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Rengara #2
Tending the Ache
Indrie is a newly freed slave building a life in a city that welcomes him. He has everything he never dared to want.
Everything except the man he can't stop wanting.
Eskil has never kept anyone. He is a warrior king, devoted to his kingdom and his younger brother. He doesn't lie awake at night thinking about the way a healer half his size sounded when Eskil kissed him for the first time. Except he is doing exactly that and he is losing his mind.
But Rengara's enemies are circling. A treacherous alliance threatens to tear Eskil's brother from his side. Forces press the borders with coordinated strikes designed to bleed the kingdom dry. And the man Eskil loves is carrying scars far deeper than the ones on his skin — scars that make him believe he isn't worth keeping.
Eskil intends to prove him wrong. If his enemies don't kill him first.
Tending the Ache is the second book in the Rengara series and should be read in order. It contains age gap, size difference, and misunderstandings.
Everything except the man he can't stop wanting.
Eskil has never kept anyone. He is a warrior king, devoted to his kingdom and his younger brother. He doesn't lie awake at night thinking about the way a healer half his size sounded when Eskil kissed him for the first time. Except he is doing exactly that and he is losing his mind.
But Rengara's enemies are circling. A treacherous alliance threatens to tear Eskil's brother from his side. Forces press the borders with coordinated strikes designed to bleed the kingdom dry. And the man Eskil loves is carrying scars far deeper than the ones on his skin — scars that make him believe he isn't worth keeping.
Eskil intends to prove him wrong. If his enemies don't kill him first.
Tending the Ache is the second book in the Rengara series and should be read in order. It contains age gap, size difference, and misunderstandings.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
September 13, 2026
I had a weird experience reading this book. On the one hand, I really enjoyed the story - I liked this idea of a dedicated healer welcomed into a new and exotic land where he has to learn the language and culture in order to practice his craft. I liked the pining romance, the idea of a powerful king brought to his knees by a tiny, fierce man. I liked the world-building. I liked exploring Valen and Rengara.
But I really did not enjoy the writing. This book was SO overwritten. Every statement was followed by some kind of overwrought metaphor or unnecessary tangent. You'd be reading a piece of dialogue but every thought and feeling is so over-described that a short conversation is like 2 pages long. The author doesn't just let characters' actions speak for themselves, every wink or glance or gesture is explained. Many sentences were so convoluted I had to reread them to make sense of it. The author writes like they have a word-count to fulfill. Is this AI? Fuck, it might be. I just do not use or interact with it at all, so I have no real frame of reference.
I definitely think that this series needs tighter editing, by a real human person. Not every single metaphor you can think of needs to be included, it's okay for some things to be simple, and it's okay to allude to things people are thinking and feeling without explaining it in detail. We're not dumb, we can parse body language and context. I mean, I really want to know how this plays out. This story has so much potential, but honestly the actual reading experience was not great.
But I really did not enjoy the writing. This book was SO overwritten. Every statement was followed by some kind of overwrought metaphor or unnecessary tangent. You'd be reading a piece of dialogue but every thought and feeling is so over-described that a short conversation is like 2 pages long. The author doesn't just let characters' actions speak for themselves, every wink or glance or gesture is explained. Many sentences were so convoluted I had to reread them to make sense of it. The author writes like they have a word-count to fulfill. Is this AI? Fuck, it might be. I just do not use or interact with it at all, so I have no real frame of reference.
I definitely think that this series needs tighter editing, by a real human person. Not every single metaphor you can think of needs to be included, it's okay for some things to be simple, and it's okay to allude to things people are thinking and feeling without explaining it in detail. We're not dumb, we can parse body language and context. I mean, I really want to know how this plays out. This story has so much potential, but honestly the actual reading experience was not great.
September 2, 2026
It genuinely pisses me tf off that this author has no editing or proofing. Ever. And I will be mad for approximately fucking forever about it because their books are so good and I love their style and their characters and their stories . . . And they just exist with the shittiest mechanics ever and inconsistencies in the timelines and I will not be happy until they all get their Big Moments for being so great. Goddammit. I can’t wait for more in this series. I’m kinda growly about it not being a duet, but I can’t be mad about all that’s left to read and experience and love.
September 3, 2026
Things I loved:
Indrie building a life he never thought he would have.
The townspeople loving Indrie.
The introduction of Morgan
The fact that Eskil and Indrie finally got together.
Things I did not love:
The miscommunication trope, man oh man, it was tough at times.
the inner monologue grew a bit tiresome in this book.
The ending. It felt like it just ended. I was wrong it seems when I assumed this was a duology, which is fine, but it felt very abrupt.
I will most likely continue this series, but I am hoping there is a bit more action, dialogue, and forward moving plot in the next book.
Indrie building a life he never thought he would have.
The townspeople loving Indrie.
The introduction of Morgan
The fact that Eskil and Indrie finally got together.
Things I did not love:
The miscommunication trope, man oh man, it was tough at times.
the inner monologue grew a bit tiresome in this book.
The ending. It felt like it just ended. I was wrong it seems when I assumed this was a duology, which is fine, but it felt very abrupt.
I will most likely continue this series, but I am hoping there is a bit more action, dialogue, and forward moving plot in the next book.
Did Not Finish
October 8, 202645% in and I'm now upset. I love the premise, I love all the characters, and I was really invested in all their respective progressions. Well, potential progressions. The thing is, this is so incredibly overwritten, with repetitive metaphors and turns of phrases that are difficult to read past when so little is progressing.
I am content to simply make up my own headcanon for how the stories pan out for each character.
I am content to simply make up my own headcanon for how the stories pan out for each character.
October 12, 2026
Definitely Worthwhile
Loving this series. I can't wait for the next installment. FYI, so far there is no stand alone. The nooks need to be read in order. Indrie and Eskil have come a long way and are more or less where they need to be but there are lose ends that need tying. I suspect we will focus on Morgen and Bordy before these ends are tied. I am along for the ride!!
Loving this series. I can't wait for the next installment. FYI, so far there is no stand alone. The nooks need to be read in order. Indrie and Eskil have come a long way and are more or less where they need to be but there are lose ends that need tying. I suspect we will focus on Morgen and Bordy before these ends are tied. I am along for the ride!!
September 16, 2026
3.5.
Still loving the characters. The story will not change your life but is entertaining enough to make your day.
I just wish there had been a better editing because words like antiseptic, clinic, gears or, sigh, couch don't really fit this world.
Still loving the characters. The story will not change your life but is entertaining enough to make your day.
I just wish there had been a better editing because words like antiseptic, clinic, gears or, sigh, couch don't really fit this world.
September 28, 2026
okay I promise I’m done with the gays at sea, mom. I’m going back to my spoopy reads now.
Read
October 13, 2026I think I would die for Indrie
September 3, 2026
idk how i feel about this considering I waited weeks for this book to drop.
I’m annoyed that i thought it would have been the end of it but looks like i gotta wait for a third book because i am attached to Bodhi and Morgan. I freaking adore them and i need to see their romance?? (am i dreaming this up) come to fruition.
I was annoyed for half of this book bcs of the misunderstanding and its lack of being resolved. Like somebody STAND UP AND SPEAK UGHHHH but then them getting together was cute. HOWEVER, i need more of an emotional connection from them. I feel like i understand their physical chemistry, but having a hard time believing the rest.
I’ll revisit this review again when things have marinated
I’m annoyed that i thought it would have been the end of it but looks like i gotta wait for a third book because i am attached to Bodhi and Morgan. I freaking adore them and i need to see their romance?? (am i dreaming this up) come to fruition.
I was annoyed for half of this book bcs of the misunderstanding and its lack of being resolved. Like somebody STAND UP AND SPEAK UGHHHH but then them getting together was cute. HOWEVER, i need more of an emotional connection from them. I feel like i understand their physical chemistry, but having a hard time believing the rest.
I’ll revisit this review again when things have marinated
September 11, 2026
Definitely better than first book. But more dialogs between the MCs would have made the book more interesting. There is too much of internal monoloug.
I hope there is a book of Morgan Bodhi. Bodhi is a sweetheart.. hell
I hope there is a book of Morgan Bodhi. Bodhi is a sweetheart.. hell
September 5, 2026
This had the same heart as the first one, but it was meandering and it was repetitive and Morgan was the dumbest character I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
I hate plots that have to do with someone trying to give up themselves for an arranged marriage for no reason. Honestly, everyone in this was stupid.
I hate plots that have to do with someone trying to give up themselves for an arranged marriage for no reason. Honestly, everyone in this was stupid.
September 4, 2026
The amount of AI used in writing the book is... overwhelming.
October 19, 2026
This could have been 4 stars, but there are still some issues for this reader with the author’s writing style that hold things up a bit. However, when all is said and done, I give this book one word:
G-L-O-R-I-O-U-S
Firstly, the book is once again in what is to me a very weird third person POV. Obviously this writing style is not going to change at this point, but it’s . . . distracting. Fortunately the story and many other aspects of the writing make it worth adapting my brain to the author’s POV.
Secondly, the overall length of the book and, in particular, the drawing out of the communication misunderstandings is problematic. I would say that the writing pace reminds me of daytime soaps: one hour daily and 99.9% is spent on recycling the same plot points over and over so that it takes weeks (months) to move a story along. I see that other readers are having real issues with the pacing and I would probably be crankier about it myself, except that the story is THAT good and there are amazing nuggets of extraordinary phrasing and thought that make the slog worthwhile. If you read enough MM crap (and there’s tons out there), you will come to appreciate a well-written story and characterizations, and your forgiveness level will be much higher. That being said, this could probably benefit from a strong (but not brutal) edit in places.
Fortunately, Eskil and Indrie finally (FINALLY) figure out the miscues and communication blips that have kept them apart for an agonizingly (really, it WAS agonizing) period of time – like 1.5 book length’s worth of time – and thank heavens for that. There were times when the constant – CONSTANT – mental justification gymnastics were enough to make me grind my teeth; take this one, where we are led to believe that Indrie has some sort of supernatural prescience regarding how Eskil is thinking and feeling:
If Eskil has a brother who is Indrie's age, then he would never, could never, see Indrie as anything other than what he is.
Points for creativity, Indrie, but then we take them away because of how utterly ridiculous such a thought is when nobody is literally talking to each other yet. “At” each other, yes, but not “to” each other. Every assumed slight gets more insane rationale piled onto it to drive our star-crossed lovers apart and it can get . . . . maddening.
So here’s a reality check type of musing:
neither of them says what is actually being said, which is: I am in love with your brother and I am terrified of what that means and I do not know what to do with it.
Which feels like a nod to the reader along the lines of ‘hold on, we’re getting there, I promise!’
I think one of the things that kept me from going “Enough!” earlier on is that Indrie is such a damaged soul. Abused both mentally and physically, beaten, subjugated, caged up, you name it, this man is a walking case of PTSD and the author is treating it with the softest of kid gloves. I see glimpses of a far stronger and self-confident Indrie towards the end of the book and I look forward to this character coming into their own more thoroughly.
There are a ton of things I’ve highlighted in this book because the author is continually throwing out incredibly beautiful lines, like these:
About Indrie:
because if this is all he gets, if this is another night that ends with Eskil pulling back and telling him it did not mean anything, he needs to know now, before his heart is so far gone that the fall will kill him.
About Morgan:
Morgan's arms are surprisingly strong for someone built from books and ink,
About Eskil:
Eskil considers the space Indrie is not quite looking at him from and thinks, You are talking to me about root systems while blushing to your collarbones and I would sack a city to keep you in this room.
I mean, I have 36 highlights in my Kindle and about 90% of them are of the “wow . . . just wow . . .” reaction to the way the author writes.
Which brings me to AI. If this author is using AI, he needs to patent the database that the thing is drawing from. Which leads me to believe that the database is – surprise! – his own knowledge and experience. Every review of this writing that brings up AI simply confirms for me how inexperienced much of the reading public is about just what the human mind can come up with.
Final notes – the characters continue to be drawn in full sweeping strokes and I can’t get enough of them. Book 3 is Bodhi and Morgan and I am thrilled at the thought of getting to know them even better, because they are already such a fabulous pair either alone or as a couple.
My biggest beef? The title. It’s awkward and completely off-putting. It is only saved by yet another gorgeous and evocative cover.
G-L-O-R-I-O-U-S
Firstly, the book is once again in what is to me a very weird third person POV. Obviously this writing style is not going to change at this point, but it’s . . . distracting. Fortunately the story and many other aspects of the writing make it worth adapting my brain to the author’s POV.
Secondly, the overall length of the book and, in particular, the drawing out of the communication misunderstandings is problematic. I would say that the writing pace reminds me of daytime soaps: one hour daily and 99.9% is spent on recycling the same plot points over and over so that it takes weeks (months) to move a story along. I see that other readers are having real issues with the pacing and I would probably be crankier about it myself, except that the story is THAT good and there are amazing nuggets of extraordinary phrasing and thought that make the slog worthwhile. If you read enough MM crap (and there’s tons out there), you will come to appreciate a well-written story and characterizations, and your forgiveness level will be much higher. That being said, this could probably benefit from a strong (but not brutal) edit in places.
Fortunately, Eskil and Indrie finally (FINALLY) figure out the miscues and communication blips that have kept them apart for an agonizingly (really, it WAS agonizing) period of time – like 1.5 book length’s worth of time – and thank heavens for that. There were times when the constant – CONSTANT – mental justification gymnastics were enough to make me grind my teeth; take this one, where we are led to believe that Indrie has some sort of supernatural prescience regarding how Eskil is thinking and feeling:
If Eskil has a brother who is Indrie's age, then he would never, could never, see Indrie as anything other than what he is.
Points for creativity, Indrie, but then we take them away because of how utterly ridiculous such a thought is when nobody is literally talking to each other yet. “At” each other, yes, but not “to” each other. Every assumed slight gets more insane rationale piled onto it to drive our star-crossed lovers apart and it can get . . . . maddening.
So here’s a reality check type of musing:
neither of them says what is actually being said, which is: I am in love with your brother and I am terrified of what that means and I do not know what to do with it.
Which feels like a nod to the reader along the lines of ‘hold on, we’re getting there, I promise!’
I think one of the things that kept me from going “Enough!” earlier on is that Indrie is such a damaged soul. Abused both mentally and physically, beaten, subjugated, caged up, you name it, this man is a walking case of PTSD and the author is treating it with the softest of kid gloves. I see glimpses of a far stronger and self-confident Indrie towards the end of the book and I look forward to this character coming into their own more thoroughly.
There are a ton of things I’ve highlighted in this book because the author is continually throwing out incredibly beautiful lines, like these:
About Indrie:
because if this is all he gets, if this is another night that ends with Eskil pulling back and telling him it did not mean anything, he needs to know now, before his heart is so far gone that the fall will kill him.
About Morgan:
Morgan's arms are surprisingly strong for someone built from books and ink,
About Eskil:
Eskil considers the space Indrie is not quite looking at him from and thinks, You are talking to me about root systems while blushing to your collarbones and I would sack a city to keep you in this room.
I mean, I have 36 highlights in my Kindle and about 90% of them are of the “wow . . . just wow . . .” reaction to the way the author writes.
Which brings me to AI. If this author is using AI, he needs to patent the database that the thing is drawing from. Which leads me to believe that the database is – surprise! – his own knowledge and experience. Every review of this writing that brings up AI simply confirms for me how inexperienced much of the reading public is about just what the human mind can come up with.
Final notes – the characters continue to be drawn in full sweeping strokes and I can’t get enough of them. Book 3 is Bodhi and Morgan and I am thrilled at the thought of getting to know them even better, because they are already such a fabulous pair either alone or as a couple.
My biggest beef? The title. It’s awkward and completely off-putting. It is only saved by yet another gorgeous and evocative cover.
September 16, 2026
Guysss i legit cry a few times in different chapter while reading the book which i didn’t even know i would 😭😭 the sibling bond that Eskil have with his brother make me feel warm and legit cry. Eskil is everything to his brother, the way Eskil sacrifices lots of time when he is young to raised his brother and fight for his brother to stay with him while being a King at such a young age is just Wow 🥺 And Morgan is freaking genius, he help Eskil to manage the Kingdom and even with all the work he did… he still think he is useless and wish to do more —— that bits break me 😭 he didn’t see his worth and how much Eskil appreciate him and the Kingdom too.
I also lovee that Eskil And Indrie finally solved their misunderstanding and be together… also Eskil finally know about the Cara fruit meaning that bit make me freaking happy to read 👀
I am excited to read more from the series, and especially excited for the next book featuring our Bohdi and Eskil brother Mignor. I KNEW BOHRIN HAVE FEELING FOR MORGAN THE MOMENT I READ ABOUT HIS REACTION TOWARDS MIGNOR ENGAGEMENT PROPOSAL !!! But that dude legit knows how to hide his feelings…even Morgan and Eskil didn’t even noticed… facts is i think Bohdi himself didn’t even realize his feelings yet?? Whatever it is i am excited to read about it can’t wait!
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
A boy of nineteen with a crown on his head and a six-year-old at his side. Learning to be king and parent in the same breath, with no one to teach him either. Going hungry so his brother could eat. Teaching a boy to read because he could not teach him to fight, because the boy's hands were made for other things and Eskil loved him enough to see that and was fierce enough to protect it.
€
"Come home," Eskil says. The words are rough. He does not dress them up. "That is not a request."
Morgan's jaw tightens. His fingers press harder into Eskil's arm. Then he says, with the ghost of a smile,
"You could always order it. You are the king."
"As your king, then. Come home."
"I'll see what I can do."
I also lovee that Eskil And Indrie finally solved their misunderstanding and be together… also Eskil finally know about the Cara fruit meaning that bit make me freaking happy to read 👀
I am excited to read more from the series, and especially excited for the next book featuring our Bohdi and Eskil brother Mignor. I KNEW BOHRIN HAVE FEELING FOR MORGAN THE MOMENT I READ ABOUT HIS REACTION TOWARDS MIGNOR ENGAGEMENT PROPOSAL !!! But that dude legit knows how to hide his feelings…even Morgan and Eskil didn’t even noticed… facts is i think Bohdi himself didn’t even realize his feelings yet?? Whatever it is i am excited to read about it can’t wait!
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
A boy of nineteen with a crown on his head and a six-year-old at his side. Learning to be king and parent in the same breath, with no one to teach him either. Going hungry so his brother could eat. Teaching a boy to read because he could not teach him to fight, because the boy's hands were made for other things and Eskil loved him enough to see that and was fierce enough to protect it.
€
"Come home," Eskil says. The words are rough. He does not dress them up. "That is not a request."
Morgan's jaw tightens. His fingers press harder into Eskil's arm. Then he says, with the ghost of a smile,
"You could always order it. You are the king."
"As your king, then. Come home."
"I'll see what I can do."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2026
I like the premise, and so I continued the series, but this book just stretched too long on a premise that didn’t ring true. Miscommunication due to language barrier in the first book became just a refusal to communicate that was bluntly acknowledge in the inner monologue of characters and grew boring.
I mean sure, Eskil is such a great and brave King who is long used to making hard choices. But in these pages, he decides to call himself a coward and acknowledge that he should talk to Indrie to just so quickly go on and not talk to him so that we can get a higher page count. I started to root for somebody else to come in and catch Indrie’s because I did not believe that Eskil was stepping up to deserve it.
And that is the worst when you’re reading a romance book! Nobody wants to be a rootung for a third-party outside of the main couple.
Indrie was a slave and has a lot more psychological damage to work through—and his lover is the king in the new land he’s been brought to—so his point of view rings true.
The writing is overly explanatory and tedious, which is something I’ve noticed in a couple other books by this author that I’ve read. That’s part of why it doesn’t get me so invested. It’s just not just the other things I’ve mentioned, it’s this distance from you really being behind the characters’ eyes because the author has a lot of unnecessary commentary in between action, speech and discovery that bogs you down.
Then the plot provided the requisite violence/threat to survival that I had been expecting and so on and so forth, and then, of course, after the help from the adrenaline violence provided, everything could be resolved. *slow clap*
I did read the third book because the burgeoning relationship of those two characters interested me. The plot followed the same general idea (reluctance to speak of their love), and I enjoyed it more than this one; it made more sense and the plot devices worked better than here.
I mean sure, Eskil is such a great and brave King who is long used to making hard choices. But in these pages, he decides to call himself a coward and acknowledge that he should talk to Indrie to just so quickly go on and not talk to him so that we can get a higher page count. I started to root for somebody else to come in and catch Indrie’s because I did not believe that Eskil was stepping up to deserve it.
And that is the worst when you’re reading a romance book! Nobody wants to be a rootung for a third-party outside of the main couple.
Indrie was a slave and has a lot more psychological damage to work through—and his lover is the king in the new land he’s been brought to—so his point of view rings true.
The writing is overly explanatory and tedious, which is something I’ve noticed in a couple other books by this author that I’ve read. That’s part of why it doesn’t get me so invested. It’s just not just the other things I’ve mentioned, it’s this distance from you really being behind the characters’ eyes because the author has a lot of unnecessary commentary in between action, speech and discovery that bogs you down.
Then the plot provided the requisite violence/threat to survival that I had been expecting and so on and so forth, and then, of course, after the help from the adrenaline violence provided, everything could be resolved. *slow clap*
I did read the third book because the burgeoning relationship of those two characters interested me. The plot followed the same general idea (reluctance to speak of their love), and I enjoyed it more than this one; it made more sense and the plot devices worked better than here.
September 15, 2026
🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨
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The one thing that bothers me the most in books is when there is a lot of interaction with side characters. Too much filler. Not enough dialogue. Let me tell you......these two men didn't CROSS PATHS for the first 120+ pages and I hardly even noticed!!!! This story is so good there is so much intention behind every single thing that happens. It was so rich and so detailed and emotional. Morgan spending so much time with Indrie was so important! Indrie telling Morgan how kind Eskil has been to him made me so emotional. It was perfection.
I can't remember reading a story that was so good and so well developed. Every interaction with Indrie and Eskil was exactly what it should be. The first time they see each other since getting off the ship, in the hallway when Indrie was running from the hot springs....that was everything. And I love everyone's different dynamics with each person. Eskil with Indrie will make you absolutely melt. And Eskil with Bohdi is fierce brotherhood and hilarious in equal measure. I love their banter.
The library.....is everything that the cabin on the ship wasn't. So meaningful, so wanted, no confusion, no language barrier. That's the best thing I have ever read. From "Morgan you need to leave now" to the very end. Absolute perfection. I could read Eskil and Indrie's story forever and ever and ever, I did not want it to end. I am very excited to read Morgan and Bohdi's story. No idea what direction it's going to go in, like literally, I'm scared for Morgan myself...but I know it's gonna be good.
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The one thing that bothers me the most in books is when there is a lot of interaction with side characters. Too much filler. Not enough dialogue. Let me tell you......these two men didn't CROSS PATHS for the first 120+ pages and I hardly even noticed!!!! This story is so good there is so much intention behind every single thing that happens. It was so rich and so detailed and emotional. Morgan spending so much time with Indrie was so important! Indrie telling Morgan how kind Eskil has been to him made me so emotional. It was perfection.
I can't remember reading a story that was so good and so well developed. Every interaction with Indrie and Eskil was exactly what it should be. The first time they see each other since getting off the ship, in the hallway when Indrie was running from the hot springs....that was everything. And I love everyone's different dynamics with each person. Eskil with Indrie will make you absolutely melt. And Eskil with Bohdi is fierce brotherhood and hilarious in equal measure. I love their banter.
The library.....is everything that the cabin on the ship wasn't. So meaningful, so wanted, no confusion, no language barrier. That's the best thing I have ever read. From "Morgan you need to leave now" to the very end. Absolute perfection. I could read Eskil and Indrie's story forever and ever and ever, I did not want it to end. I am very excited to read Morgan and Bohdi's story. No idea what direction it's going to go in, like literally, I'm scared for Morgan myself...but I know it's gonna be good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2026
****
I really enjoyed the setting and meeting Morgan. I said in my review of book 1 that I hoped Bohdi would get his own book soon, so I was excited to see his is about to come out.
The miscommunication between Eskil and Indrie in book 1 got pretty old by the end, although I understood it more because of the language barrier. However, there isn’t a reason under the sun that it should’ve dragged on through 60% of this book too but sadly it did. There was also only one full on s3x scene which was criminal. Aside from that I really loved the writing, the humor sprinkled in, and the richly developed characters you can’t help but root for. I’m just hopeful that Morgan & Bohdis story will bring a lot more 🌶️ and much better communication.
I agree with the reviews saying things were needlessly over explained & had way too much internal monologue. Hopefully there will be less of that in future books but all in all, I’ve enjoyed this series so far.
I really enjoyed the setting and meeting Morgan. I said in my review of book 1 that I hoped Bohdi would get his own book soon, so I was excited to see his is about to come out.
The miscommunication between Eskil and Indrie in book 1 got pretty old by the end, although I understood it more because of the language barrier. However, there isn’t a reason under the sun that it should’ve dragged on through 60% of this book too but sadly it did. There was also only one full on s3x scene which was criminal. Aside from that I really loved the writing, the humor sprinkled in, and the richly developed characters you can’t help but root for. I’m just hopeful that Morgan & Bohdis story will bring a lot more 🌶️ and much better communication.
I agree with the reviews saying things were needlessly over explained & had way too much internal monologue. Hopefully there will be less of that in future books but all in all, I’ve enjoyed this series so far.
September 7, 2026
"Tending the Ache" received THREE AND A HALF stars.
I enjoyed this book and watching these two men finally come together. There was a lot of repetition in explaining the characters’ mannerisms, which I’d noticed in Book 1, too. But the story was good and I hope there is another one coming. (I’m so worried about Morgan!)
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
1/2 * gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
I enjoyed this book and watching these two men finally come together. There was a lot of repetition in explaining the characters’ mannerisms, which I’d noticed in Book 1, too. But the story was good and I hope there is another one coming. (I’m so worried about Morgan!)
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
1/2 * gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2026
Be still my heart! I don't even know how to describe this book other than to say I loved it so much because Indrie and Eskil together, as different as they are, just WORK. Indrie is such a sweetheart and so dear to my heart, and it was lovely to see him casting off the shackles of his oppression and come into his own, as well as eventually coming to understand just how much he means to Eskil. And even though Eskil has no idea how to express his feelings, you can just feel them coming across on the page. That ending gave me all the feels, and even though I am kicking myself for not waiting for Morgan and Bodhi's book (or books?) to be out, I loved this one enough that it was worth it even without being able to find out how their story goes. Which I don't know how I'm supposed to wait even another week for, let alone however long it will take if theirs is also in 2 parts.
September 16, 2026
I wanted to give this a 5-star rating, but again, pesky cliffhangers drive me batty.
A book should have an ending. I realize that series run on and on, and it creates a need for the rest of the story, but therecare was to end a book and still desire for more of the characters and story with and actual ending.
Atlas Jones is a very good storyteller. I enjoy the writing very much. I want the protagonists to find their happiness and no one's heart to be broken ( I love romance, what can I say?) Jones does it well and males my concern for Bohdi and the prince worrisome.
I'll wait on the last book. I'll read it. The cliffhanger crap works, but I still hate it.
A book should have an ending. I realize that series run on and on, and it creates a need for the rest of the story, but therecare was to end a book and still desire for more of the characters and story with and actual ending.
Atlas Jones is a very good storyteller. I enjoy the writing very much. I want the protagonists to find their happiness and no one's heart to be broken ( I love romance, what can I say?) Jones does it well and males my concern for Bohdi and the prince worrisome.
I'll wait on the last book. I'll read it. The cliffhanger crap works, but I still hate it.
October 6, 2026
The King and his Healer have reached their kingdom, but they are still circling around each other. Indrie has found his place as Valen's healer , welcomed by all. But all he wants is Eskil, the King.
There is a political storm or actual war in the horizon and I can't wait to see how Eskil and his tribe weathers it. Morgan, the prince and brother of Eskil has plenty to say and a major role in the forthcoming negotiations.
The story keeps getting better and better with more lovely characters. The writing is much better compared to the first book, but still the repetitive thoughts and emotions have to be trimmed out.
There is a political storm or actual war in the horizon and I can't wait to see how Eskil and his tribe weathers it. Morgan, the prince and brother of Eskil has plenty to say and a major role in the forthcoming negotiations.
The story keeps getting better and better with more lovely characters. The writing is much better compared to the first book, but still the repetitive thoughts and emotions have to be trimmed out.
November 3, 2026
Things that bugs me :
In this book, it's mentioned that Eskil is responsible for the abolition of slavery. And yet, I remember reading it was his grandmother who did it (it was in book one)(Bohdi says:our people haven't practiced slavery in generations, Eskil, your own grandmother outlawed it, ...).( this sentence alone doesn't makes sense!!)
The story seems to be written in a middle age era setting with a strong viking vibes but Eskil lives in a castle made of stone, he sleeps on a mattres that dips when he sits on it, Indrie knows medical terms that are way too modern but practices his healings with plants or natural ingredients. It's so confusing !!
In this book, it's mentioned that Eskil is responsible for the abolition of slavery. And yet, I remember reading it was his grandmother who did it (it was in book one)(Bohdi says:our people haven't practiced slavery in generations, Eskil, your own grandmother outlawed it, ...).( this sentence alone doesn't makes sense!!)
The story seems to be written in a middle age era setting with a strong viking vibes but Eskil lives in a castle made of stone, he sleeps on a mattres that dips when he sits on it, Indrie knows medical terms that are way too modern but practices his healings with plants or natural ingredients. It's so confusing !!
November 8, 2026
But Did You Disassociate: yes
Spice: pining and sweet
MMC and MMC
King and the healer he rescued
Dual POV
HEA
#2 in a series (Rengara)
Anything pull me out of the book:
Nope
Extra smiles:
hurt/comfort
Friends
Language learning
Size difference
You have to read the first book before this one. This one is basically a continuation of the miscommunications and the pinings and the yearnings. But they figure it out and are sweet and lovely and sexy together. Plus there is action and intrigue and a nice set up for the couple that is in the next book. The author has made a nice little world to lose yourself in here.
Spice: pining and sweet
MMC and MMC
King and the healer he rescued
Dual POV
HEA
#2 in a series (Rengara)
Anything pull me out of the book:
Nope
Extra smiles:
hurt/comfort
Friends
Language learning
Size difference
You have to read the first book before this one. This one is basically a continuation of the miscommunications and the pinings and the yearnings. But they figure it out and are sweet and lovely and sexy together. Plus there is action and intrigue and a nice set up for the couple that is in the next book. The author has made a nice little world to lose yourself in here.
September 20, 2026
I did enjoy this, buuuuut the miscommunication trope, which I actually love and that worked so well in the first book, did go on for a bit too long in this book. Additionally, the author didn't really wrap up Eskil and Indrie's story. I'm not a fan of the fact that the author drew attention to the Cara fruit/marriage in the first book at the end of the last chapter just to not deal with it. I know the overall story continues, but the next story is about Bodhi and Morgan so I'm not sure how the author is planning on finishing Eskil and Indrie's tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2026
took me longer to read cause I saw the third-act plot coming, and I was scared to see these two get hurt, but omg 🥹🥹🥹. god-tier, once again. the miscommunication was frustrating but realistic cause of the language barrier, and I adore their relationship. and the fluff!!!! not just between the main couple, but Indrie getting the peaceful life he deserves after living through actual hell makes me believe that it can happen. so excited for the third book
September 15, 2026
Ok but, the amount of times there has been a miscommunication or an assumption or a language barrier in this story really has me rage reading at this point. It’s not a troupe I enjoy but I can’t stop reading for some reason.
Also this needs editing and trimming down, things were repetitive and the sex scenes were weird and confusing and it just took me out of it. But I read it all so I must have liked some aspect!
Also this needs editing and trimming down, things were repetitive and the sex scenes were weird and confusing and it just took me out of it. But I read it all so I must have liked some aspect!
September 15, 2026
so good
So grateful Indrie and Eskil get their happy-for-now ending, though it’s certainly not easy. I’m guessing the next book is Bohdi and Morgan’s and I hope they have less miscommunication and more external hurdles 🥺 and I really hope Indrie and Eskil finally have a conversation about that Cara fruit!
So grateful Indrie and Eskil get their happy-for-now ending, though it’s certainly not easy. I’m guessing the next book is Bohdi and Morgan’s and I hope they have less miscommunication and more external hurdles 🥺 and I really hope Indrie and Eskil finally have a conversation about that Cara fruit!
September 18, 2026
Not sure what to rate it
I'm loving this series! However, this book feels like it ends rather abruptly, and the next book features a different couple's story. I would have given this 5 stars, but am hesitant as I'm not sure Indrie and Eskil's story will be resolved more in the next book.
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
I'm loving this series! However, this book feels like it ends rather abruptly, and the next book features a different couple's story. I would have given this 5 stars, but am hesitant as I'm not sure Indrie and Eskil's story will be resolved more in the next book.
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶 out of 5
October 29, 2026
I was debating between 4 and 5 - giving this a 4 only because not a fan of the misunderstanding trope. Had the suffer half the book on this. Really a translation of the word “want” could have solved so many things last book. However, beyond that the resolution handled very well. Also, the main storyline interesting to continue into the next book.
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