Fate's Star - Elizabeth Vaughan

Kindle Edition, 470 p

Expected publication: April 23rd 2019 by Birch Cove Press

Series: Chronicles of the Warlands 0

Fantasy romance

for review

My Thoughts

I have never any of these in order so it is fitting that the last bok is the first book, but to be fair, this one was just published ;)

Verice is an Elf living in human lands and he has been a baron there for quite some time. He is honorable, takes care of those who live on his lands and kind. But oh man, or oh elf, when he sees Warna it does seem like he forgets he has a brain.

Warna is fleeing war and comes to Tassinic. And what can I say, he just carries her away. Not for any nefarious reasons, now he is all, pretty voice, must protect! Men! Elves! Of course she is all what do you want?! I mean who wouldn't be. But Like I said, he is honorable and kind. So obviously these two fall in lust and love. And she is so capable so she saves his barony too.

There is another couple mentioned too, that just felt weird. I (thanks to someone) worked out that they will star in a new series, but at this moment it mostly felt like I had missed a book in this series. Hush hush, I will say nothing more about them.

Not that much happens in a way. There is no war or fighting. Considering there is a war going on. It is more a book about these two falling in love and him learning to see past something that happened. A sweet book.

Blurb

Her family dead, her home destroyed, all she has left are her wits and her songs...

When the flames of civil war rage across the Kingdom of Palins, Warna of Farentell has no choice but to flee to the neighboring Barony of Tassinic. The daughter of a wealthy merchant, raised to run a noble house in the hope of a good marriage, she watches her future burn with the rest of her homeland. 

Elven Lord of a human Barony, betrayed and attacked by those he thought to trust...

Verice of Tassinic has suffered the wounds of war, knowing loss and betrayal at the hands of those he trusted most. He buries himself in work and duty, behind emotional walls as high as those of his castle, rather than risk more pain. While dealing with a kingdom in political and economic turmoil, he "rescues" Warna only to discover that the helpless human woman is anything but. Before he knows it, she is deep within the defenses of his heart, forcing him to confront his grief, his distrust, and the scars of his past...and maybe even steal his heart in the process. (less)

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.

Audio: Phoenix Unbound - Grace Draven

Audio CD, Unabridged 14 h

Narrator: Katherine McEwan

Expected publication: September 25th 2018 by Penguin Audio

Fallen Empire #1

Fantasy romance

Own

My Thoughts:

I'd say that the best part was the last 3 hours. Then it got really exciting, and there was death, war and destruction. All the good things in life. Ohhh good stuff, good stuff! Yes there the book was great, but the other 11 hours were good. And hey, good is good! Good means I will read more and so on. But after having listened to those last 3 hours, then I do wish the rest of the book could have been that great.

Gilene's village are a bunch of d#cks! I get it, I mean you do save others! But they should like worship the ground you walk on then the rest of the year. Why she had any loyalty to them *grinds teeth*

The Empire was a nasty bunch of people. The Empress needs to be beaten with her own entrails. What a sick piece of dung she was. It's not said but I sure wondered how many women were killed every year. Innocent women burnt. Death to the Empire!

Then there was Azarion. The things he has gone through these last 10 years! Poor man. Now wonder he lusts for vengeance. I say, go for it! Make that person pay!

SO yes. He takes her away because she is his only chance for freedom (not counting death). Obviously they will fall in love, but it takes time, which is understandable. He does kidnap her so he can reclaim his birthright. And she is all, but I must return to my village so I can be burnt and raped again next year! Oh girl, you need to stop protecting those dang villagers!

I must say, I did not exactly feel the romance. I only felt it on the last page. There I understood that they loved each other. I guess I would have wanted a bit more...before.

It was a good book. And when it ended I checked news for the next one at once, but arghhh, no blurb! I want to know if the next book is about them or someone else!!!!!

Conclusion:

Fire, destruction, mayhem, and two people slowly falling in love

Narrator Katherine McEwan

She did a good job, though I felt she sounded a bit too young. She would be a good fit for YA fantasy, but when you speak of rape and torture, well, then maybe a bit more mature. Still, excellent job,

Blurb:

A woman with power over fire and illusion and an enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different. 

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.

To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.

Audio: Bring me their hearts - Sara Wolf

Audio CD, 12 h

Published August 21st 2018 by Tantor Audio (first published June 5th 2018)

Bring Me Their Hearts #1

Em Eldridge (Narrator)

YA fantasy romance

for review

My Thoughts

This is one of those cheesy books that are good, but yes so cheesy. At least there was no love triangle! I was really surprised by that.

The Positive:

The narrator! She was great and I can promise you that if I had read this I would not have finished it. But the narrator made it fun. I liked her monster voice (and from what I can see that would have been annoying in text). But here it worked great cos you could not see the weird way it was written.

Interesting world where witches have been hunted to almost extinction. Though since they create heartless isn't that a good thing? I mean they are evil. but then the author points out they are not evil. But they create heartless! But then we learn that Nightsinger only creates heartless from those who are dying. But they are still slaves! Anyway, as you can see, an interesting world. Plus a new god who I already loathe, boooo new gods, they always come with genocide.

I do like witty banter (to a certain degree). And I guess to survive in this world you have to be able to do it, cos everyone sure did it (so yes yes both pos and neg, neg it being way too often)ö

The negative

Zera has been heartless for 3 years. She has in that time become a master thief and a master swordswoman (only for 1 year she has had a 10 year old "warrior" helping her). But sure, sure, I am sure she got that good that quickly *eyeroll* I am tired of YA heroines that are so perfect and good (and then the author mentions that she has been killed 47 times, and then a man saves her) But she is still the best warrior around. *eyeroll* Please stop with this in fantasy YA. Just stop it.

She wears her sword to her coming out...she wears her sword to church. Omg, I get it, she has a sword! Those are times that sword should be left at home. I get it, women can wear swords in this world, stop rubbing it in. Men would not wear swords all the time either.

Her sword is rusty, then it is not, then it is. Make your mind up.

She is frankly a little spoiled brat. She talks back all the time, she is rude, and the prince loves her for that. There is this line between speaking your mind and being sarcastic all the freaking time. I got to be too much. What was she 13? No, 19 really.

Why Nightsinger the witch lets a 16 year old and 10 year old guard her beats me. I would kill real warriors and have the guard me. Not silly kids.

She talks about killing 5 people all the time! Being all torn up cos they were unarmed. Ahem, they killed and butchered your family. Cut yourself some slack!

The In between

Obviously they fall in love too quickly, but hey it is YA. Kids fall in and out of love all the time.

And it is silly and cheesy like a B movie and it makes it fun to listen too. Yes it has negative parts and positive parts. And it is SO YA. YA fantasy lovers will eat it up! They will swoon over the romance and the back talk and root for them to get the baddie. As for me...not the biggest YA fantasy fan ;)  This brought nothing new to the game, at all. Also it reminded me of that cheesy Caelena books, they both being awesome at what they do, and in reality they suck, but not really as they are awesome.

Conclusion:

If you like YA fantasy, then you will absolutely like this one

Narrator.

She brings it home for me. A good narrator can pull off anything.

Blurb

Zera is a Heartless-the immortal, unaging soldier of a witch. Bound to the witch Nightsinger, Zera longs for freedom from the woods they hide in. With her heart in a jar under Nightsinger's control, she serves the witch unquestioningly. Until Nightsinger asks Zera for a prince's heart in exchange for her own, with one addendum: if she's discovered infiltrating the court, Nightsinger will destroy Zera's heart rather than see her tortured by the witch-hating nobles. Crown Prince Lucien d'Malvane hates the royal court as much as it loves him-every tutor too afraid to correct him and every girl jockeying for a place at his darkly handsome side. No one can challenge him-until the arrival of Lady Zera. She's inelegant, smart-mouthed, carefree, and out for his blood. The prince's honor has him quickly aiming for her throat. So begins a game of cat and mouse between a girl with nothing to lose and a boy who has it all. Winner takes the loser's heart-literally. 

Wardance - Elizabeth Vaughan

Spring returns to the Plains, and with it, the Time of the Challenges, when warrior fights warrior in a contest for rank and status. For Simus of the Hawk, now is the time to raise his challenge banner, to fight for the chance to finally become Warlord. 

But his deadliest challenge does not come from other warriors, or even the sundered Council of Elders. For on the first night of the Challenges, a mysterious and deadly pillar of white light scorches the night sky—instantly changing everything for the People of the Plains.

Now a warrior-priestess, Snowfall, stands before Simus, who dares to speak of peace, of reconciliation. Her knives are sharp, her tattoos alluring, and her cool grey eyes can look through Simus and see…everything.

Now Simus and Snowfall must solve the mystery of the pillar of white light, and protect their people from all the destruction and chaos it brings. Snowfall fights for her place beside Simus, despite resistance from friend and foe.

The warrior-priests have abused their power for many years. Can Simus face the challenge of trusting Snowfall with his honor? And perhaps . . . with his heart? 

Published April 11th 2017
Chronicles of the Warlands #5
Fantasy romance
Own

My thoughts:

I was honestly confused at times. They kept talking about a Sacrifice and was all who?! I did not read the previous book so I checked that one. Seems it took place in Xy, so nope that was not the problem. Did some digging it seems that another trilogy oh hers explains that bit. You are supposed to read two series at the same time and in the same order. Except I read that book 7 years ago! And this book came out last year. So beware, messy series alert!

Also, I do not really remember much from previous books in this series, except that book 1 rocked ;) SO sorry Simus, I do not remember you, but you seemed nice.

I guess Snowfall was never mentioned so she is new...maybe. Also since I do not remember much I do not remember that I should hate warrior priests! You got lucky there Snowfall! I never felt anything bad against you.

Ok, but even though it felt messy and they talked about things I read 7 years ago I could still follow the main story. That is people challenging Simus for duels and him and Snowfall getting to know each other. 

Though damn, insta love much! I did NOT feel them fall in love.

Last thoughts:

BUT, I like Vaughan, so even with many many faults I still enjoyed this book and world.

Cover

Omg kickass!

But that belt is all wrong! It makes it look apocalyptic. And that belt does not even do anything on her, and considering she is fighting duels that is one stupid belt. One could just take a hold of it and take her down

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

Cursed - Sue Tingey

Lucky's being wooed by Jinx, the sexy Deathbringer and Jamie, the gorgeous Guardian, so the daemon world isn't too bad 

But before Lucky can really start to enjoy her new life in the Underlands, Kayla's men are slain and Kayla herself is kidnapped by the Sicarii, assassins-for-hire members of a death-cult.

Lucky's nemesis Henri le Dent has somehow escaped the Chambers of Rectification and court torturer Amaliel Cheriour is also missing . . . and daemon princess Kayla is just bait to catch Lucky.

For Lucky's own powers are growing, and Amaliel has his own nefarious paln to use her. But first, he has to get past her Guards, not to mention Lucky herself . . . 

My thoughts;

Ok so when I said book 1 was light, I never meant light as in the story is light. And the same goes for book 2. There is darkness, death and danger. But the writing feels light, it's not too long and it's one of those read in a book day.

Oh and there is romance now. And yes I have to confess, there is a triangle, but see, it does not bother me cos there is no triangle. There is never any oh who to choose? See this gal is all, f that, both are mine. And both are hers to do what she wants with. So no triangle, just 3 demon-humans falling for each other. Well, all I say you go girl and go for it.

But this was not a romance book, she thinks about her hotties, but there is no time for romance as her sister gets kidnapped. And someone is after her too. There are assassins to run from. A father growing mad. And the whole she can see dead people thing, and in the underlands that is not a good thing. The dead tell tales. 

I enjoyed it and like I said before I read it in a day. Once again it ended with a  cliffie that was not a cliffie. Everything is sort of good for now, but you know things will go down in the next one. I am also glad I have the next one so I can find out what will happen.

Conclusion:
Hottie demons, evil minions and a fun read. On to the next one at once

Paperback, 400 pages
Publication: May 5th 2016 by Jo Fletcher books
The Soulseer Chronicles #2
Fantasy
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!

There is only one giveaway, but, different rules:

If the winner is US/Canada then they will receive a print copy of

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

Enter by Commenting

Remember that if I can't find your email in your profile and page then I can not find you.

The winner has 48 hours to respond

The Bloodsworn - Erin Lindsey

Unbeknownst to most of Alden, Kbloodbinder, is locked away in his own palace, plotting revenge. To save her king, Lady Alix must journey behind enemy lines to destroy the bloodbinder. But her quest will demand sacrifices that may be more than she can bear.

ing Erik, in thrall to a cruel

Meanwhile, as the Warlord of Oridia tightens his grip on Alden, the men Alix loves face equally deadly tasks: her husband, Liam, must run a country at war while her brother, Rig, fights a losing battle on the front lines. If any one of them fails, Alden could be lost—and, even if they succeed, their efforts may be too late to save everyone Alix holds dear... 

My thoughts:

I do feel disappointed. Yes, the book was good, but neither this one or book 2 were as good as book 1. That one had promise, but it never got as good.

Alix in this one, well she did her thing.

Liam did not do a lot. I still do not see them together.

Eric, I still think Alix should have been with him, and yes that triangle kept popping up. It got tiresome. It should have been left in book 1 where it was resolved.

There is danger ahead. The army is approaching, and here we really see how this is light fantasy. Epic is was sure not. The final battle is in the very last pages and poof, 5 pages later the end, the battle was over in a few pages. Was there a battle. I do not know. They sure defeated them fast.

Ok so yes I only have negative things to say. But for a reeeeally light fantasy book it was good, a little adventure, some drama. Nothing serious. But it is hanging loose in that 3, that is does. It could have been so much more.

Cover
Good

Paperback, 352 pages
Published September 27th 2016 by Ace
Bloodbound #3
Fantasy
Own

Wicked as they come - Delilah S Dawson

When nurse Tish Everett forced open the pesky but lovely locket she found at an estate sale, she had no idea she was answering the call of Criminy Stain, from the far off land of Sang. He’d cast a spell for her, but when she’s transported right to him, she’s not so sure she’s ready to be under the spell of another man. (It didn’t go so well last time with controlling, abusive, domineering Jeff.) If only Criminy wasn’t so deliciously rakish….

Half the inhabitants of Sang are Pinkies—human—and the other half are Bludmen, who in Tish’s world would be called vampires. But they don’t mess with any of the bat/coffin/no sunlight nonsense. They’re rather like you and me, just more fabulous, long living, and mostly indestructible. (They're also very good kissers.) But when the evil Mayor of Manchester (formerly Bludchester) redoubles his efforts to rid Sang of the Bludmen once and for all, stealing Tish’s locket in hopes of traveling back to her world himself for reinforcements, Criminy and Tish must battle ghosts, sea monsters, wayward submarines, a secret cabal, and thundering Bludmares to get the locket back and allow Tish to return home…but has she found love with Criminy? Could she stay in Sang forever? 

My thoughts:

I have let this review wait way too long, I always forget my feelings then...

I am not entirely sure I get the whole Sang world. So it is a parallel universe...BUT when you are there your body is still in this world. So that was a bit, whaat? It's not like only your mind traveled, your body is in two places. That makes no sense. I read a short story from the story, and felt the same. Like was she crazy? And here, well the same feeling, she could just be insane, dreaming this and then dying.

Anyway. She comes to this crazy victorian world where instead of just us humans there are bludmen too. And it seems to have spread and most animals are vicious fangmonsters too. But she meets a hot guy who runs a Carnival. He is all, this is meant to be. She is all, what is going on? And she keeps going back and forth.

There are evil things going on. The vamps are good people. She falls in love and they live happily ever after...or her body slowly decays as she lies in a crazy coma.

Cover
Hmmm, it works

Mass Market Paperback, 395 pages
Published March 27th 2012 by Pocket Books
Blud #1
Paranormal fantasy romance
Own

Discussion: Dragon Bound by Linda K Hopkins

Happy Holidays everyone!  Thank you for participating in voting last month for a book for us to read this month. It was a close vote, but ultimately the book that was chosen was "Bound by a Dragon" by Linda K Hopkins. 

Author: Linda K Hopkins

Title: Bound by a Dragon (The Dragon Archives #1)

Genre: Fantasy and Romance

Pages: ebook

First Published: May 2014

Where I Got It: On my Shelf (Amazon)

At twenty-two, Keira Carver needs to find a husband, and quickly, but the prospects in her small medieval village are not looking too good. So when Aaron Drake, a handsome stranger, takes up residence at Storbrook Castle, set deep in the surrounding mountains, Keira takes notice. Just as interesting is the fact that a fire-breathing dragon has also moved into the neighborhood, and is rumored to live in caves beneath the mountain fortress. What exactly is the connection between Aaron Drake and the dragon? And when the dragon rescues her from the unwanted attentions of some village boys, who will set out to rescue her from the huge, scaly, fire-breathing monster?

C: So dear readers we are discussing the book that voted for! I will say that this was better than I expected. So yayy voters!

B: I am glad it was fantasy romance, cos had this been pnr I promise you I would have hated it ;)

C: LOL I agree. It was cute and cheesy. 

B: Omg, soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cheesy. It was light, a fast read and the cheesiness was just, LOL

C: It did get a little sad when Aaron was talking about the history of the dragons and how they came into being. Poor minors!! So sad!!! But I really liked the backstory it was super original. 

B: I could not take anything seriously, not even evil stalker guy, and that was weird. Cos that guy should have been shot. Effing asshole. But the cheesiness and how everything was so perfect between these two took away the evilness. It was not the whole totes meant to be, cos that was not really there. They just met, loved and we all knew they would live happily ever after. And no one questioned why they could marry at the end, I mean she was no one after all.

C: Yes, very cheesy, but I oddly liked it! LOL. But yes I hated that creepy guy….I just don’t get how he blinded everyone even when MULTIPLE PEOPLE were witness to his assholeness. That didn’t make sense to me at all. And I do think there should have more conflict in them being together. BUT I totally get why Kiera didn’t question because why would you mess that up ;) Take the ring and run girl! LOL Get him to the altar ASAP!!! 

B: It was a bit too much, I am sure every women in that village would have seen through that guy. He was such a creep. But nope, everyone thought he was perfect...and not even her mum listened to her? Wtf. Not cool mum. That I did not get. If your daughter says he is a creep, he is a creep. Also the other guy owns a castle, I am sure every mother would want that instead.

C: RIGHT!? I hated the mom. She was terrible. Her reasonings were stupid. She needed a kick in the face. Now...I am curious about the sister, Anna, I read a snipbit of her book and I feel that her story is going to be less “cheesy” and have more conflicts. I really want to read that one. 

B: Yes, I saw that it will take two books for her to get her man. I can see it being less cheesy by a mile. But who knows. Maybe it is just as cheesy, and that is not bad. It was a cute book that I could enjoy even if I could not take the conflicts seriously.

C: Maybe Anna is the true main character. This was just a prologue of sorts? I want to read forward with the next one! Lol

B: I did see that Kiera will be in some action in another book too, so, eh who knows.

C: Mhmmm I’m not sure. But yes, this was cute and I liked how the author included a lot of dragon scenes. It made me happy. It was cool that the person is forced to change and be all dragony once in awhile or they will get weak and die. 

 B: Speaking of dragons, she totally had the hots for the dragon before the man, freaky ;)

C: I noticed that too! What a weirdo! ;)

B: Ugh, not thinking of that anymore now. LOL I really do not know what else to say, it was cheesy, good, but oh so cheesy. Two people meet, fall in love, one is a dragon who eats people, one is a nice spinster. End of story.

C: It was a good light read to read by the fire with all this snow. Brr! But yes. It was good. Best one in a while from my memory! Good job votes. We may need your assistance next month too ;)

B: By Loki, this is horrible. We have picked SOOO many bad books, so this cheesy one is actually one of the better ones this year *headdesk* We really are cursed.

C: Maybe we are actually cursed dragons who pick bad books! Maybe we should eat humans too! D: 

B:Ha, might be true.

C: The only logical explanation!

B: The end

 C: Yes, the end. :) 

Shadow's claim - Kresley Cole

Trehan Daciano, known as the Prince of Shadows, has spent his life serving his people—striking in the night, quietly executing any threat to their realm. The coldly disciplined swordsman has never desired anything for himself - until he beholds Bettina, the sheltered ward of two of the Lore’s most fearsome villains.

Desperate to earn her guardians’ approval after a life-shattering mistake, young Bettina has no choice but to marry whichever suitor prevails—even though she’s lost her heart to another. Yet one lethal competitor, a mysterious cloaked swordsman, invades her dreams, tempting her with forbidden pleasure.

Even if Trehan can survive the punishing contests to claim her as his wife, the true battle for Bettina’s heart is yet to come. And unleashing a millennium’s worth of savage need will either frighten his Bride away - or stoke Bettina’s own desires to a fever pitch.... 

My thoughts:
Oh these silly immortals.

Trehan finds his mate. But Bettina is all I am in love with my bestie. Ok...and she still thinks she is fated for that other guy. But you are obvi Trehan's mate. Oh, you guys are stupid. *screams* You are his mate stupid woman, no, you can't do it with that guy, you will both be miserable. Gods, you all are so stupid.

But it was cheesy, fun, and she was all look at his peen and wanted to be all over that. Even though she also was I am SO in love with someone else.

To be honest, Bettina was lame, stupid and lame. I wanted to hit her. Trehan deserved better. He was cool.

The ending was so fast, that conclusion, I actually wanted more drama, like make someone suffer.

It worked for me cos it was entirely in another dimension, so it was more fantasy romance.

Conclusion:
Funfilled weirdos fight and are angsty.

Mass Market Paperback, 481 pages
Published November 27th 2012 by Pocket Books
The Dacians, #1, Immortals after dark #13
Fantasy romance
Own

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

Make me Burn - Tiffany Roberts

Groomed to slaughter, Morthanion spent millennia battling the forces of light, claiming countless Mesmerized by her voice and beauty, he is powerless. Captured and banished to a remote island by the Mage Council, his fury knows no bounds - until he meets her.

Aria knows survival means avoiding the other islanders at all costs. Yet when she encounters the dangerous, persistent Morthanion, it’s clear all the rules have changed. But can she forgive him the wrongs he’d done and grant him her trust…and love?

Stripped of magic, Morthanion understands that savagery is necessary to survive. When Aria’s true nature is revealed, the other inmates will stop at nothing to have her – and the demon would fight the entire world to keep her safe.

My thoughts:

I need to get this review written, I need a new concept...something fast.

Story.

A demon is sent to an island with other people that mages do not like. The island is hell, wtf is mages thinking, women do not stand a chance there. I get that mages are all, let's get rid of the baddies, but this was such a bad idea. But it makes for an interesting story since people are bad. Though we learn something late on that really makes me hate the mages, they were assholes too.

Characters:

Ok so at first I was really worried about Mort, he is such an alpha hole. He sees a woman and is all, I will have her. Omg man, ahole much, and then he makes his I have never raped anyone speech. Which I find hard believing since he is very alpha hole. But like always he does get into his big stupid brain that she is his mate. And he does care for her.

Aria, oh this girl was naive beyond words. I get that someone took care of her for 20 years ago, but I have a hard time believing she did not die one day after that person went away. She does have some sort of self-perseverance...at times. And she does go all My demon so very fast. 

They are perfect for each other. 

Judgement.

It was cheesy in a good way. A fantasy romance with darker moments, passion, and two people who I do not understand are still alive falling in love. So read it for the cheesy escapism.

Oh look, it comes with a warning, I know someone if you will like that ;)

-------------------------------------------------

Standalone in a three book series.

Warning: This book contains explicit sexual content and violence and is intended for mature readers only.

Paperback, 306 pages
Published March 5th 2016 by Createspace
Isle of the Forgotten #1
Fantasy romance
For a 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

Pleasure and Purpose - Megan Hart

The handmaidens of the Order of Solace are each named for the exquisite service that best reflects their true calling. Their greatest delight is giving pleasure?devoted as they are to fulfilling the desires of the mind, the needs of the soul, and the cravings of the body. 

Meet Stillness, called upon to soothe the conscience of a man in need of redemption after a shocking act from his sexual past. Then there's Honesty, whose vow of Solace is to a prince looking for a submissive handmaiden. Instead, he gets the unexpected. And finally, Determination, a handmaiden confronted with a client lost in a haze of random sex and drugs. She has just the plan to literally whip her man into shape. 

My thoughts:

Now why do I read E Rom when I am a such well known smex scene skimmer? Well I have had the book for years and I thought why not! Since it always sounded good to me, and it was all before I knew that I was a serial skimmer.

And it was good, really good in fact. If I actually liked these sort of books it would surely have been a 4, now I really can't give it that, since I do not. I mean...they do do it a lot ;)

I liked the world, they may call itself whatever they want, they still bring most of their solace in the form of sex. So temple prostitutes then, many cultures have had those. That is where the smexy times come in. 

This is a 3 novellas in a book, they are all connected, as 3 friends finds solace, and true love with Handmaidens.

It was light, I liked that it was a fantasy E romance. No real worldbuilding, but that does not matter here. I mean hello, it was novellas that had a lot of smex. 

I enjoyed the stories, and to see these unlikely pairs fall in love and find that solace.  Just a bit too much smex for me, whips and all.

Cover
Boring

Paperback, 368 pages
Published September 1st 2009 by Berkley
Order of Solace #1
Erot fantasy romance
Own

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

The Pages of the Mind - Jeffe Kennedy

Magic has broken free over the Twelve Kingdoms. The population is beset by shapeshifters and portents, landscapes that migrate, uncanny allies who are not quite human…and enemies eager to take advantage of the chaos. 

Dafne Mailloux is no adventurer--she's a librarian. But the High Queen trusts Dafne's ability with languages, her way of winnowing the useful facts from a dusty scroll, and even more important, the subtlety and guile that three decades under the thumb of a tyrant taught her. 

Dafne never thought to need those skills again. But she accepts her duty. Until her journey drops her into the arms of a barbarian king. He speaks no tongue she knows but that of power, yet he recognizes his captive as a valuable pawn. Dafne must submit to a wedding of alliance, becoming a prisoner-queen in a court she does not understand. If she is to save herself and her country, she will have to learn to read the heart of a wild stranger. And there are more secrets written there than even Dafne could suspect…

My thoughts:

It's Lucky for Dafne that she is a smart cookie because she sure needs it here, all alone on an island with strange people and a man making bedroom eyes at her.

Dafne is sent an a diplomatic mission to a chain of islands. But all things are not as they seem, and suddenly she is married, or is she? So hard to figure out what people are saying when you do not speak the language. And the people are strange, their king is strange. An Dafne, well I was all go for it woman! She has never loved, this is a great chance, you know a hot king wants you. But she is all, I have a duty to my queen! Silly woman.

And as I said all is not as it seems. There is magic on this island, and mysteries. Ones that can be solved by a librarian. Woot! Librarian powers to the rescue!

As for their dance, it was quite the dance. He wants her, but he also seems to need her..in another way too. She does find him hot (who wouldn't), but this is so so wrong. So they do their little dance, have difficulties understanding each other, grow closer and insert a bit of drama and hot headed idiots and you have your story.

By the way, the next book is Jepp's and Kral's and I can not wait. She has quite the mouth on her, how he could ever rein her in I do not know.

Back to these lovers. I am intrigued by the secrets revealed and can not wait to learn more.

Again, Ursula and A should totally be able to have babies! That still makes me sad, I hope it changes.

And once again back to the book.

Conclusion;

A lovely fantasy romance. 

Cover

Nice

Paperback, 432 pages
Expected publication: May 31st 2016 by Kensington
The Uncharted Realms #1, The Twelve Kingdoms #4
Fantasy romance
For review