What do you think?
Rate this book
Lycaster #1
The Bride of Lycaster
"When you are brought up to be only a bride, you are nothing until you are married. Then someone else decides what you are."
Serafina Ravenwood is a liar. Caught between bloodthirsty giants destroying her homeland and a cruel Duke who shatters her family, Serafina only has one option to survive—marry the heir to the Dukedom of Lycaster. Serafina spends seven years charming and deceiving him into securing her place as his wife. As her promised marriage was within her grasp, a notorious half-giant known only as “the Beast” crushes her plans.
But the half-giant is only the beginning. She learns the glittering life of Lycaster’s court is nothing more than a world of beautiful lies. To survive in the endless labyrinth of deceit, Serafina must become more than just a bride. She will shed her white dress and transform into a plotter, a lover, a manipulator, a rival, and an assassin—or else her fate is sealed.
The Bride of Lycaster is the first book in the Lycaster series, a heart-wrenching romantic fantasy full of magic, twisted fairytales, and dark family secrets.
Serafina Ravenwood is a liar. Caught between bloodthirsty giants destroying her homeland and a cruel Duke who shatters her family, Serafina only has one option to survive—marry the heir to the Dukedom of Lycaster. Serafina spends seven years charming and deceiving him into securing her place as his wife. As her promised marriage was within her grasp, a notorious half-giant known only as “the Beast” crushes her plans.
But the half-giant is only the beginning. She learns the glittering life of Lycaster’s court is nothing more than a world of beautiful lies. To survive in the endless labyrinth of deceit, Serafina must become more than just a bride. She will shed her white dress and transform into a plotter, a lover, a manipulator, a rival, and an assassin—or else her fate is sealed.
The Bride of Lycaster is the first book in the Lycaster series, a heart-wrenching romantic fantasy full of magic, twisted fairytales, and dark family secrets.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 22, 2023
243 people are currently reading
2607 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
March 10, 2024
this tiktok ass book
July 16, 2023
*I received this book as an arc for an honest review.*
The book had an interesting premise. Very much beauty and the beast vibes. Heck the main love interest was a blonde haired warrior, breaking off from the dark haired second love interest trope we keep seeing nowadays. I was all in.
What I think this book did not accomplish was getting me to root for the main character. Don’t get me wrong, we all love a gaslight gatekeep girlboss. But it wasn’t well established why she’s so powerless that merits all of the lying and manipulation. Sure, Ravenwood wasn’t doing so hot but I don’t think her noble family was barely getting by. She still had lavish dresses and it wasn’t like marrying the Duke’s son was the only option. She had many options that were actually proposed throughout the book, so the zeal to be Duchess came off as power hungry. I didn’t root for her so her actions made her unlikeable. I appreciate that this is addressed and she’s forced to reflect on her actions, but it happens 95% into the book.
Honestly I was rooting for Brietta. She was meek, bullied, and constantly put down. But when Brietta was presented an opportunity, she took it, I was excited for her. I don’t think the book wanted to establish that given how quickly Sera made Brietta an enemy.
Also the whole giant thing would’ve been fine if every other page didn’t mention how Sera was “the smallest girl out of everyone”, how she knew “the smallest dress was hers”, how she’s as “small as a thimble”, how she’s referred to by other characters as “that tiny Ravenwood girl” and how “she can put her tiny stature to good use to hide and eavesdrop.”
Really? And the dude’s shlong is as long as her forearm? And that consummating the marriage is going to absolutely wreck her? The emphasis in her tininess was really off putting. It reminded me of those TikToks that make fun of fanfics where Y/N “is so skinny and small the wind blows Y/N away”.
And the dude ends up being 15 feet I’m sorry but this giant thing just isn’t for me 🤷🏻♀️
At the halfway point I enjoyed seeing more of Riyan and honestly the interactions between him and Sera were nice. I even laughed a few times. But I wasn’t feeling the romance because of the whole blood bond thing, it made it seem that any romance was artificial.
The whole climax didn’t hold a lot of weight. “Will she kill him or not?” literally didn’t make sense. She expected the Duke to “owe her one” for sending Riyan’s head on a silver platter? Puhlease the Duke would’ve just said “lol thanks bai” and not owe her anything. It was a laughable plan.
The book tries to make Sera a “manipulating and clever silver tongue” but the only manipulating she does is make the Duke fall for her when she has no interest in loving him back. I wish I could’ve seen more of the gaslight gatekeep girlboss but all I see is someone who is really angry. It felt more telling than showing in that regard.
And there were a few typos in the book (like two or three) and it does add to the list of shortcomings unfortunately.
Tl:Dr, this was just very much not my cup of tea.
DO NOT send this to/tag the author in this review. She has explicitly said that she’d prefer to avoid them and avoid reviewer spaces as a whole.
The book had an interesting premise. Very much beauty and the beast vibes. Heck the main love interest was a blonde haired warrior, breaking off from the dark haired second love interest trope we keep seeing nowadays. I was all in.
What I think this book did not accomplish was getting me to root for the main character. Don’t get me wrong, we all love a gaslight gatekeep girlboss. But it wasn’t well established why she’s so powerless that merits all of the lying and manipulation. Sure, Ravenwood wasn’t doing so hot but I don’t think her noble family was barely getting by. She still had lavish dresses and it wasn’t like marrying the Duke’s son was the only option. She had many options that were actually proposed throughout the book, so the zeal to be Duchess came off as power hungry. I didn’t root for her so her actions made her unlikeable. I appreciate that this is addressed and she’s forced to reflect on her actions, but it happens 95% into the book.
Honestly I was rooting for Brietta. She was meek, bullied, and constantly put down. But when Brietta was presented an opportunity, she took it, I was excited for her. I don’t think the book wanted to establish that given how quickly Sera made Brietta an enemy.
Also the whole giant thing would’ve been fine if every other page didn’t mention how Sera was “the smallest girl out of everyone”, how she knew “the smallest dress was hers”, how she’s as “small as a thimble”, how she’s referred to by other characters as “that tiny Ravenwood girl” and how “she can put her tiny stature to good use to hide and eavesdrop.”
Really? And the dude’s shlong is as long as her forearm? And that consummating the marriage is going to absolutely wreck her? The emphasis in her tininess was really off putting. It reminded me of those TikToks that make fun of fanfics where Y/N “is so skinny and small the wind blows Y/N away”.
And the dude ends up being 15 feet I’m sorry but this giant thing just isn’t for me 🤷🏻♀️
At the halfway point I enjoyed seeing more of Riyan and honestly the interactions between him and Sera were nice. I even laughed a few times. But I wasn’t feeling the romance because of the whole blood bond thing, it made it seem that any romance was artificial.
The whole climax didn’t hold a lot of weight. “Will she kill him or not?” literally didn’t make sense. She expected the Duke to “owe her one” for sending Riyan’s head on a silver platter? Puhlease the Duke would’ve just said “lol thanks bai” and not owe her anything. It was a laughable plan.
The book tries to make Sera a “manipulating and clever silver tongue” but the only manipulating she does is make the Duke fall for her when she has no interest in loving him back. I wish I could’ve seen more of the gaslight gatekeep girlboss but all I see is someone who is really angry. It felt more telling than showing in that regard.
And there were a few typos in the book (like two or three) and it does add to the list of shortcomings unfortunately.
Tl:Dr, this was just very much not my cup of tea.
DO NOT send this to/tag the author in this review. She has explicitly said that she’d prefer to avoid them and avoid reviewer spaces as a whole.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
Complete waste of time.
June 9, 2023
Disclaimer: I did receive this book as an ARC from the author. However, everything in this review is 100% my own opinion and I am not biased at all towards the author for letting me get a sneak peek into the book before release day.
Release day is July, 22, 2023 and it will be available on KindleUnlimited for those who subscribe.
However:
Release day cannot come fast enough for this! This book yall, I swear it’s so fantastic! If you check my page, you’ll see I’ve read 125 books thus far this year, including fan favorites like SJM, but I honestly think this might be the best one I’ve read yet.
It’s a brand new author’s debut book, and she does not disappoint at ALL! Yes, there’s world building, and character history, and background and everything you get when starting a new fantasy series, but the way that the author wrote it just makes everything tie together so beautifully and seamlessly that before you know it, it’s 1 AM and you STILL can’t put the book down!
I was absolutely ADDICTED to this book from the get go. The spunky, grumpy, sly MC paired with the soft, golden retriever himbo; PERFECTION. This book will give you absolute WHIPLASH with all the plot twists thrown in it, but believe me when I tell you it’s 100% worth it. Honestly, I didn’t know it was a debut, I would have thought that it was written by a seasoned author!
Besties, run, don’t walk, RUN to Amazon and B&N for the pre-order on this book. Get your hands on it ASAP, and you will NOT regret it!!
Release day is July, 22, 2023 and it will be available on KindleUnlimited for those who subscribe.
However:
Release day cannot come fast enough for this! This book yall, I swear it’s so fantastic! If you check my page, you’ll see I’ve read 125 books thus far this year, including fan favorites like SJM, but I honestly think this might be the best one I’ve read yet.
It’s a brand new author’s debut book, and she does not disappoint at ALL! Yes, there’s world building, and character history, and background and everything you get when starting a new fantasy series, but the way that the author wrote it just makes everything tie together so beautifully and seamlessly that before you know it, it’s 1 AM and you STILL can’t put the book down!
I was absolutely ADDICTED to this book from the get go. The spunky, grumpy, sly MC paired with the soft, golden retriever himbo; PERFECTION. This book will give you absolute WHIPLASH with all the plot twists thrown in it, but believe me when I tell you it’s 100% worth it. Honestly, I didn’t know it was a debut, I would have thought that it was written by a seasoned author!
Besties, run, don’t walk, RUN to Amazon and B&N for the pre-order on this book. Get your hands on it ASAP, and you will NOT regret it!!
May 31, 2023
I had the absolute PRIVILEGE to beta read BoL.
I don't think a book has ever sucked me in faster. The first chapter had me hooked. The level of detail had me feeling like the characters were standing in front of me.
Perci Jay's writing style is so phenomenal. It's in league with the greats. The ending had me salivating for more, and even after weeks, I still find myself daydreaming about a certain half-giant.
Think of a Scandinavian vibe Beauty and the Beast meets an adult version of the BFG meets House of Salt and Sorrows but with its own lore and stories... oh, and of course, MAGIC.
The Bride of Lycaster has quickly become one of my favorite stories, and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next in the series!
I don't think a book has ever sucked me in faster. The first chapter had me hooked. The level of detail had me feeling like the characters were standing in front of me.
Perci Jay's writing style is so phenomenal. It's in league with the greats. The ending had me salivating for more, and even after weeks, I still find myself daydreaming about a certain half-giant.
Think of a Scandinavian vibe Beauty and the Beast meets an adult version of the BFG meets House of Salt and Sorrows but with its own lore and stories... oh, and of course, MAGIC.
The Bride of Lycaster has quickly become one of my favorite stories, and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next in the series!
June 5, 2023
This book starts with our main character and Lord Hyon's son meeting seven years before they are supposed to. Sera starts a seven-year scheme to marry the future Lord of Hyton. However, her dreams are squashed when The Beast chooses her as a bride. Because of a stupid rule and magic Sera and Riyan only have until the next full moon to consummate the marriage. The problem is that she is only four feet tall and he's NINE feet tall. Do you see the problem here?
I noticed that like almost everybody in this book is treated like shit. Riyan though just gets the worst of it because of his size. Even his own family mistreats him. I enjoyed it when Riyan and Sera eventually started getting along. But it didn't last long as Riyan fell and destroyed part of the fortress and killed his grandmother, which in turn killed his grandfather. The new Baron and Baroness start on a journey to return Riyan to normal size so they can fully start their marriage. Which ends with a twist.
I was just scrolling through Tiktok one day when one of the author's posts showed up promoting this book, which sounded very intriguing. So when the chance to be an advanced reader popped up I jumped on the opportunity to read it. I'm glad I did because I extremely enjoyed this book. Perci Jay did so well with her debut book. I'm excited to read The Sorceress of Lycaster when it's released hopefully later this year.
Rating: 5 stars
*I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I noticed that like almost everybody in this book is treated like shit. Riyan though just gets the worst of it because of his size. Even his own family mistreats him. I enjoyed it when Riyan and Sera eventually started getting along. But it didn't last long as Riyan fell and destroyed part of the fortress and killed his grandmother, which in turn killed his grandfather. The new Baron and Baroness start on a journey to return Riyan to normal size so they can fully start their marriage. Which ends with a twist.
I was just scrolling through Tiktok one day when one of the author's posts showed up promoting this book, which sounded very intriguing. So when the chance to be an advanced reader popped up I jumped on the opportunity to read it. I'm glad I did because I extremely enjoyed this book. Perci Jay did so well with her debut book. I'm excited to read The Sorceress of Lycaster when it's released hopefully later this year.
Rating: 5 stars
*I received an advanced copy of the book from the author. All opinions are my own.
June 1, 2023
I had the pleasure of receiving an arc copy of the bride of Lycaster.
The way I started reading this book and finished it in less than 12 hours tells you how good it is.
Amazing and easy to follow writing. Also the world building was great and it was done so smoothly you don’t notice the amount of information you learned until the end. I loved how fast paced the book was from the beginning till the end.
Main female character had flaws but on purpose and you can see her mature and learn through out the book and turn into a better person.
The relationship between her and the main love interest is amazing. I loved how honest and open they were with each other. I wished we got more of them in the book.
The book does end on a cliffhanger but it’s not too bad and it sets the atmosphere for book 2 perfectly.
Sadly my arc copy was missing some pages for some reason so there was some random cuts and jumps in the scenes and story for me but it wasn’t that bad and only in the beginning and I’m sure that won’t be a problem for anyone reading after the release day.
Overall this was a great start of a series and an amazing book with a unique story and I would definitely recommend people to read it.
Once again thank you to the author for allowing me to read an arc copy of this amazing book ❤️
The way I started reading this book and finished it in less than 12 hours tells you how good it is.
Amazing and easy to follow writing. Also the world building was great and it was done so smoothly you don’t notice the amount of information you learned until the end. I loved how fast paced the book was from the beginning till the end.
Main female character had flaws but on purpose and you can see her mature and learn through out the book and turn into a better person.
The relationship between her and the main love interest is amazing. I loved how honest and open they were with each other. I wished we got more of them in the book.
The book does end on a cliffhanger but it’s not too bad and it sets the atmosphere for book 2 perfectly.
Sadly my arc copy was missing some pages for some reason so there was some random cuts and jumps in the scenes and story for me but it wasn’t that bad and only in the beginning and I’m sure that won’t be a problem for anyone reading after the release day.
Overall this was a great start of a series and an amazing book with a unique story and I would definitely recommend people to read it.
Once again thank you to the author for allowing me to read an arc copy of this amazing book ❤️
March 2, 2025
I am not someone who reads a lot of Romantasy but I never wanted this book to end! It was the perfect blend of savage Female fighting for the things she wants in high society and monster in the form of a Giant!
June 5, 2023
I had the privilege of being an arc reader for this book.
I thought it was a great read. I loved the world, the variety of characters, and how face paced it was. The world building is great. Sometimes there is a lot going on, but it’s easy to understand. The book always had me guessing what was going to happen next. I would think I new exactly what was going to happen just for something else entirely to happen. It was super entertaining, I really liked.
I thought it was a great read. I loved the world, the variety of characters, and how face paced it was. The world building is great. Sometimes there is a lot going on, but it’s easy to understand. The book always had me guessing what was going to happen next. I would think I new exactly what was going to happen just for something else entirely to happen. It was super entertaining, I really liked.
June 2, 2023
This was my first time as an ARC reader and I feel so privileged that this was the book I got to read! While I enjoyed the ride, things definitely ramp up at the end and now I will be anxiously awaiting book 2.
The writing style was easy to devour, yet beautifully eloquent at the same time; I definitely felt immersed in the realm. The world building was done over time and you learn more as the FMC also learns more, so there’s not an initial slog of realm building to bog you down.
What can I say other than I love a flawed main character who you get to grow with and love interests who tear at your heart strings!
1 🌶️ but I assume that’ll get hotter as the series continues.
The writing style was easy to devour, yet beautifully eloquent at the same time; I definitely felt immersed in the realm. The world building was done over time and you learn more as the FMC also learns more, so there’s not an initial slog of realm building to bog you down.
What can I say other than I love a flawed main character who you get to grow with and love interests who tear at your heart strings!
1 🌶️ but I assume that’ll get hotter as the series continues.
June 2, 2023
Holy Moly Guacamole! I received an ARC copy, and did I stay up til way past 1 am to finish it?... Yes, it was so freaking good. Am i a mom of two very young children who will now be very sleepy tomorrow... also yes lol The writing is phenominal. I was literally glued to the book from page one. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger and brooooo I cannot wait for the next book. This is too good
I would give this book 10 stars 🌟 if I could.
I would give this book 10 stars 🌟 if I could.
May 2, 2024
This book very much read like early 2000s YA and at times bridgerton fanfiction with hints of fantasy. The characters that were 21ish acted like 15 years olds that have been sheltered their whole lives and given full access to adult things, and alcohol and not told about the effects of it.
But they grew up in this lifestyle and went to a finishing school where they specifically were educated on these very things.
The size difference really started to bother me, and I like a short ffm/tall mmc. The mmc Riyian name was said to rhythm with scream, so for the whole book, I kept seeing his name as Ream, and that's just horrible, especially for the plot. He's described as having a chest as large as a mattress, and I happened to have a twin mattress leaning against my bedroom wall to compare, and the logistics aren't working. Maybe that's a me thing, and others won't be bogged down with the physical details.
The FMC was very unlikable. Her motivations were not believable. You're told she needs to secure her future by manipulating someone to marry her, but her lifestyle never showed any poverty. In fact, you soon learn that her mother was having an affair to provide financially for their family this whole time.
There were other inconsistencies that took me out of the story, like how the girls were to wear the house colors of their new husband but they didn't know whom that'd be, so that means they were to pack several dresses for the 5 houses? That's a lot of dresses. She's told too that the nobility have been having affairs for years, and she looks out into the crowd and sees all the colors intermingling and has some revelation. People don't dance with other people at parties? Then the debauchery starts, and you're telling me that a girl that grew up in this society never saw this? That they held in their debauchery until this night. The math ain't mathin'.
You are told more details than shown. You are told the FMC and her bff are such amazing friends, but her inner dialogue of her bff is awful. The way she describes her as a tall, clumsy oaf with ridiculous big breasts in multiple ways was very annoying.
The lore was also inconsistent. You are not told why they need to marry, why it's a magical bond, why they don't get to know their partners before hand, why she'll become the property of the old duke if she annulles her marriage, or that the bonding puts them under some temporary love spell - until the betrayal-that manages to allude her and her giant husband the whole time?
The FMC is constantly trying to find a way to annull her marriage, knowing she then becomes the creepy dukes property? Why!? Why?
You are given barely any "screen" time with the mmc, despite the fact they are married and living in the same house. He is painted like a braindead drunken, clumsy ogre. Many times.
So when they do finally have conversations, 50% into the book, you don't have any glimmer or spark of a connection to root for.
But they grew up in this lifestyle and went to a finishing school where they specifically were educated on these very things.
The size difference really started to bother me, and I like a short ffm/tall mmc. The mmc Riyian name was said to rhythm with scream, so for the whole book, I kept seeing his name as Ream, and that's just horrible, especially for the plot. He's described as having a chest as large as a mattress, and I happened to have a twin mattress leaning against my bedroom wall to compare, and the logistics aren't working. Maybe that's a me thing, and others won't be bogged down with the physical details.
The FMC was very unlikable. Her motivations were not believable. You're told she needs to secure her future by manipulating someone to marry her, but her lifestyle never showed any poverty. In fact, you soon learn that her mother was having an affair to provide financially for their family this whole time.
There were other inconsistencies that took me out of the story, like how the girls were to wear the house colors of their new husband but they didn't know whom that'd be, so that means they were to pack several dresses for the 5 houses? That's a lot of dresses. She's told too that the nobility have been having affairs for years, and she looks out into the crowd and sees all the colors intermingling and has some revelation. People don't dance with other people at parties? Then the debauchery starts, and you're telling me that a girl that grew up in this society never saw this? That they held in their debauchery until this night. The math ain't mathin'.
You are told more details than shown. You are told the FMC and her bff are such amazing friends, but her inner dialogue of her bff is awful. The way she describes her as a tall, clumsy oaf with ridiculous big breasts in multiple ways was very annoying.
The lore was also inconsistent. You are not told why they need to marry, why it's a magical bond, why they don't get to know their partners before hand, why she'll become the property of the old duke if she annulles her marriage, or that the bonding puts them under some temporary love spell - until the betrayal-that manages to allude her and her giant husband the whole time?
The FMC is constantly trying to find a way to annull her marriage, knowing she then becomes the creepy dukes property? Why!? Why?
You are given barely any "screen" time with the mmc, despite the fact they are married and living in the same house. He is painted like a braindead drunken, clumsy ogre. Many times.
So when they do finally have conversations, 50% into the book, you don't have any glimmer or spark of a connection to root for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
Rating: 4✨
Spice: .75-1🌶
I would first like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.
Okay, I will admit I was a bit iffy on the final rating of this book, but I decided that the 4 stars was the best rating for for me & this is why. I really enjoyed this book & it was one of those I did not want to put down & it kept me hooked throughout the entire plot. The characters had me constantly guessing on the twist & turns, what was right or wrong, what was true & what was a lie. The author did an incredible job with keeping you constantly on your toes, trying to decide who to root for.
One thing I will point out is that this book is marketed as an NA book & I will admit there is new adult/adult content & topics in this book. However, the story, characters and narration between characters leaned more on the YA side in my opinion. I did not have an issue with it & it did not make me enjoy the story any less. But I do think it is worth mentioning to those interested in reading it!
Serafina was a character I rooted for from the start, even though she was one unreliable narrator! By the end, even decisions that she made that were considered "wrong" to others, I was wholeheartedly defending because I was hooked by her & her story. Serafina learned what loss was from an early age. And that loss left nothing but a feeling of hollowness inside of her as well as the need to do one thing, survive. So that was her one goal as the years went on, to do anything & everything to survive & come out ahead. Although to others she may have appeared petite in size & even fragile, she was ANYTHING BUT. Serafina becomes torn between two paths, marrying the Heir to the Dukedom of Lycaster or exploring a new, unforeseeable path with a half-giant who has been named, "The Beast".
Derrick, the heir of the Duke of Lycaster is portrayed as a young man who is wholly enamored and lost in his love for Serafina. But we also see he may not be as young & naive as we might think in the beginning. Riyan, our "Beast", is NINE FEET TALL & nothing Serafina expected him to be or how others had portrayed him. I loved discovering who Riyan truly was as the story progressed. And I will admit he became one of my favorite characters from this story.
This book DOES end in a cliffhanger & I truly enjoyed it. If this sounds like your type of book, I wholeheartedly recommend you read The Bride of Lycaster!
Spice: .75-1🌶
I would first like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.
Okay, I will admit I was a bit iffy on the final rating of this book, but I decided that the 4 stars was the best rating for for me & this is why. I really enjoyed this book & it was one of those I did not want to put down & it kept me hooked throughout the entire plot. The characters had me constantly guessing on the twist & turns, what was right or wrong, what was true & what was a lie. The author did an incredible job with keeping you constantly on your toes, trying to decide who to root for.
One thing I will point out is that this book is marketed as an NA book & I will admit there is new adult/adult content & topics in this book. However, the story, characters and narration between characters leaned more on the YA side in my opinion. I did not have an issue with it & it did not make me enjoy the story any less. But I do think it is worth mentioning to those interested in reading it!
Serafina was a character I rooted for from the start, even though she was one unreliable narrator! By the end, even decisions that she made that were considered "wrong" to others, I was wholeheartedly defending because I was hooked by her & her story. Serafina learned what loss was from an early age. And that loss left nothing but a feeling of hollowness inside of her as well as the need to do one thing, survive. So that was her one goal as the years went on, to do anything & everything to survive & come out ahead. Although to others she may have appeared petite in size & even fragile, she was ANYTHING BUT. Serafina becomes torn between two paths, marrying the Heir to the Dukedom of Lycaster or exploring a new, unforeseeable path with a half-giant who has been named, "The Beast".
Derrick, the heir of the Duke of Lycaster is portrayed as a young man who is wholly enamored and lost in his love for Serafina. But we also see he may not be as young & naive as we might think in the beginning. Riyan, our "Beast", is NINE FEET TALL & nothing Serafina expected him to be or how others had portrayed him. I loved discovering who Riyan truly was as the story progressed. And I will admit he became one of my favorite characters from this story.
This book DOES end in a cliffhanger & I truly enjoyed it. If this sounds like your type of book, I wholeheartedly recommend you read The Bride of Lycaster!
July 27, 2023
Thank you so much, Perci Jay for the ARC. You really outdid yourself! This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I was never bored the entire book and that says a lot! The pacing was incredible, the world was well thought out, the characters had depth and development, the tropes were fascinating and done in a fresh way. I don’t think I have a bad thing to say about this book. It was an enjoyable, fun read and I CAN’T WAIT FOR THE SECOND!!
July 19, 2023
I'm about to have the biggest book hangover of my life.
This is my new favorite fantasy romance.
This has the comedic, period-piece vibes of the Hulu show 'The Great', mixed with magic, giants, court intrigue, found family, arranged marriage, secrets, betrayal, romance/light spice, a secret cinnamon roll MMC, and a badass FMC who will do anything to survive.
Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader!
Ps- I spoke to Perci, and she noted this will be a duology with book two coming soon, so fear not for those who hate an unfinished series. Go ahead and read this now!
This is my new favorite fantasy romance.
This has the comedic, period-piece vibes of the Hulu show 'The Great', mixed with magic, giants, court intrigue, found family, arranged marriage, secrets, betrayal, romance/light spice, a secret cinnamon roll MMC, and a badass FMC who will do anything to survive.
Thank you for letting me be an ARC reader!
Ps- I spoke to Perci, and she noted this will be a duology with book two coming soon, so fear not for those who hate an unfinished series. Go ahead and read this now!
July 27, 2023
2⭐️ this was kind of a let down..it started off so well and I was really invested but then it just starts to really drag in the middle so I got bored.
Also, the whole ‘giant’ love interest thing.. it just was not making sense in my head, it was described as the fmc being the same length as one of the mmc arms and standing up straight she only reached his hips. I know this is fantasy, but this just made zero sense in terms of how this would be a good romance.
It’s well written, the characters are interesting- I just can’t really get on board with the love interest. I can see this being right up some people’s streets! It’s on kindle unlimited, if anyone is interested💫💫
Also, the whole ‘giant’ love interest thing.. it just was not making sense in my head, it was described as the fmc being the same length as one of the mmc arms and standing up straight she only reached his hips. I know this is fantasy, but this just made zero sense in terms of how this would be a good romance.
It’s well written, the characters are interesting- I just can’t really get on board with the love interest. I can see this being right up some people’s streets! It’s on kindle unlimited, if anyone is interested💫💫
June 5, 2023
This book was well written and captured my attention right away. I really enjoyed the subtle but thorough world building.
The MC is kind of annoying at times. The whole book starts off with The Selection vibes and the MC is kind of annoying like America Singer until they get a reality check.
This does end on the cliff hanger.
I received an ARC of this e-book for my honest review.
The MC is kind of annoying at times. The whole book starts off with The Selection vibes and the MC is kind of annoying like America Singer until they get a reality check.
This does end on the cliff hanger.
I received an ARC of this e-book for my honest review.
January 20, 2024
OH MY GOD! How is this book not more popular?! IT WAS AMAZING. And Miss Perci Jay, respectfully, I need book two as of RIGHT NOW. Within in the first chapter I was hooked, and I truthfully had no idea what I was getting into. The character development of both major and minor characters was chefs kiss.Characters I despised at first, I loved in the end - while someone I enjoyed I have a rocky view of. (all in good I promise to someone who’s not read the book.)
I don’t really want to talk about the FMC and MC as I want everyone to be surprised like I was - BUT YALL. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS BOOK! While I have read less than 50 books, the majority of them have been by well known authors, series that have millions of views on TikTok, and I am SCREAMING to y’all this book deserves the equal amount of hype. I’m never gonna shut up about it!!! 🩷
I don’t really want to talk about the FMC and MC as I want everyone to be surprised like I was - BUT YALL. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS BOOK! While I have read less than 50 books, the majority of them have been by well known authors, series that have millions of views on TikTok, and I am SCREAMING to y’all this book deserves the equal amount of hype. I’m never gonna shut up about it!!! 🩷
June 1, 2023
Such a fantastic book! The end is a cliffy but a good one! I can’t wait to have more questions answered in book 2! Sera is “in love” with Derrick, Lycastor’s darling - and Derrick is hopelessly enamored with her. Will they find true love together? NOPE! In comes this 9ft hunk of a man… BAM! Does he steal her away and win her heart? 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ I don’t know, how about you read the damn book and find out?! The real question is… will you be #teamderrick or #teamriyan??!!
July 26, 2023
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of this book!!! I really liked this - it’s like The Selection meets Beauty and the Beast and I’m here for it. I was hooked about 10% in, finished it within a day, and I mean that cliffhanger at the end?! I NEED book 2 asap. I did give this 4.5 stars because I honestly thought some parts were a little rushed and I would have loved for them to have been drawn out a little more with some more details but nevertheless, highly recommend.
4.5/5
4.5/5
June 28, 2023
I thought overall that the concept was interesting and easy to understand. This felt like a reimagining of beauty and the beast meets Pinocchio. It was pretty fast paced in the beginning, but started to slow down about halfway through. Overall, this book was definitely entertaining and I did enjoy reading it.
I found the FMC unlikable for most of the book. She felt selfish, immature, and hypocritical. Personally, hypocrisy is a pet peeve, so this probably bothered me more than most people. Eventually it was revealed that her goal in everything she did was to take back her power, but I didn’t feel like her being powerless was well established, so most of her actions did not feel justified to me. I can see how she was intended to be morally grey, but she came across as a bad person to me.
The MMC was nice. It was interesting to hear about how he came to be and it was heartbreaking to hear about his background. He was hard to get a read on initially, which was intentional, but I ended up liking him and felt very empathetic toward him.
This novel also read like YA, but it contained adult themes which sometimes made it feel a bit silly to me. This book does end on a cliffhanger. I’m 50/50 on wether or not I’ll read the next book.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I found the FMC unlikable for most of the book. She felt selfish, immature, and hypocritical. Personally, hypocrisy is a pet peeve, so this probably bothered me more than most people. Eventually it was revealed that her goal in everything she did was to take back her power, but I didn’t feel like her being powerless was well established, so most of her actions did not feel justified to me. I can see how she was intended to be morally grey, but she came across as a bad person to me.
The MMC was nice. It was interesting to hear about how he came to be and it was heartbreaking to hear about his background. He was hard to get a read on initially, which was intentional, but I ended up liking him and felt very empathetic toward him.
This novel also read like YA, but it contained adult themes which sometimes made it feel a bit silly to me. This book does end on a cliffhanger. I’m 50/50 on wether or not I’ll read the next book.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
November 3, 2023
3.5 ⭐️original rating
2.75 ⭐️ adjusted rating 11/2/23
I really struggled with this book. Unfortunately, I really dislike Serafina (Sera), the majority of the other characters, the known ruling body, marital system/selection, etc. Sera was not pleasant, to put it lightly. Sera and Riyan had zero emotional connection for me, and their size difference really didn't work for me (or them).
A few quotes...
'... extended a hand the size of a dinner plate. ...'
'... It was the size of my forearm. ...'
'... Riyan was no longer just the height of a peasant's house, or even merely twice my size... but the size of a giant.'
'... His chest was the size of a mattress, his palm the size of a chair, and his biceps were wider than my whole body.'
'Riyan held me around the waist again and lifted me onto his left shoulder. My hands gripped his cape underneath me as I settled in right next to his neck. My legs dangled near his chest as I steadied myself. I leaned my right shoulder against the top of his head as his long hair fell into my lap.'
It was very disturbing, and I found the "intimacy" gross between the size differences, the crude and disgusting jokes, the manipulation, abuse, alcohol abuse, cheating, rape and lack of consent etc. I found it impossible to emotionally connect to the characters. They are beyond flawed. The premise and parts of the world intrigued me. I may read book #2, but I will wait for the reviews to decide. Unless book #2 has rave reviews, I seriously doubt I will continue this series.
March 26, 2024
I am genuinely confused at the glowing reviews this book received. Did I get the same book as everyone else? Because ladies we got to set our standards up a tad bit higher. 😂
August 30, 2024
Well this tore my heart out and stamped on it. I have some issues but overall - WOW.
Mild spoilers follow - not for the plot, but for the psychology.
It is entirely possible that my own mental health issues meant I saw meaning in The Bride of Lycaster that the author did not intend but her characters spoke to me in a powerful way.
Riyan's experiences absolutely broke my heart. He carries around so much guilt and rejection that it is no wonder that his frame needs to be big to bear the strain. He was assumed to be innately violent at a young age because of his size, and shipped off to war. He was treated as a weapon and an object of curiosity, not a human and it was hard to watch. He is not hard to relate to.
Seraphina's are more complex and I hope she grows to appreciate a little more nuance in the next book. She tries to manipulate her way into power, but judges her mother for doing the very same thing. I think I would have appreciated her desperation to get control over family's lands more had we spent time within them. A few more paragraphs showing the people's struggles would have helped.
Her attitudes towards Brietta and Annalisa felt like splitting/black and white thinking. Brietta, her supposed best friend, is forced into a strange situation, manipulated with magic and then and just like that, she is Enemy Number One. Annalisa acts like a spoiled brat and bully but shows the slightest bit of understanding and suddenly she is dear and precious and will be so missed.
I can understand that she has been traumatised and don't mean this to be judgmental. I simply hope that the little bit of growth she sees in this book continues. It is worth mentioning that the bulk of this book takes place over about a week so the magic notwithstanding, any growth is admirable.
There is an extreme amount of casual reference to sexual violence, pertaining to the size difference between our two main characters. I felt like this was talking about how violent some of the commonly used language around sex is.* I did find it a little disconcerting that the heroine would sporadically get horny and try and jump the hero. I rolled my eyes when she went all 'It's my body, I'm the only one who gets to decide if it will fit'. Empowerment does not supersede biology.
That said, I did sometimes have trouble visualising the size difference and feel like Riyan at nine feet tall did things he oughtn't to have been able to do. For example, if one nine foot tall person can accidentally destroy a fortress' wall by falling awkwardly, then surely two regular sized men could do the same thing? That doesn't seem terribly secure. Or when he carried Seraphina around like she was Thumbelina or something, I'd think - two or three times her size doesn't seem enough for this. I could've used some diagrams!
There were a couple of places where I found the grammar or syntax not quite right, but by and large the phrasing was very well done. I highlighted many passages. One of my favourites was "I wanted to eat their love because I was starving."
I hoped and still hope that if feeling afraid is what makes Riyan . Or, you know - maybe some Shrek and Fiona situation. I'd be happy with that.
*Language in general, too. There is a bit around how what we call someone defines and limits them
Mild spoilers follow - not for the plot, but for the psychology.
It is entirely possible that my own mental health issues meant I saw meaning in The Bride of Lycaster that the author did not intend but her characters spoke to me in a powerful way.
Riyan's experiences absolutely broke my heart. He carries around so much guilt and rejection that it is no wonder that his frame needs to be big to bear the strain. He was assumed to be innately violent at a young age because of his size, and shipped off to war. He was treated as a weapon and an object of curiosity, not a human and it was hard to watch. He is not hard to relate to.
Seraphina's are more complex and I hope she grows to appreciate a little more nuance in the next book. She tries to manipulate her way into power, but judges her mother for doing the very same thing. I think I would have appreciated her desperation to get control over family's lands more had we spent time within them. A few more paragraphs showing the people's struggles would have helped.
Her attitudes towards Brietta and Annalisa felt like splitting/black and white thinking. Brietta, her supposed best friend, is forced into a strange situation, manipulated with magic and then and just like that, she is Enemy Number One. Annalisa acts like a spoiled brat and bully but shows the slightest bit of understanding and suddenly she is dear and precious and will be so missed.
I can understand that she has been traumatised and don't mean this to be judgmental. I simply hope that the little bit of growth she sees in this book continues. It is worth mentioning that the bulk of this book takes place over about a week so the magic notwithstanding, any growth is admirable.
There is an extreme amount of casual reference to sexual violence, pertaining to the size difference between our two main characters. I felt like this was talking about how violent some of the commonly used language around sex is.* I did find it a little disconcerting that the heroine would sporadically get horny and try and jump the hero. I rolled my eyes when she went all 'It's my body, I'm the only one who gets to decide if it will fit'. Empowerment does not supersede biology.
That said, I did sometimes have trouble visualising the size difference and feel like Riyan at nine feet tall did things he oughtn't to have been able to do. For example, if one nine foot tall person can accidentally destroy a fortress' wall by falling awkwardly, then surely two regular sized men could do the same thing? That doesn't seem terribly secure. Or when he carried Seraphina around like she was Thumbelina or something, I'd think - two or three times her size doesn't seem enough for this. I could've used some diagrams!
There were a couple of places where I found the grammar or syntax not quite right, but by and large the phrasing was very well done. I highlighted many passages. One of my favourites was "I wanted to eat their love because I was starving."
I hoped and still hope that if feeling afraid is what makes Riyan . Or, you know - maybe some Shrek and Fiona situation. I'd be happy with that.
*Language in general, too. There is a bit around how what we call someone defines and limits them
June 5, 2023
Omg omg omg omg
I am an ARC reader andI have for the longest time been burnt out on fantasy that I had been unsure of my ability to read or enjoy this book. I decided to read it anyway and I am so glad that I did! This book captured my interest down to the very last word. The characters within the world truly shine and develop the world in ways that describe the plight that the main character fights so hard for. I can not express how much I love Serafina. She is so complex and seeing the journey of having her walls breakdown and learn how she wants to thrive rather than survive is inspirational. Through the book we feel her pain and see how it affects her motives.
This story also makes me curious. There was so much focus in the beginning about her relationships with the other girls as well as the Hyton family but it tapered off as she went to Bloodstone. I’m wondering about how those relationships foster tension and alliances within the next books(hopefully more than one, we deserve it after the cliffhanger).
I am not the best writer but I am a heavily animated reader which makes it all the more fun to include the thoughts of the one person who witnessed me reading it while on vacation. My best friend was the witness and the unfortunate soul who had to see and hear all of my ramblings during the reading process and are (luckily) a much better writer than me so they can explain the emotions that I could not while having a very slim understanding of what was going on.
SPOILER WARNING!!!
I have not read this book, I barely even know what it is about. However my best friend is so engrossed with this book I am half afraid she will be physically sucked into it like some corny children's show trying to motivate kids to read. I have beared witnesses to rants the likes of which I have never seen out of anyone before. Something about a father that didn’t exist and a task failed successfully with marrying an heir. There were many noticeable intersections in which she had to physically put the book down and silently scream into either a pillow or me because of how excited she was. For example, at the “I am the baroness” and main character pulling rank, my dork of a friend stood up and proceeded to jump around and flap hands because of how into this whole thing she is. I miss my sci-fi books. There also was a notable moment when we were in an uber and my friend was reading and spent a solid 5 minutes trying desperately to not laugh at the bird pecking at Riyans neck.I really and truly pity anyone who has a partner or spouse who reads this book because you ain’t gonna see them until they finish this several hundred page monstrosity. Some time near the end of the book I heard a very loud gasp. Loud gasps have happened in the past but the only response I got to that was “GIANTS!” I then asked what happened and why do you look like that. The response? A very panicked look with hand over mouth in shock preceded by a minute of unintelligible ranting. And finally, concluding this extremely chaotic reading, my friend LITERALLY FELL OFF THE BED they were so shocked. I don't know what kind of witchcraft the author embedded into this book but if it can make my painfully introverted friend react like this, it has to be pretty damn strong.
I am an ARC reader andI have for the longest time been burnt out on fantasy that I had been unsure of my ability to read or enjoy this book. I decided to read it anyway and I am so glad that I did! This book captured my interest down to the very last word. The characters within the world truly shine and develop the world in ways that describe the plight that the main character fights so hard for. I can not express how much I love Serafina. She is so complex and seeing the journey of having her walls breakdown and learn how she wants to thrive rather than survive is inspirational. Through the book we feel her pain and see how it affects her motives.
This story also makes me curious. There was so much focus in the beginning about her relationships with the other girls as well as the Hyton family but it tapered off as she went to Bloodstone. I’m wondering about how those relationships foster tension and alliances within the next books(hopefully more than one, we deserve it after the cliffhanger).
I am not the best writer but I am a heavily animated reader which makes it all the more fun to include the thoughts of the one person who witnessed me reading it while on vacation. My best friend was the witness and the unfortunate soul who had to see and hear all of my ramblings during the reading process and are (luckily) a much better writer than me so they can explain the emotions that I could not while having a very slim understanding of what was going on.
SPOILER WARNING!!!
I have not read this book, I barely even know what it is about. However my best friend is so engrossed with this book I am half afraid she will be physically sucked into it like some corny children's show trying to motivate kids to read. I have beared witnesses to rants the likes of which I have never seen out of anyone before. Something about a father that didn’t exist and a task failed successfully with marrying an heir. There were many noticeable intersections in which she had to physically put the book down and silently scream into either a pillow or me because of how excited she was. For example, at the “I am the baroness” and main character pulling rank, my dork of a friend stood up and proceeded to jump around and flap hands because of how into this whole thing she is. I miss my sci-fi books. There also was a notable moment when we were in an uber and my friend was reading and spent a solid 5 minutes trying desperately to not laugh at the bird pecking at Riyans neck.I really and truly pity anyone who has a partner or spouse who reads this book because you ain’t gonna see them until they finish this several hundred page monstrosity. Some time near the end of the book I heard a very loud gasp. Loud gasps have happened in the past but the only response I got to that was “GIANTS!” I then asked what happened and why do you look like that. The response? A very panicked look with hand over mouth in shock preceded by a minute of unintelligible ranting. And finally, concluding this extremely chaotic reading, my friend LITERALLY FELL OFF THE BED they were so shocked. I don't know what kind of witchcraft the author embedded into this book but if it can make my painfully introverted friend react like this, it has to be pretty damn strong.
December 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐
Pastaruoju metu vis norisi daugiau fantastinių istorijų, tad tiesiog atsitiktinai išsirinkau šią knygą klausyti. Atvirai pasakysiu, nieko neskaitinėjau apie ją, sudomino viršelis ir pavadinimas. 🤭 Knyga nei matyta, nei buvau girdėjusi apie ją, bet galiu pasakyti, kad buvo neblogas pasirinkimas. ✨
Istorija mus nuneša į pasaulį, kuriame vyrauja magija, egzistuoja milžinai ir merginos yra ištekinamos už vyrų, kurie jas pasirenka per pobūvį. Jos ilgus metus yra tam ruošiamos ir čia tik jaunikis turi žodžio teisę. Atsisakysi tekėti, o jei ir ištekėjusi "neįprasminsi santuokos" su vyru, būsi atstumtoji ir tavęs laukia tamsi ateitis.
Serafina buvo nusiteikusi optimistiškai - septynerius metus vylėsi, kad ją pasirinks kunigaikštis, kurį yra įsimylėjusi, o ir jis jai tai pažada pobūvio išvakarėse, tačiau išmušus lemtingai akimirkai - viskas pakrypsta labai netikėta linkme. Ją kaip nuotaką pasirenka pusiau milžinas, kurį visi apibūdina kaip neturintį širdies ir žiaurų karį. 👀
Kad čia bus romantasy apie mirtingą merginą ir pusiau milžiną, man buvo tikra staigmena. Jei kas būtų tai pasakęs man apie šią knygą, greičiausiai būčiau išsirinkusi kažką kitą klausyti, bet džiaugiuosi, kad pateko ši knyga į mano akiratį. Vis klausydama įsizaidavau jį kaip Guliverį, nors ir istorijoje buvo jis apibūdinamas kaip du kart už ją didesnis. 🤭✨ Kažkaip "gličino" smegenys bandant įsivaizduoti jį. :D
Bet žinokit patiko ir užkabino istorija! Įdomus siužetas, nemažai netikėtumų ir paslapčių, besikeičiantys ir augantys veikėjai, neapykanta pamažu išauganti į šiltus jausmus - buvo tikrai neblogai. 😎 O ir istorija baigėsi taip, kad norėjosi iškart imti klausyti antrąją dalį, bet nėra jos Everand programėlėje. Nu kodėl man taip sekasi? :D 🥲 Būtinai imsiu ir tęsinį ateityje, nes labai įdomu kaip viskas bus toliau. 😶🌫️
Pastaruoju metu vis norisi daugiau fantastinių istorijų, tad tiesiog atsitiktinai išsirinkau šią knygą klausyti. Atvirai pasakysiu, nieko neskaitinėjau apie ją, sudomino viršelis ir pavadinimas. 🤭 Knyga nei matyta, nei buvau girdėjusi apie ją, bet galiu pasakyti, kad buvo neblogas pasirinkimas. ✨
Istorija mus nuneša į pasaulį, kuriame vyrauja magija, egzistuoja milžinai ir merginos yra ištekinamos už vyrų, kurie jas pasirenka per pobūvį. Jos ilgus metus yra tam ruošiamos ir čia tik jaunikis turi žodžio teisę. Atsisakysi tekėti, o jei ir ištekėjusi "neįprasminsi santuokos" su vyru, būsi atstumtoji ir tavęs laukia tamsi ateitis.
Serafina buvo nusiteikusi optimistiškai - septynerius metus vylėsi, kad ją pasirinks kunigaikštis, kurį yra įsimylėjusi, o ir jis jai tai pažada pobūvio išvakarėse, tačiau išmušus lemtingai akimirkai - viskas pakrypsta labai netikėta linkme. Ją kaip nuotaką pasirenka pusiau milžinas, kurį visi apibūdina kaip neturintį širdies ir žiaurų karį. 👀
Kad čia bus romantasy apie mirtingą merginą ir pusiau milžiną, man buvo tikra staigmena. Jei kas būtų tai pasakęs man apie šią knygą, greičiausiai būčiau išsirinkusi kažką kitą klausyti, bet džiaugiuosi, kad pateko ši knyga į mano akiratį. Vis klausydama įsizaidavau jį kaip Guliverį, nors ir istorijoje buvo jis apibūdinamas kaip du kart už ją didesnis. 🤭✨ Kažkaip "gličino" smegenys bandant įsivaizduoti jį. :D
Bet žinokit patiko ir užkabino istorija! Įdomus siužetas, nemažai netikėtumų ir paslapčių, besikeičiantys ir augantys veikėjai, neapykanta pamažu išauganti į šiltus jausmus - buvo tikrai neblogai. 😎 O ir istorija baigėsi taip, kad norėjosi iškart imti klausyti antrąją dalį, bet nėra jos Everand programėlėje. Nu kodėl man taip sekasi? :D 🥲 Būtinai imsiu ir tęsinį ateityje, nes labai įdomu kaip viskas bus toliau. 😶🌫️
June 12, 2025
spoiler alert
let me recap this book because i don’t know if this was fantastic or some of the worst shit i’ve ever read.
the FMC is a manipulative narcissistic sociopathic bitch, all because her brothers died in a battle against giants - and she makes it everyone else’s fucking problem. she’s bred to be a bride and manipulates her way into being top contender to marry a duke she thinks is a naive pussy shit. but karma is a fucking bitch so someone else claims her and shes forced to marry a half giant AND consummate within a month or she’ll be ruined. problem? he’s a fucking half giant with a giant cock and she’s the side of a child (literally says that in the book wtf). the rest of the book is about her being a manipulative mean cunt while trying to get laid without dying by giant dick. spoiler alert: they don’t get past second base. the half giant ends up killing his grandparents when he spooks his disabled mother and brings down a stone wall fortress on top of them. then he grows into full giant and little miss bitch figures theres no way to fuck him now so she tries to slit his throat instead.
this book is a fucking fever dream. it’s like the writer had a crazy dream and just went with it. i honestly had no idea what would happen next at any point in time.
let me recap this book because i don’t know if this was fantastic or some of the worst shit i’ve ever read.
the FMC is a manipulative narcissistic sociopathic bitch, all because her brothers died in a battle against giants - and she makes it everyone else’s fucking problem. she’s bred to be a bride and manipulates her way into being top contender to marry a duke she thinks is a naive pussy shit. but karma is a fucking bitch so someone else claims her and shes forced to marry a half giant AND consummate within a month or she’ll be ruined. problem? he’s a fucking half giant with a giant cock and she’s the side of a child (literally says that in the book wtf). the rest of the book is about her being a manipulative mean cunt while trying to get laid without dying by giant dick. spoiler alert: they don’t get past second base. the half giant ends up killing his grandparents when he spooks his disabled mother and brings down a stone wall fortress on top of them. then he grows into full giant and little miss bitch figures theres no way to fuck him now so she tries to slit his throat instead.
this book is a fucking fever dream. it’s like the writer had a crazy dream and just went with it. i honestly had no idea what would happen next at any point in time.
June 9, 2023
4.5 rounded up to a 5
I had the incredible honor of reading this book as an ARC. So Perci, thank you so much!
This book blew me away. I started reading and stayed glued to my ereader because I wanted to know what happened in this book! It has so many components that I absolutely adore (i.e. forced marriage, enemies to lovers, mythology and even some spice!) so I couldn't not love it!
I loved the originality of this book and I think the idea is really well executed. Once the marriage is official, the story starts moving at a really high pace, including jokes, romance and spice!
The writing style -- amazingly comfortable and engaging
The characters -- are relatable, lovable and you'll totally be rooting for them once you start reading!
The romance -- had me kicking my feet and I wish we'd gotten even more than we already did
The ending -- is a cliffhanger, but it revealed just enough that I need book 2 like now!
The pacing -- sometimes the story felt a little too fast, but overall it wasn't something that really bothered me
I'm sure this book will find a wonderful audience that will love this book as much as I did.
I had the incredible honor of reading this book as an ARC. So Perci, thank you so much!
This book blew me away. I started reading and stayed glued to my ereader because I wanted to know what happened in this book! It has so many components that I absolutely adore (i.e. forced marriage, enemies to lovers, mythology and even some spice!) so I couldn't not love it!
I loved the originality of this book and I think the idea is really well executed. Once the marriage is official, the story starts moving at a really high pace, including jokes, romance and spice!
The writing style -- amazingly comfortable and engaging
The characters -- are relatable, lovable and you'll totally be rooting for them once you start reading!
The romance -- had me kicking my feet and I wish we'd gotten even more than we already did
The ending -- is a cliffhanger, but it revealed just enough that I need book 2 like now!
The pacing -- sometimes the story felt a little too fast, but overall it wasn't something that really bothered me
I'm sure this book will find a wonderful audience that will love this book as much as I did.
June 3, 2023
I first want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this amazing story. This was actually the first time that I was chosen to be one, so I’m so excited to state that it has been a great experience. This will be a short, spoiler-free review. Just so you’re aware - so no worries!!
Having your life planned out just to have it all changed in a matter of moments is definitely not the easiest thing to deal with and I love how realistic Serafina’s emotions were about the whole thing. Throughout the entire story, she had to deal with curveballs and try to find a comfortable way to sort of deal with what she was going through. There were only a couple of times where I was like “GIRLIE PLEASE” but that’s just because I’m so much more of a pushover, lol! Now onto the boys…
They’re both written so well. It’s so hard for me to choose which one I like more currently. They both have their quirks and flaws which make them both unique, especially when compared to one another. I couldn’t help but feel awful for Riyan though.. poor guy!
Lastly, I just have to mention the SWEET moments between the characters. MY HEART. I kept having to pause to highlight certain parts. 🩷 I am definitely hoping that the second book has a bit more spice in it, hehe. Perci has truly done an amazing job of creating a word that was easy to imagine and it was so very hard to put this book down. I absolutely adored the story and I really can’t recommend it enough once it does go up for preorder/release!
Having your life planned out just to have it all changed in a matter of moments is definitely not the easiest thing to deal with and I love how realistic Serafina’s emotions were about the whole thing. Throughout the entire story, she had to deal with curveballs and try to find a comfortable way to sort of deal with what she was going through. There were only a couple of times where I was like “GIRLIE PLEASE” but that’s just because I’m so much more of a pushover, lol! Now onto the boys…
They’re both written so well. It’s so hard for me to choose which one I like more currently. They both have their quirks and flaws which make them both unique, especially when compared to one another. I couldn’t help but feel awful for Riyan though.. poor guy!
Lastly, I just have to mention the SWEET moments between the characters. MY HEART. I kept having to pause to highlight certain parts. 🩷 I am definitely hoping that the second book has a bit more spice in it, hehe. Perci has truly done an amazing job of creating a word that was easy to imagine and it was so very hard to put this book down. I absolutely adored the story and I really can’t recommend it enough once it does go up for preorder/release!
July 2, 2023
I had the privilege of receiving this book as an ARC.
The story had a great flow from the very beginning, capturing my interest and attention almost right away. The author described each character so well, and had such a lovely balance of world building, character development, as well as plot! A beautifully written fantasy romance. I started getting quite attached to the characters. The author makes it easy to get emotionally invested in the story. Highly recommend. Can't wait for the next book.
The story had a great flow from the very beginning, capturing my interest and attention almost right away. The author described each character so well, and had such a lovely balance of world building, character development, as well as plot! A beautifully written fantasy romance. I started getting quite attached to the characters. The author makes it easy to get emotionally invested in the story. Highly recommend. Can't wait for the next book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews