House of Pounding Hearts (The Kingdom of Crows #2)by Olivia Wildenstein
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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.*
I don’t think I’ve heard of this series before. I can tell you really liked it, and it does sound like it would be good. I just don’t read a lot of fantasy these days though. I do love that cover!
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…Review: Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort
Ironically Olivia Wildenstein pulled me in a while back with a YA contemporary romance. And each book she writes just blows my mind. They’re so unique and well crafted. She has definitely made me a fan for life ♥.
I hadn’t heard of this series, but it sounds fantastic! Thanks for introducing me to it.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction recently posted…Bite-Sized Reviews of Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone, The Girl in White, A Long Way from Home, and Little Thieves
It’s so phenomenal! I just can’t even rave enough about it. I love it with my whole heart and soul!