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Embers in the Snow
They're marrying me off to a monster.
I always knew the day would come. I just didn't think it would be so soon.
I'm betrothed.
I imagined my future husband would be some minor lord; maybe an old, uncomely man who'd only value me for the fact that I would bear him heirs.
I never thought my father would go to the capital and seek an audience with Emperor Valdon Duthriss himself. What unholy deal did he make with the emperor that I, a mere baron's daughter, would end up betrothed to that man?
The son.
Corvan Duthriss.
War hero. Commander. Fallen.
They say the war in the Northlands changed him. Alongside his armies, he fought dark magic in the mountains. And the magic itself transformed him. They say he's changed beyond recognition. That he refuses to show his face in the capital because he can no longer walk under the sun.
He's also the emperor's firstborn.
The once-heir to the Rahavan Empire.
And it's unheard of for a baron's daughter like me to marry into the powerful Duthriss family.
They're shipping me off before winter's end. To the cold, forbidding north. To the Cursed Archduke of Tyron.
I'll go. I have no choice. There's too much at stake.
I can only pray that Corvan Duthriss isn't as terrible as the rumors make him out to be.
I always knew the day would come. I just didn't think it would be so soon.
I'm betrothed.
I imagined my future husband would be some minor lord; maybe an old, uncomely man who'd only value me for the fact that I would bear him heirs.
I never thought my father would go to the capital and seek an audience with Emperor Valdon Duthriss himself. What unholy deal did he make with the emperor that I, a mere baron's daughter, would end up betrothed to that man?
The son.
Corvan Duthriss.
War hero. Commander. Fallen.
They say the war in the Northlands changed him. Alongside his armies, he fought dark magic in the mountains. And the magic itself transformed him. They say he's changed beyond recognition. That he refuses to show his face in the capital because he can no longer walk under the sun.
He's also the emperor's firstborn.
The once-heir to the Rahavan Empire.
And it's unheard of for a baron's daughter like me to marry into the powerful Duthriss family.
They're shipping me off before winter's end. To the cold, forbidding north. To the Cursed Archduke of Tyron.
I'll go. I have no choice. There's too much at stake.
I can only pray that Corvan Duthriss isn't as terrible as the rumors make him out to be.
496 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2023
2188 people are currently reading
9261 people want to read
About the author
Anna Carven
60 books1,254 followersAnna Carven is a daydreamer. So much so that she's decided to make a living from it.
She has a penchant for big bad alpha heroes who reserve their secret soft gooey centers only for their fated mates and treasured little ones.
To stay in touch and find out about future releases, you can find her on Facebook, or join the mailing list.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bQaHP5
She has a penchant for big bad alpha heroes who reserve their secret soft gooey centers only for their fated mates and treasured little ones.
To stay in touch and find out about future releases, you can find her on Facebook, or join the mailing list.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annacarvenau...
Mailing list: http://eepurl.com/bQaHP5
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 642 reviews
January 15, 2024
I think this could be really good - but unfortunately - the story seemed unfinished, and there was a little too much heavy petting and insta-love.
November 12, 2023
2.5 stars
The book started well, I liked Finley, I enjoyed her forced and eventful journey to meet Corvin, and then things went down hill.
I had many issues, mostly I struggled with believability, contradictions and the main characters. Corvin has 3 personas: Warrior/hunter who is unpleasantly arrogant, stiff and invincible. The leader who is a loner who understands and supports his men. The lover who reads like a hopelessly romantic female with no hint of alpha male, which is most disappointing.
The dual POV is frustratingly used to repeat what has happened in the last chapter making the book overly long and insultingly boring.
The romance left me cold, it’s over the top corny, lacks any build-up or tension and the spice is dull and formulaic. The mutual internal gushing about each other is difficult to wade through, it’s all tell not show which doesn’t engage the reader.
The book started well, I liked Finley, I enjoyed her forced and eventful journey to meet Corvin, and then things went down hill.
I had many issues, mostly I struggled with believability, contradictions and the main characters. Corvin has 3 personas: Warrior/hunter who is unpleasantly arrogant, stiff and invincible. The leader who is a loner who understands and supports his men. The lover who reads like a hopelessly romantic female with no hint of alpha male, which is most disappointing.
The dual POV is frustratingly used to repeat what has happened in the last chapter making the book overly long and insultingly boring.
The romance left me cold, it’s over the top corny, lacks any build-up or tension and the spice is dull and formulaic. The mutual internal gushing about each other is difficult to wade through, it’s all tell not show which doesn’t engage the reader.
August 2, 2024
It's hard to put into words why this standalone Fantasy Romance worked so well for me. There was just something that drew me to Finley and Corvan right away. They were very likable characters in their own right. Both have people they are trying to protect and both have father's who are maneuvering them without their consent.
When Finley gets sent North to marry the Emperor's son, Corvan Duthriss, she knows there's nothing she can do. This day was always going to come. She just didn't think her father would be so cruel to marry her off to the monster of the Northlands. Without so much as a by-your-leave, she finds herself sent out. Yet, on her trip to his castle, she encounters unspeakable horrors and now she is desperate to get to his gates and get aid.
Corvan, the Emperor's firstborn, yet no longer his heir, tries to live a peaceful life in his isolated castle. A war hero with secrets, he keeps to himself and looks after his people. He has no idea he's even betrothed until Finley is bursting into his life. He thought he was cursed to always be alone and how, this surprising woman is thrust into his life.
I loved how quickly they were honest with each other. Because there are lots of secrets their father's have kept from them and being a team is the only way they are going to survive. There's also something about Finley's blood that calls to Corvan. He's tried to keep his hunger under control, since we was turned into a vampire during the war. Things get awfully sexy as they start to figure it out.
The biggest reason I liked this book was the romance. As I mentioned, I love that they didn't hide anything from one another. They try to figure things out together and it makes them stronger when they do. There is also an instant connection and this is one of the few Romantasy I've read that isn't an Enemies to Lovers. It felt so refreshing.
Corvan is protective and obsessive without being controlling and too Alpha. He will be the perfect hero for those who like a softer yet still dominant man. He was amazing. Finley may start out pretty weak but as she learns who she is too, there are great moments of growth from her. They were wonderful partners.
Finally, though this is a standalone, the author has said there will be more in this world eventually. But you can read this and know there are no cliffhangers for Corvan and Finley.
A big part of what made this book so stunning for me was the narration. The audio book was narrated by Shane East and Lucy Rivers and they just brought it to life so well for me. I was sucked in so quickly and it was a great ride from there. I highly encourage you to experience it that way as well.
5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: blood sharing, neglect, parental abuse, kidnapping, torture
*I listened to an ALC provided by The Author Agency.*
When Finley gets sent North to marry the Emperor's son, Corvan Duthriss, she knows there's nothing she can do. This day was always going to come. She just didn't think her father would be so cruel to marry her off to the monster of the Northlands. Without so much as a by-your-leave, she finds herself sent out. Yet, on her trip to his castle, she encounters unspeakable horrors and now she is desperate to get to his gates and get aid.
Corvan, the Emperor's firstborn, yet no longer his heir, tries to live a peaceful life in his isolated castle. A war hero with secrets, he keeps to himself and looks after his people. He has no idea he's even betrothed until Finley is bursting into his life. He thought he was cursed to always be alone and how, this surprising woman is thrust into his life.
I loved how quickly they were honest with each other. Because there are lots of secrets their father's have kept from them and being a team is the only way they are going to survive. There's also something about Finley's blood that calls to Corvan. He's tried to keep his hunger under control, since we was turned into a vampire during the war. Things get awfully sexy as they start to figure it out.
The biggest reason I liked this book was the romance. As I mentioned, I love that they didn't hide anything from one another. They try to figure things out together and it makes them stronger when they do. There is also an instant connection and this is one of the few Romantasy I've read that isn't an Enemies to Lovers. It felt so refreshing.
Corvan is protective and obsessive without being controlling and too Alpha. He will be the perfect hero for those who like a softer yet still dominant man. He was amazing. Finley may start out pretty weak but as she learns who she is too, there are great moments of growth from her. They were wonderful partners.
Finally, though this is a standalone, the author has said there will be more in this world eventually. But you can read this and know there are no cliffhangers for Corvan and Finley.
A big part of what made this book so stunning for me was the narration. The audio book was narrated by Shane East and Lucy Rivers and they just brought it to life so well for me. I was sucked in so quickly and it was a great ride from there. I highly encourage you to experience it that way as well.
5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
CW: blood sharing, neglect, parental abuse, kidnapping, torture
*I listened to an ALC provided by The Author Agency.*
March 27, 2024
Every part of this was satisfying to me, from the fun worldbuilding where everything made sense to the adult conversations these two had with each other as they built trust.
I loved it. So much.
Even tho the stakes are pretty high, it was such a relaxing read. Nothing drawn out or too angsty while still keeping me engaged the whole way.
Except for their first meeting where he can't help himself, the consent was FABULOUS!
I'm too tired to do this book justice in my review... but I loved it.
I loved it. So much.
Even tho the stakes are pretty high, it was such a relaxing read. Nothing drawn out or too angsty while still keeping me engaged the whole way.
Except for their first meeting where he can't help himself, the consent was FABULOUS!
I'm too tired to do this book justice in my review... but I loved it.
February 5, 2024
Somewhere between a 2.5-3 stars
This was a mixed bag for me with a book that was too long but with interesting lore. Some of the world building was confusing to me though. The greater world had all sorts of magic and beings, which was nifty. Unfortunately the H and h’s kingdom rejected magic. Which doesn’t stop either of them from being greatly affected and changed by magic circumstances.
The H has become a vampire who lives in a remote fortress and the h’s father has arranged their betrothal with the H’s emperor father. The H is trying not to be a monster and the h is far more readily accepting of what’s going on than a lot of other women would be. There’s an instant connection between them and a sweetness to their romance. Not everyone in the kingdom wants them to be happy however. Attacks occur and these two aren’t just reacting to machinations from an unknown adversary, but also trying to work out a mystery related to their connection.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (H hadn’t been near a woman in a couple of years though since he was changed into a vampire; h had a few lovers).
This had a resilient h paired with an honorable H. They were likable enough and I liked them together. Their physical chemistry was also well written and of course, there are scenes of him drinking from her and them both becoming aroused by it. A few explicit scenes, all before they’re married. Even though the connection between them was insta, the interest in each other as individuals and the caring about the other seemed genuinely built. The H wants to spoil and protect the h and she wants to support him.
I had some issues besides the length though. Sometimes dialogue read very formally and others there was a more modern feel to what was being said. I felt that the writing did get repetitive and overly detailed at times. Some odd errors and uneven writing in general as well. I think if this was tightened up and shortened, the flow would have gone much better. I think the author intended for tension to build, world building to come to fruition, and realizations to simmer before being revealed, but I had a hard time focusing after the halfway mark.
Climax-wise, some major secrets come out and face offs happen. A buildup to the showdown with the villains fizzled out for me though when they were handled fairly easily. But there was a sense of retribution that occurs. A bit of ridiculousness also happened close to the end that others might feel differently about, but the H and h depended on each other and both end up safe. The epilogue was satisfying and sweet, with a slight jump ahead in time. My feelings are all over the place on this one and I wish I had liked it more. I think this author’s fantasy books just aren’t for me frankly and that’s ok! Others will probably find this more entertaining with a bit of a Beauty and the Beast vibe and with how popular vampires are so please don’t let my jumble of thoughts discourage you.
This was a mixed bag for me with a book that was too long but with interesting lore. Some of the world building was confusing to me though. The greater world had all sorts of magic and beings, which was nifty. Unfortunately the H and h’s kingdom rejected magic. Which doesn’t stop either of them from being greatly affected and changed by magic circumstances.
The H has become a vampire who lives in a remote fortress and the h’s father has arranged their betrothal with the H’s emperor father. The H is trying not to be a monster and the h is far more readily accepting of what’s going on than a lot of other women would be. There’s an instant connection between them and a sweetness to their romance. Not everyone in the kingdom wants them to be happy however. Attacks occur and these two aren’t just reacting to machinations from an unknown adversary, but also trying to work out a mystery related to their connection.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and neither were virgins (H hadn’t been near a woman in a couple of years though since he was changed into a vampire; h had a few lovers).
This had a resilient h paired with an honorable H. They were likable enough and I liked them together. Their physical chemistry was also well written and of course, there are scenes of him drinking from her and them both becoming aroused by it. A few explicit scenes, all before they’re married. Even though the connection between them was insta, the interest in each other as individuals and the caring about the other seemed genuinely built. The H wants to spoil and protect the h and she wants to support him.
I had some issues besides the length though. Sometimes dialogue read very formally and others there was a more modern feel to what was being said. I felt that the writing did get repetitive and overly detailed at times. Some odd errors and uneven writing in general as well. I think if this was tightened up and shortened, the flow would have gone much better. I think the author intended for tension to build, world building to come to fruition, and realizations to simmer before being revealed, but I had a hard time focusing after the halfway mark.
Climax-wise, some major secrets come out and face offs happen. A buildup to the showdown with the villains fizzled out for me though when they were handled fairly easily. But there was a sense of retribution that occurs. A bit of ridiculousness also happened close to the end that others might feel differently about, but the H and h depended on each other and both end up safe. The epilogue was satisfying and sweet, with a slight jump ahead in time. My feelings are all over the place on this one and I wish I had liked it more. I think this author’s fantasy books just aren’t for me frankly and that’s ok! Others will probably find this more entertaining with a bit of a Beauty and the Beast vibe and with how popular vampires are so please don’t let my jumble of thoughts discourage you.
November 16, 2023
Unfortunately, this book just wasn’t good to me. The writing was fine, the plot was okay, I just really didn’t enjoy the way this book played out.
Also, the mmc’s weren’t my favorite. Neither of them inspired any emotion from me.
Also, the mmc’s weren’t my favorite. Neither of them inspired any emotion from me.
August 23, 2024
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review. Also my tags may have spoilers in them so be forewarned before checking out full review.
Book Evaluation:
Plot: 🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️🎞️
World Building:🌎🌎🌎🌎
Cover:📔📔📔📔
Hero: 🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻🦸🏻
Heroine:🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️🦸🏻♀️
Intimacy Level: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Relationship Building: 💒💒💒💒
Heart & Feels:💞💞💞💞
Witty/Banter/Reaction of Laughter: 😂😂😂
Page Turner Level:📖📖📖📖
Ending:🧧🧧🧧🧧🧧
Overall View: ✨✨✨✨
First Impressions
Embers in the Snow was a really fun fantasy romance. Its been a while since I have read a good fantasy, and while this wasn't perfect, it was solid, plot well done and had some unique elements to it that really made it work. The trope of the story is what really had me going for this book because it had one of my favorite tropes in it. I was really drawn into so many aspects of this story. The world building was highly unique and I loved the whole vampire/naturistic witch pairing that we have that ended up being fated mates ironically.
First Line
Something must be afoot, because I've been summoned.
The Main Protagonists
The Hero: Corvan Duthriss
The Heroine: Finley
What I Loved
Embers in the Snow had a beginning that really set the tone of the story. I found the character growth to be beyond captivating. The way that Corvan and Finley connect from the beginning was intriguing and you can sense their bond very quickly. They both embrace what they feel for each other and don't fight it too hard. The focus of consent is pretty highly focused. What brings these two together was endearing but what really did it for me is seeing what they become in the second half of the story. There is a strong sense of team work in this one and you really get the impression that they will fight for each other no matter what it takes. The connection with the heroine being a forest like witch was beyond fascinating. We see all the development in her character in discovering her heritage and its really beautiful how the hero stands by her through it all and only encourages her to embrace that side of herself. I absolutely adored how protective the hero was for Finley, but also was her true companion and the moments between Corvan and Finley's mother was pretty awesome. I love how she saw the goodness in Corvan, even though he saw only the monster inside him.
What I Struggled With
There were a few things that I had a hard time with this one. The first is being the length of this book. It really isn't the type of fantasy that needed to be longer than 300-400 pages. It felt too dragged out in moments. There was also too many modernisms in this one. For a fantasy, some of the modern dialogue only showed how immature the world building is for a fantasy. It felt like the author was writing some type of futuristic contemporary instead of an actual epic fantasy romance world. Also the clothing described in the story is not what you would expect for a high fantasy world in any way. There were some aspects that just didn't fit with the world the author crafted and it ended up being more confusing and detracting the enjoyment of the story.
Overall View
Embers in the Snow was a enjoyable fascinating romance that brought some wonderful elements of a arranged marriage trope to blend in beautiful with a fantasy world. Eager to see what else this author has crafted.
Favorite Quote(s)
He takes from me. He takes, and brings the wild magic in me to heel. The branches and vines slowly unfurl, releasing me, but I don’t fall. I’m in his arms. And he’s kissing me, holding me. Knowing me. I let go, but I don’t fall.
Book Details (also in my shelves)
Sub Genre: Epic Fantasy Romance
Character Types: Witch Heroine, Vampire Hero, Alpha Male
Themes: Beauty and Beast retelling, Modern Sensibilities, Magical, Heart/Emotional Touching
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Arranged Marriage
Book Perspective
Duo POV
Relationship Conflict vs Plot Conflict
Plot Conflict
If you like these authors, I recommend This Book
Lola Glass
Laura Thalassa
Zoey Draven
Steam/Spice Explanations
Steamin' up the room -the sexual content is more explicit in the language and tone, heavier amount of sexual scenes.
January 10, 2025
Embers in the Snow is a fantasy romance that was on my TBR for a while, so when I saw my library had the audiobook I had to jump in! I ended up really enjoying this one, I’m always down for vampires and this was a fun setup.
Finley is a baron’s daughter and the story starts off with her father going to the Emperor to betroth her to the Emperor’s firstborn son, who was once an heir to the kingdom. Finely is not looking forward to being sent off to live with the monster that people say Corvan has turned into…
Corvan is a war hero, a commander, a crown prince, former heir to the kingdom, who is now living in the outskirts who was changed by magic. Rumors and gossip swirl about his appearance, what he eats (supposedly the blood of his victims 👀), and all things about his “monstrous appearance and habits” nowadays.
This was a fun one! I liked the setup and the characters. He’s instantly pulled towards her, we get protective vibes, possessive vibes, blood play, kingdom happenings, etc. The first half I enjoyed the most and towards the end it did start to lose my interest, but overall a great time and I would check out more from this author.
Finley is a baron’s daughter and the story starts off with her father going to the Emperor to betroth her to the Emperor’s firstborn son, who was once an heir to the kingdom. Finely is not looking forward to being sent off to live with the monster that people say Corvan has turned into…
Corvan is a war hero, a commander, a crown prince, former heir to the kingdom, who is now living in the outskirts who was changed by magic. Rumors and gossip swirl about his appearance, what he eats (supposedly the blood of his victims 👀), and all things about his “monstrous appearance and habits” nowadays.
This was a fun one! I liked the setup and the characters. He’s instantly pulled towards her, we get protective vibes, possessive vibes, blood play, kingdom happenings, etc. The first half I enjoyed the most and towards the end it did start to lose my interest, but overall a great time and I would check out more from this author.
November 2, 2023
The characters and world building are excellent. I want to come back and see the other characters fall in love, like Kaither. The love was sweet. The spice was 3 out of 5.
But here are my gripes. First, the overuse of the word quietly was noticeable. Everyone said things quietly.
A huge chunk of the book is the two leads thinking about things. Thinking and pondering and wondering the same things over and over.
For Finley, it was “I am not in control of my life” and then “I’m going to take control of my life” and then “I’m not in control of anything.” And of course how much Corvan makes her tingle in her special places.
For Corvan, it’s all about how amazing Finley is and how he wants her so bad!
It made the book much longer than it had to be.
But here are my gripes. First, the overuse of the word quietly was noticeable. Everyone said things quietly.
A huge chunk of the book is the two leads thinking about things. Thinking and pondering and wondering the same things over and over.
For Finley, it was “I am not in control of my life” and then “I’m going to take control of my life” and then “I’m not in control of anything.” And of course how much Corvan makes her tingle in her special places.
For Corvan, it’s all about how amazing Finley is and how he wants her so bad!
It made the book much longer than it had to be.
December 13, 2023
DNF
It was tedious for me. Very repetitive- especially the inner dialogue. I don’t DNF often- but this couldn’t hold my attention.
It was tedious for me. Very repetitive- especially the inner dialogue. I don’t DNF often- but this couldn’t hold my attention.
November 20, 2023
It was okay. I stopped reading at 65%. It was too much like many other things that I've already read and I got bored. There were some things that I found funny, but they didn't fit well in the larger context of the book. Other things didn't seem to fit into the world. Corvan pulled out some gold rimmed sun glasses and I thought, "Oh, is this supposed to be steampunk?" But the rest of the book seems like a fantasy with a medieval based setting. I liked that Corvan was a sweet character overall. Parts of the book could use a little bit of editing for clarity, content, and basic copy editing. There was nothing too horrible about the individual pieces of the book, they just didn't fit together all of the time.
did-not-finish
April 24, 202567%:
"Overwhelmed by his simple logic and overall sexiness." What is about the word "sexy" that is very much not sexy? I am at the point that little things are irritating me, I think it is time to DNF. It is very much a me-problem, most folks will likely adore this book. But my overall reading enjoyment in recent weeks has been very low and I need to be careful in what I read so that I don't stop reading entirely.
55%:
Struggling with this one, tempted to DNF. I am struggling with some of the timing of events.
Also, there is a lot of repetition of internal monologues, and at 55%, I do not feel like investing the same amount that has already been invested.
"Overwhelmed by his simple logic and overall sexiness." What is about the word "sexy" that is very much not sexy? I am at the point that little things are irritating me, I think it is time to DNF. It is very much a me-problem, most folks will likely adore this book. But my overall reading enjoyment in recent weeks has been very low and I need to be careful in what I read so that I don't stop reading entirely.
55%:
Struggling with this one, tempted to DNF. I am struggling with some of the timing of events.
Also, there is a lot of repetition of internal monologues, and at 55%, I do not feel like investing the same amount that has already been invested.
October 24, 2024
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I can’t say I super loved this one but it had a lot of elements I DO love. And there wasn’t anything that really put me off...maybe just my mood?)
Readability: 📖📖📖 (This one just felt long and bit too...meandering to me. Maybe I wanted the mains together more and I struggled with wanting to keep reading it)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (I didn’t really feel a lot of tension, there’s a bit of instalust going on here, and it’s relatively low angst between the mains and lessened the tension for me too)
Romance: 💞💞💞💞 (I did think there was a lot of romantic and sweet things and thoughts in this one!)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I maybe could give 4...the intimate scenes were fine...maybe it was just my disconnect with the book in general that made me not connect as well with these scenes)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (I didn’t take great notes here – but there should be at least 3 scenes if not more….take this as a minimum)
Humor: A bit
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Sorry I didn’t note this...it takes a bit – there’s the introduction to the heroine and her life and she travels to the land of the hero and has some encounters before they meet...it’s maybe a chapter or two, not too long.
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to the audiobook from my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I need to start noting this in some other way because I actually have no recollection how I came across this book or thought to add it to my spooky TBR for October lol. But here it is!
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Carven’s Empire of Forbidden Magic series (but I also only see a book 1, so no sure if there will be more?)
Basic plot:
Finley is devastated when she’s betrothed against her will to the fallen former heir to the Rahaven Empire.
Give this a try if you want:
- fantasy romance
- vampire hero
- magic and a bit of mystery
- lower relationship angst and a bit of instalust
- very protective hero
- opposites attract
- medium steam – I didn’t note the specific scenes, but there’s at least 3 or 4
Ages:
- didn’t catch them
First line: (Taken from audio, might be butchered)
Something must be afoot, because I’ve been summoned
My thoughts:
I’m not sure what happened to me with this one that I didn’t LOVE it! I loved the idea of it. I did like both characters a lot! There wasn’t anything in the plot that I despised...maybe I’m just a bit grumpy though because I ended up wanting to just finish this one and move onto something else.
It has a lot to love about it! But it’s a bit long (to me) and I was ready for it to be over a few times before it was actually over. The mains spend quite a bit of time apart and there’s a lot of reflecting in their heads individually. When they are together, they burn for each other immediately it made for a lower tension read with no a lot of relationship angst. And it was focused a lot on the plot and not as much on the relationship. I just like those simple romances hahaha. So none of this is to say the book was bad in any way. I liked a lot about it and I think in a different reading mood I would have liked it more. But it was just okay to me, and I was a bit more bored in parts and happy to move onto something else at the end.
I did love how protective the hero is and I loved the heroine coming into her own after her abuse in her family. That was really satisfying seeing the heroine grow into her own powers.
Some random hero notes
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 1
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: This is my first by this author
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I can’t say I super loved this one but it had a lot of elements I DO love. And there wasn’t anything that really put me off...maybe just my mood?)
Readability: 📖📖📖 (This one just felt long and bit too...meandering to me. Maybe I wanted the mains together more and I struggled with wanting to keep reading it)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡ (I didn’t really feel a lot of tension, there’s a bit of instalust going on here, and it’s relatively low angst between the mains and lessened the tension for me too)
Romance: 💞💞💞💞 (I did think there was a lot of romantic and sweet things and thoughts in this one!)
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (I maybe could give 4...the intimate scenes were fine...maybe it was just my disconnect with the book in general that made me not connect as well with these scenes)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥 (I didn’t take great notes here – but there should be at least 3 scenes if not more….take this as a minimum)
Humor: A bit
Perspective: first person from both hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? plot
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Sorry I didn’t note this...it takes a bit – there’s the introduction to the heroine and her life and she travels to the land of the hero and has some encounters before they meet...it’s maybe a chapter or two, not too long.
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes
Format: listened to the audiobook from my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I need to start noting this in some other way because I actually have no recollection how I came across this book or thought to add it to my spooky TBR for October lol. But here it is!
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is the first in Carven’s Empire of Forbidden Magic series (but I also only see a book 1, so no sure if there will be more?)
Basic plot:
Finley is devastated when she’s betrothed against her will to the fallen former heir to the Rahaven Empire.
Give this a try if you want:
- fantasy romance
- vampire hero
- magic and a bit of mystery
- lower relationship angst and a bit of instalust
- very protective hero
- opposites attract
- medium steam – I didn’t note the specific scenes, but there’s at least 3 or 4
Ages:
- didn’t catch them
First line: (Taken from audio, might be butchered)
Something must be afoot, because I’ve been summoned
My thoughts:
I’m not sure what happened to me with this one that I didn’t LOVE it! I loved the idea of it. I did like both characters a lot! There wasn’t anything in the plot that I despised...maybe I’m just a bit grumpy though because I ended up wanting to just finish this one and move onto something else.
It has a lot to love about it! But it’s a bit long (to me) and I was ready for it to be over a few times before it was actually over. The mains spend quite a bit of time apart and there’s a lot of reflecting in their heads individually. When they are together, they burn for each other immediately it made for a lower tension read with no a lot of relationship angst. And it was focused a lot on the plot and not as much on the relationship. I just like those simple romances hahaha. So none of this is to say the book was bad in any way. I liked a lot about it and I think in a different reading mood I would have liked it more. But it was just okay to me, and I was a bit more bored in parts and happy to move onto something else at the end.
I did love how protective the hero is and I loved the heroine coming into her own after her abuse in her family. That was really satisfying seeing the heroine grow into her own powers.
Some random hero notes
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 1
Average rating: 4 stars
Favorite book: This is my first by this author
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
dnf
October 3, 2024DNF @ page 4 - I downloaded because it was rec’d as a v-card h - she’s not…. Then I read the reviews about instalove and beta hero. 🙄
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2024
3.5
Let me begin by saying the world and the plot were perfect. I love the take on vampires. The reason this book fell short of a four for me was due to repetitive dialogue both internally and externally. I also felt the brothers were a afterthought. I think there should have been more depth to all the supporting characters. Also the ending was anticlimactic. After saying all this, I think this author has potential to write something great. I looked forward to more of her books, and hopefully this world.
Let me begin by saying the world and the plot were perfect. I love the take on vampires. The reason this book fell short of a four for me was due to repetitive dialogue both internally and externally. I also felt the brothers were a afterthought. I think there should have been more depth to all the supporting characters. Also the ending was anticlimactic. After saying all this, I think this author has potential to write something great. I looked forward to more of her books, and hopefully this world.
January 16, 2025
3.5 Stars
April 19, 2025
This was a hard one to figure out a rating for…
The lore was super interesting and really fun to read about but I will say I wish the world building was explained a bit more.
This was definitely a classic romantasy book with more romance than anything else. The characters were pretty fun and I also really liked the side characters as well! I think what brought it down to a 3 star is the fact that the dialogue started to feel really repetitive and everything just kind of was super rushed towards the end. This author definitely has potential for a great book though! I will definitely read more from her!
The lore was super interesting and really fun to read about but I will say I wish the world building was explained a bit more.
This was definitely a classic romantasy book with more romance than anything else. The characters were pretty fun and I also really liked the side characters as well! I think what brought it down to a 3 star is the fact that the dialogue started to feel really repetitive and everything just kind of was super rushed towards the end. This author definitely has potential for a great book though! I will definitely read more from her!
November 7, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much !!! Looking forward to the next book !!!
This story was action packed , and full of wonder !!
In a land far , far away , all kinds of magical creatures exist . But the current emperor had forbidden any use of or any research of magic at all in his kingdom . Absolutely None !!
When we meet Finley, she is the daughter of a lesser baron of the land . Her father has no use for a girl. And so, he dotes on his sons from his 2nd marraige. Finley loves her brothers, and they love their big sister . They have taught her all that their tutors and instructor have taught them . And she finds other things to do besides learning how to be a proper ," lady " . She knows that one day , her father might marry her off .
That day is today !!!
Not only has he practically ignored her all of her life, but he is not very kind to her . She finds that her father the baron, is sending her to the most inhospitable land to the North . Where the prince, the arch duke has made his after the war. Rumor has it that the war has somehow changed him . But no one has seen him in years , and This is where Finley is supposed to go !!!! And he baron has threatened her with her love for her brothers . So she finds herself gone .
Except the trip is even worse them she could have imagined !!!
The arch duke , Corven, had been sequestered at Tyron the northern most territory since his change. His father is aware that he no longer desires the throne, but the emperor does not hear what he doesn't want to hear. But Corven will not be swayed.
On this particular morning, he comes across a very interesting site. A young woman is riding an old horse on the main road . And once he gets a whiff of her , he knows that he Must have her !!
These two are absolutely magical in this story as they unravel the many questions set before them, and must decide what happens next . For both of them . Plenty of old world sword action , and mysteries kept me on the edge of my seat , and excited for the next book !!!!
I Always enjoy these types of books !!!!
This story was action packed , and full of wonder !!
In a land far , far away , all kinds of magical creatures exist . But the current emperor had forbidden any use of or any research of magic at all in his kingdom . Absolutely None !!
When we meet Finley, she is the daughter of a lesser baron of the land . Her father has no use for a girl. And so, he dotes on his sons from his 2nd marraige. Finley loves her brothers, and they love their big sister . They have taught her all that their tutors and instructor have taught them . And she finds other things to do besides learning how to be a proper ," lady " . She knows that one day , her father might marry her off .
That day is today !!!
Not only has he practically ignored her all of her life, but he is not very kind to her . She finds that her father the baron, is sending her to the most inhospitable land to the North . Where the prince, the arch duke has made his after the war. Rumor has it that the war has somehow changed him . But no one has seen him in years , and This is where Finley is supposed to go !!!! And he baron has threatened her with her love for her brothers . So she finds herself gone .
Except the trip is even worse them she could have imagined !!!
The arch duke , Corven, had been sequestered at Tyron the northern most territory since his change. His father is aware that he no longer desires the throne, but the emperor does not hear what he doesn't want to hear. But Corven will not be swayed.
On this particular morning, he comes across a very interesting site. A young woman is riding an old horse on the main road . And once he gets a whiff of her , he knows that he Must have her !!
These two are absolutely magical in this story as they unravel the many questions set before them, and must decide what happens next . For both of them . Plenty of old world sword action , and mysteries kept me on the edge of my seat , and excited for the next book !!!!
I Always enjoy these types of books !!!!
December 12, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐️ Embers in the Snow is a gorgeously written romantasy. Finley and Corvan were drawn to each other at their first meeting on the road when she was going to meet him unbeknownst to him. They are soulmates, perfectly balancing each other’s light and dark. Both are equally strong characters who need each other, but also can fight on their own. The romance is well paced with the plot. The characters are well developed, fallible but also powerful. Corvan is a possessive/protective vampire hero who isn’t an asshole. Finley is a strong character, but she didn’t start out that way. As the plot developed, so did Finley from a mortal girl to a powerful and empathetic woman. The story caught my attention quickly and kept it!
August 6, 2024
Bravo! May I have another please. 🙏🏻
This book was hot and steamy with a few scorching spice scenes. I loved the narrators. Their accents were on point and the deep Timber of Shane West’s voice was perfect. The story they told was beyond entertaining. Corvan was just 🤌🏻
Anna spun a story with plenty of twists and lots of action that all happened at a very fast and natural pace. This book is labeled as the first of the series but I’m not sure where it’s going to go from here because it was all brilliantly told and succinctly finished. I would be really interested in seeing some of the side characters take center stage though.
Vampire Romantasy | PNR | Epic Fantasy:
🔥Antihero
🔥Forced Marriage
🔥Vampires
🔥Royal Politics
🔥Different worlds
🔥Tortured Hero
🔥Fated Mates
🔥Secrets
🔥Forbidden Magic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters 💙💙💙💙💙
Audio & Narrators: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
First Person, Past Tense, Dual POV
This book was hot and steamy with a few scorching spice scenes. I loved the narrators. Their accents were on point and the deep Timber of Shane West’s voice was perfect. The story they told was beyond entertaining. Corvan was just 🤌🏻
Anna spun a story with plenty of twists and lots of action that all happened at a very fast and natural pace. This book is labeled as the first of the series but I’m not sure where it’s going to go from here because it was all brilliantly told and succinctly finished. I would be really interested in seeing some of the side characters take center stage though.
Vampire Romantasy | PNR | Epic Fantasy:
🔥Antihero
🔥Forced Marriage
🔥Vampires
🔥Royal Politics
🔥Different worlds
🔥Tortured Hero
🔥Fated Mates
🔥Secrets
🔥Forbidden Magic
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Characters 💙💙💙💙💙
Audio & Narrators: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️
First Person, Past Tense, Dual POV
December 5, 2023
En realidad es un 4.5
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I'm in a very (seriously, very) bad reading slump, so I usually dnf more books than complete them, or my readings are just ok, nothing special; then, this story caught my attention and I couldn't put the book down, it was so good, I really needed this reading.
The plot was absorbing, I loved Finley and Corvan individually and as a couple, their romance was great and so wholesome. I highly recommend it.
Extra points because finally I read a good book about vampires and it had dual POV.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I'm in a very (seriously, very) bad reading slump, so I usually dnf more books than complete them, or my readings are just ok, nothing special; then, this story caught my attention and I couldn't put the book down, it was so good, I really needed this reading.
The plot was absorbing, I loved Finley and Corvan individually and as a couple, their romance was great and so wholesome. I highly recommend it.
Extra points because finally I read a good book about vampires and it had dual POV.
July 30, 2024
This audio was sexy and delicious. I love this audiobook so much. I love the story and these characters that chemistry wow wow you got vampires and so much goodness. It’s hard to write a review when a book. It’s just this good Shane East and Lucy rivers were just amazing with this story. The performance was spectacular!!! You get immersed into the story. Feels like you are a part of it just wow must read definitely my favorite book so far loved it.
February 6, 2024
Ugh..where to begin..
This book was not what I was expecting. The cover is great and that's about where the greatness ends.
It started out ok. But quickly turned bad fast.
Poor abused girl gets sold off into marriage to a noble she doesn't know. But she is willing not to put up a fight so her younger brothers can achieve the life they deserve. Sooo self-sacrificing...
She gets attacked on her journey to her new hubby, and then is rescued by her wayward brothers who came after her to save her from a horrible marriage. One brother is injured and Finley races off on a horse for help, when suddenly her new hubby senses her from far away(he's a vampire folks) and comes and attacks her, almost sucking her dry. She then, in all her normalness*eye roll* because, of course, fair ladies are totally ok with being attacked and can maintain their composure when a "demon," as she refers to him, attacks her and sucks her blood. She's just like whatever*shoulder shrug* my bro back there needs help. KK, great!
Bro gets some help; then big ole' bad daddy shows up at the gates demanding an audience with his Highness hubby because his sons ran off. He ends up hitting Finley across the face, and Hubby gets all mad and throws Daddy into the dungeon.
He promises not to kill Daddy because poor, abused Finley doesn't want him dead. But hubby finds out from daddy that Finley has Dryad blood in her, which apparently is having some super cool effects on him. Like he can go out in the sun with out covering up, etc.
And then, despite having minimal contact with each other. There are hardly any conversations between them whatsoever. And just because Hubby is super hot *swoon* and has an 8 pack *pukes*, Finley decided why should I wait for marriage, because spring time is just too far away. And even though I don't want hubby to drink my blood whenever he wants, I just want to go ahead and fuck him. And the one sex scene I read. ugh. It was boring and basic and had no heat whatsoever. And why was that you ask? BECAUSE THE CHARACTERS LACK ANY SORT OF DEPTH OR PERSONALITY!!!
i dnf'd this book shortly after their ridiculous and un-feeling bout of sexual release. they were off on a trek north into the mountains to seek out some village. I just didn't care anymore. Not that I cared up to this point anyways.
This book was boring, and the characters had no personality, and from other reviews I read I missed nothing by stopping early.
This book was not what I was expecting. The cover is great and that's about where the greatness ends.
It started out ok. But quickly turned bad fast.
Poor abused girl gets sold off into marriage to a noble she doesn't know. But she is willing not to put up a fight so her younger brothers can achieve the life they deserve. Sooo self-sacrificing...
She gets attacked on her journey to her new hubby, and then is rescued by her wayward brothers who came after her to save her from a horrible marriage. One brother is injured and Finley races off on a horse for help, when suddenly her new hubby senses her from far away(he's a vampire folks) and comes and attacks her, almost sucking her dry. She then, in all her normalness*eye roll* because, of course, fair ladies are totally ok with being attacked and can maintain their composure when a "demon," as she refers to him, attacks her and sucks her blood. She's just like whatever*shoulder shrug* my bro back there needs help. KK, great!
Bro gets some help; then big ole' bad daddy shows up at the gates demanding an audience with his Highness hubby because his sons ran off. He ends up hitting Finley across the face, and Hubby gets all mad and throws Daddy into the dungeon.
He promises not to kill Daddy because poor, abused Finley doesn't want him dead. But hubby finds out from daddy that Finley has Dryad blood in her, which apparently is having some super cool effects on him. Like he can go out in the sun with out covering up, etc.
And then, despite having minimal contact with each other. There are hardly any conversations between them whatsoever. And just because Hubby is super hot *swoon* and has an 8 pack *pukes*, Finley decided why should I wait for marriage, because spring time is just too far away. And even though I don't want hubby to drink my blood whenever he wants, I just want to go ahead and fuck him. And the one sex scene I read. ugh. It was boring and basic and had no heat whatsoever. And why was that you ask? BECAUSE THE CHARACTERS LACK ANY SORT OF DEPTH OR PERSONALITY!!!
i dnf'd this book shortly after their ridiculous and un-feeling bout of sexual release. they were off on a trek north into the mountains to seek out some village. I just didn't care anymore. Not that I cared up to this point anyways.
This book was boring, and the characters had no personality, and from other reviews I read I missed nothing by stopping early.
December 19, 2023
2.5⭐️ 1.5 🌶️ Holy Inner Monologue Batman
This wasn’t a bad book, BUT...
If you don’t like endlessly repetitive inner monologues this isn’t the book for you. I swear if I read about what Finley smelled like one more time I was gonna throw my Kindle across the room. I take it as a personal offense when the author believes that I have to be told 30 different times the same exact character flaw, trait, feeling etc. I got it the first time, dude. There was an entire chapter where the MMC was traveling, and despite the fact that the author already explained in excruciating detail on multiple occasions the unique method by which this character travels, she felt the need to spend another 4 paragraphs describing it again, and then another 9 pages in the same chapter inner monologuing the SAME thoughts he’d already thunk so so so many times before. Gah!
To be honest I almost DNFd this book at 60%. I stuck it out but only because I skimmed past all the monologues after that.
The plot was decent but there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary plot points… like the Lycans. They could have been removed entirely from the story and it wouldn’t have made a difference.
The big scary bad guy Ansar was way too easily defeated. Big let down. A couple of slaps to the face he folded like a cheap lawn chair. It was wildly underwhelming.
The romance was 100% instalove.. which is my least favorite trope. The spice was mid. I’m not saying it was bad, but mushy Hallmark movies have more tension in them than this. It just wasn’t for me.
There were also a couple parts of the magic system that I just found to be weird. Like the fact that she kept getting herself stuck to trees, or the ground… it was a strange plot choice. Maybe it was meant to be funny and endearing but it felt more awkward than anything. And the jumping thing… it was very Twilight “hang on spider monkey”. I don’t it would have bothered me as much if, again, it wasn’t described in such painful detail so often.
I kind of wished I’d DNFd it because it was overall a let down to me esp after reading all the great reviews.
This wasn’t a bad book, BUT...
If you don’t like endlessly repetitive inner monologues this isn’t the book for you. I swear if I read about what Finley smelled like one more time I was gonna throw my Kindle across the room. I take it as a personal offense when the author believes that I have to be told 30 different times the same exact character flaw, trait, feeling etc. I got it the first time, dude. There was an entire chapter where the MMC was traveling, and despite the fact that the author already explained in excruciating detail on multiple occasions the unique method by which this character travels, she felt the need to spend another 4 paragraphs describing it again, and then another 9 pages in the same chapter inner monologuing the SAME thoughts he’d already thunk so so so many times before. Gah!
To be honest I almost DNFd this book at 60%. I stuck it out but only because I skimmed past all the monologues after that.
The plot was decent but there seemed to be a lot of unnecessary plot points… like the Lycans. They could have been removed entirely from the story and it wouldn’t have made a difference.
The big scary bad guy Ansar was way too easily defeated. Big let down. A couple of slaps to the face he folded like a cheap lawn chair. It was wildly underwhelming.
The romance was 100% instalove.. which is my least favorite trope. The spice was mid. I’m not saying it was bad, but mushy Hallmark movies have more tension in them than this. It just wasn’t for me.
There were also a couple parts of the magic system that I just found to be weird. Like the fact that she kept getting herself stuck to trees, or the ground… it was a strange plot choice. Maybe it was meant to be funny and endearing but it felt more awkward than anything. And the jumping thing… it was very Twilight “hang on spider monkey”. I don’t it would have bothered me as much if, again, it wasn’t described in such painful detail so often.
I kind of wished I’d DNFd it because it was overall a let down to me esp after reading all the great reviews.
November 23, 2023
Gah!
I really wanted to like this book, and I tried. I really did. First, the writing style is a bit off for me. Each line is a new sentence, each sentence is only a few words long. It’s disconcerting. Like the characters can only think in short, concentrated sentences. If this book is an audiobook, William Shatner better be the narrator. Second, the MMC literally begs the FMC for her blood and then they have conversations that go like
“Did I do good?”
”Yes, you did very good, my dear.”
“Yay!”
It was very childish. He literally asks her for blood after promising her he won’t then asks her “why not?” And rinse and repeat.
I gave up half way through
I really wanted to like this book, and I tried. I really did. First, the writing style is a bit off for me. Each line is a new sentence, each sentence is only a few words long. It’s disconcerting. Like the characters can only think in short, concentrated sentences. If this book is an audiobook, William Shatner better be the narrator. Second, the MMC literally begs the FMC for her blood and then they have conversations that go like
“Did I do good?”
”Yes, you did very good, my dear.”
“Yay!”
It was very childish. He literally asks her for blood after promising her he won’t then asks her “why not?” And rinse and repeat.
I gave up half way through
November 3, 2023
4.5
What a wonderful love story and/or fairy tale. Reading it brought such pleasure to me. And I cannot tell you all how delighted I am to have read a complete book that had a wonderful ending. Too many authors think stretching out their stories over many short volumes is a sign of a great author. Not so. Let me introduce you to Anna Carven who knows how to write a genuine story in one volume.
What a wonderful love story and/or fairy tale. Reading it brought such pleasure to me. And I cannot tell you all how delighted I am to have read a complete book that had a wonderful ending. Too many authors think stretching out their stories over many short volumes is a sign of a great author. Not so. Let me introduce you to Anna Carven who knows how to write a genuine story in one volume.
December 29, 2024
This is between a two and three-star rating. I really don’t have any feelings towards the book. Was it entertaining? Sometimes. Did I get bored? Pretty much. The couple got together way too soon for my liking, so I think that’s why I feel like it was just a ‘meh’ read. I think the first half was a lot stronger than the second half because again, the couple wasn’t together, and that back-and-forth tension is usually what keeps me hooked.
I did like the whole vampire craving her blood like nobody else ordeal. It gave Twilight and I am always on board for that. I just think it could have been a lot stronger by holding off the couple getting together while still providing angsty interactions. I found the world to be interesting though, and the undead army was something that I was into.
I guess it just didn’t go anywhere that held any significance. This doesn’t hold a candle to SJM or Kerri Maniscalco’s romantasy for me, but it was still enjoyable enough to finish. I did consider DNF’ing a couple of times but once I passed the 60ish % mark, I felt like I was in too deep and committed to finishing.
I did like the whole vampire craving her blood like nobody else ordeal. It gave Twilight and I am always on board for that. I just think it could have been a lot stronger by holding off the couple getting together while still providing angsty interactions. I found the world to be interesting though, and the undead army was something that I was into.
I guess it just didn’t go anywhere that held any significance. This doesn’t hold a candle to SJM or Kerri Maniscalco’s romantasy for me, but it was still enjoyable enough to finish. I did consider DNF’ing a couple of times but once I passed the 60ish % mark, I felt like I was in too deep and committed to finishing.
August 8, 2024
I did an ALC review for this book and I have to say Lucy and Aiden saved this book. The narration of it is amazing and I couldn’t get enough.
Otherwise I felt like there were just too many issues. The FMC felt too much like a consistent damsel in distress and the only times she was actually able to save herself was by accident. Even by the end of the book I felt she still hadn’t grown much in that sense.
The MMC is supposed to be this badass, and he totally is but also he’s almost too nice considering.
We don’t even meet the villain until the last 10% and even then it’s all rushed and it seemed like the author just wanted to wrap it up and finish the story.
Overall a wonderful concept and idea, but I felt it could have almost been longer to give more answers and stuff.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Otherwise I felt like there were just too many issues. The FMC felt too much like a consistent damsel in distress and the only times she was actually able to save herself was by accident. Even by the end of the book I felt she still hadn’t grown much in that sense.
The MMC is supposed to be this badass, and he totally is but also he’s almost too nice considering.
We don’t even meet the villain until the last 10% and even then it’s all rushed and it seemed like the author just wanted to wrap it up and finish the story.
Overall a wonderful concept and idea, but I felt it could have almost been longer to give more answers and stuff.
Overall
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 4, 2025
While I did enjoy the plot and the world building, I felt like the story ended up rushed. Some things seemed to just be forgotten about and some things were really repeatitive. The magic system was interesting but parts of it were mentioned but nothing really came of it like it could have just been left out and not really change anything. Maybe this would have done better as a duology.
"I don’t think I quite have the appetite for Iacovan Quaternian Physics anymore,” he mutters. “Maybe some good old-fashioned smut will cheer me up."
-Arranged Marriage
-Fated Mates
-Touch Her and Die
"I don’t think I quite have the appetite for Iacovan Quaternian Physics anymore,” he mutters. “Maybe some good old-fashioned smut will cheer me up."
-Arranged Marriage
-Fated Mates
-Touch Her and Die
July 27, 2024
Loved it 😭🥹 ugh this story was absolutely great!
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