Princesses are expected to smile, hold their tongues, and stay in the shadows...but not this princess.
Becoming a vampire is not the debutante party I'd hoped for. I'm being hunted by my enemies and cast aside by my friends.
The night court runs on betrayals and secrets. As its newest, sparkling addition, I can't trust anyone. Especially not them.
Alec, the arrogant assassin-turned-bodyguard who mocks me with his feline grace and sexy smirks.
Leo, the addictive human who swore his life to me for all the wrong reasons.
And Sebastian, the childhood bully who broke my heart.
I have to fulfill my duty to my family, but in the face of temptation, how can I resist something so forbidden?
Every rose has thorns. It only takes one bite to defile the most perfect bloom.
Princess of Thorns and Ruin is book 1 in a fast-paced, sizzling fantasy romance duet set in the deadly Delacroix Night court. You’ll love this story if you like sexy vampire bites, enemies-to-lovers, and heroes who love to share.
This duet is set in the same world as Magnetic and Shadow Witch but it stands alone.
I had to DNF at 25%. holy hell the writing is at a third grade level and there is absolutely zero depth to any of the characters or the plot. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if AI wrote this entire book but was told to make it seem like a wattpad story. All of these other reviews have got to be either paid or fake because this is objectively fucking awful lol
I read Princess of Thorns and Ruin in one day, and I am CRAVING the next book already. This was a page turner with great world building, romance, and great background building for all characters. I believe it takes place in the same universe as some of the authors other books, just not fully intertwined. I look forward to reading her other books from the same universe though!
I need more Alec. I’d love a whole book of just Alec being swoon-worthy. Kinda mad at Lucas right now, but hopefully he redeems himself in the next book. And I’m curious about our handsome angel man! I wanna know if he sticks around. You know characters have been well written when you want to know more about everybody's backstories.
Arielle is tough. She’s not going to let any of what she is facing tear her down. Not grief, not an arranged marriage, and certainly not these insane men. Hopefully she’ll be able to rule her kingdom without too much chaos, but that would take all the fun out of it!
Long live the Dark Queen!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
EDITED ON 10/30/24: I've now listened to the Audible version via Booksprout as well, and am voluntarily adding on my review of that format of the book.
I had already read this in the Kindle format, but getting to listen to the audio of it as a reread was amazing. The narration is fantastic and I felt just as consumed by the story as I did by reading it myself. The characters are portrayed so well, and it is super smooth to listen to. I highly recommend this book in either format!
This complex story is actually hard to truly understand in audiobook format. With a physical book or ebook, you can easily flip back and forth to gain clarity on who exactly is who and what their relationship is to others. Frankly, I was confused about exactly who was who in this story until I started listening to the second book of the series! In this story, we learn of the vampire princess who is about to experience her full turning. In this world, vampires don't truly come into their blood hunger/need until they are adults who choose their First Blood (the first human they will feed from as vampires) and go through a particular ritual. The First Blood chosen by the princess is reluctant, but situations in his family goad him to offer himself to improve the situation. For most of this book, he is resentful of the entire situation, wishing he didn't have to do so, but understanding why it makes sense for him and his family. He's also somewhat resentful of the princess herself, being both drawn to and repelled by her. Several other men play somewhat minor but important roles in this story; we will certainly see more of them later in the next book, where the story really starts to come together (and becomes less confusing!).
If the princess' full turning into a vampire takes up the first part of the book, the second part centers on her wedding to another powerful vampire for political reasons. But things are not all what they seem, and I love how the princess pulls all this together and decides to not merely be a pawn of powerful men but chooses her own path, even though it's at the last moment. She gathers powerful allies quickly, ones with whom she would not have survived without.
The book is highly sexually charged in many places, bordering on erotica of several different types. (You need to be comfortable with ideas of different sexual expressions, including LGBTQIA+ ones.) At times, it felt like the story itself was lost between the many sensual scenes. Toning it down a bit would have made the story better, keeping the grander sweeps of the plot and the princess’ growth arc in the forefront more often.
The book has a male narrator and a female one. The female narrator did a fantastic job voicing the female characters, though they are few compared to the males. I loved the male narrator's voice of the Celtic angel; it came across perfectly, imbued with both quiet strength and lilting softness. I wasn't particularly wild about his voicings for the more evil or villainous characters. Each had a similarly maniacal, melodramatic sound, not quite in keeping with the contemporary fantasy/supernatural feel of the story. The voices of the male allies, though, were perfectly fine. Despite the points I didn't like, including the general confusion I mentioned at the start of this review, I was intrigued enough by the story to want to continue with the second book.
BTW, the book ends on a cliffhanger. Never wild about those ... and if you are not, you now know!
I received a promo code for this audiobook, but that did not affect my review.
We loved the intriguing plot take on vampires. In this plot, they don't go through their change until their teenage years, and their turning is called Nightfall, where they move from human to vampire, and the change can be deadly for those not strong enough to survive.
The Delacroix family holds the power in the vampire world. Arielle "Ari," the Delacroix princess, is portrayed as their beloved princess, but her trust is tested as she uncovers hidden truths and faces the burden of her responsibilities. Despite her genuine care for others, Ari struggles with the weight of her duties and the deceit surrounding her.
Ari's relationships with the men in her life are complex and intriguing. Alec, her vampire bodyguard, reveals a softer side beneath his tough exterior, while Leo, her human assistant, grapples with his role in her life. Sebastian, a charming childhood bully, adds a layer of mystery and potential to the dynamic between them.
The evolving dynamics among these characters hint at a possible harem situation, adding depth to the story. The vampire world depicted in the book follows traditional lore, with a touch of unique mythology and magic.
The political landscape of the vampire court is treacherous, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and danger. Anya skillfully weaves a tale of suspense and mystery, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the secrets and motives of the characters. "Princess of Thorns" is a thrilling read, packed with action, suspense, and steamy drama. The story unfolds with twists and turns, including kidnapping, attempts, murder, plots, and political conspiracies.
The cliffhanger ending leaves readers craving more, eager to discover the next chapter in Ari's journey.
Arielle is a "human" princess who will transition into a vampire in the next few days. Before her transition she has to choose a First blood (basically her personal blood servant) of the people she chooses, she chooses the one person that really didn't want to be it. Leopold, who is human and because his mother is dying of cancer he sacrifices his freedom to save her. He is also in love with a woman he must leave. At first he hates Arielle. (MMC #1) When Arielle turns, she nearly kills Leo from drinking too much from him.
She is a assigned a vampire bodyguard, Alec, for her travels home. MMC #2. Of course he dislikes her at first, thinking she is spoiled.
The next two MMCs is up in the air. I can't tell if Lucas, her childhood friend is part of her harem or Sebastian, her bully from the past is.
Arielle is sent off by her brother to marry an old king to hopefully right the war that is oncoming. Political intrigue, unknown loyalties, death, and assassins abound.
Tropes: Some OW drama Political intrigue Enemies to lovers Forbidden love Vampires Spice level 3. Happens late in the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Who doesn't love a good vampire reverse harem? Because I know I sure as hell am not complaining about this one!
This book followed a vampire princess, Arielle, who has just had her change. Choosing a first blood, who appears to despise her, having a snarky bodyguard, who would do anything to protect her and having an old seemingly childhood bully, who appears to ache for her.. It looks like she has her hands full!
However, as she is put to the duty of her people, it doesn't seem like everything is going to her plans. The deceit, lies and anguish follow her throughout the book, yet that all changes at the end.
The twists in this book had me absolutely on edge. It appears that Arielle got extremely unlucky when it came to her brothers nefarious ways, and it made me feel sympathy towards her as a whole. Whereas, with everything going on, she was such a strong character and I loved her for that. The characters were all built amazing, and as I said before, I love myself a vampire book, so I found absolutely nothing wrong with the plot.
I cannot wait to read the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When it comes to dark, paranormal romances, you don't get much better than Anya J. Cosgrove. It's been a while, but I was really excited to find out that there was a new duet on the way. Although this is linked to Magnetic it is a standalone story. Do you need to read Magnetic first? No. Should you read it anyway because it's great? Obviously. Arielle has just come into her 'powers' her human servant who gave her the first drink of blood that turned her into a vampire doesn't really want anything to do with her. Then there's her bodyguard, an old crush and even the hint of an angel towards the end of the book. In many ways, this first part of the duet is just to set everything up for the conclusion and I have to be honest, I'm not really sure yet where it's going to go. I know where I might like it to go, but I'll have to wait and see. I don't ant to give any spoilers, so I'm being quite vague. This was a brilliant read and I can't wait for the next book. Fortunately, I don't have to wait too much longer!
Princess Arielle Delacroix is about to experience Nightfall, the transition from human to Vampire. Afterward, she needs to return to court where her older brother Victor is the new king of the Shadow World. Unknown to her, he has plans to marry Arielle off to use her as a political pawn. Plus, someone is trying to kill her.
Meanwhile, Arielle is dealing with the men in her life: her best-friend Lucus Pereira, her first-blood (human servant) Leo Callas, her bodyguard/assassin Alec Beaumont, and her childhood bully Sebastian Chastain. This fantasy had me glued to my kindle. It was skillfully written and exciting from the start through the finish. The ending has me highly anticipating book two, QUEEN OF ASHES AND SCARS.
This is the first book that I have read by Anya J. Cosgrove. I enjoyed her writing style. I look forward to reading additional books by her in the future. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Excellent story. I listened to it in one go, and am eagerly looking forward to book two. The story just locks you in and before you know it, it is finished. It is well written. The characters are unique and well developed. I feel I know them and want to know more about them. This is a reverse harem type story, the story is much more than just hot scenes. Arielle transitions from human to the Dark Queen, a vampire. She selects Leo as her first blood. He volunteered, but you can clearly see he resents it and did not really want it. Alec is her assigned bodyguard. I think Lucas will be one of her harem, he is a childhood friend. Arielle’s family decides she must wed this old man, no thanks! The story has political intrigue, twists and turns, and strong sexual attraction. The narration was excellent. I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Arielle begins as a “human” but will soon transition into a vampire. Before she transitions, she must choose a “first blood” to be her personal blood servant. She picks Leopold (who is only there for his mother and did not really want to do this). Of course, Leopold is angry – he has to leave the woman he loves, his family and change his life for the Princess. Things are a little rocky, and Leo is almost killed! Alec is Ari’s bodyguard. He believes she is a spoiled brat but is drawn to her. Sebastian is her childhood bully who she had a crush on, but he never returned the feelings. Or did he secretly?
Buckle up, you are about to be on a roller coaster ride – secrets, truths, revelations and passion are plenty in this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I haven’t read a good vampire book in a while. I really enjoyed this book. I feel as though Anya really set up a sexy brooding vampire realm. It’s filled with many layers of complex characters that we get to learn about and enjoy in this book.
Ari the fmc is definitely underestimated and treated as a pawn. Very typical old-school vampire world vibes. I love how we get to meet each of the mcd and glad she has the makings of her harem to keep things spicy and exciting.
I’m excited to see where the next book picks up and what dots it finishes up connecting. I didn’t give it five stars because I feel as though we didn’t really get harem fully established and we have a lot of unanswered questions!!!!
Princess of Thorns and Ruin Throne of Shadows book 1 Anya J Cosgrove Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Spice: 🌶️ CLIFFHANGER **Read trigger warnings!!!** This review may contain spoilers.
Tropes: - [x] PNR - [x] Friends to l0vers - [x] Vampires - [x] Bodyguard - [x] Dark romance - [x] RH - [x] Arraigned marriage - [x] Forced proximity - [x] Bl00d play
This is an entertaining Slooow burn vampire RH novel. I enjoyed book and if you are into any of the above tropes I think you will like this novel. I look forward to book two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Holy Crispy Twisted ... This ends on a severely No flipping way How are they going to get out of this Who do I believe? Who do I trust? Hanging by my nails anove me the darkest void cliffy
I devoured this - from cover to cover - in one day
Those I trusted - Might have betrayed us
Those I thought had their heads up the dark cavern - might be our only hope now
This has so many bread crumb trails We don't get all the answers up front We get little clues, past pictures, possibilities Just enough of the picture to think we know what might be happening only to flip a page and.... Psych
Ari is a vampire princess just coming into her powers, her life is changing all around her, trying to navigate the changes she is going through plus the people around her seem to be keeping things from her, is her life in danger? Can she find a new normal or is everything about to change to something that she doesn’t recognise? A different twist on the vampire genre, it’s an intriguing page turner and I’m looking forward to reading more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you to Anya J Cosgrove and Booksprout for allowing me to listen to a copy of this book. I absolutely loved this story. Although there were times that I was like not wanting to pause the audiobook because it was so good. The performance of the narrators was amazing too. This book felt similar in vibes to From Blood and Ash, but it was so much better, if I'm honest. I will definitely be continuing the series. I would definitely recommend to anyone who's looking for a good fantasy or paranormal romance to sink their teeth into.
What a read ! Super fast and easy. Good if your looking for a quick day or weekend read.
Pro: story line makes sense, sexual but not the main part of the book. Couple main male leads so it’s not obvious who she is pining for. Main female lead I think has potential to be bad ass but raise sheltered
Cons: jumps timeline a lot so it’s so short that your like well I could have you like at least a large explaining why we are already at a ball and he all of sudden might be okay with her like slow down a minute sister and the love scenes could use some work
So normally a reverse harem isn’t my go to but I couldn’t resist the appeal with vampires (thank you, Twilight). And this was STEAMY! I loved it and will definitely look for more books by this author in addition to other reverse harem books.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed reading this book. The character developed rather quickly and appear to be a well rounded cast of characters. Looking for the the 2nd book in the 2 book series.
I really enjoyed the audiobook and found it such an easy listen whilst also having enough intrigue to keep me engaged. I raced through it and have book two queued up already after that cliffhanger!
Arielle is the FMC, a newly born vampire princess who is forced straight into the politics of court and her role in it. I really enjoyed the lead up to Arielle's transition as the mythology and world building were really interesting. The MMCs are slowly gravitating towards Arielle which leads to some great tension and I'm not sure who is in or out at this point. Alec is the only one worthy of Arielle currently and the others really need to up their game in book two!
My interpretation of the star system; 3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again 4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series 5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read