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A Fugitive's Kiss
Desperate and running for her life, Darin has left behind the world she's known and hidden her gifts. With hunters on her trail, nowhere is safe but a night's respite in an out-of-the-way barn seems worth the risk.
Suspicious of Northerners, Aysha is wary of the stranger she discovers in her barn. Their first meeting only confirms her distrust, but she's drawn to the mysterious fugitive and fears give way to passion.
When Aysha is threatened by Darin's pursuers, the two must escape to a new land. Hoping for a peaceful life, neither can out run secrets of their past.
Suspicious of Northerners, Aysha is wary of the stranger she discovers in her barn. Their first meeting only confirms her distrust, but she's drawn to the mysterious fugitive and fears give way to passion.
When Aysha is threatened by Darin's pursuers, the two must escape to a new land. Hoping for a peaceful life, neither can out run secrets of their past.
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First published September 14, 2017
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About the author
Jaime Clevenger
38 books325 followersJaime Clevenger lives with family in Colorado. Most days are spent working as a veterinarian. Writing is a side gig but also a true love. Hobbies include swimming, karate, dreaming about beach vacations, and convincing random strangers to share their life story. Bonus points are given if they include a good romance—whether or not there’s a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 22, 2017
4 1/2 Stars. An excellent, high fantasy adventure. There is nothing I love more than a good fantasy book. And when it comes to the big three lesfic publishers (Bella, YLVA and BSB), they don't come around that often. I feel like I read maybe fifty romances for every one real fantasy book. When I say fantasy, I mean things like swords, queens, dragons, or magic. I'm not including paranormal and sci-fi, though I know some do. When I saw that Jamie Clevenger, wrote this book, I was surprised. I have read some of Jamie's romances, but writing a big fantasy book, could not be more different. I must admit I am impressed with her imagination, and this is now easily my favorite book she has written.
The story is about Aysha, a healer, who is helping to tend her parents farm. She lost both parents to an illness that she could not save them from. Now it is just her and her brother, both feeling trapped in a small town. When Aysha opens her barn to find a woman in it, she is not sure what to make of her. Darin is a fugitive, being hunted by one of the King's best hunters. She didn't mean for Aysha to find her, and has brought danger to both of them. The attraction is instant and intense, after just a few days together. Does Aysha and Darin have a change to be together, or will the forces hunting Darin stop them before they can even start?
This book is not insta-love, but it is insta-like. That really is my only complaint about the book, they were so taken with each other, too quickly. Jamie did balance this by giving their relationship some bumps, I just wish the relationship developed a little slower.
This is a longer book, I can't tell from my kindle but I'm guessing maybe 450 pages, but I was glad for that. Of course things slowed down when people are traveling or recovering, but you need the pages and time to world build when you are writing a high fantasy book. When I was done with this book, I didn't think "that was long", I thought "I want more!"
This book is also packed full of plenty of excitement. Even when you think things have calmed down, it starts back up. The pace really was perfect for me. I also enjoyed the main characters, and really liked the small bit of magic the book had. Darin is a person who can sense things. Her sense of smell is heightened. It means being a good hunter, finding water, and knowing when her girlfriend is aroused. I liked that the abilities of the characters where not so out there. It gave them a leg up, but they were not invincible and were still in plenty of danger.
If you enjoyed books like Breaking Legacies and Dragonoak: The Complete History of Kastelir, this book is for you. It does not quite make my favorites list, like those two books, but it was a really good high fantasy adventure. I could not stop reading until the book was done. I am not sure if there will be a sequel or not. Jamie gave the book a satisfying ending, but you know there are more adventures to come, especially for Aysha. I will absolutely read the sequel if there is one. If you are a fantasy fan, don't pass this one up.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
The story is about Aysha, a healer, who is helping to tend her parents farm. She lost both parents to an illness that she could not save them from. Now it is just her and her brother, both feeling trapped in a small town. When Aysha opens her barn to find a woman in it, she is not sure what to make of her. Darin is a fugitive, being hunted by one of the King's best hunters. She didn't mean for Aysha to find her, and has brought danger to both of them. The attraction is instant and intense, after just a few days together. Does Aysha and Darin have a change to be together, or will the forces hunting Darin stop them before they can even start?
This book is not insta-love, but it is insta-like. That really is my only complaint about the book, they were so taken with each other, too quickly. Jamie did balance this by giving their relationship some bumps, I just wish the relationship developed a little slower.
This is a longer book, I can't tell from my kindle but I'm guessing maybe 450 pages, but I was glad for that. Of course things slowed down when people are traveling or recovering, but you need the pages and time to world build when you are writing a high fantasy book. When I was done with this book, I didn't think "that was long", I thought "I want more!"
This book is also packed full of plenty of excitement. Even when you think things have calmed down, it starts back up. The pace really was perfect for me. I also enjoyed the main characters, and really liked the small bit of magic the book had. Darin is a person who can sense things. Her sense of smell is heightened. It means being a good hunter, finding water, and knowing when her girlfriend is aroused. I liked that the abilities of the characters where not so out there. It gave them a leg up, but they were not invincible and were still in plenty of danger.
If you enjoyed books like Breaking Legacies and Dragonoak: The Complete History of Kastelir, this book is for you. It does not quite make my favorites list, like those two books, but it was a really good high fantasy adventure. I could not stop reading until the book was done. I am not sure if there will be a sequel or not. Jamie gave the book a satisfying ending, but you know there are more adventures to come, especially for Aysha. I will absolutely read the sequel if there is one. If you are a fantasy fan, don't pass this one up.
An ARC was given to me by Bella, for a honest review.
November 21, 2017
This was a solid fantasy f/f tale.
Darin, the fugitive, is trying to outpace her assassin while Aysha, the innocent farm girl, is running from her fate. The dynamics between the two works well and it’s easy to root for both of them. All characters were distinct and the plot was solid. Though, I never could forgive Ranik.
The author did a great job of building the world, sinking us deeply into the setting. And, the fantasy element is unique in that the “powers” a person has often has more to do with extra enhanced senses rather than magic or seers, though those exist, too. For whatever magical elements someone has, they are still vulnerable which makes the conflicts more harrowing.
Overall, the story is really well done.
I definitely recommend to any fantasy fans. Those who enjoyed Zoe Reed’s “Breaking Legacies”, Jane Fletcher’s “The Walls of Westernfort”, or Cassandra Duffy’s “The Eternal Autumn” would most likely enjoy this.
4.3 stars
Darin, the fugitive, is trying to outpace her assassin while Aysha, the innocent farm girl, is running from her fate. The dynamics between the two works well and it’s easy to root for both of them. All characters were distinct and the plot was solid. Though, I never could forgive Ranik.
The author did a great job of building the world, sinking us deeply into the setting. And, the fantasy element is unique in that the “powers” a person has often has more to do with extra enhanced senses rather than magic or seers, though those exist, too. For whatever magical elements someone has, they are still vulnerable which makes the conflicts more harrowing.
Overall, the story is really well done.
I definitely recommend to any fantasy fans. Those who enjoyed Zoe Reed’s “Breaking Legacies”, Jane Fletcher’s “The Walls of Westernfort”, or Cassandra Duffy’s “The Eternal Autumn” would most likely enjoy this.
4.3 stars
July 28, 2021
A thrilling tale of kingdoms and soldiers, farmgirls that may be healers and witches and other side characters with various powers and senses. Aysha, at first is a simple hard working farm girl, living with her twin brother and has a possessive female lover. She finds a beautiful woman in her barn one morning and is inexplicably drawn to her. Darin is from the North, and a soldier in her own right, trying to escape a cruel master. She has a sad backstory we get to know but only as the story progresses.
Aysha and Darin's connection is fairly instant, which could be a problem for some - but I couldn't help but root for them even so early in the game. Both had clearly been looking for something more and deeper in life, and found something sudden and special in each other... But Darin is a fugitive on the run, and has to keep moving.
Their paths soon cross again as danger looms, and kingdoms start uprising as both ladies end up involved in the tactics of the uprising. Aysha learns the truth of her own family heritage, and her own skills. As both live and fight together for something more.
My one complaint was the intermingling of previous and current relationships between various characters did become quite nauseating in it's almost incestuous quality. It seemed every single person had a previous lover who was now involved with someone else close to them! It became ridiculous.
If anything I thought Aysha's brother Ranik, was simply the worst! I wanted him to get run through with a sword several times lol. I simply didn't see the point for his character.
I also struggled a bit with Aysha knowing very well that Darin is a fighter, a knight, a soldier, a hunter - all of those things - yet acting like it's a disgraceful thing and not wanting to discuss it, and essentially guilt tripping her about being a murderer for hire, then just simply not wanting to know more details because she found it 'too hard' to come to terms with. Also the fact she would question her own safety with Darin, and Darin's own motives - just utterly pissed me off. It felt forced and drama for the sake of drama... I seriously didn't understand how her character could think that way, when she had proven herself to be so good natured every other time, and clearly adored Darin, and trusted her - except in those few instances when she doubted her... It made no sense.
Overall an enthralling read, with lots of twists and action/adventure to keep you entertained and reading!
Aysha and Darin's connection is fairly instant, which could be a problem for some - but I couldn't help but root for them even so early in the game. Both had clearly been looking for something more and deeper in life, and found something sudden and special in each other... But Darin is a fugitive on the run, and has to keep moving.
Their paths soon cross again as danger looms, and kingdoms start uprising as both ladies end up involved in the tactics of the uprising. Aysha learns the truth of her own family heritage, and her own skills. As both live and fight together for something more.
My one complaint was the intermingling of previous and current relationships between various characters did become quite nauseating in it's almost incestuous quality. It seemed every single person had a previous lover who was now involved with someone else close to them! It became ridiculous.
If anything I thought Aysha's brother Ranik, was simply the worst! I wanted him to get run through with a sword several times lol. I simply didn't see the point for his character.
I also struggled a bit with Aysha knowing very well that Darin is a fighter, a knight, a soldier, a hunter - all of those things - yet acting like it's a disgraceful thing and not wanting to discuss it, and essentially guilt tripping her about being a murderer for hire, then just simply not wanting to know more details because she found it 'too hard' to come to terms with. Also the fact she would question her own safety with Darin, and Darin's own motives - just utterly pissed me off. It felt forced and drama for the sake of drama... I seriously didn't understand how her character could think that way, when she had proven herself to be so good natured every other time, and clearly adored Darin, and trusted her - except in those few instances when she doubted her... It made no sense.
Overall an enthralling read, with lots of twists and action/adventure to keep you entertained and reading!
September 23, 2017
My only other experience with this author was a pretty bad one. I DNF'd Waiting for a Love Song because of the immensity of bad feels. I feel like a completely different author wrote *this* novel. I absolutely LOVED this book.
While the strong F/F pairing was set early on, what struck me sideways was the brother Ranik's M/M relationship. The tenders and good feels were awesome. I absolutely loved it. There was an undertone of sexuality fluidity that also quite surprised me in many of the secondary characters. I found that to be refreshing to be honest.
So at it's core this is a brilliant fantasy (included on page one is the obligatory map) set in a world in complete upheaval politically. The core of which is the adventures of Aysha (what a unique name) and Darin (who often presets as a man to get around easier). There are some rough times, sometimes I wondered, how the heck is this going to work out.
Anyway. Loved it. Grabbed it off of Bella's site cause Amazon's not carrying it. And since it was recommended to me, I didn't want to wait to read it. Thankfully I did :)
While the strong F/F pairing was set early on, what struck me sideways was the brother Ranik's M/M relationship. The tenders and good feels were awesome. I absolutely loved it. There was an undertone of sexuality fluidity that also quite surprised me in many of the secondary characters. I found that to be refreshing to be honest.
So at it's core this is a brilliant fantasy (included on page one is the obligatory map) set in a world in complete upheaval politically. The core of which is the adventures of Aysha (what a unique name) and Darin (who often presets as a man to get around easier). There are some rough times, sometimes I wondered, how the heck is this going to work out.
Anyway. Loved it. Grabbed it off of Bella's site cause Amazon's not carrying it. And since it was recommended to me, I didn't want to wait to read it. Thankfully I did :)
September 4, 2018
This was ok for me. Possibly, I had my hopes set too high...but my main complaint was I just didn't feel the chemistry or the love between our MCs. The politics were a little convoluted and I felt I really had a hard time following at certain points. Having said that...it was fast moving and there were elements that were really good and quite interesting.
I would definitely read a sequel.
I would definitely read a sequel.
August 10, 2021
I should have DNFed this. I kept going because I liked the start and it showed promise and this author wrote one of my favourite series from last year. But this is one of her backlist titles, and it sadly missed the mark by a mile for me. I'll try to keep this short.
- My biggest problem was the worldbuilding. It was... non-existent. In that, there was really little build-up to anything. Most of the time, we'd only become aware of a detail or plot-point at the very MOMENT it became relevant. An early example is the fact that we were never told about Aysha's mother's past until they decided to leave for Tiersten. It's a place that her mother supposedly told her stories about all the time as a child; the idea of it could have been seeded from early. There are so many instances of things like this throughout the book, where I had to pause and wonder, 'why is the reader only JUST being made aware of this?' It wasn't great storytelling.
- The writing was spare, which can be a good thing, but here... oof. I don't need flowery descriptions, but there was just... nothing. At times I felt like I was reading a bulletin board. And the writing just had no... weight, if that makes any sense. A scene of a character getting stabbed, a scene of a kiss, a scene of riding a boat through a storm... they all felt exactly the same. I didn't connect with or feel anything for these characters, and that's down to the writing.
- The plot was convoluted but also way too convenient in every way, and I just found myself being super bored. The romance was cute and had promise, but overall moved too quickly, and none of their conflict was compelling to me.
I think this had a great start; those first few chapters were my favourite. Darin was great; I really love reading about gender non-conforming women in fantasy/historical settings, so that was a delight. This is one of the only books where I didn't get annoyed at having a third POV in a romance. Aysha's brother Ranik has almost as equal amount of scenes and romantic intrigues of his own. I didn't find his plotline super interesting, but well, at least it wasn't any worse than the main story. I don't know! I just didn't click with this at all and I'm sad! I will most definitely read from Clevenger again; I can't overstate how charming and sweet I found her Paradise series! I'll just... make sure to stick to her newer stuff. Or maybe it's her fantasy I don't gel with, IDK.
Content warnings: .
- My biggest problem was the worldbuilding. It was... non-existent. In that, there was really little build-up to anything. Most of the time, we'd only become aware of a detail or plot-point at the very MOMENT it became relevant. An early example is the fact that we were never told about Aysha's mother's past until they decided to leave for Tiersten. It's a place that her mother supposedly told her stories about all the time as a child; the idea of it could have been seeded from early. There are so many instances of things like this throughout the book, where I had to pause and wonder, 'why is the reader only JUST being made aware of this?' It wasn't great storytelling.
- The writing was spare, which can be a good thing, but here... oof. I don't need flowery descriptions, but there was just... nothing. At times I felt like I was reading a bulletin board. And the writing just had no... weight, if that makes any sense. A scene of a character getting stabbed, a scene of a kiss, a scene of riding a boat through a storm... they all felt exactly the same. I didn't connect with or feel anything for these characters, and that's down to the writing.
- The plot was convoluted but also way too convenient in every way, and I just found myself being super bored. The romance was cute and had promise, but overall moved too quickly, and none of their conflict was compelling to me.
I think this had a great start; those first few chapters were my favourite. Darin was great; I really love reading about gender non-conforming women in fantasy/historical settings, so that was a delight. This is one of the only books where I didn't get annoyed at having a third POV in a romance. Aysha's brother Ranik has almost as equal amount of scenes and romantic intrigues of his own. I didn't find his plotline super interesting, but well, at least it wasn't any worse than the main story. I don't know! I just didn't click with this at all and I'm sad! I will most definitely read from Clevenger again; I can't overstate how charming and sweet I found her Paradise series! I'll just... make sure to stick to her newer stuff. Or maybe it's her fantasy I don't gel with, IDK.
Content warnings: .
April 5, 2021
This book caught me from the first lines: it immediately brought to mind the chasing of the elf lady (Arwen) by the bad guys from the “The lord of the rings”. I loved that scene in the movie and I loved how Jamie describes this chase.
The book is a fantasy story set in a country where a wall divides its two people: the Northerners and the Glenlanders. There has been a war and the Northern kind had conquered all the Northern Territory and stopped the peaceful trading between the two peoples. He had posted guards on the said wall to kill the people who tried to run away, called the Fugitives. One MC is a fugitive, who ends up hiding in the barn of the other MC, a Glenlander. I really like that Jaime gives these details in the beginning and they are very well intertwined with the story itself as we learn them from Aysha (the Glenlander). Jaime also drew a map in the beginning of the book, which again both made me smile and think of JRR Tolkien.
Well, Aysha decides to help Darin even if she knows that “Fugitives were only bad luck because of the bounty hunters.”
This is my first Jaime Clevenger book. But it will definitely not be the last. I love how Jaime expresses her descriptions of the nature and the environment around the characters and their actions: “The early sunlight cast the yard in a honey glow and red leaves swirled as the wind picked up. Autumn had come late, but a certain chill was in the air now. Aysha headed to the barn, scattering chickens with the toe of her boot as they pecked around her feet for more grain.” I mean, just beautiful use of language.
I love the world Jaime creates, not only the fantasy genre which is hard imo to do well, but also character wise as it seems this world doesn’t care about sexual orientation and everyone is free to be who they are and fall in love with whoever they may fall in love with. At least in Glenland.
The northerners have different gifts or enhanced abilities, Darin can smell what other people feel. And when she smells desire on Aysha, she is passionately confused by the feelings that this realization awakens in herself. Again beautiful way by Jaime to intertwine passion with jealousy and confusion for Darin. Also how she describes Darin as : “She had no curves, only angles, and her gaze was piercing. Still, Aysha was more attracted to her than anyone she’d ever met.” And all this while a very suspenseful story takes place as Darin is being haunted by a very dangerous bounty hunter.
It’s not only the characters themselves, but the relationships between them also, that are written in such a three dimensional depth that’s both surprising and amazing to read. Jaime has really a talent for keeping one on the edge of their seat while developing a beautiful narrative at the same time. The book was exciting through and through, but not the kind of suspense that has one’s heart in one’s throat. The kind that makes the reader form an attachment to the story itself and hope for the best for the “good guys”.
This book is so layered and complex, I felt I was reading a whole series. And I wish Jaime would write more books and actually do make it into a series.
The book is a fantasy story set in a country where a wall divides its two people: the Northerners and the Glenlanders. There has been a war and the Northern kind had conquered all the Northern Territory and stopped the peaceful trading between the two peoples. He had posted guards on the said wall to kill the people who tried to run away, called the Fugitives. One MC is a fugitive, who ends up hiding in the barn of the other MC, a Glenlander. I really like that Jaime gives these details in the beginning and they are very well intertwined with the story itself as we learn them from Aysha (the Glenlander). Jaime also drew a map in the beginning of the book, which again both made me smile and think of JRR Tolkien.
Well, Aysha decides to help Darin even if she knows that “Fugitives were only bad luck because of the bounty hunters.”
This is my first Jaime Clevenger book. But it will definitely not be the last. I love how Jaime expresses her descriptions of the nature and the environment around the characters and their actions: “The early sunlight cast the yard in a honey glow and red leaves swirled as the wind picked up. Autumn had come late, but a certain chill was in the air now. Aysha headed to the barn, scattering chickens with the toe of her boot as they pecked around her feet for more grain.” I mean, just beautiful use of language.
I love the world Jaime creates, not only the fantasy genre which is hard imo to do well, but also character wise as it seems this world doesn’t care about sexual orientation and everyone is free to be who they are and fall in love with whoever they may fall in love with. At least in Glenland.
The northerners have different gifts or enhanced abilities, Darin can smell what other people feel. And when she smells desire on Aysha, she is passionately confused by the feelings that this realization awakens in herself. Again beautiful way by Jaime to intertwine passion with jealousy and confusion for Darin. Also how she describes Darin as : “She had no curves, only angles, and her gaze was piercing. Still, Aysha was more attracted to her than anyone she’d ever met.” And all this while a very suspenseful story takes place as Darin is being haunted by a very dangerous bounty hunter.
It’s not only the characters themselves, but the relationships between them also, that are written in such a three dimensional depth that’s both surprising and amazing to read. Jaime has really a talent for keeping one on the edge of their seat while developing a beautiful narrative at the same time. The book was exciting through and through, but not the kind of suspense that has one’s heart in one’s throat. The kind that makes the reader form an attachment to the story itself and hope for the best for the “good guys”.
This book is so layered and complex, I felt I was reading a whole series. And I wish Jaime would write more books and actually do make it into a series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2018
Brilliant!
A brilliant adventure with a healer and a fugitive. The author has created a complex and intriguing world with strong characters and some surprising twists. An imaginative and captivating fantasy that is exceptional written from beginning to the end. I highly recommend it.
A brilliant adventure with a healer and a fugitive. The author has created a complex and intriguing world with strong characters and some surprising twists. An imaginative and captivating fantasy that is exceptional written from beginning to the end. I highly recommend it.
June 11, 2022
3.4 star rating
This was an entertaining read with a modest super human twist. We have a fugitive who has her own demons finding herself arrested not by the ones chasing her but by the supposed hideout and vulnerable victim(s) she assumed. And from there we are taken through a pleasurable journey of love, super senses, friendships and survival.
This was an entertaining read with a modest super human twist. We have a fugitive who has her own demons finding herself arrested not by the ones chasing her but by the supposed hideout and vulnerable victim(s) she assumed. And from there we are taken through a pleasurable journey of love, super senses, friendships and survival.
October 15, 2017
Good story
I enjoyed reading this story. It had action, romance and a few surprises! Just when I thought I had it down it would take a new twist.
I enjoyed reading this story. It had action, romance and a few surprises! Just when I thought I had it down it would take a new twist.
October 3, 2017
- tries to be complex, only succeeds in being convoluted but simplistic
- at no point in time do the main characters convince me they're in love, nor does their love truly makes sense, as one is emotionally constipated and a murderer, and the other is dangerously stubborn and mercurial, all for drama's sake. At least, it tried to portray a somewhat healthy relationship, which I appreciated, even if it fails in that it just feels unnecessarily dramatic and unrealistically resolved most of the time
- the magic kinda makes sense, but people's refusal to learn to heed forecasts and more-than-natural inklings and feelings is very frustrating
- at no point in time do the main characters convince me they're in love, nor does their love truly makes sense, as one is emotionally constipated and a murderer, and the other is dangerously stubborn and mercurial, all for drama's sake. At least, it tried to portray a somewhat healthy relationship, which I appreciated, even if it fails in that it just feels unnecessarily dramatic and unrealistically resolved most of the time
- the magic kinda makes sense, but people's refusal to learn to heed forecasts and more-than-natural inklings and feelings is very frustrating
January 14, 2022
I think two main characters need to have a lesson about trust issue before failing for each other (actually there is already a distrust in the blurb, but the insta-like just confuses me!?!) Or maybe fall in love at first sight is never a good idea at the first place.
To me, the fantasy is ok, not that great. I admit, I hate both Aysha and her brother.
To me, the fantasy is ok, not that great. I admit, I hate both Aysha and her brother.
September 13, 2021
3.0 Stars
*couldn’t finish*
*couldn’t finish*
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews