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Of Candlelight and Shadows #1
The Moonfire Bride
Hers is a life without magic or romance. Until the night he whispers her name.
For years, Valera has worked weary hours as a seamstress just to keep food on the table. She would give her all to protect her little sister from the cruelties of the world . . . and the tantalizing lure of the fae forest. One day, she fears, the fae will spirit her sister away, and how can Valera hope to stop them?
Then the fae come. Not for her sister . . . but for her.
Trapped in a magnificent palace far from her own world, Valera finds herself the unwilling bride of an enigmatic fae lord. He claims he won’t harm her and vows to return her home after a year and a day if she honors one rule: she must never see his face.
Determined to return to her sister at all costs, Valera struggles to unravel the mystery of her so-called husband. Why does he so desperately need a wife? And why her specifically? Torn between love, duty, and the unexpected freedom she finds in this strange new world, Valera must fight to find her place.
But will a burgeoning passion for the unseen figure in the shadows be her undoing?
The Moonfire Bride is book one of a two-part fae romance inspired by the myth of “Hades and Persephone” as well as “Eros and Psyche.”
For years, Valera has worked weary hours as a seamstress just to keep food on the table. She would give her all to protect her little sister from the cruelties of the world . . . and the tantalizing lure of the fae forest. One day, she fears, the fae will spirit her sister away, and how can Valera hope to stop them?
Then the fae come. Not for her sister . . . but for her.
Trapped in a magnificent palace far from her own world, Valera finds herself the unwilling bride of an enigmatic fae lord. He claims he won’t harm her and vows to return her home after a year and a day if she honors one rule: she must never see his face.
Determined to return to her sister at all costs, Valera struggles to unravel the mystery of her so-called husband. Why does he so desperately need a wife? And why her specifically? Torn between love, duty, and the unexpected freedom she finds in this strange new world, Valera must fight to find her place.
But will a burgeoning passion for the unseen figure in the shadows be her undoing?
The Moonfire Bride is book one of a two-part fae romance inspired by the myth of “Hades and Persephone” as well as “Eros and Psyche.”
Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2021
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About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
37 books2,257 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 618 reviews
June 29, 2021
I have always loved the myth of Cupid and Psyche. The elements of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are all found in the Roman myth. It’s one of the more beautiful and happily ever after love myths (most end in tragedy and death). The Moonfire Bride is inspired by Cupid and Psyche, as well as Hades and Persephone.
Anyone who knows Cupid and Psyche knows there are two parts to the myth. The first part focuses on Psyche’s beauty and how she finds herself cursed to marry a “monster.” Part of her marriage contract includes the fact that Psyche may not look upon her husband’s face. While Psyche falls in love with her husband, she is tricked by her jealous sisters to sneak a peak at her husband’s face at night while he is sleeping. The “monster” turns out to be Cupid, who has defied his mother Venus by marrying Psyche. When the candle wax drips on Cupid, he awakens and flees from Psyche, feeling betrayed by her lack of trust in their love.
In The Moonfire Bride, Valera hears a voice in her dreams, which asks for her name. Half asleep, she gives her name and finds herself halfway married to a Fae. In order to save her sister (or so she believes), Valera chooses to go to her bridegroom. The deal becomes that she must stay with him for a year and a day. Eventually, she discovers that her husband, Erolas, and his kingdom have been cursed. She is the one who must break it.
Since The Moonfire Bride is part one, I figured it would end on a sad cliffhanger. That isn’t a problem for me at all. The second book is for Valera’s redemption. The problem I do have is that Mercedes doesn’t build enough of a love story. She focuses on Valera’s anger and resentment and her seamstress skills. Where is the development of the love story? Very few conversations happen between Valera and Erolas so it’s hard to buy that they are in love at the end. Love, faith, and trust are the major thematic elements from the myth and should be here if the story is going to work. Sadly, it doesn’t hit those notes at all.
Valera is fine but I don’t love her. She is devoted to her sister but she is easily manipulated. Erolas is so rarely seen that I don’t know him well enough. He seems kind because he gives gifts, I guess. He’s cursed and can’t talk about it, which makes him vulnerable. I needed much more development of these two characters to buy their passion and love in the final scenes. I pretty much skimmed the end because I felt disconnected to the two of them.
I suppose I could read the second book, which should focus on Valera’s Herculean tasks to win back her husband, but I’m feeling a bit underwhelmed about it. I hate feeling unfinished but I don’t know if I can suffer Valera for much longer.
Anyone who knows Cupid and Psyche knows there are two parts to the myth. The first part focuses on Psyche’s beauty and how she finds herself cursed to marry a “monster.” Part of her marriage contract includes the fact that Psyche may not look upon her husband’s face. While Psyche falls in love with her husband, she is tricked by her jealous sisters to sneak a peak at her husband’s face at night while he is sleeping. The “monster” turns out to be Cupid, who has defied his mother Venus by marrying Psyche. When the candle wax drips on Cupid, he awakens and flees from Psyche, feeling betrayed by her lack of trust in their love.
In The Moonfire Bride, Valera hears a voice in her dreams, which asks for her name. Half asleep, she gives her name and finds herself halfway married to a Fae. In order to save her sister (or so she believes), Valera chooses to go to her bridegroom. The deal becomes that she must stay with him for a year and a day. Eventually, she discovers that her husband, Erolas, and his kingdom have been cursed. She is the one who must break it.
Since The Moonfire Bride is part one, I figured it would end on a sad cliffhanger. That isn’t a problem for me at all. The second book is for Valera’s redemption. The problem I do have is that Mercedes doesn’t build enough of a love story. She focuses on Valera’s anger and resentment and her seamstress skills. Where is the development of the love story? Very few conversations happen between Valera and Erolas so it’s hard to buy that they are in love at the end. Love, faith, and trust are the major thematic elements from the myth and should be here if the story is going to work. Sadly, it doesn’t hit those notes at all.
Valera is fine but I don’t love her. She is devoted to her sister but she is easily manipulated. Erolas is so rarely seen that I don’t know him well enough. He seems kind because he gives gifts, I guess. He’s cursed and can’t talk about it, which makes him vulnerable. I needed much more development of these two characters to buy their passion and love in the final scenes. I pretty much skimmed the end because I felt disconnected to the two of them.
I suppose I could read the second book, which should focus on Valera’s Herculean tasks to win back her husband, but I’m feeling a bit underwhelmed about it. I hate feeling unfinished but I don’t know if I can suffer Valera for much longer.
May 22, 2021
2.5 stars
It was unoriginal (of course being a Cupid & Psyche retelling) but it made me laughed a couple of times. I swear though, if you swapped a few pesky details, this gave me 'that' overhyped book vibe (without Rhysand of course). This is a book for those who wished the endgame was Tamlin.
However, there were a few scenes that I actually like. Instead of being a painter 🙄, the heroine is a dressmaker and I like this profession on her. I like that she at least did something during her free time and made dresses for those naked goblins and nymphs. Sure, she was annoying and unbearable sometimes, but I hope this is a part of her character development (I HOPE SHE REDEEMED HERSELF).
All in all, go into this with the lowest of expectation and maybe you'll enjoy it!
It was unoriginal (of course being a Cupid & Psyche retelling) but it made me laughed a couple of times. I swear though, if you swapped a few pesky details, this gave me 'that' overhyped book vibe (without Rhysand of course). This is a book for those who wished the endgame was Tamlin.
However, there were a few scenes that I actually like. Instead of being a painter 🙄, the heroine is a dressmaker and I like this profession on her. I like that she at least did something during her free time and made dresses for those naked goblins and nymphs. Sure, she was annoying and unbearable sometimes, but I hope this is a part of her character development (I HOPE SHE REDEEMED HERSELF).
All in all, go into this with the lowest of expectation and maybe you'll enjoy it!
February 26, 2022
I decided to just write my rant down below under the spoilers ,because I cannot explain why I'm so frustrated with Valera the MC without spoilers . 😒
In short I found most of the characters to be completely unlikable , especially Valera . The story would've worked better as a novella , which is why the pacing is off , and why I spent the entirety of my time reading this either bored or rolling my eyes .
Content ; pg-13 * spoilers below will be marked*
* gods and goddesses frequently mentioned and used as curses .
*The miniature goblins and Ellie the servant are all naked .
* Valera worries several times that her husband will 'take her to bed by force '
SPOILERS below ---
* Valera assumes that her husband must be under some kind of curse , and wonders if "sleeping with her husband would break it ". The acts leading up to this are also described .
* This is what made me dislike Valera ;
Without giving everything away I'll just say that she tries to view her husbands face by having him sleep in her bed . She tries to seduce him and then tells him he can't touch her all the while showing off her body , and then she proceeds to trail his hand down her chest and continues to lead him on . Then basically tells him goodnight . She has absolutely no reason to do this she simply could've asked him to stay with her and Erolas would've because he thought he was gaining her trust . I don't like how selfish and manipulative she is .😒
In short I found most of the characters to be completely unlikable , especially Valera . The story would've worked better as a novella , which is why the pacing is off , and why I spent the entirety of my time reading this either bored or rolling my eyes .
Content ; pg-13 * spoilers below will be marked*
* gods and goddesses frequently mentioned and used as curses .
*The miniature goblins and Ellie the servant are all naked .
* Valera worries several times that her husband will 'take her to bed by force '
SPOILERS below ---
* Valera assumes that her husband must be under some kind of curse , and wonders if "sleeping with her husband would break it ". The acts leading up to this are also described .
* This is what made me dislike Valera ;
Without giving everything away I'll just say that she tries to view her husbands face by having him sleep in her bed . She tries to seduce him and then tells him he can't touch her all the while showing off her body , and then she proceeds to trail his hand down her chest and continues to lead him on . Then basically tells him goodnight . She has absolutely no reason to do this she simply could've asked him to stay with her and Erolas would've because he thought he was gaining her trust . I don't like how selfish and manipulative she is .😒
February 27, 2021
How could I resist this one? It's a riff on Cupid and Psyche as a monster/fae romance, and I LOVED IT.
This is just the first of a duology, which the original myth very much lends itself to, and it's just a delight. I loved the protagonist, a quiet/ladylike sort deeply scarred by a traumatic childhood, who struggles to believe herself worthy of any happiness. I loved the take on the stolen bride fairytale motif, which both addresses and avoids some of the problems inherent in such a story.
I loved, loved, LOVED the fact that the protagonist is at heart a seamstress/couturier and the wonderfully magical and numinous way this was employed as the story continued. And I loved the final quarter of the book which is full of treachery and heartache (and also, if unlike me you have a human heart, a strong gleam of hope, so don't let that put you off).
Absolutely my favourite of the Sylvia Mercedes books so far and I look forward to the second instalment!
(This is a hard PG-13 owing to the plot revolving around a marriage but never gets explicit.)
This is just the first of a duology, which the original myth very much lends itself to, and it's just a delight. I loved the protagonist, a quiet/ladylike sort deeply scarred by a traumatic childhood, who struggles to believe herself worthy of any happiness. I loved the take on the stolen bride fairytale motif, which both addresses and avoids some of the problems inherent in such a story.
I loved, loved, LOVED the fact that the protagonist is at heart a seamstress/couturier and the wonderfully magical and numinous way this was employed as the story continued. And I loved the final quarter of the book which is full of treachery and heartache (and also, if unlike me you have a human heart, a strong gleam of hope, so don't let that put you off).
Absolutely my favourite of the Sylvia Mercedes books so far and I look forward to the second instalment!
(This is a hard PG-13 owing to the plot revolving around a marriage but never gets explicit.)
September 17, 2021
1,5 ★ (two stars only because I am proud of myself for finishing it!)
Beautiful cover, interesting idea, boring execution.
I did enjoy the first 20% of the book, but then everything went downhill. During the next 75% nothing really happens....NOTHING. The heroine (who was annoying and rude) was wandering around the castle, sometimes interacting with the secondary characters and sewing and sewing and sewing. One more page of her sewing something, and I would have exploded.
The romance...was non-existent, there's almost no chemistry between the main characters. During the book, the heroine had no romantic feelings towards the hero at all, they talked like twice (that hardly even counts as a full conversation), and suddenly, she's completely and utterly in love with him. I am so confused, what did I miss? She spent the whole book hating him, saying that he's her captor, and then love? What? When? How?
I tried to read the second book, because sometimes books can get better, it somehow managed to get even worse.
Beautiful cover, interesting idea, boring execution.
I did enjoy the first 20% of the book, but then everything went downhill. During the next 75% nothing really happens....NOTHING. The heroine (who was annoying and rude) was wandering around the castle, sometimes interacting with the secondary characters and sewing and sewing and sewing. One more page of her sewing something, and I would have exploded.
The romance...was non-existent, there's almost no chemistry between the main characters. During the book, the heroine had no romantic feelings towards the hero at all, they talked like twice (that hardly even counts as a full conversation), and suddenly, she's completely and utterly in love with him. I am so confused, what did I miss? She spent the whole book hating him, saying that he's her captor, and then love? What? When? How?
I tried to read the second book, because sometimes books can get better, it somehow managed to get even worse.
dnf
April 5, 2021DNF At 20%
This was not for me. The writing was very flowery and description-heavy. All that did was make me start skimming very early on in the story which isn't a good sign. That lead me to not connecting with the heroine (especially) and the overall story/background characters. When things started picking up I just wasn't interested in it, at all. By that point, reading this story just became a chore. When a book becomes a chore it means it's time to step away and pick up something different.
This was not for me. The writing was very flowery and description-heavy. All that did was make me start skimming very early on in the story which isn't a good sign. That lead me to not connecting with the heroine (especially) and the overall story/background characters. When things started picking up I just wasn't interested in it, at all. By that point, reading this story just became a chore. When a book becomes a chore it means it's time to step away and pick up something different.
March 26, 2021
The author gives beautiful descriptions that make you feel like you are walking into a picture. While the book premise is interesting I had a really hard time getting through this and almost put it aside to the didn't finish pile.
While the characters are described beautifully, I felt like I didn't really get to know either of them very well. There was nothing that drew me to Erolas except mystery and at the end, sympathy. The first few glimpses we get of him had me fascinated and then I got bored. Valera too, came across strong in the beginning and then quickly became a dislikable character. The story felt like it dragged on with nothing really interesting happening. They had no chemistry and I felt like she spent the whole time complaining about being "kidnapped" and blaming him for everything while he remained respectful and kind to her. I get her anger about her sister and in part she was justified, but Valera took that anger and magnified it by irrationally blaming him for a choice she made. Why do people have a hard time taking responsibility for their actions? She was warned and knew the consequences of stepping out her door yet she blames him for taking her and we're supposed to feel bad for her? That just plain irritated me. Honestly, in the end, I felt more sorry for him because she became manipulative and emotionally abusive by tantalizing him with her body when he'd been respectful of her own physical boundaries from the beginning (talk about a double standard). They developed no genuine relationship between the 2 of them. How am I supposed to believe that she loves him enough in the end to want to go after him?
The story is more of a retelling of Eros & Psyche or East of the Sun and West of the Moon. It is left on a cliffhanger. I will probably skim the next book just to find out what happens.
Content:
Sexual: kissing
Violence: mild
Language: B****, D***
While the characters are described beautifully, I felt like I didn't really get to know either of them very well. There was nothing that drew me to Erolas except mystery and at the end, sympathy. The first few glimpses we get of him had me fascinated and then I got bored. Valera too, came across strong in the beginning and then quickly became a dislikable character. The story felt like it dragged on with nothing really interesting happening. They had no chemistry and I felt like she spent the whole time complaining about being "kidnapped" and blaming him for everything while he remained respectful and kind to her. I get her anger about her sister and in part she was justified, but Valera took that anger and magnified it by irrationally blaming him for a choice she made. Why do people have a hard time taking responsibility for their actions? She was warned and knew the consequences of stepping out her door yet she blames him for taking her and we're supposed to feel bad for her? That just plain irritated me. Honestly, in the end, I felt more sorry for him because she became manipulative and emotionally abusive by tantalizing him with her body when he'd been respectful of her own physical boundaries from the beginning (talk about a double standard). They developed no genuine relationship between the 2 of them. How am I supposed to believe that she loves him enough in the end to want to go after him?
The story is more of a retelling of Eros & Psyche or East of the Sun and West of the Moon. It is left on a cliffhanger. I will probably skim the next book just to find out what happens.
Content:
Sexual: kissing
Violence: mild
Language: B****, D***
March 10, 2021
I LOVED this book!
To be honest, I was on the fence between four and five stars on this book. But, I figured if I was on the fence then it earned five stars. If book two were already out, I would be reading it right now and not writing this review . . . like I should. This means five stars all day long!
If you did not read the description yet, this is a Cupid (Eros) and Psyche retelling. (So NOT a spoiler!) And just so yall know, Eros and Psyche is my favorite retelling to read. So, this could have gone one of two ways, a botched retelling that left me wanting or nail on the head.
Can you guess which one it was?
Of course, it was killer! I was worried that it would feel too much like insta-love (and from our male protagonist, it does a little—we don’t see what makes him connect with her). But I also attribute that to not seeing any of his perspective; which I’m fine with.
The nitpicky reasons it almost got four stars:
1. It is written in first-person present tense, which is (personally) jarring to read and not my favorite.
2. There were also soooooo many exclamations!!!!!!!! Like a LOT!!!!!
I am personally weak when it comes to exclamation marks, so I get it. However, it made me feel like the characters were constantly yelling, even when the narration says otherwise.
BUUUUUUTTTTTT, all in all I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it! Can’t wait for book two!
Make sure to check out my book blog for more reviews: http://www.toallthebooksivelovedbefor...
To be honest, I was on the fence between four and five stars on this book. But, I figured if I was on the fence then it earned five stars. If book two were already out, I would be reading it right now and not writing this review . . . like I should. This means five stars all day long!
If you did not read the description yet, this is a Cupid (Eros) and Psyche retelling. (So NOT a spoiler!) And just so yall know, Eros and Psyche is my favorite retelling to read. So, this could have gone one of two ways, a botched retelling that left me wanting or nail on the head.
Can you guess which one it was?
Of course, it was killer! I was worried that it would feel too much like insta-love (and from our male protagonist, it does a little—we don’t see what makes him connect with her). But I also attribute that to not seeing any of his perspective; which I’m fine with.
The nitpicky reasons it almost got four stars:
1. It is written in first-person present tense, which is (personally) jarring to read and not my favorite.
2. There were also soooooo many exclamations!!!!!!!! Like a LOT!!!!!
I am personally weak when it comes to exclamation marks, so I get it. However, it made me feel like the characters were constantly yelling, even when the narration says otherwise.
BUUUUUUTTTTTT, all in all I very much enjoyed it and would recommend it! Can’t wait for book two!
Make sure to check out my book blog for more reviews: http://www.toallthebooksivelovedbefor...
March 22, 2021
Simple. Sweet. Mesmerizing.
I devoured this romantic tale and was left hungry for more. Mercedes' world is easy to slip into and the characters vibed as both real and yet so eldritch and other. The cliff hanger ending is a total nail biter, but fortunately, we have the sequel to follow soon.
The only thing I wished we'd gotten to see a little more of in this first book was some deeper explanation of the overarching lore and backstory. But otherwise, I was madly pleased to finally have a Hades and Persephone retelling that was all the deliciousness of faerie without the R rating.
I devoured this romantic tale and was left hungry for more. Mercedes' world is easy to slip into and the characters vibed as both real and yet so eldritch and other. The cliff hanger ending is a total nail biter, but fortunately, we have the sequel to follow soon.
The only thing I wished we'd gotten to see a little more of in this first book was some deeper explanation of the overarching lore and backstory. But otherwise, I was madly pleased to finally have a Hades and Persephone retelling that was all the deliciousness of faerie without the R rating.
April 18, 2021
DNF - quit by 25%
The story starts out with potential, but that quickly evaporates. The FMC started out fine in her crappy circumstances, but once she’s taken as a fae bride, turns into a horrid b!tch. She made the decision to step thru the door that allowed her to be claimed as a fae bride. She was the one that was stuck in horrendous living conditions with her father that really needed rescuing from, not the fae bride thing. The only down side was leaving her sister behind in her horrendous father’s hands. She was a total brat that I just didn’t want to read more about.
The story starts out with potential, but that quickly evaporates. The FMC started out fine in her crappy circumstances, but once she’s taken as a fae bride, turns into a horrid b!tch. She made the decision to step thru the door that allowed her to be claimed as a fae bride. She was the one that was stuck in horrendous living conditions with her father that really needed rescuing from, not the fae bride thing. The only down side was leaving her sister behind in her horrendous father’s hands. She was a total brat that I just didn’t want to read more about.
May 25, 2021
This was a good read for sure and I liked the world building and the imagination which is pretty much why I read these type of books. I'm interested in the next book but I have to say this book just rises more questions for me than answers even till the end so if I don't get some answers to my question in the next book I won't be happy for now I'm keen.
February 15, 2021
Help! I finished this book and now I don't know what to do with myself!! This was a mesmerizing read - impossible to put down, both heart-warming and heart-wrenching, and written in an elegant but easy-to-read style (Sylvia Mercedes' trademark). The story, based on the myth of Hades and Persephone, possesses a few similarities to Beauty and the Beast, another favorite legend of mine, so I enjoyed that immensely! The vivid descriptions, both of Orican's opulence and Valera's family home's destitution, set the scenes expertly. Erolas and Valera have such pure and glowing chemistry, and I couldn't wait to read all their conversations, although I thought my heart would break during some of them! They are both well-rounded characters, possessing moral courage and strength but also kindness and gentleness. (Erolas is positively swoon-worthy, as far as I'm concerned.) Valera's relationship with her sister is touching and meaningful as well. There are a few sensual scenes, so I would not recommend this book for young readers. All in all, an excellent and elevating story. "The Moonfire Bride" has taken first place at the top of my Favorite Books list, and I can hardly wait for "The Sunfire King!"
March 4, 2021
I've been WAITING for an awesome retelling of the Psyche/Eros tale, and this book nails it!!!!! It spins the tale set in a fantasy, fae realm, complete with a stolen bride and fae rules and true names. It is filled with romance and little hints of steam to add spice to the sweet.
February 15, 2021
The whole way through this book I was just like, "Awwwwwww!" It's so incredibly sweet. Valera is the most likeable heroine I've met in a long time. It's unique in that it's not like there's a ton that HAPPENS (all in all, it's a rather simple story), exactly, yet I couldn't put it down. The TENSION. The tension was thick, but it was still a happy, sweet story. Of course the writing is phenomenal.
One note for younger/sensitive readers: There are a couple steamy scenes toward the end and mild language.
One note for younger/sensitive readers: There are a couple steamy scenes toward the end and mild language.
April 26, 2021
Imaginative and original, this was my first Sylvia Mercedes read and I was enchanted from page one. A bit a fantasy, mystery and romance rolled in to one. Our heroine is taken by a Fae King to be his wife for one year, Erolas will give her anything she desires but she can not see his face. Valera is confused but the kindness she receives from the king and even more confused by her growing attraction to him. Not knowing if she can trust herself or Erolas, Valera must decide if she wants this marriage in truth or to betray the fae lord and find a way back home.
I like the slow burn aspect and force proximity of this. The descriptive writing really brought the story alive but the character development was lacking. I wish Valera took charge but she was rather weak and passive. I'll be honest I started book 2 almost immediately hoping to the h blossom but quickly lost interest and DNF it. Not sure what happened but it lacked the spark that this held.
I like the slow burn aspect and force proximity of this. The descriptive writing really brought the story alive but the character development was lacking. I wish Valera took charge but she was rather weak and passive. I'll be honest I started book 2 almost immediately hoping to the h blossom but quickly lost interest and DNF it. Not sure what happened but it lacked the spark that this held.
March 28, 2021
2 stars
Ok so this book really, really annoyed me.
I saw it on my goodreads news feed and it had a really high rating and some great reviews. I decided to try and was pleasantly surprised at the writing and enjoyed the first few chapters. The author had a way of bringing moments to life like cartoons in your head which is why it made me so disappointed when it all went wrong.
Firstly it got boring. So, so boring. Then she expected the reader to believe there was love between the two main characters which she hadn’t grown throughout the story. At all. Thirdly this is not a complete book. It’s one of those annoying cliffhanger endings that you can barely call that as it hadn’t felt like anything had really happened and at the first sign of drama- the book ends.
I’m out. I won’t be reading the next and probably not another of this author’s works.
Ok so this book really, really annoyed me.
I saw it on my goodreads news feed and it had a really high rating and some great reviews. I decided to try and was pleasantly surprised at the writing and enjoyed the first few chapters. The author had a way of bringing moments to life like cartoons in your head which is why it made me so disappointed when it all went wrong.
Firstly it got boring. So, so boring. Then she expected the reader to believe there was love between the two main characters which she hadn’t grown throughout the story. At all. Thirdly this is not a complete book. It’s one of those annoying cliffhanger endings that you can barely call that as it hadn’t felt like anything had really happened and at the first sign of drama- the book ends.
I’m out. I won’t be reading the next and probably not another of this author’s works.
April 1, 2021
Dark, sweet, a little steamy, and so funny, each in their turn. And that ending??? There are parts that had me splitting my seams with laughter, and other moments when the beautiful imagery just left me breathless. Oh, and the naked little goblins. I can't say more. But OH MY GIDDY AUNT! You'll be rolling on the floor, let me tell you. And the ending? I can't. Even. Nope. I just can't.
February 22, 2021
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was totally captivated by this book. I have loved all of Mrs. Mercedes' prior books, but this one.... Wow. I think it has moved into 1st place for my favorite book of hers.
Think of Beauty and the Beast with a Fae twist. I love the development of the characters, especially Valera and Erolas. There was so much inner struggle and turmoil on Valera's part as she tries to determine what she needs to do. And to see everything that Erolas does, how patient and encouraging he is.
And then, the comic relief of the goblins, lol. They make me smile. And I can't wait to learn more about Ellie!
I finished book 1 and had to look to see when book 2 comes out. Yep, they are both preordered! I can't wait for book 2!
I was totally captivated by this book. I have loved all of Mrs. Mercedes' prior books, but this one.... Wow. I think it has moved into 1st place for my favorite book of hers.
Think of Beauty and the Beast with a Fae twist. I love the development of the characters, especially Valera and Erolas. There was so much inner struggle and turmoil on Valera's part as she tries to determine what she needs to do. And to see everything that Erolas does, how patient and encouraging he is.
And then, the comic relief of the goblins, lol. They make me smile. And I can't wait to learn more about Ellie!
I finished book 1 and had to look to see when book 2 comes out. Yep, they are both preordered! I can't wait for book 2!
May 31, 2021
The events of the book could have taken place in like 100 pages and the rest is the inner monologue and repetitive thoughts of the narrator.
Still, the writing was pretty and I didn't hate the characters, which sometimes happens when I read books of this genre.
Still, the writing was pretty and I didn't hate the characters, which sometimes happens when I read books of this genre.
March 31, 2021
I'm disgusted by how awful the heroine was. What a stupid, heartless, selfish wench. I know she had to be gullible so the overly simplistic plot would work, but did she have to be completely awful??
June 24, 2021
*3.5 stars*
The Moonfire Bride is a fantasy romance centering around Valera, a poor seamstress who is whisked away to Faerieland when she unwittingly makes a deal to become the bride of a powerful moon fae who needs her help breaking the curse. She will remained married to him for a year and day, but she is not allowed to look upon his face for the duration of their marriage. The writing in this one was very descriptive and beautiful. I really did feel like I was getting whisked away to the land of the moonfire fae. The romance is definitely sweet and slow burn. However, I did feel like there was a bit of depth lacking in the development of their relationship. It was the type of ending that I wanted to shake the main character a bit for her decision making, but I was invested enough that I started the next one because I want to see how the story proceeds!
The Moonfire Bride is a fantasy romance centering around Valera, a poor seamstress who is whisked away to Faerieland when she unwittingly makes a deal to become the bride of a powerful moon fae who needs her help breaking the curse. She will remained married to him for a year and day, but she is not allowed to look upon his face for the duration of their marriage. The writing in this one was very descriptive and beautiful. I really did feel like I was getting whisked away to the land of the moonfire fae. The romance is definitely sweet and slow burn. However, I did feel like there was a bit of depth lacking in the development of their relationship. It was the type of ending that I wanted to shake the main character a bit for her decision making, but I was invested enough that I started the next one because I want to see how the story proceeds!
February 22, 2022
In a single word: IRRESISTIBLE. This is a gripping, refreshing, and adventurous (but in a low-key, kind of domestic in a sweet way) retelling of the story of Eros and Psyche - which, I must admit, due to C.S. Lewis' TILL WE HAVE FACES, is one of my favorite fairy tales of all time.
(First, though, take a bit of time to appreciate that GORGEOUS cover.)
Valera is a very reluctant heroine who is far more comfortable designing and sewing beautiful gowns than "slaying the dragons." I absolutely love the magic complementing her seamstress skills (honestly, how cool is it to have WIND for fabric?! My mum is a seamstress so I get quite thrilled at reading all of those parts :D). (To be very honest, I sometimes found her a bit annoying, but given her situation and frustrations, it is probably more realistic than not now that I've thought about it more. Plus, with my current reading of the sequel story, THE SUNFIRE KING, I've grown to really appreciate her development and character. <3)
Erolas, on the other hand, is simply too gracious and pure (in the very best of ways ^_^). He may be the reason why Valera was "stolen" in the first place, but he is innocent of all toxicity yet still remains a morally strong, masculine presence (though hidden in the shadows as he is). I ended the book wishing to read more about him, or from his perspective of things.
The chemistry between these two is slow but ooh soo well done. TOTALLY SWOONWORTHY yet pure and Mercedes flawlessly weaved the stolen bride trope and fae and the power of True Names with all the twists I've come to expect from her. :)
The side characters are not many, and since Valera spends most of the story bounded to her marriage home, there's not a lot of epic action per say. But I was still thoroughly fascinated with the fae world as Valera is during the entire story. :) Also - now I cannot wait to read ONCE UPON A WHISPERING WOOD for more about Brielle! Valera's sister seems like quite the firecracker - and I simply love twists to the "red riding hood" tale. :)
The worldbuilding is beautiful and descriptive but not overloading.
I enjoyed Mercedes' writing style in this one - it's elegant but simple yet appropriate for Valera ( I didn't exactly like it at first, but by the end I grew to admire how Mercedes can change her writing voice to reflect her characters... many authors write using the same voices across different characters - which can be wonderful if I love their style, but it's nice to see differentiation). That with the small cast and smooth pacing made the reading experience feel like a dream.
Prepare for a heartrending cliffhanger in this one. But let me tell you, THE SUNFIRE KING will NOT disappoint and there's quite the change/development of tone (and heart ;) - I'm enjoying it immensely thus far - especially if you didn't fully enjoy Valera's reluctance in this first story. I can already see myself rereading this tale!!
<3 <3 <3
Content: PG-13 on the mild side. Some light language ("gods"), a couple of scenes that are suggestive between a married couple but are not explicit
>>"Don’t say that. Don’t hate him.” Tears threaten, but I force them back. Brielle doesn’t need my tears; she needs my strength. “Your hatred only poisons you, sweetheart. It doesn’t touch him.”"
Words of wisdom here! :) Hatred only poisons thine own heart.
>>Buddy read this with the lovely Isabelle Reads
(First, though, take a bit of time to appreciate that GORGEOUS cover.)
Valera is a very reluctant heroine who is far more comfortable designing and sewing beautiful gowns than "slaying the dragons." I absolutely love the magic complementing her seamstress skills (honestly, how cool is it to have WIND for fabric?! My mum is a seamstress so I get quite thrilled at reading all of those parts :D). (To be very honest, I sometimes found her a bit annoying, but given her situation and frustrations, it is probably more realistic than not now that I've thought about it more. Plus, with my current reading of the sequel story, THE SUNFIRE KING, I've grown to really appreciate her development and character. <3)
Erolas, on the other hand, is simply too gracious and pure (in the very best of ways ^_^). He may be the reason why Valera was "stolen" in the first place, but he is innocent of all toxicity yet still remains a morally strong, masculine presence (though hidden in the shadows as he is). I ended the book wishing to read more about him, or from his perspective of things.
The chemistry between these two is slow but ooh soo well done. TOTALLY SWOONWORTHY yet pure and Mercedes flawlessly weaved the stolen bride trope and fae and the power of True Names with all the twists I've come to expect from her. :)
The side characters are not many, and since Valera spends most of the story bounded to her marriage home, there's not a lot of epic action per say. But I was still thoroughly fascinated with the fae world as Valera is during the entire story. :) Also - now I cannot wait to read ONCE UPON A WHISPERING WOOD for more about Brielle! Valera's sister seems like quite the firecracker - and I simply love twists to the "red riding hood" tale. :)
The worldbuilding is beautiful and descriptive but not overloading.
I enjoyed Mercedes' writing style in this one - it's elegant but simple yet appropriate for Valera ( I didn't exactly like it at first, but by the end I grew to admire how Mercedes can change her writing voice to reflect her characters... many authors write using the same voices across different characters - which can be wonderful if I love their style, but it's nice to see differentiation). That with the small cast and smooth pacing made the reading experience feel like a dream.
Prepare for a heartrending cliffhanger in this one. But let me tell you, THE SUNFIRE KING will NOT disappoint and there's quite the change/development of tone (and heart ;) - I'm enjoying it immensely thus far - especially if you didn't fully enjoy Valera's reluctance in this first story. I can already see myself rereading this tale!!
<3 <3 <3
Content: PG-13 on the mild side. Some light language ("gods"), a couple of scenes that are suggestive between a married couple but are not explicit
>>"Don’t say that. Don’t hate him.” Tears threaten, but I force them back. Brielle doesn’t need my tears; she needs my strength. “Your hatred only poisons you, sweetheart. It doesn’t touch him.”"
Words of wisdom here! :) Hatred only poisons thine own heart.
>>Buddy read this with the lovely Isabelle Reads
July 9, 2025
3.5 stars. I'm torn.
I loved this book. There were a few aspects that I didn't like, but I still really enjoyed it. But it ends on one of the worst cliffhangers I have read in a very long time.
I feel unfulfilled and completely frustrated with Valera. I almost hate her!
Okay, so this is a loose retelling along the lines of Beauty & the Beast with a marriage of convenience-type of storyline.
What I liked:
- the magic, the world building, the plot.
- the chemistry between Erolas and Valera was palpable. Seriously, wow! Sooooo good.
What I didn't like:
- Valera is rude to him a lot. I know, she is supposed to be entitled to this since he took her away, but... he was seriously so kind and honest and endearing, and he clearly had HUGE reasons for claiming her as his bride, that I just couldn't resent him. Every time she was cruel to him, I cringed.
- Erolas was almost too accommodating. She disrespected him a lot and he just took it like he deserved it. I would expect him to be affronted sometimes, but he was the most humble person ever, I guess...?
- Her epic she deserves it.
- The cliffhanger.
Apparently the series consists of two books. I can't wait to read book #2, but I hear there's not a lot of scenes between the two of them. I'm looking forward to reading it, but I'm so mad at Valera that I almost don't want to read it... I don't think I can forgive her, and I will have to read an entire book that's mostly about her! I might have to read something in between, so my feelings can fade a bit first. I'd take another star off for her frustrating behavior and inability to trust, but the chemistry in the book was so good that I can't.
Content:
Language - one damn I think.
Sex - no sex scene, but one sensual scene between a married couple. It did not push the envelope for me. I thought it was perfectly done. There are also naked humanoid beings and naked little goblins (nothing sexual about them).
Violence - her father physically abuses her.
Cover - AMAZING!!!!! I read this book based on that cover! I love, love, love it.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
How I rated the series-
1 - The Moonfire Bride - 3.5 stars (amazing chemistry but I didn’t like the FMC)
2 - The Sunfire King - 2.5 stars (meh chemistry; mediocre ending; FMC didn’t entirely redeem herself)
I loved this book. There were a few aspects that I didn't like, but I still really enjoyed it. But it ends on one of the worst cliffhangers I have read in a very long time.
I feel unfulfilled and completely frustrated with Valera. I almost hate her!
Okay, so this is a loose retelling along the lines of Beauty & the Beast with a marriage of convenience-type of storyline.
What I liked:
- the magic, the world building, the plot.
- the chemistry between Erolas and Valera was palpable. Seriously, wow! Sooooo good.
What I didn't like:
- Valera is rude to him a lot. I know, she is supposed to be entitled to this since he took her away, but... he was seriously so kind and honest and endearing, and he clearly had HUGE reasons for claiming her as his bride, that I just couldn't resent him. Every time she was cruel to him, I cringed.
- Erolas was almost too accommodating. She disrespected him a lot and he just took it like he deserved it. I would expect him to be affronted sometimes, but he was the most humble person ever, I guess...?
- Her epic she deserves it.
- The cliffhanger.
Apparently the series consists of two books. I can't wait to read book #2, but I hear there's not a lot of scenes between the two of them. I'm looking forward to reading it, but I'm so mad at Valera that I almost don't want to read it... I don't think I can forgive her, and I will have to read an entire book that's mostly about her! I might have to read something in between, so my feelings can fade a bit first. I'd take another star off for her frustrating behavior and inability to trust, but the chemistry in the book was so good that I can't.
Content:
Language - one damn I think.
Sex - no sex scene, but one sensual scene between a married couple. It did not push the envelope for me. I thought it was perfectly done. There are also naked humanoid beings and naked little goblins (nothing sexual about them).
Violence - her father physically abuses her.
Cover - AMAZING!!!!! I read this book based on that cover! I love, love, love it.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
How I rated the series-
1 - The Moonfire Bride - 3.5 stars (amazing chemistry but I didn’t like the FMC)
2 - The Sunfire King - 2.5 stars (meh chemistry; mediocre ending; FMC didn’t entirely redeem herself)
March 6, 2021
I devoured this book! I hope I don’t have to wait forever for the next installment. That cliffhanger has me so messed up. I need sweet Erolas to be ok. My heart was breaking at his devastation when Valera used the candle to see his face after he told her not to. I knew it was coming but damn. I was so heartbroken for him.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and adored the characters. I love Erolas with my whole heart. 5 stars!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and adored the characters. I love Erolas with my whole heart. 5 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2024
0.5 Stars. It started out with potential but quickly fell into a monotonous and boring story pattern. Valera’s interactions with Erolas were too brief and far between to save this book from being a complete snoozer.
October 3, 2021
It was fine. It’s a retelling if the Eros and Psyche story, but with Fae and a bit of Beauty & the Beast going on. I loathe the sister in this story.
March 6, 2021
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this story inspired by several classic stories (Beauty and the Beast, Cupid and Psyche). I think in the realms of fae husbands/monster boyfriends this is definitely a cut above the usual fare.
However I do wish that this wasn’t in first person present, since a lot of the story is emotional and reflective—the verb tense kept pushing me forward when I wanted to linger, and several times I came away more irritated than I might’ve been otherwise because I was so close to the narrator. Her general resentment of her situation and constant worry over her sister (who I didn’t think deserved it—it would’ve been one thing if she was sickly or something, but Brielle didn’t seem to listen to Val anyway) grated after a while. Like maybe chill out a minute girl!! It’s a nice house and you don’t have to work! Enjoy it!! You CHOSE THIS!!! Stop acting like you’re in a dungeon!! (Also being inside her head when she makes dumb decisions... le sigh) Maybe this would’ve been fixed with more background detail. I don’t know. I just think it would’ve hit differently had I not been so up close and personal with Valera. This may just be me having first person present fatigue though; YMMV.
I also wanted more personal backstory—though maybe we will get more in book 2–about their family’s curse.
I did really love Erolas. He was doing his best!! And who doesn’t want a barely visible shadow husband?? He is kind and thoughtful and I can tell the author gave a lot of thought to his role in the story and his presentation.
I also liked all her original touches! I liked learning about their world and customs and I wanted more about it.
And that last 1/4th of the book though!!! *shakes fist* how dare!! This is a duology but thankfully the next book comes out in a month or two.
Anyway if you’re looking for a good Cupid and Psyche/BATB fantasy retelling this will definitely scratch the itch!
However I do wish that this wasn’t in first person present, since a lot of the story is emotional and reflective—the verb tense kept pushing me forward when I wanted to linger, and several times I came away more irritated than I might’ve been otherwise because I was so close to the narrator. Her general resentment of her situation and constant worry over her sister (who I didn’t think deserved it—it would’ve been one thing if she was sickly or something, but Brielle didn’t seem to listen to Val anyway) grated after a while. Like maybe chill out a minute girl!! It’s a nice house and you don’t have to work! Enjoy it!! You CHOSE THIS!!! Stop acting like you’re in a dungeon!! (Also being inside her head when she makes dumb decisions... le sigh) Maybe this would’ve been fixed with more background detail. I don’t know. I just think it would’ve hit differently had I not been so up close and personal with Valera. This may just be me having first person present fatigue though; YMMV.
I also wanted more personal backstory—though maybe we will get more in book 2–about their family’s curse.
I did really love Erolas. He was doing his best!! And who doesn’t want a barely visible shadow husband?? He is kind and thoughtful and I can tell the author gave a lot of thought to his role in the story and his presentation.
I also liked all her original touches! I liked learning about their world and customs and I wanted more about it.
And that last 1/4th of the book though!!! *shakes fist* how dare!! This is a duology but thankfully the next book comes out in a month or two.
Anyway if you’re looking for a good Cupid and Psyche/BATB fantasy retelling this will definitely scratch the itch!
May 22, 2023
It has potential and I enjoyed it, but the fact that the romance between the two leads was kind of underbaked didn't help, especially with how the heroine blows up everything Psyche-fashion at the end and the hero really isn't reacting in a believable way at all (less yelling and more "OH YOU SWEET ADORABLE ANGEL NONE OF THESE DELIBERATE ACTIONS YOU TOOK ARE YOUR FAULT AT ALL MY DIVINE HEART YOU WERE TRICKED"). Still, I'm giving the next book a shot given it left me curious enough to continue.
May 15, 2023
I was shouting at her in my head not to open the door. Don't do it! Loved the slow burn, will they, won't they romance. Really want to read the next one now!
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