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

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

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

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 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

For Crown and Kingdom - Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven

A duo of fantasy romances

Out tomorrow

Dafne Mailloux, librarian and temporary babysitter to the heirs to the High Throne of the Twelve – now Thirteen – Kingdoms, finds it difficult to leave the paradise of Annfwn behind. Particularly that trove of rare books in temptingly unfamiliar languages. But duty calls, and hers is to the crown. It’s not like her heart belongs elsewhere. But how can she crown a queen who hesitates to take the throne? 

My thoughts:

I know this was your story Dafne, but I was all about the rest and the whole omg, will they never be able to marry? No one is having babies!

Saaaaaaaaaaaaaadness! And since the next book is about Dafne, that is just, sad you know. No one gets to share their love, well except for Andi. No one is having babies, except for Ami. Now I am sad. 

Now when I have that off my chest. This is about Ursula having doubts, others having doubts about her taking the High Crown (to me it would be better if everyone took care of their own business and cut the high stuff.) And it's about who will take over after her.

And it is about seers making hints that maybe Dafne has a future too. Yay, I can not wait. Especially since book 4s blurb sure seems interesting. No, it has nothing to do with that premise that I love, fine, yes it has everything to do with that premise.

(edit, reading this later and I have NO idea what I am talking about)

This is mostly a talking and thinking story. Trying to put the kingdom back together. I just want everyone to be happy though.

Kindle Edition
Expected publication: May 31st 2016
The Twelve Kingdoms #3.6
Fantasy romance
For review

The stories are told in whispers, even after so long:  of a man whose fair rule soured when he attained eternal youth.  Imprisoned by a sorceress wife in a city out of time and place, he has passed into legend.  Few believe in him, and fewer would set their hopes on his mercy.  But Imogen has no choice.  To break the curse that’s isolated her since birth, she’ll find the Undying King—and answer his secrets with her own…

My thoughts:
This should so have been a book! I mean, the ending, was a solid ending, BUT there is danger and I am all then what? More!

Imogen is the daughter of a witch, who is dying, and with her last breath the witch sends Imogen to find the Undying King.

I liked Ceneda, he was so amused by this strange woman showing up in his dead city and calling in a debt.

Duh, of course they start to fall for each other. I liked hearing his story first, that would be quite a book, but I am sure I would not like him. Now, he has mellowed. A bit. And Imogen was so nice. They fit each other well.

But alas there is danger too!

Should totally be a book, or another novella.

Good

Ebook, 150ish pages
Expected publication: May 31st 2016
Fantasy romance
For review

..............................................

Ok so that was that duology, but I have this other Kennedy book, that I did review in an anthology, but well here it is again since I had it here to fill space when I did not have the above novella yet, but I then I got it today and read it, and well why delete the other one.

A Story of The Twelve Kingdoms

Nix is nothing. The Princess Natilde—her former waiting woman—attacked her on the journey to wed Prince Cavan, stripping her of everything and taking her place. With no serving skills, Nix becomes a goose girl. Perhaps if Nix keeps her promise never to reveal who she really is, Natilde won’t carry out her vile threats. Prince Cavan entered his arranged marriage determined to have a congenial, if not loving relationship with his future queen—for the sake of both their kingdoms. But, his wife repels him more each day and he finds himself absurdly drawn to the lovely Nix.

With broken vows, anguish and dark secrets between them, Cavan and Nix struggle to find the magic to restore what’s gone terribly wrong… if it ever can be. 

My thoughts:

First, I read this in an anthology so this review is short! Cos I had a lot of other books to talk about.

It was really good and all, but I just read another retelling of the goose girl (like last week), so I was never surprised.

But Natilde is a bitch! And go Nyx!

This takes place in the twelve kingdoms world, but has nothing to do with that trilogy.

ebook
Published March 7th 2016 by Brightlynx Publishing
The Twelve Kingdoms #3.5
Fantasy
Own

Dark Secrets Anthology

MARION, MISSING by Rachel Caine 

Valentine is a detective with two major problems: he's been offered a kidnapping case that will probably get him killed, and his partner won't let him turn it down. He owes her that much … since his partner's a ghost, and he's the one who killed her. 

FEMME FATALE by Cynthia Eden 

PI Mick Swayne has seen it all—his clients have included liars, thieves, and even killers. He thinks he can handle anything and anyone. Then she walks into his office. Savannah Moreau is beautiful, seductive, and…a vampire? The gorgeous vamp hires Mick to help her track down a killer who is hunting in Chicago, but as Mick slips deeper into Savannah’s paranormal world, he wonders if he can really trust his new client… 

DANCE WITH THE DEVIL by Megan Hart 

Kathleen Murphy has sold her soul to the devil. Fame, fortune, success...everything she's ever dreamed of is hers, and all she has to do is the devil's bidding. When love comes knocking, the last thing in the world she wants to do is involve Jake in her twisted world, but the devil's started up the jukebox and Kathleen has no choice but to learn the steps. 

THE CONSORT by Suzanne Johnson 

Faulkner Hearne, the captain of the ruthless Fae Hunters, finds his duty at odds with his heart when he’s ordered to capture the consort of Faerie’s cruel Prince of Summer when she flees across the veil into modern New Orleans. Can Faulk turn Liandra over to a certain death at the hands of the prince, or will he risk a war with Faerie in order to save her? 

HEART’S BLOOD by Jeffe Kennedy, a Twelve Kingdoms novella 

Nix is nothing. The Princess Natilde—her former waiting woman—attacked her on the journey to wed Prince Cavan, stripping her of everything and taking her place. With no serving skills, Nix becomes a goose girl. Perhaps if Nix keeps her promise never to reveal who she really is, Natilde won’t carry out her vile threats. Prince Cavan entered his arranged marriage determined to have a congenial, if not loving relationship with his future queen—for the sake of both their kingdoms. But, his wife repels him more each day and he finds himself absurdly drawn to the lovely Nix. 

THE DJINN IN THE MIRROR by Mina Khan, a Djinn World novella 

Dahlia, the step-daughter of a power hungry wizard, promises to free a djinn trapped in a mirror if he rescues her from impending death. But Ashmael the djinn has his own agenda: to trick & seduce his way to freedom. The only problem is he ends up falling for Dahlia. Can he win his freedom and save the girl? 

My thoughts:

A few short stories/novellas with darkness in them.

Marion missing by Rachel Caine 

PI Val tries to find who killed his partner Tilde. Mystery murder and darkness. Good. 

Femme fatale by Cynthia Eden

A vamp and a PI. Kind of boring. I started skimming, even though it was only a novella.

Dance with the devil by Megan Hart

It started off a bit meh, but turned interesting. The devil is cruel.

The consort by Suzanne Johnson

A fae running from a fae prince. I liked this story

Heart's blood by Jeffe Kennedy

It was really good and all, but I just read another retelling of the goose girl, so I was never surprised.

The djinn in the mirror by Mina Khan

I liked the djinn world the best. Would love a book about that. The rest of the story was good, but not as good as the djinn world.

Conclusion:

Some I liked more, some I likes less. But that is the thing with anthologies. There are always the ones you like more, and the ones that might not fit your style. The 3 last were my favorites. Must be because of the fantasy elements.  You all know I love that.

Kindle Edition, 300-400?
Expected publication: September 29th 2015
Anthology UF/paranormal/fantasy
For review

The talon of the Hawk and Negotiation by Jeffe Kennedy

A wounded warrior trapped by the sorceress who knows him better than he does himself…

General Uorsin escapes the last devastating battle, only to find himself alone on a mountain, feverish and no closer to finding the paradise that drives him on. Salena, greatest shapeshifter and magic-worker of her people, springs the trap she’s set to protect her land—and to prevent the ravager Uorsin from ever reaching it.

Together, they spend a night setting the terms that will determine not only the rest of their lives, but the fates of the peoples of the Twelve Kingdoms—and the thirteenth.

My thoughts:

This is the prequel to the Twelve Kingdoms books :)

Ok so this was a short story, not a lot to say. We go back in time to see how Uorsin (that bastard) and Salena first met and made their deal. Their deal that now shapes their children. And well, she was brave, I could never have done what she did...

It's free right now so hurry if you want to take a first look into this world.

Smashwords

Amazon

Kobo

Google play

Ebook, 27 pages
Published 2015
The Twelve Kingdoms #0,5
Fantasy romance
Free right now

Three daughters were born to High King Uorsin, in place of the son he wanted. The youngest, lovely and sweet. The middle, pretty and subtle, with an air of magic. And the eldest, the Heir. A girl grudgingly honed to leadership, not beauty, to bear the sword and honor of the king.

Ursula’s loyalty is as ingrained as her straight warrior’s spine. She protects the peace of the Twelve Kingdoms with sweat and blood, her sisters from threats far and near. And she protects her father to prove her worth. But she never imagined her loyalty would become an open question on palace grounds. That her father would receive her with a foreign witch at one side and a hireling captain at the other—that soldiers would look on her as a woman, not as a warrior. She also never expected to decide the destiny of her sisters, of her people, of the Twelve Kingdoms and the Thirteenth. Not with her father still on the throne and war in the air. But the choice is before her. And the Heir must lead… 

My thoughts:

To be fair, I was never a fan of Ursula. She seemed like her father's child. The warrior princess who will follow duty. But the facade began to fall apart in this one. Sure she was still loyal, but also started to see reason. And I understood why she kept up that I am strong, I do as I am told thing....

So we all know by now that the king is an a-hole, and trust me, if you think he could not get any worse...oh you are mistaken, he truly is a tyrant. How Ursula still can follow him, oh I wondered, but she was shaped and broken by him. I felt so sorry for her.

But she will start to see that things must change. This kingdom is falling to bits. She must learn to let go. In the end she was almost my favorite sister..make that favorite. Her story was emotional.

There is love too. I did not really trust the guy, he loved too easily. She took her time and fought it, while he loved at once. And I being a suspicious person found that strange. At least he loosened her up.

And at the end I found out that there will be more books, so that will be fun. Dafne is up next, I have no idea what that will be about but I look forward to reading more.

Conclusion:

The most emotional of the three books. Our warrior heir finds her way.

Cover

She would wear more than that

Paperback, 352 pages
Published May 26th 2015 by Kensington
The Twelve Kingdoms #3
Fantasy romance
Own

The Tears of the Rose - Jeffe Kennedy

Three sisters. Motherless daughters of the high king. The eldest is the warrior-woman heir; the middle child is shy and full of witchy intuition; and the youngest, Princess Amelia, she is as beautiful as the sun and just as generous.

Ami met her Prince Charming and went away to his castle on the stormy sea-cliffs—and that should have been her happily ever after. Instead, her husband lies dead and a war rages. Her middle sister has been taken into a demon land, turned into a stranger. The priests and her father are revealing secrets and telling lies. And a power is rising in Ami, too, a power she hardly recognizes, to wield her beauty as a weapon, and her charm as a tool to deceive…

Amelia has never had to be anything but good and sweet and kind and lovely. But the chess game for the Twelve Kingdoms has swept her up in it, and she must make a gambit of her own. Can the prettiest princess become a pawn—or a queen? 

My thoughts:

The adventure continues! This book is about the youngest princess, Amelia. The spoiled and beautiful one. The one who liked to party, who married her prince charming at 16. The one people assumes has no brain cos she is so pretty. The one who is told to be an avatar of their Goddess, cos she is so pretty...

But that is not now. Now she is a widow. She is told her husband was killed by her kidnapped sister. Who now lives with demons. She is told a lot of things. And not all things true. She is a pawn but slowly she starts to realise things, that she does not need to be a pawn. That she can find out the truth herself, and that, yes people could be lying to her. But the road there is long.

At first I did want to shout at her, ok so that was not her fault. She is lied to and of course she believes those lies. Why wouldn't she? I just wanted her to find out the truth and to be herself. But it's a dangerous game. Her father wants destruction, the church wants obedience. These countries are going to hell.

The end is pretty brutal, sometimes a cliffie is all ok, I can live with it. But here, omg, omg, no! I can't live with that, I want the next book to see what happens! The 3rd book, that is about the 3rd sister, but stuff is still going on with Amelia..ok calm down, things will be resolved...hopefully. And people will live happily ever after.

This is light fantasy/fantasy romance. I enjoyed it and duh, I want more. There is cliffie! after all. I can't wait to see how it all plays out.

Conclusion:

Recommended. 

Cover

It looks like she is wearing a top, not good

Paperback, 352 pages
Published November 25th 2014 by Kensington
The Twelve Kingdoms #2
Fantasy romance
own

The Mark of the Tala - Jeffe Kennedy

The tales tell of three sisters, daughters of the high king. The eldest, a valiant warrior-woman, heir to the kingdom. The youngest, the sweet beauty with her Prince Charming. No one says much about the middle princess, Andromeda. Andi, the other one.

Andi doesn't mind being invisible. She enjoys the company of her horse more than court, and she has a way of blending into the shadows. Until the day she meets a strange man riding, who keeps company with wolves and ravens, who rules a land of shapeshifters and demons. A country she'd thought was no more than legend--until he claims her as its queen.

In a moment everything changes: Her father, the wise king, becomes a warlord, suspicious and strategic. Whispers call her dead mother a traitor and a witch. Andi doesn't know if her own instincts can be trusted, as visions appear to her and her body begins to rebel.

For Andi, the time to learn her true nature has come. . . 

My thoughts:

I should have written this review at once, but sometimes it's just so hard to write a review, you all know it. Been there, done that.

So, oh I hate when I am at a loss for words. Think now, think!

Right, we have Andi. The invisible princess who has pretty been blind too. She has been living her happy life, invisible to others, and happy on her own. Her family is a happy one and all is good. Or is it? Has she been blind to what truly is going on? What her father really is? Is he a good king or not?

He father is High King over 12 Kingdoms. And then there are the Others, the Tala. The demons in the woods. A demon she meets, a demon who tells her she is his. But are they  witches, demons and bad people that the whispers say?

I liked how everything was not as it seemed to be. How the happy fairytale like book turned darker. Filled with conflict and magic. And I liked Andi, who slowly started to question things.

But things are far from over so I look forward to reading book 2 :D I do wonder about that book as it is about her sister who is the happy Cinderella one.

Conclusion:

A good fantasy romance. 

Cover

ok

Paperback, 352 pages
Published May 27th 2014 by Kensington
The Twelve Kingdoms #1
Fantasy romance
Own