Broken Dove

Fantasyland #4

by Kristen Ashley, Tillie Hooper (Narrator)

23 hours and 2 minutes

Far too young, Apollo Ulfr lost Ilsa, his wife, the love of his life and the mother of his two children. The grief of her loss does not settle in his soul, it solders to it. But when he discovers there is a parallel universe where his wife may have a twin, he feels there's hope and sets about bringing her to his world so he can have her back.

But Ilsa Ulfr of our world is married to the parallel universe's twin, Pol, who is not a good man. Not in any way. She's on the run from him and the last thing she wants is to be transported to a fantastical world and be forced to take his side as his wife, even if he is not Pol. And Apollo finds the broken, bitter Ilsa nothing like his beloved and he further wants nothing to do with her.

But darkness is looming and evil is amassing. Apollo must protect his land and keep his family safe, including the new Ilsa.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Fantasy Romance, Adult

23 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 27, 2013

About the author

Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).

Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Reviews

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

While 'Broken Dove' was much better than 'Fantastical' in my opinion, it was still a long way from reaching the greatness of 'The Golden Dynasty'. More so than the other books in this series, 'Broken Dove' was tender and emotional. My heart broke so many times while listening to the story of Apollo and Ilsa. Yet, there was something so sweet and endearing about their story that I couldn't pull myself away.

Apollo "Lo" Ulfr of the parallel world was happily married to Ilsa. They had two beautiful children together and Ilsa was loved by everyone - none more than Apollo. Tragically, her life ended too soon. Apollo has grieved the loss of his wife for years.

Ilsa of our world is also married to the Apollo of this world. Only, the Apollo of this world is an abusive, drug-dealing bastard. Ilsa has been on the run, hiding from "Pol" for years. She knows that he will kill her if he finds her and she lives in a constant state of fear.

When Lo discovers that his deceased wife has a twin in a parallel world, he is determined to bring her to his world. Despite being warned that the "twin" Ilsa is not, in fact, an exact replica of his wife, he is set on bringing her to his world. Only, upon her arrival he discovers that she is much different than his wife was.

While Ilsa is glad to be far away from the abusive "Pol", she now finds herself dependent upon another man. It doesn't help that this man is the exact physical replica of the man that grew to be her worst nightmare. To make matters worse, it is clear that she is a poor substitute for the woman that Lo really wants, his deceased wife.

From the start, my heart broke for Ilsa. She didn't deserve any of the heartache that she was doled out, in this world or the other. She was such a sweet and fun-loving lady and it was so unfair that she had to endure so much cruelty.

Although Lo treated Ilsa poorly, I couldn't help but pity him. I don't think that he ever intended to be so thoughtless. He just wanted his wife back so desperately that he was willing to do anything to have her back.

Over time, Lo begins to fall for the Ilsa of this world. However, given his initial treatment of her, it was hard to believe that his feelings were genuine. It wasn't fair to Ilsa to be placed in that position, constantly being compared to his first wife.

To make matters worse, when Lo's feelings are put to the test he repeatedly fumbles. He pulls away from Ilsa time and time again, leaving her neglected. In many ways, she was like his dirty little secret.

Of course, things eventually work themselves out. It takes Lo nearly losing Ilsa to truly appreciate her. While everyone around them seemed to take notice of how great they were together, they seemed to be late to arrive at the same conclusion.

All in all, this was a great story. It was more emotional than the earlier books in the series, which was fine by me. Listening to these books back to back, I was glad that this one had a different "feel" to it than the others. Yet, it retained enough of Ms. Ashley's signature traits as to not lose my interest.

Check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com

[Mariya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Update 6/30/2015:
So I totally did a re-read b/c I have nothing better to do than start up again the KA books I had to DNF and I did finish it this time. And totally went much better this time around, made me bump it up a star.


____________________________________________________________________________

I may attempt to cry. I'm just kidding, no really! I know that all Kristen Ashley's books don't work out for me. I guess it's just the luck of the draw. My issue's with BROKEN DOVE was that it was so incredibly boring and dull. And I have to add that the character connection was so not happening. There was no magic romance connection happening here. Zilch. Nada. None.

The beginning of this book started out wonderfully, but as soon as I got a third into it, it started dragging and I lost interest in a blink of an eye. I felt like nothing really happened. As far as the characters, I was not down with the way that Apollo decided to bring Ilsa back and then after a day or night, he completely abandoned her, because she is nothing like his Ilsa of his world. That really pissed me off. I can go on and on about how messed up that was, but I won't.

Oh, wait! And then his Second-in-Command shows an interest in Ilsa or Maddie as they call her, and suddenly Apollo decides to fight for her and make her his. Like Back off, she's mine. That only sent the message that, since another man showed interest in her he decides he needs to make her his. It was so jackass-like. Apollo did have his moments, but he has nothing on Dax Lahn and Prince Tor. Apollo didn't make me swoon with his utter romantic-ness in this book as much as the other two did in their books.

I do love Kristen Ashley and her books, but some of them just don't end up working out for me. I think some of the books that don't work out for me is because they drag on too much.

[Arini · Rating 3 out of 5]

#2 The Golden Dynasty — 5 Stars
#4 Broken Dove — 3.5 Stars

I liked this, but didn’t love it all the way.

Lo was a jerk and honestly kind of a big waste of space? On the one hand, I think he was too nice and accommodating. On the other hand, when he messed up and I wanted him to apologize, it was Maddie who went to him first and tried to open a conversation.

Also, whenever a damsel in distress situation arose, it was someone else (either Lo’s guards, the heroes and heroines of previous books, or the maids) who came to Maddie’s rescue. Like seriously, why do you even exist? Idk he was meh. Not my favorite KA hero.

The first 30% was like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs because aftre Lo freakin’ snatched Maddie up from the other world, he just went and left her with his guards. The narrative also kinda reminded me of the Hades Hangmen MC book, It Ain’t Me, Babe, for a second.

So, Maddie’s husband in the real world was abusive. Frankly, I expected her to be all terrified and jumpy when she was with Lo in the alternate universe, but she was neither. She struggled with starting a new relationship, but overall she didn’t seem like a victim survivor of domestic abuse.

Not to say that I didn’t like her character because I liked her fine. She just wasn’t what I expected. What I did . . . didn’t like was how the romance between her and Lo started. It involved a certain mitch-matching witch, a potion, and an all night long of wild sex.

Nothing like a good ol’ ONS to kick off a romance. 🙄 I picked this book knowing Lo had two kids, but much to my dismay, they weren’t in it all that much.  Overall, this book was okay, and I really enjoyed seeing Lahn and Circe again with their two kids as cameos.

(Read as an Audiobook)

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 emotional stars!

I really enjoyed this story! Very poignant at times, very romantic at times, and very, very hot! In fact, in my opinion, this was even hotter than her Unfinished Hero books which are labeled erotic.

I was so excited to re-visit Tor and Cora, Frey and Finnie, and my abso-favorite Kristen Ashley PNR hero, Dax Lahn and his Golden Queen, Circe! Though I love her, it pains me that Circe is still alive and kickin' because I want to have Dax all to myself. Just sayin'...

Oh, and I also love that what I thought was the final book in the series is not the final book! Thankfully there's no cliffhanger here, but there's more to come in Kristen Ashley's Fantasyland series!!!

Perhaps I'll write a "full review" someday, or perhaps not. But suffice it to say, this is another winner!

4.5, rounded to 5 stars because Dax Lahn is still hot, and all kinds of awesome!!

--------------------------------

If you're already a Kristen Ashley addict, or interested in checking out her books, be sure to stop by our Kristen Ashley Addict's Support Group here on Goodreads!

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Poppy stars!!!



Ilsa Ulfr has been on the run for years. She’s been trying to stay hidden from her powerful and abusive ex husband, Apollo, or Pol. The Apollo Ulfr of her world is an asshole. But the Apollo Ulfr (Lo) of the parallel universe she gets transported to is totally different. He may look just like her ex, but they are not the same.

“This is real, and you must understand that these two men are not the same man.”

Ilsa looks identical to the love of Lo’s life. His wife, Ilsa, who died several years back. He is a widowed father of two. He brought the Ilsa of the other world to his world, but now he’s not sure if that was the right thing to do. It's much harder than he imagined. Being with someone who looks so much like his dead wife, and she is so different.

“Be careful what you wish for. You might get it. And not want it.”

Things for Ilsa and Apollo started off very rocky. She spends her first few months there with Lo’s men. They affectionately refer to her as Maddie and she wins them over. When she is reunited with Apollo, it takes a while for them to get in the swing of things. He has his children to consider, and she is hesitant about jumping into something with him. It’s soon. It’s fast. Once Lo gets to know her, he doesn’t care how fast it seems. He wants her safe and he wants her to be his.

“This is going very fast,” I reiterated. “Yes,” he agreed, not letting go of my hand or my gaze. “It’s scary.” “Yes,” he agreed again and I watched in fascination as his beautiful jade eyes turned hard and determined. “And this, my poppy, will be the last thing on this world or any other that you fear.”

“Tonight we learned we must hold tight to happiness, my dove. Every day…every moment…is a gift. We must hold tight to that, Madeleine, and never let go.”

There were a lot of things going on outside of Maddie and Apollo’s relationship. The same evil forces that were present in the last book are still out to destroy the men and their other world women. We get to see all our fantasyland couples in one place! ♥

Watching Apollo and Maddie come together was a beautiful thing. I loved watching their relationship grow and watching them both heal from their past wounds. They could be really sweet together.

“A dove has great beauty, but is easy broken.”

“So this is what it feels like not to be broken.”

This wasn’t my favorite of the Fantasyland series (Golden Dynasty was just too good to top), but let me tell you, it was the HOTTEST of the Fantasyland series. Apollo... OMG! I’m here fanning myself just thinking about it. He could be an asshole, but a lot of alpha men are at times. He was sexy as hell, sweet, swoony, and a dirty talker with just the right amount of kink...

“I will enjoy taking you on your knees, seeing your arse red from my hand.”

“You’re going to take me now, Maddie, and warning, my dove, I’ll not be gentle.”

“Maddie, look at me and listen.”

“Come closer,” I begged.
“I need to gag you and tie you to the bed,” he declared.
Oh God. Awesome.
“Yes,” I breathed, pressing closer to him again.

As you can tell, I loved Apollo! Maddie was alright. I liked her most of the time, but I wish she were stronger. I felt like those times Lo was being an ass, she should have stood up to him. Thats what a KA heroine is supposed to do. She did have her bad ass moments though. She wasn’t afraid to jump in and protect Apollo and his children.


Even though this particular book missed the five star mark for me, I still loved it. I am a huge KA fan girl. She is one of my favorite authors. And in my opinion, her Fantasyland series is her best work. These books are unique, fun, adventurous, sexy and full of all the wonderful KA alpha men, bad ass heroines and her writing style I love so much. I’m not sure why I took so long to finally read this series, but I’m so glad I did!

“Just so you know, honey, if your intention is giving me better... you’re succeeding.”




“I’ll tell you now, my poppy, for years, I never thought I would be happy. Never again. So I never imagined I could be happier.”

“All my life I’ve never been happy. So I never imagined ever being that way. Until now.”

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 'Love is everything' stars!



Beautiful, heartwarming, epic, wonderful, fantastical. I seriously love this series. It's absolutely magical. With never a dull moment, Broken Dove managed to catch my attention from the very first chapter until the very last one. KA never disappoints and once again she's created a swoon worthy alpha male hero and a broken but strong heroine whose love story managed to steal my heart.

Apollo Ulfr lost his wife several years ago to a terrible disease. Left by himself to take care of their two young children, he's been heartbroken ever since. But now that he's found out everyone has a twin of themselves living in a parallel universe he's finally found a possible cure for his heartbreak. That's why he orders the witch Valentine to bring his late wife Ilsa's twin from the other world to his world.



But when the Ilsa of the other world arrives at his home, he discovers she's nothing like his beloved wife. Ilsa of the other world has known lots of sadness and misery in her past life. She's broken and hiding from her ex-husband, who by the way is the twin of Apollo. Except in her world, Apollo "Pol" is a bad man. He's been abusing her for years, causing her to leave him and run as far away as she could. So, when she encounters the new Apollo, she's not exactly happy to stumble upon an exact copy (at least on the outside) of her abusive ex.

"A dove has great beauty, but it is easily broken."

Needless to say, both Apollo and Ilsa have a lot of obstacles to overcome before they finally find some peace and happiness. Apollo is not an easy man to deal with, especially if you're as "easy to break" as Ilsa and I often wished she would have stood up more for herself, seeing as KA heroines are usually a bit more will powered. Another thing that was different were the sex scenes, but this time in a good way. They were off the charts hot, explosive. They were definitely a bit kinkier than we're used to from KA int this series, with Apollo bing the sinfully hot, bossy, controlling alpha male.



Overall, Broken Dove was the perfect addition to this series. With the many scenes including all the previous couples from the series, the lovable side characters, of which Derrick and Elan were my favorites, and a suspenseful story line, it's safe to say I enjoyed every second of reading this story and I already can't wait for the next installment of the series (which will be Nox's story, yay!).

"So this is what it feels like not to be broken."

"Love is priceless, love is worth every battle fought, every wound endured. Love is everything."

[Rachel L · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

“A dove has great beauty, but is easily broken.”



Broken Dove, the fourth book in the Fantasyland series, is the story of Apollo and Maddie. Apollo lost his wife Ilsa, and mother of his children when she died from a sudden illness. Grief stricken for years, he discovers there is a parallel universe, our world, where a twin of his wife is still alive. Apollo also learns this other Ilsa has an abusive husband Pol, so he journey's to this world to rescue her and bring her into his.

This new Ilsa is a disappointment to Apollo, she's not the same Ilsa he expected. But Apollo has approaching threats which puts Maddie in danger, but Apollo will do everything he can to keep her safe.



“It’s my experience that a weakness understood is no weakness. If you know you have it, even if you can’t control it, you can make allowances for it. It is those who ignore or don’t understand their weaknesses who are wasted by them.”

This was actually my second attempt at reading this book, the first time I tried reading it I put it down at 17% with the intention of returning to it later..... and it took a while lol. But with the upcoming release of the fifth book I wanted to be caught up on the series. I enjoyed reading this much more the second attempt, and while it doesn't have the WOW factor the first 3 books had for me, I still really enjoyed this story.

Apollo and Maddie were an interesting couple and had a hard balance for Ashley to pull off but she did. Apollo being in love with Ilsa and then Maddie, you would think there would be a lot of issues but Ashley did a wonderful job of highlighting the differences between the two women and why Apollo fell for them both. He was kind of a dick at the beginning but over time he grew on me and at the end of the book he was amazing.

Maddie was a great heroine, I felt she was very resilient after everything that happened to her and she was strong. This book was also about her struggle regaining her self worth after her husband Pol had beaten it out of her. Apollo helped her with this a bit, but it was mostly a journey for herself.

Anyways, I think this is Kristen Ashley's BEST series, so if you haven't read it yet now is the time as the fifth book is coming out soon!!

“Remember this kiss,” he ordered on a whisper, his eyes staring into mine.
There weren’t many kisses Apollo had given me that I didn’t remember.
I didn’t share that.
I asked, “Why?”
“Because it is special,” he answered.
“They’re all special, Lo,” I pointed out and watched his eyes smile even as I felt his lips do the same.
“They are, dove,” he agreed. “But this one, the first I will give you knowing you return yours with love, will be the one I most treasure for the rest of my life.”

[Georgia ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 KA Love, Love, Love Stars

"Love is priceless, love is worth every battle fought, every wound endured. Love is everything."



We live in dark times that have reduced love to sex, passion to cheap tricks and Eros to a ridiculous winged creature that we remember every Valentine's Day. In this world we live in, we read Kristen Ashley's books, because she takes us to a trip down memory lane. She reminds us of our childhood dreams, when the prince stormed the keep on his white steed and saved the damsel and they kissed and this true-love's kiss broke the curse and they lived happily ever after...



With this book she delivers what she promised in the previous 3 Fantasyland Series' books. Apollo's story and a much deserved glance in Frey and his wee Finnie, who remind us that we all crave a good adventure; Lahn and Circe, the couple that made barbarians the new trend and Tor and Cora, who proved that love transcends worlds and dimensions and true soul-mate reunite.

Broken Dove is a story about people shattered that heal each other. If they let themselves believe in second chances...

“A dove has great beauty, but is easily broken.”



Ilsa is a woman on the run. She everyday pays the mistake of marrying the wrong man. Tortured, alone and despaired she has no hope, no dream. She has lost herself, until a green light brings her face to face with the man, that will make her believe again in fairytales.

Apollo is a man used to be in command. The general of an army, rich and powerful, he had it all until his wife died. His children are his only happiness, until he learns of another world where his Ilsa has a twin, a woman that needs his help to escape hell.

Brought together by witchcraft, they have to fight tooth and nail to build the hope of a future. Fighting the ghost of another woman isn't easy, especially when she was well-liked and you look exactly like her. Ilsa reinvents herself as Madeleine and through pain and tears, magic and blood she has to make a stand and claim the man that she came to love.

“All my life, I’ve never been happy. So I never imagined even being that way. Until now.”



An epic love story; Emotional, beautiful and the hottest book in the series (yeap... it beats even The Golden Dynasty) this was everything I was hoping for. I pulled an all-nighter to finish it because after 50%, I simply couldn't put it down. I laughed, I cried, I despaired and I fell in love along with Maddie. Kristen Ashley managed to handle a difficult and delicate love story with care and her usual flair. And let me say it again... OMG the sex scenes were WILD!!!!! Alpha male and his dirty mouth/ways in all his glory.



I loved it but this isn't news, because I love all KA books. I loved it even more because of the ending and the promise of one more story.
Noc. Or Derrick. Achilles? Who knows? But I am sure that I will love it, too...




Pre-release excitement
Apollo and Ilsa's Story

Expected publication: December 27th 2013

New Year's Eve with love, snow and Kristen Ashley!

♪♫It's the time to be jolly, Tra La La La La ♪♫

[Pavlina Read more sleep less blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 FANTASTIC,HOT STARS

"A new beginning.
A new life.
A new me.
All of it mine.
All of it made by my hand
my decisions, my work."


Wow I'm so devoured by this book!!It was amazing!!!As with most of Kristen's books! I just couldn't put it down!!!Broken Dove is full of romance, mystery, drama and fights!!The plot was so interesting and the characters was so lovable!!



The book begins with Valentine a which who bringing Apollo to our world and taking him to Madie the twin of his dead wife. Apollo decides to bring her to his world, as Pol his twin in our world abuses her. His world is full of Hewcrows, elves and more.
Apollo and Madie start their adventure...
I really liked that their love was not the insta-love type, but grew slowly as they got to know each other...
This helps the relationship take roots and turns into something epic and so beautiful.

“I tell you now, my poppy, for years, I never thought I would be happy again.
Never again. . . . . So I never imagined I could be happier.”

I also like that Apollo's two children are a big part of the book and he is a great dad.Is there anything in the world sexier than a perfect father?A man who calls his daughter “precious girl” and battles his little boy in a game of wooden swords before he comes to bed?? *sigh*

OMG Apollo <33 *sigh* He is a stubborn yet sensual and sweet alpha male!!I loved the transition of wanting to relive what he lost, into living for what he found. It was so beautiful!I loved Maddie too!She was a strong and tough heroine! In the beginning I thought she will be weak and vulnerable because she had a really sad past.But no!She was brave funny and sweet and she really cared about the people she liked.

Their chemistry was off the charts!The sex scenes so HOT HOT HOT.



You’re gonna get a spirited heroine and a badass alpha male hero who knows how to treat a woman in bed ;)))

A fantastic read!!I can't wait for the next book!!!

[Patrycja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Broken Dove
Series: Fantasyland #4
Author: Kristen Ashley
Release Date: 27th December, 2013
Rating: 3 stars
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes





I was very thrilled to read another book in Fantasyland series, series that is not only extremely romantic and sensual but also magical. Every previous book was unique, spectacular and fairy-tale like, yet it wasn’t too sugarcoated. Unfortunately, this time I was left unsatisfied and disappointed. I craved way much more than I was given, which made me bitter and mad.



In the fourth installment of Fantasyland, previous main characters are getting ready for war with Baldur and she-god Minerva. In the dark times that came to the parallel universe the love between three couples we already met only grows stronger.

At the same time when they are living theirs happily ever after, Apollo Ulfr is still nursing his bleeding heart. After his wife died almost five years ago, living him and the children, Apollo can’t come back to live. When he learned about parallel universe, where twin of his dead wife still lives, Apollo wanted to get her to Notherlands. No matter the price.

But Ilsa of the other world is completely different that his beloved, departed wife. After years of living in constant fear, she is not the woman Apollo craves. Ilsa after being repeatedly abused by her husband Pol (Apollo’s twin) has problems with trust and opening her heart again.



Broken Dove was too long. As first book in this series, Wildest Dreams, Kristen Ashley went a little bit crazy with page count. In consequence, the novel started to be boring and very much similar to other books in the series. I was under impression that there was nothing new happening between Apollo and Ilsa that would make Broken Dove refreshing and impressive. Some situations were the exact same as in previous novels. Maybe it’s because I’ve recently read them, but I just couldn’t close my eyes and pretended it didn’t happen earlier.

When the action completely slowed down or died, author started throwing in pages about how perfect Frey and Finnie’s, Lahn and Circe’s and Tor and Cora’s life was. Showing the men with children, women with children, other people with their babies and how sweet and cute every one of them was, started to irritate me. At the beginning, I was of course swooning with Ilsa, but after some time I wanted to yell ‘enough of this already’.



What else was frustrating was the countless times author highlighted how perfect Ilsa was. How men looked at her. How she almost ‘floated’. How many of them fell in love with her. In my opinion, Ilsa was the most boring and unimpressive of the girls. She was a great example of Pollyanna.

I won’t be beating around the bush. I wanted, no I expected fireworks. I wanted to swoon, laugh, cry and be turn on, and while these things still happened, I wasn’t satisfied with frequency of them. And that is a definite shame.

Overall, Broken Dove isn’t the prettiest gem in Fantasyland series. As much as I liked this book, I didn’t love it. Not like the previous books. I wished for more, and my expectations weren’t met. Still, I will be waiting like a love sick puppy for the next part in this completely mesmerizing tale.

[Jennifer Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

[image error]

This was a long read not in page numbers but for some reason I felt like the story dragged. On the other hand, this book was pure Kristen Ashley (all the things readers love – rambling, description) it didn’t seem like we got gypped on our experience in the slightest which is a big plus!

All of the Dream Team were included and played a part in this story and I did enjoy the action BUT on the flip side, Apollo and Isla (Maddie) relationship felt like they hit a fast forward button and then they hit a pause button and somewhere along the line their love story just didn’t measure up in my eyes to the previous three couples.

For me, Maddie was just a DULL character. I think if she had a pet, or perhaps made use of her medieval college degree as a writer that would have brought a lot to the story. (Maddie writing period pieces while living in Fantasyland while helping and guiding Christophe.) Although her past in our world was scarring I think she lack that something special.

There were also 5 star moments in the story like the Epilogue, Apollo’s bedroom antics, the tea, Maddie hanging with the guards, the children, the wolves and of course the appearances of all of my favorite characters from the prior books.

”Be careful what you wish for,” he whispered, his eyes locked to mine as I drew in breath. “You might get it.” He put his hand to the doorknob and finished, “And not want it.”

”I tell you now, my poppy, for years, I never thought I would again be happy. Never again.” He tucked closer and finished on a rough whisper. “So I never imagined I could be happier.”

”Love like you build with Miss Madeleine is as she is. It is not of this world. Not of her world. It is beyond the worlds. It is beyond anything.”

Overall, this was a very good read and I’m excited to see where the story goes from here. I just LOVE Noc from our world and I can’t wait for my next visit to Fantasyland.

[KristenReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

[Val ⚓️ Shameless Handmaiden ⚓️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is hard to review.

I liked it, it's KA after all.

But I didn't love it.



With most KA's I literally want to wrap myself up in the pages like they are a warm blanket while kicking my feet in fan girl excitement.



I just didn't feel that way with this book.

And I was sad about it.



Apollo was great, but I felt like he wasn't a true KA alpha male. Or maybe he just didn't really do it for me.

It probably didn't help his cause with me when Lahn made an appearance. I LOVE Lahn.

L-O-V-E.



Golden Dynasty and With Everything I Am are my favorite KA's, and Lahn and Callum are my favorite Alpha hunks.

So when Lahn and Circe arrived, I found myself more interested in them than Apollo and Maddie...

Which either means Apollo wasn't swoon-worthy enough to distract me...or that I have serious issues and am in love with a fictional barbarian...




But I digress.

I just didn't feel the strong connection between Apollo and Maddie that I do in other KA favorites.

And this is petty, but I can't stand the endearment "honey." I don't know why, it just drives me nuts. I know KA's females use it a lot, but for some reason it's never bothered me until this book.

Regardless, I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'll take a KA 3/3+ any day of the week and I'm sure I will like this one more upon a few re-reads. I'm excited to see what new series she will start after this. And I am still waiting with bated breath for the final installment of the Three Series.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

All my life, I've never been happy. So I never imagined even being that way. Until now.


Now THAT is what a Kristen Ashley book is supposed to be like. Are you taking notes Forever? Because you should.

Know everything that you love about KA books? Oh you know what I'm talking about; the descriptiveness, the sexual tension, the super hot Alphas, the sassy and quirky heroines, the action, the steam, the writing, the inability to put it down even though it's crazy long. Ringing a bell? Yea, that. All of which have been missing in her recent releases through her publisher for me.

I was ready to give up after Kaleidoscope ended up being a 2 star read for me. I began to think that maybe one of my all time favorite authors may be starting to lose her touch. Then I read this book, and I realized it truly is her publisher that seems to be dimming my enjoyment of her books for me.

I loved it. While The Golden Dynasty continues to be my favorite book in this series, this book still hit the spot.

For those that are like me and have been anticipating this book hoping it lives up to the promise, rest easy, kick back, and be ready to enjoy KA at her finest.

Maddie, look at me and listen.
"Come closer," I begged.
"I need to gag you and tie you to the bed," he declared.
Oh God.
Awesome
"Yes," I breathed, pressing closer to him again.

Got your attention now, didn't I? Good.

So what can I tell you about Apollo?

Seems to sum it up quite nicely. He was the perfect combination of asshole, sweet, possessive, protective, dirty talking sex on a stick.

The one thing that I've grown to love in Kristen Ashley books is that level of hate/sexual tensions between the hero in heroine tend to have in the beginning. It was no smooth sailing for these two, not even close.
Apollo is still getting over the death of his wife. Ilsa is running from a past she never wants to repeat. Together they had to work through quite a bit to find their common ground.

Ilsa was such a great heroine. She was quirky, funny, endearing, and just a little bit broken.



When Apollo finally gets his head out of his ass and begins to work on their relationship...well let's just say he did it WELL.


Why not 5 stars then? Well, I wasn't as enthralled with this book as I was with Golden Dynasty. It was still fantastic, don't get me wrong. Just not quite 5 star material.

Would I re-read it? Maybe...certain parts DEFINITELY.

I can't wait to get my greedy little hands on Pol's book now. And I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more of KA's self published awesomness.

For more reviews visit

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Broken Stars

"A dove has great beauty but is easily broken."




Ilsa/Maddie




Ilsa has been running and hiding from her abusive husband for years, but he has finally found her. While he is doling out her punishment for running from him, someone who looks exactly like her husband and a witch save her. She blacks out in a sea of green mist.


Apollo




Apollo has been living in grief for years after his wife died leaving him and his two children. He discovered that his wife has a twin in another world and with the help of a witch, has found her. He wants her brought to this world to be with him. He knows that she may look like his wife, but she definitely is not his wife, she is so much more.


"You should feel no guilt for this love you hold for her, this love that builds beyond imagining. It does not reflect on the love you had before. Love like you build with Miss Madeleine is as she is. It is not of this world. Not of her world. It is beyond the worlds. It is beyond anything."


Apollo and Maddie both have to get past the outside appearances of each other. She is his dead wife's twin and he is her abusive husband's twin. She doesn't want to cause him pain or anyone who loved the other Ilsa pain when they look at her.


"I tell you now, my poppy, for years, I never thought I would again be happy. Never again. So I never imagined I could be happier."


While Apollo and Maddie are discovering a new love stronger than they have ever felt, danger is waiting to destroy them. Witches who want absolute power of this fantastical world will stop at nothing to tear them apart because they know there is no stronger magic than love.





"Tonight we learned we must hold tight to happiness, my dove. Every day...every moment...is a gift. We must hold tight to that, Madeleine, and never let go."

[Hayley Faiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Re-Read 3-17-16 ... yup still AMAZING

Ok so I will admit I was getting a little worried with my girl Kristen when the last few books she published were shorter and missing some of that flare I have grown to love ... I was praying that this book would not fall prey to that.. Thank the gods the woman pulled through because I had been waiting on pins and needles for this book for what seemed like centuries!! This DID.NOT.DISAPPOINT !!!! Not even one little bit. This book was amazing and I honestly didn't think they could get any better but I was proved wrong because this was beyond amazing and though Golden Dynasty will always be my favorite this one is almost equally my favorite!!! Amazing I wish I could expire render easing it for the first time over and over again!!! Well done... Well done Ms. Ashley.

UPDATE; PRE ORDER UP AND GUESS WHO ONE CLICKED THAT BAD BITCH? ME ME ME.. I AM READY!!!!



UPDATE 12-9-13 WE HAVE A RELEASE DATE.... HOLD ONTO YOUR PANTIES LADIES.. DECEMBER 27 2013!!!





IT'S TRUE KRISTEN ASHLEY...



UPDATE: WE HAVE A FLIPPING TITLE AND A RELEASE DATE.. OMG I AM ONE HAPPY LADY RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

seriously... when is this coming out?!?! I can already tell Apollos story is going to be fantastic!!! all 3 fantasy land stories were beautiful and I just know this one will be too... but wwwhhheeennnnn ?????

Ok rock chick 8 just came out.. I read it.. And now I'm waiting... Apollo come to me... Pplleeeaaassseee!!!!!! Pretty pretty PLEASE...

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY!!!!! We are back to the writing basics of KA, that I love!

Excuse me while I celebrate a bit...

Sorry, but it's been awhile since I was able to do this with a KA novel.

I have been waiting for this book since I read book 3 back in August 2012. I have been praying that my baby, Apollo, that his story was done justice. Were my prayers answered? HELL YEAH!

Everything about this story was done superbly. There is not one single aspect of this book, that left me wanting. Not one.


Apollo I am so in love with this man, his story, his world. His beliefs & convictions. His wants & needs. His whole person & everything underneath it, I absolutely love. There are just no words. My Gawd!

Ilsa I think I am just as in love with her as I am Apollo Her heart is just beautiful. And these two set the pages of this book on fire. In thought, desire, & action. Their story had my tears rolling. My heart breaking & mending together again. They had my juices flowing. They had my adrenaline pumping. They had me... Period.

I must give a shout out to the Adela tea... Pick this stuff up people! You will be gloriously spent. Several times over. It will have you like...


I am surprised to see that there will be another book. A final one, to this series. The way things unfolded here & how the things concerning the on going plot were rectified, I thought this book was a great close to it all. But I am curious to see what this final book will bring. I hope it closes the series on a high note.

So I HIGHLY recommend this read. This series. And please read this series in order.

I now have 2 favorites in this series. Book 2, The Golden Dynasty & now this one, book 4, Broken Dove.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Standing ovation -
The highest of high fives -
Round of applause to infinity -
The men - their love, their loyalty -
The testosterone -
The fantasy-
This book-
This series -

GAAAAAAHHHHHHHH ! I can't cope I'm so in love !!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

“How’s this for in there, dove?”




I'm a woman of science and medicine and I am going to gift each and every one of my friends a cup of that TEA !!! Holy hot damn. That cuppa is the BOMB.COM !!!!

“All my life, I’ve never been happy. So I never imagined even being that way. Until now."



“You gave me me. All those things I felt guilty for and your grand finale was falling in love with me and giving me back me.”


“We women all have the capacity to carry magic. We just need the motivation. And love is a powerful motivation, don’t you agree?”



“Say nothing. Just be. And in being, be happy,”

“The dream team.
My dream team.
Women who, like me, knew impossible, amazing, fantastical dreams could come true.
Dreams you would not dare to dream.
Dreams that we lived in every day.”

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Annual festive re-read of the Fantasyland series 2019. I don't usually bother with this one as I remembered it being a bit crapper than the others so imagine my delight when I discovered I actually enjoyed it. And as I haven't read it for four years, it was a bit like reading it for the first time all over again. Bonus. Yes, I was still a bit narked at Maddie 's treatment by Apollo, but I'll try to get over it.

Original review 2015
I flew straight into this on the back of the fantastic Fantastical (did you see what I did there?) But this was a bit pants in places. It's a KA so lots of it was brilliant, but there was lots of repetition and during the action scenes I was skimming because I just couldn't keep all of those characters and facial expressions and stage directions and scenery descriptions in my head at once. Way too complicated for me.

My main issue though was with Apollo. I can hold a grudge like it's an Olympic sport and so, for me, she forgave him too easily after he verbally abused her. Their relationship just didn't feel that balanced to me, like she wasn't as cherished as the other women in this series. She always seemed to be apologising for the way she looks or for someone else's reaction to her. I really felt for her and I don't feel like I ever got over that.

That said, I didn't hate it and I definitely wasn't bored, but I was hoping for more.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

“I’ll tell you now, my poppy, for years, I never thought I would be happy. Never again. So I never imagined I could be happier.”



Not my favorite of the series.

Apollo and Maddie's story is complicated, frustrating, and at times very tedious. The whole premise was a bit uncomfortable to me -Apollo looking get his wife back, through finding her twin. I'm still not sure how I feel about that. The story did started out promising, but just lost something a long the way. Maybe if the story had been condensed, it would have help. It just felt like they kept having the same arguments over and over. I did enjoy Maddie's time with Apollo's men at the beginning (in fact I was almost routing for her and Derrik...) and It was also good to see some characters from other books. Broken Dove was okay, not great - and nothing compared to the first two books.

[NMmomof4 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was an enjoyable read. Was it The Golden Dynasty caliber? No. I, thankfully, wasn't expecting it to be. I know many will struggle with the idea of this book because if the dead spouse theme going on, but I really do think that Ms. Ashley did it well to where it didn't feel like the H was pining over his dead wife. I also think it's important to say that his main motivation to bring over the other Ilsa was not to have her replace his dead wife, but to save her from her bad life in her world with the other him. I aso appreciate that the h and the dead wife had big differences in their personality, and that it was enough that once someone got to know her they wouldn't think they were the same person. All that being said -- take all this with a grain of salt, because I often enjoy the dead wife theme! I think it's the unrequited love lover (even though I didn't get much of that here) in me 😉 I did struggle with the H at times, and I worried that it was going to become one of those KA books where the H is a di€k and the h ends up apologizing in the end. Luckily, this h ended up standing up for herself -- but it wasn't looking good there for a bit. I also wanted more of the relationship developed instead of it just being mostly about sex. We are told about long conversations they had, but we don't get experience them and I think that was unfortunate. I get that there was a lot of suspenseful events going on, but it would've been nice to balance it all out. Overall it was a fun, adventurous, hot and sweet book that I did enjoy but didn't love.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Ilsa/Maddy and Apollo's story. Apollo lost his wife and has been grieving her for over 4 years. When the witch he's hired to bring the other Ilsa over to H's world tells him his twin from her world has found her after her being on the run from their abusive relationship for a long time, Apollo goes to her world and saves her and brings her back with him. Their road is rocky at first because of the pain Apollo feels when he sees Ilsa, but soon Apollo recognizes the vast differences between this Ilsa (who has been taken the name Maddy) and his dead wife. With some witch interference, they end up sharing a hot night together that helps bridge the gap between them and they fall in love. There are some evil witches that are working to take over the world, and along with the characters from the last books they are at war with them. There are some suspenseful times, some sad moments, some hot sexy times, and some sweet scenes...and they get a HEA ending.

POV: This alternated between focusing on Apollo in 3rd person narrative and Ilsa/Maddy's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never really skimmed (maybe just a few of the long decor descriptions 😜), and I thought it flowed well.

Instalove: Not really. They struggle with each other at first before developing stronger feelings.

H rating: 3.5 stars. Apollo. I was a little torn about him. I loved how he was with his children, and I also appreciated how he could be super sweet with the h -- but he also acted like a jacka$s at times.

h rating: 4.5 stars. Ilsa/Maddy. I really liked her. I appreciated how she cared for others and was an instinctual protector. I also liked how she came to stand up for herself with the H when he did her wrong.

Sadness level: Low/moderate. This hit close to home with the stories of the h's life before meeting the H, so I was a little weepy at times.

Push/Pull: Yes They both have moments of pushing away (H more so) as well as pursuing the relationship (still probably H more so).

Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. Light D/s, spanking, and anal sex

Descriptive sex: Yes

OW/OM drama: No

Sex scene with OW or OM:No

Cheating: Not IMO BUT -- The h IS technically married to the other Apollo in her world, but she had been on the run from him for a long time and I wouldn't really consider them together.

Separation: Yes They are separated a few times shortly, but there was no mention or suggestion of other partners during this time.

Possible Triggers: Yes Domestic violence (on page), miscarriages (off page), loss of a spouse (off page), and violence/murder/magic (on page)

Closure: This had pretty decent closure for the couple even though there was still a lot of other stuff thrown in about the world. I would call it a HEA ending Married with children

Safety: This one is probably Safe it's exception for most safety gang readers

- Does Not have cheating IMO (see above)
- Does Not have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM
- Does have both the h and H pushing away
- Does have a few separations between the h and H
- Does have abuse
- Does have a HEA ending

[✰ Liz ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Broken Dove is the fourth book in Kristen Ashley's Fantasyland. Although it isn't my favorite from the series, I felt it was unique because of the damaged hero and heroine.

“A dove has great beauty, but is easily broken.”





Maddie is our heroine. She has experienced hell on earth. She is married to a drug lord who has beaten her down physically and emotionally. When she finally escapes his wrath, she is able to maintain control by hiding and living on the run for three years. She knows that if he finds her, he will kill her. It is in that moment, that he finds her that Apollo appears in her world. Apollo cuts off her abusive husband's hand and rescues Maddie. With the help of Valentine (a powerful witch), he brings her home to his world.



Apollo wants to keep Maddie safe. However, his reasons for bringing her home with him are definitely bordering on the cusps of dysfunction. Maddie's twin (from the fantasy world) was Apollo's wife. She died and left him alone with their two children. Apollo has been living in despair and depression. He believes that he is trying to help Maddie but in fact the sight of her causes him so much pain that he is cold and hurts Maddie deeply. "Be careful what you wish for..." is the theme song playing here. Apollo leaves Maddie to go and take care of his children. (Maddie wants to distance herself from his children. She brutally lost two children by miscarriage due to the abuse she endured from her crazy husband!)

While Apollo and Maddie are apart, a beautiful thing transpires. Maddie becomes friends with Apollo's men and she begins to explore her new world. Although she feels the judgmental eyes of the people (she looks just like Apollo's dead wife), she is able to carry on with a heart full of joy. I truly enjoyed this part of the book because she reestablishes herself as her own person! Maddie is such a beautiful creature, you just want her to feel loved!



There is even a potential spark between Maddie and Derek (Apollo's numero uno man). However, when Maddie and Apollo are reunited he begins to realize what he is missing. He acknowledges that Maddie isn't his dead wife. She is different and possibly better! He decides to take Maddie with him as they journey back to his manor. While enroute to the manor, Valentine plants some "sexy tea" for Maddie to find. (Remember the sexy tea from book one....um yum!). Maddie drinks the tea and as soon as she and Apollo connect sexually it is game over. If there is one thing I can say about Apollo and Maddie is that they are a perfect fit in the bedroom!



Maddie and Apollo have many hurdles to overcome. Apollo is one prickly character. It takes a while for him to soften up enough to let Maddie in. Maddie is terrified that she isn't good enough. They are quite a pair. His men take note of the change in Apollo as the ice begins to melt away!

“She needs time. I’m giving it to her.”
“This is uncharacteristic of you, cousin,” Achilles remarked.
Apollo held his gaze when he replied firmly, “I’m a man falling in love. We do many things that are uncharacteristic.”

As the plot thickens, our other favorite heroes and heroines ascend on the scene. It is quite a magical reunion. There is some witch ass kicking and good overcomes evil!

Overall, Broken Dove was a good read. Apollo won Maddie's heart and they are able to restore health and happiness after experiencing a world of heart.

“Tonight we learned we must hold tight to happiness, my dove. Every day…every moment…is a gift. We must hold tight to that, Madeleine, and never let go.”

[itsmeesahara❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️
Apollo and Maddie

Fourth book for the Fantasyland series, Broken Dove
A story about second chances and how powerful love is.

It was also the conclusion of the plot that was brewing from the previous books.. I love that eventhough the men were bad-ass the heroines still get to fight in the battle 😏

Though I'm not much of a fan of Apollo as I'm not too convinced of his love for Maddie. But the entirety of the story is still good and addicting. I love Derrik, hopefully he get to have his HEA too. (He is worth mentioning for eveything he did😉)

I won't say much but YOU SHOULD READ THE ENTIRE SERIES

It is so worth reading, highly recommended 👍

Favorite scenes/lines from the book:
“A dove has great beauty, but is easily broken.”

“Love like you build with Miss Madeleine is as she is. It is not of this world. Not of her world. It is beyond the worlds. It is beyond anything.”

“It is my responsibility as the man who loves you and wants you to be his wife to mend what’s broken in you … I’ll not forget again that I must treat you with care.”

It’s my experience that a weakness understood is no weakness,” Draven put in at this point and I looked to him. “If you know you have it, even if you can’t control it, you can make allowances for it. It is those who ignore or don’t understand their weaknesses who are wasted by them.”

[Vishous · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual the chick irritated the shit out of me, as usual they say honey, sweetie etc to him after one day of knowing him, as usual he calls her sth, in this case "poppy" that just makes want to stop reading....
But I really liked the story, the whole series is amazing!

I would have given it 4 stars but bloody hell the sex was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! HOT OFF THE CHARTS!

So yeah, the slut that I am, this sex deserves 5 stars....

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

***1/27/20*** Re-Read time AGAIN ♥♥♥♥♥


So soooooo good! This series kicks major ass and is my favoriite KA series...each book has been awesome and are tied together PERFECTLY!!! PURE KA PERFECTION !!!!!

[Mada · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Apollo in Wildest Dreams. He was in so much pain and still he was so strong and determined to fight for the woman he wants.



I'm so sad for Ilsa. She's been through so much with her ex. She is just as broken as Apollo. I hope he's gonna fight for her and help her forget her painful past.


I wish the end of December would come sooner because I really can't wait anymore.



UPDATE.
It always saddens me to write a negative review for a book in a series I loved. I expected so much more from it, especially since I loved Apollo in Wildest Dreams.
This book had such great potential. It started off great, but then after Maddie finally arrives at Apollo's house, it started to drop and get worse. There where moments when I loved Broken Dove, but they usually involved characters from previous books and I think that's the reason I enjoyed them.
This book really could have been more but it was lacking the usual spark and drama I love in Kristen Ashley's books.
I couldn't connect with the characters and the instaslove was a disappointment. I was hoping for a slow building relationship after all they've been through, especially Maddie who spent 11 years in an abusive relationship. I couldn't understand how after four and a half years of grieving his wife, Apollo would come to care "greatly" for Maddie after only three days. He didn't even know her, she was a complete stranger to him. And they started having sex way to early for me. I would have loved to see them getting to know each other first, to see Apollo fight for Maddie's trust and loyalty before asking her to marry him. Besides, Apollo was not as sensitive with her as he should have been and Maddie was too pasive and too quick to forgive his mistakes.
The secondary characters were amazing. I loved Valentine, Derrick, Meeta and Loretta and I loved meeting characters from the previous novels again.
When Lahn, Circe, Finnie, Frey, Tor and Cora arrived, I found myself more interested in them than Apollo and Maddie. I think they are the reason Broken Dove gets 4 stars from me.
The secondary characters, the "dream team", Noc and the most adorable kiss ever: the one Viktor gave to Isis (that moment was so cute and funny) made me enjoy this book in the end.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hard one to love...

I'm not going to change my rating, but listening to this one reminded me how much I BLOODY HATED APOLLO...for awhile. Goh blimey, I wanted to kick him in the ding ding. Egotistical, self-serving, arrogant DOUCHEWAFFLE, is being nice. He broke my heart...

Good thing he's REALLY good at...things. Sexy things. REALLY good, so good I was squirming as I listened.

I'm not sure if this was the most heart-wrenching story KA has written, but it knocked me about a bit. You start a book and the heroine is in a bad situation...who then get swept off to another bad situation, to be dumped and left alone, ummm...I gave this one 5 stars and raved about KA's legend status?

I'm famous for finishing on a high and forgetting all the bad bits. Oh boy, it did not take me long to remember the bad bits and at times I had to brace for impact.

Now, I remember why this is one of the ONLY KA books that I haven't re-read numerous times. I just hate seeing the hero act like a douchewaffle MORE THAN ONCE.

Anyways, Apollo comes good, saves the heroine and leaves Maddie (and me) with a big goofy smile on my face.

Hard one to listen to but the journey left me satisfied. The narrator does a marvellous job. Her voice is easy to listen to and I had no problems telling when the characters changed.

I survived but I think I'll take a wee break from the Fantasyland series...for now.

**********

Kristen Ashley is a legend!!

I absolutely loved this story. Just before I started reading Broken Dove I read the first three again and it was an epic way to enjoy this addition to the series.

I wasn't sure I could love Apollo after reading the teaser chapters released ages ago, but I knew KA would turn me around.

This book had everything...action, adventure, fun and lots and lots of sexy bits.

I love this series and I am very excited to hear there will be at least one more.

Thanks Ms Ashley...LOVE YOUR WORK!!!!

[Kelli C · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 angsty, bitten my damn nails off stars! Whew, that was quite a ride! I am very pleased that KA has found the magic again in this almost ending Fantasyland journey.

My Apollo

My Isla/Maddie

Together they have restored my love of the series not for the amazing love story they have created, but for the amazing sensual heat their characters bring off the pages of this read. KA does alpha males so damn well, and her females, whoa! they give as good as they get! Not since Circe and Lahn have I felt that true passion and connection.

Both have suffered heartbreak, Apollo with his wife's death, and Maddie at the hands of her abusive fiancé and inept parents. They have no clue how to truly "live."

Coming together in Apollo's realm bode difficult for both characters. They not only take a personal journey but also they progress as a unit, building a relationship based on the "new" person in front of them. Ultimately they have to learn to let go of the past, open up, trust, and communicate in order to survive the magic and evil working against them. They must realize that love is more powerful than any darkness that may be present.

I will say this is a lengthy read with all the detail and preparation and events. So much happening within the plot. I wish I could gripe and say I skimmed, but I didn't...I took it all in and didn't miss a single word. At times I wish I could have jumped in the book and flicked Apollo in the head, or just shake the hell out of Maddie, but hey, asshat males and speech delinquent women come with the KA territory. my missing * is due to the fact that Maddie needed to kick some Apollo arse on more than one occasion, but her passive and too quick to forgive attitude just bugged me too much to ignore.

In the end, many questions are answered, but there is still such a mysterious feel to the series. I know there is one more tale to tell, being I am a bit confused as to how it will play out. At this point, I do feel that KA put a pretty shiny bow on the 4 "other worldly" princesses and their loves. just remember.....

[Formerly Known as Spoiler W · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, lets get this out of the way. Kristen Ashley is THE Queen of epilogues. She knows how to tie everything in a nice and pretty bow but leaves you yearning for more. If you haven't read any of the other stories to this series, here's a little gist. There are two same version of us. One in this world, the other in a parallel universe. Magic can take you to and fro. On to the story...

The time has come for Apollo to claim our world Isla. Isla has not had a pretty life. She's been on the run from her abusive husband Pol and just when things could have taken a turn for the worse, Apollo comes swords a swinging(literally) to rescue her. Now that she's in Apollo's world, she makes do with the situation she's in. Apollo explained some things but he's hesitant with her due to his feelings with his perished wife who is the replica of Isla. With this, he leaves her with his men so he can attend his children which Isla is broken hearted due to the fact that she miscarried her children. Isla becomes comfortable with her new life. She's made friends and it's not that she forgot about Apollo, it's that she if moving forward with her circumstances.

It takes some magic potion for Apollo and Isla to come together(again, literally). From this, their relationship blooms but there are some setbacks. I love how they communicate. Yes, their love story is beautiful to read but what also was beautiful was Apollo's communication with his children. He is a perfect father and does the best he can do when introducing Isla to them even if there are, again, setbacks.

With good comes evil and their magic is nasty. Previous couples are in the story cause they all play a part in the big whoopla. With this whoopla, I have to admit, I was disappointed. I thought it was going to be an all out war but it was just...there. Not to say it wasn't interesting but I wanted more. *shrugs shoulders*

Three things stood out for me:

1. Apollo is not afraid of his junk. 'Nuff said.

2. The endearment poppy has never sounded sweeter.

3. I SERIOUSLY want Dax Lahn!

I love how Kristen has the ability to make you love the male characters even when they pull asshole moves. They can say hurtful things but once they know their errors, boy oh boy, can they make it up. After reading the epilogue, there was a little surpise, for me at least, cause I thought this was the end of the series but tis not true and can't wait for the final installment.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS!!!!!! I LOVED IT!!!!!



WOW!!! What a story!!!! This is the fourth edition to Kristen Ashley’s Fantasyland Series and it features the lives of Lord Apollo Ulfr, who is Queen Aurora’s chief military strategist for the Northlands, and Ilsa Ulfr of the modern world who is brought to this parallel universe by a witch Apollo himself commissioned in hopes of filling his lonely heart after the death of his first wife, who just happen’s to be Ilsa’s twin in his world. Jeez that was a hell of a run on sentence!

Just to be clear… this story is part of a series and should be read in order, or you will not know what the hell is going on! It is hard enough to keep up, knowing all of the characters and their place in this fantastical history!!! And let me tell you… a lot goes on in this story. It also brings back almost all of the other main characters from the first three books as well as introducing some new ones.

This story is long and it is packed with descriptive information, action, fan-fucking-tastic sex scenes, emotional dialogue, swoon-worthy romance and constant douchebaggery by an über ALPHA male and his abusive twin from the alternate universe.

It is also the heart-felt recovery of a woman on the run from her abusive husband, only to be rescued by his twin from an alternate universe. A man who has lost his wife (her twin) five years earlier, and whisks her away to his own time… and universe. A place where she has no family or friends, and is faced with depending on a man who looks exactly like her abusive husband, and who soon finds himself disillusioned by the fact that this woman… his wife’s twin… is NOT his dead wife come back to life… not the woman he loved and lost… but a entirely different woman who had suffered greatly in her life and has the emotional scars to prove it.

But instead of sending her back… noooo… he rejects her… sends her away while he decides what to do. And she is left to adjust to her new life…and situation… relishing in her new found safety from her ex. But also struggling to fit into a world she is not accustomed to and one where she is scorned because of her resemblance to Lord Ulfr’s dead wife.

The story is very, very creative. The world Kristen Ashley creates is incredibly well described. But the problem is that there is so much information to cover, seeing that it is a totally made-up world, that the beginning seemed to drag a bit for me. Once sparks started to fly though between the couple, it whizzed along quickly as most of her books do for me.

The story was mostly told from Ilsa's POV(who is re-named Madeleine or Maddie to distinguish herself from Apollo’s first wife). I really liked and empathized greatly with her character. Honestly, she had some of the cutest inner monologues… love the Star Trek references and the hot guys holding kittens!!! (or how about baby wolves!)



The only thing that sort of pissed me off about Maddie was her behavior towards Apollo throughout the second half of the book. She totally lost herself to this guy and fell right into the abused wife character all over again… agreeing with anything he wanted… and always taking the blame, even when he was completely at fault. She would talk herself into standing up to him, and then all he would have to do is sweet talk her a little (just like an abuser, whether it be physical or verbal) and she would crumble at his feet. And he REALLY PISSED ME OFF a few times. I would have serious warning signs going off in my head if I had just come from a previously abusive relationship. (especially with the guy’s twin!!!!) I don’t know… it’s easy for me to say… I don’t have to look at the HOT guy 24/7, maybe I’d give in too. ;)

”It’s my experience that a weakness understood is no weakness.” -Draven

And of course the quote by Franka Drakkar that brought Maddie tumbling down to a pile of rubble…

”And you? The woman who uses a dead wife’s charms to enchant her heartbroken husband so she can warm his bed in order to wear his jewels and earn her place on his arm? Is the world richer for your presence?”

Apollo Ulfr, our beautiful wolfy commanding hero could be the sweetest, sexiest, and most protective man on the planet and then instantly turn into the coldest son of a bitch I’ve ever laid eyes on. My emotions were all over the fucking place with this guy. He went hot and cold faster than a speeding train. And when he went cold….HOLY HELL he could be a bastard!!!!

Ok… I get that he was lonely and grieving, I get that he is protective of his children, I also get that he is an über badass warrior, head of house, and wolf master. But HE IS THE ONE WHO WENT AND GOT THIS POOR GIRL AND BROUGHT HER TO HIS WORLD. ANNNNND he knew what she had been through. So he should have taken better care… He showed more care to Finnie, when she thought she lost Frey.

That said… of course you know it had to all work out, and it did. And he did seem to learn from his mistakes… either that, or she just learned NOT to piss him off anymore. Sound familiar? But of course he turned it all around in the end and swooned the panties right off me!!!

”Tonight we learned we must hold tight to happiness, my dove. Every day…every moment…is a gift. We must hold tight to that, Madeleine, and never let go.”

I do want to mention I loved the part Apollo’s children played in the story. I found the kids reactions to a new mother… and one that looked just like their deceased mother quite realistic and well managed.



And then that ending…. HOLY METEORITES BATMAN!!!! What a finale!!!!



She pulled out all the stops on that ending. Even if the “princess dream team” was a little corny. And really it was ALL a bit over the top…but I still LOVED it. (especially some of the surprise cameos!) And then it was all wrapped up in a kick-ass epilogue.

Great job!!!! I can’t wait for the last segment to the story!!!!

My pics…

Lord Apollo Ulfr


Lady Ilsa aka “Madeleine” aka “Maddie” Ulfr


Christolphe and Élan


”Love was everything”