Tag: Romantasy (Page 3 of 7)

BOOK REVIEW: Silver (The Queen & the Assassin #2) by Lisette Marshall

March 28, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Silver (The Queen & the Assassin #2)
by Lisette Marshall
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He chose not to kill her. Will his life be the price he must pay?

The Queen
Tamar just wants the world to go back to normal after her guard’s betrayal. Back to the familiar schemes and squabbles. Back to a court she can control. But the dangerously seductive assassin sleeping in her bed won’t be so easily controlled, and his stubborn defiance of her authority isn’t the only threat to her court.

The Assassin
No one disobeys the Empress of the Taavi Empire without consequences, and Runo is doing far worse than disobey her. But another assassin on his trail isn’t the consequence he expected. Let alone the one infamous Silver Dagger who still has a few personal scores to settle with him… A grudge that doesn’t only put his own life in danger, but Tamar’s too.

A vengeful enemy
With an old enemy on her way to the Red Castle, the queen and the assassin must once again fight for their lives – and love. But as their secrets grow heavier and their differences turn into disagreements, can they trust each other enough to survive?

Silver is the second book of The Queen & The Assassin, 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:

Silver was a forbidden romantasy that was filled with charm, romance and political intrigue. This was an incredible continuation of The Queen & The Assassin Series, and I loved where this story led us. If you’re a fan of steamy romance, characters that will have you rooting for them, and fabulous angst, definitely add this series to your tbr!

He finally had a game to play. And he wasn’t going to wait a minute longer.

Runo is one of my favorites! I loved his dark humor and that while he could hold an air of hostility, he also had the ability to inject laughter in those moments too. He had such a spectacular way of making me feel multiple things at once. So as the story unfolded, I loved watching him make friends in the guard and the townspeople. Runo was clever, charismatic, sweet, kind, thoughtful, and so easy to fall for. When an assassin was sent after him from the Empress, I truly had no clue where this story would go. It kept me glued to the pages!

He slammed his mouth into hers.
It was a challenge, a confession, and a command at once– a kiss demanding full and instant surrender.

Tamar was in a precarious situation. As she grew closer to Runo, no one could know. Not even those closest to her knew about their steamy nights together or the friendship that was forming between them. So as Tamar was civil at best in public with Runo, it cut like a knife. I understood why, but still, it hurt. Especially since Tamar seemed to keep her guard up around Runo. She was so damaged from her ex-husband, and I wanted her to be brave. Just like she was as a ruler. I wanted her to open up and tell Runo exactly how she felt.

I just want you here. I just want you with me. But she didn’t speak the words, and the silence that fell was not an inviting silence by any means.

Tamar and Runo together were so much fun. I loved the bond that was forming between them, and I kept all of my fingers crossed that one day Runo would rule alongside Tamar! Runo had no problems calling Tamar out on her bs, and Tamar had no qualms about being playful with Runo. And their steamy moments were done so fabulously *fans face*!

You just spent decades looking for a place where your heart wouldn’t kill you.

Silver left us at the perfect stopping point where we could breathe and also be excited for that next book. I’m so glad this trilogy is complete, because I jumped right into the next one already. And if you’ve read her series, The Princess and the Spy, you’ll be so happy to see some of our favorites in this story!

BOOK REVIEWS: The Sea Witch (For the Love of the Villain #1) by Rebecca F. Kenney & When Wishes Bleed (When Wishes Bleed #1) by Casey L. Bond

February 14, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Sea Witch by Rebecca F. Kenney
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Averil saves a young man from a shipwreck, she thinks she feels the Soul Echo--the sign that the young human male is her one true mate. And the malevolent Sea Witch is all too happy to offer a deal that could make all her dreams come true. He wants her to win the prince's heart--even coaches her in the art of seduction. But what is the real price of the Sea Witch's help? Why is he more brutally beautiful--and charming--than Averil expected?

Perfect for readers who simp for the villain and who enjoy dark, deliciously spicy retellings of beloved fairytales, reminiscent of the original but unique enough to keep it interesting!

Trigger warnings and content warnings can be found on the author's website or in the front matter of the book.

Review:

With twists to the original tale that were so much fun, The Sea Witch was a steamy, Little Mermaid Retelling! The Sea Witch was someone I loved right away. His backstory was fascinating, but from the moment Averil came to him for help, I couldn’t stop smiling. He wanted her. Even though she was forbidden to him. So as he helped her assimilate to her new legs, and teach her many different things *smirks*, I adored their story. The seductive scenes were scorching hot! And I have officially claimed this as my first monster romance, I learned so much haha. So if you love spicy fairytale retellings, with a dash of monster romance, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

When Wishes Bleed (When Wishes Bleed #1)
by Casey L. Bond
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
One Prince. One Witch. One Fate.

The upheaval in my life began the moment a prince stumbled into my house and asked me to read his fortune. Any other night, I might have made an excuse to get him to leave, but this was no normal visit. My fingers prickled to touch him. So, I granted his request by handing him a single wishbone. When he snapped it, the wish ... bled.

Hearing me suck in a shocked breath, he asked what it meant. Such an ominous omen could only mean one thing: his death was imminent. Fate revealed that he wouldn't die of natural causes. Someone wanted him dead. Stunned by the revelation, the man I now knew as Prince Tauren disappeared into a night I feared he wouldn't survive. The following day, I received an invitation to the castle. While it seemed the prince believed I could intervene and uncover who was plotting his death, his motives didn't stop there. I was being summoned to join twelve other women in vying for the opportunity to be his wife and future queen.

Going could mean jeopardizing my plans to reclaim my heritage and resurrect the House of Fate. But staying would guarantee Tauren's death, and the blood of his wish would be on my hands.

Review:

With an interesting magic system and unique world building, When Wishes Bleed was a fun read! This book took us on an interesting ride with little remnants of The Hunger Games and The Bachelor tucked into the story. The characters were easy to like, and the story was a quick read. Even though I got tears in my eyes towards the end, I still couldn’t fully connect to either of the characters. Even though I liked them a lot! Sable always seemed so calm and collected. And Prince Tauren was kind hearted. While this book started out with insta attraction, it did dive into insta love, yet it was done well! While I won’t be continuing on with this series, I definitely want to try another one of her series since this was my first book by Casey L. Bond.

BOOK REVIEW: Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy #1) by Callie Hart

January 31, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

Quicksilver (Fae & Alchemy #1)
by Callie Hart
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.

Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember. In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water. But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.

When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares…but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her. Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.

Be careful of the deals you make, dear child. The devil is in the details...

Review:

Quicksilver was a forced proximity, found family, enemies to lovers romantasy that I absolutely devoured! With a fascinating world and characters that had you rooting for them, I easily got lost in these pages. If you like fierce heroines, shadow daddies, and political intrigue, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

It isn’t disease that’s contagious in my ward, Captain. It’s dissent. Anarchy and rebellion spread like a wildfire.

Saeris Fane was smart, brave, cunning and I liked her instantly! Especially since she could be fierce and would fight till her last breath! She lived in a harsh world that constantly pushed her down. But she tried her best to survive. Listening to her thoughts, they made me laugh and had me cheering her on! When she reopened a gateway between realms, I was so excited to see what happened next!

Death had come for me, with wavy black hair and wicked green eyes.

Kingfisher, oh I have so many thoughts on him. He was a shadow daddy, who had absolutely no qualms about letting his a**hole side shine brightly haha. I was constantly searching for clues that he did have a heart. Those tiny moments of kindness he would show us, it proved that his black heart could beat! So while he could be kind…it was when he wanted to. But I loved his sneaky ways, his smartass comments, and most of all his filthy mouth!

Every time I thought I’d reached the limit of how much one living being could detest another, he went and proved to me that I was capable of so much more.

The banter and animosity between Saeris and Fisher was fabulous! They made me laugh out loud. And I loved how much they both would mess with the other. They were so entertaining! And when they crossed the line to more, they were scorching hot! I don’t want to say more, but the further we got in the story, the more and more obsessed I got with the two of them!

Fisher drew his bottom lip into his mouth, eyes the softest I’d ever seen them. Gently, he gathered the flyaway hair that had escaped my braid and carefully swept it behind my ear. “Breathe, Little Osha.”

With swirling secrets, blood oaths, battles, and obstacles that seemed insurmountable, Quicksilver held me in the palm of its hands! I even cried while reading this story. And shockingly Carrion even wiggled into my heart, I adored him! Plus I heart Onyx with my whole heart! Also, the ending left at the perfect stopping point. Yes there was a lot up in the air, but we were left at a point where we could breathe and be so excited for what is to come!

Other favorite quotes…

I was going to shank him in the neck with my very dull butter knife. Then he’d see how proficient I was with a blade.

“You don’t have a clue who I am,” he rumbled.
And maybe he was right about that. But I was beginning to. Beginning to figure him out.

A part of me knew that Fisher himself was the trap, and I was well and truly snared…

He buried his face into the crook of my neck, groaning, and the thought rose to my mind unbidden. Dangerous.
Bite me.

War was at the doorstep. Tomorrow was uncertain. Hell, today was uncertain, but this tiny moment was real.

BOOK REVIEW: A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated #1) by Danielle L. Jensen

January 1, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. And it’s been foretold that such magic will unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she has sworn to protect.

Review:

It was the wanting that made my life hard. If I could only stop wanting, perhaps I might find some happiness in what I had.

A Fate Inked in Blood was a Viking romantasy that was so effortless to love. With a forbidden relationship, a world that was so easy to get lost in, and characters that you’ll be rooting for or against, I adored this book. If you’re looking for a romantasy that has some action, twists, and a slow burn romance, definitely put this one on your tbr.

“Not all scars we earn are skin- deep, Freya Born- in- Fire.” He loosened his grip, my hand sliding through his. Though my scarred palm was numb, I swore I felt his fingers trail across it, and the sensation caused me to shiver. “There is no less honor in them.”

From the moment Bjorn showed up on the page I was a goner. I already liked Freya, she was fierce and I loved how she wouldn’t give up. Even if I did struggle when she let those who were supposed to love her, walk over her. But the connection between Bjorn and Frey was everything. There was definitely some insta-lust, but I loved how it was forced into a slow burn. Their forbidden relationship was done beautifully. And I have so many thoughts on how the story unfolded, but I think it’s best to discover it for yourself!

“It is hard to keep one’s wits when faced with a woman as beautiful as the sight of shore to a man who has been lost at sea.”

With secrets, friendship, battles, traitors, angst, and love, A Fate Inked in Blood was mesmerizing. This story kept me hooked while I alternated between listening and reading on my Kindle. I’m glad I did that because I would have pronounced so many of the names wrong lol. The only hiccup I had was towards the end of the book there was a lot of steam. Usually I want all the steam, but it felt like it kept going on when I just wanted to get back to the story. But with that ending, I’m counting down till the next book releases. We’re left struggling a little, but at the same time it’s the perfect waiting spot. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I liked him. Liked how he was both terrifyingly ruthless and heartbreakingly kind. Liked how he made me laugh and how his wit kept me on my toes. Liked the way I felt not just safe in his presence, but strong. I wanted to be close to him, and I was terrified of how my feelings might grow if I kept feeding that want.
Talk to him.

BOOK REVIEWS: The Stars are Dying (Nytefall #1) by Chloe C. Peñaranda & Saddle Up Cowboy (Coldbank Cowboys #1) by Sade Rena

December 31, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Stars are Dying (Nytefall #1)
by Chloe C. Peñaranda
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
"The brightest star needs the darkest night."

Astraea is a prisoner of her own mind, the past sliding from her grasp like water. But she knows she must escape the tyrannical king who holds her captive and find her clouded memories once again. This quest leads her to the Libertatem, a succession of trials hosted by the king in which five human lands compete for a cycle of safety from the vampires seeking blood, claiming souls, and savaging after dark.

But even winning the Libertatum will not keep Astraea safe from vampires. She’s made a bargain with Nyte, the beautiful, deadly vampire who stalks her dreams and haunts her waking hours. He promises to keep her safe, but she knows she cannot trust him, cannot trust his lies, even as she finds herself drawn deeper and deeper into his seductive embrace.

Caught between Nyte and her own mysteries, Astraea must decide if winning the Libertatem for her kingdom is worth her life, or if protection―and the answers to her past―really are her strongest desires.

Review:

The Stars are Dying was a star-crossed romantsay that was fascinating, but at the same time it gave me vibes of some of my favorite books. And when I end up comparing new books to others I love, that never ends well for me. With whisperings of From Blood and Ash, Spark of the Everflame and a few others, I struggled to connect with this book. I also struggled to connect with Astraea, because I didn’t always understand some of her decisions. There were some fabulous twists in this story, but I guessed quite a few of them. And I liked that the pace was quick, so it kept me turning those 400+ pages. I do think if you haven’t read a lot of romantasy books, this one may completely enrapture you. There were so many elements that I loved. But at the end of the day, this book never pulled me in, so I won’t be continuing on with this series.

“How are you here?” I aired the question, not really expecting an answer as I scanned the room for the satchel I’d arrived with.
“I have always been here,” he said, so quietly I almost missed it.

Saddle Up Cowboy by Sade Rena
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He's eight years too young for me, but I can't seem to stay away.

Parker was the last thing I expected when I packed my bags and moved to small-town Texas after learning my then-ex cheated two months before our wedding. All I knew is that I wanted to be far away.

With my savings and a broken heart, I purchased a fixer-upper and took the next plane to a place where only one person knew my name. It was supposed to be my perfect opportunity to start over and scrub the male species from my mind. And it would have worked had Parker not smiled at me from the other end of the bar with eyes so blue they'd make a nun swoon.

I should have stayed away because the last thing my heart needs is another failed relationship. But before I knew it, that smile turned into drinks, and eventually, his mouth on mine. Our fling was supposed to start and end that night, so imagine my surprise when he showed up at my door, determined to fix my house and broken heart.

What's the problem? I gave up on love the moment my ex stepped all over mine, and Parker's about to learn that some things aren't fixed so easily.

Saddle Up Cowboy, book one in the Coldbank Cowboy series, is a small-town reverse age gap romance that stands alone with a happy ever after guaranteed.

Review:

With the most mortifyingly embarrassing yet hilarious meet cute and hook up, Saddle Up Cowboy was a lot of fun! I listened to this story and was completely swept away. The characters were easy to like, the story-line was enjoyable, and the ending was heartwarming! Parker and Renee made me so happy. From when they met up again, to their exchange agreement, I absolutely adored them! Plus the friendships in this story added a beautiful layer. If you’re looking for a steamy, adult, age gap, cowboy romance, this one was so entertaining!

He inches closer. “yousaid my first time should be with someone who means somethin’. So, I’ll make this mean somethin’,”