Vows & Ruins by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Vows & Ruins (The Legends of Thezmarr #2)

Author: Helen Scheuerer

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 501

Publication Date: 9/21/23

Categories: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance, Romantasy

Against all odds, Althea Zoltaire emerged from her trials as a champion. Now, she must train even harder and prepare herself to become a true warrior of Thezmarr.

But Thea’s world is turned upside down as she struggles to navigate her newfound magic and uncover the secrets of her past. Slowly, she begins to untangle the truth about her family, her powers and the evil that threatens to engulf the kingdom.

When Wilder Hawthorne returns to be her official mentor, everything changes. Dark forces are gathering, and he will stop at nothing to prepare her for the challenges to come, even if it means breaking her.

As war looms and their quest for answers leads master and apprentice deeper into danger, the undeniable connection between them intensifies – defying all odds, but also threatening to tear them apart.

With secrets unravelling and evil closing in, Thea and Wilder fight to save the world, and each other. The fate of the realms rests in their hands – will they emerge victorious, or will the darkness consume them both?

Full of action, adventure and steamy romance, Vows & Ruins is the second book in the spellbinding epic romantic fantasy series, The Legends of Thezmarr and is perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom, From Blood and Ash and The Witcher.

Content Warning: violence

This is book two in The Legends of Thezmarr series and though it’s filled with everything I usually like in a romantasy.

+ After the events in book one, Thea, has to deal with a few things. She is a lost princess and her sister has been keeping that a secret and Thea is angry with her for that. Wilder has left her after them sharing a very passionate moment so yes, she is going through it. But she has to face both of them eventually but she’s forced to be around Wilder since he is her mentor. Thea does a better job at avoiding her sister.

+ Thea is a more powerful character now because she’s training harder with Wilder and she’s learning more about her powers and her past.

+ This book is full of steam and spice! So if you think it was missing in book one, well it’s all here. Thea and Wilder are hot for one another but also have to try and stay away from each other because she’s training to be a warrior of Thezmarr. But it doesn’t work no matter how much they try, they can’t keep their hands off one another.

~ Book one was already such a slow burn, that I was kind of tired of the continuous push and pull between them in this book. It did allow them for a moment to grow as friends which I liked but it was a lot of work to get them to finally say okay, we’re going to be all in and try it out.

~ The book is a little too long and it took me a few days to push through this one. I don’t know if it’s because of my mood but I thought I would devour this and I didn’t. I think the back and forth about their relationship took too much time to figure out and I wanted the story to move forward (which it did in the end).

My Final Thoughts:

I did like that there was more spice in this one but I also wish the story didn’t take until the ending to move forward since it’s a long book. I think I liked book one more but it will be interesting to see what happens in book three after the twist in this ending.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Blood & Steel by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Lair of Bones (Curse of the Cyren Queen #1) by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

With Dagger and Song by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Fabric of Chaos by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Night of the Witch by. Sara Raasch and Beth Revis | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Night of the Witch (#1)

Author: Sara Raasch and Beth Revis

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Categories: Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, New Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Witches, Witch Hunters, Series

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Sourcebooks Fire for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A witch and a hunter. Vengeance is their mission. Love is their destiny.

Fritzi is a witch. A survivor of a brutal attack on her coven, she’s determined to find her only surviving family member and bring the hexenjägers—zealot witch hunters—to justice for the lives they ended. To do this, she will need to take down their leader—Kommandant Dieter Kirch.

Otto is a hexenjäger and a captain, the second in command to Dieter Kirch—but that’s just his cover. Years ago, the hexenjagers burned his innocent mother alive and since then, he has been planning a move against the witch hunters that tore his family apart. And now the time has come for them to pay for what they’ve done.

When Fritzi and Otto are unexpectedly thrown together, neither is sure they can trust the other, despite their common enemy. But all they have is one another, and they both crave revenge. As truths come to light and trust shifts, Fritzi and Otto uncover a far more horrifying plot at the center of the hexenjäger attacks . . . but their own growing feelings for each other may be the most powerful magic of all.

Content Warning: violence, burning at the stake, oppression

I love this book cover and I like how the story started off with jägers (witch hunters) destroying a coven of witches belonging to Fritzi and her family. She and her cousin are the only survivors. Otto is a kapitan, a high ranking jäger who hasn’t yet lit a pyre of witches but his time is coming to prove himself. The story definitely throws you right into the conflict.

Of course Otto is not who he seems and instead he is trying to help the witches, but he has to convince Fritzi of his plan. I really liked the setting and history about this town in Germany which had Roman rule for awhile and is deeply Catholic. The historical note even indicates that the Trier witch trials in 1581 Germany are real and lasted about 12 years! I liked that I learned something new. In the story, these jägers are brutal and witch hunting and burning/killing as many witches as they can find. There is a twist in the story that I wasn’t expecting but it made the villain much more villainous. It’s been awhile since I’ve hated a character for being evil and Dieter takes the cake. He is a vile character. But it becomes a fight between the witches versus Dieter and his jägers.

The romance between Fritzi and Otto happens quick! To think Fritzi hated him on the first day she met him but by day two she’s wildly attracted to him and it’s basically insta-love from then on out. They have some steamy scenes together but it’s fairly quick, not very detailed and fade to black.

It was a very quick, fast-paced read. I think some parts were rushed, like the romance and I would have loved if there were more magic in it. There are some spells that Fritzi does but I wish there was more. I did love that the Three: Maiden, Mother and Crone were involved in the story.

Tropes: insta-love, enemies to lovers, witch and witch hunter falling in love

Why you should read it:

witches and witch hunters
a good twist in the story that I wasn’t expecting
quick read and some good historical world-building

Why you might not want to read it:

insta-love, and story feels a bit rushed

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this story because it was quick and had some historical notes that I found very fascinating. There is the typical witch and witch hunter falling for one another trope but it was a bit too insta-love for me. I think the villain was written very well though, since I grew to really dislike him! I wish there was more magic and spells but overall this was a fairly entertaining read.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Hurricane Wars by. Thea Guanzon | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Hurricane Wars

Author: Thea Guanzon

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 480

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Categories: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, New Adult, Romance

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Harper Voyager for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The fates of two bitter enemies with opposing magical abilities are swept together in The Hurricane Wars, the spellbinding debut in a fantasy romance trilogy set in a Southeast Asia-inspired world ravaged by storms, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and R. F. Kuang.

The heart is a battlefield.

All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire’s shadows.

Prince Alaric, the emperor’s only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire’s rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.

Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion–one that could save their world…or destroy it.

An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.

Content Warning: violence, war

I wanted to read this book because how it is inspired by Southeast Asia, especially that the author is a Filipina and I wanted to see how my culture would look in this fantasy setting. Thing is it’s not only fantasy but fantasy/sci-fi which I thought was very interesting.

Talasyn is a soldier fighting to keep Sardovia from falling into the hands of the Kesath Empire, but it’s a losing battle because these Kesathese are relentless in their vengeance and desire to rule all. Prince Alaric is as formidable a fighter as Talasyn and when these two clash, my goodness, there are sparks, violence and a great start to an enemies to lovers romance. I loved the romance and it’s push and pull but it’s also a frustrating dance between them. There is one steamy scene between them and I was hoping there to be more but it really is a slow burn. I like Talasyn’s feistiness and I’m still hesitant to trust Alaric since his father really has a big influence on him but I do love all the tension and passion between them.

I did like Talasyn’s story. She’s an orphan with Lightweaver powers and she stumbles upon some information that reveals her past and the path for her future. I love the themes of family in the story also, which I think I relate to as a Filipina as well. I loved the mentions of the foods and culture and even the climate of the islands which reminded me of the Philippines.

Some parts that maybe I struggled with was the sci-fi elements and mostly because I wasn’t quite expecting it. I thought this was going to be pure fantasy, so even thought I thought the stormships and wasps (smaller ships) was cool – I couldn’t quite imagine what this world looked like at first. Also some names would throw me off like Allfold or the Voidfell. Also the story starts off with lots action and it does die down in the middle of the story but I think the tension between Alaric and Talasyn saved it from getting dull. I did like the different magic that Talasyn and Alaric could wield though. I also enjoyed the politics in the story which makes me wonder how long will it take Alaric to push away from his father’s rule. It will definitely be interesting to see what happens in book two.

Tropes: enemies to lovers, enemies teaming up together, slow burn, marriage of convenience

Why you should read it:

enemies to lovers romance
fighting scenes
interesting sci-fi/fantasy world and world building

Why you might not want to read it:

not into sci-fi/fantasy

My Thoughts:

After getting my bearings with the world building, I did find this story to be entertaining. This one grew on me the further I got into the story and I really think it’s because of the push and pull, enemies to lovers storyline between Talasyn and Alaric. I can’t resist an enemies to lovers trope. I like all the fighting that they do so I’ll definitely be reading book two just to see how Talasyn does in Alaric’s domain.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Heart of Night and Fire by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Heart of Night and Fire

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 379

Publication Date: 9/15/23

Publisher: Second Sky

Categories: New Adult, Series, Fantasy, Romance, Indian Mythology

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Second Sky for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A city of magic. A passion born in dreams. A secret that will set their world aflame.

Packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, heart-pounding action and devastating twists, The Nightfire Quartet is an epic fantasy romance that begins with a slow burn and builds in intensity. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout and Carissa Broadbent.

For years, Zarya has been trapped in a gilded prison. Her magic is forbidden, a dangerous secret—though nobody will explain why. Now she is ready to break free and find the truth.

Escaping to the dazzling city of Dharati, Zarya discovers a new world of enchantment and intrigue. With the help of seductive, blood-drinking rakshasa and magic-weaving Aazheri sorcerers, she searches for answers.

But the city is under siege. Every night, dark creatures attack. And since Zarya’s arrival they are growing stronger. To protect her new home, Zarya joins the fight.

As she battles on the walls and hunts through libraries for clues about her gifts, Zarya’s dreams are haunted by a mysterious stranger. Powerful, arrogant and handsome, Rabin sees through her secrets and ignites a desire she cannot resist. But can he be trusted?

When darkness threatens to overwhelm Dharati, Zarya is faced with a deadly choice. Will revealing her magic save the city? Or destroy everything she loves?

Enter a glittering new world inspired by Indian mythology and prepare to discover your new obsession.

Content Warning: violence, death

First I had to request this book because of that book cover and second, I found this author’s books on Kindle Unlimited this year and enjoyed them! So I wanted to see what this new series would be like and I was not disappointed.

The world-building is lush and inspired by Indian mythology. Vampire like people called Rakshasas that have silver hair and drink blood? Mages with elemental powers? A queen that is embodied in a tree? Monsters like birds that drop demon eggs?! I love this world of magic and fantasy, it’s so unique and vibrant.

Zarya is a character with a mysterious past. She was raised by a mage named Row who has gone missing which means she is essentially free to leave the barriers he used to keep her confined in. Her longing for new experiences is made reality when she goes to Dharati. She goes with her companion Aarav who she despises because he is like her watchdog. But she really blossoms in Dharati where she gets to experience so many things. She’s also in search of her past while she’s there and what she finds out is a big shock to everyone. I like how she’s willing to help, and loved to train with the soldiers and it was nice to see her actually become friends with Aarav. She also makes friends with Yasen, who didn’t like her at first.

Now Zarya has an instant attraction to Vikram, who is a Rakshasas but it’s a super slow burn between them. I felt like there was a light flirtation between them, nothing that would be serious. So when another guy, Rabin (tall, dark and mysterious) comes into play, I got even more interested in the story. I’m such a sucker for the bad boys but I love the twist in the story and can’t wait to see what happens in book two! I have a feeling it’s going to be spicy between her and Rabin. I do hope there is more character development in book two because though everyone was interesting – I’d have love to connect to Zarya more.

Tropes: girl with mysterious past, girl who comes into her powers

Why you should read it:

world-building, lush fantasy, inspired by Indian mythology
lots of magic and fighting monsters
Rabin and Narya

Why you might not want to read it:

Rabin only comes into the story in the second half of the story

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this one and can’t wait for book two just to see how the sparks fly between Rabin and Zarya! I love the world building in this story and look forward to reading the sequel.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon

Trial of the Sun Queen by. Nisha J. Tuli | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rule of the Aurora King by. Nisha J. Tuli | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Court This Cruel and Lovely by. Stacia Clark| Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: A Court This Cruel & Lovely (Kingdom of Lies #1)

Author: Stacia Stark

Format: ebook (KU)

Pages: 532

Publication Date: 3/24/23

Categories: Romance, Fantasy, Series, Fae, New Adult

For fantasy romance readers who love Raven Kennedy, Amanda Bouchet, and Carissa Broadbent. This slow burn, enemies-to-lovers series will enchant you…

For years, when I fell asleep, I dreamed of a man with blazing green eyes and a cruel smile.

The day I meet him, the ruthless mercenary leaves me for dead.

Just hours after humans are born, the gods take what little power we have. In return, they protect our borders from the vicious, merciless fae.

The humans who manage to keep their power are known as the corrupt.
And they are burned.

When my forbidden power is discovered, I’m forced to flee my tiny village and the life I adore.

To survive, I make a desperate bargain with the mercenary who abandoned me at my weakest.

Our deal is simple: I’ll help him and his mysterious friends sneak into the city. And he’ll help me learn to wield the strange, dark power I’ve always kept hidden. The power that may just be the key to my survival.

But the ruthless mercenary is hiding secrets of his own. Secrets that threaten the safety of everyone I love. Secrets that could tear this kingdom—and perhaps even this world—apart.

Please note: A Court This Cruel and Lovely is an NA/adult romantasy book with steam. While this series is slow burn, the chili pepper rating will increase for each book.

Content Warning: violence

I was looking for a new adult romantic fantasy so read during my trip and I found this one on kindle unlimited. It has all the tropes I enjoy: slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, court intrigue, a girl training with warriors, Fae, magic and found family.

I liked Prisca and Lorian’s testy relationship. He’s an alpha-male but surprisingly was patient with Prisca because he admired the fight in her. Prisca also has the secret bloodline, which is another trope I enjoy. I found her interactions with Lorian’s men entertaining and endearing as they become a found family for her on their journey. Speaking of family, there are even touching family moments with her own brother.

Yes, the story was predictable also. The twist in the story I guessed early on but I didn’t care, I still enjoyed the story and will read book two!

Tropes: found family, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, slow burn, secret bloodline, court intrigue

Why you should read it:

you love all the typical tropes in a romantasy book

Why you might not want to read it:

not into romantasy

My Thoughts:

As I said above, thought the story is predictable, it was in every way that I enjoyed. It has all the tropes I love in a romantasy and I look forward to continuing the series.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Stolen Throne by. Abigail Owen | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Stolen Throne (Dominions #2)

Author: Abigail Owen

Format: ebook (KU)

Pages: 528

Publication Date: 5/2/23

Categories: Romance, Fantasy, Series, Twins, New Adult, Paranormal, Shadows

My twin sister is the true queen of Aryd. She survives, hiding and clinging to life in the desert, while I reign as the false queen alongside the monstrous King Eidolon. There’s only one escape from this gilded prison: Reven. My Shadowraith. My heart. Only the shadows that he struggles to control are growing more sinister, more powerful.

It’s just a matter of time before they turn on him…and on me.

Even escape doesn’t mean true freedom, though, when we’re still on the run from Eidolon’s unstoppable armies. And when we discover there’s a traitor among us, I have no choice…I must become the queen I was never meant to be.

Because as one evil hunts me, the other loves me more than himself.

And my fate lies with both.

This is the second book in The Liar’s Crown series and talk about reading a book because of its book cover. I love the book covers for the series, but I don’t totally love the series. I thought I was rating this too low but I saw my review for the first book and it was 3 stars, so 2.5 stars for this one sounds about right since I could barely motivate myself to finish it.

The first half was fine. Reven is struggling with the shadows inside him and they finally got Tabra away from Eidolon. They are now with Cain and his people trying to figure out a wait to fight Eidolon. But this was 528 pages long when it could have been 350 pages – I skimmed from 60% in unto the end and I tried to get into the mood to read this since it came out at the beginning of the month! So at least I tried. The main reason I lacked motivation to keep on reading? Reven and Meren are not communicating so that takes out the romance until near the end of the story. Also I started to not care so much about Reven and his multiple shadows. Poor guy, I felt for his struggle but I wanted something more to happen. And I’m not saying nothing was happening, there was a lot happening with many different characters, but I did not care and there were too many of them.

I was on the fence about reading this one because I gave the first book 3 stars, so I should have listened to my instincts and just passed on book two. Sequels are always a struggle to read in a trilogy but I could barely finish this one which makes me think this series is just not for me.

Why you should read it:

you loved book one

Why you might not want to read it:

many characters to remember, but couldn’t connect to them
felt too long

My Thoughts:

This book has great reviews from it’s fans so take my review with a grain of salt. I didn’t love book one, so I think it’s safe to say after reading The Stolen Throne that this series isn’t for me. But I think a lot of people who loved the first one will enjoy this sequel.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Liar’s Crown by. Abigail Owen | Book Review⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Fourth Wing by. Rebecca Yarros | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Fourth Wing (#1)

Author: Rebecca Yarros

Format: ebook (owned)

Pages: 662

Publication Date: 5/2/2023

Categories: Romance, Fantasy, New Adult, Series, Dragons

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die .

Content Warning: violence

I’ve been seeing so many good reviews for this one and then I found an audiobook copy available on my online library and so I borrowed it. Two chapters in and I made the decision to buy the ebook and read it faster because I was hooked!

This book has everything I want in an enemies to lovers romance. It has a competition, high stakes, great world building, friendship, enemies, a satisfying slow burn, tension, action and dragons. And it’s not a quick read – I actually stayed up past midnight to finish this on and honestly it was worth it.

Violet is supposed be a scribe but her mother, General Sorrengail, believes all her children should be dragon riders. But Violet isn’t physically strong like her deceased brother, and her sister Mira. She wasn’t trained in warfare. Being a Sorrengail doesn’t do Violet any favors in the Riders Quadrant, many of her classmates are out for her blood. It’s survival of the fittest and Violet believes she’ll die trying to be a rider, but better to die than disappoint her mother. I love Violet’s story and how she overcomes various physical challenges in order to become a rider. I was rooting for her all the way!

The secondary characters are fantastic as well. I love Rhiannon who was Violet’s first friend. All the other classmates we meet along the way are distinct in their own way. It’s a big cast but every character had a way of standing out, even if they were hateful. And the dragons are epic, majestic, fearsome and I love the bond they have with their rider. The banter between Violet and her dragons are so fun. I even love her relationship with her sister Mira, who I hope we get to see more of in book two. I love the sibling bond being strong despite the way their mother treats them.

And the bond between Violet and Xaden is purely electric. What a slow, hot burn between these two. And it wasn’t even purely focused on them in the beginning of the story. He came and went while Violet was training hard, but their interactions are so good and it kept building to an awesome climax and I mean that literally! When they finally can’t stay away from her, my goodness, it was everything I wanted it to be in an enemies to lovers romance – even what happens in the end. I love them.

The ending…when you think this book can’t get any better, it ends in a cliffhanger like that. This story was an amazing ride. I can’t wait for book two, which comes out in November. Thank you for not making us wait forever!

Why you should read it:

the enemies to lovers between Violet and Xaden
the world building, the characters, the competition, the action, the dragons!
book two comes out in a few months

Why you might not want to read it:

not into dragons

My Thoughts:

The hype is real for this one and it’s well worth it if you like everything I’ve mentioned above. I’m always looking for a good new adult fantasy that has all the elements I love – especially if it’s an enemies to lovers romance, and this one gave me all the feels I’ve been searching for lately. I’m counting down to book two which releases 3 days after my birthday!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by. Carissa Broadbent | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (#2)

Author: Carissa Broadbent

Format: ebook (KU)

Pages: 665

Publication Date: 4/14/2023

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, New Adult

Love is a sacrifice at the altar of power.

In the wake of the Kejari, everything Oraya once thought to be true has been destroyed. A prisoner in her own kingdom, grieving the only family she ever had, and reeling from a gutting betrayal, she no longer even knows the truth of her own blood. She’s left only with one certainty: she cannot trust anyone, least of all Raihn.

The House of Night, too, is surrounded by enemies. Raihn’s own nobles are none too eager to accept a Turned king, especially one who was once a slave. And the House of Blood digs their claws into the kingdom, threatening to tear it apart from the inside.

When Raihn offers Oraya a secret alliance, taking the deal is her only chance at reclaiming her kingdom–and gaining her vengeance against the lover who betrayed her. But to do so, she’ll need to harness a devastating ancient power, intertwined with her father’s greatest secrets.

But with enemies closing in on all sides, nothing is as it seems. As she unravels her past and faces her future, Oraya finds herself forced to choose between the bloody reality of seizing power – and the devastating love that could be her downfall.

Content Warning: violence, death

I’ve been waffling back and forth on how to rate this book because I loved it but also I had some issues with it (not major) so maybe it’s more like a 4.25 rating? I loved the first book because it was pretty ruthless and there was a competition, so it was a fast moving story.

After the events of book one, Oraya and Raihn are a bit broken. Raihn has gotten what he wanted but has hurt Oraya beyond belief. He’s killed Vincent, to become the new King of the House of Night. What I really love about this book is the struggle Oraya and Raihn have to deal with. Raihn is trying to be a better king, but how when there is no one he can really trust. And how does he mend things with Oraya? As for Oraya she has to reconcile all the lies and truths she knows of Vincent and deal with her grief at the same time. She loves him, but she hates him too and she needs to figure out how to move on in his life without him. Then there is the problem of Raihn, her husband, her best friend really, but also her enemy. He has broken her heart. The shining star in this book are the relationships between Raihn and Oraya, and also Oraya’s memories of Vincent.

Speaking of Raihn and Oraya – yes she has been so hurt by him, but under the hurt is the friendship they built in book one and I loved when that side of them would peek out from the pain between them. It’s quite a love story and one that shows no matter how times were going to get…even if they couldn’t say the words and even didn’t know it was love, that ultimately it was heading towards it. They are a great couple. They have each other’s back and I love that they are not fated mates. I like that they had to do very hard work and fight for their bond and love. I’m also glad we get two perspectives because the whole situation between them is complicated.

I love that Mische came back into the story because she’s a ray of sunshine in such a dark story. And yes, Vincent is a bad man, but he is one of my favorite characters. He was a ruthless king, saw humans as beneath him but his half-human daughter does something to him. And I liked all the complicated feelings Oraya has about him and I was so so sad for her and with her.

I did hear that this series is now going to be a 6 book series but that Raihn and Oraya’s story is concluded. With that said, there are some loose ends in the story, especially when it comes to Septimus and I’m sure he will be dealt with in the future books. I think Mische’s story is next though so that will be exciting to read. She deserves a great love story of her own.

As for the story-telling, I think there was a few lulls in the story because Oraya is in grieving mode and Raihn is in rebuilding mode. But I did love the action when it was there – especially when they visit Oraya’s cousin.

Tropes: enemies to lovers

Why you should read it:

you liked book one and want to be immersed in this world again
Oraya and Raihn
Oraya and Vincent (heartbreaking)

Why you might not want to read it:

didn’t enjoy the first one
some loose ends but it’s going to be a 6 book series

My Thoughts:

I’m sad that Raihn and Oraya’s story is over but super excited for Mische to get a spotlight because she deserves one. I think this was a good conclusion for Riahn and Oraya – I mean these two really battled it out between one another, between enemies and traitors, and each time they came back together. I’ll miss Vincent but I did feel like Oraya got closure about her feelings about him. Oraya found herself and learned to become powerful without him – which is what she deserved. This was an awesome book, some issues here and there but overall it was entertaining and it met my expectations!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by. Carissa Broadbent | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kingdom of Blood and Salt by. Alexis Calder | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Kingdom of Blood and Salt (#1)

Author: Alexis Calder

Format: ebook (KU)

Pages: 330

Publication Date: 3/30/2023

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Fae, Shapeshifter, Vampire, Political, New Adult

An epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Raven Kennedy, and Sarah J Maas.

After spending years training to defend my people from our enemies, I never expected that my enemy would be the one keeping me alive.

Athos is the last human city. A treaty with the Fae keeps the fae, the vampires, and the wolf shifters at bay, while we fight against the dragons at our border. Being a human in this world is dangerous and we all make sacrifices to survive.

When the delegation sent by the Fae King arrives to claim the human tributes required by our treaty, I never expected to forge a connection with their leader.

Ryvin is as dangerous as he is handsome. I know he’s my enemy, and I know I’m supposed to hate him, but with each passing day, he’s more difficult to resist.

But things are changing in Athos. Humans no longer want to bend to the Fae King.

Alliances blur and centuries of lies begin to unravel.

And I’m faced with a choice.

No matter how much I hate him, Ryvin might be the key to preventing war.

But it may mean sacrificing everything….

Kingdom of Blood and Salt is the first book in a fantasy romance trilogy with fae, vampires, and shifters. This enemies to lovers series contains violence, mature language, and spice. This is a NA/adult fantasy romance and steam level will increase as the series progresses. Mind the cliff.

Content Warning: violence, sexual assault

I wanted a Fae story and I got one with some vampires and shapeshifters on the side.

So this is the typical romantasy – an illegitimate human princess, Ara, meets a tall, dark, handsome stranger, Ryvin, who turns out to be part of the delegation from the enemy Fae kingdom of Konos. The attraction between them is instant. This is an enemies to lovers romance, and the animosity and desire between Ara and Ryvin was the most entertaining part of this book.

There wasn’t really anything new in this story compared to other books that are similar to ACOTAR and this genre. Ara is trying to be a dutiful princess, and out of all her sisters, she’s the one training to be a warrior but when secrets are unveiled, her world is shattered. Ryvin is the typical charming, possessive, sexy, shadow-wielding, Fae (or I think he’s Fae?). I enjoyed the sparks between them! She’s sassy and he can’t help but be attracted to her resistance of him. I think my favorite part was whenever the two of them were together and aggravated with one another.

There is spice but for some strange reason I felt like it could have been spicier? I think because their fighting was so good I just felt like the sex should have had a better pay off. But I think there is hope for it in the next book. I know it’s because they agreed it would be just the act and no feelings (even though there is definitely feelings!).

I also enjoyed the sisterhood between Ara, Cora, Lagina and Sophia. It would be nice to get to know all of them better. That goes for Ryvin and the kingdom of Konos. I will be reading book two just to learn more about Konos and maybe eventually the other kingdoms.

Tropes: enemies to lovers, princess is a sacrifice, shadow-wielding death Fae

Why you should read it:

you like stories about the Fae
enemies to lovers romance

Why you might not want to read it:

not into stories that are inspired by ACOTAR

My Thoughts:

I found this one entertaining but I often love stories about the Fae even if they are starting to sound alike! I enjoyed the bickering and spice between Ara and Ryvin because I like a good enemies to lovers romance with my romantasy stories. I think Ryvin is still mostly a mystery though, as is the kingdom of Konos. Another thing I liked is the relationship between Ara and her sisters. I didn’t feel like this book had anything outstanding and unique about it but I enjoyed it regardless.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

These Twisted Bonds by. Lexi Ryan | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows #2)

Author: Lexi Ryan

Format: hardcover (own)

Pages: 496

Publication Date: 7/18/22

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, New Adult, Magic

Brie finds herself caught between two princes and two destinies while the future of the fae realm hangs in the balance.

After Abriella’s sister was sold to the fae, she thought life couldn’t get any worse. But when she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making - loving two princes and trusting neither – things are not quite as clear as she once thought.

As civil war wages in the Court of Darkness, Brie finds herself unable to choose a side. How can she know where she stands when she doesn’t even know herself anymore? In this darkly romantic thrill ride, the more Faerie is torn apart from the inside, the clearer it becomes that prophecies don’t lie and Brie has a role to play in the fate of this magical realm – whether she likes it or not.

Content Warning: violence

I finally got to read this book! Here is what I thought:

+ I honestly forgot what happened in These Hollow Vows – but the sequel did a good job in reminding me of past events. I did remember that this had a major love triangle and it continues in this conclusion. There is a choice made though, thank goodness. I was definitely there for the romance but I have more thoughts on that below.

+ I enjoyed it because I love Fae stories. It’s got a lot of the tropes I love: fake dating, love triangle, one bed, etc…and also it’s got some sexual situations which is always surprising because I always see this cover and think young adult. But this New Adult.

~ I think I would have eaten this book up in my 20’s. In my 40’s I was tired of her going back and forth between her feelings. And I always enjoy love triangles but I hate it when it’s between brothers because I tend to like both brothers! So yes 20 year old me would’ve given this 5 stars but 40 year old me has no patience lol.

~ I love chosen one stories but why is Brie so special? I was rolling my eyes when another Fae King started flirting with her. Like come on! And because of that, this book could have been 100 pages less. This is an always 500 page book. There is a lot of angst on Sebastian’s part – ugh….Sebastian. Actually there was a lot of angst going around – Brie was was blaming herself. She’s the special one but she doesn’t know why (I didn’t either) and she kept saying everything was her fault.

Why you should read it:

all the tropes, Fae, romantasy
you want to complete the duology
entertaining

Why you might not want to read it:

love triangle, angst, blame game

My Thoughts:

Like I said above, I would have eaten this up in my 20’s. In my 40’s I’m a bit less patient about the love triangle (and I usually like love triangles) and the angst, along with the blame game. Also it was maybe 100 pages too long. But I did find the story entertaining because I like romantasy and especially when there is Fae involved, so I’m glad I got to take this off my TBR list!