There is a saying among the old ones, "If you dream of a mare, a MacLeod is sure to be near." Rohanna MacLeod grew up listening to her grandmother's stories of her family and the old country, the myths and legends of the Fae becoming dearer to her with each loss in her young life. True to her family name, Rohanna carries the MacLeod gift with horses. With single minded determination, she denies herself everything else that life offers in order to keep what is hers, to keep and preserve the family farm from an abusive stepmother she abhors. Everything changes when she runs into trouble on the way to a horse show. Her prize gelding throws a shoe and risks laming if she can't find a farrier on short notice. A chance offer and a plain business card sends her to the Ladysmith, a farrier and blacksmith with a mysterious past. Alexandria Strider is drawn into Rohanna's world. Caught between new bonds and old oaths, Alex holds the key to Rohanna's past and an unrealized destiny, if she can find the strength to do what is necessary. Sometimes stories are more than myth and legend. What has been forgotten cannot be suppressed, and nightmares can come alive in your dreams. Rohanna has lived her entire life trying to escape her nightmares, now one has become her closest ally and lover, and just possibly, the only thing that can save her.
Rhavensfyre is the collaborative pen name used by two writers, Roxanne and KL, who have been partners since 2000 and were finally legally married in Washington D.C. in 2012. They have a small farm in Pennsylvania where they raise and breed horses. KL is a horse trainer and has shown western pleasure in the past, now her focus is more on pleasure riding and breeding. She is an avid cyclist, and when she is not on four hooves she is on 2 wheels. Roxy works as a nurse by night and an artist by day. A military veteran, she has seen a good bit of the world and now enjoys the quiet country life immensely. “Switching Gears” is their first book.
Very well written, as always with Rhavensfyres works! As well as amazing premise and overall plot.
But I personally found the storylines execution and lack of clear motivation and direction (and left in cliffhanger) sorely annoying!
The whole 'fate' theme was overplayed with side characters constantly being inactive because of the mysterious destiny that was set to play out, in which they couldn't intervene.
That sort of thing irritates me and I found myself only rooting for the one character who tried to step up to actually do anything for the fated/destined girl, yet that character still found herself leashed by untruths and words unspoken, playing along with the side characters directions of passivity.
I don't think I would bother reading a sequel, because the whole 'youre fated to a great destiny but we cannot tell you or help' thing annoyed me so very much!
This was interesting. I have literally no clue what the hell I have just read, but I read it in one sitting and was entertained the whole time. So I'm happy and confused at the same time
LadySmith is my third Rhavensfyre book and my favourite, that is, until I read another by them. This book had been sitting in my kindle for quite some time, so when I finally got around to reading it, I had forgotten what it was about, and was too lazy to read the blurb. I'm happy to say that I was glad I didn't refresh my memory because everything was such a surprise as I read.
The start of the story reminded me a little of a well known fairytale involving an evil stepmother. I took to Rohanna right away. I loved her spirit and as she grew into a young woman, I found myself attracted to her, and not just for her physicality's, but her heart of gold, tenacity, and intelligence. Not once did I get bored with Rohanna and I found myself enthralled with her story, wanting to know what was going to happen next. I thought I knew where Rhavensfyre was taking me regarding the evil stepmother and Rohanna's father, and I had to mentally prepare for my rage to rear its head, but I was surprised when the story took a different turn, only to get my heart ripped out along with Rohanna's when that terrible tragedy happened. I felt completely and totally awful for Rohanna, especially after her stepmother sent her away to live with strangers for her remaining childhood years.
As I said above, I was enthralled with Rohanna's story and couldn't look away, but then Alex entered, pulling my attention like a magnet. Oh my word, Alex, Alex, Alex. She was the epitome of independence, inner and outer strength, and utter sex appeal. She was the kind of woman who had an ethereal vibe to her, and I think her being Fae only had an inkling to her desirability. I really loved the originality of Alex's job/hobby. It's not often you find a farrier/blacksmith in lesfic, and it suited her as well as the story beautifully.
I was pulled in many different directions the more I read. My emotions were played with thoroughly. Many times, I had to catch my breath whenever Alex and Rohanna were in the same scene. I could feel their attraction for one another and at times, I was growling in frustration when I wanted the arc of their relationship to move faster. Rhavensfyre expertly edged me to the climax, though, leaving me satisfied, and blushing. I wasn't expecting that kind of element of sexual desire to be in this story, but you won't ever hear me complaining when it comes to "that" kind of thing.
All in all, AH-MAZING! I highly, highly recommend this story and any other story by Rhavensfyre. They create emotionally relatable characters who are hot. Yeah, just f***ing hot. Their prose is always beautiful yet easy to flow along with, and they never fail to leave you in suspense with your tongue wagging for more.
I have never been a big reader of fantasy type stories, other than the occasional "knight in shining armor fighting a dragon" story. I knew nothing of Fae, or magic when I initially read this story. That has changed, not that I know a lot now. But I know that I have obviously been missing out. I was completely enthralled with Rohanna & Alexandria. Each has characteristics that I love. Ro is vulnerable yet strong. Alex has mysterious powers and a dominating presence that keeps you on your toes. There are surprises that jump out at you and yet other things the reader knows before the characters. This is the type of book that is still on your mind days later asking "What if..." or "I wonder who...". I love stories that make me feel and I enjoy intimate scenes...this has both in a pleasant package. I know this will be a series and I look forward to the next installment. I want to thank the authors for sharing their obvious gift with the readers. Do yourself a favor and get this book, you will be pleased, just like I was.
The magic definitely comes from within this book. A fairy tale about the intertwining worlds of the Fae, the Meres and the humans. The characters developed perfectly. You learned about them as the story went on and it never felt rushed. The story draws you in immediately. It's almost like the story enchants you with this magical world. I was feeling a mixture of emotions as I read through it. It had everything. It had humour, love, drama, betrayal, dark evil and a lot more. I loved the intensity between the main characters. I became instantly attached to Alex and Ro. Two women that you are going to love. This is an awe inspiring story. If you are looking for a story to lose yourself in, this is the book for you.
It is a mystery to me how KL and Roxy Rhavensfyre as so quickly able to draw me into their stories. In no time at all the world fades away and I am immersed into a world of their making.
Rohanna held me captive as I watched her suffer as a child, my heart bleeding, so frightened for her safety and her sanity. I was with her as she grew into a beautiful, competent woman, setting about claiming her birthright both known and unknown. Facing a prophecy she knew nothing of, destined to fulfill long before birth.
With rapt fascination I spied on her first meeting with Alex. I truly felt the awareness of each other build and grow, some questions answered as new ones formed.
My eyes and soul devoured this book, I could not read fast enough. I would stop and slow myself down but before I realized it I was racing again. As I surrendered to their Fate, I found myself begging and pleading for more, to go faster. My need growing as quickly as the passion these two Otherworldly women shared.
As things turned bleak my heart beat faster still, dreading what lay ahead but unable to tear myself away. I moved from chair to chair then pacing the patio, not hearing my dog's whines for a game of tug-o-war. I was so caught up in the plight of these two brave souls.
My heart soared with joy as Alex broke the spell that bound Ro's mind , freeing her, yet binding them together leaving them as one to overcome Evil personified.
While I could not wait to finish this story, I was saddened to see it come to an end. Nothing in the world had changed in my absence yet I had just been on a wondrous journey. I feel like something Earth shaking has occurred for me.
4.5 stars. A story well told that keeps the reader engaged, however, I felt some of the key events were glossed over & not explained in as much detail as I would have liked. Also, Maeve, who is a strong presence in the first half of the book, disappears into the background in the second half. I don't know if there is a second book planned or if these questions will be answered there, but this keeps me from giving the book 5 stars.
Well, one of the reasons that made me want to read this book is because this author wrote “Switching Gears” and I enjoyed reading that book so much. It was so cleverly written and full of wonderful characters to invest in.
The author is a great writer. I just didn’t really care for this book. There was a lot of time spent on Rohannaw’s childhood, very little teenage and young adult, and then when we catch up with her in adulthood she still seemed very immature in a way. I know she was sheltered.
There wasn’t enough told about Bellaria where we could get a feel for why she was the way she was or really anything but evilness.
We never learned what she did to Rohanna’s father. What happened with that accident.
The grandmother was weird. She claimed to love Rohanna but it was hard to see or feel. They live on the same land but months and years would go by before she last saw her. She allowed bad things to happen to Rohanna that could have been preventable.
Alex comes into play. At first it was some mystery. And then what was revealed didn’t really mesh well. I didn’t see the love between Alex and Rohanna grow. They appeared as unlikely soulmates.
Shyann? Don’t really know what the deal was. Could have been better explained.
I left this book with so many questions. I found I really didn’t care about knowing the answers. And it was left on a cliffhanger. I usually read a book a day, sometimes 2 days if they’re over 500-600 pages. It took me 4 days to read this book. It was not as interesting as I hoped it would be.
If you don’t know anything about the Fae and its origins, you will find this hard to follow. Luckily, I have read tons of books about the Fae. And I must admit, they’re always my least favorite sci-fi.
With all that Rohanna had been through, I felt she was such a weak person and protagonist. And when you meet Alex and then you find out she is just as weak. It was weird. And I couldn’t wait to be done with this book. I gave it a 3, because the writing style is wonderful, superb imagination even if this particular story IMHO is lacking and is not up to par to her other works.
It is a mystery to me how KL and Roxy Rhavensfyre as so quickly able to draw me into their stories. In no time at all the world fades away and I am immersed into a world of their making.
Rohanna held me captive as I watched her suffer as a child, my heart bleeding, so frightened for her safety and her sanity. I was with her as she grew into a beautiful, competent woman, setting about claiming her birthright both known and unknown. Facing a prophecy she knew nothing of, destined to fulfill long before birth.
With rapt fascination I spied on her first meeting with Alex. I truly felt the awareness of each other build and grow, some questions answered as new ones formed.
My eyes and soul devoured this book, I could not read fast enough. I would stop and slow myself down but before I realized it I was racing again. As I surrendered to their Fate, I found myself begging and pleading for more, to go faster. My need growing as quickly as the passion these two Otherworldly women shared.
As things turned bleak my heart beat faster still, dreading what lay ahead but unable to tear myself away. I moved from chair to chair then pacing the patio, not hearing my dog's whines for a game of tug-o-war. I was so caught up in the plight of these two brave souls.
My heart soared with joy as Alex broke the spell that bound Ro's mind , freeing her, yet binding them together leaving them as one to overcome Evil personified.
While I could not wait to finish this story, I was saddened to see it come to an end. Nothing in the world had changed in my absence yet I had just been on a wondrous journey. I feel like something Earth shaking has occurred for me.
This was a cool contemporary fantasy novel that I enjoyed start to finish. Great character development, good internal conflict, cool mythology, great villain (2 dimensional and fully hate-able which I quite enjoy from time to time). I think what appealed to me about the villain was that the villain/heroine dynamic explores the effect of psychological abuse on children and the ongoing effects into adulthood. So while the villain herself was just straight up evil with no real redeeming qualities or understandable backstory/motivations, this rather works for the story, because when it comes to child abuse, there is no understandable backstory/motivations. When a child's wellbeing is in question, the parent/step parent's personal issues simply don't freaking matter. Abusers shouldn't get to be relatable characters.
Anyway, it was a good read, not that I was surprised because I've read this author before and enjoyed their work, so this served as a reminder to do so again.
I really enjoyed this book. I found as the reader I was very limited in my knowledge with the author only drip feeding information along with when the main character found out - but I think this just made you want to read more to find out what was happening. I found the world building brilliant - the author could have so easily jumped into the story halfway through but by living the life of the main character you really got to know them. I would recommend to anyone who loves a bit of magic and romance!
It took me a while to really get into it. The first like third of the book was a bit slow. But it held so much promise that I kept picking it back up. Great book and I hope there is a second in the near future!
I enjoyed the first 2\3 of the book. Ro and Alex were a couple of nice women brought together by fate. The journeys into fantasy were interesting. The supporting cast were interesting as well. I started getting "lost" when the author tried to bring in the dark magics.
Tales of the shadow world, witches and fae come into earth. While the veil of magic closes. Love is the only key to break the bounds of evil. Finding true strength in fighting for the one you love.
I had some difficulty following at times, seemed to jump suddenly: like a fast forward skip too far. I enjoy the idea of the book immensely, good mix of different Goddess/mythology house.
Ladysmith is a book that hooked me from the first page. It is a Ro's journey from a girl nestled into her family farm then thrust into the nightmarish world where spells are cast and her will is squelched under the watchful eye of her wicked stepmother. This story reminded me greatly of a movie I saw years ago. Snow White: A Tale of Terror.
Now, while it initially reminded me of Snow White, Ladysmith is it's own tale. What begins one way can end another and I was hooked instantly. Ro is a young lady with horsemanship and grace and her adventures lead her into the arms of Alex, a farrier with secrets of her own. The two connect like live wires, combusting and rocking each other's worlds. Each holds the key to the other's happiness. Do they dare to make the leap, even when it could mean certain destruction? You'll have to read this wonderful tale to find out.
*Myth *Sensual scenes that curl your toes *Blending of fairy tale with original work *Characters I want to see again
This was a great book and I give it a 5/5. There were some minor editing issues but those did not detract from the story in any way. Give us another one Rhavensfyre! This girl wants a sequel.
This is another great story from Rhavensfyre. They are certainly 'on fire.' The story got off to a bit of a slow start, but after about the 30% mark (read on Kindle) I couldn't put it down. Hot stuff, indeed!
Very good book. Couldn't put it down until it was finished. I've been lost in a world of far, fairies, and magic all day. Just when I thought I could get away, I just had to return immediately. Recommend this book to those who believe in fae and fairies.
This was a good story that blended Irish fantasy with modern day life. I really enjoyed the story but it was sometimes hard to tell when Ro was dreaming or not.