Tag: Romantasy (Page 2 of 4)

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: Worthy of Fate (Realms in Peril #1) by A.N. Caudle

November 6, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Worthy of Fate by A.N. Caudle
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The Gem

Marked by the Gods, Kya is forced to partake in a Trial for a chance to be deemed Worthy. If she succeeds, she’ll be gifted great powers. If she fails, she could lose her life or worse. But that’s only the start of her worries. Now, the same plague that took her home is spreading and threatening the fate of the realm. Can Kya survive the Trial of the Gods and gain the needed power to rid the world of the growing threat before it’s too late? Or will she be drawn to what awaits her in the shadows?

The Shadow

Ryker has waited a long time for her—his mate. Now he’s found her. He plans to claim what is rightfully his, but dark forces threaten to destroy his Nation should he embrace the bond he so desperately desires. Unable to escape the drive to be near her, he waits for his precious gem, lingering in her shadow.

Worthy of Fate is the first book in a new adult, dark fantasy romance series with an intriguing magic system, dark forces, Spirits, and forbidden fated mates.

Review:

Worthy of Fate was a spicy, romantasy that was filled with forbidden romance, fated mates, and found family. This new world and their magic were intriguing and the storyline unfolded at a pace that was easy to keep up with. This debut novel left me looking forward to the next one in the series!

No, I didn’t fear death. It had always followed me. What I did fear was life. However short it may be…

If you love a stabby fmc, then Kya is your lady! I loved watching her come into her power and learning even more about the world around her. She was a force to be reckoned with and I was so grateful she had her found family by her side. Malina, her sister, was my favorite. And while I liked her brother, Nikan, I did want to hit him a time or few haha.

“You are worthy in more ways than one. This title does not define you. It describes you.”

We also got chapters of this story told from Ryker, and he was a shadow daddy who was easy to love. You could tell he had a heart of gold, and I love how he respected Kya. While he had the world on his shoulders, I love how he still made time to tell truths and explain things to Kya further into the story. The steam and tension between them was beautifully done. They were mates, yet forbidden at the same time. So, the angst and sexual tension between them was fabulous and so steamy.

“I’ve waited a very long time for my mate, and you can bet that I won’t let them take you from me now that I have you. We will get past this, show them we are no threat. Then, I will take you. I will claim what is mine. Because you are mine, Kya. I will seal the bond with you and be marked by our mating.”

With unknowns around every corner, mysteries to solve, and discovering who truly had your back, this book was a fun read. I had some sweaty palm moments, especially during the trials. It was a very small part, but definitely gave off Hunger Game vibes. The only hiccup I had was there were a lot of names and places. I took notes, but I still got confused. This book ended on a wonderful cliffhanger and I’m looking forward to reading the next book.

She became the calm to my storm.

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: A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Kingdom of Lies #4) by Stacia Stark

May 31, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

A Queen This Fierce and Deadly (Kingdom of Lies #4)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The price of love is loss.
We all pay it eventually…

In every life…

Some moments are too painful to be endured.
Some moments will break you if you let them.

And yet I can’t afford to let anything break me. Because we have one chance to win this war. One chance to create a better life for everyone across the four kingdoms.

Even as our enemies ally with each other, and our own allies are forced to betray their kingdoms, their people…and themselves.
And even as Regner plans something so cruel, so wholly evil, he’s poised to douse the last remaining spark of hope in this world.

Unless we kill him first.

Review:

A Kingdom of Lies has become my favorite romantasy series! I know that’s such a bold claim, but this series was breathtakingly beautiful. The characters will embed themselves into your heart forever, and this story is one that was impossible to put down. If you love fantasy, romantasy, romance, enemies to lovers, and found family, I can’t recommend this final book and series enough!

“In every life, wildcat. No matter what happens, you hold on to that. It’s you and me in every life.”

A Queen This Fierce and Deadly absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. This story had a wonderful recap and then started exactly where A Crown This Cold and Heavy ended. The perilous moments in this book made my heart race and left me struggling to breathe normally at times! The friendship and love that conquered all, was breathtaking. And the found family will melt your heart. So while bargains were made and trust was put in precarious positions, I was cheering them on every step of the way!

My rage was endless, as if it might swallow me whole.

Within those first few pages, I was already crying all of the tears. And I found myself crying so many other times from the beginning to the end. There were tears because I was terrified for who would live and die in this world, especially with the upcoming war. I sobbed tears of relief and joy. And there were also tears from pain because of moments that cut my heart into a million pieces. This book will make you feel everything!

Every time I’d escaped certain death, every person I’d killed to save my own life, every near miss and lesson learned…all of them had led up to this.
It was me or him.

The characters in this story were unforgettable. People’s actions shocked me in the best and worst of ways. So when new light was shown on things, my mouth was on the floor multiple times! We also got answers to unknowns and questions from previous books, and it was beautiful seeing all of the pieces fall into place. But with war on their doorsteps, I loved watching those that were born to be leaders take charge, have clear heads, and rise above it all. I actually clapped my hands out loud so many times. But within these pages there was also so much death and destruction. And the stakes were so high. It all led to heart pounding action that laced throughout these pages!

This was all Prisca’s fault.
That bitch got beneath my skin. She made me care.
Now, I would be forced to watch as these people died one by one.

We got multiple POVs again, and each one had my full attention. My heart would beat faster as we left someone we cared for in a precarious situation! But then that feeling would be back all over again, once we left the next one. There were heartwarming moments that we could breathe and see them enjoying life within that moment. Also there were steamy moments that were sigh worthy and so seductive. This book truly had it all!

Whoever said vengeance didn’t help was lying.

I loved A Queen This Fierce and Deadly with my whole heart! It was the most beautiful story of perseverance, friendship and love! With perilous action, spies in the midst, sob worthy sacrifice, heart warming loyalty, beautiful found family, and everlasting love, this series was everything!

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

Spoiler Quotes……

You’ve been warned….don’t click below or else you’ll be spoiled ♥……

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BOOK REVIEW: Legendary (Caraval #2) by Stephanie Garber

May 10, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Legendary (Caraval #2)
by Stephanie Garber
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Donatella and Scarlett Dragna escaped their cruel father and made it out of Caraval alive, but the games aren’t over yet. What Scarlett doesn’t know is that, in order to gain their freedom, Tella made a deal with a mysterious stranger and now it’s time to pay.

Except what Tella owes is something that no one has ever been able to deliver: the true name of Caraval Master Legend. Tella’s only chance at uncovering Legend’s true identity is to enter the dangerous game of Caraval once more, and win. But what will she have to sacrifice to do that?

Review:

Legendary started right after Caraval ended, and Tella had made a dangerous bargain. She was to obtain Legend’s real name, and for that she had to win the next Caraval. Back are the mysterious moments, the what ifs, and not knowing what was going to happen next. Legendary took us through another game that twisted and turned as the story unfolded. The journey was magical, and I loved seeing it through Tella’s eyes. If you adore YA fantasy, definitely give this series a try!

He cradled her sobbing head to his chest. “Can you open your eyes for me?”
“Maybe I want to sleep here,” Tella mumbled. “I’d wager it’s safer than in your arms.”
“What’s so dangerous about my arms?” He murmured.
“For me, everything.” Tella slowly lifted one lid open.

Tella was a sneaky little soul. I was intrigued that she kept one of the Fate cards that she had stolen. It showed her pictures of the future, or possible futures. Her decisions could change what it showed her. So as Tella worked her way to winning Caraval, it was impossible not to feel everything that she did. She was brave, focused, and loved her sister fiercely. And even though Tella didn’t believe in true love, watching her interact with Dante and Jacks were my top favorite moments in this book!

Dante’s voice rumbled with a laugh. “If I were Legend I’d definitely never tell you.”
“Because you don’t trust me?”
“No,” he answered slowly, gently tugging her even closer. “I’d hold onto my secret because I’d want to keep playing the game with you, and if I told you the truth it would spoil all the fun.”

Dante, oh my heart. When Dante created a situation pushing her closer to Jacks, I was intrigued that he would play such a dangerous game. I had already fallen for Dante in the previous book. He was a man surrounded by darkness and the unknown. Yet Dante also came through time and again. I couldn’t help but love him.

His laughter was surprisingly disarming. “Then tell yourself everyone wishes they were me, dancing with you.” With a grin he must have stolen from the devil, Jacks looped an arm around Tella’s hips and swept her on the dance floor.

Jacks created jealousy and tension that was so delicious and palpable. He was a man who was so much more than what he seemed. And I don’t want to say more because of spoilers, but just know that both of those men were so easy to love and obsess over. Yet as someone who read OUABH, I definitely recommend reading this series before Once Upon a Broken Heart. Or else you’ll spoil so many pivotal moments in this story.

He was supposed to break her heart.
She wasn’t supposed to break his.

Legendary was shrouded in mystery, and the story wove itself together so beautifully. With characters that were so easy to like, a story-line that kept you turning the pages, and magic sprinkled throughout the book, Legendary was such a fabulous YA fantasy!