The Passionate Queen

The Dark Queens #2

by Jovee Winters

Once upon a time a dragon dared to fall in love with the Queen of Hearts… Zelena Hermosa wants only one thing, to be free. But for a morphling like her freedom will never be possible. Bought by a witch as a baby, she’s been raised in a household that knows no kindness or love. She’s a broken, dirty child the day she meets her prickly little dragon boy. Ragoth Nur, heir to the throne of Drakon has just stolen a golden apple from Zeus’s favored orchard. In order to make sure he doesn’t have to face the wrath of the gods (but especially his mom) he runs off to wonderland to enjoy his treat and there bumps into the human girl who will change the course of his life forever.There’s so much more to the Queen of Heart’s than the stories. So much more than the vindictive woman who shouts, “Off with her heads.” This is the true story of the woman, the legend, and the myth…

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Mythology, Paranormal, Retellings, Dragons

266 pages, Paperback

First published August 8, 2015

About the author

Jovee Winters is the pen name for a USAT Bestselling author of twisted fairy tale romances.

Jovee Winters loves fairy tales. But she especially loves twisting up the fairy tales you thought you knew. You can visit her on the web at

https://www.facebook.com/joveewinters...

Reviews

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but the first one was better in my opinion.

The Passionate Queen is a retelling of the Queen of Hearts. However, in this book she actually gets her happy ending. The first horrible husband is dead and gone. Now she can make room in her heart for the first love of her life.

Zelena and Ragoth were cute. Adorably cute. They definitely seemed made for each other. This book had some funny moments and some smutty ones too.. but I wanted more. The first book had so much of both and it's like.. not even half of what I got before. Still enjoyed it but I mostly bored in this one at times.

Overall, it kept me interested to see what was going to happen but I'm seriously hoping that the next one will be better.

[Candace Tidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Passionate Queen took a different direction than its predecessor and I wasnt expecting it. Dont get me wrong I enjoyed the book thoroughly. Instead of almost constant comedic dialogue though Winters dove a bit deeper with a mistreated queen. I love how different the books have been so far and look forward to seeing what Winters delivers next in the third book.

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It was better than the first book I think. The beginning especially was enjoyable. If it had stayed as interesting throughout the book as it was in the first third to half. I would have given it a 5 stars. But it was really slow and annoying after the first half and everything was solved really quickly at the end. I feel a bit cheated lol.

[Lakshmi C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in The Dark Queen Series and it revolves around Ragoth and Zelena. They meet as kids in the forests of Wonderland. Ragoth is a rebellious Dragonborne Prince, prone to eating humans who irritate him. Ragoth  is extremely strong and strikes fear into the hearts of other dragons too. He struggles with anger and burning things to the ground when he does not get his way.

Ragoth is constantly compared to his brother but he is not motivated by power.
Zelena is a shy, insecure girl who makes him laugh when they first meet. There is a prophecy about her, she hates humans and her guardian is abusive.

Zelena is a morphling, born by chance and incredibly rare. Morphling take their mates powers and place his needs above all others. This story is famous in her world and she is viewed as a weapon.

Ragoth and Zelena grow closer to each other and fall in love. Ragoth marks Zelena as his the moment he lays eyes on her. She is his greatest treasure and all he wants to do is protect her and keep her happy.

But Zelena is promised to another. The King of Hearts marries Zelena for power and control and this changes the lives of Ragoth and Zelena. Their separation takes them from the truest first love to the deepest despair one can imagine.

Zelena is known as The Passionless Queen and Ragoth has turned cynical. Heartbreak changes them both, they are consumed by avarice. Both are cold and callous, forgetting the people they once were. Can they find their way back to each other?

This story was very well written, it captures the feeling of first love beautifully.
You are charmed by Ragoth, you hurt for Zelena, you mourn when they are separated and you cheer for their happy ending when they meet again. The story had some pain and heartbreak but it wasn't depressing. It helps you appreciate the strength of Ragoth and Zelena, adding to the intensity of the story.

I received a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zelena is a morphling pledged to be the Queen of Hearts in Wonderland. When she is young, she meets a young dragon, Ragoth. They form a friendship that slowly grows into young love. But since she is betrothed to another, it ends in heartache. They go their separate ways for 13 years, until the King of Hearts dies. Zelena is forced to look for another husband if she wants to retain her title, and Ragoth decides to try to win her heart again.

This is a sweet story. I loved the twist on the story of the Queen of Hearts. "Off with his head!" This second chance story has a nice HEA that made me say "Awww". Not quite as much smut as the first book, but still entertaining enough to make me want to read the next in the series.

[Jennifer Hanssen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Jovee Winters out does herself in the second book of the Dark Queens in the Kingdom Series with the Passionate Queen.
Everyone knows of the Queen of Hearts but few know the true story. Enter the realm of Wonderland in Kingdom and discover the truth about Zelina Hermosa, her tragic beginning, how she became the Queen of Hearts infamous for "off with their heads" to discovering love, acceptance and the courage to move past your mistakes.
Welcome back to Kingdom and find yourself thoroughly and enjoyably lost in Wonderland until the end.
Note: For best enjoyment, the Passionate Queen should be read in order of the Kingdom Series starting with 'Her Mad Hatter' written under the pen name Marie Hall.

[Katrina G · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

I'm realizing this is just not the series for me. I only sort of liked the first book, and this one wasn't as good as that, sooooooo.

I didn't like the possessive language of Ragoth. The whole "you are mine" thing got tiring after the first conversation he had with Lena. Even when she made it clear she was to marry somebody else, he still kept on with the whole "you are mine" spiel. It wasn't until like 13 years letter after Lena decidedly didn't want him that he changed his tune and was all "but I'm yours too" as if that's a win win for everybody. I just didn't like it.

I also didn't care too much for Zelena's characterization. She was a sweet enough girl when she was a child with Ragoth, but then she get's married (granted, it wasn't a marriage she wanted) and she immediately turned into this hateful being who liked to chop people's head's off. Maybe it was the morphling thing in her, but honestly I just think it wasn't great writing. It would have made more sense if we had seen that change after the 13 year time jump. But the time jump happens, and she's more similar to the girl she was as a child than she was with the terrifying queen she supposedly was.

This series had a lot of promise, but as I already said, it's not more me, so unfortunately I'm gonna have to leave the series here.

[Laura..devouring books like crumpets · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the different look at fairytales esp the baddies from another perspective... A dragon and the queen of hearts was brilliant....

I loved most characters... I dont understand Calypso int this version she comes across as a bit immature but ok shes not in it alot

[Mummy's Naughty Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well the story wasn't really original but I did like it. it was sweet in places. Lena was a weird character as she turned bitter the older she got. The dragon was cool and i like the other famous characters like Icarus and Midas. Yet again this wasn't the best book ever.

[Tiera McMillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I did not enjoy this one as much as the first one, this book was much more dark and angsty, and I felt that most of the adversity especially in the second half of the book when they can actually be together, is caused just by their hurt feelings and pride and such. I think I more enjoy when the opposing force to a HEA is an outside force. Wonderland has always been one of my most favorite fantasy worlds. I think the author did really good creating this world and using the most beloved characters from the world I know and love, and then making it her own, but it still had that wonderland flair, Curiouser and Curiouser. The author also added in a mashup of other characters of lore making it really interesting.

The Morphling concept was really interesting, In fact I would definitely read more tales of this race, I wish there was more lore or backstory to it. Our FMC Lena, though she seems passionate, is kind of downtrodden through most of the book finding solace in her "masks," which seems to also be where she thinks she is the most strong. Lena meets our very young dragon prince while escape her prison and the hag that raised her late one night. I was a little uncomfortable at first with such young characters acting so grown up but this is explained. They begin a long secret courtship that is just not to be because Lena's soul does not belong to her and soon she will reach the age to be married and her soul and her will be passed on to the King of hearts. The whole young love thing was pretty heart breaking for both of them.

Finally our meddling goddesses Dite and Calypso come into the picture and with their usual dramatic and hilarious flair they turn the story around. I am definitely glad that it looks as if the characters will continue throughout the story because those two are a HawtMess and I love them!
Wonder what is next with this series!?

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zelena has grown up raised by a witch who bought her at birth, and life has been rough as she's been treated without love. It's while sneaking out that she encounters Ragoth a young dragon who happened to be in wonderland avoiding his tutors. A chance encounters yields a connection that even time and distance can't destroy. Over the years the pair form a strong bond but as Zelena gets closer to maturity the reality that she has no choice and marries the King of Hearts entering a loveless marriage.

Ragoth learns that the King has died and now is his chance to be with Zelena at last but she's less than thrilled when he sweeps her away from the funeral. With the help of a little love goddess pushing Ragoth returns to win the women he loves and he's determined that this time she will be his. Zelena doesn't want to be the Queen she's been and is ready to change who she is for the better.

I loved Zelena right from the start as a huge Alice in Wonderland fan it was interesting to see why the Queen of Hearts is the way she is. She's spent most of her life lacking real love but now that Ragoth is back he's going to help her turn over a new leaf, no longer shouting off with their head. I like Ragoth he's not perfect but he's perfect for Zelena and they just work so well together even if she doesn't know it.

I've had The Passionate Queen on my kindle for a while but a little nervous as Alice is one of my favorite stories. The author has done an amazing job weaving a beautiful story about The Queen of Hearts and making her someone we can really connect with. I end up having a hard time putting it down and had to know how it would play out. I've enjoyed another installment into The Dark Queens series and can't wait to dive into the next dark Queens story.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel sorry for judging this book before reading. In all honesty, I have no expectation that this book would be a good one but it came out fine. I have expected less of this book because this is a retelling of the queen of hearts. I already read the best retelling of the queen of hearts by Colleen Oakes. Well, this is one is lighter and funnier.
I have laughed so much in this book (Thank you Jovee Winters, I really needed the laugh). It was nearly in the middle when I started to get a bit bored but then their parting in the beginning really broke me. I meant the moment when Ragnur attempted to stole Lena away to be together and then they realized that they both have changed is what really caught my attention. I thought there would be insta-attraction again and so which made me like it.
I also started to miss Calypso and her crew but then I'm so happy that they were part of this story. It was like an icebreaker or the narrator of the story. It was fun indeed.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Book was a decent book in the series though not as raunchy as the previous book it focused a lot on the characters.

The main characters are Zelena and Ragoth. The two main characters find each other when they're both children and grow up with very different paths in front of them. Zelena marries the king of hearts and to cope with her loveless marriage becomes the notorious 'off with their head' character we love to hate. But with his death she has to remarry and Ragoth throws his hat into the ring.

There are some secondary characters but I suspect they will be explored more in the other books in the series.

The storyline was a refreshing spin on a story we thought we knew. The pacing was good and I have got the next book in the series to start soon.

4 stars a good book.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

AudioBook Review
Stars: Overall: 5 Narration: 4 Story: 5

I adore this series, a nice twist and turn mix of fantasy and fairy tale mixed up just for adults. Jovee Winters has taken her unique view on love, ever after and the struggles to get there, deconstructing the wicked queens to show us their softer underbellies. The Queen of Hearts never really wanted her role, as we meet Zelena, raised without love or kindness, the witch who purchased the infant did so only to use the magic buried within her. And from early days, Zelena has been living a half-life, without love or kindness until she meets Ragoth.

Ragoth is heir to the throne of Drakon, and alternately favored or punished by the gods. After stealing an apple from Zeus’ orchard, he runs off with the treat to wonderland, where he meets a very angry, boastful and dirty Zelena. As children are wont to do, the two reveal their secrets in several successive meetings over the years, and form attachments that are based in friendship and some tender feelings of love. But Ragoth is a temperamental boy, and his reluctance to be steered in productive directions often lead to his changing form into a dragon, all the better to rain fire on that which displeases him. But Zelena is not even remotely cowed by his change, or his anger – in fact the two have a rather prickly relationship that is peppered with boastful dismissals and statements.

Years pass and the two become very different people from what their early connection would indicate. Zelena is cold, calculating and more than self-aggrandizing. Taught by example to become the worst version of herself, when widowed Zelena is barely recognizable as the girl Ragoth once knew. But he’s not had an easy time – since claiming her as a child his lack of another mate and pointless existence without one have made him cynical and untrusting – most of all, he wants to punish Zelena for leaving, for changing, and truly for hurting him.

Can these two find a better version of themselves than the ones that send people running in fear? Winters answers that and many other questions in a story that is engaging, enchanting and full of hope and promise.

Narration for this story is provided by Shiromi Arserio who presented the characters with flair, both as adults and children, with the perfect undertone of hurt, angst, flippancy and daring that was required to capture their personalities as the story moved along. Distinct tones and delivery made distinguishing the characters easy, and the variations in tone revealed moments of reflection, bravado or quiet conversation clearly. Not overworking dialogue, she presented the back and forth with flair, and never missed a beat, keeping the story flowing nicely to the end. A solid performance from this new to me narrator.

I received an audiobook copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed

[☆Eiko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I originally read the first three chapters as a sample, and thought that the premise was there. Having read a book with an almost similar storyline (Dark Skye where the heroine meets the hero by accident. She's a human/otherworld (in disguise until she comes to her full powers as an adult at 17) she meets by chance a young boy drakon (demon) where he falls in love with her almost instantly but doesn't realise it until he's a lot older. Anyway, back to the small review; this had so much premise to it, I had high hopes with this book because I thought this could've been a book that Mrs. Cole was unable to properly write (yes I didn't finish reading the Dark Skye book for reasons I will reveal for that book... but not here). First, there's insta love. Sure, it was fresh at first, but then everybody started adding that to their romance novels, there really was no point in the chase or anything, it was just THERE. This one had some elements where the hero did have to woo the heroine by means of helping her out whenever the evil witch that had her captive would abuse her (he would heal her and ease her fears). Another thing I didn't like, was the usage of common American 'slang'. If this is a fantasy novel that's not set in any contemporary setting, why did they say 'OKAY' so often? I didn't like that feel in this novel, and in my mind, I attempted to omit that whenever I encountered that. What ended up being the last straw for me, was the fact that Aphrodite spoke with contemporary slang the whole time.... such as 'toats' ... no. I'd rather read fantasy that had no contemporary elements. I like my fantasy to have magic and be more like a middle earth type of setting (it's because of Lord of the Rings darn it!). This novel read more like a Cinderella/Alice in Wonderland at times, I couldn't make up my mind which one. Of course, the author has their own writing freedom, and I was willing to allow this author to take me along for the ride as they say, but there came a point where I said enough was enough. I let pass also the fact that the hero was an alpha neanderthal that kept saying 'mine mine mine! I like you so much that I won't be swallowing you whole, nor harming one bit of you'. I'm done with those. Why is it so difficult for authors these days to deviate from the similar type of tropes that is so popular among romance novels these days?

[Beth Orsborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zelena was a slave. She was bought at market by an evil witch who only wanted her because when she became of age the witch would benefit from her. But until then she would be her slave, cooking and cleaning, doing odd jobs, and of course all the witches’ anger was taken out on Zelena. But that did not stop the child from drugging her the beast who kept watch of her door so she could sneak out and enjoy some alone time. One night Ragoth escaped to Wonderland with two golden apples from Zeus’s garden and proceeded to eat them in piece away from his tutors, and the watchful eyes of his palace. He sat there when a young girl filthy and to skinny for his appetite walked towards him. They became fast friends and met every night for years. Zelena found out through those years that Ragoth was a dragon prince and was second in line for the thrown but did not want to rule. Ragoth found out that his precious treasure was meant to be queen because she was a morphling and was highly valuable to the right person. But Ragoth claimed her, and she loved him. Finally on the night before she was to be wed she ran away and Ragoth decided he would claim her and offer something for Zelena’s freedom, but Zelena had other plans. She wanted to run away, but their fate was not meant to be. She was wed the next day to the evil King of heart and became a horrible woman. Ragoth became a shell of himself and Zelena became like her husband. But would fate bring the two star crossed lovers back together again in a twist of fate only the gods and goddesses could help with? Read it!
The passionate queen is a great read. Greek Mythology meets fairytales. Great combination. Have to say it gives me a different outlook on the queen who screams “off with their heads”. I love Ragoth and Zelena’s romance. The rags to riches truly fits and so much more. I have to say this was a book I could read over and over and still be excited about. Loved the secret meet in the garden. Perfect and explains a lot of how much time doesn’t change everything about a person.
18+ fantasy/romance/fairytale with a twist.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-read-still great!
------------------
We're painting the roses red in this one. This twist on the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland is sweet, sad, romantic, and hilarious in all the best ways! I also loved checking in on some favorite characters in this story!

[Amber Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love being in Wonderland. This retelling of the Queen of Hearts was wonderful! I loved the characters and as always I loved the world. I loved seeing characters from the past stories too.

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was much, much, MUCH better than the first one was. This time around I really liked the twist the author put on the story of the queen of hearts. Throw in a volatile dragon and it's a winner. Admittedly, I don't know much at all about the real queen of hearts story so I don't know all that was changed about her past and what she is here, but this was played out really well to show you how she became the queen who cut off people's heads left and right...and who she really was inside.

If I had one issue with this book it is that when we start Zelena is 13 and Ragoth is 10, but they are both far too mature for those ages. I'm sure it happens from time to time, and I get why the story had to start with them so young, but neither of them acted anywhere close to their ages. Don't get me wrong, it worked for the story, it just wasn't very believable.

Zelena had a horrible childhood. Because she was a morphling, she ends up being sold to a witch who holds her soul captive until she is of age to marry the king of hearts. During this time she is horribly abused and treated worse than dirt. Occasionally she risks sneaking out and it's during one such reprieve that she meets Ragoth. Ragoth is a dragonborne prince from another world who also likes to escape his life. Though for vastly different reasons.

Immediately these two are drawn to each other. Ragoth finds himself not wanting to eat her and Zelena finds herself not afraid of him even though she knows she should be. And over the next three years (I think), these two end up spending as many nights together as Zelena can manage to sneak away for. They also find themselves falling in love. But as Zelena is promised to another and Ragoth is royal dragon, they know any relationship between them is doomed. Doesn't stop them from trying though with terrible results.

The day Zelena marries the king of hearts is when these two are forced apart and they each start greatly changing. Zelena wraps herself in a cold and cruel shell in order to protect herself from everything and Ragoth goes off to become a drunken manwhore...dragonwhore? But neither can forget the other and when the king finally dies Ragoth sees a chance and cannot control himself. Almost ruining any chance he has of being with Zelena again.

Thanks to the clever thinking of Zelena's handmaiden, Ragoth is given a chance to show her that he is sorry and that he can be good for her. Good as in not eating people of course. It was pretty refreshing seeing the guy work so hard to win back the girls affection for a change. We all know how it was going to end, but it was fun getting to that point.

[The Book Gawdess · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book in The Dark Queens series contains a very emotional story. It shows a much softer side to the Queen of Hearts we know about in Wonderland.

The Passionate Queen is based on the Queen Of Hearts, Zelena Hermosa, and her hard upbringing. She meets Ragoth Nur, a dragon shifter from Zeus’ orchards, when they are both children and a lifelong love is sparked. However, she is being brought up by a witch who has already made plans for her future and Ragoth does not fit into those plans.

I particularly enjoyed this story because the author was able to fit in the “off with their heads” line that everybody knew from Alice In Wonderland. It was done in such a way that I understood why the Queen of Hearts was the way she was. I was then able to look at her differently.

As with the first book in this series, The Sea Queen, the author was able to illustrate a beautiful land full of many wonders. I have been actually reading another series about Wonderland and in both, it sounds quite fascinating.

Note: If you're looking for an intense reading experience, this is not it. If, however, you’re looking for a quick, fun read with no major thinking involved, this series fits the bill especially if you’re into fantasy and romance.

Violence: Child abuse is present in this book as well as attempted rape.
Sexual Content: Not as much as the first but still a fair amount with very graphic descriptions
Profanity: Multiple uses of sexual euphemisms as well as obscene words
Religious Themes: It’s partly based on Greek mythology so there is mention of gods and goddesses.
Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: None

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PASSIONATE QUEEN is the second book in the Dark Queens series. I had not read the first book and was not lost for one minute. In fact, I had to research to find out who the queen was in the first book. (I was wrong when I guessed.)

I have always loved Disney’s version of Alice in Wonderland and I was captivated by the scenes portraying the Queen of Hearts. So, imagine my delight when I could recognize some of those scenes in this book (painting the roses red and playing croquet in the gardens) along with the Cheshire Cat, Alice, and the Mad Hatter.

The storyline was beautiful. I have fallen in love with a character I have always hated in the past. Zelena is so much more than a queen hollering, “Off with her head!” I loved seeing her with Ragoth, her dragonboy, first as a child and then later. As adults, they prove that they want what is best for Wonderland and for each other. For being “dark,” their story is actually sweet.

Narration: Shiromi Arserio command of narration is beyond superb. She has excellent diction, articulation, enunciation, and artistic expression. I would love to listen to her again.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted audible copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: THE PASSIONATE QUEEN
Series: Dark Queens #2
Category /Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: NSFW
Received from: Jovee Winters (as a gifted Audible copy)

[Urban Fairy Godmother aka... Jolene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great Kingdom book by Jovee Winters. It even has a dragon! About time we get to dive deeper into what the dragon shifters of Kingdom are like. I loved Zelena and Ragoth's story and hope to see more of them in future stories. It was also a blast to see cameos of both Calypso and Aphrodite included in this tale.
I still want to tell those who haven't read Marie Hall's/ Jovee Winters' Kingdom books yet to please read them in chronological order. The story builds like a great tv series. This would be approximately book 13.5 in the Kingdom series. Also, for those who've been following the books from the start, I will warn that the first continuity issue arises here. I won't say what, if you can't remember then it's not worth mentioning. For those who do, I want to say why I can forgive the continuity problem and still give this story five stars. First, the story is beautiful and well written. Second, the author never intially planned to write this many Kingdom books. Just like a TV show that has gone on longer than the creators expected, continuity issues will come up from time to time. Finally, the difference in backstory, I feel, is the only way to give us a queen we want to read about. So, please remember this while reading and I hope you enjoy this beautiful Wonderland story as much as I did.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Passionate Queen
Once upon a time a dragon dared to fall in love with the Queen of Hearts…
Zelena Hermosa wants only one thing, to be free. But for a morphling like her freedom will never be possible. Bought by a witch as a baby, she’s been raised in a household that knows no kindness or love. She’s a broken, dirty child the day she meets her prickly little dragon boy.
Ragoth Nur, heir to the throne of Drakon has just stolen a golden apple from Zeus’s favored orchard. In order to make sure he doesn’t have to face the wrath of the gods (but especially his mom) he runs off to wonderland to enjoy his treat and there bumps into the human girl who will change the course of his life forever.
There’s so much more to the Queen of Heart’s than the stories. So much more than the vindictive woman who shouts, “Off with her heads.” This is the true story of the woman, the legend, and the myth…
So this was a good book and I really liked the story. I felt bad for Zelena and I really wanted the woman who bought her to get what she deserved (which didn't happen - at least not in the book). I also liked Ragoth and what he did to get Zelena back. I still like A & the sea witch as well. I am looking forward to the other stories.

[lebedeva · Rating 4 out of 5]

+ strong, complex, multidimensional female lead
+ beautiful writing
+ fascinating story

-that's just me but I skipped Aprodithe and Calypso parts I didn't really enjoyed them. I'm not gonna read Calypso's story because as I said before I live for Hades and Persephone

There is just something about Winters' writing. I find myself so completely immersed in the worlds she creates the real world disappears.
I will always feel somewhat grateful because with her books and female characters she gave me something I'm always looking for but hardly ever find, namely female characters with genuine evil streak I can actually relate to.

Zelena's story hit me on personal level because I myself am survivor of domestic violence.

While I enjoyed the pure, sweet romance in Ice Queen, I have to say I really loved Zelena and Ragoth.
I'm just to biggest sucker for powerful villains, both rather evil crazy in love with each other.

But Ragoth is no Alador and he made my inner feminist scowl and roll my eyes at times.

Zelena reacted the way I would though.

'You are mine.' He said
'I am mine and mine alone.'

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Passionate Queen was interesting. The story began with the two protagonists meeting right away. They were quite young in this scenario and it takes a bit of time for them to grow up. However, the entire story felt like it never moved on from the exposition even though it already did.

I expected much from the plot since Ragoth was a dragon, which then reminded me of Eragon who had many quests and adventures. But the plot remained focused on the love story and never really tried to show or fix Wonderland's problems, which was surprising considering the heroine was queen of Wonderland. I expected a bit of politics of some kind since the first book had it, but none of that here. Well, none aside from the Bachelor-like competition.

I truly did enjoy reading this novel, but I feel it's important to criticize its shortcomings. The protagonists of the story developed well, but the world did not.

[Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

It's funny that the only characters I liked in this story was Calypso and Aphrodite and of course the Cheshire cat. I just could not stand Zelena. She was a pretty good character at the start, but man, I know she went through some stuff, but the way she blamed Ragoth annoyed me. She married a horrible man and became queen and more powerful, yet she neglected the people of her kingdom. Became cold and unkind. That had nothing to do with Ragoth leaving her and all on her. It annoyed me to know end. Ragoth ended up pissing me off with the way he acted towards her. Pretty much calling her a whore for trying to find comfort or release. Calypso, Aphrodite, and Cheshire were the best parts. Cheshire kept trying to help Zelena and bring back her humanity. And he was just so funny. I will continue this series but I don't care whether Zelena and Ragoth are in the others. I just need more of Calypso's and Aphrodites antics

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book had some really good story details, and some basic character info that was really good. However as I found with the first book in this series the author focuses so much on sexual thoughts and scenes that the story lacks a lot of really good elements to build the whole entire story, characters, and put it all together. The characters are shallow, without a lot of detail or backstory to them. And while the story has potential for some really good things, it’s so focused on those intimate scenes that it seems that that’s the whole point of the story is who the next person is going to be, and if the two main characters are going to end up together or not, not about saving the kingdom, or even explaining why the kingdom is in such turmoil. There were bases for a very good story, but it was kind of a letdown because clearly the story is really just about sex.

[Paranormal Books R Us · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Passionate Queen Review

An absolutely wonderful twist on a tale most think they know.
With red queens, dragons, and a few other familiar faces i really enjoyed this book.

It started from the very beginnings of the queen's story and showed why she became the feared leader she did but also showed her trying to fix her mistakes once she realized how wrong she was. And the persistence of one surly Dragon definitely helped set things right.
The Passionate Queen was a pleasure to read and I would absolutely recommend it.

[Ana Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are so much fun!!!! I need to count how many Queen of Hearts books I've actually read... This one still stands out since
1. It doesn't dawdle- it spends just enough time on any given section of the story and then moves on efficiently to the net
2. It doesn't take itself too seriously- Calypso is the prime example of this. Every time she and Afrodite interact I'm left in stitches.
3. It's realistic- for something set in wonderland. Not everything gets magically fixed by the end. Sure, it has the whole things-will-be-alright-eventually kinda feel it shows how the past is there no matter what. True love doesn't conquer all if the starts don't align. Sometimes you need to suffer to get to the good part. Sometimes the reward for suffering is a miserable marriage. But if you're lucky you may find happiness- if you work for it.

[S.J. Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books may quickly become my new addiction. This story follows the Red Queen… what’s different? She a morphling who is promised to marry the Red King because it’s rumoured their powers, once mated, will amplify the powers of those they mate to and they will be helpless to do anything but please them.

But when does anything ever go to plan?

She was claimed a long time ago by a dragon named Ragoth who fell in love with her as a boy and marked her as his… but dragonborne can not just love anyone… his kiss can cost her her life.

Ugh! This was so good!!