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The Whispering Sea Duet #2
Hymn of Breath and Bone
Their love will either unite their peoples or tear them apart forever.
Marina is willing to play the part of Caspian’s mate and betrothed, both to give her time to learn the history of the siren people and because of her true feelings for the Siren King.
A truth that Caspian doesn’t yet know. Or so she thinks.
But Caspian knows that they will both have to face their feelings to end the centuries-long feud that tore apart their people, and he will do whatever it takes to force fate to let them be together.
Hymn of Breath and Bone is the stunning conclusion to the Whispering Sea Duet, and enemies to lovers romantasy featuring sirens, selkies, and spicy romance.
Marina is willing to play the part of Caspian’s mate and betrothed, both to give her time to learn the history of the siren people and because of her true feelings for the Siren King.
A truth that Caspian doesn’t yet know. Or so she thinks.
But Caspian knows that they will both have to face their feelings to end the centuries-long feud that tore apart their people, and he will do whatever it takes to force fate to let them be together.
Hymn of Breath and Bone is the stunning conclusion to the Whispering Sea Duet, and enemies to lovers romantasy featuring sirens, selkies, and spicy romance.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2024
49 people are currently reading
876 people want to read
About the author
Madeleine Eliot
19 books510 followersMadeleine Eliot loves to read and write spicy romantasy with all of the best tropes. Dubbed the “Queen of Cozy” by her readers, Madeleine enjoys writing romantasy that is all vibes and spice, with a dash of adventure and world-building. She is always working on her next book, which is probably another spicy romantasy. Follow her adventures and latest works at instagram.com/madeleineeliotwrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 5, 2024
Ballad of Sea and Sky must be read first!
I’d been waiting for the conclusion to Marina and Caspian’s duet! Overall, several events were predictable, but I was fine with that as it made the story easy to follow. The road to intimacy was drawn out a bit too much. They knew they were mates and should’ve solidified that bond a lot earlier in this book. I will say the best parts were the action scenes at the end!!
If you Iike selkie and siren lore, then this was a good, cozy duet! The author’s writing style is engaging and it will keep me coming back for more!
I’d been waiting for the conclusion to Marina and Caspian’s duet! Overall, several events were predictable, but I was fine with that as it made the story easy to follow. The road to intimacy was drawn out a bit too much. They knew they were mates and should’ve solidified that bond a lot earlier in this book. I will say the best parts were the action scenes at the end!!
If you Iike selkie and siren lore, then this was a good, cozy duet! The author’s writing style is engaging and it will keep me coming back for more!
June 12, 2024
5/5 ⭐️ 2.5/5 🌶
If you are looking for a feel good, magical romantasy, then you have found the right author! Once again, Madeleine delivered a book that had me hooked, giggling, and swooning. Can their forbidden love once again unite the sirens and selkies who have been odds for centuries?
We finally get the conclusion to the first book! I loved how it played out, we got such a satisfying story and ending! You do have to read the first book first, it is a duology. If you haven’t read the first book, go read that first and then come back.
The end of the first book left us waiting for them to realize that they both knew they were mates, and them fighting their feelings, refusing to consummate anything… This book picks up right where we left off, and we do get edged for a bit before anything spicy happens, but it was worth the wait!
The banter was once again top tier, I adored their playful snark with each other. We also got to see more of all our favorite side characters and a few new ones (sea dragons anyone?!).
We got all the romance in this book that we were hoping for, plus lots of adventure still. Bringing two kingdoms together wasn’t going to be easy, and they are definitely kept on their toes… There were also a few surprises that I will leave for you to find out! Plus… we got Easter eggs from her other series! I’m hoping we get a crossover book 🤞
Tropes:
-fated mates
-elemental magic
-sirens and selkies
-star crossed lovers
-he would do anything for her
If you are looking for a feel good, magical romantasy, then you have found the right author! Once again, Madeleine delivered a book that had me hooked, giggling, and swooning. Can their forbidden love once again unite the sirens and selkies who have been odds for centuries?
We finally get the conclusion to the first book! I loved how it played out, we got such a satisfying story and ending! You do have to read the first book first, it is a duology. If you haven’t read the first book, go read that first and then come back.
The end of the first book left us waiting for them to realize that they both knew they were mates, and them fighting their feelings, refusing to consummate anything… This book picks up right where we left off, and we do get edged for a bit before anything spicy happens, but it was worth the wait!
The banter was once again top tier, I adored their playful snark with each other. We also got to see more of all our favorite side characters and a few new ones (sea dragons anyone?!).
We got all the romance in this book that we were hoping for, plus lots of adventure still. Bringing two kingdoms together wasn’t going to be easy, and they are definitely kept on their toes… There were also a few surprises that I will leave for you to find out! Plus… we got Easter eggs from her other series! I’m hoping we get a crossover book 🤞
Tropes:
-fated mates
-elemental magic
-sirens and selkies
-star crossed lovers
-he would do anything for her
June 18, 2024
Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance
Spice: 3/5🌶️
This is the second book in the Whispering Sea Duet. You must read Ballad of Sea and Sky before this.
Tropes & themes: enemies to lovers, selkie FMC & siren MMC, fated mates, hurt/care, chronic disease representation (asthma), selkie and siren mythology and lore, lyrical whimsy, and danger in the sky and on the seas.
Spoiler-free summary:
Immediately following the events in Ballad of Sea and Sky, Marina and Caspian are working together to prepare for uniting their people, hopefully via peaceful negotiations with Marina’s father, the Selkie King. Unfortunately, things don’t go as smoothly as they’d like, and an entity from Caspian’s past complicates everything they’ve dreamed of.
Thoughts:
An enchanting end to my favorite of Madeleine’s works! Truly, I love this duet and these characters, and I thought that book two was fun and sassy, and gave us the fireworks between Caspian and Marina that we’ve been craving.
One thing I always look forward to in Madeleine’s works is a developed, full cast of characters. I appreciate that aside from the MCs, there’s always charming side characters with their own little quirks.
As for the MCs themselves, I loved seeing them work together in an official capacity in this book, side by side not only as partners, but as rulers. Marina continued to be an adorably prickly urchin, while Caspian proved time and again that he’s her perfect match.
I really enjoyed the plot development and the lore we got that helped further the overall story — especially the lore about the sea and sky!!
If you were left wanting more form Marina and Caspian’s romantic life (if you know what I mean) then this book will surely quench your thirst.
All in all, a great end! Definitely recommend this duet to those who enjoy cozy romantasy and mythology!
Spice: 3/5🌶️
This is the second book in the Whispering Sea Duet. You must read Ballad of Sea and Sky before this.
Tropes & themes: enemies to lovers, selkie FMC & siren MMC, fated mates, hurt/care, chronic disease representation (asthma), selkie and siren mythology and lore, lyrical whimsy, and danger in the sky and on the seas.
Spoiler-free summary:
Immediately following the events in Ballad of Sea and Sky, Marina and Caspian are working together to prepare for uniting their people, hopefully via peaceful negotiations with Marina’s father, the Selkie King. Unfortunately, things don’t go as smoothly as they’d like, and an entity from Caspian’s past complicates everything they’ve dreamed of.
Thoughts:
An enchanting end to my favorite of Madeleine’s works! Truly, I love this duet and these characters, and I thought that book two was fun and sassy, and gave us the fireworks between Caspian and Marina that we’ve been craving.
One thing I always look forward to in Madeleine’s works is a developed, full cast of characters. I appreciate that aside from the MCs, there’s always charming side characters with their own little quirks.
As for the MCs themselves, I loved seeing them work together in an official capacity in this book, side by side not only as partners, but as rulers. Marina continued to be an adorably prickly urchin, while Caspian proved time and again that he’s her perfect match.
I really enjoyed the plot development and the lore we got that helped further the overall story — especially the lore about the sea and sky!!
If you were left wanting more form Marina and Caspian’s romantic life (if you know what I mean) then this book will surely quench your thirst.
All in all, a great end! Definitely recommend this duet to those who enjoy cozy romantasy and mythology!
June 21, 2024
I don’t even know where to start because this book was absolutely INCREDIBLE!🥹 It’s definitely a 5⭐️ read and my favourite book of Madeleine’s so far!🩵
I’m just so grateful that I get to be part of her wonderful street team and that I got an arc of HOBAB.🫶🏻
After finishing Ballad of Sea and Sky last year, I was so excited for Hymn of Breath and Bone and knew I would read it ASAP.🤭 This world is so beautiful and the characters are my family. I loved seeing Caspian and Marina’s love grow so strong in HOBAB, and their endless banter made me laugh so many times!😂
Marina’s personal growth was everything! She is definitely one of the best written female main characters ever and I love how her view of her chronic illness changed in this book, and how Caspian helped her see that it was a strength, not a weakness.🩵
Daddy Caspian was 😮💨🔥🔥! I freaking LOVE him!! He’s just everything you want in a man and so much more. How he cares for Marina, protects her, trains her, and loves her throughout this book made my heart so full. He is the standard and he has my heart.❤️
The ending was phenomenal! It was what I wanted it to be and so much more. I really enjoyed what Madeleine did there and I’m crossing fingers that we get a novella to see these characters interact with each other.🤞🏻
And also a novella for Astraios and Sereia because I neeeeed to know what happened between them!👀
Madeleine, you have truly outdone yourself with this book. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of your street team and for being able to read an early copy of this book. Thank you also for mentioning me at the end of HOBAB.🥹 I legit started crying when I saw it.❤️❤️
HOBAB releases the 1st of July 2024 and you can read book 1, Ballad of Sea and Sky, on KU now!🐚
I’m just so grateful that I get to be part of her wonderful street team and that I got an arc of HOBAB.🫶🏻
After finishing Ballad of Sea and Sky last year, I was so excited for Hymn of Breath and Bone and knew I would read it ASAP.🤭 This world is so beautiful and the characters are my family. I loved seeing Caspian and Marina’s love grow so strong in HOBAB, and their endless banter made me laugh so many times!😂
Marina’s personal growth was everything! She is definitely one of the best written female main characters ever and I love how her view of her chronic illness changed in this book, and how Caspian helped her see that it was a strength, not a weakness.🩵
Daddy Caspian was 😮💨🔥🔥! I freaking LOVE him!! He’s just everything you want in a man and so much more. How he cares for Marina, protects her, trains her, and loves her throughout this book made my heart so full. He is the standard and he has my heart.❤️
The ending was phenomenal! It was what I wanted it to be and so much more. I really enjoyed what Madeleine did there and I’m crossing fingers that we get a novella to see these characters interact with each other.🤞🏻
And also a novella for Astraios and Sereia because I neeeeed to know what happened between them!👀
Madeleine, you have truly outdone yourself with this book. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of your street team and for being able to read an early copy of this book. Thank you also for mentioning me at the end of HOBAB.🥹 I legit started crying when I saw it.❤️❤️
HOBAB releases the 1st of July 2024 and you can read book 1, Ballad of Sea and Sky, on KU now!🐚
June 14, 2024
Thank you so much to the author for the opportunity to read an early copy!! Ever since I read the first book a few months ago, I have been dyeing to read this one, and I ate it up!!
Caspian and Marina will forever have my heart, along with all of the side characters! I want novellas of all of them because I love them so much. Madeleine also does not disappoint with the banter at all, not just between our MCs, but also the side characters, especially Ran who is for sure a fav.
As Marina and Caspian race to unite their peoples and find peace, their relationship grows so beautifully. Caspian doesn’t hold Marina back, only encourages her choices, and it’s just what she needs. Marina isn’t afraid to tell Cas when he needs to think something through further and always backs him up. They just work so well together and seeing their adventures together was amazing!
If you’re looking for a romantasy that has some cozy vibes as well as action, humor, and some spice, look no further. This series had the perfect mix of light and dark, different tropes like touch her and die, and other amazing romantasy elements! Everything has a fresh twist though that makes this series impossible to set down. I highly recommend giving this duology a read and checking out Elliot’s other stories!
Caspian and Marina will forever have my heart, along with all of the side characters! I want novellas of all of them because I love them so much. Madeleine also does not disappoint with the banter at all, not just between our MCs, but also the side characters, especially Ran who is for sure a fav.
As Marina and Caspian race to unite their peoples and find peace, their relationship grows so beautifully. Caspian doesn’t hold Marina back, only encourages her choices, and it’s just what she needs. Marina isn’t afraid to tell Cas when he needs to think something through further and always backs him up. They just work so well together and seeing their adventures together was amazing!
If you’re looking for a romantasy that has some cozy vibes as well as action, humor, and some spice, look no further. This series had the perfect mix of light and dark, different tropes like touch her and die, and other amazing romantasy elements! Everything has a fresh twist though that makes this series impossible to set down. I highly recommend giving this duology a read and checking out Elliot’s other stories!
July 1, 2024
Thank you to the author for the ARC for an honest review.
I loved the first book and was really excited to dive into the second one.
In this one, a lot happens and unfolds and I was riveted. Caspian and Marina's dialogue was fun to read. I love their banter.
✨ " Caspian hovering like the insufferable seagull he was " ✨
The mating ceremony was beautiful and I loved their vows.
✨ " Just so we're clear, Urchin, [...] This ends with me buried so deep inside you, you won't remember your own name ".✨
And the Epilogue !!! 😱. I saw it coming but I still screamed with glee.
Read this Duology if you love :
✨ Romantasy ;
✨ Spicy ;
✨ Fated Mates ;
✨ Enemies to Lovers ;
✨ Pirates ;
✨ Sirens, Kelpies, Sea Dragons and Selkies.
I loved the first book and was really excited to dive into the second one.
In this one, a lot happens and unfolds and I was riveted. Caspian and Marina's dialogue was fun to read. I love their banter.
✨ " Caspian hovering like the insufferable seagull he was " ✨
The mating ceremony was beautiful and I loved their vows.
✨ " Just so we're clear, Urchin, [...] This ends with me buried so deep inside you, you won't remember your own name ".✨
And the Epilogue !!! 😱. I saw it coming but I still screamed with glee.
Read this Duology if you love :
✨ Romantasy ;
✨ Spicy ;
✨ Fated Mates ;
✨ Enemies to Lovers ;
✨ Pirates ;
✨ Sirens, Kelpies, Sea Dragons and Selkies.
July 1, 2024
This story holds a special place in my heart. After the first book, I didn't think I could love it even more, but the drama and growth in the second book were beautiful. I absolutely love how lyrical It felt, and as always with Madeline, it was a sweet and cozy book. It did have darker elements than the first, but the story tied together beautifully, and it was a pleasant surprise .
July 6, 2024
As always, Madeleine brought us another fabulously cozy, heartfelt, action packed, unique, romantic, story full of awesome. Hymn of Breath and Bone was a fantastic story all on its own and an absolutely fantastic ending to The Whispering Sea Duet.
HoBaB picks up pretty much right where Ballad of Sea and Sky left off, so we’re still all sitting here waiting for these two chuckleheads to realize and/or confess to each other that they know they’re true mates and to go ahead and ‘do that thang.’ But our boy Caspian is a true gentleman and even when they do finally admit the truth to each other he makes Marina wait for the spice until everything is officially official…much to her chagrin.
The banter between Marina and Caspian and Marina and basically everyone was top notch. Madeleine is fantastic at the whole ‘playful banter’ thing. I really loved seeing Marina’s friendships with the other Sirens in this book, especially Ana. Book one was very much the Marina/Caspian show with special guest appearances by Rannoch the grumpy Kelpie, while this book had a much wider cast of characters (but still guest appearances by Rannoch, the grumpy Kelpie).
I really, really enjoyed the mythology Madeleine created in this book. I already appreciated the fact that she went with selkies and sirens instead of mermaids, but the mythology and the kingdom’s’ backstories she came up with were so interesting and heartbreaking. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but that scene at the cliff at the end of the book with…oh man, that had me sobbing. 😭😭
This book was also fabulous in so many ways, to include:
🧜🏾♀️Diversity Representation
🩻Disability Representation
🏳️🌈LGBTQ Representation
💞Fated Mates
🏴☠️Pirate King
👑Selkie Princess
⚔️Touch her/him & 💀
⛈️Elemental Magic
🐉Sea Dragons
🗺️Adventure
While it’s always hard to say goodbye to beloved characters, it never quite feels like it’s truly goodbye…especially when you get all the lovely little cameos in conversations or IRL from previous books…so I don’t think this is truly the last time we’ll see Caspian and Marina…at least, I hope not! I’m also humbly requesting we get at least a novella of a certain other selkie/siren pair and what went on during their high seas adventure.
HoBaB picks up pretty much right where Ballad of Sea and Sky left off, so we’re still all sitting here waiting for these two chuckleheads to realize and/or confess to each other that they know they’re true mates and to go ahead and ‘do that thang.’ But our boy Caspian is a true gentleman and even when they do finally admit the truth to each other he makes Marina wait for the spice until everything is officially official…much to her chagrin.
The banter between Marina and Caspian and Marina and basically everyone was top notch. Madeleine is fantastic at the whole ‘playful banter’ thing. I really loved seeing Marina’s friendships with the other Sirens in this book, especially Ana. Book one was very much the Marina/Caspian show with special guest appearances by Rannoch the grumpy Kelpie, while this book had a much wider cast of characters (but still guest appearances by Rannoch, the grumpy Kelpie).
I really, really enjoyed the mythology Madeleine created in this book. I already appreciated the fact that she went with selkies and sirens instead of mermaids, but the mythology and the kingdom’s’ backstories she came up with were so interesting and heartbreaking. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but that scene at the cliff at the end of the book with…oh man, that had me sobbing. 😭😭
This book was also fabulous in so many ways, to include:
🧜🏾♀️Diversity Representation
🩻Disability Representation
🏳️🌈LGBTQ Representation
💞Fated Mates
🏴☠️Pirate King
👑Selkie Princess
⚔️Touch her/him & 💀
⛈️Elemental Magic
🐉Sea Dragons
🗺️Adventure
While it’s always hard to say goodbye to beloved characters, it never quite feels like it’s truly goodbye…especially when you get all the lovely little cameos in conversations or IRL from previous books…so I don’t think this is truly the last time we’ll see Caspian and Marina…at least, I hope not! I’m also humbly requesting we get at least a novella of a certain other selkie/siren pair and what went on during their high seas adventure.
August 20, 2024
A wonderful, satisfying conclusion to a sweet and adventurous duology. This duet had me feeling warm and hopeful as I dove into the beauty and challenges of fated love amidst a warring world between two peoples who were once united but torn apart by fear and betrayal.
Marina and Caspian have my heart. Their love story was easy to root for as they progressed in their own abilities and love for each other and their people. The found family was downright lovely and I hope there is at least another book or duet coming because there's are two new couples at the end of HOBAB that I’m OBSESSED with and need to read more about!!!
The coziest yet adventurous and wistful romantasy you could ask for. Madeleine Eliot is now an auto-buy author for me!
Marina and Caspian have my heart. Their love story was easy to root for as they progressed in their own abilities and love for each other and their people. The found family was downright lovely and I hope there is at least another book or duet coming because there's are two new couples at the end of HOBAB that I’m OBSESSED with and need to read more about!!!
The coziest yet adventurous and wistful romantasy you could ask for. Madeleine Eliot is now an auto-buy author for me!
April 3, 2025
This is the second book in this duology. Marina and Caspian have to return to Marina's family and people to convince them that Selkies and Sirens can live together in harmony, despite many years of fearing and distrusting one another. Marina's family believes her to be under Caspian's siren magic and influence and so it will be a struggle to convince them of her true feelings.
I enjoyed that this was a duology, as I find that some of these series can be too drawn out over numerous books. Everything moved at a good pace and was wrapped up satisfactorily. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line.
I enjoyed that this was a duology, as I find that some of these series can be too drawn out over numerous books. Everything moved at a good pace and was wrapped up satisfactorily. I really enjoyed the characters and the story line.
June 13, 2025
Excellent second half of the duology! Seriously loved the banter between the characters and I swear to god I was ready to start begging at one point for Marina and Caspian to finally put an end to the endless teasing and suspense, my god!!!!!
I found the story evoked strong feelings throughout like I felt like I was feeling all of the things Marina was feeling and was high key terrified at one point!
The ending was a great wrap up and I'm assuming a nice connection to the authors other series which I haven't read.
I found the story evoked strong feelings throughout like I felt like I was feeling all of the things Marina was feeling and was high key terrified at one point!
The ending was a great wrap up and I'm assuming a nice connection to the authors other series which I haven't read.
June 23, 2024
I won’t lie. I was slightly worried I wouldn’t love HOBAB as much as I loved HOSAS but I finished it in a day and I loved it just as much. Watching the friendships blossom and settle into true found family was the best.
I was giggling and smiling nearly the whole time. I loved the ending and LOVED the epilogue. I had literally been questioning whether or not that was a possibility and I’m so glad it was. The spice was impeccable and i am, as always, so in love with Madeleines writing.
I was giggling and smiling nearly the whole time. I loved the ending and LOVED the epilogue. I had literally been questioning whether or not that was a possibility and I’m so glad it was. The spice was impeccable and i am, as always, so in love with Madeleines writing.
July 2, 2024
Well… absolutely loved it! Was a perfect conclusion. I already want to re read both books because I love caspian and marina so much. I was so excited for this book and it definitely did not disappoint 🩵🩵🩵
July 4, 2024
This series has my heart. I loved the story and the beautiful conclusion, I loved the world and lore, and I absolutely adored the characters and the romance. This duet is just perfect.
Excuse me while I now go read literally everything else Madeleine Eliot has written.
Excuse me while I now go read literally everything else Madeleine Eliot has written.
July 22, 2024
I alpha read this during the biggest reading slump of my life, but I very much enjoyed the way this story took shape and read through each half of it very quickly. The fight scene on the beach is so good!!!
July 31, 2024
Oh! The scene with Theia made me sob and stare at the wall! I did not like the ending (i wish there was more) bc i LOVED this story..... definitely was a fun romantacy plus im in love with the tropes 🫨♥️
July 18, 2024
This wasn’t as good as the first book and was too slow for me in the middle.
June 15, 2024
Even better than book one! The banter and Easter eggs were perfect. You'll fall even more in love with the characters as you read this installment.
And that epilogue! 😍🤯
And that epilogue! 😍🤯
August 13, 2025
Okay, I liked this book a little less than the first. Yes, there was a bit too much corniness between the MCs as well as at least one $*x scene that felt like a filler to add to the page count. Yes, the plot twist was obvious and some things fit too easy and too neat. That said, I had fun reading it. I liked the side characters, the magic and how the conflict was resolved. I do not discount reading this author again. This duology was fun, easy and did not require much thinking.
July 1, 2024
This is the best book from Madeleine yet! From the very first page I was so absorbed by the characters and the plot. I’ve been dying for this second book and it did not disappoint! The banter is right on and the spice was taken to another level! Caspian is my favorite seagull ever! And Marina thrives into the queen she rightfully is.
Fasten your seatbelt for the wicked plot twist at the end. It will make you scream and take you to crazy heights of excitement!
Fasten your seatbelt for the wicked plot twist at the end. It will make you scream and take you to crazy heights of excitement!
December 18, 2024
A great ending to the duology! Lots of passion and plotting in this one, with a very satisfying end.
November 19, 2025
READ
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 2.5/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🟡
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 2/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 2/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 ⏱
𝖫𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁: 2/5 📏
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 3/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 2/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 🔥
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
🧜 𝖲𝗂𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗌 + 🏴☠️ 𝖯𝗂𝗋𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌
💖 𝖥𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖬𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌
👑 𝖱𝗈𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗍𝗒
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
While I was enjoying the story and world, I was annoyed with the slow paced plot. It only worked to make the book longer (every time they should've talked, they postponed it without actual reason). Instead of two books it would've worked better as a standalone.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗎𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌? Completed
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ✔️
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ✔️
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
The Whispering Sea Duet
𝟏.𝟐. Hymn of Breath and Bone: 2.5⭐
𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 2.5/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🟡
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 2/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 2/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 3/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 ⏱
𝖫𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁: 2/5 📏
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 3/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 2/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 🔥
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
🧜 𝖲𝗂𝗋𝖾𝗇𝗌 + 🏴☠️ 𝖯𝗂𝗋𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌
💖 𝖥𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝖬𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌
👑 𝖱𝗈𝗒𝖺𝗅𝗍𝗒
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
While I was enjoying the story and world, I was annoyed with the slow paced plot. It only worked to make the book longer (every time they should've talked, they postponed it without actual reason). Instead of two books it would've worked better as a standalone.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗎𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌? Completed
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ✔️
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ✔️
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪:
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
The Whispering Sea Duet
𝟏.𝟐. Hymn of Breath and Bone: 2.5⭐
June 28, 2024
The second book to The Whispering Sea Duet is absolutely fantastic! Please do yourself a favor and read the first book, Ballad of Sea and Sky. You will fall in love with the characters and their story.
The story picks up where we left Marina and Caspian with their jaw dropping revelation and how they both handle the news. It is sweet that they keep it from each other, not wanting their feelings to be a factor for their future and leaving it up to personal choice; however, fate seems to have other plans.
The banter is top notch. The supporting characters are amazing and hilarious. Madeleine’s writing is absolute magic, she can weave in secondary characters and/or creatures that you are instantly a fan and want more of their story. Rannoch is my spirit animal.
Marina's character development is a joy to see, despite her chronic illness, she is a force to be reckon with. Her biggest supporter is the last person she ever thought it would be, and it makes your heart swoon.
Caspian is just the perfect combination of pure male, cinnamon roll and a badass. He is what every strong FC needs, his drive is relentless trying to make their world safe for all walks of life. He will do anything to achieve it, even at a high personal cost.
I am a big fan of Madeleine���s writing; her words weave a magical story, creating such amazing characters that leaves you wanting to stay in their world a little longer.
And that ending?!!! I almost dropped my kindle because I sat up so fast and was kicking up my feet in utter glee. Well done, Mam. Well done.
Read this book if you love adventure, angst, action, blossoming love, witty banter, magical creatures, sea lore, chronic illness rep., swoony winged males and fiery fierce mermaids. The perfect summer read by the sea!
Hymn of Breath and Bone Madeleine Eliot
The story picks up where we left Marina and Caspian with their jaw dropping revelation and how they both handle the news. It is sweet that they keep it from each other, not wanting their feelings to be a factor for their future and leaving it up to personal choice; however, fate seems to have other plans.
The banter is top notch. The supporting characters are amazing and hilarious. Madeleine’s writing is absolute magic, she can weave in secondary characters and/or creatures that you are instantly a fan and want more of their story. Rannoch is my spirit animal.
Marina's character development is a joy to see, despite her chronic illness, she is a force to be reckon with. Her biggest supporter is the last person she ever thought it would be, and it makes your heart swoon.
Caspian is just the perfect combination of pure male, cinnamon roll and a badass. He is what every strong FC needs, his drive is relentless trying to make their world safe for all walks of life. He will do anything to achieve it, even at a high personal cost.
I am a big fan of Madeleine���s writing; her words weave a magical story, creating such amazing characters that leaves you wanting to stay in their world a little longer.
And that ending?!!! I almost dropped my kindle because I sat up so fast and was kicking up my feet in utter glee. Well done, Mam. Well done.
Read this book if you love adventure, angst, action, blossoming love, witty banter, magical creatures, sea lore, chronic illness rep., swoony winged males and fiery fierce mermaids. The perfect summer read by the sea!
Hymn of Breath and Bone Madeleine Eliot
July 2, 2024
Reading the last line of this book was such a bittersweet moment for me. This is one of those series I wish could be longer. I am in no way ready to take leave of these characters, and with everything that went down in this book... Madeleine, I need a Sereia and Astraos novella...please help a girl out🤞🫶
HoBaB picks up right where BoSaS left off. As Marina and Caspian race to save and unite their people's we see the most beautiful relationship bloom. The banter and laugh out loud moments where once again top tier and at this point one of the things I most look forward to in Madeleine's books.
Marina is such an inspiring FMC, and the level of positivity in her relationship with Caspian is noteworthy. “𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨" has quickly become one of my favourite quotes. We are still kept on edge a bit with the spice at the start of the book, but when it eventually happens, it is pure 🔥
We also get more intricate worldbuilding in this book. We learn so much about the history of the sirens and selkies and we meet an old princess whose story is utterly heartbreaking. We see a few old faces and also see some new fantastic creatures join the team.
If you enjoy fated mates, star-crossed lovers, forbidden romance, touch her and ☠️, then I will recommend this duology over and over.
🌹I buddy read this with @tessmarais, who having read the Queen and Coven series explained to me what happened at the end...now I'm jumping on that series as soon as a spot opens up on my tbr. And I'm excited to see where Madeleine will be taking this nugget in the coming books. NO pressure, offcourse👀👀👹
🌹Thank you to Madeleine gifting me an arc of HoBaB. These characters have stolen my heart and it is always a pleasure reviewing for you.
HoBaB picks up right where BoSaS left off. As Marina and Caspian race to save and unite their people's we see the most beautiful relationship bloom. The banter and laugh out loud moments where once again top tier and at this point one of the things I most look forward to in Madeleine's books.
Marina is such an inspiring FMC, and the level of positivity in her relationship with Caspian is noteworthy. “𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙨" has quickly become one of my favourite quotes. We are still kept on edge a bit with the spice at the start of the book, but when it eventually happens, it is pure 🔥
We also get more intricate worldbuilding in this book. We learn so much about the history of the sirens and selkies and we meet an old princess whose story is utterly heartbreaking. We see a few old faces and also see some new fantastic creatures join the team.
If you enjoy fated mates, star-crossed lovers, forbidden romance, touch her and ☠️, then I will recommend this duology over and over.
🌹I buddy read this with @tessmarais, who having read the Queen and Coven series explained to me what happened at the end...now I'm jumping on that series as soon as a spot opens up on my tbr. And I'm excited to see where Madeleine will be taking this nugget in the coming books. NO pressure, offcourse👀👀👹
🌹Thank you to Madeleine gifting me an arc of HoBaB. These characters have stolen my heart and it is always a pleasure reviewing for you.
July 7, 2024
This is book two after Ballad of Sea and Sky. It features Marina, a selkie, and Caspian, a siren. Their peoples have been separated by war and politics for 500 years. They should, by all accounts, not be together. But after the events of the last book... well.
I love how strong Marina is in the face of her asthma. It is chronic, she does not overcome it but she learns to live with and manage it, as many of us with chronic illnesses need to do. She does not let it stop her from doing the things she needs to do but takes rest when she needs to as well. It is beautifully written.
Caspian is, as usual, an insufferable yet romantic seagull. He is just a great big ball of fluff that you can't help but love! His support of Marina and his desire to do the right thing always is just so *good*. And yet, sometimes that leads him to do awful things. Ugh. I love him. I love him and Marina together. They are just too cute! And did I mention his wingspan? Ahem.
There was a lot of research that went into the mythology behind the creatures in this book. It is so refreshing to see something with rarely seen myths. I loved seeing Rannoch, the kelpie, again! Sirens and selkies are so rarely seen as well that it was wonderful to see them represented here.
I don't think I can do this book (or duet, really) justice in my reviews. But I loved them. In her typical style, Madeleine Eliot has written such a cosy fantasy that is easy to read, full of lovable characters and some of my favourite tropes. They are books that I will read time and time again and are already a comfort read for me. I love them and recommend them to anyone looking for a beautifully cosy romantasy.
I love how strong Marina is in the face of her asthma. It is chronic, she does not overcome it but she learns to live with and manage it, as many of us with chronic illnesses need to do. She does not let it stop her from doing the things she needs to do but takes rest when she needs to as well. It is beautifully written.
Caspian is, as usual, an insufferable yet romantic seagull. He is just a great big ball of fluff that you can't help but love! His support of Marina and his desire to do the right thing always is just so *good*. And yet, sometimes that leads him to do awful things. Ugh. I love him. I love him and Marina together. They are just too cute! And did I mention his wingspan? Ahem.
There was a lot of research that went into the mythology behind the creatures in this book. It is so refreshing to see something with rarely seen myths. I loved seeing Rannoch, the kelpie, again! Sirens and selkies are so rarely seen as well that it was wonderful to see them represented here.
I don't think I can do this book (or duet, really) justice in my reviews. But I loved them. In her typical style, Madeleine Eliot has written such a cosy fantasy that is easy to read, full of lovable characters and some of my favourite tropes. They are books that I will read time and time again and are already a comfort read for me. I love them and recommend them to anyone looking for a beautifully cosy romantasy.
August 6, 2025
Blurb: Marina agrees to pose as Siren King Caspian’s mate, seeking to better understand the sirens’ history and and because of her true feelings for the handsome pirate. A truth that Caspian doesn’t yet know— or so she thinks. But Caspian knows that they will both have to face heir feelings to end the centuries-long feud that tore apart their people, and he will do whatever it takes to force fate to let them be together.
Tropes:
🩵Dual POV
🌊 Chronic illness rep
🩵Hurt/ comfort
🌊Cute nicknames
🩵 Forbidden romance
🌊Fated mates
🩵 Selkie FMC
🌊 Siren MMC
🩵 Spice
💫 My Thoughts 💫
This book was such a cozy read!!
I loved the unique species and personalities that filled HOBAB… selkies, sirens, kelpies and sea dragons made up a really one-of-a-kind story. 😍
Caspian and Marina’s relationship was so adorable, and the way they coddled each other when the other person was injured was too cute 😂 I also found it hilarious how their magic involuntarily declared to everyone around them when they were gettin’ busy 🤣 The spice was perfect. Wouldn’t change a thing.
Marina’s relationships with Phyll the sea dragon and Ran the kelpie were also great!! I would have loved more scenes involving Phyll so I could get to know him better.
The crescendo of the conflict between the selkies and the sirens, and how Marina’s father confronted his mistakes in the aftermath, was also so well-crafted and brought tears to my eyes.
The last page of HOBAB has me crossing my fingers that there will be a spinoff series someday… As did the 2 pairs of fated mates who popped up throughout the story 😈 Hint hint nudge nidge Madeleine 😂🙃
🌟 4.2/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
Tropes:
🩵Dual POV
🌊 Chronic illness rep
🩵Hurt/ comfort
🌊Cute nicknames
🩵 Forbidden romance
🌊Fated mates
🩵 Selkie FMC
🌊 Siren MMC
🩵 Spice
💫 My Thoughts 💫
This book was such a cozy read!!
I loved the unique species and personalities that filled HOBAB… selkies, sirens, kelpies and sea dragons made up a really one-of-a-kind story. 😍
Caspian and Marina’s relationship was so adorable, and the way they coddled each other when the other person was injured was too cute 😂 I also found it hilarious how their magic involuntarily declared to everyone around them when they were gettin’ busy 🤣 The spice was perfect. Wouldn’t change a thing.
Marina’s relationships with Phyll the sea dragon and Ran the kelpie were also great!! I would have loved more scenes involving Phyll so I could get to know him better.
The crescendo of the conflict between the selkies and the sirens, and how Marina’s father confronted his mistakes in the aftermath, was also so well-crafted and brought tears to my eyes.
The last page of HOBAB has me crossing my fingers that there will be a spinoff series someday… As did the 2 pairs of fated mates who popped up throughout the story 😈 Hint hint nudge nidge Madeleine 😂🙃
🌟 4.2/5
🌶️ 2.5/5
June 25, 2024
🪸"𝑰 𝑾𝑶𝑼𝑳𝑫 𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑫𝑰𝑬 𝑻𝑶𝑴𝑶𝑹𝑹𝑶𝑾 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑵 𝑳𝑰𝑽𝑬 𝑨 𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑺𝑨𝑵𝑫 𝑳𝑰𝑽𝑬𝑺 𝑾𝑰𝑻𝑯𝑶𝑼𝑻 𝒀𝑶𝑼.“🪸
𝑯𝒚𝒎𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆, book 2 in 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝘿𝙪𝙚𝙩 series by Madeleine Eliot is the perfect summer romantasy!
I had the absolute pleasure of doing a BETA read for this book and let me just tell you, it was AMAZING! Madeleine, The Queen of Cozy' herself, never fails to deliver and this second book in The Whispering Sea Duet was no exception. This was the perfect conclusion to Marina and Caspian's story.
Not only did we get a fantastic story, we also had an entire subplot running with ALL the foreshadowing, and the side characters are so well written that I cannot wait to see where their stories go. From the love interests to the side characters I absolutely ADORED it! The banter in this one was top tier and had me laughing, gasping, and even swooning.
And let me just say, that ENDING!!! The way I screamed 'I KNEW IT' and jumped out of bed from excitement. I can't wait to see what is next for this world and these characters. Hymn of Breath and Bone is perfect for those who love Fantasy Romance, amazing banter, excellent world-building, and ALL the Cozy vibes.
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Series: The Whispering Sea Duet - Book 2
Publication Date: July 1st, 2024
Pages: 312
⭐- 5
🌶️- 2.5
Tropes:
🪸Touch Her and Die
🌊Fated Mates
🧜🏽♀️Pirate King & Selkie Princess
🪽Chronic Illness Rep
🏴☠️Star Crossed Lovers
🐚Forbidden Romance
🌅Badass FMC
🦭Series Conclusion
🐴ALL the Banter
🏝️Found Family
And More…
Available with Kindle Unlimited!!
𝑯𝒚𝒎𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝒐𝒏𝒆, book 2 in 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙒𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙚𝙖 𝘿𝙪𝙚𝙩 series by Madeleine Eliot is the perfect summer romantasy!
I had the absolute pleasure of doing a BETA read for this book and let me just tell you, it was AMAZING! Madeleine, The Queen of Cozy' herself, never fails to deliver and this second book in The Whispering Sea Duet was no exception. This was the perfect conclusion to Marina and Caspian's story.
Not only did we get a fantastic story, we also had an entire subplot running with ALL the foreshadowing, and the side characters are so well written that I cannot wait to see where their stories go. From the love interests to the side characters I absolutely ADORED it! The banter in this one was top tier and had me laughing, gasping, and even swooning.
And let me just say, that ENDING!!! The way I screamed 'I KNEW IT' and jumped out of bed from excitement. I can't wait to see what is next for this world and these characters. Hymn of Breath and Bone is perfect for those who love Fantasy Romance, amazing banter, excellent world-building, and ALL the Cozy vibes.
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Series: The Whispering Sea Duet - Book 2
Publication Date: July 1st, 2024
Pages: 312
⭐- 5
🌶️- 2.5
Tropes:
🪸Touch Her and Die
🌊Fated Mates
🧜🏽♀️Pirate King & Selkie Princess
🪽Chronic Illness Rep
🏴☠️Star Crossed Lovers
🐚Forbidden Romance
🌅Badass FMC
🦭Series Conclusion
🐴ALL the Banter
🏝️Found Family
And More…
Available with Kindle Unlimited!!
June 30, 2024
✨ARC review incoming!✨
Hymn of Breath and Bone
Series: Whispering Sea duet, book 2
Rating⭐️: 4
Spice🌶️: 1
POV🗣️: 1st person, dual POV
Read this if you like -
✔️Selkies & Sirens
✔️Touch her and ☠️ vibes
✔️Fated mates
✔️A cozy, low-stakes read
✔️Pirate King and Princess
✔️Dual POV
✔️Chronic illness rep (asthma)
✔️Forbidden romance
A cozy, nautical romantic fantasy featuring selkies, sirens, kelpies, and sea dragons. This is the second book in a duology about the forbidden romance between a siren pirate king and a selkie princess. It picks up right where book 1 left off. Marina spends most of the book finding her place in the siren kingdom while trying to decide if she’ll stay with Caspian and unite the selkies and sirens, or return to her people. Eventually she has to face the consequences when her father hires an enemy
to collect her and return her to her kingdom.
This duet the perfect summer read!
🗣️“If you don't want this, I will watch you walk away even if it fucking kills me. But I'm so in love with you that it's the only thing I can think about, and I'm done pretending other-wise. The choice is still yours-will always be yours-but I choose you, even if it destroys me."
🗣️ “I would rather die tomorrow than live a thousand lives without you. You are the best part of me. The greatest gift I have ever received. And everything has happened to me was meant to happen, to get us here. Together.”
“But if I fail-“
"Then my life will still have been better for knowing you. For loving you."
Hymn of Breath and Bone
Series: Whispering Sea duet, book 2
Rating⭐️: 4
Spice🌶️: 1
POV🗣️: 1st person, dual POV
Read this if you like -
✔️Selkies & Sirens
✔️Touch her and ☠️ vibes
✔️Fated mates
✔️A cozy, low-stakes read
✔️Pirate King and Princess
✔️Dual POV
✔️Chronic illness rep (asthma)
✔️Forbidden romance
A cozy, nautical romantic fantasy featuring selkies, sirens, kelpies, and sea dragons. This is the second book in a duology about the forbidden romance between a siren pirate king and a selkie princess. It picks up right where book 1 left off. Marina spends most of the book finding her place in the siren kingdom while trying to decide if she’ll stay with Caspian and unite the selkies and sirens, or return to her people. Eventually she has to face the consequences when her father hires an enemy
to collect her and return her to her kingdom.
This duet the perfect summer read!
🗣️“If you don't want this, I will watch you walk away even if it fucking kills me. But I'm so in love with you that it's the only thing I can think about, and I'm done pretending other-wise. The choice is still yours-will always be yours-but I choose you, even if it destroys me."
🗣️ “I would rather die tomorrow than live a thousand lives without you. You are the best part of me. The greatest gift I have ever received. And everything has happened to me was meant to happen, to get us here. Together.”
“But if I fail-“
"Then my life will still have been better for knowing you. For loving you."
September 4, 2025
“If you don’t want this, I will watch you walk away even if it fucking kills me. But I’m so in love with you that it’s the only thing I can think about, and I’m done pretending otherwise. The choice is still yours—will always be yours—but I choose you, even if it destroys me.”
“Shoo, you overgrown seagull”
“So defiant. It's one of my favorite things about you.”
“I intend to map every inch of your body—first with my fingers, then with my tongue. It requires careful study.”
“You’ll be the death of me, Urchin”
“I plan to savor every inch of you, Marina.”
“Had I not already loved him, seeing Caspian laugh in resigned amusement as I piled his arms with books would have had me falling hard and fast. For what girl doesn’t want a mate who will buy her all the books her heart desires and then carry them for her?”
“I would rather die tomorrow than live a thousand lives without you. You are the best part of me. The greatest gift I have ever received. And everything that has happened to me was meant to happen, to get us here. Together.”
“But if I fail—”
“Then my life will still have been better for knowing you. For loving you.”
“If I die today, it is with the knowledge that she has blessed my short existence, and I would kidnap her again if it meant finding her only to die at her father’s hands.”
“I suppose as the king of my people, I will be required to meet with you. I believe you call it ‘diplomacy.’
“What do you call it?” Caspian asked. I could hear the amusement in his voice.
A waste of time.”
“Shoo, you overgrown seagull”
“So defiant. It's one of my favorite things about you.”
“I intend to map every inch of your body—first with my fingers, then with my tongue. It requires careful study.”
“You’ll be the death of me, Urchin”
“I plan to savor every inch of you, Marina.”
“Had I not already loved him, seeing Caspian laugh in resigned amusement as I piled his arms with books would have had me falling hard and fast. For what girl doesn’t want a mate who will buy her all the books her heart desires and then carry them for her?”
“I would rather die tomorrow than live a thousand lives without you. You are the best part of me. The greatest gift I have ever received. And everything that has happened to me was meant to happen, to get us here. Together.”
“But if I fail—”
“Then my life will still have been better for knowing you. For loving you.”
“If I die today, it is with the knowledge that she has blessed my short existence, and I would kidnap her again if it meant finding her only to die at her father’s hands.”
“I suppose as the king of my people, I will be required to meet with you. I believe you call it ‘diplomacy.’
“What do you call it?” Caspian asked. I could hear the amusement in his voice.
A waste of time.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2024
I didn’t want it to end!! And by that ending I’m going to need more miss!
But backing up…HOBAB picks up immediately after HOSAS and it was nothing shy of what you can expect from The Cozy Queen herself! It’s a romantasy that covers the bases of fun, sexy, humor, love, action, animal/creature sidekicks all tied together nicely!
Caspian and Marina have the best angsty banter going on this time around and Madeleine edges us a bit more coming off of the slowest of slowest burns from book 1! It pay off is worth it and she brings the best for sure when the deed is finally done! I didn’t want to put it down and did enjoy this one more than book 1. It was action-packed, had plenty of swoony moments, side-characters I can’t get enough of (hello, looking at you new mate surprises), and still had a few twists to throw at us.
I loved Marina standing up for herself and learning to be the ruler their people needed by not letting her illness keep her down, Caspian for being encouraging and supportive of his mate, loyalty and “where you go, I go” vibes, but also with any Madeleine book, the MCs always having consent and honesty before intimacy, which I really like. And can we talk about Marina’s mom??!! I loved her!!
It was just the palate cleanser I needed! Definitely check out this series if you like fated mates, touch her and die vibes, pirates, royal drama, feuding clans, and some spicy spice in the mix!
Thank you Madeleine for the chance to ARC for you again! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
But backing up…HOBAB picks up immediately after HOSAS and it was nothing shy of what you can expect from The Cozy Queen herself! It’s a romantasy that covers the bases of fun, sexy, humor, love, action, animal/creature sidekicks all tied together nicely!
Caspian and Marina have the best angsty banter going on this time around and Madeleine edges us a bit more coming off of the slowest of slowest burns from book 1! It pay off is worth it and she brings the best for sure when the deed is finally done! I didn’t want to put it down and did enjoy this one more than book 1. It was action-packed, had plenty of swoony moments, side-characters I can’t get enough of (hello, looking at you new mate surprises), and still had a few twists to throw at us.
I loved Marina standing up for herself and learning to be the ruler their people needed by not letting her illness keep her down, Caspian for being encouraging and supportive of his mate, loyalty and “where you go, I go” vibes, but also with any Madeleine book, the MCs always having consent and honesty before intimacy, which I really like. And can we talk about Marina’s mom??!! I loved her!!
It was just the palate cleanser I needed! Definitely check out this series if you like fated mates, touch her and die vibes, pirates, royal drama, feuding clans, and some spicy spice in the mix!
Thank you Madeleine for the chance to ARC for you again! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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