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Arranged Monster Mates #11
Wed to the Dark Elf
In a world ruled by monsters and divided by factions, a single DNA match could change the fate of Alia Terra forever. "Wed to the Dark Elf" plunges you into the life-altering journey of Iris Flemming, a human orphan, and Vamen Blak, a formidable dark elf warrior. Thrusted together by tradition but bound by an inexplicable connection, they must navigate political unrest, brewing revolution, and their own conflicting emotions. Will their love be the catalyst for unity or the spark that sets their worlds ablaze? Prepare for a tale of love, war, and transformation that will leave you questioning where your loyalties lie.
The Temple, a matchmaking service for monsters, shifters, and aliens, is open for service.
Arranged Monster Mates is a series of novellas written by your favorite paranormal and sci-fi romance Eden Ember, Layla Fae, and Cara Wylde.
Each of these steamy stories has it a possessive male, a heroine ready to sacrifice herself to the beast, plenty of spice, and a happily ever after to curl your toes!
The Temple, a matchmaking service for monsters, shifters, and aliens, is open for service.
Arranged Monster Mates is a series of novellas written by your favorite paranormal and sci-fi romance Eden Ember, Layla Fae, and Cara Wylde.
Each of these steamy stories has it a possessive male, a heroine ready to sacrifice herself to the beast, plenty of spice, and a happily ever after to curl your toes!
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2023
299 people are currently reading
585 people want to read
About the author
Eden Ember
132 books103 followersEden Ember has found her passion is writing sci-fi romance and fantasy. She’s working on several books right now, with more to come.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
January 2, 2024
I keep reading this series because Layla is an amazing writer and Cara is getting so much better but WTF is it with Eden's contributions?
This story was soooo meh. The dark elf guy is so angry and moody broody and a warrior but the second he is with her is a shy fumbling virgin that is soooooooo high schoolish. And she, for one that hated that she was betrothed just jumped on him AND KNEW exactly everything about s3x????
Every other book in this series makes the priests at the temple seem really nice and that its all a perfect match but in this book the priest is sooooo mean and has no regard for her and this girl basically says some of the women that are betrothed and come back abused full of bruises from their wedding night. I know its 3 different authors, but come on, there has to be some consistency. Arent all these books in the same timeframe because in some books they have electricity but this book seems like it takes place in the 1800s.
This story was soooo meh. The dark elf guy is so angry and moody broody and a warrior but the second he is with her is a shy fumbling virgin that is soooooooo high schoolish. And she, for one that hated that she was betrothed just jumped on him AND KNEW exactly everything about s3x????
Every other book in this series makes the priests at the temple seem really nice and that its all a perfect match but in this book the priest is sooooo mean and has no regard for her and this girl basically says some of the women that are betrothed and come back abused full of bruises from their wedding night. I know its 3 different authors, but come on, there has to be some consistency. Arent all these books in the same timeframe because in some books they have electricity but this book seems like it takes place in the 1800s.
December 28, 2023
oh wow....no
I adore this series and each book I get through with no breaks.
This book bored me to tears, I came back 10 times if not more to finish it, I didn't want to finish it, but due to my love of the series thus far, I knew I had to.
I really wished I had not.
Bored beyond tears, characters have no feel to them. They speak from the 1800s while no other book has.
I can't explain it. It's just terrible to me.
I adore this series and each book I get through with no breaks.
This book bored me to tears, I came back 10 times if not more to finish it, I didn't want to finish it, but due to my love of the series thus far, I knew I had to.
I really wished I had not.
Bored beyond tears, characters have no feel to them. They speak from the 1800s while no other book has.
I can't explain it. It's just terrible to me.
February 23, 2024
Not my favorite in this series
This post will probably get taken down since Amazon does like negative reviews. But I’ll post it anyway. Cause everything can’t always be positive. This was not my favorite in this series. That’s it.
This post will probably get taken down since Amazon does like negative reviews. But I’ll post it anyway. Cause everything can’t always be positive. This was not my favorite in this series. That’s it.
February 9, 2024
'Eras una brújula que me alejaba de los oscuros arrecifes cuando todo parecía perdido.'
•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.
Wed to the dark elf de Cara Wylde Serie Arranged Monster Mates libro 11
Argumento:
En un mundo gobernado por monstruos y dividido por facciones, una sola coincidencia de ADN podría cambiar el destino de Alia Terra para siempre.
"Wed to the Dark Elf" te sumerge en el viaje que cambiará la vida de Iris Flemming, una huérfana humana, y Vamen Blak, un formidable guerrero elfo oscuro. Unidos por la tradición pero unidos por una conexión inexplicable, deben navegar por el malestar político, la revolución en ciernes y sus propias emociones encontradas. ¿Será su amor el catalizador de la unidad o la chispa que encienda sus mundos? Prepárate para una historia de amor, guerra y transformación que te hará preguntarte dónde están tus lealtades.
Mi humilde opinión:
Romance de monstruos y matrimonio arreglado entre un elfo y una humana.
Me gustó la fantasía en la historia que me recordó a una película de El señor de los anillos. La autora me transportó a ese mundo fantástico tanto asi que pude imaginarlo en mí cabeza con las descripciones. El tono al hablar de los personajes también era medieval. Lo que me pareció raro porque no recuerdo que fuera tan marcado en libros anteriores de la serie.
Iris y Vamen no tienen una atracción instantánea la primera vez que se ven. Sino que no piensan lo mejor del otro, tienen dudas y de a poco construyen una relación a algo más profundo. Me encanta cuando hay compañerismo para trabajar en equipo y ellos hacen justo eso. Aprenden a confiar, darse contención y amarse en momentos de conflictos, conspiraciones, peligros y guerra.
Si bien disfruté de la aventura y la acción, me pareció que todos los problemas con los lobos invadiendo y después el rey que quería someter a Vamen, era demasiado para un libro de corta duración. Yo medio me confundí en algunas partes, quería más explicaciones y saber que sucedió con todos estos conflictos contra el reino de Vamen.
De todas formas me gustó la historia y el romance estuvo bien, vírgenes duales, más pasión del tipo dulce que picantes.
May 17, 2024
Book 11 in this series nd I have decided that I should have skipped over all of Eden Ember's contributions after the first one.
I dunno if its her or her editor's lack of skill but my god, the plot holes in ALL her books!
There's absolutely no flow whatsoever to this book. It felt like it was on fast forward the entire time. So much so that I thought I had missed something nd went back a few pages to check. I had not.
There were plenty of examples of this thruout but I didnt start keeping track until halfway thru.
Althir is a character that kinda pops up outta nowhere. He teaches her how to wield a sword? A dagger? We aren't really sure. Then we get this very vague sense that they've become close but we know absolutely nothing about him. Then the battle happens, he's wounded (leg cut off at the calf) nd yet turns up behind enemy lines when she is "rescueing" Vamen to help, limping on his stub. Then nothing is mentioned of him thru Vamen's very miraculous recovery. Then suddenly, we are at the beginning of Yule celebrations on the Day of Remembrance nd we unexpectedly find out that Althir DIED! nd left behind a wife nd daughter. Like, what?!
Then Iris goes on to talk about how Vamen remembered a small mention of a Yule tradition she celebrated but there was zero mention of it prior to this. In fact, all we know of Iris is her parents died of a sickness when she was very young nd she was raised by the temple. Which she mentions several times as being quite bleak. So, is this tradition from before her parents death? Or from her time at the temple?
There are literally so many unanswered questions it made my head spin. Not to mention the heavy use of medieval english? He's a big brute of a thing nd so are his ppl. I got a very Jon Snow on the North Wall vibe nd yet, here they are all talking like posh royalty. Even speaking in a very poetic type way from time to time. Even Iris, who likely had the bare minimum of educations at the temple. I felt like the author tried way too hard to turn this into something its not. I could NOT WAIT to get to the end. Thank god they're just novellas...altho, if it were full length, maybe she wouldnt have tried to cram things in willy nilly.
I dunno if its her or her editor's lack of skill but my god, the plot holes in ALL her books!
There's absolutely no flow whatsoever to this book. It felt like it was on fast forward the entire time. So much so that I thought I had missed something nd went back a few pages to check. I had not.
There were plenty of examples of this thruout but I didnt start keeping track until halfway thru.
Althir is a character that kinda pops up outta nowhere. He teaches her how to wield a sword? A dagger? We aren't really sure. Then we get this very vague sense that they've become close but we know absolutely nothing about him. Then the battle happens, he's wounded (leg cut off at the calf) nd yet turns up behind enemy lines when she is "rescueing" Vamen to help, limping on his stub. Then nothing is mentioned of him thru Vamen's very miraculous recovery. Then suddenly, we are at the beginning of Yule celebrations on the Day of Remembrance nd we unexpectedly find out that Althir DIED! nd left behind a wife nd daughter. Like, what?!
Then Iris goes on to talk about how Vamen remembered a small mention of a Yule tradition she celebrated but there was zero mention of it prior to this. In fact, all we know of Iris is her parents died of a sickness when she was very young nd she was raised by the temple. Which she mentions several times as being quite bleak. So, is this tradition from before her parents death? Or from her time at the temple?
There are literally so many unanswered questions it made my head spin. Not to mention the heavy use of medieval english? He's a big brute of a thing nd so are his ppl. I got a very Jon Snow on the North Wall vibe nd yet, here they are all talking like posh royalty. Even speaking in a very poetic type way from time to time. Even Iris, who likely had the bare minimum of educations at the temple. I felt like the author tried way too hard to turn this into something its not. I could NOT WAIT to get to the end. Thank god they're just novellas...altho, if it were full length, maybe she wouldnt have tried to cram things in willy nilly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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December 11, 2024Fue agotador terminar esta novela.
De nuevo no se cumplen las reglas de las novelas anteriores: se revela quién (y qué) es el cónyuge de la humana a la humana. Además, tampoco coincide la imagen que dan del Templo con lo escrito en las historias anteriores. A mi entender, eso es una falla, porque rompe con las convenciones que se establecieron respecto del universo donde se desarrollan las historias y que venimos siguiendo desde el principio, y me distrajeron. Me sacaron del "mood", digamos.
Entiendo que la autora quiso describir un ambiente oscuro y tenebroso, con personajes "torturados", pero el lenguaje que usa, recargado de metáforas y frases construidas de manera un poco pomposa, termina cansando y sacando de eje. Tampoco coincide eso con el "te amo" de la primera noche... o sea... WTFFF?? No aprendemos gran cosa de los personajes, no tenemos mucho contexto... nada más que él quiere ser un duro de manual y ella una... ¿valiente? ... (no sé, en realidad).
Además, se pierde en su propia historia. Y eso que es corta. Es como que la autora va zigzagueando entre todas las posibilidades que se le ocurrieron a su historia: no se decidió por ninguna del todo, pero no se quiso dejar nada afuera.
En fin, ya saben, bajo su propio riesgo.
De nuevo no se cumplen las reglas de las novelas anteriores: se revela quién (y qué) es el cónyuge de la humana a la humana. Además, tampoco coincide la imagen que dan del Templo con lo escrito en las historias anteriores. A mi entender, eso es una falla, porque rompe con las convenciones que se establecieron respecto del universo donde se desarrollan las historias y que venimos siguiendo desde el principio, y me distrajeron. Me sacaron del "mood", digamos.
Entiendo que la autora quiso describir un ambiente oscuro y tenebroso, con personajes "torturados", pero el lenguaje que usa, recargado de metáforas y frases construidas de manera un poco pomposa, termina cansando y sacando de eje. Tampoco coincide eso con el "te amo" de la primera noche... o sea... WTFFF?? No aprendemos gran cosa de los personajes, no tenemos mucho contexto... nada más que él quiere ser un duro de manual y ella una... ¿valiente? ... (no sé, en realidad).
Además, se pierde en su propia historia. Y eso que es corta. Es como que la autora va zigzagueando entre todas las posibilidades que se le ocurrieron a su historia: no se decidió por ninguna del todo, pero no se quiso dejar nada afuera.
En fin, ya saben, bajo su propio riesgo.
December 8, 2023
Vamen (H), a dark elf lord rules from his House Blak keep in the Northern Mountains of Alia Terra, receives word he's been matched to a human woman, Iris (h), for an arranged marriage through the Marriage Temple. Iris worries when told she's been matched to a fearsome dark elf and briefly contemplates escaping the Temple but realizes there's nowhere for her to go as she's been raise inside the Temple since she was orphaned at a young age. After Vamen and Iris are wed, they return to a keep and initially struggle to get to know one another. Things heat up between the two and Iris offers Vamen the comfort he needs as threats begin to mount against his realm. As Iris becomes more involved within the keep, Vamen's admiration and feelings for her strengthen and their connection deepens. The challenges keep coming and Vamen and Iris will have to battle to survive and reach for their happiness. Dark elf-human slow burn romance with a bit of violence and danger, a bit more fantasy and battling than is my personal preference.
January 19, 2024
this book sounded so uptight and felt uncomfortable to read even though the plot was different from any other books in this series still I couldn't enjoy it, the way I did with others.
I had to DNF this
I had to DNF this
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July 23, 2024This is my first real DNF. I just can't finish this, the story and characters are so flat and there are a lot of things that were just awkward or didnt make any sense. I think I will be skipping Eden Embers next book in this series unfortunately, I just havent enjoyed any of her other ones. :(
August 7, 2024
This was just bad
July 24, 2025
I was given eyeballs for a reason, but it sure as shit wasn’t to read this story. This made absolutely no sense and was total garbage. Don’t read this.
March 11, 2024
DNF 59%
This book was a disapointment. I only made it to 59% before I had to stop.
The story is flat, has no character-building and is - I can't think of a better word than jumpy and confusing.
An example of what I mean:
at 23%, in chapter 4, two main characters Vamen and Iris, are standing in her room. They have known each other for 2 days and only just arrived back at Vamen's castle. It's night and here's what happens:
He nods. "It is late. You should rest." He moves toward the inner door but pauses, looking back. "This marriage is...unexpected. But you will be cared for here. Until we grow more accustomed."
I smile. "Nothing like the present to become acquainted or accustomed to each other, as you say." I'm nervous, but also can't ignore the warm fanning through my belly.
"Iris, I am as new to this as you are. I want to be a good mate to you. If I ever do anything that hurts, just tell me."
He sits beside me after discarding the remeinder of his clothing. Oh! His body, think with muscles, causes heat to flood into my middle. I gulp and pull the blanket up, my body naked under it...
So, how did she go from standing fully dressed to naked? How did he go from leaving to being mostly naked? Super jumpy and confusing. It's like there is no connection between scenes.
Then, even though after this scene they sleep together in the same bed, and after the next intimate scene as well, a few chapters later at 41%, Iris asks him if he wants to stay in her room and this happens:
"Will you not stay, my lord? It's too late to retire separately..."
Vamen pauses, weariness warring with propriety on his face...
What propriety?! He's slept with her a few times now.
Makes even less sense when you take the scene from 30% (chapter 5) into account:
(from Vamen's POV) Iris blinks in surprise at my awkward compliment. Small bare feet peek from beneath her nightshift. She seems diminished withour the fine dresses and shoes. Younger somehow. Vulnerable.
I clear my throat gruffly, recalling *proproety has no place here*...
That's just a couple of examples of how poorly, in my opinion, this book is written. And why I had to stop reading.
This book was a disapointment. I only made it to 59% before I had to stop.
The story is flat, has no character-building and is - I can't think of a better word than jumpy and confusing.
An example of what I mean:
at 23%, in chapter 4, two main characters Vamen and Iris, are standing in her room. They have known each other for 2 days and only just arrived back at Vamen's castle. It's night and here's what happens:
He nods. "It is late. You should rest." He moves toward the inner door but pauses, looking back. "This marriage is...unexpected. But you will be cared for here. Until we grow more accustomed."
I smile. "Nothing like the present to become acquainted or accustomed to each other, as you say." I'm nervous, but also can't ignore the warm fanning through my belly.
"Iris, I am as new to this as you are. I want to be a good mate to you. If I ever do anything that hurts, just tell me."
He sits beside me after discarding the remeinder of his clothing. Oh! His body, think with muscles, causes heat to flood into my middle. I gulp and pull the blanket up, my body naked under it...
So, how did she go from standing fully dressed to naked? How did he go from leaving to being mostly naked? Super jumpy and confusing. It's like there is no connection between scenes.
Then, even though after this scene they sleep together in the same bed, and after the next intimate scene as well, a few chapters later at 41%, Iris asks him if he wants to stay in her room and this happens:
"Will you not stay, my lord? It's too late to retire separately..."
Vamen pauses, weariness warring with propriety on his face...
What propriety?! He's slept with her a few times now.
Makes even less sense when you take the scene from 30% (chapter 5) into account:
(from Vamen's POV) Iris blinks in surprise at my awkward compliment. Small bare feet peek from beneath her nightshift. She seems diminished withour the fine dresses and shoes. Younger somehow. Vulnerable.
I clear my throat gruffly, recalling *proproety has no place here*...
That's just a couple of examples of how poorly, in my opinion, this book is written. And why I had to stop reading.
August 28, 2025
This book is such a hot, steaming pile of garbage that not only should the author be embarrassed, the other authors involved in this series should be to even be associated with this. Ember is by far the weakest author involved in these books, but this goes way beyond just being a bit simple and boring.
1. It is not consistent with the rest of the world shown in the books. This is maybe not an unforgiveable sin, but the details involved really add a layer of "ick" to this book as the FMC describes other brides being hurt by their grooms. The service is also implied to be open to other pairings than the human woman/monster mate pairings of the other books. And there are significantly more "break points" involved where it doesn't have to happen - which I'll admit seems more humane than the usual background.
2. This book has not been seen by an editor, or even a second reader, and I think Ember may have written it with her eyes closed. There are serious flat out errors in the book that I just couldn't ignore. At one point, the MMC and FMC are walking down a hall together talking to each other on their way to some meeting. Literally in the next paragraph the MMC walks into the meeting, now by himself, as the FMC is leading the meeting in his stead.
The FMC also 'reveals' her 'secret' knowledge willy nilly two or three times (I honestly can't remember and I'm never even opening this again so I can't check) and it's hyped up about how she "hopes she's trusting the right people" but literally nothing comes of it until she finally tells HER HUSBAND, the guy she should have told in the first place. The first person she tells is some random guard, who we have never heard of before and never will again.
It is just so painfully obvious and incredibly stupid. Then added to that...
3. The plot is half there. And I mean this LITERALLY in this case. A chapter ends on two cliffhangers - the FMC is in a hidden space, watching someone being suspicious in her room when she's taken from behind. At the same time, the MMC is about to walk into her room and it is implied that he's also in danger from the person in there. At the start of the very next chapter, the MMC and FMC are together and both of those threads are dropped, never to be seen again. It's like multiple chapters are simply missing from the middle of the book.
Ember's books don't usually have much of a plot compared to the others, so I wonder if she simply couldn't get herself out of what she started? Even that seems so ridiculous as an excuse for how bad this is. I may have to make it my head cannon that her family was going to be murdered if she didn't turn this book in by a certain deadline, so she just hit "publish" and prayed.
I'm clearly not reading these books looking for highbrow literature. The series is mostly just an exploration of different paranormal species inside a love story framework. They are usually pretty fun, but this one was just infuriating and I regret ever even cracking it open. Save yourself.
1. It is not consistent with the rest of the world shown in the books. This is maybe not an unforgiveable sin, but the details involved really add a layer of "ick" to this book as the FMC describes other brides being hurt by their grooms. The service is also implied to be open to other pairings than the human woman/monster mate pairings of the other books. And there are significantly more "break points" involved where it doesn't have to happen - which I'll admit seems more humane than the usual background.
2. This book has not been seen by an editor, or even a second reader, and I think Ember may have written it with her eyes closed. There are serious flat out errors in the book that I just couldn't ignore. At one point, the MMC and FMC are walking down a hall together talking to each other on their way to some meeting. Literally in the next paragraph the MMC walks into the meeting, now by himself, as the FMC is leading the meeting in his stead.
The FMC also 'reveals' her 'secret' knowledge willy nilly two or three times (I honestly can't remember and I'm never even opening this again so I can't check) and it's hyped up about how she "hopes she's trusting the right people" but literally nothing comes of it until she finally tells HER HUSBAND, the guy she should have told in the first place. The first person she tells is some random guard, who we have never heard of before and never will again.
It is just so painfully obvious and incredibly stupid. Then added to that...
3. The plot is half there. And I mean this LITERALLY in this case. A chapter ends on two cliffhangers - the FMC is in a hidden space, watching someone being suspicious in her room when she's taken from behind. At the same time, the MMC is about to walk into her room and it is implied that he's also in danger from the person in there. At the start of the very next chapter, the MMC and FMC are together and both of those threads are dropped, never to be seen again. It's like multiple chapters are simply missing from the middle of the book.
Ember's books don't usually have much of a plot compared to the others, so I wonder if she simply couldn't get herself out of what she started? Even that seems so ridiculous as an excuse for how bad this is. I may have to make it my head cannon that her family was going to be murdered if she didn't turn this book in by a certain deadline, so she just hit "publish" and prayed.
I'm clearly not reading these books looking for highbrow literature. The series is mostly just an exploration of different paranormal species inside a love story framework. They are usually pretty fun, but this one was just infuriating and I regret ever even cracking it open. Save yourself.
December 19, 2023
Wed to the Dark Elf is a wonderful addition to the Arranged Monsters Mates Series by Eden Ember. While I wouldn't say I loved the book I definitely liked it and found it to be an enjoyable read. The development of Vamen and Iris' relationship as well as their individual growth was well written. Eden made it impossible not to like these two allowing me to feel a connection with them throughout their story. There were a few moments in the story that left me less than thrilled, but that is bound to happen from time to time. Overall, I really do love the series as a whole and I am looking forward to reading the next book.
An heir is needed to continue Lord Vamen's lineage so he applies to the Marriage Temple to find his perfect match. Iris is an orphan who lives at the Marriage Temple and works for her keep. She has been waiting for quiet some time to be a monsters bride. When she learns that her monster match is a Dark Elf Lord Iris becomes nervous. There have been several rumors about these monsters being ruthless and cruel. With no place to go outside the temple walls Iris' fate has been sealed. The relationship between Vamen and Iris starts out rocky, but as the days pass things begin to look promising. Will Lord Vamen and Iris survive the threats they will face in the coming months or be torn apart? Can Vamen and Iris find happiness and love in each others arms?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
An heir is needed to continue Lord Vamen's lineage so he applies to the Marriage Temple to find his perfect match. Iris is an orphan who lives at the Marriage Temple and works for her keep. She has been waiting for quiet some time to be a monsters bride. When she learns that her monster match is a Dark Elf Lord Iris becomes nervous. There have been several rumors about these monsters being ruthless and cruel. With no place to go outside the temple walls Iris' fate has been sealed. The relationship between Vamen and Iris starts out rocky, but as the days pass things begin to look promising. Will Lord Vamen and Iris survive the threats they will face in the coming months or be torn apart? Can Vamen and Iris find happiness and love in each others arms?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. This is the story of Vamen, Lord of the Dark Elves of the North and Iris, a human raised in the temple. It follows the same premise as others in the series but gives off a very different vibe. And it is also the first book that really suggests that the Temple is more insidious and underhanded than we may have previously suspected.
Vamen has sent in his blood and once matched, heads off toward the temple. Their fortress does not have a portal, so he must travel by warhorse through a treacherous and icy trail to the temple. Iris has been raised in the temple and is surrounded by other women who have had matches go well, as well as matches leaving humans abused and rejected following their wedding nights. Both have accepted that this is a match that is not wanted but rather a necessity and duty to be undertaken.
The characters are well developed and show significant growth throughout the novella. Iris goes from what is a suspected quiet subservient human to a strong assertive woman well suited for a life with the king. Vamen learns what it means to lead and be a loving husband. The plot is fast paced and the highlight a bit expected, but still a great read. It is a great addition to the series, and I recommend it highly!
Vamen has sent in his blood and once matched, heads off toward the temple. Their fortress does not have a portal, so he must travel by warhorse through a treacherous and icy trail to the temple. Iris has been raised in the temple and is surrounded by other women who have had matches go well, as well as matches leaving humans abused and rejected following their wedding nights. Both have accepted that this is a match that is not wanted but rather a necessity and duty to be undertaken.
The characters are well developed and show significant growth throughout the novella. Iris goes from what is a suspected quiet subservient human to a strong assertive woman well suited for a life with the king. Vamen learns what it means to lead and be a loving husband. The plot is fast paced and the highlight a bit expected, but still a great read. It is a great addition to the series, and I recommend it highly!
December 19, 2023
This was a brilliant book and I wished we had DNA matching and get the perfect partner. Iris Fleming is a human female that has been raised by the The Temple and will be matched for Marrage but some of the other women have been picked and then retuned and Iris is scarred this will happen to her and now she has been matched to Lord Vamen Blak who is a Dark Elf. Lord Vamen Blak is a Dark Elf Warrior and is Lord of the North who has given his DNA to the Temple to find a female mate and to for fill his duty to his people but also because he is lonely and now he must travel to Alia Terra to collect her and he is surprised that she is a human female and now he isn’t sure about this match but they are married and there is an instant connection between them and when they return to his keep they struggle to get to no each other but things get hot and heavy when there are threats against his realm and she comforts him and becomes more involved with the keep and his Admiration for Iris grows as does his love and her foe him but with everything going on around them they must fight the battle and Political unrest to get there HEA. Loved this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2024
This story has me a little perplexed, *spoilers* for starters I'm not sure I was actually reading about a dark elf or some other fantasy creature as I've never read of a dark elf having a tail and claws along with sapphire colored skin made me think I was possibly reading about a creature from avatar instead of a dark elf. Also the story really jumped from one scenario to another without any explanation. A lot didn't make sense, in the middle of a battle with werewolves the male lead leaves the battlefield to have sex with his wife...huh?? In one sentence we learn the weapons master has lost a leg but he has the foresight to summon our female lead to let her know her husband has been injured and she somehow escapes the ongoing battle to go be by his side, she attempts to defend her husband but is beaten and her gravely injured husband has to save her before collapsing and she cannot move him but then the weapons master who has just lost his leg comes to both of their rescue then in the next sentence you hear of the weapons master death but our gravely injured male lead survives.. I don't know how many times I read my husband or my wife in a sentence it was very repetitious.
May 23, 2024
A fun read indeed
So this book took me for a ride and definitely kept it going. At first I thought I was going to get the typical human meets monster tale but it veered off completely. The book got confusing every now and then because it felt like the author kept putting things in that seemed out of place. The middle section was good but by the end the author lost me again.
Also the unexpected death of a supporting character caught me off guard and I’m not happy about it! I also felt it was odd to have the lord leave his title at the end when this was the point of him getting a wife.
Despite this though I did enjoy the book even if I had some misgivings about it.
Vamen: seemed like a strong and interesting character even angry but then it was like he did a 180 threw me off completely.
Iris: I knew she wouldn’t have been what he thought she be so I wasn’t surprised she turned into a more supportive role. So at least the female character was great.
Anyways 6.9/10 ⭐️
So this book took me for a ride and definitely kept it going. At first I thought I was going to get the typical human meets monster tale but it veered off completely. The book got confusing every now and then because it felt like the author kept putting things in that seemed out of place. The middle section was good but by the end the author lost me again.
Also the unexpected death of a supporting character caught me off guard and I’m not happy about it! I also felt it was odd to have the lord leave his title at the end when this was the point of him getting a wife.
Despite this though I did enjoy the book even if I had some misgivings about it.
Vamen: seemed like a strong and interesting character even angry but then it was like he did a 180 threw me off completely.
Iris: I knew she wouldn’t have been what he thought she be so I wasn’t surprised she turned into a more supportive role. So at least the female character was great.
Anyways 6.9/10 ⭐️
January 20, 2025
Wow, that was interesting. Didn’t finish it because I was confused. One second the FML is in one location trying to spy the next scene she’s sitting comfortably by the window contemplating on if she’s going to tell the ML everything she’s learned/heard.
Why is she afraid to tell him? That’s a great question because one second the ML is a brooding, human hating, husband, the next (literally next chapter, idk maybe there was supposed to be a time skip that was forgotten about) he’s a very caring husband who’s busy trying to stop a war. Yet somehow their relationship has immediately taken off to the point where they feel comfortable being with each other, but not sharing secrets… Also WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE. I get there’s supposed to be a big reveal of who the traitor is but it was my first time even reading the name. They literally said the name, and then gave the job description and how the FML basically started to trust her.
Honestly, this was just bad and confusing.
Why is she afraid to tell him? That’s a great question because one second the ML is a brooding, human hating, husband, the next (literally next chapter, idk maybe there was supposed to be a time skip that was forgotten about) he’s a very caring husband who’s busy trying to stop a war. Yet somehow their relationship has immediately taken off to the point where they feel comfortable being with each other, but not sharing secrets… Also WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE. I get there’s supposed to be a big reveal of who the traitor is but it was my first time even reading the name. They literally said the name, and then gave the job description and how the FML basically started to trust her.
Honestly, this was just bad and confusing.
December 14, 2023
I love Iris's character. She was shy but courageous and wise, never a damsel in distress. Her loyalty to Vamen is admirable.
And Vamen, you, sir, deserve such a loyal and wise wife in Iris. With all the battles going on, I'm so happy for their happily ever after. The amount of adoration and devotion between Vamen and Iris is a win, considering how they turned out after such an awkward first meeting.
Between Iris and Vamen, there was always 'us,' there was always 'we.'
I love how this book is written with a formal and somewhat archaic style of wording, characterized by elaborate and descriptive language. The use of terms like "bedchamber," "mistress," and "lord" among others adds a touch of medieval or fantasy flair to the story.
That's a win for me.
And Vamen, you, sir, deserve such a loyal and wise wife in Iris. With all the battles going on, I'm so happy for their happily ever after. The amount of adoration and devotion between Vamen and Iris is a win, considering how they turned out after such an awkward first meeting.
Between Iris and Vamen, there was always 'us,' there was always 'we.'
I love how this book is written with a formal and somewhat archaic style of wording, characterized by elaborate and descriptive language. The use of terms like "bedchamber," "mistress," and "lord" among others adds a touch of medieval or fantasy flair to the story.
That's a win for me.
December 6, 2023
Gleeful Goblin Review: This is an incredibly quick read, light and fun for all the darker overtone of dark elf and human pairing. There's good tension resulting from an arranged marriage and the awkward getting to know you phase though it's fairly brief. Both MCs are v!rg!ns and the intimate scenes do a pretty good job reflecting that. Since the book itself is quite short it's a tall order to put in a TON of detail but I really liked the world building and the high fantasy meets post apocalypse restarted civilization feel to this world. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 21, 2023
'I too feel the wrongness of this moment. A human bride to a dark elf lord seems blasphemous. Yet when I look at her, an inexplicable resonance hums through my blood, as if she belongs at my side.'
I enjoyed this book. I love the world of this series with the marriage Temple. I liked both Vamen and Iris. This was no lust/love at first sight. It was a journey for both, but danger and opposition bring them closer together, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and their character development.
I was disappointed the book cover does not accurately depict Vamen, who has midnight blue skin, and though bald-looking in front, has long white braided hair.
4 stars
I enjoyed this book. I love the world of this series with the marriage Temple. I liked both Vamen and Iris. This was no lust/love at first sight. It was a journey for both, but danger and opposition bring them closer together, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow and their character development.
I was disappointed the book cover does not accurately depict Vamen, who has midnight blue skin, and though bald-looking in front, has long white braided hair.
4 stars
December 23, 2023
Funny how you do something for duty and cause you suppose to but the action turns out to be the very thing that you need and WANT.
Vamen started outmarrying Iris for duty but realized fairly quickly that she was/is a force to be reckoned with. Iris married through the Temple not quite sure what she was getting into but prayed that being an orphan and burden on the Temple would yield a better life. And it did along with love, acceptace,and the found family.
I need another on these group of mountain elves...and very very vested in the series!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Vamen started outmarrying Iris for duty but realized fairly quickly that she was/is a force to be reckoned with. Iris married through the Temple not quite sure what she was getting into but prayed that being an orphan and burden on the Temple would yield a better life. And it did along with love, acceptace,and the found family.
I need another on these group of mountain elves...and very very vested in the series!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2024
I wanted to like this book but it just had too many issues... the writing was disjointed & inconsistent. Is she blonde or auburn? Someone decide. There were moments where I actually wondered if maybe parts were accidentally missing? This didn't feel like it got a proof read before being released. The plot & characters I really liked, I was just left wanting more over & over (and not in a good way). Also, let's be honest, I was expecting spice & was very let down. So over all, a good concept but it was underwhelming & just did not deliver. It could have been great, the bones are there. Maybe the author could consider a re-release in the future.
September 6, 2025
definitivamente este libro me sorprendió. Sabiendo que lo escribió Eden, me sorprendió que me gustara. A este punto todos sus libros me han parecido malos, pero este en específico fue bueno e interesante.
Me gustó mucho la historia, ver a una protagonista más guerrera y menos sumisa. Un protagonista más profundo y más centrado.
Me gustó mucho el hecho de la guerra porque nos plasman que los monstruos aquí en alia terra pues se hicieron de mucho territorio y que nadie más se mete en las fronteras, pero aquí vemos que no es verdad y que realmente hay ataques por territorio o por simple diversión.
Me gustó mucho la historia, ver a una protagonista más guerrera y menos sumisa. Un protagonista más profundo y más centrado.
Me gustó mucho el hecho de la guerra porque nos plasman que los monstruos aquí en alia terra pues se hicieron de mucho territorio y que nadie más se mete en las fronteras, pero aquí vemos que no es verdad y que realmente hay ataques por territorio o por simple diversión.
September 19, 2025
DNF
Terrible. Where's the romance plot? Its all political and warfare, and subterfuge and... cut scenes! It jumps from him being summoned to her but shes not there, to her sneaking around hidden corridors listening to people, and she says to at least two people "can i trust you with this information" sounding like shes never told anyone. Suddenly someones creeping to her bed with a vial of liquid and someone grabs her from behind and the chapter ends and neither of those things are mentioned again???
I gave up. It didnt seem possible that there'd be a HEA because there was no nothing. No romance as far as i could see
Terrible. Where's the romance plot? Its all political and warfare, and subterfuge and... cut scenes! It jumps from him being summoned to her but shes not there, to her sneaking around hidden corridors listening to people, and she says to at least two people "can i trust you with this information" sounding like shes never told anyone. Suddenly someones creeping to her bed with a vial of liquid and someone grabs her from behind and the chapter ends and neither of those things are mentioned again???
I gave up. It didnt seem possible that there'd be a HEA because there was no nothing. No romance as far as i could see
December 16, 2025
Wed to the Dark Elf
Fantasy
Eden Ember
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴍᴀᴛᴇꜱ • ᴡᴀʀ • ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ •
I liked the overall plot of this book but there were quite a few plot errors. The MMC would be speaking to his mate one sentence and then the next he would be walking down a hallway and hear his mate speaking behind the door to a different room.
The pacing was a bit inconsistent. It was too fast in some places but then too slow in others.
I liked how strong the FMC was. She never backed down and chose to unite the dark elves and humans.
The traitors were obvious to me so I wasn't surprised when their identity was revealed.
Fantasy
Eden Ember
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
• ᴍᴀᴛᴇꜱ • ᴡᴀʀ • ʙᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴀʟ •
I liked the overall plot of this book but there were quite a few plot errors. The MMC would be speaking to his mate one sentence and then the next he would be walking down a hallway and hear his mate speaking behind the door to a different room.
The pacing was a bit inconsistent. It was too fast in some places but then too slow in others.
I liked how strong the FMC was. She never backed down and chose to unite the dark elves and humans.
The traitors were obvious to me so I wasn't surprised when their identity was revealed.
December 25, 2023
I really liked this book
There was great world building and of characters. I want a match! The dark elf sent blood to the mate matching temple, and Iris a human orphan living at the temple is his match. There was so much more in the stripy than a few of the others. Of how she and Vamen relationship develops and grows. She makes it her mission to get to know the elf’s and their home. Was not going to be a damsel in distress but active participation in the castle. I really enjoyed the book. Had all my checks: mystery, laughter, romance and adventure.
There was great world building and of characters. I want a match! The dark elf sent blood to the mate matching temple, and Iris a human orphan living at the temple is his match. There was so much more in the stripy than a few of the others. Of how she and Vamen relationship develops and grows. She makes it her mission to get to know the elf’s and their home. Was not going to be a damsel in distress but active participation in the castle. I really enjoyed the book. Had all my checks: mystery, laughter, romance and adventure.
December 27, 2023
A sweet tale for Iris
This book is part of a series of books. This one is between Vamen, an Orc leader of a Mountain tribe and Iris, a human female. Vamen is so fair and righteous, and leader of his people. He receives a formal invitation from the temple that a mate match has been made for him. He is reluctant at first but decides to accept and make the trek to pick Iris up. Iris is strong and meek because she grew up at the temple. However, unbeknownst to all, this move for Iris with make her stronger. Read On!
This book is part of a series of books. This one is between Vamen, an Orc leader of a Mountain tribe and Iris, a human female. Vamen is so fair and righteous, and leader of his people. He receives a formal invitation from the temple that a mate match has been made for him. He is reluctant at first but decides to accept and make the trek to pick Iris up. Iris is strong and meek because she grew up at the temple. However, unbeknownst to all, this move for Iris with make her stronger. Read On!
January 29, 2025
This book does not fit with the rest of the series. It is an arranged marriage through the temple with humans and another race, but that's where the similarities end. It feels like a much older time, and the temple is very different. Also, the picture on the front does not look like the description of Vamen at all.
Without giving any spoilers, I will say that there is a passage towards the end of the book that the editor really dropped the ball. It is very inconsistent. Iris can't be in two places at once.
Without giving any spoilers, I will say that there is a passage towards the end of the book that the editor really dropped the ball. It is very inconsistent. Iris can't be in two places at once.
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