Early Review: The Orchid Throne by Jeffe Kennedy

Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages

Expected publication: September 24th 2019 by St. Martin's Press

Series: Forgotten Empires #1

Fantasy

In exchange for an honest review

My Thoughts

An evil emperor has taken power and by doing that he took control of the world, one slaughter at a time. He might actually be my favorite character, cos he was so evil. And then this thing he says he will do at the end, dang, that is a well written baddie. I loved to hate him. And the thing is, we never even meet him! All we get are letters.

Ok so I spent the first paragraph talking about the man who will get killed in whatever book finishes this. Ha, funny.

Anyway, Lia, queen of Calanthe is trying her best to keep the evil emperor away from their shores. they rolled over and played nice and was spared the massacre. I did like that she played a part all day. There was so much more to her. But the thing that came out at the end was the part that interested me the most, intriguing.

Con, oh I do not know, I think he was an ass. I get that you have been a slave, but still, I kind of want to kick you in the nuts for the things you thought. Maybe he will grow on me.

I enjoyed it, even if I had some Con issues, and the fact that I remember the baddie that we did not evn meet the most. I hope he has a gruesome death

The end, well all is well for now. But tomorrow everyone might die

As Queen of the island kingdom of Calanthe, Euthalia will do anything to keep her people free—and her secrets safe—from the mad tyrant who rules the mainland. Guided by a magic ring of her father’s, Lia plays the political game with the cronies the emperor sends to her island. In her heart, she knows that it’s up to her to save herself from her fate as the emperor’s bride. But in her dreams, she sees a man, one with the power to build a better world—a man whose spirit is as strong, and whose passion is as fierce as her own…

A PRINCE AMONG MEN

Conrí, former Crown Prince of Oriel, has built an army to overthrow the emperor. But he needs the fabled Abiding Ring to succeed. The ring that Euthalia holds so dear to her heart. When the two banished rulers meet face to face, neither can deny the flames of rebellion that flicker in their eyes—nor the fires of desire that draw them together. But in this broken world of shattered kingdoms, can they ever really trust each other? Can their fiery alliance defeat the shadows of evil that threaten to engulf their hearts and souls? 

Lonen's reign - Jeffe Kennedy

Kindle Edition, 151 pages

Expected publication: March 20th 2019 by Brightlynx

Series: Sorcerous Moons #6

Fantasy romance

for review

My Thoughts

And then the end came. I do feel that this could have been a trilogy, but hey it works. Novellas are at least very fast to read.

Lonen and Oria are to be married. Lonen's ass of a brother has been take care of, but all is not as it seems. Oria has control of her powers and Chuffta is suddenly a very big dragon. All is well.

Except for evil sorcerers and Oria's evil brother destroying Lonen's people. You know what that means, waaaaar! Huh, I must say, that was not a long war. But it worked really well when I though about it. A fitting way to do it.

I mean this is a novella, I can not really say a lot. Wedding and war. Getting things on, getting things done.

A nice end to this series. This one felt very light in a way. It also made me even more curious about those evil Trom.

The end

Blurb

The sorceress Oria has finally come into her own—able to wield the power of her birthright and secure in the marriage she once believed would bring her only misery. But the past she escaped still chases her, and the certainty of war promises to destroy everything she’s fought to have.

An Impossible War

Once before Lonen led an army in a desperate attempt to stop the powerfully murderous sorcerers of Bára—and he nearly lost everything. Now he must return to the battlefield that took the lives of so many of his people. Only this time he has more to risk than ever.

The Final Conflict

With guile, determination—and unexpected allies—Oria and Lonen return to the place where it all began… and only hope that it won’t also be the end of them.

Oria's Enchantment - Jeffe Kennedy

Kindle Edition, 166 pages

Published January 25th 2019 by Brightlynx

Series: Sorcerous Moons #5

Fantasy romance

for review

My thoughts

Has it been like 2 years? I had honestly forgotten everything :/ After a year my mind starts to let things go. I could not even remember why they could not have smex! But the thing is, it did not matter that I did not remember things. The book worked great anyway. Of course I did wonder why they could not do the deed, which lead to more thoughts, lol.

It is a novella, so it is a fast read. It is book 5 and in this one Lonen, our handsome barbarian king, is with Oria, his beautiful witchy wife. His asshat of a brother has thrown down the gauntlet and they need to take their kingdom back. Ugh Nolan, I do not remember you, and I still do not like you, asshat you.

There is also a magic mirror that causes problems. Oria's magic is different.

Not a lot happens, and still a lot happens. Things move forward quickly, and everything I say from now can be a spoiler....

I like that it was a fast read and that I did not have to remember everything clearly. I could just go with the flow.

Blurb

No longer a princess and not yet a queen, the sorceress Oria welcomes the rush of power the ancient mask brings her—though the obsessive connection to it frightens her and alarms her barbarian husband, Lonen. But retreat is not an option. She must wrestle the magic to prevent an annihilating war, even if she must make the ultimate sacrifice.

A World in Flames

If Lonen wants to reclaim his throne—and save his people from destruction—he must return by sunset on the seventh day. What he thought would be a short and simple journey, however, leads them deeper into the mountains—and Oria deeper into the thrall of foul magic. Until he must choose between two terrible paths.

A Heart-Wrenching Choice

Struggling with conflicting loyalties, Oria and Lonen fight to find a way to be together… lest they be separated forever, and their realms go down in flames with them.

Seasons of Sorcery anthology

Kindle Edition, 370 pages

Published November 13th 2018 by Brightlynx Publishing

Fantasy romance/UF

for review

My Thoughts and Synopsis

WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP

An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .

The story was ok and all, but, I have only read one Gin book and that was ageeees ago. I never read more. And I did feel like fans would love this so much more. While I was all, ok she is an Assassin. I guess those are her friends and BF. So she kicks some ass and saves the day

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET

A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.

This was a nice fantasy romance. Leathen grows up with the former Goddess of Spring. Oh I would have liked more of that. I know that this was only a novella, but still! This would have been a great book.

The country is dying. Can Leathen and Rain save the day? There are baddies trying to stop them and well obvi these two will have feelings for each other. Took them long enough!

Nice story

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY

As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.

I know I often say that everything works as a stand alone, but here, well you really should read the rest.

As for what happened...FINALLY! OMG I HAVE WAITED FOR THAT. Happiness is something all should have.

Also, when will we meet Jenna again? Is she still alive? Arghhhh

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN

The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced. 

I did not expect that and I did learn something I always wondered about, well at least Draven came up for one explanation lol.

I have read a story set in this world before, or two? Interesting little town and now it is Brida's turn, a widow, to find something and oh I can not say too much! Spoilers.

Like maybe there is some romance *whistles*

Conclusion:

Two of these are stand alone and worked great as that. Another one does work on it's own, but I feel you get more for your money if you know the series. And the final one really should be read in its series. How else can you love Harlan and Essla!

Exile of the Seas - Jeffe Kennedy

Kindle Edition, 206 pages

Expected publication: September 4th 2018 by Rebel Base Books

Series: The Chronicles of Dasnaria #2, The Twelve Kingdoms Complete Universe [publication order] #9

Fantasy

For review

My thoughts

To be honest, from this titles I expected more sea time and maybe pirates, I mean sea is in the title too.

Anyway, Jenna is fleeing her evil husband and she knows she needs to learn tot take care of herself. Not easy for a woman who do not know what money is, or anything else.

She meets a friend (ohh name dropping, nice!).

And moves further and further away. She learns to fight, and I am certain she will learn to love again too. Gosh, I sure hope so!

But, it is a novella, and I do feel like book 1 and 2 could have been one book. I haaaaaaate waiting, and now i have to wait again!! Luckily the blurb for book 3 was up so I could get an inkling to what was happening. Of course I always want to move forward in time to where the other books take place and see how it all turned out. Aarghh, I haaaate waiting!

Conclusion:

Truly a book of finding yourself and raising above everything you were taught.

Blurb

Once she was known as Jenna, Imperial Princess of Dasnaria, schooled in graceful dance and comely submission. Until the man her parents married her off to almost killed her with his brutality.

Now, all she knows is that the ship she’s boarded is bound away from her vicious homeland. The warrior woman aboard says Jenna’s skill in dancing might translate into a more lethal ability. Danu’s fighter priestesses will take her in, disguise her as one of their own—and allow her to keep her silence.

But it’s only a matter of time until Jenna’s monster of a husband hunts her down. Her best chance to stay hidden is to hire out as bodyguard to a caravan traveling to a far-off land, home to beasts and people so unfamiliar they seem like part of a fairy tale. But her supposed prowess in combat is a fraud. And sooner or later, Jenna’s flight will end in battle—or betrayal . . . (less)

Prisoner of the Crown - Jeffe Kennedy

My thoughts:

I was warned before so I knew this was not a romance, not that I mind. I love straight up fantasy. I would still call this light even though dark things happen.

Jenna is an Imperial princess and grows up in a beautiful paradise where she plays and enjoys life. Though she does get an inkling that there is things she does not know (in truth she knows nothing. Not what snow looks like. Not what animals are...nothing. Cos she is told nothing). All she knows is her sheltered cage. I do feel sorry for her, because I know the real world will not be what she thinks.

An Imperial Princess must marry well and well means this utter monster. I curse her mother and the men in her family.

I liked her cage. She was so sheltered and it was done well. It was sad and tragic. I liked the look we got at her sisters, and I curse my brain cos I do not remembered what happened to them. As the Kingdom books takes place after this. I want to know now! I am really bad at waiting.

I also liked the look we got of her brothers. I curse Kral at the moment and I want to re-read his book cos at the moment I can not forgive him. I also want to re-read Harlan's book because omg that boy, how wonderful he was. He was not of that world. That cruel world where women are nothing, just something to be played with. He was a good man.

Jenna will go from naive to getting stronger. From sheltered to realizing that there is another world out there. I like her journey and when the book ended I wanted more. I need to know what happens to this poor woman.

This is the beginning of a journey and I do not know where the road will take her, at all.

Conclusion:

A golden cage is a cage after all. 

Blurb:

Princess Jenna has been raised in supreme luxury—and ignorance. Within the sweet-scented, golden confines of the palace seraglio, she’s never seen the sun, or a man, or even learned her numbers. But she’s been schooled enough in the paths to a woman’s power. When her betrothal is announced, she’s ready to begin the machinations that her mother promises will take Jenna from ornament to queen.

But the man named as Jenna’s husband is no innocent to be cozened or prince to charm. He’s a monster in human form, and the horrors of life under his thumb are clear within moments of her wedding vows. If Jenna is to live, she must somehow break free—and for one born to a soft prison, the way to cold, hard freedom will be a dangerous path indeed…

Kindle Edition
Published June 12th 2018 by Rebel Base Books
The Chronicles of Dasnaria #1, The Twelve Kingdoms Complete Universe [publication order] #7
Fantasy
For review

Shooting Star - Jeffe Kennedy

Not all desires are shiny and sweet—and the dark ones might change you forever… 

It’s not the kind of obsession a tough Army guy can admit to—a jones for Ava, the pretty-princess pop star. Not just her body, the perfect product that sells all those magazines. Her music. 

The critics call her human lip gloss, all style and no substance. To Joe Ivanchan, Ava is the exact blend of reality and fantasy that he can tolerate, the closest he’s willing to get to giving his heart after the injury and breakdown that got him out of the service. 

But Ava is real. She’s a flesh and blood woman with a publicity machine and an album deadline, along with a whole team of handlers paid to shellac a pristine sheen over a damaged, desperate soul. A woman with fears, with secrets, with desires. 

When Joe finds himself in an interview to join her security team as her driver, his instinct is to get away. But the woman behind Ava’s carefully focus-grouped image is even harder to walk away from. The angry needs tormenting her speak to something within Joe. Something empathetic, protective—and primal… 

Besides, even a falling star can light up the darkest night. 

Ebook, 260
Expected publication: March 6th 2018 by Brightlynx
Dark Contemporary romance
For review

My thoughts:

This is actually the first book by her that did not work for me. Yes I get it was darker and for me that was one issue. There was nothing wrong with the story or writing. How wonderful that two damaged souls can find solace in each other, but....but it was the characters.

Joe creeped me out! I get that her music saved him when he came home and was in the hospital. But it was just too creepy. How he was all yay she is over 18 now and has done a center fold. And he was so obsessed that he watched the things she did as a kid too. Too far, too far. I never got over that first creepy impression.

Ava was human lipgloss. Sure I get that she portrayed that because she was broken inside after years getting told what to do and having a raving B as her mom. But she was just too handsy, mouthy and I did not like her.

I know that some can still enjoy the story, but I guess that characters really break or make a book for me. So these two can have each other then.

Two broken people find something they are missing in each other. And get some hot passion out of it too.

Since Last Christmas - Jeffe Kennedy

This Christmas, Amy is getting what she wants. Her career in fashion design is taking off. Her boyfriend Brad is the dictionary definition of a catch. Soon he’ll buy the massive diamond that makes it official: she’s nobody’s hard luck case anymore.

Her old friend Jon ought to understand. A decade ago he was the other scholarship kid with a crap family. He got her quirks, her insecurities, her rules, her passions. Now he swears she’s not really happy, and she’s forgotten something that proves it.

When Amy throws away everything she’s worked for with one impulsive, impossible word, she’s horrified she’s proved Jon right...and strangely, secretly excited. That he knows more than the past she wants to forget — he knows what heats her up, what makes her heart race.

But remembering what she’s forgotten since last Christmas might mean breaking all the rules… 

ebook, 188
Published December 21st 2017 by Jeffe Kennedy
Missed Connections # 3
Contemporary romance
For review

My thoughts:

Amy thinks she has it all. Oh you silly girl. He might know how to dress and act. He might be perfect i every way, but not in the way that matters.

Brad is just one of those flashy selfie people. And Amy wants to marry him. Brad is an idiot.

Then there is Jon. Her old best friend who she meets again. Who can not dress. Who can not act. But who knew her soul.

Well obvi these two will find their way to each other. I mean duh. And the series title says it all. I did think it happened to fast. Which is strange cos the two previous books were the same, and here they had actually known each other for years. Funny how that happens. But love conquers all.

Sweet and steamy at times.

Anthology review: Amid the Winter Snow

THE DARKEST MIDNIGHT, by Grace Draven

The mark Jahna Ulfrida was born with has made her a target of the cruel and idle all her life. During the long, crowded festivities of Deyalda, there’s nowhere to escape. Until a handsome stranger promises to teach her to save herself…

THE CHOSEN, by Thea Harrison

In her visions, Lily sees two men fighting for her tiny country’s allegiance: the wolf and the tiger, each deadly, each cunning. One will bring Ys chaos and death, one a gentler path—but she’s destined to love whichever she chooses. The midwinter Masque is upon them, and the wolf is at her door…

THE STORM, by Elizabeth Hunter

When her soul mate died in a massacre of the half-angelic Irin people, Renata thought she’d never feel happiness again. She’s retreated to the snowy Dolomites to remember her hurts—until determined, irrepressible Maxim arrives to insist on joy, too. And before she can throw him out, they discover a secret the Irin have to know…

THE SNOWS OF WINDROVEN, by Jeffe Kennedy

As a blizzard threatens their mountain keep, the new Queen Amelia of the Twelve Kingdoms and her unofficial consort Ash face their own storm. Ash knows a scarred, jumpy ex-convict isn’t the companion his queen needs. But when a surprise attack confines them together in their isolated sanctuary, the feast of midwinter might tempt even Ash into childlike hope… 

ebook, 431
Expected publication: December 12th 2017 by Brightlynx Publishing
Fantasy romance
For review

My thoughts:

The Darkest Midnight by Grace Draven

Oh it took me a while to realise where the story took place. It has been too long since I read that awesome book of hers! And this takes place in the same world, but another country.

I like Jahna, I felt sorry for her too, but she was great and knew what she wanted. To be a chronicler, you go girl.

And yes it is a romance, even if there is not a lot of romance. Just a dance between two people, but there will be  a happy ending even if I could not see it. But then, oh perfect for sure.

The Chosen by Thea Harrison

I never did see that other suitor, disappointed. But yes Lila meets the Wolf, they flirt. They will try to save her kingdom and live happily ever after. Nice story, nice setting and i would like more from this world.

Though her country sounds weak, sorry but true. No wonder someone wants to conquer it.

The storm by Elizabeth Hunter

Man meets woman, fall in love, and the story takes forever to end. 15 years! Damn he never gave up. I liked the story and the world, but at the same time it felt a bit too long. Maybe cos I had to charge the battery and it was uncomfortable, lol.

Jeffe Kennedy

I had not realise how much tension there was still between Ami and Ash. I mean I knew they were not married, I knew why, but poor Ash. I get it, half blood, ex convicts do not marry queens. And that is why this story was so needed, these two needed a conclusion. So what we have are two people, tired, and just wanting to be with each other but arguing instead. All while midwinter draws close. Oh and the kids are hilarious!

Conclusion:

I liked the xmas feel, even though there is no xmas since 3 of 4 takes place in fantasy world. But hey people celebrated before xmas and that is what they do here. Midwinter celebrations. I liked it.

Cover

Nice

Would you Rather feat Jeffe Kennedy and Giveaway

Welcome! I was inspired  by this game that the characters played in the book reviewed yesterday (edit: I messed up, oops, so that would be the review I posted today, questions borrowed from the book and those questions were borrowed from elsewhere ;) so I asked Jeffe Kennedy to play along.

Would you rather be a reverse centaur or a reverse mermaid/merman?

A reverse centaur, because horses are smarter than fish.

Would you rather have a clown only you can see that follows you everywhere and just stands silently in a corner watching you without doing or saying anything or have a real life stalker who dresses like the Easter bunny that everyone can see?

This is a seriously creepy question! If forced into an either/or, I’d take the clown since it’s harmless. Besides, I don’t have the clown-squick and since no one else would be able to see it, then no one else would be bothered.

Would you rather Fight 100 duck sized horses or 1 horse sized duck?

I’d take the 100 duck-sized horses, because horses are actually quite timid in nature. They’re essentially prey animals and all their might is in their size. Duck-sized horses would be easy to frighten and scatter. Ducks, however, are vicious with their beaks. A horse-sized duck would be a difficult creature to beat. 

LOL, thank you Jeffe for playing along :D This was fun to read.

And now to the giveaway. You have the chance to win this awesome bundle of books.

GIVEAWAY

ENDS Oct 30th

Open to everyone in the universe

Enter by leaving a comment :) 

Remember if I can not find your profile I can not find you. So leave a way to contact you in that case.

The shift of the tide - Jeffe Kennedy

Growing up in a country where magic was common as dust, Zynda never had to worry about her enchantments upsetting the balance of nature. But the land beyond the borders of the thirteenth kingdom calls to her. It may be foreign and ugly, but the strangeness is laced with an excitement she has never known. Outside her homeland, Zynda's shapeshifting and sorcery are a potent advantage to nations grasping for dominance--and the thrill of power lures her even as she recognizes the threat she poses to these magic-buffeted realms. 

A ruthless enemy stalks them, promising destruction if she does not fight with all her strength--but if she upsets the equilibrium of the land, all will pay, the common people most of all. And a man of this outside world fascinates her, a mossback with no scrap of magic in him. He knows nothing of the fears and temptations pulling at her. But in his steady embrace she learns she must choose well--for the consequences may reach farther than she ever imagined... 

My thoughts:

Oh those Tala, they are such tricksters, but that makes them fun to be around. 

This book is about Zynda, a shapeshifter who wants to save her people. And well the world too since those dang baddies are coming for everyone. Though sadly there is no conclusion to that yet, that is both good and bad. See I want to see them burn at once (there are dragons after all that can help with that), but I also want more so good that there are still things to take off. 

Back to Zynda, she is a trickster, she tells the truth, but that might be a truth that is ever changing. She guards her secrets and especially the biggest one of all. What is she really about?

Right, I am blabbering. You just can not jump right into thing with these. First you really should read the first 3 books, if you do not then you must read 4 and 5 cos else you will be lost. Who the baddies are. How Dafne got married, how Jepp went to Dasnaria (and got her man), and much more. The books all have a new heroine but the story continues and the torch to save the world is passed on.

Oh and there is romance too. Zynda certainly is not looking for romance, but romance finds her none the less. And I really liked the end, I really liked the end.

I am also looking forward to the next book, I guessed right who it will be about and I am sure it will be fun. What a pair.

Conclusion:
Fantasy romance and a good adventure.

Cover
nice

Kindle Edition, 251 pages

Expected publication: August 29th 2017 by Brightlynx Publishing
The Twelve Kingdoms #6, The Uncharted Realms #3
Fantasy romance
For review

With a prince - Jeffe Kennedy

The guy on the train is just Marcia’s type. A face like an angel, a scent like raw honey, treats her like he has a white horse and suit of armor stowed in his messenger bag. Perfect.

Too perfect. No guy like that would be interested in prim, awkward Marcia, notorious goody-goody and a twentysomething still clutching her v-card. She’s been following rules her whole life—but somewhere, the game changed. And left her behind. 

So when she meets Damien, with his rumbling motorbike, gleaming piercings, and wicked imagination, she doesn’t care that he’s the exact opposite of “her type.” Her type would never dare her into such shocking, fiendishly inventive adventures—and she can’t wait to say yes.

Yes to whiskey in the middle of a workday. Yes to letting her hands roam over his body from the back of his bike. Yes to a fling full of wild abandon and absolutely no long-term potential. Except Damien’s not just the straightforward bad boy she imagined. And as they burn through Chicago’s nights, Marcia can’t shake the fear that this happiness is just another fairy tale… 

My thoughts.
My first book finished since becoming a mum. I am so glad I went for a novella! Well I did finish that audiobook but that was easier.

Enough of that. Too the book then. It was a sexy novella that even made me want to cry. Omg, NO it was NOT sad. But there was this disappointment and I went all mommy sad *eye roll* I so can not get these hormones under control. I just wanted to rage...and I can not say more cos spoilers. But arghh, rage!

Marcia is the good girl, the virgin, the one who is waiting for her prince charming. But then she meets someone who is SO wrong. And for once she just want to live. I get that. She wants to experience life and forget her rules. And he sure was sexy and so wrong that a taste would be so right.

So well duh there is passion, there is some drama. There is friendship (I so want friends like that! Well at times...*silence*) And there are 3 more women who will find love too. You do not need to have read the first to enjoy this one, BUT there was something that happened in book 1 so the tension is there and yes maybe just read in order then.

I like a novella that manages to make it believable that people can fall for each other in a short amount of time. It never felt too short.

Kindle Edition, 200

Expected publication: May 30th 2017 by Brightlynx Publishing

Missed Connections #2
Contemporary romance
For review

Last Dance - Jeffe Kennedy

It was five minutes. His hand on the small of her back. His eyes watching like there was no one else in the crowded club. His body a breath away from hers. A kiss full of heat and need and promise. 

But then the stranger disappears. And Charlotte Emory can’t forget him. Worse, according to the dating Rules she and her four best friends swear by, all she can do is post an ad online. No names, no numbers. Just a missed connection – and the hope he’ll meet her, and see where another dance leads.

Except Mr. Mystery has his game, too, and he isn’t playing for only one night. He tempts Charley into a daring exploration of power, lust, and suspense, where even the most innocent requests sound indecent…and the indecent ones make her burn all night.

If she plays by the Rules, they’ll never get past teasing each other. But rules were made to be broken… 

My thoughts:
Charlotte follows a few dating rules, and I must say, they do make it harder to meet guys cos she seems to diss them fast.

This story is about her meeting Mr Mystery, and frankly, he did push a few of my buttons. He was a bit stalkerish (but there is a reason). He played by his own rules to show her her rules were nothing. I got how he was how he was then. Her rules made it near impossible to win so he had to do what he could. Still, he was weird, even if I forgave it in the end.

Lots of smexy times, and as you know me skimming those. But yes loooots for a novella. So you guys will love that. A bit more  E romance than Contemporary romance.

Conclusion:
See the game player get played by her own rules.  A short passionate tale

Cover
Ok

ebook, 104 pages
Published February 28th 2017 by Brightlynx Publishing
Contemporary romance
for review

The Forests of Dru - Jeffe Kennedy

Once Princess Oria spun wicked daydreams from the legends of sorceresses kidnapped by the barbarian Destrye. Now, though she’s come willingly, she finds herself in a mirror of the old tales: the king’s foreign trophy of war, starved of magic, surrounded by snowy forest and hostile strangers. But this place has secrets, too—and Oria must learn them quickly if she is to survive.

Instead of the refuge he sought, King Lonen finds his homeland desperate and angry, simmering with distrust of his wife. With open challenge to his rule, he knows he and Oria—the warrior wounded and weak, the sorceress wrung dry of power—must somehow make a display of might. And despite the desire that threatens to undo them both, he still cannot so much as brush her skin.

With war looming and nowhere left to run, Lonen and Oria must use every intrigue and instinct they can devise: to plumb Dru’s mysteries, to protect their people—and to hold fast to each other. Because they know better than any what terrifying trial awaits… 

My thoughts:

I just hate the Destrye! Poor Oria. Fine, there are nice people there too, but so many are just asshats. All," she is a witch! She has bewitched him! Use her as a slave and marry one of your own kind! " Asshats! She is lying there half dead, but of course she is at fault. Grrrrrr!

I guess I should be happy cos she is with Lonen, but they are just so mean! She is weak because she needs her magic. He is weak cos of their journey there. And people do not want her around so that is not exactly making them stronger.

The book is not long, it's a novella. They get better, there is drama and they try to figure out how to make her better.

Conclusion:
But things are coming, I am intrigued by new events. Things will get dangerous too. I am looking forward to more. 

ebook, 140 ish
Expected publication: January 24th 2017
Sorcerous Moons #4
Fantasy romance

Review and Giveaway: The Edge of the Blade - Jeffe Kennedy

Jepp has been the heart of the queen s elite guard, her Hawks, since long before war split her homeland. But the ease and grace that come to her naturally in fighting leathers disappears when battles turn to politics. When a scouting party arrives from far-away Dasnaria, bearing veiled threats and subtle bluffs, Jepp is happy to let her queen puzzle them out while she samples the pleasures of their prince s bed. 

But the cultural norms allow that a Dasnarian woman may be wife or bed-slave, never her own leader and Jepp s light use of Prince Kral has sparked a diplomatic crisis. Banished from court, she soon becomes the only envoy to Kral s strange and dangerous country, with little to rely on but her wits, her knives and the smolder of anger and attraction that burns between her and him . . . 

My thoughts:

I so could not see a happy ending for these two. With some books, you just know, like obviously, they will live happily ever after. But here, yes I actually had doubts. Because they are SO different, I know I say that in other reviews too, but here, well they were really different! Like reeeeally different.

Jepp is all warrior, and if she wants a quick tumble, then she has a quick tumble. And she does not really care who, or what gender they are. But her latest tumble was not really the best idea. A foreign prince who plays by other rules and thinks she is only his. Jepp was not any woman, she takes no such bs. She wanted freedom, to do whatever she wanted and she did come from a country where women were as important as men.

Kraal, well, he came from a society where women are kept hidden. Where women have no power. Where women are to be protected. Where women can't do anything on their own. And women can sure not fight there. Women rulers, ha, what a silly notion. Yes you can see why these two would clash, cos even though he totally falls for her, and likes that she can hold her own. His country can not accept that. 

How can they possible be together? And as seen in the last book she was on her way there as an ambassador. He is a prince. She can't keep her mouth shut. They are so wrong for each other. And how they argue. How they fight. She wanted a one night thing, he wants more. Oh the fights they have, delicious. 

But the book is about more than that. A whole new society to see, stupid men! And something to find. Hidden powers in dark (I hate them). And things will get dangerous.

Conclusion:
A good fantasy romance, and one with a strong couple that really has to fight for that HEA. Cos do not worry, this is a romance. If there was not a HEA I would have thrown it at the wall ;)

Cover
Cool

Paperback, 400 pages
Published December 27th 2016 by Kensington Publishing Corporation
Uncharted Realms #2, The Twelve Kingdoms #5
Fantasy romance
Own

And now to a Giveaway of the previous book /books!

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If the winner is international then they will receive an e-copy of one of the novellas

Negotiation, Heart's Blood or The Crown of the Queen 

Ends Jan 14th

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The Tides of Bara - Jeffe Kennedy

With her secrets uncovered and her power-mad brother bent on her execution, Princess Oria has no Lonen have no choice but to flee through the leagues of brutal desert between her home and his—certain death for a sorceress, and only a bit slower than the blade.

sanctuary left. Her bid to make herself and her new barbarian husband rulers of walled Bára has failed. She and

At the mercy of a husband barely more than a stranger, Oria must war with her fears and her desires. Wild desert magic buffets her; her husband’s touch allures and burns. Lonen is pushed to the brink, sure he’s doomed his proud bride and all too aware of the restless, ruthless pursuit that follows…

Can Oria trust a savage warrior, now that her strength has vanished? Can Lonen choose her against the future of his people? Alone together in the wastes, Lonen and Oria must forge a bond based on more than lust and power, or neither will survive the test… 

My thoughts:

This is more a journey book, and I am so impatient, I want the drama, oh the drama is so coming, we even got a little and I was all grrrr, don't you dare! Not saying to who that was but drama...

They have to make it out of town, and quickly since her brother is an asshole. But yes then there is that she will die outside of the town thing...hmmm, how will they fix that? 

I am rambling, I should have written this a week ago!

Lonen and Oria has gotten close now. They do fit each other, but yes yes, there is the whole can't do the naughty thing too. These two really are cursed. The author threw everything at them and they have to fight for it every step of the way.

But as for the story, not much happens, the book is novella length. They journey to his home, they talk, there are dangers. And of course when they get there everyone will hate her....

I need answeeeeeers! Yes I already said it, I am impatient, you should read all 3 after each other ;)

Kindle Edition, 160ish
Published October 29th 2016 by Brightlynx Publishing
Sorcerous Moons #3
Fantasy romance
For a review

Anthology: Teeth long and sharp

A collection of tales sharp and pointed.

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones - Eleanor resents the afternoons sacrificed to piano lessons and a disagreeable teacher who gloats over her failures and humiliations. Today, it’s Mrs. Lundemann’s turn for a sacrifice of a very different nature…

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven - Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator possessing a taste for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day save a world. 

THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…

In the forest, a Thing prowls, picking off members of young Raven’s tribe. If they flee their home, they face starvation. If only Raven can answer the question of what kind of fur makes that noise.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey - A merchant and a poet come to the City, seeking justice for the murder of a relative, and if justice cannot be found, they will have revenge. They collude with vampires, negotiate with mermaids, share ale and meat pies with gargoyles and navigate the prisons, waterways and court system of a city ruled by a Master possessing long life and even longer teeth.

The City will make you a fortune, or it will kill you, but it will always change you.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones - Living the simple life in small town Indiana, Mrs. H has everything she could possibly ever want: a cozy house, peace and quiet, and a garden that is the envy of Mulberry Street. But when sinister outsiders disrupt the tranquility of her neighborhood, it might be time for her to come out of retirement and take up tools more deadly than pruning shears and a trowel.

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling - Biologist Charles Napier doesn’t mind getting lost in a Florida swamp—it’s part of a scientist’s job. Logic and training will get him out safely. Except lurking in this swamp, there’s a monster Napier’s science can’t explain...a lonely, exquisite, desperate monster.

My thoughts:

This anthology has a couple of novellas in it. Scary? Not really. Just you know, stories. With some creepy paranormal vibes.

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones

A kid hates playing the piano. And something strange will happen during the lesson. To be honest I am still not sure what happened. I must have missed something.

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven 

I liked this one. Something is out there in the water, our heroine has water sight or what it was called, and something needs to be done. We also learn about her village and family. But there was one thing that rubbed me the wrong way, certain feelings she had. It just made me dislike her at the end.

THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…

There is something hunting in the forest killing. What is it? 

I was reading and noticed 3 names that means Raven in other languages, so I checked, and yes it was a theme. I liked that, very cool. Nice twist too.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey 

It has promise, but it went on too long. Which is a weird thing saying about a novella. I just wish they had cut to the chase. But the world was interesting and it would be a good fantasy novel.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones - 

This one was a bit, what is happening? The whole X thing came around so what? Anyway vampires, a nice old lady next doors. What will happen?

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling - 

This one had a really slow beginning, but then it picked up as the guy goes further into the swamps, and there is something there...there it did get interesting.

So yes, not scary. Just paranormal stuff with no happy endings. Bad things will happen, bad things are out there and want blood. Some good, some got better. As always then.

Interesting stories .

Kindle Edition 276
Published October 4th 2016
Paranormal, fantasy
For an honest review

Oria's Gambit - Jeffe Kennedy

Princess Oria has one chance to keep her word and stop her brother’s reign of terror: She must become queen. All she has to do is marry first. And marry Lonen, the barbarian king who defeated her city bare weeks ago, who can never join her in a marriage of minds, who can never even touch her—no matter how badly she wants him to.

To rule is to suffer, but Lonen never thought his marriage would become a torment. Still, he’s a resourceful man. He can play the brute conqueror for Oria’s faceless officials and bide his time with his wife. And as he coaxes secrets from Oria, he may yet change their fate…

With deception layering on deception, Lonen and Oria must claim the throne and brazen out the doubters. Failure means death— for them and their people.

But success might mean an alliance powerful beyond imagining... 

My thoughts:

Arghh, 4 days since I read this one and I have not written a review!!! Seriously, this is why I write at once cos I forget what I feel.

Lonen and Oria are married..well soon. But anyway, a political marriage. She needs his image, he needs, well he does not need her, but she needs him. Oh and he wants her, but can not have her, because she can not be with anyone. Sucks being her. No one can touch her cos she feels pain then. But hey maybe they will find a way *hint hint*

But first there is her stupid brother causing trouble. The stupid priestess causing the trouble. The Trom that are, I want to know more there....

And these two who want each other but can not have each other. I really hope they find a way, dunno what the author will do but I am curious!!

Conclusion:
Romance, politics, danger and intrigues. And just two people starting to fall for each other. So meant to be.

More romance in this one, so that was nice. 

ebook
Expected publication: August18th 2016 by Smashwords Edition
Sorcerous Moons #2
Fantasy romance
in exchange for an honest review

Lonen's War - Jeffe Kennedy

Alone in her tower, Princess Oria has spent too long studying her people’s barbarian enemies, the Destrye—and neglected the search for calm that will control her magic and release her to society. Her restlessness makes meditation hopeless and her fragility renders human companionship unbearable. Oria is near giving up. Then the Destrye attack, and her people’s lives depend on her handling of their prince…

When the cornered Destrye decided to strike back, Lonen never thought he’d live through the battle, let alone demand justice as a conqueror. And yet he must keep up his guard against the sorceress who speaks for the city. Oria’s people are devious, her claims of ignorance absurd. The frank honesty her eyes promise could be just one more layer of deception.

Fighting for time and trust, Oria and Lonen have one final sacrifice to choose… before an even greater threat consumes them all. 

My thoughts:

I did not really know who to root for at first. The Barbarian Horde was all kill them all! BUT they claimed that they had been attacked first. As for the people of Dara I only had Oria's opinion and she had no idea why they were attacking. Except for them being barbarians. So I was not too happy about the Destrye to be honest. And not at all when things comes to pass later on.

It's not a fantasy romance, there is not an inch of romance in it. But I guess there will be in coming books. Cos duh, you read the blurb and think that they will hook up. But he keeps thinking of someone else and I am so not down with that. But then he thinks of Oria too, and I am all no you didn't! It did not really make me love Lonen. He has to prove himself in book 2 if he is gonna win me over. He does better himself, but in another way it just makes it all worse.

Oh and you should see him go all but she said! Oh man, she is not the ruler of this place. Silly little Destrye. You will see.

As for Oria's family, they do not show that much redeeming traits. Maybe the city really should burn.

I have no idea where I am , let me see. Oria aka stuck in a cover, can't use the magic she should, never leaves said tower. And Lonen the barbarian who goes all I trust her.

Fighting. Trying to make peace. Inviting trouble. The foundation for the whole city cracking...

Conclusion:

It was an interesting story, there are some...things I would like to learn more of. The romance part seemed utterly doomed and hope not. I'd like some romance, maybe some happy banter too.

ebook, 233 pages
Expected publication: July 19th 2016 by Brightlynx Publishing
Romantic fantasy Sorcerous Moons #1
For a review

#FitReaders Check-In: June 3, 2016 and 2 audio reviews

#FitReaders is hosted by Geeky Bloggers Book Blog  and That’s What I’m Talking About.

Join in!

Sun 30 min walk
Mon 4 km bike. 30 min walk
Tue 20 km bike
Wed 20 km bike
Thu 4 km bike, 1 h walk
Fri 4 km bike, 30 min walk
Sat 1 h walk

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A woman faces a terrible disease... and the monster within.

A strange little story

Audio, 17 min
Published April 11th 2016 by Brightlynx Publishing
Horror
For review

A true story of a paranormal encounter from award-winning fantasy author Jeffe Kennedy

This was a nice little story that turned creepy. In that way it was perfect listening to it.

A couple comes to an island, they look at things. They....well something is wrong, and there is this eerie feeling in the air. And it made me want to google a certain thing and I wonder if there is a real mythology behind it and what that is. Yes yes I am all mysterious about it, but hey it is a short story. So read or listen and you will see.

Audio, 21 min
Published January 19th 2016
For review
Horror