Tag: Romantasy (Page 2 of 3)

BOOK REVIEW: A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3) by Jennifer L. ArmentroutA Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire #3)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book three in her beloved Flesh and Fire series…

The only thing that can save the realms now is the one thing more powerful than the Fates.

After a startling betrayal ends with both Sera and the dangerously seductive ruler of the Shadowlands she has fallen madly in love with being held captive by the false King of the Gods, there is only one thing that can free Nyktos and prevent the forces of the Shadowlands from invading Dalos and igniting a War of Primals.

Convincing Kolis won’t be easy, though – not even with a lifetime of training. While his most favored Revenant is insistent that she is nothing more than a lie, Kolis’s erratic nature and twisted sense of honor leave her shaken to the core, and nothing could’ve prepared her for the cruelty of his Court or the shocking truths revealed. The revelations not only upend what she has understood about her duty and the very creation of the realms but also draw into question exactly what the true threat is. However, surviving Kolis is only one part of the battle. The Ascension is upon her, and Sera is out of time.

But Nyktos will do anything to keep Sera alive and give her the life she deserves. He’ll even risk the utter destruction of the realms, and that’s exactly what will happen if he doesn’t Ascend as the Primal of Life. Yet despite his desperate determination, their destinies may be out of their hands.

But there is that foreseen unexpected thread—the unpredictable, unknown, and unwritten. The only thing more powerful than the Fates…

Review:

A Fire in the Flesh was a heart stopping continuation of the Flesh and Fire Series. Death bled from the pages, motives were unknown and the stakes were even higher, making this book impossible to put down. And the way this story tied into the From Blood and Ash Series, especially A Soul of Ash and Blood, oh my heart I am obsessed. If you love romantasy, romance, or any books in this series, this book will make you fall in love with this world all over again!

It was almost like donning the veil of nothingness because I felt nothing. No fear for my life. No fear of failure. That had been trained out of me, but unlike the times my mother had sent me to deliver her messages, I didn’t feel like a monster.
I felt like vengeance and wrath come to life.

Sera was still a force to be reckoned with. Even when she was utterly terrified, she was still so brave with her words and actions. I loved that she was so wise, selfless, and made us laugh when she threw barbs other people’s way. Yet she and Ash were both trapped by Kolis. It was suffocating watching how she was controlled by him. My heart felt like it was being torn apart watching her suffer at his hands. So I cheered her on as she made weapons from what shouldn’t have been a weapon. As she fought back and figured out how to toy with him. I loved that she still had her blood thirsty side and wasn’t afraid to use it. That when she called others out, you could feel the dread coiling within them. She was so cunning. But one of the things I loved the most about Sera was watching her come into her power and having others join her in her fight against Kolis!

Kolis swiped a hand over his chest and looked down at his blood- smeared palm. He tilted his head and lowered his hand. “That was very unwise.”
“It was,” I rasped. “I probably should’ve aimed for the head.”
His gold- flecked silver eyes went flat. Absolutely dead.

You will love how many answers you get. By that third chapter I was screaming with excitement because of how something tied back to the very first book, From Blood and Ash. It’s been in the back of my head since then, and I have kept hoping, and I’m so glad that we got that answer! But also there were three HUGE reveals that I still can’t wrap my head around. The twists were absolutely phenomenal. I still can’t believe it, yet it makes so much sense. And I have so many questions, don’t mind me spiraling over here….I hope you’ll feel the same too! Ohhhh and when a name appeared on the pages, that I never once thought we would see, I gasped out loud! I didn’t expect that either. I can’t wait to see how that plays out in the next book! The revelations, hints, and foreshadowing were absolutely perfectly done!

I carefully wiped at my cheeks, my stomach dipping at the red sheen I saw on my palms.
Tears of blood.
Tears of a Primal.
Gods.

But on top of all of the answers we get, this book was extremely emotional. I cried I don’t even know how many times. From torture, sacrifice and love, it was impossible not to have the tears falling down my face. And then later in the book, those tears turned to sobs. This was the most emotional book in the Flesh and Fire Series! This book also made me feel so much hate. It solidified even harder towards Kolis. And each time I didn’t think I could hate him more, he proved me wrong with his disgusting, vile, controlling self. Same with Callum. Yet there were those I wanted to trust, yet I was terrified. Like Attes. He intrigued me and I was pulled into his charismatic self, but I was also weary. I didn’t know where he truly stood, it felt like a dangerous game allowing myself to trust him. And then there was Sotoria’s voice. I have a huge guess about her and I’m terrified that I am correct.

“Love me,” I ordered—begged, really. “Love me.”
“Always,” he rasped.
Tears dampened my lashes. I squeezed my eyes shut against them, not wanting to feel the hopelessness they evoked. I didn’t want a sorrow-filled experience in my dreams.
I wanted to burn.

I also have so many thoughts about Ash. Ash was beautifully seductive, beyond protective and he treated Sera with so much love and respect. Even if he couldn’t love. The way he took care of Sera in this book made me love him even more. And their moments together were extremely sensual and seductive. Yet I don’t want to say much about Ash, because of spoilers. Just know that Ash is book boyfriend worthy and each time I read his story my love for him rivals and also reaches above Cas. Yet when I read a story with Cas, then he rivals and reaches above Ash. It’s beautifully vicious cycle haha.

Death wasn’t silent.
Or peaceful.
It sounded full of feral rage.
I love you, even if I cannot.
Death was a roar of fury and agony, the sound of a soul shattering.
Of a heart breaking.

A Fire in the Flesh ended at the perfect stopping spot. While there was no cliffhanger, there was still so much up in the air for what was yet to come. But for me it didn’t matter, because those last few chapters and pages will leave you closing this book with a smile on your face. And your heart will be so happy. Yet it was a rough road to get there. The nervousness and anxiety that this book created was so intense. So those moments here and there that were sprinkled with humor were much appreciated. Add to that foreshadowing, political intrigue, deadly games, bargains with the devil, and sacrifices, well this book was everything I was hoping it would be and more!

“Open your eyes for me, liessa. I need to see them.” His breath danced over my lips. “Please.”

PS Hair ties. Oh, that was perfect!

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

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)


From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series) #1
Review:

Jen

A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series) #2
Review:

Jen

The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series) #3
Review:
Jen

A Shadow in the Ember Ash (Flesh and Fire Series) 
#1
Review:

Jen

The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series) #4
Review:
Jen

A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire Series ) #2

Review:
Jen

A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) 
#5
Review:

Jen

A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire Series) #3
Review:
Jen

Visions of Flesh and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5.5
Review:
Jen

BOOK REVIEW: Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1) by Jennifer L Armentrout

BOOK REVIEW: Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1) by Jennifer L ArmentroutFall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

SHE LIVES BY HER INTUITION. HE FEEDS ON HER PLEASURE.

Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he'll be her doom.

When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.

Calista must choose: follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.

Breathtaking suspense and scorching romance meet in this immersive new fantasy from a mega-bestselling force, Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review:

Fall of Ruin and Wrath was a dark and sensual romtansy that was so easy to get lost in.  Within those first few pages I had no clue what was going on, but I was terrified.  So take those first few chapters to immerse yourself in this new world.  It’s lethal, archaic and shrouded in mystery. With a dystopian background, that was laced with high fantasy, Fall of Ruin and Wrath easily became an instant favorite!

“We keep meeting under the strangest circumstances,” he noted. “I’m beginning to think fate is afoot.”
“Fate?” I laughed. “You believe in fate?”
“You don’t?”

Calista aka Lis was a paramour to Claude who was a Caelestia; half Hyhborn and half lowborn.  And while I’ve read almost every single book by JLA, over the last decade, Lis was unlike any other heroine that we have met from Armentrout.  Her intuition guided where she went in life and the decisions she made.  She also had the ability to see things happen before they did.  Like how someone would die, or horrific events on the horizon.  And I was fascinated to watch her listen into others thoughts, without needing to touch them.  Yet my heart twisted for Lis.  I questioned whether she truly knew how to have a strong mental bond with others.  She seemed to struggle with that outside of her “brother”, Grady.  Maybe it was because of her gifts?  Or maybe it was because of her childhood?  Or maybe it even had to do with how she ended up as a paramour and nothing truly felt like hers?  But regardless, she seemed to have connections with those around her physically, instead of emotionally. 

“Hold still.”
“I am holding still, but . . . you’re on your knees, your fingers are near my dick, and you’re currently gloriously nude, so . . .”
Undoing the final button, I rolled my eyes. “You can’t even stand on your own two feet and you’re currently regrowing eyeballs. The last thing you need to be thinking about is me on my knees, your dick, or my nudity.”
“I’ve regrown my eyes, na’laa.”
My chin jerked up.

Lis’ intuition one night led her to rescue a Hyhborn.  Hyhborn’s weren’t mortal, they were scions of the Gods.  And the scene she was led to was terrifying, yet I couldn’t help but noticing that I loved her thoughts.  They were real and honest, making it so easy to connect with her.  And the Hyhborn we met?!  I. Was. Obsessed!  Thorne was a book boyfriend many will fall hard for. I loved that he could be sarcastic and also oh so polite.  His manners as he murdered those to keep Lis safe had me cracking up.  Thorne was truly lethal, yet at the same time he was so much fun. He loved to push Lis’ buttons and get a rise out of her while being addictively possessive. Add to all of that that he was capable of admitting when he was wrong. Well. It was impossible not to love everything there was about him.

Na’laa?”
I stopped as something . . . something like hope swelled inside me. Hope for what? I really couldn’t say as I looked over my shoulder at him.
The Lord stood with his back to me, shoulders a tense straight line. “Be careful.”

Around Thorne, Lis could touch him and just be in the moment.  She never got pulled into her brain or saw future events she would prefer not to see. Like she did when she touched other lowborns and Caelestias. So the sexual tension between Lis and Thorne was done fabulously.  It was a slow burn that was filled with the most fabulous banter.  It was impossible not to smile at so many of the moments between them.  And while Thorne and Lis were worlds apart, it always felt like there was something pulling them together. As though there was a higher power connecting them. So because of that, I loved watching the tentative trust build. That they could be comfortable with each other.  That it felt like Lis was finally making an emotional connection with someone. And of course how steamy they could be together too *fans face*.

I connected with him, and my intuition came alive, showing me the future— the excruciating crack of bone in my right arm, then my left. The phantom pain traveled to my throat. I felt it all.
His death.
And I . . . I smiled.

Yes there were other characters outside of Lis and Thorne, but I am rather obsessed with those two. I’m still unsure of how to feel towards Naomi, who was her first friend outside of Grady. And I would love if Lis threw an apple at Claude’s head, like Alex. Yes he took care of Lis as he used her as his own personal lie detector, but I loathed that he called her Pet. There was also a man named Hymel that I kept hoping would die on every page he appeared lol.  Ohhh then there were two friends of Thorne that we didn’t spend a lot of time with, yet I adored both of them.  I can’t wait to get to know them better!  They had found family written all over them!  But on top of those we met, there was a whole world and political intrigue that I’m not even touching on.  It was fascinating and better left for you to discover on your own!

“Don’t.”
My gaze flew back to him.
“I would warn against attempting to run,” he advised, walking past me.
“Because you will stop me?”
“Because I will give chase.” He unhooked the straps holding the short sword to his back as he crossed into the bedchamber. “And I will capture you.”

Fall of Ruin and Wrath was laced with a fascinating world, characters that will steal you heart, mysteries that are intertwined with secrets, and moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat! There were so many moments that were impossible to stop smiling or screaming from excitement. Especially when it came to Thorne. That last page was the most perfect stopping point. Yet I am definitely counting down until the next book is released and we can be back in this world!

PS The shower scene was one of my favorite moments.  Nope, it’s not what you think it is *side smirk*.

Other Favorite Quotes:

My senses opened to him. I saw nothing in his eyes or in my mind.
But I felt something.
A warning.
A reckoning.
A promise of what was to come.
And I knew.

 

“Apologies, my pet. I do get a bit animated when I speak. Got it from my mother.”
“‘ Pet’?” Prince Thorne queried softly.
The back of my neck tingled, and it had nothing to do with intuition.

 

I froze. Tiny hairs lifted along the nape of my neck as the air thickened and the flames stilled. That mouth of mine had surely gotten me in trouble this time.
But Prince Thorne . . . he smiled.
My stomach dipped.
The smile he bestowed was not tight or cold. It was wide and real, showing a hint of teeth and softening the icy, unreal beauty of his features.

 

“Do you finally think of me as a monster?”
I closed my eyes.
“You should,” he said softly. “The blood that is on my hands will never wash off. I wouldn’t even attempt to do so.”

*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 Striking Oaths (The Kingdom of Crows #3) by Olivia Wildenstein

BOOK REVIEW: House of Striking Oaths (The Kingdom of Crows #3) by Olivia WildensteinHouse of Striking Oaths (The Kingdom of Crows #3)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

I WILL BECOME QUEEN OF LUCE... OR DIE TRYING.

There are few people I loathe more than Dante Regio, but my aunt Bronwen, my former grandfather Justus, and my Shabbin grandmother Meriam sit right alongside the Faerie monarch on my list of despicable beings. Especially after they assist the pointy-eared ruler with my kidnapping.

Locked in an obsidian underworld no Crow can reach, not even their king, I soon learn things aren't as they seem. People aren't as they seem. And history... I'm still attempting to reconcile the truth with what I was previously told.

My new allies have an agenda, but I have one of my own. Though there's overlap-we all agree Dante must die-what I desire more than anything is to return to Lore before he levels the kingdom to find me... or loses his humanity trying.

I may favor crowns over coffins, but I refuse to live in a world where my mate only exists as a bird.

Strap in for one last romantic and pulse-pounding adventure in a world governed by magic and hearts.

Review:

“Long live”— I lean all my weight into my arms—“ the Crows.”

House of Striking Oaths was an action packed ride from start to finish.  This romantasy was filled with life, death, betrayal, love and allies in the most unlikely of places.  Stepping into this story, realize that there is still one more book to be released.  Why I thought it was trilogy is beyond me haha.  While lots of things were wrapped up by the end of this book, there was also a lot that needed to be solved.  So I’m counting down till we get a HEA for those we love in House of Shifting Tides.  And I’m keeping my fingers crossed we get an epilogue of just Fallon and Lore, because I need to see them both completely happy pretty please!

I catch the new spark that animates my violet eyes.
I will set myself free.

Stepping into this story, there was so much up in the air.  Readers will be happy to know that we got a lot of answers!  They made sense, but I was shocked that I didn’t see quite a few things coming.  Who was using Brownwen’s eyes.  About her mother.  A marriage I couldn’t even fathom.  We learned a lot in this story.  Not only what people’s intentions were, but also the rules for magic.  And how past deals affected the present.  The alliances, motives and actions of others were all laid out on the table for us.  And that led to dangerous games being played within the pages.

I will murder them all.

But the pages were also filled with torture, regret, and anger that will burn you alive. Death needed to happen to those that didn’t deserve to live.  Like Dante.  I hated him.  He was a sociopath filled with lies who was so easy to hate.  I kept waiting for the moment he got what he deserved.  But there was also someone in the story who Wildenstein was able to flip my feeling around for.  Trust was earned, that I never thought could be.  And that left me feeling like I needed to go back and re-read those first two books because my assumptions tainted the story in a certain way.  And I was completely wrong! 

“Ready to become mine, Serpent-charmer?”
I tilt my head, and although Nonna taught me not to provoke purelings, I cannot help but hiss, “I’ll never be yours.”

Fallon came into her magic and it was fascinating watching her learn how to do things.  But I definitely had a hiccup with Fallon.  I understood that she had so much rage, but why she didn’t play nice with Dante so Antoni didn’t suffer was beyond me.  Why she wasn’t smarter and more careful for her friend’s life made me want to shake her.  Hard.  Thankfully as the story progressed, I loved that she stood up for those she loved.  She had so much fire in her!  Yet her and Lore struggled since he was still keeping secrets from her.  And that hurt ugh.  Thankfully Lore loved Fallon with all of his heart and was willing to do whatever it took to save her.  His love for her was larger than life!  And I loved seeing the softer side of him too, like when he was giving Pheebs relationship advice haha.  Ohhh plus the scenes between Fallon and Lore were sooo hot!

He kisses one corner of my lips, then hovers his mouth over the other and murmurs, “My heart.”

Bargains were formed.  Forgiveness was given.  Plans were put in place that had the hugest of risks.  And they were sent on the most impossible of quests.  This book will definitely keep you entertained!  And as we watched the story unfold, it didn’t matter that some things came to pass that were horrific, fate had a way of achieving what it wanted.  No matter how much one tried to evade it.  Also, there was something setup in this book, for a future spinoff decades down the road and I am so excited that option was given!  Closing this story, the epilogue left me in tears.  I desperately need that next book.  There was something that needed to be “fixed”.  And it hurt.  So I’m counting down till that next book is released!

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

BOOK REVIEW: A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1) by Stacia Stark

BOOK REVIEW: A Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1) by Stacia StarkA Court This Cruel and Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

For years, when I fell asleep, I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile.

The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead.

Just hours after humans are born, the gods take what little power we have. In return, they protect our borders from the vicious, merciless fae.

The humans who manage to keep their power are known as the corrupt.

And they are burned.

When my forbidden power is discovered, I'm forced to flee my tiny village and the life I adore.

To survive, I make a desperate bargain with the mercenary who abandoned me at my weakest.

Our deal is simple: I'll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city. And he'll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I've always kept hidden. The power that may just be the key to my survival.

But the ruthless mercenary is hiding secrets of his own. Secrets that threaten the safety of everyone I love. Secrets that could tear this kingdom-and perhaps even this world-apart.

Review:

Sometimes there are stories that are so beautifully crafted that they steal pieces of your heart and soul.  They consume your every waking thought.  And saying it’s one of your favorite books ever still doesn’t feel like enough.  That was A Court This Cruel and Lovely.  This book stole my breath time and again.  If you love enemies to lovers, a slow burn romance, forced proximity, found family, a heroine that comes into her power and a morally gray grumpy male then you desperately need this book in your life!  This romantasy was everything!

I could do this.
After all, against all odds, I was still alive. I just had to keep reminding myself of that.

Prisca lived in a harsh world where when you were born, your magic was taken from you and given to the Gods.  It was so they would help protect the borders from the ruthless fae.  But Prisca had been keeping a secret.  She still had her magic.  Which made her part of the corrupt. After those were caught, they were burned to death for defying the Gods.  So when Prisca was discovered for still having her magic, she was forced to flee her home and family.  And while on the run, she met a man that she had been dreaming about.  Yet he left her for dead. 

“I don’t want anything you’re offering. Remember that time you left me to freeze to death?”
He sighed. “Are you always this dramatic?”
One of his men snorted, and I trembled with the need to punch Lorian in the mouth.

I loved Prisca!  It hurt to watch her live in a village that she could never stay at, where she would never be able to fall in love, and could never let her guard down.  But when she left her home, brother and mother, it was even more gut wrenching to watch.  Her whole life changed in the blink of an eye and she was forced to survive or else she would die. Prisca showed us time and again that she was brave, smart, tricky, kind and fearless!  Being on the run had her meeting Lorian.  Who left her for dead.  He was a man she dubbed as a ruthless mercenary.  And it was the start of a beautiful enemies to lovers romance that I’m beyond obsessed about.

Don’t do it. Don’t you dare do it.
My gaze dropped to his toned ass, and I swallowed, my mouth suddenly dry.
“See something you like?” Lorian purred.
“Nothing. Nothing at all.”
He chuckled, turning to the bath, and I slammed my eyes shut. It wasn’t fair that he was so annoying and yet so fucking perfect.

Lorian.  Oh my heart.  He made me laugh when I shouldn’t have. He made me like him when I shouldn’t have. But I didn’t care. I loved that we got his thoughts too. They could be so coarse and ruthless, but I loved when he thought about her. Even when he didn’t want to. But make no mistake, he could be so cold at the drop of a hat. And in the next moment he would kill for you. Trick you. Be protective. And keep all of his secrets to himself. I never seemed to know which side Lorian would show us. Yet as the story unfolded, I fell for every single side of him. Something I didn’t think was possible. This morally gray male will gladly steal and capture your heart, even if you don’t want him to!

Nerves fluttered in my stomach.
We don’t have time for your insecurity and self-doubt.
How Lorian would laugh if he knew just how much I was relying on those words.
In another life.
My chest tightened, and I shoved the memory out of my mind.

Even though Prisca and Lorain hated each other, they needed one another. And while they had their moments that felt like something more, or there wasn’t animosity between them, it never lasted long. Their enemies to lovers romance was done so fabulously! Especially when they would mess with the other. I lived for those moments and couldn’t stop smiling when they could be playful and hilarious. Their banter was fabulous and there was always a tension that simmered between them. No matter how much neither one of them wanted to admit it.

Beneath the terror, my fury burned bright. So bright, I didn’t have to reach for my power. No, instead, the threads seemed to reach for me, my skin heating.

While Prisca, Lorian and his men Marth, Rythos, Cavis and Galon traveled together, there was definitely a strain. Yet as their journey continued, it almost felt as though there was a camaraderie there. One that felt like a fond family. Or maybe that’s just what happens when you face life and death moments. I was terrified for so many of those in this story. I cried, I screamed, I gasped, but I also laughed out loud and couldn’t stop smiling. And as we watched the story and the characters unfold, I loved where this story led us. It held us in the palm of its hand.

“I thought we’d moved past threats of torture,” I muttered.
He took a single step closer, and my skin tingled at the look he gave me. Dark, hopelessly amused, dripping with lust.

This twists in this story were phenomenal! Some of my guesses were close or right on. Yet other things I didn’t even some coming. This is one of those stories where I can’t wait to re-read because I can now see the clues. And while reading, I had to know what happened next. The story and characters were impossible to walk away from! I also think that fans of FBAA will fall head over heels in love with this story! Reading those ARCs consumed my whole being these last few years. And this is the first book that has given me all of the same vibes and feels.

“…Promise me you’ll free them. And one day, you’ll come back and burn this fucking place to the ground.”
There was only one thing I could say. “I promise.”

A Court This Cruel and Lovely was filled with revenge, murder, survival, jealousy, bargains, betrayal, friendship and more. I loved that these characters had one another’s back and put their faith in each other. Even if they didn’t want to. I loved that plans were made that led to more. And I especially loved how steamy kisses turned into seductively scorching hot moments. This romantasy was impossible to put down and easily became an instant favorite! I will be counting the moments until that next book is released and I’m so thankful we stopped at the perfect stopping point.  I desperately  have to know what happens next, yet I can breathe.

“How do I know you won’t just kill everyone?”
“Oh, Prisca,” he purred. “I would never kill you.”

PS Barmaid. I still laugh out loud thinking about that!

“I know what we’re about to do. It doesn’t change the fact that I want to strip that dress off you and see what I find beneath it.”
“You’ll find knives,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.
His smile was dark— almost feral. “Wicked women are my weakness.”
I couldn’t help but grin up at him.

PPS I loved the letters Lorian and his brother sent back and forth. One of the last ones he sent back to him was everything for me lol!

Spoiler Quotes That I Love:

View Spoiler »

*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

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