Tag: Fae (Page 1 of 8)

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: Filthy Rich Fae (Filthy Rich Fae #1) by Geneva Lee

June 25, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Filthy Rich Fae (Filthy Rich Fae #1)
by Geneva Lee
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Cate Holloway knows the unspoken rule of New Orleans: avoid the powerful Gage crime family at all costs. Of course, that was before her brother got caught in their chaos. Now

Cate has no choice but to confront the dark and forbidding prince of New Orleans himself and beg for her brother’s life.

But Lachlan Gage is as lethal as he is beautiful…and the only currency he’s interested in is her soul.

Because Lachlan isn’t just some ruthless criminal. He’s fae. And he has his own secret reasons for binding her to him.

Tricked and desperate, Cate is torn between humanity and the breathtaking Otherworld. A place filled with shadows and secrets, with members of each fae court plotting against her just as her captor’s motives for trapping her become more mysterious.

And if she can’t break this sinister bargain in the next thirty days, she’ll be bound to the inscrutable yet infuriatingly tempting fae prince and his deadly world…forever.

Review:

Filthy Rich Fae was a quick read that was a lot of fun! With a little bit of an enemies to lovers vibe and the heroine being a captive, I flew through this book. The banter and tension was done so well. And I loved that I was already smiling and laughing after a couple of chapters in. Plus, while I thought I knew where the storyline was going, those last few pages had me so excited for what’s to come next!

Unhinged. Vicious. Merciless. That’s what they called him. I’d followed him blindly, and now he had me trapped.

Cate Holloway bargained her life away to save her brother. And she found herself trapped with the fae. Lachlan Gage was a fae, drug lord, criminal, and not someone you would ever want to cross. Yet Cate had a death wish at times. She planned to kill the fae prince, so she could escape. Yet that’s not how her story played out at all!

“Like cute little garden pixies with wings? Is That what you are?”
His upper lip curled to reveal his sharp teeth, a guttural snarl rumbling from him.

Cate was selfless and someone who always wanted to take care of others. Yet she definitely made mistakes. The safety, oh girl, I was laughing at you for that one. But despite her being challenging at times, I liked her. I found myself easily rooting for her! And I wanted to know every single thought she had about Lachlan!

Wrong. It was so wrong. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew that, but I didn’t care. Not as his hands swept up to cradle my neck and his fingers tangled in my hair. Not as I lost myself to him. Not as the line between my anger and my attraction to him blurred.

Lachlan messed with Cate so beautifully! I loved the sexual tension between them, and it was so much fun. But most of all I loved when Lach showed us that yes, he did have a heart. Yet there were so many secrets swirling around him, and at times he seemed to speak in riddles. I couldn’t help but be intrigued, just like Cate.

My soul was on the line, and I didn’t care. Not when the touch of his skin seared me to the bone. Not when I only felt alive kissing him.

I was fascinated with their world and felt like we only got little peaks here and there. For not only their magic but what is beyond the veil too. I’m excited to learn more in future book(s)! And my favorite side character was Lach’s sister, Ciara. I could easily read a book just from her point of view! I’ll definitely be reading the next book!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Rise of the Cinder Fae (Dark Hearts Fairytale Retellings #1) by Whitney Dean

February 26, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Rise of the Cinder Fae (Dark Hearts Fairytale Retellings #1)
by Whitney Dean
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Born and raised in the forgotten and broken kingdom of Ashbury, Elora has spent years resenting the royals of Pumpkin Hollow, the kingdom that forced the fall of Ashbury and procured the town as its own.

Separated by a mysterious glass bridge, Ashbury is treated as the orphan kingdom, left to squander and starve with only the promise of protection from King Jasper, preventing anyone outside their realm from searching for the magic that lay within the ashy valleys and red skies.

Because twenty-five years ago, the Cinder Fae arrived. As mysterious as the magic encompassing Ashbury, the Cinder Fae bargained for their lives by promising to keep the entire realm warm with their ability to mine mountainsides into coal.

But Elora and the Cinder Fae hold a secret that could bring the end to Ashbury and the mysterious winged creatures, who, despite Elora's best efforts to pry, refuse to share where they came from or why they can't return.

In her desperation to prevent the downfall of her kingdom and the death of her beloved Fae, Elora drinks from an enchanted spring, convinced she can make the prince of Pumpkin Hollow fall in love with her and guarantee their safety.

But magic takes to give.

And Elora didn't realize her heart would be the sacrifice.

Review:

Rise of the Cinder Fae was an enemies to lovers, fairytale retelling of Cinderella. With a fantasy twist, an arranged marriage, found family, and one horse, this book will take readers on a magical journey!

“A marriage of convenience. How romantic.”
I curse. “Believe me, Irina. The only one this is convenient for is her.” I recall Elora’s glares and venomous insults, my jaw clicking as a fresh wave of annoyance rises and nearly drowns me. “Romance is out of the question.”

My heart was instantly pulled in by Elora. With an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters, who used her as their personal maid, I couldn’t help but feel for her. She should have been a princess. Yet instead she slept in the attic and didn’t seem to have much freedom. So when Elora was taken in a pumpkin carriage to the ball to meet a dashing prince, I was so excited for her! Yet this Cinderella retelling had so many fascinating elements mixed in. There were the cinder faes, an arranged marriage, a King who was disgustingly horrific, and a future mother-in-law and sister-in-law who I absolutely cherished!

“This is twice you’ve walked away from me,” he snaps, his tone laden with irritation.
“I’m shocked you can count.”
A low growl rumbles in his chest as he wraps a hand around my wrist and tugs me backward.

The kingdom Elora was from, suffered greatly. And as she set her sights on the prince, she hoped that she would be able to save her kingdom. I adored that we not only got this story from Elora, but from Finnian too. He was the dashing prince. I loved their enemy vibes from the start. And I loved how they both saw each other, because I just knew their growth would be fun to watch. From the moment they smashed pumpkins together, I was smitten. Especially during the cleaning up afterwards. Elora and Finnian were at the start of a beautiful relationship! So by the time they were dancing where she grew up, I was in love.

Finnian tsks. “I expected more from you, Elora. Is your only weapon that mouth of yours?”
My lower stomach tightens. “The one you keep staring at?”
I don’t turn to gauge his reaction.

My absolute favorite in this story was Irina! She was Finnian’s sister, and a princess. She was bold, hilarious and just made my heart melt with happiness. Her taking a liking to Elora, and helping her every step of the way just made me love her that much more! I would hope that she gets her own book too, or is super prevalent in the next book.

The second I crossed that bridge, my life was decided.
I fell right into their trap.
What a foolish doe to graze where lions play.

While this story was slow to start, I adored the first half. I didn’t care that it was long, I was fully absorbed and obsessed with every single word. Yet the latter half of this story dragged for me. Even with some interesting twists, I couldn’t help but find myself skimming from time to time to hurry it along. Also, there were some scenes that had me questioning what the characters were thinking, like the river and small room scene. But as the story kept unfolding, I realized that I couldn’t ever find the love I had for this story. Which made me so sad.

“There is only one way this can end.”
I barely feel his hand on my lower back as the stars above us start to spin. “And which way is that, little doe?”
“Ruin,” emerges in a breath as the starry sky envelopes me.

This story ended with a bang, and will leave the reader excited for the next book. While I’m unsure whether I’ll read the next story in this series, I absolutely loved how unique this retelling felt. So if you’re looking for a spicy retelling that also has fae mixed into the story, then definitely give this one a try. Here’s hoping you love it more than me!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Forbidden Legacy (Fallen Fae #1) by Theresa Kay

October 14, 2022 / Jen / 0 Comments

Forbidden Legacy (Fallen Fae #1)
by Theresa Kay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Stealing from the fae is easy, but working with one to retrieve the relic I was hired to swipe? Not so much.

The job was supposed to be simple: Sneak in, break the wards, grab the necklace, and get out. Being arrested for the murder of a high-profile Autumn Court fae was definitely not part of the plan.

After I’m cleared of the crime and sent home, the dead fae's arrogant grandson shows up at my door. He demands I help him retrieve the thing I never had a chance to take, though he neglects to tell me the item's true worth. In the battle for power between the fae Courts, the necklace is beyond priceless and there's more than one person willing to kill for it.

But my new associate is not the only person with secrets, and the teenage dragon shifter who lives with me in the human realm is only one of mine. After all, I haven’t spent the past six years hiding in a seedy section of post-Merge Chicago for fun.

Forced out of obscurity and on the trail of a blood magic wielding murderer, I’ll have to work quickly in order to prevent disaster. Because if we can’t find the necklace before it’s too late, then the fate of all the Courts may be at stake.

Forbidden Legacy is the first book of the Fallen Fae trilogy, an exciting new adult urban fantasy series with magic, mystery, and a slow-burn romance.

Review:

Forbidden Legacy was a fabulous start to this trilogy! With dread pooling in my stomach, the first chapter sucked me right in! Magic swirled within the story while deals were made, motives were unknown, and there were moments that I didn’t know if they would make it out alive. This story was impossible to put down and an instant fave!

My truths are one of the few things that belong to me and I refuse to give them up without a fight.

I absolutely loved Ari! She was from the Winter Court and kept a low profile in the human world. She did odd jobs, using her ability to take down wards, to survive. So when Declan swept into her world, I couldn’t stop smiling! Declan was from the Autumn Court and Ari had no problem putting him in his place! I loved watching her play with words, and I loved how confident she was of herself. Of her skills. And I loved her even more because she helped take care of Finn, a teenage dragon shifter. However, Ari held her cards close to her chest and protected those that she cared for fiercely. She would literally go to the ends of the world for them. But she didn’t let others in easily, or at all. I was nervous for Declan, if he would be able to knock down her walls.

If I had any sense at all, I’d walk away right now.
The problem is, I think it’s too late for that.

I am obsessed with Declan. He was a full blooded Fae who was arrogant and saw the world differently than Ari. He definitely made some assumptions that were wrong, like about Ari. But not only did Declan grow in leaps and bounds from the beginning of the first book to the end, so much of who he was beautiful. He took responsibility. He protected others. He was smile inducing and I loved some of the tricks he pulled on Ari. His words, his actions, his loyalty, and his ability to go all in made it so easy to fall for and love Declan. But I also loved that Declan pushed Ari. And tried his best to knock down her walls. I so desperately wish I could have known his thoughts!

I have to get away.
I can’t stay here.
I can’t breathe.
I’m going to die.

Forbidden Legacy had a slow burn romance that will definitely be worth the wait! Not only were Ari and Declan from different courts, but they both had lots of secrets. Being stuck in perilous situations forced them to trust and rely on each other’s magic, and one other, to survive. I loved how that led them to letting their guard down at moments or sharing something about themselves. It was smile inducing and gave me so much hope! Through it all, I felt desire laced in some of their interactions. Whether it was a look or a phrase, it left me so hopeful. Because I kept wishing that they could be together. They would be a formidable team. So the moments they went that extra length to do something for the other, I don’t even have words for how happy it made me. I just wanted to push them together and never let them be apart lol!

I reach up and take one of his hands, linking my fingers with his and squeezing his hand. “I’ve got you.”

Rounding out the story where side characters that came alive. Finn was my absolute favorite among them, and I am beyond intrigued by Agatha! There were also characters that I would love to see destroyed! So many moments I had sweaty palms as truths surfaced and paths were set in motion. And while I guessed one of the twists, there’s still so much for us to learn and figure out. Forbidden Legacy was an addictive story that will take you on a spellbinding adventure! Brimming with banter, fabulous characters and a story-line that makes it so easy to devour, this book was such a huge win! The ending of this story left us at the perfect stopping place. We can breathe but we’re also left beyond excited for that next book! If you’re a fan of slow burn romance, I can’t recommend this book enough!

*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 Dark King (Deviant Kings #1) by Gina L. Maxwell

October 13, 2022 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Dark King (Deviant Kings #1)
by Gina L. Maxwell
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
For Bryn Meara, a free trip to the exclusive and ultra-luxe Nightfall hotel and casino in Vegas should’ve been the perfect way to escape the debris of her crumbling career. But waking up from a martini-and-lust-fueled night to find herself married to Caiden Verran, the reclusive billionaire who owns the hotel and most of the city, isn’t the jackpot one would think. It seems her dark and sexy new husband is actual royalty—the fae king of the Night Court—and there’s an entire world beneath the veil of Vegas.

Whether light or shadow, the fae are a far cry from fairy tales, and now they’ve made Bryn a pawn in their dark games for power. And Caiden is the most dangerous of all—an intoxicating cocktail of sin and raw, insatiable hunger. She should run. But every night of passion pulls Bryn deeper into his strange and sinister world, until she’s no longer certain she wants to leave…even if she could.

Review:

All is fair in marriage and war.

The Dark King was an extremely seductive tale about the Fae living in our world. With adult flawed characters, an enemies to lovers premise, a captive situation, and death constantly around the corner, this book was such a quick read! The Dark King was a memorable story that fantasy lovers will devour!

“I’d rather be sorry for taking a thousand risks than be safe for never taking any.”

Bryn Meara ended up with a free trip to the city of sin, Las Vegas. I adored her happy go lucky personality and how she could find so much positive even when the world knocked her down. Upon meeting Caiden Verran, a billionaire who owned the hotel she was staying at, there were sparks. And after a wild night with Caiden, they ended up married. But what Bryn didn’t realize was that he was Fae. And the king of the Night Court. Bryn found herself trapped and part of a deadly game. But are you truly trapped if a part of your heart wanted to stay?

I’m a selfish fucking bastard who wants to keep what he’s not supposed to have.

Caiden Verran was a multi-faceted man. He showed us he had compassion for his employees and to keep them safe. That he loved his brothers. But he also showed us how he had no problem being dark, controlling and an asshole. Caiden’s court was banished to the human world, and they made Vegas what it is today. And his court was also cursed. I loved watching how that played out as the story progressed. The Fae were so tricky, especially with their words! Caiden was sex appeal, danger and control all rolled into a beautifully powerful man. So when he showed us his heart or when he opened up to Bryn, it was impossible not to fall for him.

“So I was thinking, since I’m your prisoner—”
“Guest.”
“Hostage—”
“Roommate.”
She sighs.

Caiden and Bryn together were electric with their enemies to lovers romance. I loved how she had no problem standing her ground when it came to him. He definitely wasn’t used to that lol. But at the same point, they were trapped together. So Bryn became a hostage. One who still had feelings and a wild attraction to her captor. Yet her captor felt so much towards her too, even if he didn’t want to. Their moments together were beyond erotic. Sooooooo why didn’t I gave this book a higher rating, since I loved so much of it? It’s because the BDSM was way too much for me. I would have been fine with it once, but that was not how the story unfolded. Butt plugs, being called a slut, spanking, nipple clamps etc just aren’t my preferences when reading a book. Just like the moment below, I flinched when reading ugh.

As her next orgasm builds and twists inside her, tears overflow and cause her mascara to run. I use the fingers of my free hand and smear the black drops into messy streaks down her face, then I grip the front of her throat and apply pressure on either side. Lips and nipples both swollen and red, cheeks painted in black tears…

Mysteries, secrets, and fabulous twists filled this story. And there was a sacrifice that was beautiful! Plus the side characters, oh I have way too many lovely words for them to write it all here, but readers will be excited to learn that this world will continue with those other characters. I absolutely loved the story-line and the characters, I just personally couldn’t handle the BDSM. Not even a little bit. I read the synopsis on Goodreads, but lesson learned to also look at Amazon because on Amazon it states the book is similar to Fifty Shades. I wish I would have seen that. But here’s hoping my friends who love their fantasy with all the spice enjoy this book!

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