Tag: fantasy romance

Book Review: A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly (Compelling Fates Saga #1) by Sophia St. Germain

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 476 pages
Author: Sophia St. Germain
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: December 3rd, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Half-Fae Elessia could have had everything.

Literally.

Since her magic allows her to compel anyone to do her bidding by merely looking into their eyes, the world was at her feet.

But after a tragic accident, she is thrown into the Fae king’s dungeons and forced to swear a blood oath to him, binding her to his service.

Five years later, she’s living amongst humans in Ellow and has created a life for herself—as much as she can with the king’s promise to call in his debt looming over her.

When he finally comes to collect, she is made to infiltrate the human elections to determine whether the current regent is involved in the strange things happening in the land of Fae.

With the promise of freedom from the king’s claws, Elessia is determined to see it through. Liberty is within reach as long as she can keep the lethal Fae guard watching over her from eliminating her before she unearths the information the king seeks.

But as she grows closer to the brooding human regent and secrets begin to unravel, Elessia realizes greater forces may be at play.

And she might stand before the choice between her own freedom and that of a nation.

WHAT A STUNNER.

I had such a great time with this book. I’m glad I was convinced to pick it up because I will absolutely be continuing the series. I appreciate a well executed slow burn and this one delivered. I love romantic plot lines like this one and I think it has been set up well for the series.

The FMC had a slow character arc brewing and I loved the beginning of her journey. I love that there was a training montage of sorts so we actually got to see her learn to defend her self rather than automatic greatness.

There were many subtle moments that I think will clue in as the series progresses so I’m very excited to see where that leads. Some of the plot points dragged a little bit for me but that was only a small issue for me.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: one open door
  • Violence: moderate – high
  • Content Warnings: torture, loss of life

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Book Review: The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg

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Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 344 pages
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Publisher: 47North
Release Date: August 1st, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

For a young woman who wields the power of fear, humanity’s greatest enemy is her only hope in a new fairy-tale adventure by Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg.

Seven years on the run from her abusive father, and with no hope of sanctuary among the dwindling pockets of human civilization, Lark is out of options. Her only leverage is a cursed power: she can thrust fear onto others, leaving all threats fleeing in terror. It’s a means of survival as she searches for a place to call home. If the campfire myths of her childhood are true, Lark’s sole chance for refuge could lie in Cagmar, the city of trolls—a brutal species and the sworn enemies of humanity.

Valuing combat prowess, the troll high council is intrigued. Lark could be much more useful than the low-caste humans who merely labor in Cagmar. Her gift makes her invaluable as a monster slayer to fight off the unspeakable creatures that torment the trolls’ hanging city, suspended from a bridge over an endless dark canyon.

Lark will do anything to make Cagmar her home, but her new role comes with a caveat: use her power against a troll, and she’ll be killed. Her loyalty is quickly put to the test when she draws the hatred of a powerful troll who loathes humankind. Still, she finds unexpected friendship in the city and, even more surprisingly, love. But if everything else doesn’t undo her, being caught in the arms of a troll surely will. Now in the fight of her life, Lark has a lot to learn—about her past, about trust and hope when all seems lost, and above all, about the extraordinary power of fear itself.

WELL THIS WAS DIFFERENT.

I have been meaning to read more books by this author and finally was able to listen to this audiobook (which was great).

I think where I got off on the wrong foot was thinking the romance was going in a different way than it was so I admit to being caught off guard when I saw what was happening. At that point I had missed some of the emotional intimacy that had been building and it took a bit for me to catch up.

The standalone quality of this was good though. I liked how things came together and wrapped up and this felt like a fully put together story. I enjoyed the side characters and action. There’s some good political dynamics and the world building was cool too.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: moderate
  • Content Warnings: past sexual assault, parental abuse

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Book Review: The Rose in the Shadows (House of Hyrax #1) by Arcadia Rayne

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 425 pages
Author: Arcadia Rayne
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: April 11th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“I was not created to back down”

When you’re the last Descendant of the most hated God in all the realms, who can you trust?

Theadora Moore, with no memories of her past life, arrives at the Athenian Palace with magic in her veins and a mark on her chest branding her the last living Descendant of Hyrax, God of the Dead. After seeing her as an opportunity to bolster his nations power, Prince Clayton Vail forces her into a role she never wanted. But when mysterious attacks plague the castle, it becomes clear that not everyone is thrilled about the return of House Hyrax.

To stay alive and uncover her past, Thea must master her powers, navigate treacherous court politics, and decide who she can trust in a castle brimming with the children of Gods.

In this world of magic and intrigue, friendships are fragile, and enemies lurk at every turn. As Thea and Clayton’s fates become increasingly entwined, their icy hostility starts to thaw, igniting a slow-burn romance that will change the realms forever.

The House of Hyrax series is an action-packed slow-burn romance filled with magic and political intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and Red Queen.

LOST INTEREST.

This started off well and I was interested in the story unfolding, but as the book went on I started to lose interest or care for anything happening. I feel like aspects such as the romance weren’t well developed and even though it is a slow burn, the couple didn’t spend enough time together for Thea to be declaring she was in love.

And the antagonists were plain. The “bad” king was lack luster and trying too hard. I liked when the meddling gods came into play because I felt like the stakes actually rose at that point. I didn’t mind Thea as the FMC, though the more I think about it, she did go along with everything so easily and I wish there was more pushback.

There’s some intriguing moments and there is a decent amount of action. It’s not unnecessarily long or drawn out, I just think different pieces could have used a little more. I don’t think I’ll continue this series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 1 almost open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content Warnings: assault, murder, near death experiences, torture

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ARC Book Review: The Legacy of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #5) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 750 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 7th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A forgotten myth resurrected. A legacy to conquer them all.

Ophelia and Malakai have been ripped from their loved ones and are at the mercy of a vengeful god.

But they quickly discover that in order to uncover secrets buried among realms, that may be precisely where they need to be. Even if it jeopardizes all they have fought to become.

Meanwhile, their friends receive a surprise visit from a potential ally that spurs them to rekindle partnerships, deny the bounds of power, and push love to the brink of destruction.

With myths resurrected and the very fabric of Ambrisk at risk, can the warriors survive their final battle against the deities? Or are they fated to become the legends stories are written of?

Everything culminates in this high-stakes, realm-shattering conclusion to the Epic Romantic Fantasy series, the Curse of Ophelia. With a loveable found family, scorching slow burn romances, and inspiration from Greek mythology, this series introduces a universe full of twisted lore and ancient battles that is perfect for fans of Chloe C Penaranda, Sarah J Maas, and Melissa K Roehrich.

MADE IT.

I miss the era of longer series and I loved that this has five books (+ a novella) with so many characters to love and appreciate. Each book was genuinely solid. NP crafted an incredible world with an amazing magic system and storylines I was deeply attached to reading.

I won’t go into much detail here because I don’t want to lead into any spoilers. But I’ll be CLEAR, you should absolutely read this series. Especially if you’ve been chasing the high of Throne of Glass ever since you finished the series. It is in no way a copycat, it just has the vibes in all the best ways.

The length of this one got to me a little bit (which could have been a mood thing so take that with a grain of salt). Otherwise, I don’t have any complaints. I loved seeing where all of these pairs ended up, there were so many memorable, soul-binding scenes and the antagonist got their due. The roller coaster of emotions was stellar. I can’t wait to read NP’s next series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: mild – moderate
  • Romance: 4-5ish open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content notes: abuse (mental/emotional), loss of loved ones, mild blood/gore, torture, assault, PTSD

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