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Falling Warriors #1
How The Warrior Fell
SHE was the Chief's daughter in a small tribe...
To bring an end to an ancient feud between her tribe and another, Leawyn's hand in marriage to Chief Xavier was the only way to ensure peace.
HE was the fiercest warrior of them all...
Plucked from everything she's ever known, and bound to a man she hates, Leawyn must learn to be strong. Each passing day renews Leawyn's longing to escape, but when a new threat from a mysterious foe puts the tribes in jeopardy, everything changes...including her feelings for Xavier.
Bound between duty and honor, Leawyn must make the decision that could change everything. Can she stay and accept her new life, and her husband? Or is Xavier's heart too cold for her to melt?
Lines will be broken.
Blood will be shed.
With love being their biggest battle of all, only time will tell, if it will be enough...to make her warrior fall.
To bring an end to an ancient feud between her tribe and another, Leawyn's hand in marriage to Chief Xavier was the only way to ensure peace.
HE was the fiercest warrior of them all...
Plucked from everything she's ever known, and bound to a man she hates, Leawyn must learn to be strong. Each passing day renews Leawyn's longing to escape, but when a new threat from a mysterious foe puts the tribes in jeopardy, everything changes...including her feelings for Xavier.
Bound between duty and honor, Leawyn must make the decision that could change everything. Can she stay and accept her new life, and her husband? Or is Xavier's heart too cold for her to melt?
Lines will be broken.
Blood will be shed.
With love being their biggest battle of all, only time will tell, if it will be enough...to make her warrior fall.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2016
397 people are currently reading
911 people want to read
About the author
Nicole René
29 books271 followersNicole René is a San Diego native living with her grumpy kitty, Sebastian and her crazy cute Boxer, Walter.
When she’s not busy creating sexy alpha males, you can most likely find her with her nose stuck in a book reading OTHER sexy alpha males, kicking back with her friends and family, at the movies, or further fueling her “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lord of the Rings” obsession.
She is a certified klutz, often tripping over invisible objects, dropping things like they were hot, and playing ping-pong with the walls. She has lots of tattoos, loves to eat sushi—but hates eating cooked fish, hates going to the beach (even though she’s surrounded by them), and is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter to come in the mail.
LINKS:
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/nicolerene
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authornicolerene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicol...
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ItsNicoleRene
When she’s not busy creating sexy alpha males, you can most likely find her with her nose stuck in a book reading OTHER sexy alpha males, kicking back with her friends and family, at the movies, or further fueling her “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lord of the Rings” obsession.
She is a certified klutz, often tripping over invisible objects, dropping things like they were hot, and playing ping-pong with the walls. She has lots of tattoos, loves to eat sushi—but hates eating cooked fish, hates going to the beach (even though she’s surrounded by them), and is still waiting for her Hogwarts letter to come in the mail.
LINKS:
Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/nicolerene
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authornicolerene
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authornicol...
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ItsNicoleRene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
July 22, 2016
The H hits the h, rapes her, and he even brands her with a hot iron, like a cow! While I understand that behavior was par for the time, those actions didn't exactly endear me to the H, who was a giant dick and completely unredeemable after what he did.
July 30, 2020
Disgusting hero aside, it was a great read
November 15, 2018
2.5 stars
To my safety gang:
This contains rape and abuse... It is not dub con, it's definitely rape. Especially the first times.
The writing is good but I did not enjoy the plot. As always this comes down to personal preference. It's reminiscent of Kristen Ashleys Golden Dynasty/Daenerys & Drogo but with one huge exception. Drogo and Dax kinda redeemed themselves. Not as much as I would like but they did something. The H here is for me irredeemable and the h is basically a Stockholm Syndrome victim. The H acts like a 6 foot something, toddler screaming "Mine" at anyone that looks at his toy, aka the heroine, and then proceeds to break her. And I don't know if I'm nitpicking but I don't like modern lingo in my historical books, it kinda takes me out of the period. The author does have potential with her writing though and I would like to try her again, just with a different plot. Maybe the second book is better...
To my safety gang:
This contains rape and abuse... It is not dub con, it's definitely rape. Especially the first times.
The writing is good but I did not enjoy the plot. As always this comes down to personal preference. It's reminiscent of Kristen Ashleys Golden Dynasty/Daenerys & Drogo but with one huge exception. Drogo and Dax kinda redeemed themselves. Not as much as I would like but they did something. The H here is for me irredeemable and the h is basically a Stockholm Syndrome victim. The H acts like a 6 foot something, toddler screaming "Mine" at anyone that looks at his toy, aka the heroine, and then proceeds to break her. And I don't know if I'm nitpicking but I don't like modern lingo in my historical books, it kinda takes me out of the period. The author does have potential with her writing though and I would like to try her again, just with a different plot. Maybe the second book is better...
October 16, 2019
I struggle with rating this book. It had so many elements to it that could have made this a favorite for me. There was just one thing that got in the way...the hero was abusive to the heroine. He was so obsessed with her, but he treated her like he was angry that he was so obsessed.
The treatment of her is what you would typically see in a warrior/tribe type of storyline. The chief of the tribe is the biggest, baddest warrior of them all. He doesn't know what love is, just possession and he certainly proved that.
It did go a bit beyond that because instead of being able to ignore her after he was done with her, he literally obsessed about her. He never wanted to leave her in the care of others. He took her with him on a scouting when she would have been safer left behind with is tribe. He always threatened to kill anyone who touched her. It was very much the attitude of an abusive man. That's the problem I had with it even though in the end, he finally accepted that he loved her.
I'm always talking about how much I love the big, bad and tough guy but I have one requirement. He needs to treat the heroine good. Unfortunately, that did not happen here. In spite of that, I still found myself loving some of this story and wanting the hero to change. He just didn't change quick enough.
I'm still going to read the next book because it's his cousins book and he's the charmer. I don't think he will be the same as Xavier with his heroine.
The treatment of her is what you would typically see in a warrior/tribe type of storyline. The chief of the tribe is the biggest, baddest warrior of them all. He doesn't know what love is, just possession and he certainly proved that.
It did go a bit beyond that because instead of being able to ignore her after he was done with her, he literally obsessed about her. He never wanted to leave her in the care of others. He took her with him on a scouting when she would have been safer left behind with is tribe. He always threatened to kill anyone who touched her. It was very much the attitude of an abusive man. That's the problem I had with it even though in the end, he finally accepted that he loved her.
I'm always talking about how much I love the big, bad and tough guy but I have one requirement. He needs to treat the heroine good. Unfortunately, that did not happen here. In spite of that, I still found myself loving some of this story and wanting the hero to change. He just didn't change quick enough.
I'm still going to read the next book because it's his cousins book and he's the charmer. I don't think he will be the same as Xavier with his heroine.
May 21, 2024
I enjoyed this overall.
It gets a 3 because it felt disjointed. The actions and dialogue didn’t always match the emotions or the situation. This happened the most during the sex scenes… almost as if the scenes were written before the story and just inserted. The ends didn’t quite align.
I like noncon/dubcon - and while I liked the drama of those scenes, I didn’t really understand why the hero started with straight up brutal rape of his new bride. I thought maybe that he didn’t know how to pleasure a woman?? Maybe that’s how he does The Sex?? That might have been better…. But instead we find out the H knows all about pleasuring a woman, he just chose not to?? Why?? Not only does he make zero attempt to sexually woo his virginal bride, he also takes her in the most brutal painful way possible, on purpose. It would have made sense if he thought she’d betrayed him, but that wasn’t the case…. So what was the reason? For me noncon/dubcon needs to make sense in the story/scene. This just left me scratching my head, which I don’t think was the author’s goal for a sex scene.
I was annoyed that the hero sent the h away knowing she was pregnant and that they loved each other. She had no protection and he just basically abandons her at 90%. This made no sense at this point in the story.
The last thing that kept me from rating it higher was the use of modern dialogue and idioms. It pulled me out of the story.
It still gets a 3 though for the overall story and readable writing style. I liked it more than I expected.
It gets a 3 because it felt disjointed. The actions and dialogue didn’t always match the emotions or the situation. This happened the most during the sex scenes… almost as if the scenes were written before the story and just inserted. The ends didn’t quite align.
I like noncon/dubcon - and while I liked the drama of those scenes, I didn’t really understand why the hero started with straight up brutal rape of his new bride. I thought maybe that he didn’t know how to pleasure a woman?? Maybe that’s how he does The Sex?? That might have been better…. But instead we find out the H knows all about pleasuring a woman, he just chose not to?? Why?? Not only does he make zero attempt to sexually woo his virginal bride, he also takes her in the most brutal painful way possible, on purpose. It would have made sense if he thought she’d betrayed him, but that wasn’t the case…. So what was the reason? For me noncon/dubcon needs to make sense in the story/scene. This just left me scratching my head, which I don’t think was the author’s goal for a sex scene.
I was annoyed that the hero sent the h away knowing she was pregnant and that they loved each other. She had no protection and he just basically abandons her at 90%. This made no sense at this point in the story.
The last thing that kept me from rating it higher was the use of modern dialogue and idioms. It pulled me out of the story.
It still gets a 3 though for the overall story and readable writing style. I liked it more than I expected.
July 9, 2018
HTWF is an incredible story with dark and delicious elements! Five star already.....dark and delicious??!!! Jackpot!
So first this story is historical. Now don't get your britches in a wad....this book is fantastic! Although historical, this book has every element of a modern dark romance. Xavier is a possessive, jealous, unfeeling, tall, dark, incredibly sexy alpha dude who is the chief of his tribe. He's an incredible specimen of a man and doesn't take no for an answer. It's his way or the highway. Sounds familiar?
Leawyn, an innocent from a rival tribe, is sacrificed to keep the peace between the tribes through marriage. Leawyn and Xavier are like oil and water. Initially nothing in common, no feelings for each other except hatred, fear, and duty. Xavier in spite of bedding hundreds of women doesn't have a clue how to bed his wife, so he "takes" what he wants....literally and figuratively. Seriously hotness in those scenes! He's a brute. A caveman. What alpha man isn't? There isn't ANY room in alpha-land for a pansy cream puff! And right now Xavier is ruling like the CHIEF he is.....*swoon*
So there's war,angst, intrigue, sparks flying, betrayal, backstabbing, secrets, and mayhem. Oh yeah and lots of dark sex thank the book gods! I mean if Leawyn has to suffer all that she suffers, Xavier can at least swizzle his hips to keep the wifey satiated. Oh but Leawyn's a stubborn chit and refuses to acknowledge how she feels in or out of bed!
So yes the drama is off the charts, the bed play is hotter than a Chippendale show in Vegas, and well the dark elements I mentioned earlier......BOOM! Like fireworks! Don't sleep on this story because its historical....you are definitely missing out on some seriously dark goodness!
So first this story is historical. Now don't get your britches in a wad....this book is fantastic! Although historical, this book has every element of a modern dark romance. Xavier is a possessive, jealous, unfeeling, tall, dark, incredibly sexy alpha dude who is the chief of his tribe. He's an incredible specimen of a man and doesn't take no for an answer. It's his way or the highway. Sounds familiar?
Leawyn, an innocent from a rival tribe, is sacrificed to keep the peace between the tribes through marriage. Leawyn and Xavier are like oil and water. Initially nothing in common, no feelings for each other except hatred, fear, and duty. Xavier in spite of bedding hundreds of women doesn't have a clue how to bed his wife, so he "takes" what he wants....literally and figuratively. Seriously hotness in those scenes! He's a brute. A caveman. What alpha man isn't? There isn't ANY room in alpha-land for a pansy cream puff! And right now Xavier is ruling like the CHIEF he is.....*swoon*
So there's war,angst, intrigue, sparks flying, betrayal, backstabbing, secrets, and mayhem. Oh yeah and lots of dark sex thank the book gods! I mean if Leawyn has to suffer all that she suffers, Xavier can at least swizzle his hips to keep the wifey satiated. Oh but Leawyn's a stubborn chit and refuses to acknowledge how she feels in or out of bed!
So yes the drama is off the charts, the bed play is hotter than a Chippendale show in Vegas, and well the dark elements I mentioned earlier......BOOM! Like fireworks! Don't sleep on this story because its historical....you are definitely missing out on some seriously dark goodness!
May 11, 2017
Why?
I read like breathing, but rarely do I bother with reviews. Just do my stars, and goodreads shelves, then off to the next adventure. But sometimes....you just have say WTF MAN?!?
Let's start with pros:
-interesting story
-enough subterfuge and twists to make me have to finish; even when the outcome became
The cons however are staggering:
-there was no real world building, and only a passing mention of the culture's origins....the tribes aren't really touched on, besides a passing mention of the weak one, the healers and the all mighty warriors....where's the world building?!
-but the biggest con for me is the real message of this book. The only take away message I got was that if you just put up with your abusive husband hitting you, hurting you, rapping you, and threatening to kill you for long enough...eventually he'll realize it's love and all will be well?!? There's no D/S consenting here, he brutalizes her for over half the book, but in the end it's love and ok!?! WTF!
Now, before I get backlash, I'm not one to shy away from rough books...but I expect it to either be the villain or a consenting D/S relationship, where its play, when that kind of abuse is heaped on the heroine....NOT the supposed Hero!!
While I have great respect and support for those who write and publish, this book leaves a bad taste....so congrats Ms.Rene on your book, well wishes, I will not be looking for more in this series.
I read like breathing, but rarely do I bother with reviews. Just do my stars, and goodreads shelves, then off to the next adventure. But sometimes....you just have say WTF MAN?!?
Let's start with pros:
-interesting story
-enough subterfuge and twists to make me have to finish; even when the outcome became
The cons however are staggering:
-there was no real world building, and only a passing mention of the culture's origins....the tribes aren't really touched on, besides a passing mention of the weak one, the healers and the all mighty warriors....where's the world building?!
-but the biggest con for me is the real message of this book. The only take away message I got was that if you just put up with your abusive husband hitting you, hurting you, rapping you, and threatening to kill you for long enough...eventually he'll realize it's love and all will be well?!? There's no D/S consenting here, he brutalizes her for over half the book, but in the end it's love and ok!?! WTF!
Now, before I get backlash, I'm not one to shy away from rough books...but I expect it to either be the villain or a consenting D/S relationship, where its play, when that kind of abuse is heaped on the heroine....NOT the supposed Hero!!
While I have great respect and support for those who write and publish, this book leaves a bad taste....so congrats Ms.Rene on your book, well wishes, I will not be looking for more in this series.
July 26, 2016
I wish I had known this was a fetish book for the masochist, I seriously tried to get past the rapes and abuse imparted by the hero and pretend she wasn't black and blue and bite marked for most of the book but I gave up when he was about to mark her with a hot iron to make sure everyone knows she belongs to him. Of course by then she has started to like his kind of "loving" even though she's still claiming to hate him. So not coming back from that, just like when I accompanied my great auntie to her physical last year, there are things that cannot be unseen, no matter how much you try!
The warning on blurb says "dubious consent" which means there is a degree of enjoyment on the physical level if not on the mind but this is not the case at least until over 60% when I stop reading He was still raping her!
The warning on blurb says "dubious consent" which means there is a degree of enjoyment on the physical level if not on the mind but this is not the case at least until over 60% when I stop reading He was still raping her!
April 11, 2022
First by this author. Its good. Got a lot of similar vibe with Golden Dynasty by K.A. and that's what make me read 'How The Warrior Fell'. But many triggers in this book. Over the top possessive Hero which I like and I can say this Hero really an asshole not for everyone but the storyline very enjoyable. Strong heroine. Lots of hot and steamy bedroom scene. Not vanilla more domination.
dnf-too-early-to-mark-it-read
December 18, 2025I should've read friends' reviews
This isn't working for me. Maybe I'm slumping?
This feels like an obsession/cruelty imbalance:
↬ More obsession = more cruelty because we all know fictional alpha men have the emotional intelligence of a sugar cube.
However, cruelty >>> with no particular obsession is just no fun for me.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
This isn't working for me. Maybe I'm slumping?
This feels like an obsession/cruelty imbalance:
↬ More obsession = more cruelty because we all know fictional alpha men have the emotional intelligence of a sugar cube.
However, cruelty >>> with no particular obsession is just no fun for me.
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐬
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June 29, 2018
Barbaric. Beguilling. Staggering. Stimulating. These are the words that come to mind as I try to gather my thoughts in response to this book. It is rare that a novel completely consumes me as this one did and leaves an indelible mark on my soul, and as such, I am at a loss to express everything I want to say about it—except it is absolutely amazing!
Yes, it’s harsh, and from many of the low-rated reviews, it offends modern feminist sensibilities . But if you’re a reader who wants to be enthralled by a savage tale and experience the passionate extremes of two disparate people (neither of whom have ever experienced love before) falling in love, then this book is one you should read. The characters are real people, well-meaning yet flawed, struggling to carve out a good life for themselves and their tribes. I am thoroughly invested in them, voraciouslyly continuing with How the Warrior Claimed, and fervently recommending this astonishing book!
Yes, it’s harsh, and from many of the low-rated reviews, it offends modern feminist sensibilities . But if you’re a reader who wants to be enthralled by a savage tale and experience the passionate extremes of two disparate people (neither of whom have ever experienced love before) falling in love, then this book is one you should read. The characters are real people, well-meaning yet flawed, struggling to carve out a good life for themselves and their tribes. I am thoroughly invested in them, voraciouslyly continuing with How the Warrior Claimed, and fervently recommending this astonishing book!
July 22, 2016
Xavier was a huge jerk, mean and nasty for the first half of the book. I get his a big tough Viking who's never known love, but did it have to take so long for him to realize that he loved Leawyn. Then the ending .... there's a big hole between the last chapter and the two year later epilogue.
The next book will be good. I loved the chemistry between Namoriee and Tyronian was great in this book and I'm sure will be off the charts in their's.
Must all the names be so weird and hard to pronounce and keep track of.
The next book will be good. I loved the chemistry between Namoriee and Tyronian was great in this book and I'm sure will be off the charts in their's.
Must all the names be so weird and hard to pronounce and keep track of.
July 26, 2016
How the Warrior Fell was an absolutely incredible story that I did not want to end. With fantastic storyline complete with twists and turns, intriguing characters, and stellar writing, I felt like I was transported to another time and place while reading this tale of dark and gritty romance. The dialogue was fantastic, the action was suspenseful, and the plot had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
"You'll never escape me, Leawyn. Wherever you are, I'll find you."
This author is effortless in her storytelling, weaving a tale that was perfectly balanced with dark themes, romance, and the violent elements of war that surrounded Leawyn and Xavier. The two of them were thrown together in an arranged marriage intended to end a feud, and are forced to navigate their relationship amid fighting, instability, and threats from an unknown enemy. Fueled by anger, possessiveness, and stubbornness, the two of them battled each other fiercely at every turn.
"The tension thickened as they stared at each other, engaged in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Every unsaid word was spoken through their eyes."
Nicole Rene did a wonderful job with these characters. The two of them were so different, yet each fascinating in their own way. Where Leawyn was sweetness and light, Xavier was full of darkness. Where she had led a sheltered existence, he was exposed to violence and cruelty at a young age. She was nurturing and compassionate, he was scarred and brutal. Leawyn's character was written with a perfect blend of softness and strength, and Xavier was the ultimate anti-hero, making me hate and love him at the same time. I loved watching their relationship evolve, and although things were never easy between them, there was a passion between them that burned too fiercely to be denied.
"They were both trapped in each other. The harder they fought, the more explosive they would be."
I loved the authenticity this story had. There were no rushed feelings, no instantaneous change of heart between the characters. The two of them constantly straddled the line between love and hate, and as the reader I could feel how intense their struggles were. The author did a great job conveying the emotions of the characters. Xavier felt an inexplicable possessiveness over Leawyn, and struggled against feelings that were foreign to him. At the same time, Leawyn tried to understand her growing feelings towards a man that she was determined to hate. The dynamic between them was so full of tension, so intensely passionate, I found myself reading faster, wanting to know where their interactions would lead them. Every time they came together it was like an explosion of epic proportions, and they healed each other without truly realizing it. What started as a journey full of pain and angst turned into a beautiful story of redemption, healing, and love.
"They were lost in the sea of loneliness, yet, somewhere along the way, they found each other, and instead of drowning, they swam."
The author did a great job with the plot of this story, giving the reader a richly layered, well-developed story that kept me engaged with every word. The supporting characters added yet another layer to the story that pulled me in. I am in awe of the fact that this is a debut author, because this book was nothing short of magnificent. I am eagerly looking forward to the second book in this series, which is sure to be another amazing one.
"You'll never escape me, Leawyn. Wherever you are, I'll find you."
This author is effortless in her storytelling, weaving a tale that was perfectly balanced with dark themes, romance, and the violent elements of war that surrounded Leawyn and Xavier. The two of them were thrown together in an arranged marriage intended to end a feud, and are forced to navigate their relationship amid fighting, instability, and threats from an unknown enemy. Fueled by anger, possessiveness, and stubbornness, the two of them battled each other fiercely at every turn.
"The tension thickened as they stared at each other, engaged in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Every unsaid word was spoken through their eyes."
Nicole Rene did a wonderful job with these characters. The two of them were so different, yet each fascinating in their own way. Where Leawyn was sweetness and light, Xavier was full of darkness. Where she had led a sheltered existence, he was exposed to violence and cruelty at a young age. She was nurturing and compassionate, he was scarred and brutal. Leawyn's character was written with a perfect blend of softness and strength, and Xavier was the ultimate anti-hero, making me hate and love him at the same time. I loved watching their relationship evolve, and although things were never easy between them, there was a passion between them that burned too fiercely to be denied.
"They were both trapped in each other. The harder they fought, the more explosive they would be."
I loved the authenticity this story had. There were no rushed feelings, no instantaneous change of heart between the characters. The two of them constantly straddled the line between love and hate, and as the reader I could feel how intense their struggles were. The author did a great job conveying the emotions of the characters. Xavier felt an inexplicable possessiveness over Leawyn, and struggled against feelings that were foreign to him. At the same time, Leawyn tried to understand her growing feelings towards a man that she was determined to hate. The dynamic between them was so full of tension, so intensely passionate, I found myself reading faster, wanting to know where their interactions would lead them. Every time they came together it was like an explosion of epic proportions, and they healed each other without truly realizing it. What started as a journey full of pain and angst turned into a beautiful story of redemption, healing, and love.
"They were lost in the sea of loneliness, yet, somewhere along the way, they found each other, and instead of drowning, they swam."
The author did a great job with the plot of this story, giving the reader a richly layered, well-developed story that kept me engaged with every word. The supporting characters added yet another layer to the story that pulled me in. I am in awe of the fact that this is a debut author, because this book was nothing short of magnificent. I am eagerly looking forward to the second book in this series, which is sure to be another amazing one.
August 14, 2017
3 and ½ Stars - Erotic Bodice Ripper Set in Ancient Sumeria
The story is set in ancient Sumer, Mesopotamia (no date is given but the author told me it is 3000 BC and that is consistent with the time of the Sumerians). This is the story of Leawyn, the daughter of the chief of the Rhoxolani, who, in order to end the feud between their tribes, was forced to marry Xavier, the fierce chief of the Izayges.
I found this debut novel difficult to rate. The concept and the action are both great and the pace fast. The story has enough suspense to keep you reading as Xavier fights an unseen enemy. However, some things detracted, like the connection between the unseen enemy and the heroine, which comes very late. And the “love” between the hero and heroine, which suddenly appears, again, late in the book. Then, too, you have to want to read an erotic bodice ripper (lots of bodice ripping and lots of graphic rough sex with an abusive “hero”). Though the scene is not between the hero and heroine, there is also a ménage à trois.
Xavier is a violent, brutal man who rapes Leawyn on their wedding night (and, as far as I could tell, on most nights thereafter). Understandably, Leawyn hates him and thinks only of escape. Xavier, aware of this, guards her well, for he is all about possession and owning things for reasons I never fully understood. When her escape attempt fails, she resigns herself to staying among the Izayges as their “Lady Chief”.
The violence might have been correct for the era, but there were male characters in the story, including those in her family, an old love of hers and Xavier’s brother and cousin, who did not engage in gratuitous violence against women. Xavier, however, is in a class by himself. He thinks of himself as a brilliant strategist and enjoys seeing the cuts, bites and bruises he leaves on his wife’s body as signs of his possession. Leawyn, on the other hand, thinks of herself as a “nice” person and, on the odd days she fights Xavier, has no hope of winning.
The author indicated this is set in ancient Sumer in Mesopotamia, however there are many references to its being in “Samaria” and the people are “Samarians” and “Samaritans”. The name Samaria is derived from the ancient city of Samaria, the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Its people were Jews who intermarried with the Assyrians and others in the 8th century BC. The ancient Sumerians, on the other hand, lived in the southern part of what is now Iraq many centuries before. Sumer was located between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in what the Greeks later called Mesopotamia. Because I knew the difference these inaccuracies stopped me.
The story could be improved with some editing to correct the historical inaccuracies, the use of modern words and phrases, to add a better sense of the geography and descriptions of their dwellings (other than “hut”). I also found troubling the too quick changes in characters’ point of view (sometimes for only a sentence). There are also passages where the point of view is so vague I could not tell just whose head I was supposed to be in.
Still, if none of that bothers you, you might see this as a more highly rated book. I would understand. It’s a great first effort and the author is obviously a good storyteller.
The story is set in ancient Sumer, Mesopotamia (no date is given but the author told me it is 3000 BC and that is consistent with the time of the Sumerians). This is the story of Leawyn, the daughter of the chief of the Rhoxolani, who, in order to end the feud between their tribes, was forced to marry Xavier, the fierce chief of the Izayges.
I found this debut novel difficult to rate. The concept and the action are both great and the pace fast. The story has enough suspense to keep you reading as Xavier fights an unseen enemy. However, some things detracted, like the connection between the unseen enemy and the heroine, which comes very late. And the “love” between the hero and heroine, which suddenly appears, again, late in the book. Then, too, you have to want to read an erotic bodice ripper (lots of bodice ripping and lots of graphic rough sex with an abusive “hero”). Though the scene is not between the hero and heroine, there is also a ménage à trois.
Xavier is a violent, brutal man who rapes Leawyn on their wedding night (and, as far as I could tell, on most nights thereafter). Understandably, Leawyn hates him and thinks only of escape. Xavier, aware of this, guards her well, for he is all about possession and owning things for reasons I never fully understood. When her escape attempt fails, she resigns herself to staying among the Izayges as their “Lady Chief”.
The violence might have been correct for the era, but there were male characters in the story, including those in her family, an old love of hers and Xavier’s brother and cousin, who did not engage in gratuitous violence against women. Xavier, however, is in a class by himself. He thinks of himself as a brilliant strategist and enjoys seeing the cuts, bites and bruises he leaves on his wife’s body as signs of his possession. Leawyn, on the other hand, thinks of herself as a “nice” person and, on the odd days she fights Xavier, has no hope of winning.
The author indicated this is set in ancient Sumer in Mesopotamia, however there are many references to its being in “Samaria” and the people are “Samarians” and “Samaritans”. The name Samaria is derived from the ancient city of Samaria, the capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel. Its people were Jews who intermarried with the Assyrians and others in the 8th century BC. The ancient Sumerians, on the other hand, lived in the southern part of what is now Iraq many centuries before. Sumer was located between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers in what the Greeks later called Mesopotamia. Because I knew the difference these inaccuracies stopped me.
The story could be improved with some editing to correct the historical inaccuracies, the use of modern words and phrases, to add a better sense of the geography and descriptions of their dwellings (other than “hut”). I also found troubling the too quick changes in characters’ point of view (sometimes for only a sentence). There are also passages where the point of view is so vague I could not tell just whose head I was supposed to be in.
Still, if none of that bothers you, you might see this as a more highly rated book. I would understand. It’s a great first effort and the author is obviously a good storyteller.
July 18, 2016
If you are a fan of The Vikings show or like historical clan based reads this is a book for you.
Apparently this is the author's debut novel, all I can say is wow and well done I really enjoyed this book.
Leawyn is betrothed the leader of another clan, she hasn't met him and doesn't want to marry him.
Xavier is to marry a girl called Leawyn, his not bothered but is going through with it - his a warrior not a husband.
What can I say Xavier is horrible to Leawyn, treats her like property and forces himself on her, leaves her with marks too...... So how could i possibly like this man? I didn't for a long while, everytime I thought he was becoming human and seeing the beautiful gift he had in Leawyn he put his walls up and treated her bad again.
Leawyn, she gets treated badly by her new husband, but she is strong and sticks around determined she can make a dent in his armour and make him care. She even starts to yearn for his rough sex and enjoy it. She is a strong characther, she isn't soft and just takes it, she lets him know he has hurt her and I really wanted her to find happiness
I did find it difficult to read how badly he treated her, but he showed that he cared in other ways - does that mean he should be forgiven?? difficult. He does eventually see his mistakes and its wonderful to see the change, he will always be a warrior though and aggressive when needed or scared for or by the ones he loves.
The story has battles, betrayal and strong supportive characthers. the book moved at a good pace and I really enjoyed this authors work, I'm not even into historical books normally.
A recommended read and I will be adding book 2 to my to be read list.
*I received an arc from the author in return for an honest review
Apparently this is the author's debut novel, all I can say is wow and well done I really enjoyed this book.
Leawyn is betrothed the leader of another clan, she hasn't met him and doesn't want to marry him.
Xavier is to marry a girl called Leawyn, his not bothered but is going through with it - his a warrior not a husband.
What can I say Xavier is horrible to Leawyn, treats her like property and forces himself on her, leaves her with marks too...... So how could i possibly like this man? I didn't for a long while, everytime I thought he was becoming human and seeing the beautiful gift he had in Leawyn he put his walls up and treated her bad again.
Leawyn, she gets treated badly by her new husband, but she is strong and sticks around determined she can make a dent in his armour and make him care. She even starts to yearn for his rough sex and enjoy it. She is a strong characther, she isn't soft and just takes it, she lets him know he has hurt her and I really wanted her to find happiness
I did find it difficult to read how badly he treated her, but he showed that he cared in other ways - does that mean he should be forgiven?? difficult. He does eventually see his mistakes and its wonderful to see the change, he will always be a warrior though and aggressive when needed or scared for or by the ones he loves.
The story has battles, betrayal and strong supportive characthers. the book moved at a good pace and I really enjoyed this authors work, I'm not even into historical books normally.
A recommended read and I will be adding book 2 to my to be read list.
*I received an arc from the author in return for an honest review
November 10, 2024
The hero was always acting like a bitch, throwing mantrums the whole damn story. His jealousy was not sexy, it reeked of insecurity the longer the story went. I like my hero’s possesive so yes he was crazy and I appreciated it but he was threatened by everyone because they could have probably stole the heroine from him with real time and effort. It was just plain embarrassing at times. Speaking of the heroine, her feelings from hate to love was unrealistic and her character was shaky.
The world building sucked so don’t expect much if you’re an avid fantasy or historical romance reader where rich settings matter. But still, if you like a antihero gets the girl, it’s a decent romance and I read it in one day.
Spoiler
- The hero rapes the heroine for over half the book and doesnt care about her pleasure at all until way later in. He was so brutal sexually and for what???
- Brief OM drama: her first love comes into the picture, they kiss twice. The hero’s brother acts like he likes the heroine at times but not really.
- The heroine and hero are only intimate with each other
The world building sucked so don’t expect much if you’re an avid fantasy or historical romance reader where rich settings matter. But still, if you like a antihero gets the girl, it’s a decent romance and I read it in one day.
Spoiler
- The hero rapes the heroine for over half the book and doesnt care about her pleasure at all until way later in. He was so brutal sexually and for what???
- Brief OM drama: her first love comes into the picture, they kiss twice. The hero’s brother acts like he likes the heroine at times but not really.
- The heroine and hero are only intimate with each other
August 29, 2017
I don't know quite what to say about this book. The writing is excellent, very good story telling. BUT I can't say much for the so called hero. He was so brutal, raping and bruising etc. Not sure how the heroine didn't get killed! It's a shame she made the hero such a brute you couldn't possibly find him romantic or nice at all. However the heroine was lovely and kind and the other characters were very good. The author obviously has talent but did she have to make the hero so bad! Still I had to keep turning the pages to find out who was going after them and finished the book. Looks like the second one will have a better hero in it.
March 22, 2016
I could not put this book down! It had me captivated. What I loved about this book was that I started out hating Xavier and feeling sorry for Leawynn but this author had you slowly falling in love with Xavier. You found yourself routing for the characters. It was beautifully written and the characters were well thought out. The plot moved effortlessly, the characters were believable, and the scenes were descriptive and entertaining!
Thank you for sharing such a lovely story!
Thank you for sharing such a lovely story!
February 19, 2018
This story was filled with such horrible abuse that the h suffered by the H's hands. It was brutal, disturbing, and disgusting. The second a H physically hurts a h, he is NO LONGER a H! As for the story, it was too convoluted by the end and really fell apart. The author's treatment of Tristan and the h's BF sucked. She did not do them justice.
August 18, 2021
DNF @23%
Heroine does everything she can tp transform into a doormat. The writing is subpar even for a fanfic. Every single character is dumb and one-dimensional. There is no depth to their thoughts or motives.
Objectively, it's a bad book.
Apparently this is a neo bodice ripper, so I have to at least try reading it.
Heroine does everything she can tp transform into a doormat. The writing is subpar even for a fanfic. Every single character is dumb and one-dimensional. There is no depth to their thoughts or motives.
Objectively, it's a bad book.
Apparently this is a neo bodice ripper, so I have to at least try reading it.
October 29, 2020
This book is so fucked up. The hero was downright abusive to a T and the heroine just takes it all in stride. I liked that she has spunk and she dared left the hero’s ass BUT it’s so confusing to read when she still forgave him what with all her talk of hating him. Ugh. It’s a fucking trainwreck but I am also buckling up for the shit-show. Yes, I’m sick for enjoying this so much. Lol
July 9, 2018
I'm not sure how you can grow to love someone who constantly rapes and hits you. No... just ....no.
November 22, 2022
In Nicole René's debut novel, ‘How The Warrior Fell’, the first within a series of novels to come, bound between duty and honour, the daughter of a chieftain is married to the Chief of the fiercest tribe as a way to ensure peace. Lines will be broken. Blood will be shed.
*SLAMS CUP ONTO THE TABLE*
Someone pass the Holy water, because— what on God’s good name did I read?
First and foremost, fellow readers, I must warn you. This one might have your blood boiling. However...and there is a, however...It'll either be in a good way…a bad way…or a combination of the two. Me? I’m fringing somewhere on the boundary line between a bad way—or the latter.
A tab bit reminiscent of George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Game of Thrones’ and Kristen Ashley’s ‘The Golden Dynasty’, I first encountered ‘How The Warrior Fell’ on an online social writing platform called Wattpad. Due to the author’s unexpected publishing news, however, she was unable to complete the book on the platform. Nevertheless, it’s historical and being the historical junkie that I am, leapt off that ledge to buy the book.
To start— the treatment of the main female protagonist is typical behaviour most would come to find within storylines centred on warrior tribes. Admittedly, the feminist in me screamed to run for the hills as such books I often find to be glorifying said treatment despite most authors cautioning their readers by way of a warning. Still— I had to remind myself not only of the era, but the least I could do was to give it a try. After all, it had yet to be completed, however, became popular relatively fast on the platform.
Right away readers are introduced to three tribes throughout the Samaritan: Aorsi (which our main h Leawyn is of), Siraces and the fierce and most dangerous, Izayges. If you’ve not guessed as yet, our male lead, Xavier is from that tribe.
From the beginning, he was atrocious. Handsome or not, he was no Khal Drogo or Kah Dax; two characters in categories Xavier would never be a part of. Every time he said something, I cringed. Every time he laid his hand on Leawyn, I wanted to walk the green mile. Am I exaggerating? Perhaps. Though I have good reasons as such tropes(the possessive and domineering Alpha males) are often becoming the norm within books of ANY genre. It’s either their way or the highway. What’s worse? Readers are finding it attractive, regardless of sex AND era.
Now, of course, our female lead, Leawyn is extremely beautiful. Which—*coughs* is repeatedly highlighted throughout the story to the point where it’s obsessive. Furthermore, it became apparent early on to many readers(myself included) that her beauty was part of the reason why Xavier’s sole purpose seemed nothing more than to conquer Leawyn’s mind and body. Did he strive for an heir? Absolutely. After all, in such an era, no matter how good of a warrior, your time is limited. Regardless, on multiple occasions, our heroine is subjected to unspeakable forms of physical violence. Even as we’re told there’s romance(though, to call each interaction between our leads as romance blossoming, perhaps, scheduling a visit to the doctor should be made), some scenes became unbearable to read. Something else to note, just as I found the author’s constant mentioning of her female lead’s beauty to be obsessive, so does the abuse our female lead endures to the point where it overpowers the story’s supposed conflict.
The turning point in the story came when our female lead admitted to her husband that— she would rather be raped by him than raped by others. In the end, along with hating her husband, readers know that our female lead has accepted her life for what it is.
Moreover, what little semblance of human decency our male lead portrayed, would fast become overshadowed by his abusive tendencies of not wanting to appear as a weak leader. That was where the storyline frustrated me most. We are told as a child, that our male lead witnessed the horrific deaths of his parents from an unknown tribe. Not to mention, reading our male lead, Xavier, confess to Leawyn how deeply his father cared not only for his family but his mother, should’ve been reason enough for Xavier to have treated Leawyn(even if in private) with respect and care she deserved from the beginning.
Though I must confess, brief satisfaction did happen upon reading how Leawyn’s hatred began gnawing away at Xavier’s skin. Had it done much in erasing the contempt this here reader developed for him? Nope. But for the most part, it was something.
Nevertheless, a fitting comeuppance would have been for the author to have made Xavier the only one having fallen all while knowing that his wife could never love him. Cruel, but impacting.
Moving along to other characters, we've got Tristan; the brother to Xavier who is shorter in height and at first appears to be another love interest for Leawyn. Next is Tyronian. Not only is he the cousin to our male lead but is said to be matched both in height and weight to Xavier. Due to his family’s relation to the chief of the Siraces tribe, he can challenge the Siraces chief for that position. Lastly, we have our 16-year-old and the lady-in-waiting to the chiefess, the stammering yet just as beautiful as our female lead, Namoriee. An orphan who the warrior cousin, Tyronian has set his sights on.
The next book within the series follows the relationship between our secondary leads, Tyronian and Namoriee. Keeping fingers crossed, I hope for their book we have certain questions answered. For starters, where Namoriee hails from, how she came to be in their tribe and whether she's got family out there unbeknown-est to her since her colouring(including hair) is slightly different from theirs.
Next is word-building. The genre is historical yet the dialogue had me thinking that I was reading a story where the year was 2015. I DO NOT appreciate modern lingo in any historical genre UNLESS the plot calls for it as it removes the beauty of such a period. If you’re going to write a book that is historical fiction then, DO. YOUR. RESEARCH. See to it that the dialogue resonates with the tone of the story. Don’t just tell us your story is about a tribe set in the historical period, SHOW US by bringing it together full circle.
One more thing to note, not only was I disappointed that the author removed Tyronian and Namoriee’s POV chapters, but the addition of their scenes I felt somewhat was a mini preparation of what was to come for us in the next instalment.
Overall, showcasing tribes in such an era can make for a decent read depending on what one as a reader finds acceptable. For me, one of the few things that stood out was how revered horses are to the tribes. The author showed great understanding and a deep connection between man to horse and horse to its rider.
*SLAMS CUP ONTO THE TABLE*
Someone pass the Holy water, because— what on God’s good name did I read?
First and foremost, fellow readers, I must warn you. This one might have your blood boiling. However...and there is a, however...It'll either be in a good way…a bad way…or a combination of the two. Me? I’m fringing somewhere on the boundary line between a bad way—or the latter.
A tab bit reminiscent of George R.R. Martin’s ‘A Game of Thrones’ and Kristen Ashley’s ‘The Golden Dynasty’, I first encountered ‘How The Warrior Fell’ on an online social writing platform called Wattpad. Due to the author’s unexpected publishing news, however, she was unable to complete the book on the platform. Nevertheless, it’s historical and being the historical junkie that I am, leapt off that ledge to buy the book.
To start— the treatment of the main female protagonist is typical behaviour most would come to find within storylines centred on warrior tribes. Admittedly, the feminist in me screamed to run for the hills as such books I often find to be glorifying said treatment despite most authors cautioning their readers by way of a warning. Still— I had to remind myself not only of the era, but the least I could do was to give it a try. After all, it had yet to be completed, however, became popular relatively fast on the platform.
Right away readers are introduced to three tribes throughout the Samaritan: Aorsi (which our main h Leawyn is of), Siraces and the fierce and most dangerous, Izayges. If you’ve not guessed as yet, our male lead, Xavier is from that tribe.
From the beginning, he was atrocious. Handsome or not, he was no Khal Drogo or Kah Dax; two characters in categories Xavier would never be a part of. Every time he said something, I cringed. Every time he laid his hand on Leawyn, I wanted to walk the green mile. Am I exaggerating? Perhaps. Though I have good reasons as such tropes(the possessive and domineering Alpha males) are often becoming the norm within books of ANY genre. It’s either their way or the highway. What’s worse? Readers are finding it attractive, regardless of sex AND era.
Now, of course, our female lead, Leawyn is extremely beautiful. Which—*coughs* is repeatedly highlighted throughout the story to the point where it’s obsessive. Furthermore, it became apparent early on to many readers(myself included) that her beauty was part of the reason why Xavier’s sole purpose seemed nothing more than to conquer Leawyn’s mind and body. Did he strive for an heir? Absolutely. After all, in such an era, no matter how good of a warrior, your time is limited. Regardless, on multiple occasions, our heroine is subjected to unspeakable forms of physical violence. Even as we’re told there’s romance(though, to call each interaction between our leads as romance blossoming, perhaps, scheduling a visit to the doctor should be made), some scenes became unbearable to read. Something else to note, just as I found the author’s constant mentioning of her female lead’s beauty to be obsessive, so does the abuse our female lead endures to the point where it overpowers the story’s supposed conflict.
The turning point in the story came when our female lead admitted to her husband that— she would rather be raped by him than raped by others. In the end, along with hating her husband, readers know that our female lead has accepted her life for what it is.
Moreover, what little semblance of human decency our male lead portrayed, would fast become overshadowed by his abusive tendencies of not wanting to appear as a weak leader. That was where the storyline frustrated me most. We are told as a child, that our male lead witnessed the horrific deaths of his parents from an unknown tribe. Not to mention, reading our male lead, Xavier, confess to Leawyn how deeply his father cared not only for his family but his mother, should’ve been reason enough for Xavier to have treated Leawyn(even if in private) with respect and care she deserved from the beginning.
Though I must confess, brief satisfaction did happen upon reading how Leawyn’s hatred began gnawing away at Xavier’s skin. Had it done much in erasing the contempt this here reader developed for him? Nope. But for the most part, it was something.
Nevertheless, a fitting comeuppance would have been for the author to have made Xavier the only one having fallen all while knowing that his wife could never love him. Cruel, but impacting.
Moving along to other characters, we've got Tristan; the brother to Xavier who is shorter in height and at first appears to be another love interest for Leawyn. Next is Tyronian. Not only is he the cousin to our male lead but is said to be matched both in height and weight to Xavier. Due to his family’s relation to the chief of the Siraces tribe, he can challenge the Siraces chief for that position. Lastly, we have our 16-year-old and the lady-in-waiting to the chiefess, the stammering yet just as beautiful as our female lead, Namoriee. An orphan who the warrior cousin, Tyronian has set his sights on.
The next book within the series follows the relationship between our secondary leads, Tyronian and Namoriee. Keeping fingers crossed, I hope for their book we have certain questions answered. For starters, where Namoriee hails from, how she came to be in their tribe and whether she's got family out there unbeknown-est to her since her colouring(including hair) is slightly different from theirs.
Next is word-building. The genre is historical yet the dialogue had me thinking that I was reading a story where the year was 2015. I DO NOT appreciate modern lingo in any historical genre UNLESS the plot calls for it as it removes the beauty of such a period. If you’re going to write a book that is historical fiction then, DO. YOUR. RESEARCH. See to it that the dialogue resonates with the tone of the story. Don’t just tell us your story is about a tribe set in the historical period, SHOW US by bringing it together full circle.
One more thing to note, not only was I disappointed that the author removed Tyronian and Namoriee’s POV chapters, but the addition of their scenes I felt somewhat was a mini preparation of what was to come for us in the next instalment.
Overall, showcasing tribes in such an era can make for a decent read depending on what one as a reader finds acceptable. For me, one of the few things that stood out was how revered horses are to the tribes. The author showed great understanding and a deep connection between man to horse and horse to its rider.
August 3, 2016
When it comes to dark historical romance, I think I lost my proverbial cherry with this one. Yes, it was painful, but also oddly exhilarating.
An arranged marriage between two tribes is bound to be loaded with violence and domination. And it was. Oh my, the chief is a man to fear and make a quaint innocent damsel quake. Of course, he does. He's a brutal man who inspires lots of tears in his new bride.
I really felt sorry for her, at his mercy and bruised by his forceful passion. Even though it's far from bloody or murderous, be warned that their encounters as husband and wife are teeming with non-consent intimacy.
I was hoping he would warm up to her, but gentleness is quite foreign to this Khal Drogo look-alike. Things only get worse as his obsession for his wife grows to mythic proportions. Yet don't despair. Their heated, angry, ardent relationship is enthralling as their feelings battle with their lust and need for each other.
Parallel to their feast of the flesh, there is also danger and mystery. a hidden enemy poses an encroaching threat to all the tribes, lashing out carnage, ambushes and destruction. While Leawyn tries to keep her sanity against her obsessed husband, her past weaves an insidious web of deceit and death around them.
I think the writing style is fine, keeping an old atmosphere of ancient lore and tribal customs at the same time as a flowing pace.
Through ruthless fights and bloody vengeance, the story reaches a climax full of dark passion, betrayal, plot twists and surprises, and a couple that would end up killing each other as easily as loving the hell out of their wounded souls. I loved the indomitable, unbreakable heroine with a soft beauty and a relentless spirit.
This story might be harsh and bloody but it's also raw, gripping and absolutely entertaining. Now, it's on to another story about another warrior and his unwilling bride. Count me in :-D
An arranged marriage between two tribes is bound to be loaded with violence and domination. And it was. Oh my, the chief is a man to fear and make a quaint innocent damsel quake. Of course, he does. He's a brutal man who inspires lots of tears in his new bride.
I really felt sorry for her, at his mercy and bruised by his forceful passion. Even though it's far from bloody or murderous, be warned that their encounters as husband and wife are teeming with non-consent intimacy.
I was hoping he would warm up to her, but gentleness is quite foreign to this Khal Drogo look-alike. Things only get worse as his obsession for his wife grows to mythic proportions. Yet don't despair. Their heated, angry, ardent relationship is enthralling as their feelings battle with their lust and need for each other.
Parallel to their feast of the flesh, there is also danger and mystery. a hidden enemy poses an encroaching threat to all the tribes, lashing out carnage, ambushes and destruction. While Leawyn tries to keep her sanity against her obsessed husband, her past weaves an insidious web of deceit and death around them.
I think the writing style is fine, keeping an old atmosphere of ancient lore and tribal customs at the same time as a flowing pace.
Through ruthless fights and bloody vengeance, the story reaches a climax full of dark passion, betrayal, plot twists and surprises, and a couple that would end up killing each other as easily as loving the hell out of their wounded souls. I loved the indomitable, unbreakable heroine with a soft beauty and a relentless spirit.
This story might be harsh and bloody but it's also raw, gripping and absolutely entertaining. Now, it's on to another story about another warrior and his unwilling bride. Count me in :-D
October 10, 2017
I literally wanted to get my hands around Xavier's throat and squeeze as tight as I can. I had this desire for a good portion of the book. Leawyn was a strong beauty daughter to a clan chief. To build an alliance and shut down an ancient feud she was push to marriage. Treated worse than property. She pushed on. She had the purity, strength, and determination to stick to her resolve.
This debut brought brutality, battles, betrayal, pain, pleasure, and stirred strong emotions. I battled with myself on my deep disgust and dislike of Xavier and my enormous empathy for/with Leawyn. Tides change with any good book you get to watch as the characters change and grow. My dislike of Xavier became like and a deeper respect for L eawyn.
I am anticipating the next in the series. I find that there were a few prospects that I would love to see coming along with their own battles and HEA.
**This ARC was provided via Book Enthusiast Promotions via Kindle in exchange for an honest review.**
This debut brought brutality, battles, betrayal, pain, pleasure, and stirred strong emotions. I battled with myself on my deep disgust and dislike of Xavier and my enormous empathy for/with Leawyn. Tides change with any good book you get to watch as the characters change and grow. My dislike of Xavier became like and a deeper respect for L eawyn.
I am anticipating the next in the series. I find that there were a few prospects that I would love to see coming along with their own battles and HEA.
**This ARC was provided via Book Enthusiast Promotions via Kindle in exchange for an honest review.**
February 10, 2021
DNF at 89%. I couldn't justify punishing myself anymore after that. Life's too short.
All throughout reading this I thought? Is the title supposed to be How the Warrior Fell... to His Death? Bc trust me, I'd be over the moon if that were the case.
btw, I've known people who treat dog crap better than this dude treated Leawyn.
Where was the romance, the soft, developing, exploring each other feelings? THERE WAS NONE! And I stopped at 89%. btw, for anyone who is confused on what I deem or not deem romance, here's a clue:
a rape and/or slap a day will keep the romance away
All throughout reading this I thought? Is the title supposed to be How the Warrior Fell... to His Death? Bc trust me, I'd be over the moon if that were the case.
btw, I've known people who treat dog crap better than this dude treated Leawyn.
Where was the romance, the soft, developing, exploring each other feelings? THERE WAS NONE! And I stopped at 89%. btw, for anyone who is confused on what I deem or not deem romance, here's a clue:
a rape and/or slap a day will keep the romance away
March 15, 2016
Such a great start as a debut author. The story was captivating and intriguing throughout! I was able to delve into Leawyn's world and picture all she went through by reading Nicole's words. She did amazing at bringing the characters and setting to life. Something about all of the characters made me fall in love with each of them in a different way and I love, love, love Killix. ;) I can't wait to read book two!!
November 16, 2025
This was a hot mess, y'all. The plot is all over the place and barely makes any sense. I still don't understand why they had to marry. They say it's to keep peace, but her village has 100 people in it---I doubt Xavier feared them. The timeline was difficult to follow at times. I didn't know if it was the next day or months later. And am I wrong, or is the age difference between Asten and Xavier just not adding up?🤔
July 14, 2018
Review Coming
January 1, 2022
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews