ARC Review - Queen and Conqueror by Isabelle Olmo

 Thank you so much Isabelle Olmo for this ARC!

Title: Queen and Conqueror

Author: Isabelle Olmo

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: The Queen's Red Guard (book #1)

Pages: 560

Synopsis:

How does one conquer a kingdom without spilling blood? You offer your hand in marriage to the king who killed your husband. 

Almira was raised by a calculating father who forged her in political cunning. She’s prepared for this moment since childhood. Like pieces on a board, she lays out the players one by one. 

One. King Alton, the brother-killer. The spare heir who killed his brother for lust of throne. 

Two. The perfect seamstress. The people must admire a queen and welcome her with open arms. Even with a deadly armada behind her. 

Three. The Queen’s Red Guard. The group of warrior women who have one purpose; to protect the queen at all costs. Even from her husband. Even from herself. 

Queen & Conqueror is the first book in an epic feminist fantasy series told from the perspective of the women who rule and shape the future. 

“Men will never be ready for women like us and it is not our job to ready them.”

Review & thoughts:

Queen and Conqueror is the first book in The Queen’s Red Guard series by Isabelle Olmo. I still can’t believe it is the author’s debut book, it is such a well written and captivating read!

After death of her husband Almira, now a High Lady, decides to end the war by marrying Alton, the enemy king who killed her husband. She forms a group of warrior women who are supposed to protect her at all costs and goes to meet and negotiate with her soon to be husband. But Alton is nothing like she expected: he likes fighting, has no intention of marrying for peace and takes nothing seriously. When their negotiations end in a reluctant marriage agreement, will they be able to find a common ground or will they fight with each other as well as with the enemies surrounding them from every side? 

It is no secret I adore enemies to lovers stories and this one was extremely well written, it was more of an enemies to reluctant allies to friends to lovers and I loved every moment spent reading Almira’s and Alton’s story (and it has the hero falls first trope!). While Almira was raised to be rational and cunning, always concealing her emotions, Alton seems to be a bit childish when we first meet him, laughing at everything and constantly trying to goad Almira. But after a while he opens up to her and I loved how they found comfort in each other and how they together learnt to be great rulers and partners to each other. 

I also liked all the side characters, Sanaa, Hira, all the Red Guard, Almira’s father, lord Thebo, Hester all stole my heart, all characters in this book were so complex, we could really get to know and understand them, I can’t wait to read more about them in next books in this series!

Queen and Conqueror is a really great book and incredible debut, can’t wait to read what Isabelle Olmo writes next!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review - Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash by H. R. Moore

 Thank you so much H.R. Moore and Paper Myths Media for this ARC! 

Title: Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash

Author: H. R. Moore

Genre: High Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

Series: Shadow and Ash (book #1)

Pages: 345

Synopsis:

Action-packed from the start, with twists, intrigue, and dangerous politics, Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash is a sexy new fantasy series perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Sarah J. Maas, and Danielle L. Jensen.

Legend states that when a ruler worthy of the name reunites the Five Kingdoms, the dragons will return. Fyia has done just that, and she wants her dragons. But the dragon eggs are missing, her five war-ravaged kingdoms are unhappy bedfellows, and calls for her to marry grow ever louder.

Fyia hasn't fought so hard to hand her spoils to another, and her quest to find the missing eggs leads her to the powerful, reclusive King of the Black Hoods. A formidable man whose magical abilities match her own, as does his stubbornness.

When he refuses to help, she must find a way to make him, even if that means risking the frozen wilds with the infuriating King … even if it means risking the one thing she swore she never would: her heart.

Review & thoughts:

Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash is the first book in a New Adult Fantasy Romance series by H. R. Moore and it suck me in from the very first page! 

There is a legend claiming that when the Five Kingdoms are united, the dragons will return and all the lands will prosper. Fyia, our FMC, has done just that, she killed the five old kings and united the kingdoms under her rule but after killing the last king she soon realizes no dragons have appeared. She begins her journey, seeking answers and dragons and she discovers many secrets that make her question everything she was ever taught. 

I really liked how Kingdoms of Shadow and Ash shows us a different side of war that we know from other fantasy books. So many times we read about preparations for war and the war itself and are left thinking about happy ending, but H. R. Moore decided to show us what happens after that. We read about difficult decisions Fyia needs to make as a new ruler of Five Kingdoms, how she navigates politics, makes some long needed changes and tries to win over her new people. She does not always make good decisions but as she says she is just a human and not a real warrior or a born ruler, she mostly cares about her people and wants to help them and that, in my opinion, makes her a really good and relatable main character. 

I really enjoyed the romance in this book and my only complaint is that I wish we met the love interest earlier than almost 50% into the book. But regardless, I enjoyed all Fyia and Cal’s scenes together and hope their relationship grows some more in the next book in this series (I want more romance!). 

I really enjoyed this novel, it is a great story with strong world-building and relatable main characters that leaves you wanting to know more. Can’t wait for the sequel!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review - The Gilded Fae by Shari L. Tapscott

Title: The Gilded Fae

Author: Shari L. Tapscott

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods (book #2)

Pages: 277

Synopsis:

All her life, Sabine has been intrigued by the humans—the tales of their bustling cities, busy streets, and especially their grand theaters. But as a Fae princess of West Faerie, and the kingdom’s future queen, Sabine is forbidden from crossing the bridge that leads into human territory.

When Sabine’s mother falls ill, she realizes this might be her last chance to experience all the things she’s only heard of in stories. She sneaks out of Faerie and travels to Davon, the capital of Valsta, and discovers the human world has a magic that’s all its own.

But the beauty of the city is a mirage. Dark people lurk in shadowed corners, waiting to take advantage of a young Fae woman who’s wandered somewhere she doesn’t belong. Soon, Sabine finds herself trapped in an opulent prison, caught up in a web of crime and betrayal that extends all the way into her own kingdom.

Her only hope of escape is in the hands of a human—one of her captors. Sabine is determined to win Alexander over no matter the cost, but when their battle of wills becomes a battle of hearts, neither is prepared for the consequences…

The Gilded Fae is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance, with a touch of angst and lots of chemistry. Each book in the series is a complete story, and although it’s best to read them in order, there are no cliffhangers.

Review & thoughts:

The Gilded Fae is a new Fantasy Romance by Shari L. Tapscott and the second book in her Royal Fae of Rose Briar Woods series that I really enjoyed. After The Masked Fae I couldn’t wait to read Sabine’s story and it was even better than I expected! 

Sabine is the future queen of West Faerie but she doesn’t want the throne so when the opportunity presents itself she decides to visit the human lands for a few days. There she meets Alexander, a human theater owner she first met five years before when he performed during her birthday celebrations. They never forgot each other and the connection they felt during their first meeting. Due to some events Sabine is forced to spend more time in human lands with Alex and she will soon need to make important decisions regarding her future as the queen and her growing feelings for Alex. 

I really liked our main characters, Sabine was really strong and likeable FMC who always stood up for herself and didn’t let others dictate her actions. While I didn’t agree with some of Alex’s choices he ultimately won me over with his devotion to Sabine and I could understand how his past affected his feelings and decisions in the present. This book was really fast paced, I read it in one sitting always wanting to know what happens next. Really enjoyed it and can’t wait for Drake’s book!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review - One Bossy Dare by Nicole Snow

 Thank you so much Nicole Snow and Xpresso Book Tours for this ARC! 

Title: One Bossy Dare

Author: Nicole Snow

Genre: Romance

Series: Standalone

Pages: 490

Synopsis:

It was one little dare with razor-sharp teeth—work for him.
Yes, he's a fire-breathing grump and gazillionaire bachelor.
Yes, I just gave him an ego check he'll never forget.
Yes, he's still offering me the job dreams are made of.

But Cole Lancaster is the stuff of bossy nightmares.
Too handsome for real life. Big Coffee kingpin. Guarded papa bear.
His precious daughter is the only reason he ever stops grumping for five seconds.
I'm sure I can deal with his scowls and cutting glances for one huge payday.

Only, sometimes your best assumptions are dead wrong.
Like the business trip to paradise that shows me a different Cole.
A man with a beating heart and a billion-dollar smile.
A master of soul-stealing kisses.
A mess of secrets that leave me reeling.

I wish my taste in men didn't match my coffee.
Strong, steamy, and unspeakably complicated.
When I took the job, I didn't know the risks.
What if one crazy dare means falling in love?

Full-length enemies-to-lovers office romance with slow-burn sizzle. Witness one commanding single dad become so enchanted with the hellion he can't stand that he'll do everything to keep her forever.

Review & thoughts:

One Bossy Dare is the newest romance by Nicole Snow and might be my new favourite book of hers! It is enemies to lovers romance with snarky coffee loving heroine and grumpy single dad hero with hilarious teenage daughter. 

The story begins with our heroine, Eliza, drinking her morning coffee in a café when a management team comes for a meeting and their leader starts criticizing the barista who is her friend. She decides to stand up for her friend and starts an entertaining argument with Cole, not realizing that he is the CEO of the chain of cafés. To say their first meeting does not go well would be an understatement, but when Cole drinks the coffee Eliza made herself and left behind he decides to offer her a job because he thinks that’s what his company really needs. 

And that’s how begins this amazing story of two stubborn people who are passionate about their jobs but can’t compromise and are constantly at each other throats. When they need to go to Hawaii for a job project they start to notice completely different sides of each other and… let’s just say opposites really attract in this book. 

I really liked Eliza and Cole together, their banter was so entertaining and sparks were flying when they finally decided to give each other a chance. I also loved Cole’s daughter, Destiny, she was really funny and it was amazing to watch the bond forming between her and Eliza. There is also a bit of suspenseful plot in this book, Cole’s previous wife died when Destiny was a kid and it was fun to try to piece together what really happened 10 years ago and how it connects with some things that are happening now (trying not to spoil anything!). 

I really enjoyed this book, it was almost 500 pages long but I wasn’t bored for a single moment. Really recommend to all romance lovers! Can’t wait for this author’s next books.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ARC Review - Ballad of Nightmares by Jack Whitney

 Thank you so much Jack Whitney for this ARC! 

Title: Ballad of Nightmares

Author: Jack Whitney

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Series: Nightmares Duology (book #1)

Pages: ---

Synopsis:

When the ravens and crows begin acting odd on the morning of Death’s Day, Samarius Cain knows someone dangerous has entered his kingdom. The witches’ texts warned him of this and warned him that he, Death, would meet his match when the ravens fell. After centuries of waiting, he’d begun to think the text was just a fairy tale…
Until he spots the Tower of Chaos and Destruction herself, Deianira Bronfell, mingling with his people.

Shadowmyer is the last domain on Deianira’s list. Death’s kingdom, if the rumors were true. Samarius Cain. No one knows what he looks like, and no one can get into his castle. But Deianira isn’t walking away without her final crown. She has a plan: climb the ladder. Get close. Seduce who she has to and kill the rest.
Nothing will keep her from her final conquest… not even the man she finds herself entangled with and unable to stop herself from falling for.

Review & thoughts:

This. Book. Is. PHENOMENAL! Ballad of Nightmares by Jack Whitney is the first book in a new dark fantasy romance Nightmares Duology and OMG it is so freaking good, I can’t find words to describe how much I loved it. 

Deianira (or Ana as she calls herself for the most of the book) is a really badass but a bit crazy FMC. In the previous years she infiltrated a few monarchies and murdered their kings and now she is coming for the final king. Only she doesn’t know that Sam, the king of Shadowmyer, is the Death himself. Sam spent his life knowing from some ancient text that one day he would meet his match and future queen and as soon as he meets Ana he knows he has to have her. But when all their secrets and their hidden identities come to light will they be strong enough to continue to trust each other or will they let their relationship crumble?

I absolutely loved Ana and Sam, they had an instant connection and I enjoyed reading about all their meetings and their messages, those texts were so beautiful. I could really feel the change in their characters, their relationship really helped them grow as characters and it was amazing to watch their journey. I also really liked Millie and Rolfe, they are Sam’s friends and this trio was really hilarious at times. 

Another great thing about this book is the worldbuilding, we learn about a world ruled by kings, each with their own monarchy, but it is also a modern world with cellphones and cars. I think it was very well written and unique idea, it really fits this incredible story. 

Let me say this again, I loved this book and can’t wait for the sequel (love the author for not leaving us on a terrible cliffhanger). Ballad of Nightmares is full of beautiful romance, crazy action and incredible characters. If you have’t preordered it yet, what are you waiting for?

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review - A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

Title: A Shadow in the Ember

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Flesh & Fire (book #1)

Pages: 647

Synopsis:

Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.   

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot. 

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

Review & thoughts:

Gods, I did not expect this to be so good. A Shadow in the Ember takes place many years before FBAA series and at first I was disappointed we would have to wait longer for the next book about Poppy and Cas, but this book exceeded all my expectations and might be my favorite Jennifer L. Armentrout’s book to date (and I love all her books). 

ASITE is the story of Nyktos, whom we met in The Crown of Gilded Bones, and his Consort, Seraphena. After reading TCOGB and the blurb of ASITE I had some theories about what could happen but I had never been so wrong and just the prologue proved everything I thought I knew incorrect. 

Sera was my favorite type of FMC: she was a badass morally grey character, thinking for herself and willing to do everything in her power to protect those she cared about, even when it demanded some not-so-good actions (I loved how stabby she was which reminded me of Poppy). Ash was just so precious and completely different from what I was expecting but in a really good way, he and Sera were so great together they became one of my favorite bookish couples. 

After FBAA books I thought we learned almost everything about this extensive world, but ASTE turned everything I knew upside down. There are so many lies, plot twists and revelations there is not a single boring moment in this book, which just shows how amazing Jennifer L. Armentrout is since this book is over 600 pages long. And that ending was so unexpected and brilliant, I did not see that coming. 

I really really loved ASITE and honestly can’t wait for the next book, I think I am even more excited about this series than the next FBAA book, it was so good. Jennifer L. Armentrout is a real mastermind and I am looking forward to reading everything she creates next.

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review - Kingdom of Villains by Ella Fields

 

Title: Kingdom of Villains

Author: Ella Fields

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Standalone

Pages: 371

Synopsis:

When a faerie princess with a curiosity for things better left alone encounters a dark fae prince with a beastly secret, she's forced to become his bride in a dangerous new world where love and loathing struggle to coexist...

I’d known exactly who he was—the Unseelie prince. But I hadn’t known just what he was.
I’d been fooled.

The creature I’d formed a tentative friendship with in my family’s dungeon was not the gentle, intriguing prince I’d thought him to be.
He was a monster. A bloodthirsty beast.

And I’d helped him escape my uncle’s clutches.

Such a betrayal called for severe consequences, and the price of releasing the biggest threat our kingdom had faced in hundreds of years was not one I would survive.

But upon discovering my uncle’s foiled plans for their prince, the Unseelie demanded vengeance, and an agreement was made.

My savior and my doom returned, and this time, he wasn’t leaving without me.

Regardless of how I loathed him, the deceitful and dangerous male was my last hope. Yet when he looked at me, touched me, dared to love me, the beliefs I’d worn as armor began to melt.

I couldn’t let that happen.

Though avoiding fate would prove impossible when the only way to save my life was to surrender it by marrying the monster who’d destroyed it.

Kingdom of Villains is a complete standalone and is not connected to any other Ella Fields novel. No cliffhanger. It's an enemies to lovers fantasy with a whirlwind, swoon-worthy romance.

Review & thoughts:

Loved this fantasy romance by Ella Fields. I didn’t think the author could top her amazing The Savage and the Swan but, well, hello Kingdom of Villains. It is a really well written enemies to lovers romance with arranged marriage and  the hero falls first trope which are one of my favorites. We follow the story of Fia, a Seelie princess and Colvin, an Unseelie prince whom she frees from her uncle’s dungeon. When Fia is found a traitor and sentenced to death, the Unseelie queen proposes a marriage between Fia and Colvin and that’s where the crazy action and beautiful romance starts. There was not a boring moment and I loved how well Fia fit into her new home and all the new friends she made. But the romance was my favorite part, despite the not-so-good beginning, Fia and Colvin were amazing together and I loved every moment they had together. Seriously, if you love fantasy romance books you NEED to read this one. Can’t wait for more books by this author!

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐