Tag: Fantasy (Page 9 of 118)

BOOK REVIEW: My Song’s Gift (Duet of the Gods #2) by Poppy Minnix

March 19, 2023 / Jen / 0 Comments

My Song's Gift (Duet of the Gods #2)
by Poppy Minnix
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
There’s no backing away from the rebellion Alex started in Olympus. He cannot give in and let Olympians, otherworldlings, and humans suffer any longer, and now the siren he loves, Lula is at his side.

The problem is, Zeus is after her and wants Alex’s pledge of loyalty. But Alex won’t bend.

When Alex does the right thing, confessing he knew Lula long before meeting her, she runs… straight into the enemy, Moros', arms. The enemy who has a secret of his own.

He’s been creating chaos on Earth to draw out Lula. He wants her to rule Olympus.

He demands she become as dangerous as he is.

What does a siren with a broken heart do?

She becomes apocalyptic.

Review:

My Song’s Gift was a fabulous ending to Duet of the Gods! If you love Greek mythology, adult romance and political intrigue then make for sure you have this duology on your tbr! With secrets brewing just below the surface and nervous energy sizzling in the air, this book was easy to devour. It was filled with all the angst and was sexy, entertaining and so much fun!

The cliff I stand on gets higher and sharper each day, neither direction a path I want to travel. A thousand times I’ve opened my mouth to tell her and failed to speak the words.

Alex had kept Lula in the dark for how they met and why. It made sense, he never meant to fall in love with her. But after Lula had secrets kept from her, from one of her sisters, he knew that she would struggle forgiving him. Or even not love him anymore. So when Zeus put things into play that forced Alex’s hand, Lula shattered. Her friendships, love and life were seen in a different light. Was any of it even real? So she ran. And landed right in Moros’ crosshairs, who was Alex’s enemy. With sirens missing, death, unrest, a rebellion that was in the works and those we love in perilous situations, this book was impossible to put down!

If he thinks violence will make me give Lula up, he’s wrong. I’ll die to keep her out of his hands.

Alex continued to be the ultimate book boyfriend! Yes guilt was eating him alive for keeping secrets from Lula. She was to help his rebellion and falling in love with her was never part of the plan. So when he decided to tell her the truth, for why they met and how long he had been watching her, I was terrified. Of course Lula was gutted. Hurt and betrayal was all she could feel and breathe. Her faith and trust were gone. And from that moment, they both went in different paths. I couldn’t believe what happened with Alex *cries*. I kept hoping that fairness would prevail, although that didn’t seem to exist in Olympus. But Alex showed us time and again that he was determined and focused. He knew what he wanted…to change Olympus and for Lula to be his forever. So with each action he did, each word he spoke and each breathtaking moment, he cemented himself as someone that was worthy of respect and love.

My rationality left with Comus, when they dragged him from me and closed him out, leaving me with a pile of splintered plans. But I’ve made a new one. Burn everything to the ground and maybe… maybe we’ll find something worthwhile in the ashes.

With Lula leaving and ending up with Moros, oh my heart. Everything went sideways. Her whole world shattered and gone was the girl who had fire in her. I loathed Lula’s time with Moros. It hurt watching her not fight right from wrong. It broke me that she wasn’t running away from unforgivable acts that were done. Lula was a shell of the girl we loved. Yes she had been deceived and now doubted her past and those around her, but anything was better than the sadistic Moros. Although….he was honest with her for who he was. I got that she could trust that much from him. But still, I was begging for her to put together the clues that she was surrounded by monsters. And I kept hoping that something would snap her out of it. Lula definitely had a lot of growing that she needed to accomplish in this story.

The second the door closes and the click of the lock sounds, I drop to my knees and cover my mouth to keep the sobs silent. Nothing will be right again.

Powerless and desperation was laced with hope and allies that left us cheering. I loved watching those step up and have one another’s back. That there was solidarity and so much healing too. Siblings, friendship and love found their way into the pages and that had my heart cheering for joy. Plus, the side characters were everything! I adored Hades! I don’t care if he had a bad rap and was a total wildcard, he cracked me up and I loved his t-shirts! Plus Comos and Rath awww, they were my ultimate two favorite side characters! Oh and Thor. He came out of nowhere and wiggled into my heart so easily. And as the story progressed, there were two twists that I didn’t even see coming. So hold on, because this story was a wild ride!

We have eternity to explore the Earth and realms, but there’s no doubt that I’m his world and he’s mine.

My Song’s Gift was a forbidden love story filled with betrayal, secrets, love, hope and so much charm. The steamy moments between Alex and Lula were everything! And those that are fans of happily ever afters will absolutely love the epilogue that ends this story. It was beautiful and will make readers so happy! Plus it leaves the door open for other characters to have spin-off series, and I for one can’t wait for that to happen. And while usually I talk more about the plot of a story, for this book it’s definitely best left with the reader to discover. There would be too many spoilers, but I will say that the last 30% was my ultimate favorite! If you love adult romantasy, definitely make for sure this one is on your tbr!

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

BOOK REVIEW: House of Pounding Hearts (The Kingdom of Crows #2) by Olivia Wildenstein

February 17, 2023 / Jen / 4 Comments

House of Pounding Hearts (The Kingdom of Crows #2)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
I MEANT TO CAPTURE THE PRINCE'S HEART . . . AND ENDED UP WITH A KING'S.

My desire to sit upon the Lucin throne led me to revive an ancient, winged monarch; one I deemed a friend until that friend duped and imprisoned me.

Lorcan claims he's holding me captive for my own safety, but then he also claims I belong to him. Slumbering for five centuries has evidently given the Crow King severe delusions.

We may share an unfortunate mind-link, but we are still masters of our own destiny, and I intend to steer mine away from the Sky Kingdom and its prophecies . . . away from him.

I quickly find out there is no escaping the possessive male. In all honesty, I'm no longer certain I want to.

Get swept away in the second installment of a slow-burn shifter fantasy series full of heartbreaking deceit, wicked supernaturals, and alpha males.

*contains mature content. Recommended for 18+

Review:

“Once upon a time, Lore, you told me that we were just beginning.” I glance over my shoulder as my words settle into him. “So let’s begin.”

House of Pounding Hearts was a dark and luscious fantasy that was impossible to put down. These characters completely captured my heart. And they will make you laugh. Cry. And fall in love. There were heart stopping moments where dread set like a viper in the pit of my stomach. Lies and secrets swirled through the pages. And death slowly seeped its way in too. If you love romance and fantasy, you need this series in your life!

For several breaths, we just stand there— me gazing at his feet, and him gazing at my downturned face. How far we fell when he rose.

Fallon was a jumble of emotions. She could deny all she wanted, and tell herself lies, but she wanted Lore. And while she struggled with her feelings towards him, I loved how much banter she threw his way. But some of that banter hurt. It made sense though, she was being held in the Bird Kingdom, for her own safety. That anger at being trapped was lashed towards Lore again and again. All the while Fallon’s whole world kept changing. As the story unfolded, Fallon got a very clear picture of where everyone stood. Some of that hurt. But others left us cheering for joy! Fallon was easily one of my favorite heroines and I loved her willingness to try new things. Like learn crow. The meanings of the words she learned, and also the words she used, it felt like my heart would burst with joy. Fallon definitely made me cry happy tears.

He flips my hand and licks a languid line from the center of my palm to the inside of my wrist. Till the sky is darkest, and I can taste you everywhere.

I stand planted in front of my door like one of Nonna’s medicinal shrubs for a solid minute after he retreats to his rooms, gaping after him.

My heart hurt for Lore. He tried so hard again and again with Fallon. She was his mate, yet she wanted none of it. Fallon was determined to have her independence and stay away from him. But even when Lore wasn’t around Fallon, I loved how well informed he kept. I laughed out loud way too many times over that! Through it all, Lore was a constant. He was seductive, charming and impossible to ignore. And he always protected Fallon. There was literally nothing he wouldn’t do for her *cries*. Plus he seemed to play by her rules, and respect Fallon’s needs and wants when push came to shove So I kept waiting for the moment that Lore would claim her, because I knew it would be so hot!

“You may think me a monster, and perhaps fighting monsters has turned me into one, but as you said, you’re shackled to me, Little Bird.”

I puff a breath out of the corner of my mouth in frustration. “I didn’t say it. I thought—”

“Do you know what that makes me in regards to you?”

I sigh. “My ball and chain?”

His mouth tips. “That makes me your monster. The one who will fight off all the others in order to keep you safe.”

In a moment of rare pragmatism, I ask, “And who, do tell, will keep me safe from you, Lorcan Ríhbiadh?”

My words are met with a dusky smile that heightens the fever in my blood and the throb everywhere else.

Fallon and Lore had a definite enemies to lovers vibe in this story. They both said things they didn’t mean, I loved all of her little bird digs haha. They both felt jealousy. Yet they wouldn’t admit or voice their feelings, since they were incredibly stubborn. But they could still talk telepathically, and as time passed they kept getting drawn closer and closer together. Lore kept getting under Fallon’s skin. He would make her smile. And she couldn’t deny that when others had let her down, he always had her back. So I just knew that if they came together, they would be a formable pair and the ultimate power couple. Together they would be unstoppable. So as Fallon started to play a dangerously seductive game with Lore, it was impossible not to squeal in excitement. Because when things turned to more, it was extremely hot, and absolutely beautiful!

He trails a line of kisses up the length of my throat, each gentle peck of his mouth sparking a little moan that vibrates the darkened air.

Even when everything else was upside down, Fallon had those she loved. Pheebs, Syb, and others. But my favorite side character in this book was Eefah. I adored her! And Fallon’s father too. He cracked me up with his emotions. Like when he got upset or learned things and exploded haha. But I still did not like Dante. I thought he was a horrible human who Fallon shouldn’t be giving any leeway. And as the story unfolded, events came about that were unfathomable. It wasn’t supposed to be this way, I was shocked. So be careful, because not everything is as it seems. There were also moments I was terrified for all of them. It was like you could feel the horrific unknown coming. So yes I cried all the tears with this book! And that ending?! It was a true cliffhanger that was EPIC!

Once I’ve burst out, I hinge at the waist and breathe. Just breathe.

And then . . .

And then I finally scream.

Betrayal, lies, schemes, and deceit slashed through the pages. There were hearts broken, trust shattered and when the carpet was pulled beneath them my mouth was wide open. The twists this book took were phenomenal! But there was also hope, laughter, kindness, loyalty, friendship, and even love. And by that final page, Fallon was a true warrior. And Lore solidified himself as one of my top book boyfriends! So pick this book up if you’re looking for a romantasy that continually builds and will leave you with a fabulous, heart stopping ending!

Fight for us, Behach Éan. Your monster is coming.

PS The meatball incident, I’m still laughing!

PPS But the eel scene! Best. Scene. Ever!

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Curse of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #1) by Nicole Platania

January 19, 2023 / Arielle / 3 Comments

The Curse of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #1)
by Nicole Platania
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The war is over.
The curse is lifted.
Malakai is gone.

It’s been two years since Ophelia has seen the boy she loves. When a treaty was signed ending the war and lifting the curse on Mystique Warriors, Malakai left to attempt the sacred ritual known as the Undertaking.

He never returned, and the Undertaking was forbidden. Ophelia’s world crumbled around her.

Since then, she has pursued a fruitless search for answers. When the deadly curse resurfaces only on her, Ophelia finds solace in the idea that when she dies, she may finally be reunited with her lost love. Then, a messenger appears, telling her that she alone may be the one to save her people.

With her closest friends by her side, Ophelia embarks on a race against death—one that will not only challenge her physically, but make her question the Mystique leaders, the Angels, and her belief in love.

Can she win the fight against fate before the curse takes her life, or will the betrayals exposed along the way kill her first?

With influence from Greek Mythology, this debut is the first in a New Adult Fantasy Romance series full of heart-wrenching love, shattering betrayals, and fighting for what you believe in. Fans of Throne of Glass, From Blood and Ash, and The Bridge Kingdom will love it.

Review

I’m back and ready to flail. As most of you know I have been reading Dramione NONSTOP for the past, ohhhhh, year and a half now. For all of December and the first half of this month I have been back to actual books and I am not stopping any time soon. I forgot how much I missed walking in the shoes of all of these different characters in all of these other worlds, so, so much. This book was no exception.

As the first of a series, I was gladly thrust into an entirely new world full of complex governing structures, territories where people excelled at different things, and even other kinds of beings. Honestly there’s still a bit I don’t quite understand in the bigger scheme of things but I think that was intentional as the journey we went on with our main group of characters was to a specific place with a specific purpose. I have a feeling that we’ll be seeing other lands and many more new characters as the series progresses.

Speaking of, while this story as a whole was a great balance of both plot and character-driven, I think the characters were my favorite part. I have always been that way. Obviously, a unique and well-developed plot (which this book definitely has) is very important but to me, having characters who are easy to relate to or even easy to love and hate is super important–always has been and always will be. Ophelia, our main character here is perfectly imperfect. She is a warrior at heart and because of that, she can be hot-headed and stubborn to a fault. Because she is still in a state of grief and mourning (a few different things) for the majority of this book, we get to see her as more than a larger-than-life Warrior figure–we see her humanity. We see her friends surrounding her, trying to help her and keep her sane. Cyph, Tolek, Rina, and even her sister Jezebel each play different roles in her life and keep her from breaking as best as they can. The found family trope is something that has always appealed to me because it means that these characters have CHOSEN to be a family. They don’t feel obligated because they are blood-related. they want to be there because…they just want to. I feel like I’m getting too deep into this but I just really love these characters so much, lol.

Anywayyyy this book has it all. Badass characters, romance that will make you ache, writing that I can’t believe came from a debut author, and a plot that I’m dying for more of. You won’t want to miss out on this one!

Huge thank you to Nicole Platania for allowing me to read an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!♥

BOOK REVIEW: Silk (The Princess & The Spy #3) by Lisette Marshall

December 16, 2022 / Jen / 0 Comments

Silk (The Princess & The Spy #3)
by Lisette Marshall
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
They escaped the darkness of foreign lands. But now the familiar faces at home hide the deepest shadows of all…

The Princess…

Back in Rock Hall, with the horrors of the Floating Castle weeks behind her, Viviette is finally safe from the man she was supposed to marry. But here at home, the danger is coming from within… Just when happiness lies at her fingertips, a brutal murder rips all her hopes and dreams apart, leaving her reeling in a world that will never be the same again.

The Spy…

Rock Hall has never held secrets for Jaghar. His masked service has always traced every word, every look, every footstep. But the king’s violent death is a menacing mystery even to him – a mystery that puts the future of an entire kingdom on the line. If he cannot solve it soon enough, not Velvet but her uncle will be crowned the next ruler of the Peaks.

A fight for the crown…

With the wrong man about to take the throne and Trystan’s murderer still on the loose, the princess and the spy find themselves tangled in a web of political deceit and deadly revenge. They must play the game well, and play it fast. Because if they fail, they may not only lose their kingdom – but each other too.

Silk is the riveting finale of The Princess & The Spy, a steamy fantasy romance trilogy taking place in the dangerous, passionate world of the Five Kingdoms. Perfect for readers of enemies to lovers fantasy and adult fairy tale romances, it tells a story of deadly intrigue, dark secrets and sizzling forbidden love.

Review:

Silk was a wonderful conclusion to The Princess & the Spy Trilogy! Fantasy lovers that are a fan of tortured heroes, fearless heroines, and steamy moments may fall hard for this book! With a fabulous HEA and tons of heart, this story was a lot of fun!

‘You’ll stay with me, won’t you? Whatever happens?’
‘Velvet…’ The joyless smile on his lips nearly made her burst out in tears again. ‘I’ll never not be on your side. I promise.’

Viviette and Jaghar were back home, but again mystery was laced throughout the pages. With a murder to solve and their enemy unknown, they had to work harder than ever to find out what was going on. Trials tested and pushed them to their limits, but Viviette and Jaghar kept proving themselves worthy. They were both so clever and smart, and while I was nervous a future between them wouldn’t work, I kept the hope alive!

‘It’ll be alright. Stay with me. I don’t want to let go of you tonight.’
He pulled her back against his chest, wrapping the blankets around them with trembling arms. ‘But tomorrow…’
‘Tomorrow,’ Viviette said, nestling herself against him and closing her eyes, ‘we fight.’

With this story, I guessed one of the huge twists. But I definitely didn’t guess the next part of it or what one of our favorite characters would do eeps! So much was more than meets the eye and this story kept me on my toes and turning those pages faster. As the story unfolded, I loved how so many questions were answered and that we were given a fabulous ending to this trilogy! But at the same point, so much is still going on in the Five Kingdoms and I can’t wait to see other series set in this world! If you’re looking for a completed fantasy series to binge and are a fan of star crossed lovers, then definitely check this one out!

BOOK REVIEW: Leather (The Princess & The Spy #2) by Lisette Marshall

December 15, 2022 / Jen / 0 Comments

Leather (The Princess & The Spy #2)
by Lisette Marshall
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
She must be a queen. He could never be a king. When duty tears them apart, will their love survive the dark secrets that threaten them?

Steamy medieval fantasy romance ◆ Forbidden love ◆ Arranged marriage

The Princess…
Never did Viviette expect to find this much happiness in the shadows of Rock Hall. And now she must lose it all again – her mask, her freedom, the man she was never allowed to love in the first place… When her father announces her engagement to the widowed king of a neighbouring nation, she has no choice but to leave her home and heart behind and travel to the castle where she is to marry.

The Spy…
Jaghar always knew their affair couldn’t last. He always knew his loyalty to her father would keep them apart. But when the news of assassins on Velvet’s trail reaches him, loyalty is the last thing on his mind. He must protect her, even if he has to follow her deep into foreign territory to keep her safe – and even if it forces him to face the man who’ll take his place by her side.

A buried secret…
But in the idyllic Riverlands, danger is lurking around every corner. A knight with vicious intentions. A palace like a prison. And then there’s the mysterious disappearance of the king’s first wife… With darkness closing in and the desire between them still burning bright, how long can duty hold the princess and the spy apart?

Leather is the second book of The Princess & The Spy, a steamy fantasy romance trilogy taking place in the dangerous, passionate world of the Five Kingdoms. Perfect for readers of enemies to lovers fantasy and adult fairy tale romances, it tells a story of deadly intrigue, dark secrets and sizzling forbidden love.

Review:

Leather was a fabulous continuation of the Princess & The Spy Trilogy! Not only was this book extremely steamy again, but it also had political intrigue, creepy foreshadowing and a few twists that left me reeling! Fantasy lovers definitely need to check out this trilogy!

‘I did what I thought was best for you.’
‘But you didn’t bother asking what I thought was best for me.’

Viviette and Jaghar were both forced to put duty ahead of their own needs, when she was told by her father that she was to be married to another. My heart ached for them. Because regardless of what was expected of them, they still wanted each other. Unfortunately that just couldn’t be. So as the story unfolded, we found them again searching for clues, trying to discover the bigger picture and I loved watching them work as a team. Together they seemed unstoppable, even with so many obstacles in their way! And when some twists not only left them blindsided, but me too, I was left gasping and hoping for blood or retribution!

‘Tell me if you want to get out of here,’ he muttered. The words left a bitter taste of treason on his tongue, but for once, with the mixture of rage and concern burning in his veins, he couldn’t bring himself to care.

Jaghar was definitely my favorite in this book. I loved how he could be so smart, calm, collected, clever, and selfless. It not only made me fall harder for him, but my heart ached for life to be fair to him. It seemed like an impossible feat at times since who he cared for was to be married to another. But that didn’t matter when it came to protecting Viviette. The things he did in this story to keep her safe?! *Swoon* Jaghar was amazing! Viviette stepped up her game too and I loved how she tried her best to do what was expected of her but at the end of the day she did what she thought was right. My respect for her climbed even higher.

‘I never told you…’ His voice was hoarse, but the words fell from his lips easily as if he had written them out in his mind. ‘I never really told you – what you do to me, what you’ve been doing to me since the day you came storming into that corridor to eavesdrop on your own bloody father—’
A smile broke through on her face at the memory.

With mystery, intrigue, sacrifice, romance and the stakes being even higher, Leather was a fantastic addition to The Princess & The Spy Trilogy! I’m definitely thankful that this series is complete because I have to know how Jaghar and Viviette’s story ends! Fans of steamy Fantasy should check this one out!