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Worth His Salt
The Fakari Islands wolf pack has stayed safe by keeping the rest of the world out.
But as trouble brews, the one thing they need may be the last person they’re expecting...
Maren has one last chance. Fresh off a string of short-lived careers, she arrives on the Fakaris with a mission: negotiate a deal with Saroan Salts, use it to secure a job back home, and finally live up to her mother’s expectations. But the salt company’s owner, Seb Greenleaf, isn’t interested in a business deal. And once he realizes who he’s dealing with—the daughter of the man who caused his father’s death—he’ll do anything to keep her as far from the islands as possible.
For the last three years, Seb has worked himself to the bone. Ever since the coming-of-age rite that disfigured his leg and nearly cost him his life, he’s been consumed by restoring the tradition that might have saved him. And this year, the stakes feel especially high: something is clearly affecting the magic of the islands.
When Maren works her way onto the Fakaris, the two find themselves in closer quarters than either of them want. But as she begins to uncover the islands’ secrets, they each realize that the person they’ve grown to hate may be the key to the thing they want most.
Worth His Salt is a steamy enemies-to-lovers shifter romance in a lush romantasy setting. Chronologically the first in the Fakari Islands series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
But as trouble brews, the one thing they need may be the last person they’re expecting...
Maren has one last chance. Fresh off a string of short-lived careers, she arrives on the Fakaris with a mission: negotiate a deal with Saroan Salts, use it to secure a job back home, and finally live up to her mother’s expectations. But the salt company’s owner, Seb Greenleaf, isn’t interested in a business deal. And once he realizes who he’s dealing with—the daughter of the man who caused his father’s death—he’ll do anything to keep her as far from the islands as possible.
For the last three years, Seb has worked himself to the bone. Ever since the coming-of-age rite that disfigured his leg and nearly cost him his life, he’s been consumed by restoring the tradition that might have saved him. And this year, the stakes feel especially high: something is clearly affecting the magic of the islands.
When Maren works her way onto the Fakaris, the two find themselves in closer quarters than either of them want. But as she begins to uncover the islands’ secrets, they each realize that the person they’ve grown to hate may be the key to the thing they want most.
Worth His Salt is a steamy enemies-to-lovers shifter romance in a lush romantasy setting. Chronologically the first in the Fakari Islands series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
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Published July 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 19, 2024
“You build forward…” 💖
Another remarkable and again, life altering read, from Rowan. Maren and Seb's story is devastatingly beautiful and full of finding one's purpose, living in the now, and building forward. Despite their similar traumas but different upbringings they clash wildly at first. Sometimes love grows stronger within hate and self realization. With this hate brings phenomenal tension that really kicks up the heat index in this book, however, the true magic lies in Kiyyu, soul or spirit, ties with this pair. Maren is tough and a little firecracker, but she's wise beyond her years in so many ways. Her vivacious nature is refreshing and so fun to read. Seb, my darling chip on his shoulder Seb. Seb is stubborn, headstrong and a little bit of a jerk, but he has his reasons. His character growth was such a pleasure and so rewarding. We get to see more of the Pakka, pack, again like Em, Kieran, Gabe, Saga and more of the elders. In book 1 you get a tiny peek into Seb's rite but book 2 gives you all the details you were dying to know. The history and culture is just as rich and stunning as before. The intensity also kicks up as well keeping you hooked. Dare I say this is even better than In Her Own Rite, which is very hard for me to say because it is and will forever be one of my favorite books of all time. Worth His Salt is nothing short of remarkable and is, yet again, a life altering read.
"I loved you once, long ago, before our souls ever made it here. And I'll love you long after we're gone."
BETA REVIEW, Thank you Rowan for the absolute pleasure of reading your magical stories early!
Another remarkable and again, life altering read, from Rowan. Maren and Seb's story is devastatingly beautiful and full of finding one's purpose, living in the now, and building forward. Despite their similar traumas but different upbringings they clash wildly at first. Sometimes love grows stronger within hate and self realization. With this hate brings phenomenal tension that really kicks up the heat index in this book, however, the true magic lies in Kiyyu, soul or spirit, ties with this pair. Maren is tough and a little firecracker, but she's wise beyond her years in so many ways. Her vivacious nature is refreshing and so fun to read. Seb, my darling chip on his shoulder Seb. Seb is stubborn, headstrong and a little bit of a jerk, but he has his reasons. His character growth was such a pleasure and so rewarding. We get to see more of the Pakka, pack, again like Em, Kieran, Gabe, Saga and more of the elders. In book 1 you get a tiny peek into Seb's rite but book 2 gives you all the details you were dying to know. The history and culture is just as rich and stunning as before. The intensity also kicks up as well keeping you hooked. Dare I say this is even better than In Her Own Rite, which is very hard for me to say because it is and will forever be one of my favorite books of all time. Worth His Salt is nothing short of remarkable and is, yet again, a life altering read.
"I loved you once, long ago, before our souls ever made it here. And I'll love you long after we're gone."
BETA REVIEW, Thank you Rowan for the absolute pleasure of reading your magical stories early!
July 23, 2024
“I loved you once, long ago, before our souls ever made it here. And I’ll love you long after we’re gone.”
This book has forever changed me and I knew from the early chapters that it was going to take me for an absolute RIDE and it did that ten fold. ‘In Her Own Rite’ was one of my favourite reads last year and I honestly didn’t know how that was going to be topped…but it HAS with ‘Worth His Salt’. When I finished this book, I just let my kindle fall into my lap and I just stared into the void with tears in my eyes, a smile on my face and a warmth comfort wrapped around me. I’m still reeling and I think my heart has forever been imprinted with Seb & Maren’s story.
Grief, pain and sense of purpose is a heavy burden that can weigh down your soul if you let it consume you and what I respected about this book was how the characters both traverse their own paths of healing through trauma and learning how to live in the now, and learning how to let those burdens slowly slide off their shoulders, even when it wants to cling to them with sharp, bloody claws. At times it’s heart-wrenching, raw and painful but it’s always underlined with this sense of beauty that’s exquisite in its humanity. I cried along with these two, felt the raw pang of grief and loss and felt my heart warm at the way their souls, or Kiyyus, intertwine even when it doesn’t always come easily.
We saw a little of Seb & Maren in ‘In Her Own Rite’, but with this book their characters (and relationship) are explored with such depth and respect that you just can’t help but fall completely in love with them as narrators. Seb may come across a bit abrasive, stubborn and at times a little cruel, but when his story is revealed—along with the pain and grief for one’s own life and future—it’s understandable as to why he has constructed such high walls around himself. As someone who lives with an illness that gives me chronic pain and a sense of almost uncontrollably losing my body to itself, his story has impacted me FIERCELY, like right down to the exposed flesh and bone type impact. So exquisitely written that there were times where I could FEEL his struggles under my own skin.
Maren also has some heavy burdens on her shoulders and her brash and unashamed sense of self is a whirlwind in Seb’s life. There’s a part of her story in discovering her wolf, that I found so much common ground with that I instantly gravitated towards her and clung onto her fears, anxieties and anger as my own (which was weirdly wonderfully cathartic to be able to journey through the traumas with her).
It was truely an incredible privilege to be able to read how these two begin their journeys of understanding their places in the world and where they belong aside from the pain and grief of what has happened to them. And how they can grow to SUPPORT each other.
The other characters we met in ‘In Her Own Rite’ are also explored once more, this time through the lenses of two new narrators (Seb & Maren) and it was lovely to learn more about the families in the overall Fika. Fakari lore and history was also a major part of this story’s plot, and even cause for some brewing sense of tension and suspense, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about it. It was something I found fascinating in ‘In Her Own Rite’, and even more so in ‘Worth His Salt’. Rowan has truely poured so much love, respect and LIFE into this universe and its history that you can’t help but share those same emotions when reading it. Maren is learning her place in the Pakka, as well as what it is to be a wolf, and she was the perfect character to learn all these things alongside. She takes us on a journey with an open heart and an outstretched hand.
Truely, I feel like it’s almost an honour to read this story. It so easily broke my heart while simultaneously stitching it so carefully and reverently back together. I still feel like I can’t adequately convey just how much this book has impacted me into words that seem good enough to describe ‘Worth His Salt’. Seb & Maren’s love is cripplingly beautiful, truthfully human and deeply emotional—but this book is so much MORE than that. It’s filled with friendship, family, grief, loss, pain and that comforting warmth of discovering, FINALLY, that special place you can, always and forever, call home.
❗️BETA REVIEW❗️Every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations. Thank you, Rowan, for the privilege of reading your incredible story early! Takka!
This book has forever changed me and I knew from the early chapters that it was going to take me for an absolute RIDE and it did that ten fold. ‘In Her Own Rite’ was one of my favourite reads last year and I honestly didn’t know how that was going to be topped…but it HAS with ‘Worth His Salt’. When I finished this book, I just let my kindle fall into my lap and I just stared into the void with tears in my eyes, a smile on my face and a warmth comfort wrapped around me. I’m still reeling and I think my heart has forever been imprinted with Seb & Maren’s story.
Grief, pain and sense of purpose is a heavy burden that can weigh down your soul if you let it consume you and what I respected about this book was how the characters both traverse their own paths of healing through trauma and learning how to live in the now, and learning how to let those burdens slowly slide off their shoulders, even when it wants to cling to them with sharp, bloody claws. At times it’s heart-wrenching, raw and painful but it’s always underlined with this sense of beauty that’s exquisite in its humanity. I cried along with these two, felt the raw pang of grief and loss and felt my heart warm at the way their souls, or Kiyyus, intertwine even when it doesn’t always come easily.
We saw a little of Seb & Maren in ‘In Her Own Rite’, but with this book their characters (and relationship) are explored with such depth and respect that you just can’t help but fall completely in love with them as narrators. Seb may come across a bit abrasive, stubborn and at times a little cruel, but when his story is revealed—along with the pain and grief for one’s own life and future—it’s understandable as to why he has constructed such high walls around himself. As someone who lives with an illness that gives me chronic pain and a sense of almost uncontrollably losing my body to itself, his story has impacted me FIERCELY, like right down to the exposed flesh and bone type impact. So exquisitely written that there were times where I could FEEL his struggles under my own skin.
Maren also has some heavy burdens on her shoulders and her brash and unashamed sense of self is a whirlwind in Seb’s life. There’s a part of her story in discovering her wolf, that I found so much common ground with that I instantly gravitated towards her and clung onto her fears, anxieties and anger as my own (which was weirdly wonderfully cathartic to be able to journey through the traumas with her).
It was truely an incredible privilege to be able to read how these two begin their journeys of understanding their places in the world and where they belong aside from the pain and grief of what has happened to them. And how they can grow to SUPPORT each other.
The other characters we met in ‘In Her Own Rite’ are also explored once more, this time through the lenses of two new narrators (Seb & Maren) and it was lovely to learn more about the families in the overall Fika. Fakari lore and history was also a major part of this story’s plot, and even cause for some brewing sense of tension and suspense, and I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about it. It was something I found fascinating in ‘In Her Own Rite’, and even more so in ‘Worth His Salt’. Rowan has truely poured so much love, respect and LIFE into this universe and its history that you can’t help but share those same emotions when reading it. Maren is learning her place in the Pakka, as well as what it is to be a wolf, and she was the perfect character to learn all these things alongside. She takes us on a journey with an open heart and an outstretched hand.
Truely, I feel like it’s almost an honour to read this story. It so easily broke my heart while simultaneously stitching it so carefully and reverently back together. I still feel like I can’t adequately convey just how much this book has impacted me into words that seem good enough to describe ‘Worth His Salt’. Seb & Maren’s love is cripplingly beautiful, truthfully human and deeply emotional—but this book is so much MORE than that. It’s filled with friendship, family, grief, loss, pain and that comforting warmth of discovering, FINALLY, that special place you can, always and forever, call home.
❗️BETA REVIEW❗️Every part of this review is written willingly and genuinely with my own personal feelings/thoughts and is under no conditions or obligations. Thank you, Rowan, for the privilege of reading your incredible story early! Takka!
September 3, 2024
This book is such a cozy treat! I loved how the story broadens and deepens the lore and the world of the Fakari islands first introduced by In Her Own Rite, the other standalone in this series. The larger plot line includes magical/spiritual mystery, research, and nature, which was really fun for me.
Maren is the star of this book (because I love her), an outsider with a Fakari parent, who arrives for the first time on the islands seeking an interview with Seb, the owner of Saroan Salts, for a magazine article. The steamy, slow burn and bickering between them was very satisfying. I loved Maren’s bluntness, humor, and take no shit / boundary setting style. Like Maren, Seb is dealing with some anger and trauma. Each of them grows in a way that is believable and touching. While this is a romance set in a world with mates, I appreciated that the concepts of mates includes friendship and treats singleness as normal also. There’s a lot more cool aspects like that to explore further in future books!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC (out now)! Can’t wait for Under Her Wing… maybe about Gabe?? 👀
Maren is the star of this book (because I love her), an outsider with a Fakari parent, who arrives for the first time on the islands seeking an interview with Seb, the owner of Saroan Salts, for a magazine article. The steamy, slow burn and bickering between them was very satisfying. I loved Maren’s bluntness, humor, and take no shit / boundary setting style. Like Maren, Seb is dealing with some anger and trauma. Each of them grows in a way that is believable and touching. While this is a romance set in a world with mates, I appreciated that the concepts of mates includes friendship and treats singleness as normal also. There’s a lot more cool aspects like that to explore further in future books!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC (out now)! Can’t wait for Under Her Wing… maybe about Gabe?? 👀
August 25, 2024
“Worth His Salt” by Rowan Wilder
4⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“For a moment, I feel something in me still. He feels familiar, almost like I’ve met him before.”
-”Worth His Salt” is technically the second book in the Fakari Islands series, but the events take place before those in “In Her Own Rite”. However, you could read either book first. I highly recommend reading BOTH to experience the series to the fullest extent, but they do read like standalones you can enjoy separately.
-I have a lot of appreciation for this series, I think it’s the most original wolf shifter series I’ve ever read. The author has obviously worked very hard to develop the lore and worldbuilding for the setting, characters, their culture, their specific struggles. I especially love it when authors invent their own language for their characters, and that’s exactly what readers can expect with this series. It’s immersive, and by the end of each book I felt a special connection to the world Rowan created.
-If you’re looking for a wolf shifter romance that goes beyond typical alpha and pack dynamics, I recommend this series. There are packs, but everyone is equal, and it’s more like an intentional community. The people in these groups are tied together by their culture, yes, but they also mesh well organically. Rowan presents the very definition of ‘found family’ through the characters you meet in her books.
-Seb and Maren caught my interest in “In Her Own Rite”, and I really enjoyed getting to know their backstory in “Worth His Salt”. We know about his injury, and Maren’s complicated relationship with Fikari culture prior to this book, but readers finally get context. It’s a rocky relationship for both of them, and they have to work hard every step of the way to make sure they’re on the same page. But it pays off in big ways by the end of the book, and there’s a great sense of closure for many reasons.
-”Worth His Salt” is much more explicit than “In Her Own Rite”, so please be aware of that prior to reading. Seb and Maren’s chemistry is palpable, they definitely form a physical connection way before an emotional one. But, again, it all evens out by the end of the book.
-I highly recommend this series if you want to read a wolf shifter romance that goes beyond alphas, but still has that sense of community between characters. It’s highly original, and a joy to read.
4⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶
“For a moment, I feel something in me still. He feels familiar, almost like I’ve met him before.”
-”Worth His Salt” is technically the second book in the Fakari Islands series, but the events take place before those in “In Her Own Rite”. However, you could read either book first. I highly recommend reading BOTH to experience the series to the fullest extent, but they do read like standalones you can enjoy separately.
-I have a lot of appreciation for this series, I think it’s the most original wolf shifter series I’ve ever read. The author has obviously worked very hard to develop the lore and worldbuilding for the setting, characters, their culture, their specific struggles. I especially love it when authors invent their own language for their characters, and that’s exactly what readers can expect with this series. It’s immersive, and by the end of each book I felt a special connection to the world Rowan created.
-If you’re looking for a wolf shifter romance that goes beyond typical alpha and pack dynamics, I recommend this series. There are packs, but everyone is equal, and it’s more like an intentional community. The people in these groups are tied together by their culture, yes, but they also mesh well organically. Rowan presents the very definition of ‘found family’ through the characters you meet in her books.
-Seb and Maren caught my interest in “In Her Own Rite”, and I really enjoyed getting to know their backstory in “Worth His Salt”. We know about his injury, and Maren’s complicated relationship with Fikari culture prior to this book, but readers finally get context. It’s a rocky relationship for both of them, and they have to work hard every step of the way to make sure they’re on the same page. But it pays off in big ways by the end of the book, and there’s a great sense of closure for many reasons.
-”Worth His Salt” is much more explicit than “In Her Own Rite”, so please be aware of that prior to reading. Seb and Maren’s chemistry is palpable, they definitely form a physical connection way before an emotional one. But, again, it all evens out by the end of the book.
-I highly recommend this series if you want to read a wolf shifter romance that goes beyond alphas, but still has that sense of community between characters. It’s highly original, and a joy to read.
August 8, 2024
Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Tropes & themes: enemies to lovers, fated mates, wolf shifters, forced proximity, ancient secrets & lore, he falls first & hard, female friendship, MMC who likes to *eat,* physical disability representation, rich history and lore & more.
Spoiler-free summary:
Maren has lived her whole life in America, far away from the Fakari Islands, the place her father lived and eventually left. Feeling lost in life, she decides to visit for the first time when offered the chance to write an article about the secret society of the islands. When she gets there, she finds that some of the people aren’t exactly welcoming to outsiders, Seb, the owner of the salt company she’s been sent to interview, the worst of them all. Maren will learn what it means to be part of a family, and what that means for her own life, all while juggling the intense connection she feels to Seb.
Thoughts:
Worth His Salt is a unique shifter romance with deep roots in lore and mythology that paint the most beautiful representation of wolf shifter culture I’ve ever read. This is the second book in the Fakari Island series, but can be read as a standalone.
I adore the lore in this series. The rich folklore and mythology in the culture of these wolf shifters adds so much to the story. The family unit in this book is so unlike any other “pack” structure that I have ever read, and I have to say that I really loved it. In places this read almost like an ethnography, which is basically brain p0rn to me. I remember feeling so blown away by all of these details in the first book, In Her Own Rite, and those feelings of awe have only magnified.
The MCs, Maren and Seb are a pleasure to read about. I loved Maren’s determined and inspiring personality, and her desire to find her place. She struggles with feeling like she’s in-between, being bi-racial, plus size, technically Fakari, but also an outsider. Her depth of character was very good. Seb’s arc is more one of finding a balance between the past, present and future. Together, their paths kind of mirror each other in a really lovely dance.
The romance in this book was well done and I enjoyed their soft enemies to lovers arc. Seb is a deliciously dedicated man and I loved seeing him be a total (sometimes assh0le) simp for his mate. The spice was perfect, imo — a good mix of steamy goodness and intimacy!
I highly recommend this book, and ultimately, this series for PNR readers!
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Tropes & themes: enemies to lovers, fated mates, wolf shifters, forced proximity, ancient secrets & lore, he falls first & hard, female friendship, MMC who likes to *eat,* physical disability representation, rich history and lore & more.
Spoiler-free summary:
Maren has lived her whole life in America, far away from the Fakari Islands, the place her father lived and eventually left. Feeling lost in life, she decides to visit for the first time when offered the chance to write an article about the secret society of the islands. When she gets there, she finds that some of the people aren’t exactly welcoming to outsiders, Seb, the owner of the salt company she’s been sent to interview, the worst of them all. Maren will learn what it means to be part of a family, and what that means for her own life, all while juggling the intense connection she feels to Seb.
Thoughts:
Worth His Salt is a unique shifter romance with deep roots in lore and mythology that paint the most beautiful representation of wolf shifter culture I’ve ever read. This is the second book in the Fakari Island series, but can be read as a standalone.
I adore the lore in this series. The rich folklore and mythology in the culture of these wolf shifters adds so much to the story. The family unit in this book is so unlike any other “pack” structure that I have ever read, and I have to say that I really loved it. In places this read almost like an ethnography, which is basically brain p0rn to me. I remember feeling so blown away by all of these details in the first book, In Her Own Rite, and those feelings of awe have only magnified.
The MCs, Maren and Seb are a pleasure to read about. I loved Maren’s determined and inspiring personality, and her desire to find her place. She struggles with feeling like she’s in-between, being bi-racial, plus size, technically Fakari, but also an outsider. Her depth of character was very good. Seb’s arc is more one of finding a balance between the past, present and future. Together, their paths kind of mirror each other in a really lovely dance.
The romance in this book was well done and I enjoyed their soft enemies to lovers arc. Seb is a deliciously dedicated man and I loved seeing him be a total (sometimes assh0le) simp for his mate. The spice was perfect, imo — a good mix of steamy goodness and intimacy!
I highly recommend this book, and ultimately, this series for PNR readers!
August 26, 2024
Maren and Seb's story was nothing short of perfection. The way Wilder weaves a tale of belonging, heart break and pure chemistry is superb. This read is a wolfy delight and true enemies to lovers.
The plot was balanced, I adored the found family, and was delighted by the cameos of Em and Kieran having read In Her Own Rite. The characters have been carefully crafted with amazing representation that adds to their realness. As always I am incredibly impressed by the creation of islander language Rowan has cleaverly embedded into this world. This story deserves all the stars. It is incredibly romantic, speaks to the soul and will have your toes curling too!
The plot was balanced, I adored the found family, and was delighted by the cameos of Em and Kieran having read In Her Own Rite. The characters have been carefully crafted with amazing representation that adds to their realness. As always I am incredibly impressed by the creation of islander language Rowan has cleaverly embedded into this world. This story deserves all the stars. It is incredibly romantic, speaks to the soul and will have your toes curling too!
August 31, 2024
I had been looking for a shifter romance book for a while (looking at you, younger version of me reading fanfictions 👀) and then I stumbled upon Rowan Wilders call for ARC readers. Loving the cover art for ‘Worth His Salt’, I shoot my shot. Despite my bestie and I’s Bookstagram not having a big following, she sent the eARC anyway, and I really thought it was the coolest thing ever to be recognised!
Onto the book itself: I really did enjoy the story, and it was different from what(pad) I read before.. The pack not having an Alpha, the reality behind the myths, the stories behind the characters. I really loved the bigger girl representation and the mmc learning to accept his pain.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, and I am looking forward to reading ‘In Her Own Rite’!
Onto the book itself: I really did enjoy the story, and it was different from what(pad) I read before.. The pack not having an Alpha, the reality behind the myths, the stories behind the characters. I really loved the bigger girl representation and the mmc learning to accept his pain.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, and I am looking forward to reading ‘In Her Own Rite’!
August 9, 2024
Bi rep, confident plus size FMC, wolf shifters, Slow burn, enemies to lovers, fated mates, steamy, forced proximity, He falls first, found family, rich culture and heritage, ancient secrets uncovered, character growth…need I say more?
Spice meter: 🌶️🌶️.5
“I loved you once, long ago, before our souls ever made it here. And I’ll love you long after we’re gone.” Like come on, how more romantic can you get?
I have been ANXIOUS to read Maren and Seb’s story ever since I read In Her Own Rite. It exceeded my already high expectations. The world Rowan has created is absolutely breathtaking. I wish the Fakari Islands were a real place. It’s like nothing I’ve read in such a long time. I could not put it down!
Not all relationships start out sunshine and roses and I enjoyed seeing the characters personal growth throughout but also their relationship together.
Maren is my favorite character out of all. She’s sassy, takes crap from no one (especially Seb). I just love her. She’s tried every kind of job and I think it’s fine to try things out and if it doesn’t work, move on to the next thing. Her mom can also kick rocks as far as I’m concerned.
Also, Chapter 19
“I’m going to eat until I’ve had my fill.” He brings his dark eyes up to me. “And then, when you say my name, I’m going to leave, so you remember who’s really in charge.”
Yes sir, Seb
“Let me earn it.”
I love a man that takes accountability and will grovel
I just can’t express enough how much I enjoyed this book. I’ve already read so many this year and it’s definitely in my top 5. I can’t wait for more!
Spice meter: 🌶️🌶️.5
“I loved you once, long ago, before our souls ever made it here. And I’ll love you long after we’re gone.” Like come on, how more romantic can you get?
I have been ANXIOUS to read Maren and Seb’s story ever since I read In Her Own Rite. It exceeded my already high expectations. The world Rowan has created is absolutely breathtaking. I wish the Fakari Islands were a real place. It’s like nothing I’ve read in such a long time. I could not put it down!
Not all relationships start out sunshine and roses and I enjoyed seeing the characters personal growth throughout but also their relationship together.
Maren is my favorite character out of all. She’s sassy, takes crap from no one (especially Seb). I just love her. She’s tried every kind of job and I think it’s fine to try things out and if it doesn’t work, move on to the next thing. Her mom can also kick rocks as far as I’m concerned.
Also, Chapter 19
“I’m going to eat until I’ve had my fill.” He brings his dark eyes up to me. “And then, when you say my name, I’m going to leave, so you remember who’s really in charge.”
Yes sir, Seb
“Let me earn it.”
I love a man that takes accountability and will grovel
I just can’t express enough how much I enjoyed this book. I’ve already read so many this year and it’s definitely in my top 5. I can’t wait for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2024
*insert crying emoji and six billion hearts*
I don't have the words to tell you how much I loved this book. The Characters, the storylines, the setting, dialogue. AH! Every bit was so good.
I loved Seb immediately; he was grumpy and rude, and I knew he was secretly such a sweet cinnamon roll. Mara was so fierce. Oh my god, she's amazing. She is so beautiful, and I LOVED how she stood up to Seb and wasn't afraid to speak her mind or ask for space or what she needed.
The mystery/second storyline that was happening, along with the romance, had me captivated. I was so interested to know what was happening with the salts, the signs, and finding information about settlers! Like I was along for the ride, and I loved it. The islands are so interesting, and I hope to keep learning more in the next book.
This book was just incredible, I cannot recommend it enough. It was the best reading experience.
I don't have the words to tell you how much I loved this book. The Characters, the storylines, the setting, dialogue. AH! Every bit was so good.
I loved Seb immediately; he was grumpy and rude, and I knew he was secretly such a sweet cinnamon roll. Mara was so fierce. Oh my god, she's amazing. She is so beautiful, and I LOVED how she stood up to Seb and wasn't afraid to speak her mind or ask for space or what she needed.
The mystery/second storyline that was happening, along with the romance, had me captivated. I was so interested to know what was happening with the salts, the signs, and finding information about settlers! Like I was along for the ride, and I loved it. The islands are so interesting, and I hope to keep learning more in the next book.
This book was just incredible, I cannot recommend it enough. It was the best reading experience.
August 9, 2024
ARC REVIEW! (Thanks Rowan!)
I enjoyed this story much more than In her own Rite. I don’t understand why this book came out after IHOR, I was thoroughly confused reading In her Own Rite thinking, did I miss a book? I thought this was the first in the series. We’re basically told most of Maren and Sebs story in In her Own Rite. Maybe read this one first if you haven’t read the other. Also, how did Sebs dad die and how was it David’s fault? It vaguely mentions he got sick and??? But David was already dead at that point? I’m looking forward to Gabe’s book!
I enjoyed this story much more than In her own Rite. I don’t understand why this book came out after IHOR, I was thoroughly confused reading In her Own Rite thinking, did I miss a book? I thought this was the first in the series. We’re basically told most of Maren and Sebs story in In her Own Rite. Maybe read this one first if you haven’t read the other. Also, how did Sebs dad die and how was it David’s fault? It vaguely mentions he got sick and??? But David was already dead at that point? I’m looking forward to Gabe’s book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
I loved this so much. It's a prequel story to In Her Own Rite so you get to see some of the things mentioned in IHOR in this book. I was so invested from the beginning and didn't want to out it down. I legit stayed up till 1:30am to finish this because it's so good.
September 5, 2024
Wow wow wow wow wow
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
When I first did a quick review on August 10th, all I could say was "wow wow wow". This book blew me away!! I am so happy I choose to read it.
Rowan did "idiots-to-lovers" very well. I love me a man that is desperate to get his girl. I loved the magic, the characters, the setting, everything.
ALSO THE MYSTERY!! For a lot of books, I continue reading to find out how the characters end up together, but this book also made me desperate (heh) to figure out the truth!
I loved that I was not able to solve the mystery myself 🥰 I tend to theorize what could happen in a book, and I love when I am wrong! (only in this case 😉).
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
When I first did a quick review on August 10th, all I could say was "wow wow wow". This book blew me away!! I am so happy I choose to read it.
Rowan did "idiots-to-lovers" very well. I love me a man that is desperate to get his girl. I loved the magic, the characters, the setting, everything.
ALSO THE MYSTERY!! For a lot of books, I continue reading to find out how the characters end up together, but this book also made me desperate (heh) to figure out the truth!
I loved that I was not able to solve the mystery myself 🥰 I tend to theorize what could happen in a book, and I love when I am wrong! (only in this case 😉).
August 21, 2024
4.5/5💜
Rowan just continues to blow me away with her writing! It's emotional and swoony, with complex characters I've grown to love more and more. Reading her stories gives me that same feeling you get when you wrap yourself up in a big fluffy blanket on a cold and drizzly night. I just love this fictional world she's created (that I wish so badly was real!)
Maren and Seb's story kept me on my toes with the angst, the banter, the tension, and the slow burn...I was yelling at both of them the entire time lol.
Seb is a tortured hero dealing with the unbearable pain left after he was permanently disfigured during his rite from years before. But scars and physical pain aside, it also left him quite lonely and unhappy. Until one day, a beautiful woman with golden brown skin and wild curls walks into his life, and changes everything.
Maren is from the mainland. Like many in their late twenties, she is trying to find her purpose in life. She never commits to anything for too long and is constantly trying to appease her meddling mother. Her father was from the Fakaris, and her mother was a normal human. ButMaren had no idea what her father truly was-what SHE truly is. It's during her visit to the islands where Maren discovers the truth and so much more.
These two start out hating each other. They're both so stubborn that neither wants to give-in, but no matter how they try convincing themselves otherwise, the tension between them is obvious to everyone but them. They eventually realize that they are meant to be, and its only when they allow themselves to be vulnerable that they finally accept their fate.
I will say that at one point toward the end of the book, Maren was not my favorite person, but she did end up making up for it. I'm just such a sucker for a tortured hero, and I'm always on his side regardless lol
If you're thinking of picking this up, I HIGHLY recommend reading In Her Own Rite first. It will really serve as the backbone to the Fakaris culture and history and will make for a better overall reading experience. I absolutely recommend both books and cannot wait for Gabe's story next!!
🏷️: #
A big thank you to Rowan for kindly providing an advanced copy!
Rowan just continues to blow me away with her writing! It's emotional and swoony, with complex characters I've grown to love more and more. Reading her stories gives me that same feeling you get when you wrap yourself up in a big fluffy blanket on a cold and drizzly night. I just love this fictional world she's created (that I wish so badly was real!)
Maren and Seb's story kept me on my toes with the angst, the banter, the tension, and the slow burn...I was yelling at both of them the entire time lol.
Seb is a tortured hero dealing with the unbearable pain left after he was permanently disfigured during his rite from years before. But scars and physical pain aside, it also left him quite lonely and unhappy. Until one day, a beautiful woman with golden brown skin and wild curls walks into his life, and changes everything.
Maren is from the mainland. Like many in their late twenties, she is trying to find her purpose in life. She never commits to anything for too long and is constantly trying to appease her meddling mother. Her father was from the Fakaris, and her mother was a normal human. ButMaren had no idea what her father truly was-what SHE truly is. It's during her visit to the islands where Maren discovers the truth and so much more.
These two start out hating each other. They're both so stubborn that neither wants to give-in, but no matter how they try convincing themselves otherwise, the tension between them is obvious to everyone but them. They eventually realize that they are meant to be, and its only when they allow themselves to be vulnerable that they finally accept their fate.
I will say that at one point toward the end of the book, Maren was not my favorite person, but she did end up making up for it. I'm just such a sucker for a tortured hero, and I'm always on his side regardless lol
If you're thinking of picking this up, I HIGHLY recommend reading In Her Own Rite first. It will really serve as the backbone to the Fakaris culture and history and will make for a better overall reading experience. I absolutely recommend both books and cannot wait for Gabe's story next!!
🏷️: #
A big thank you to Rowan for kindly providing an advanced copy!
September 6, 2024
Thank you to Rowan Wilder for the ARC of Worth His Salt! I’m so excited to give my honest thoughts on your book.
Trigger or content warning? Not included in book but it is found on the author’s website.
Details?
FMC’s name is Maren, and she is 28 years old. MMC’s name is Seb and he is 30 years old. It’s never outright mentioned, but it is assumed and he never corrects Maren.
Neither Seb nor Maren are virgins.
Seb has been celibate for 3 years. He was tested in the hospital for std’s and has none, and has been with no one for 3 years. Maren was tested a few weeks before she came to the island, and was with no one since being tested. Maren has an IUD. Maren and Seb make the decision to have unprotected sex together.
Maren and Seb’s sexual pasts are mentioned briefly and vaguely. Just passing comments about their pasts.
Maren does go out with Kieran to make Seb jealous, but it is done platonically and Maren (nor Kieran) have any interest in each other sexually or romantically.
My thoughts?
I loved this book so much that I have been struggling with my review on it. I have so many positive emotions that it’s hard to put into words.
This book starts out with Maren arriving on the adventure of her lifetime, in an attempt get away from her life in the mainland. After an emotional outburst that was caught on camera and a looming tongue lashing from her Mom..she’s fleeing from that reality. Seb does not like mainlanders. At all. Her holds one heck of a prejudice against them, and doesn’t understand that way of life. He finds them selfish, and greedy, and everything is about money for them. So when Maren rolls up and bluffs that she has a meeting with the Salt company’s owner, Seb immediately shoots down her bluff when revealing that he is, in fact, the manager of the Salt company. So it’s dislike at first site. Maren thinks he’s a dick for not replying to any of her emails, and Seb doesn’t trust her because of her being a typical-mainland-liar. Granted, this is also when Maren’s first quips are fired and I love her for them.
Ultimately Maren makes her way onto the Fakari islands throughout a familial bond, and the fact that Saga is one of the elders on the board. Definitely had some pull, even though Seb is against it with everything in his being. It’s a split vote but with Maren being Saga’s niece she is able to weigh the vote in her favour.
While discovering the Fakari Islands it is also revealed Maren has some huge feelings. Most noticeably her anger issues. Maren’s emotions are directly connected to her wolf who’s been suppressed for the past 28 years, so surprise changes happen more than once. I’m glad Maren started working on connecting with her wolf, because an on edge shifter who has no control over her emotions was like reading about a walking bomb. Understandable? Yes. Someone can only be emotionally suppressed for so long until they destruct. Scary for the people around her? Also yes. Especially Seb who seems to know every button to press to make Maren pissed off. The chase scene had me reading with bated breath.
Overall though, Seb and Maren were charismatic together. Quick with each other and strong personalities made it easy to read about their budding love. I was unable to look away from this book because I needed to know how their story fleshed out. I had to know what role Maren played in Seb’s rite. It was exactly what I wanted, and Seb’s love for Maren’s body melted me. Their personalities also complimented each other, even when they were opposing each other.
There is no third act break up, and they talk through their issues like adults once they’ve stepped away to regulate their emotions. They work towards their love for each other, even if they’re both scared of love. Their growth from the beginning of the book was big. I can see how they are perfectly suited for each other. It makes me think that Maren’s Dad and Seb’s Dad are watching on from the other side, finally at peace that they’re together.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
Trigger or content warning? Not included in book but it is found on the author’s website.
Details?
FMC’s name is Maren, and she is 28 years old. MMC’s name is Seb and he is 30 years old. It’s never outright mentioned, but it is assumed and he never corrects Maren.
Neither Seb nor Maren are virgins.
Seb has been celibate for 3 years. He was tested in the hospital for std’s and has none, and has been with no one for 3 years. Maren was tested a few weeks before she came to the island, and was with no one since being tested. Maren has an IUD. Maren and Seb make the decision to have unprotected sex together.
Maren and Seb’s sexual pasts are mentioned briefly and vaguely. Just passing comments about their pasts.
Maren does go out with Kieran to make Seb jealous, but it is done platonically and Maren (nor Kieran) have any interest in each other sexually or romantically.
My thoughts?
I loved this book so much that I have been struggling with my review on it. I have so many positive emotions that it’s hard to put into words.
This book starts out with Maren arriving on the adventure of her lifetime, in an attempt get away from her life in the mainland. After an emotional outburst that was caught on camera and a looming tongue lashing from her Mom..she’s fleeing from that reality. Seb does not like mainlanders. At all. Her holds one heck of a prejudice against them, and doesn’t understand that way of life. He finds them selfish, and greedy, and everything is about money for them. So when Maren rolls up and bluffs that she has a meeting with the Salt company’s owner, Seb immediately shoots down her bluff when revealing that he is, in fact, the manager of the Salt company. So it’s dislike at first site. Maren thinks he’s a dick for not replying to any of her emails, and Seb doesn’t trust her because of her being a typical-mainland-liar. Granted, this is also when Maren’s first quips are fired and I love her for them.
Ultimately Maren makes her way onto the Fakari islands throughout a familial bond, and the fact that Saga is one of the elders on the board. Definitely had some pull, even though Seb is against it with everything in his being. It’s a split vote but with Maren being Saga’s niece she is able to weigh the vote in her favour.
While discovering the Fakari Islands it is also revealed Maren has some huge feelings. Most noticeably her anger issues. Maren’s emotions are directly connected to her wolf who’s been suppressed for the past 28 years, so surprise changes happen more than once. I’m glad Maren started working on connecting with her wolf, because an on edge shifter who has no control over her emotions was like reading about a walking bomb. Understandable? Yes. Someone can only be emotionally suppressed for so long until they destruct. Scary for the people around her? Also yes. Especially Seb who seems to know every button to press to make Maren pissed off. The chase scene had me reading with bated breath.
Overall though, Seb and Maren were charismatic together. Quick with each other and strong personalities made it easy to read about their budding love. I was unable to look away from this book because I needed to know how their story fleshed out. I had to know what role Maren played in Seb’s rite. It was exactly what I wanted, and Seb’s love for Maren’s body melted me. Their personalities also complimented each other, even when they were opposing each other.
There is no third act break up, and they talk through their issues like adults once they’ve stepped away to regulate their emotions. They work towards their love for each other, even if they’re both scared of love. Their growth from the beginning of the book was big. I can see how they are perfectly suited for each other. It makes me think that Maren’s Dad and Seb’s Dad are watching on from the other side, finally at peace that they’re together.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2024
I have no words to describe what this book made me feel. The wonderful story it gives its readers is simply perfect. This book should be considered a masterpiece: the characters, the plot, the well-crafted story, and that world that Rowan created—I must say it is simply magical. Without a doubt, I have to place this book at the top of the best ones this year. It gives me so much hope that The Fakari Islands could be real because WOW, this entire story was beautiful.
Where do I begin? Seb’s character growth was amazing. We could see and feel his pain and trauma, which were difficult for him to cope with and even harder to overcome. Maren played a very important role in his growth, especially in his healing. He was selfish at first, unable to see what others truly wanted, only focusing on his own pain. But being with him on his journey of recovery was so gratifying that I felt like my heart was going to burst with happiness when he finally made peace with himself. Maren is one of the best FMCs I’ve had the pleasure of reading about. She’s mature for her age, intelligent, has a great sense of humor, but most importantly, she has a big heart. She felt lost, unsure of where she belonged because the many traumas her mother inflicted on her made her lose her way, especially her sense of belonging. It wasn't until she found her Pakka that she found herself. She needed to reconnect with her roots, to do something for herself that made her feel comfortable and, most of all, that she belonged. The love between them was so beautiful. It started as an enemies-to-lovers trope, but Seb fell hopelessly in love with her and tried to do the right thing at every moment. Their love story was beautiful, filled with healing and, above all, forgiveness for the past and finding the present together.
The other characters, I must say, fascinated me. The essence they brought to the story was so lovely. This story was really cozy and beautiful, but in a way that makes your heart ache because you read something both beautiful and sad at times. Seba was my favorite. She gave off this peaceful vibe, like the mother who is always there when you need her, giving you the best advice and showing you great understanding when you need it most. This book made me laugh, cry, but above all, feel a lot of love. This is the first book I’ve read from The Fakari Islands series, and I can’t wait to read In Her Own Rite. I know I will love it as much as this one, which I still can’t fully process because it’s such an incredible story.
Where do I begin? Seb’s character growth was amazing. We could see and feel his pain and trauma, which were difficult for him to cope with and even harder to overcome. Maren played a very important role in his growth, especially in his healing. He was selfish at first, unable to see what others truly wanted, only focusing on his own pain. But being with him on his journey of recovery was so gratifying that I felt like my heart was going to burst with happiness when he finally made peace with himself. Maren is one of the best FMCs I’ve had the pleasure of reading about. She’s mature for her age, intelligent, has a great sense of humor, but most importantly, she has a big heart. She felt lost, unsure of where she belonged because the many traumas her mother inflicted on her made her lose her way, especially her sense of belonging. It wasn't until she found her Pakka that she found herself. She needed to reconnect with her roots, to do something for herself that made her feel comfortable and, most of all, that she belonged. The love between them was so beautiful. It started as an enemies-to-lovers trope, but Seb fell hopelessly in love with her and tried to do the right thing at every moment. Their love story was beautiful, filled with healing and, above all, forgiveness for the past and finding the present together.
The other characters, I must say, fascinated me. The essence they brought to the story was so lovely. This story was really cozy and beautiful, but in a way that makes your heart ache because you read something both beautiful and sad at times. Seba was my favorite. She gave off this peaceful vibe, like the mother who is always there when you need her, giving you the best advice and showing you great understanding when you need it most. This book made me laugh, cry, but above all, feel a lot of love. This is the first book I’ve read from The Fakari Islands series, and I can’t wait to read In Her Own Rite. I know I will love it as much as this one, which I still can’t fully process because it’s such an incredible story.
August 20, 2024
This review was originally posted on aliciaalexandrareads.
“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙜𝙤, 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
It’s no secret that I adored In Her Own Rite, Rowan Wilder’s intro to the Fakari Islands series, when I read it earlier this year. I’m delighted to see that Wilder has continued to bring her own brand of magic to the world of shifter romance with Worth His Salt 🧡 (While also continuing to make me laugh, cry and consider myself very lucky to be an ARC reader.)
Where Em and Kieran’s story in In Her Own Rite is tender and hopeful, Seb and Maren’s discovery and subsequent exploration of each other, their feelings and their struggles in Worth His Salt is much sharper around the edges, more incendiary and potent, in a way that perfectly reflects the characters themselves.
It’s no small feat to bring together such headstrong and damaged characters but Wilder continues to awe me with her realistic and nuanced exploration of topics like grief and acceptance, trauma, self-discovery and feelings of otherness. By building a framework of realistic dialogue and relationships, this story filled with the stuff of legends feels so real you could reach out and touch it.
Em, Kieran, Seb and Maren may all be pakka but their stories are so distinct, so rich and fulfilling in their own ways while still being rooted in the world and culture that Wilder weaves. We get to see more sides of the Islands when exploring Seb’s devotion to “the old ways”, the fallout from his Rite and Maren’s pursuit of finding space for herself within a world that is both part of her and cut off from her. It’s sometimes raw & upsetting, sometimes playful & heartwarming but always incredibly well-written.
Worth His Salt is easily one of my top books of 2024, sitting side by side with it’s predecessor, and another installment in a series that has made its way to my “best of” shelf and will be a go-to recommendation for a long time to come.
This ARC was provided by the author for the purpose of content creation and review. The opinions expressed here in the post above have not been affected by, dictated or edited in any way by the provider.
“𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙜𝙤, 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙨 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙙𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙣𝙚.”
It’s no secret that I adored In Her Own Rite, Rowan Wilder’s intro to the Fakari Islands series, when I read it earlier this year. I’m delighted to see that Wilder has continued to bring her own brand of magic to the world of shifter romance with Worth His Salt 🧡 (While also continuing to make me laugh, cry and consider myself very lucky to be an ARC reader.)
Where Em and Kieran’s story in In Her Own Rite is tender and hopeful, Seb and Maren’s discovery and subsequent exploration of each other, their feelings and their struggles in Worth His Salt is much sharper around the edges, more incendiary and potent, in a way that perfectly reflects the characters themselves.
It’s no small feat to bring together such headstrong and damaged characters but Wilder continues to awe me with her realistic and nuanced exploration of topics like grief and acceptance, trauma, self-discovery and feelings of otherness. By building a framework of realistic dialogue and relationships, this story filled with the stuff of legends feels so real you could reach out and touch it.
Em, Kieran, Seb and Maren may all be pakka but their stories are so distinct, so rich and fulfilling in their own ways while still being rooted in the world and culture that Wilder weaves. We get to see more sides of the Islands when exploring Seb’s devotion to “the old ways”, the fallout from his Rite and Maren’s pursuit of finding space for herself within a world that is both part of her and cut off from her. It’s sometimes raw & upsetting, sometimes playful & heartwarming but always incredibly well-written.
Worth His Salt is easily one of my top books of 2024, sitting side by side with it’s predecessor, and another installment in a series that has made its way to my “best of” shelf and will be a go-to recommendation for a long time to come.
This ARC was provided by the author for the purpose of content creation and review. The opinions expressed here in the post above have not been affected by, dictated or edited in any way by the provider.
August 27, 2024
4.5 stars
For full review: https://wordsoftheroses.com/2024/08/2...
“You know, it’s a shame this truce is just for tonight. I almost like you.”
“Yeah. I almost like you, too.”
I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own. Thank you so much to Rowan for sending a copy my way!
I love being back in this world. Small-town paranormal romance is a thing I didn’t know I needed before this year, and Worth His Salt is the perfect example of this. I adored seeing how Maren and Seb got together, especially after seeing them in the first book.
Maren is a little lost. She has spent the last few years bouncing from career to career as she tries to find where she belongs. Maren’s mother has lined up a job and she arrives at the Fakari Islands hoping to talk to Saroan Salt’s business owner. However, the owner, Seb, is not interested. He wants nothing to do with the mainland and is more interested in preserving Fakari traditions. Things go bad to worse when Seb realises that Maren is the daughter of the man who caused his father’s death. The pair are forced to work together and realise that the person they have grown to hate is the key to things they want and answers they need.
I adore Maren. She is so much fun! Her voice was so strong and left me giggling in sections.It was a joy to watch Maren find where she belonged. It gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings.
Seb is the grumpiest grump whoever did grump. He almost lost his life in the Elder rite ritual and is left with chronic pain. At first, he rejects all of Maren’s suggestions because he's worried that outsider influence but he quickly realises he is wrong. He owns up to his mistakes and apologies, which I appreciate. We love a man who is not afraid to admit he is wrong.
This was an absolute delight. I adore the island setting, which adds a cozy vibe to this shifter paranormal romance. The found family vibes here are immaculate. If you love the sounds of a shifter romance set on a small coastal island, with forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine vibes with an amazing found family, Worth His Salt is the book for you
For full review: https://wordsoftheroses.com/2024/08/2...
“You know, it’s a shame this truce is just for tonight. I almost like you.”
“Yeah. I almost like you, too.”
I will start by saying that I was given an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. These opinions are my own. Thank you so much to Rowan for sending a copy my way!
I love being back in this world. Small-town paranormal romance is a thing I didn’t know I needed before this year, and Worth His Salt is the perfect example of this. I adored seeing how Maren and Seb got together, especially after seeing them in the first book.
Maren is a little lost. She has spent the last few years bouncing from career to career as she tries to find where she belongs. Maren’s mother has lined up a job and she arrives at the Fakari Islands hoping to talk to Saroan Salt’s business owner. However, the owner, Seb, is not interested. He wants nothing to do with the mainland and is more interested in preserving Fakari traditions. Things go bad to worse when Seb realises that Maren is the daughter of the man who caused his father’s death. The pair are forced to work together and realise that the person they have grown to hate is the key to things they want and answers they need.
I adore Maren. She is so much fun! Her voice was so strong and left me giggling in sections.It was a joy to watch Maren find where she belonged. It gave me all the warm and fuzzy feelings.
Seb is the grumpiest grump whoever did grump. He almost lost his life in the Elder rite ritual and is left with chronic pain. At first, he rejects all of Maren’s suggestions because he's worried that outsider influence but he quickly realises he is wrong. He owns up to his mistakes and apologies, which I appreciate. We love a man who is not afraid to admit he is wrong.
This was an absolute delight. I adore the island setting, which adds a cozy vibe to this shifter paranormal romance. The found family vibes here are immaculate. If you love the sounds of a shifter romance set on a small coastal island, with forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine vibes with an amazing found family, Worth His Salt is the book for you
August 28, 2024
Seb is giving MAJOR Jacaerys vibes!
Seb nearly died when he attempted the ancestral test to follow in his father's footsteps and become a pack elder. Haunted by the trauma of his trial and the memory of a mysterious wolf, he is shocked when she shows up on his door years later. Except Maren doesn't know that she's a wolf.
Raised among humans, Maren was never taught about her father's ability to shift. She comes back to the islands hoping under the guise of researching their salt mines. But she's looking to connect with the family she never knew. She uncovers more secrets than her own identity.
I love the Fakari Islands! This series is an incredible cultural version of shifter lore. Families in the pack live together in communal homes so Maren stays with her cousin Gabe and his pack family which includes the bitter Seb. It creates the close proximity for this grumpy x sunshine romance to flourish. Just imagine what happens when a guy with supernatural hearing shares a wall with the girl that haunts his dreams hehehe...
If you're looking for plus size rep in paranormal romance, this is the one for you. Maren naturally brings up the daily realities of being plus size (like sharing the back seat and clothes shopping on vacation). But her story isn't restricted to body positivity. She is overcoming her insecurities as someone who doesn't pursue traditional career paths but who's contribution is still valid.
Genre – Cozy wolf shifter contemporary romance.
Setting – Modern day earth, fictional islands off the coast of Nova Scotia, Scandinavian inspired.
Maturity – 29 F & 30 M, detailed scenes, NA to Adult readers.
Romance – Enemies to lovers, history between their families, tease before fated mates.
Themes – Plus size women, growing up bi-racial, thin mothers, unconventional career path. Loss of parent, fictional religion, physical disability due to injury, chronic pain, anger management.
Seb nearly died when he attempted the ancestral test to follow in his father's footsteps and become a pack elder. Haunted by the trauma of his trial and the memory of a mysterious wolf, he is shocked when she shows up on his door years later. Except Maren doesn't know that she's a wolf.
Raised among humans, Maren was never taught about her father's ability to shift. She comes back to the islands hoping under the guise of researching their salt mines. But she's looking to connect with the family she never knew. She uncovers more secrets than her own identity.
I love the Fakari Islands! This series is an incredible cultural version of shifter lore. Families in the pack live together in communal homes so Maren stays with her cousin Gabe and his pack family which includes the bitter Seb. It creates the close proximity for this grumpy x sunshine romance to flourish. Just imagine what happens when a guy with supernatural hearing shares a wall with the girl that haunts his dreams hehehe...
If you're looking for plus size rep in paranormal romance, this is the one for you. Maren naturally brings up the daily realities of being plus size (like sharing the back seat and clothes shopping on vacation). But her story isn't restricted to body positivity. She is overcoming her insecurities as someone who doesn't pursue traditional career paths but who's contribution is still valid.
Genre – Cozy wolf shifter contemporary romance.
Setting – Modern day earth, fictional islands off the coast of Nova Scotia, Scandinavian inspired.
Maturity – 29 F & 30 M, detailed scenes, NA to Adult readers.
Romance – Enemies to lovers, history between their families, tease before fated mates.
Themes – Plus size women, growing up bi-racial, thin mothers, unconventional career path. Loss of parent, fictional religion, physical disability due to injury, chronic pain, anger management.
August 20, 2024
(ARC)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5 fun was had and men were starving no longer (all consensual)
Wilder manages to cultivate a sense of culture and community in this captivating original story.
I had a hard time putting this one down. I was immersed in Seb and Maren’s lives. It felt as if I was right there taking this day by day, growing and learning.
You get a bit of everything with this one.
Enemies to lovers, dedicated man, slow burn, a confident girls girl,
“he’d be lucky to ever even get near a woman with half my talents and a fourth of my ass.” YEAH HE WOULD BABY.😍
Sage was trying to fit into a world she didn’t grow up in while also finding where she belonged in the most enduring fashion. She’s resilient, she’s got heart, and that’s all you can ask for in a leading lady.
You also get Seb, who has been through something traumatic and left scarred and in pain. He goes through a phase of selfishness but comes out stronger and better in the end. The author makes Seb so protective of his culture as he fights in a war of one, all while coming to terms with being shitty, apologize freely, and righting his wrongs step by step.
They are just two beautiful, flawed people, who I want to be squashed in the middle of as I weep at their love story.
A great balance of spicy/steamy scenes, Seb said, right here, right now! Wherever he was. Man never did find a bed in the end.
Worth His Salt comes out on August 22nd, as the first book chronologically in the series, but the second book released. So, we luckily have the option to read book one, In His Own Rite, together right now!✨✨
P. S. Forgot to mention it’s a wolf shifter book!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5 fun was had and men were starving no longer (all consensual)
Wilder manages to cultivate a sense of culture and community in this captivating original story.
I had a hard time putting this one down. I was immersed in Seb and Maren’s lives. It felt as if I was right there taking this day by day, growing and learning.
You get a bit of everything with this one.
Enemies to lovers, dedicated man, slow burn, a confident girls girl,
“he’d be lucky to ever even get near a woman with half my talents and a fourth of my ass.” YEAH HE WOULD BABY.😍
Sage was trying to fit into a world she didn’t grow up in while also finding where she belonged in the most enduring fashion. She’s resilient, she’s got heart, and that’s all you can ask for in a leading lady.
You also get Seb, who has been through something traumatic and left scarred and in pain. He goes through a phase of selfishness but comes out stronger and better in the end. The author makes Seb so protective of his culture as he fights in a war of one, all while coming to terms with being shitty, apologize freely, and righting his wrongs step by step.
They are just two beautiful, flawed people, who I want to be squashed in the middle of as I weep at their love story.
A great balance of spicy/steamy scenes, Seb said, right here, right now! Wherever he was. Man never did find a bed in the end.
Worth His Salt comes out on August 22nd, as the first book chronologically in the series, but the second book released. So, we luckily have the option to read book one, In His Own Rite, together right now!✨✨
P. S. Forgot to mention it’s a wolf shifter book!!
August 22, 2024
This author has been hitting it out of the park with the Fakari Islands series. Chronologically book one, but published second, Worth His Salt follows Maren and Seb, two souls destined to meet despite some speed bumps and hurdles. She has Fakari in her blood, as her father was native to the islands, but she grew up on the mainland. Seb is Fakari born and bred and has dedicated his life to resurrecting the ancestors' salt production methods. He's fresh out of completing his elder rite, which got him gravely injured and is sullen and withdrawn until Maren. She comes into his life and flips it upside down. When she discovers her wolf shifter heritage, Seb recognizes her as his fated mate. But that doesn't mean the same thing to Maren, who didn't grow up surrounded by the magic and Fakari culture. She's transient and has always been looking for the next thing. What lengths will Seb go to to get her to realize she's where she belongs?
Slow burn with wolf shifters, unique and intriguing culture/language, and some familiar faces to boot? Sign me up for every book in this series. Maren and Seb had an enemies to lovers thing going on, although one-sided for the most part. He was hesitant when it came to everything about her, until he realized her significance in his life. The spice, when it hits, was so delicious. Their banter and arguments only fuel the fire and burn it did. I love how she helped him realize some hard truths and came out better for it. Their dynamic was brash and uncertain until it was tender and hypnotizing. Don't sleep on this one!
Slow burn with wolf shifters, unique and intriguing culture/language, and some familiar faces to boot? Sign me up for every book in this series. Maren and Seb had an enemies to lovers thing going on, although one-sided for the most part. He was hesitant when it came to everything about her, until he realized her significance in his life. The spice, when it hits, was so delicious. Their banter and arguments only fuel the fire and burn it did. I love how she helped him realize some hard truths and came out better for it. Their dynamic was brash and uncertain until it was tender and hypnotizing. Don't sleep on this one!
August 18, 2024
"'They've given me my father's fate.' 'Or they've given you the chance to undo it.'"
I was immediately invested from this story from the very beginning. It was a gift to be able to dive into the world of the Fakari Islands again. This series, and world, is one of my all-time favorites. I really enjoyed the character of Maren and found connections to her through her journey of finding belonging and personal mission. Seb, on the other hand...frankly, I kind of couldn't stand him. BUT this made for a really great character development arc and I got to be right alongside him for his growth throughout the story!
The culture and folklore of this world is phenomenal, and this book is no exception. This book was a great expansion on what we learned from IHOR, in both physical and historical ways, and it was also kind of like a fresh start as we got to learn and see it all through Maren's eyes, for the first time, as well.
What I love most about this series is how ultimately cozy it is. These books feel like your favorite comfort TV series: the story is interesting and you want to keep watching as the plot develops, but it also feels like a warm hug at the end of the night. It's hard to explain, but essentially I'm always intrigued in the world and the story and wanting to know more, without ever feeling too stressed about the story and characters. This is a perfect fall or winter feeling read, to me, and it's always comfortable to pick up and continue reading.
I already cannot wait for the next one, and I can't recommend this series enough!
I was immediately invested from this story from the very beginning. It was a gift to be able to dive into the world of the Fakari Islands again. This series, and world, is one of my all-time favorites. I really enjoyed the character of Maren and found connections to her through her journey of finding belonging and personal mission. Seb, on the other hand...frankly, I kind of couldn't stand him. BUT this made for a really great character development arc and I got to be right alongside him for his growth throughout the story!
The culture and folklore of this world is phenomenal, and this book is no exception. This book was a great expansion on what we learned from IHOR, in both physical and historical ways, and it was also kind of like a fresh start as we got to learn and see it all through Maren's eyes, for the first time, as well.
What I love most about this series is how ultimately cozy it is. These books feel like your favorite comfort TV series: the story is interesting and you want to keep watching as the plot develops, but it also feels like a warm hug at the end of the night. It's hard to explain, but essentially I'm always intrigued in the world and the story and wanting to know more, without ever feeling too stressed about the story and characters. This is a perfect fall or winter feeling read, to me, and it's always comfortable to pick up and continue reading.
I already cannot wait for the next one, and I can't recommend this series enough!
August 21, 2024
🐺✨ Book Review ✨🐺
~ Worth His Salt ~
(ARC)
By Rowan Wilder
My Rating: five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Fated mates
• Found family
• Self discovery
• wolf shifters
• Ancient family secrets
• Paranormal romance
• Disability rep
• Strong and angry FMC
• Brooding MMC
• Forced proximity
• I “Hate” you but I want no one else
My Thoughts:
This book is on my top favourite book of the year!
I loved it so much. Full of heart, healing, self discovery and love… love of family, love of home and love of self as well as love that is recognised on a soul level.
Our main characters, Seb and Maren, are so real and understandable in their struggles and passions. Also getting to meet Em and Kieran again was magical, if it is possible I think I love ‘Em more than ever.💕
With witty banter, heart moving emotion and enemies to lovers fuelled by smouldering chemistry.
I honestly recommend this book and can only hope you read it.
Worth His Salt transported me into the breadth taking world of the Fakari islands and their amazingly rich history and culture, I truly wish the places in this book were real because I would go their tomorrow!
Not only is her word building brilliant but @rowanwilderromance is an incredible storyteller🫶✨🐺💞 that made me cry more than once through this.
~ Worth His Salt ~
(ARC)
By Rowan Wilder
My Rating: five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
• Enemies to lovers
• Fated mates
• Found family
• Self discovery
• wolf shifters
• Ancient family secrets
• Paranormal romance
• Disability rep
• Strong and angry FMC
• Brooding MMC
• Forced proximity
• I “Hate” you but I want no one else
My Thoughts:
This book is on my top favourite book of the year!
I loved it so much. Full of heart, healing, self discovery and love… love of family, love of home and love of self as well as love that is recognised on a soul level.
Our main characters, Seb and Maren, are so real and understandable in their struggles and passions. Also getting to meet Em and Kieran again was magical, if it is possible I think I love ‘Em more than ever.💕
With witty banter, heart moving emotion and enemies to lovers fuelled by smouldering chemistry.
I honestly recommend this book and can only hope you read it.
Worth His Salt transported me into the breadth taking world of the Fakari islands and their amazingly rich history and culture, I truly wish the places in this book were real because I would go their tomorrow!
Not only is her word building brilliant but @rowanwilderromance is an incredible storyteller🫶✨🐺💞 that made me cry more than once through this.
August 22, 2024
“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙢𝙚,” 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙮. “𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙨𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.”
WOW!!
the world wilder wrote is completely magical and keeps getting better and better. i wish fakari islands was a real place, i would love to slither my way in there like maren (hopefully i’ll get a wolf and a mate too ….my child fantasies coming true??)
omg idk where to start bc this was such a wonderful book. the character growth of everyone, the inquiry ab gabe (pls i need his book next) and the lore was phenomenal. seb's character growth was ofc amazing. i was tearing up and feeling his pain and trauma (empath who) maren helped in his growth frfr. seb at the beginning of the story was a completely different person than seb at the end.
i feel for maren so bad, as a plus size baddie myself, i was crying and sobbing at her for “making room” in the backseat for seb and em, worrying ab taking up too much space and still not knowing where she’s going in life.
technically worth his salt is the second book in this series, but it is the prequel to in her own rite which is equally as good. deadass read these books!!
🐺shifter romance
🏞️found family
🐺enemies to lovers
🏞️forced proximity
🐺can feel her
🏞️he falls first
WOW!!
the world wilder wrote is completely magical and keeps getting better and better. i wish fakari islands was a real place, i would love to slither my way in there like maren (hopefully i’ll get a wolf and a mate too ….my child fantasies coming true??)
omg idk where to start bc this was such a wonderful book. the character growth of everyone, the inquiry ab gabe (pls i need his book next) and the lore was phenomenal. seb's character growth was ofc amazing. i was tearing up and feeling his pain and trauma (empath who) maren helped in his growth frfr. seb at the beginning of the story was a completely different person than seb at the end.
i feel for maren so bad, as a plus size baddie myself, i was crying and sobbing at her for “making room” in the backseat for seb and em, worrying ab taking up too much space and still not knowing where she’s going in life.
technically worth his salt is the second book in this series, but it is the prequel to in her own rite which is equally as good. deadass read these books!!
🐺shifter romance
🏞️found family
🐺enemies to lovers
🏞️forced proximity
🐺can feel her
🏞️he falls first
August 22, 2024
In conclusion,
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.5⭐️ | Romance lvl: 4.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 2.5🌶️ | Smut frequency: Low/Medium⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
🐺 Wolf shifters
🔥 Hate to love
🏡 Roommates
💫 Fated mates
🫂 Found family
🔏 Discovering ancient mysteries
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
Ummmm... WOW?!
The way I'm running to pick up "In Her Own Rite" right now!
No seriously, this book is just the right amount of everything. Cozy, angsty, steamy and I can't begin to explain how much I love the FMC!! She's just so incredibly relatable to me. Also, the banter between them when they can't stand each other?? Flawless.
The writing is incredible, the descriptions of the Island are very vivid, and it sounds like paradise.
This is a book I won't accept any criticism on, I don't care.
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
This book is a slow burn and we have an MMC who knows how to praise his girl and an FMC who likes to hear his dirty thoughts (among other things, of course 😏❤️🔥).
---------------------—
This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.5⭐️ | Romance lvl: 4.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 2.5🌶️ | Smut frequency: Low/Medium⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
🐺 Wolf shifters
🔥 Hate to love
🏡 Roommates
💫 Fated mates
🫂 Found family
🔏 Discovering ancient mysteries
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
Ummmm... WOW?!
The way I'm running to pick up "In Her Own Rite" right now!
No seriously, this book is just the right amount of everything. Cozy, angsty, steamy and I can't begin to explain how much I love the FMC!! She's just so incredibly relatable to me. Also, the banter between them when they can't stand each other?? Flawless.
The writing is incredible, the descriptions of the Island are very vivid, and it sounds like paradise.
This is a book I won't accept any criticism on, I don't care.
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
This book is a slow burn and we have an MMC who knows how to praise his girl and an FMC who likes to hear his dirty thoughts (among other things, of course 😏❤️🔥).
---------------------—
This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
August 23, 2024
✨ARC Review/Release Day!✨
Y’all. I think I’ve found one of my new favorite authors/one of my favorite books of the year!! The way Rowan writes characters just tickles an itch in my brain??? I think there MIGHT be cr%ck in this book.
The pop culture references and humor were RIGHT up my alley. The plus sized representation was so accurate and beautiful to me as someone that’s been on an up and down body positive journey. Maren’s feelings and fears of not belonging anywhere are so real. Her character growth was chefs kiss. Also, might I add that she has amazing taste in music.
SEB. My man. He will absolutely be joining my book boyfriend harem. I’m fairly picky with the way MMC’s talk in ~scenes~ and THIS MAN. MY GOD. He could burn my world down and I’d say thank you. The praise 😮💨 I need more of these characters!!
“I'm going to eat until I've had my fill.”
“Twenty minutes of sweat to cover the scent of his body on mine. How long until I don't feel the indent of his fingertips on my waist, or the warmth of his breath in my ear? How long until I forget what it felt like to have him, for just a moment?”
“He kisses me like he's proving something; like he's staking a claim, making a promise.”
Read this if you like:
🐺 Wolf shifters
🖤 Found family
🐺 Semi-enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Body positive
Y’all. I think I’ve found one of my new favorite authors/one of my favorite books of the year!! The way Rowan writes characters just tickles an itch in my brain??? I think there MIGHT be cr%ck in this book.
The pop culture references and humor were RIGHT up my alley. The plus sized representation was so accurate and beautiful to me as someone that’s been on an up and down body positive journey. Maren’s feelings and fears of not belonging anywhere are so real. Her character growth was chefs kiss. Also, might I add that she has amazing taste in music.
SEB. My man. He will absolutely be joining my book boyfriend harem. I’m fairly picky with the way MMC’s talk in ~scenes~ and THIS MAN. MY GOD. He could burn my world down and I’d say thank you. The praise 😮💨 I need more of these characters!!
“I'm going to eat until I've had my fill.”
“Twenty minutes of sweat to cover the scent of his body on mine. How long until I don't feel the indent of his fingertips on my waist, or the warmth of his breath in my ear? How long until I forget what it felt like to have him, for just a moment?”
“He kisses me like he's proving something; like he's staking a claim, making a promise.”
Read this if you like:
🐺 Wolf shifters
🖤 Found family
🐺 Semi-enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Body positive
Read
August 15, 2024🐺 Worth His Salt 🐺 @rowanwilderromance
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
“What got me through was the knowledge that you were out there somewhere. That after all this horror and pain and loneliness, one day there would be someone who felt like home.”
I was such a hyped fan of In Her Own Rite and was thrilled to be on the ARC team for the second novel and to return to the Fakari islands. This is a paranormal contemporary romance and is once again, so beautifully written. This is chronologically a prequel to In Her Own Rite but gives us the history and insight into Maren and Seb which I was so excited about as I loved Maren. Maren arrives on the islands to negotiate a deal with Seb’s salt company but meets resistance due to his long standing grudge towards her and her family. Cue steamy, tension filled enemies to lovers shifter romance - dreamy! These are such lovely books because the characters have depth, brilliant rapport and the world building is gorgeous but they also feel cozy and easy to read, it’s a perfect balance. Also loved the chronic pain representation in a contemporary romance and done so well with so much character self growth. I actually don’t know how I’m going to patiently wait for the next book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
“What got me through was the knowledge that you were out there somewhere. That after all this horror and pain and loneliness, one day there would be someone who felt like home.”
I was such a hyped fan of In Her Own Rite and was thrilled to be on the ARC team for the second novel and to return to the Fakari islands. This is a paranormal contemporary romance and is once again, so beautifully written. This is chronologically a prequel to In Her Own Rite but gives us the history and insight into Maren and Seb which I was so excited about as I loved Maren. Maren arrives on the islands to negotiate a deal with Seb’s salt company but meets resistance due to his long standing grudge towards her and her family. Cue steamy, tension filled enemies to lovers shifter romance - dreamy! These are such lovely books because the characters have depth, brilliant rapport and the world building is gorgeous but they also feel cozy and easy to read, it’s a perfect balance. Also loved the chronic pain representation in a contemporary romance and done so well with so much character self growth. I actually don’t know how I’m going to patiently wait for the next book.
August 22, 2024
I absolutely adored this book so much! The world building and characters were just amazing. I am so excited to read more about this world.
Maren has one last chance as she had a series of short careers this is her last shot. To go to the Fakari Island and negotiate a deal with Saroan Salt even though they don’t deal with outsiders. She has a good strategy as she technically isn’t an outsider as her dad used to live on the island.
Seb has worked himself to the bone with his salt business after his coming of age ride messed up his leg and has no interest in dealing with Maren. But his aunt wants her to come to the island. Maren doesn't know about them being werewolves so they have to keep hidden. The more time Maren spends there the more she starts to feel at home. She manages to convince Seb to let her help so they work closely together. During this time Maren discovers more and more things about the island.
I loved Maren so much she is a really strong headed character and it was amazing to see her go on this self discovering journey. Seb on the other hand is also really stubborn and quite grumpy from time to time cause he deals with a lot. He lets Maren in eventually and it's so cute. I also loved the side characters so much so I am excited for the other books.
If you are looking for a shifter, steamy cosy romance this book and series is for you!
Thanks to Rowan Wilder for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Maren has one last chance as she had a series of short careers this is her last shot. To go to the Fakari Island and negotiate a deal with Saroan Salt even though they don’t deal with outsiders. She has a good strategy as she technically isn’t an outsider as her dad used to live on the island.
Seb has worked himself to the bone with his salt business after his coming of age ride messed up his leg and has no interest in dealing with Maren. But his aunt wants her to come to the island. Maren doesn't know about them being werewolves so they have to keep hidden. The more time Maren spends there the more she starts to feel at home. She manages to convince Seb to let her help so they work closely together. During this time Maren discovers more and more things about the island.
I loved Maren so much she is a really strong headed character and it was amazing to see her go on this self discovering journey. Seb on the other hand is also really stubborn and quite grumpy from time to time cause he deals with a lot. He lets Maren in eventually and it's so cute. I also loved the side characters so much so I am excited for the other books.
If you are looking for a shifter, steamy cosy romance this book and series is for you!
Thanks to Rowan Wilder for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2024
I don’t even know how to review this book other than to say that I loved it so much! This story feels special. There’s something about Rowan’s writing that makes me feel so connected to her characters and feel all of the feelings. They feel so human and flawed and realistic and heartfelt.
Maren is incredible. Despite feeling like she doesn’t belong anywhere, she’s strong, she knows herself, knows her boundaries, and knows how she deserves to be treated.
I absolutely love Seb too! He’s a very strong but walled off character, and I think we can all relate to the way he uses defense mechanisms and quick judgments because of his pain.
The way these two build each other up and challenge each other legitimately had me laughing out loud and then crying a few pages later. I might even love this more than In Her Own Rite? Do I? IT’S TOO DIFFICULT TO DECIDE.
I adore this book and I need everyone to read it so I can talk about it!
Read this if you like:
🐺Wolf Shifters
🐺Soft Enemies to Lovers
🐺Banter
🐺Female Friendship
🐺He Falls First
🐺Forced Proximity
Thank you so much to Rowan Wilder for sending an ARC for an honest review. 💕
Maren is incredible. Despite feeling like she doesn’t belong anywhere, she’s strong, she knows herself, knows her boundaries, and knows how she deserves to be treated.
I absolutely love Seb too! He’s a very strong but walled off character, and I think we can all relate to the way he uses defense mechanisms and quick judgments because of his pain.
The way these two build each other up and challenge each other legitimately had me laughing out loud and then crying a few pages later. I might even love this more than In Her Own Rite? Do I? IT’S TOO DIFFICULT TO DECIDE.
I adore this book and I need everyone to read it so I can talk about it!
Read this if you like:
🐺Wolf Shifters
🐺Soft Enemies to Lovers
🐺Banter
🐺Female Friendship
🐺He Falls First
🐺Forced Proximity
Thank you so much to Rowan Wilder for sending an ARC for an honest review. 💕
August 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Worth his Salt is the second in the Fakari Islands series. It’s technically the prequel to In Her Own Rite but can be read alone. This is definitely one of the more unique shifter romance books you’ll encounter! I really was so happy to travel back to Saroe and especially learn more about the lore and mythology along with our FMC Maren. This book definitely is just as amazing as the first in its own way. I love Seb and Maren so much. They both went through a lot of growth and healing and had to overcome their past. The chronic pain representation was written so well. Definitely emotional but I enjoyed how supportive they are of each other. It was a slow burn but for sure made it worth the wait.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the community or the “pakka” they say in fakari. They all bring something to the story and help our main characters in their journey. It’s so hard to not write about everything I love about this book and series because it’s so immersive. So I highly recommend checking them out!
November 26, 2024
~ Wolf Shifter
~ He Falls First
~ Enemies to Lovers
✨ My thoughts✨
Such a great read. I loved being back in this world. I couldn't put this one down. Maren is our FMC. I loved her so much. I love determined she was. I love seeing how she truly found herself. Seb is our MMC. I love how passionate he was about those he cared about. I love watching him grow. The chemistry between these two was fantastic. I melted with all the banter. The spice was absolutely delicious. I loved the found family in this book. This book is set in such a unique world and I love it. I am excited to see what comes next.
Worth His Salt is book two in the Fakari Island series. It can be read as standalone. But I recommend reading book one just to get true understanding for the world. This book is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is out now!
✨ I want to thank Rowan for this e-arc of this book. These are my own true thoughts. ✨
~ He Falls First
~ Enemies to Lovers
✨ My thoughts✨
Such a great read. I loved being back in this world. I couldn't put this one down. Maren is our FMC. I loved her so much. I love determined she was. I love seeing how she truly found herself. Seb is our MMC. I love how passionate he was about those he cared about. I love watching him grow. The chemistry between these two was fantastic. I melted with all the banter. The spice was absolutely delicious. I loved the found family in this book. This book is set in such a unique world and I love it. I am excited to see what comes next.
Worth His Salt is book two in the Fakari Island series. It can be read as standalone. But I recommend reading book one just to get true understanding for the world. This book is recommended for 18+. As always please check TW before reading. This book is out now!
✨ I want to thank Rowan for this e-arc of this book. These are my own true thoughts. ✨
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