Book Review: The Twisted Throne (The Bridge Kingdom #5) by Danielle L. Jensen

November 24, 2024October 13, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 496 pages
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Publisher: Audible Originals
Release Date: October 10th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A commander who bled to defend her people, Ahnna is haunted by two beliefs. The first is that she failed to protect Ithicana from invasion. And the second is that saving her homeland means leaving it behind forever.

The Maridrinians left Ithicana in ruins and its people impoverished. So when the wealthy kingdom of Harendell claims her as a bride for its crown prince, Ahnna is prepared to do whatever it takes to gain influence as the future queen. And to control the gold that comes with the throne.

Yet Ahnna swiftly discovers that beneath the beautiful surface of Harendell’s court is a dark underbelly built upon schemes, duplicity, and the pursuit of power. The only individual who holds himself above the politics is not her future husband, but his infuriating half brother, James. And as she begins to question whether Harendell is the ally it claims to be, Ahnna finds herself drawn into a forbidden attraction to the wrong prince.

As deadly plots tighten around her, Ahnna must decide whether saving her people will be achieved as a bride…or as a blade.

AT LAST.

I am so happy to finally have this book in my hands (or ears because this is only audio right now). And I really loved that I thought it brought back some nostalgic original The Bridge Kingdom vibes (aka books 1 and 2). I do adore Kerris & Zarrah but I had a harder time connecting with their story so Ahnna and James’ was right up my alley.

I loved the new characters and the new ruthless areas that I hadn’t seen yet. There’s a lot more politicking and twists and betrayals. And I looove the way DLJ writes action scenes. They always put me on the edge of my seat.

Another forbidden romance that built slow and had intensely curious how this book was going to shake out. I loved the dynamic between Ahnna and James too. The passion and chemistry was there and sooo many good swoon moments. I loved getting more of Ahnna’s mindset and thoughts behind things that have happened over the series too.

I loved the dramatic cliffhanger and can’t wait for the last book!!!

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance
Language: low-moderate
Romance: low innuendo, 2ish open door
Violence: high

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

ARC Book Review: The Myths of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #4) by Nicole Platania

November 21, 2024November 20, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 686 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 21st, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Constellations may fall,
but perhaps all the myths are alive.

Ophelia has survived warfare, curses, and betrayals. Now, as the Revered of the Mystique Warriors and the Chosen of the Angels, she faces an unprecedented threat: The bloodthirsty Queen of the Fae sails for the shores of Gallantia. To ensure the safety of her people, Ophelia is forced into a deadly bargain.

As the hunt for the remaining two Angel emblems continues–now with newfound allies–Ophelia’s chosen family is thrown into peril and prophecies. Fates are questioned, magic seeks to kill, and each day, the Angels try to bend Ophelia further to their will.

But she is born of myths and legend, and she will scorch the deities before they pull her strings. Can Ophelia discover the remedy to the Angelcurse and harness her newfound power, or will centuries-old secrets rip her apart at the seams?

The Myths of Ophelia is book four in the Curse of Ophelia series, a new adult epic romantic fantasy with inspiration from Greek Mythology. It’s a high-stakes warrior adventure filled with bantering found family, meddling gods and Angels, and multiple slow burn romances, perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Sarah J Maas, and Chloe C. Peñaranda.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

DEVASTATION.

I’m back for another review for this series and once again in desperate need of more people to pick it up!! If you’re looking for something with Throne of Glass vibes (but is its own story!!) then you have to try TCOO.

I’ll be brief for lack of wanting to spoil anything for anyone who’s reading this without having read the other books. BUT essentially, there’s more of everything. The world building is continually expanding, I love seeing where the magic system is going and the mythical creatures that are popping up are my favorite.

I love how many POV’s are present and how this also adds more romances (and I think I spotted another one that I’m already obsessed with). I love this entire cast. I love how the different strengths and weaknesses in this found family have come together to work towards the greater good of their lands. I am anxiously waiting for the next (and I believe last?) installment. It’ll gut me, AND I’M READY.

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance
Language: moderate – high
Romance: multiple open door (plot > spice though)
Violence: high

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: The Road of Bones (The Ashen #1) by Demi Winters

November 20, 2024November 15, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 500 pages
Author: Demi Winters
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: June 27th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A woman on the run. A crew of Viking mercenaries. A forbidden romance. And the secret which threatens them all.

Silla Nordvig is running for her life.

The queen of Íseldur has sent warriors to bring Silla to Sunnavík, where death awaits her. When her father is killed, his last words set Silla on a perilous quest: travel the treacherous Road of Bones–a thousand-mile stretch haunted by warbands, creatures of darkness, and a mysterious murderer–and go to Kopa, where a shield-house awaits her.

After barely surviving the first stretch of road, a desperate Silla sneaks into a supply wagon belonging to the notorious Bloodaxe Crew. To make it to Kopa, she must win over Axe Eyes, the brooding leader of the Crew, while avoiding the Wolf, his distractingly handsome right-hand man. But the queen’s ruthless assassin has other plans and hunts Silla obsessively.

Will Silla make it safely to Kopa? Or will she fall prey to the perils of the Road of Bones?

Featuring an immersive world blending fairy tale with Vikings, The Road of Bones leads you on an adrenaline-fueled chase with fun banter and a slow-building enemies to lovers romance. The first book in the Ashen Series, you are one click away from reading it!

Thank you Delacorte Press for the gifted copy.

THIS IS WHY I LOVE FANTASY ROMANCE.

Oh gosh, I have been looing for the next hit of dopamine that comes from finding an amazing fantasy romance. BLESS. I obsessively listened to this for two days and I regret nothing. This has one of my most favorite plot devices that I would love to tell you more about but I can’t because that would spoil and I will not ruin the fun. JUST TRUST ME.

I loved the multiple points of view and getting every angle of this world through the different characters. I loooove this found family group and the the road trip journey worked beautifully for this story. I found the world building to be easy to follow and I am obsessed with all of the Viking vibes. It’s gruesome and intricate and leaves you begging for more. I must get my hands on book two.

Overall audience notes:

Fantasy Romance
Language: moderate – high
Romance: multiple open door
Violence: high

Instagram || Goodreads || The StoryGraph

Book Review: Wisteria (Belladonna #3) by Adalyn Grace

November 16, 2024August 31, 2024 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: NA Fantasy Romance
Length: 432 pages
Author: Adalyn Grace
Publisher: Little Brown Books
Release Date: August 20th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace delivers a sensational conclusion to the deathly and decadent Belladonna trilogy, with dramatic twists and a seductive new romance that will set readers’ hearts ablaze.

Blythe Hawthorne has never let anyone tell her what to do—not society, not her overprotective father, and certainly not the man she’s bound herself to, no matter how rude and insufferable he is. In fact, she’s determined to be a thorn in his side for the rest of her days, even as he ensures that her life in his palace is anything but a fairytale. But as Blythe discovers a new side of herself linked to his past, she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to let an unexpected spark ignite…and to discover the truth about who she really is.

DON’T COME AT ME.

Four stars is totally a valid rating and it also hurts me to feel more inclined to give this one four stars rather than five. I did physically read this installment vs. audiobook like I did for the previous books. I don’t know if that changed my perception but it must have to some degree.

My issues that I noticed were around some of the plot aspects. I feel like there were a few holes and things that kind of sprung up out of nowhere.

But. That aside, I loved the enemies to lovers romance. It was top tier. I loved the slow build and growth between Fate and Blythe. I loved getting to see Signa and Death again. The story line was good in the grand scheme. I liked picking this up and reading. I look forward to whatever stories Grace writes next.

Overall audience notes: