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Love Mark #1
One True Love
Custom demanded that Prince Urban get a love mark tattooed to the side of his left eye as an infant, just like the rest of his people, but to him, the stupid things have only brought on the scorn of his father, the misery of his siblings, and caused his entire kingdom to go broke from fighting so many wars over the irritating ink stains.
When Urban’s sister must travel to Donnelly, the kingdom within the sand, for her arranged marriage to align two realms, he goes with her. But he no sooner steps foot inside their castle than his mark starts itching like a son of a bitch, telling him his one true love is near.
It just figures, though, that the woman meant for him is completely forbidden. Now he must decide if he should ignore the persistent mark, telling him she's the one, in order to avoid a possible war between kingdoms, or if he should discover whether she's worth risking everything for so they can be together. Either way, his life gets sucked into chaos with threats of beheadings, dark magic lurking, castle traitors scheming, and sword fights eminent.
Who knew one little tattoo could cause so much trouble?
(ONE TRUE LOVE is the author’s first attempt at a fantasy romance. Please forgive her; she might’ve read an overabundance of Cassandra Gannon, Sarah J. Maas, and Eve Langlais books, then gone off to watch too many episodes of Supernatural, Game of Thrones, and Outlander, because this was the outcome.)
When Urban’s sister must travel to Donnelly, the kingdom within the sand, for her arranged marriage to align two realms, he goes with her. But he no sooner steps foot inside their castle than his mark starts itching like a son of a bitch, telling him his one true love is near.
It just figures, though, that the woman meant for him is completely forbidden. Now he must decide if he should ignore the persistent mark, telling him she's the one, in order to avoid a possible war between kingdoms, or if he should discover whether she's worth risking everything for so they can be together. Either way, his life gets sucked into chaos with threats of beheadings, dark magic lurking, castle traitors scheming, and sword fights eminent.
Who knew one little tattoo could cause so much trouble?
(ONE TRUE LOVE is the author’s first attempt at a fantasy romance. Please forgive her; she might’ve read an overabundance of Cassandra Gannon, Sarah J. Maas, and Eve Langlais books, then gone off to watch too many episodes of Supernatural, Game of Thrones, and Outlander, because this was the outcome.)
420 pages, ebook
First published June 6, 2018
39 people are currently reading
682 people want to read
About the author
Linda Kage
51 books5,536 followersLinda writes romance fiction from YA to adult, contemporary to fantasy.
Published since 2010, she first went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature, then graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts-English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.
She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, a cat named Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas.
She started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club, then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now, she's all over the place with her romance reading tastes.
A few of her favorite things have been:
Stranger Things, Supernatural, Cheers, Teen Wolf, Umbrella Academy, Outlander, Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter, Tangled, A Walk to Remember, Dr. Pepper, Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and onion rings, the poem "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Published since 2010, she first went through a 2-year writing correspondence class in children’s literature from The Institute of Children’s Literature, then graduated with a Bachelor's in Arts-English with an emphasis in creative fiction writing from Pittsburg State University.
She currently lives with her husband, two daughters, a cat named Holly, and nine cuckoo clocks in southeast Kansas.
She started out reading with the Baby-Sitters Club, then moved to Sandra Brown, Linda Howard, Julie Garwood, and LaVyrle Spencer in high school. Now, she's all over the place with her romance reading tastes.
A few of her favorite things have been:
Stranger Things, Supernatural, Cheers, Teen Wolf, Umbrella Academy, Outlander, Yellowstone, Grey's Anatomy, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, Shawshank Redemption, Dirty Dancing, Harry Potter, Tangled, A Walk to Remember, Dr. Pepper, Roast Beef with mashed potatoes and onion rings, the poem "Equipment" by Edgar A. Guest, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
January 31, 2023
3.5 Stars
June 6, 2018
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🙌5 True Love STARS 🙌
Whatever I say for this book isn't enough to express how much I loved it!Even before picking this book up I just knew and I was feeling that this one will be something else!I absolutely loved the book !
It was romantic,sweet and beautiful!I loved the world Linda Kage creates and the characters so much!Urban and his true love stole my heart!They were cute and there was passion, I'm not going to say who she is because it will be a spoiler!You have to read it to see who she is!But believe me when I say that this one is so brilliant,unique and magical!Urban is the perfect hero that will make you melt and swoon over him!
I want to see more books from Linda Kage in this genre,I loved her writing so much and even though the book was long I read it so fast!The story line and the characters keep my interest all the time!
🙌5 True Love STARS 🙌
Whatever I say for this book isn't enough to express how much I loved it!Even before picking this book up I just knew and I was feeling that this one will be something else!I absolutely loved the book !
It was romantic,sweet and beautiful!I loved the world Linda Kage creates and the characters so much!Urban and his true love stole my heart!They were cute and there was passion, I'm not going to say who she is because it will be a spoiler!You have to read it to see who she is!But believe me when I say that this one is so brilliant,unique and magical!Urban is the perfect hero that will make you melt and swoon over him!
I want to see more books from Linda Kage in this genre,I loved her writing so much and even though the book was long I read it so fast!The story line and the characters keep my interest all the time!
Read
June 6, 2018Ok, I thought forbidden love in this case would be that she's Royal and he's a poor sap but he's a prince and she's married to the king's adviser and expecting a baby with her husband. How is that "one true love"?
May 29, 2018
Title: One True Love
Series: Love Mark #1
Author: Linda Kage
Release date: June 6, 2018
Cliffhanger: No
HEA
Believe it or not, this is my first read by Linda Kage! I've seen her books around the blogosphere and goodreads for a long time now, but never had the chance to check any of them out. When I saw her announce her first fantasy book, I immediately perked up and added it to my TBR. I loved the idea of the hero being able to spot his soulmate/one true love, but finding out that he was forbidden to be with her. If you're a fan of the forbidden romance trope, I highly recommend this one. Even for readers who don't typically venture into fantasy.
I'm not going to go into a ton of detail about who the heroine is, because revealing why she's forbidden to him is taking away from the experience the author was trying to create. Here's what I will say: she was loyal, courageous, had a fabulous sense of humor, and was determined to live by her set of morals and honor even when those around her proved to do the opposite.
There were two people in particular who took advantage of her kindness, and I wished that she stood up for herself more and refused to take their consistently horrible disrespect. Not saying that she never did so, but she continued to make excuses for their blatantly abusive treatment which I didn't really get. Yes, she was the peacemaker and diplomat, but it seemed like she, along with several others were determined to stick their head in the sand and refuse to see what was right in front of their faces. It was very clear to me from the very beginning who had malicious intentions, and it seemed like it should have been obvious to them too.
Urban was very alpha in the way his possessiveness and protectiveness came out, but with a true romantic side. My heart went out to him for all of the things he had to suffer. First, getting blamed for his mother dying while giving birth to him. His father treated him cruelly his whole life for something that he had no control over. The lack of love, and the constant mental abuse were more than enough to make poor Urban feel worthless and discarded his entire life. Then on top of that, he's forced to live with the fact that his mark has identified his soulmate to him, and she is someone that he can never have. To have to live in the same castle as the person you're destined to love more perfectly than any other, and can never claim them would be unimaginably painful. But his dedication to her safety, and her happiness proved that he put her needs before his own wounded heart.
A big reason for my rating was I found their completely modern speech in a historical setting pretty odd. If you had taken these characters out of this setting and stuck them into a contemporary romance, they would have fit without any problem. Their slang, their expressions, mannerisms, were so out of place in a castle, wearing gowns and tunics, and riding in carriages...etc. I know this is a completely fictional fantasy world so it can be whatever the author deems fit, but when I'm reading historical fantasy, if it's not consistent it just doesn't feel realistic to me. I know this won't be a problem for everyone, but in my case, it caused me to somewhat disconnect with the story.
Another thing was that I started to become impatient for the H/h to at the very least have a conversation, if not get to know one another a lot earlier than they did. Yes, there was a reason for Urban to keep his distance at first, but it lasted so long that I kept wondering when we were going get to the build up of their natural feelings for one another. The love that Urban felt was basically insta-love because of his tattoo that helped him instantly identify and connect to his true love. I was fine with that, because it has paranormal elements, and like any similar type of book such as shifter mate insta-love, it works. Though, at over 400 pages, it took until almost halfway into the book for them to begin saying more than one or two words to each other. Which after a while got frustrating because Urban was so utterly devoted and tortured, and yet they knew next to nothing about each other for so long. He only knew little things that he could observe from across the room, and tidbits that his sister shared that she could glean from her. If the page length had been shorter, this might not have been quite so noticeable or bothersome.
One of the things I really liked was the dream sharing they had. It was a very smart way for them to interact with each other and explore their feelings without any consequences. The way he could sense when she was near and feel her extreme emotions and distress was a magical and romantic element that I really enjoyed. I also thought the humor was sharp and entertaining throughout the whole book, and it gave a lightness to the story that made it a very fast read. One True Love didn't suffer from the common issue of a slow pace that first books in a fantasy series tend to have, which I really appreciated.
Overall, I'm still happy with my first Linda Kage book, despite it not being a huge five star winner. I found plenty to enjoy, and I think fans of the forbidden romance trope will be very satisfied. If you're looking for a light read with love, betrayals, a magical kiss that can bring you back from the brink of death, and plenty of action and humor, this could be the book for you.
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dnf
May 29, 2019DNF at 20%
I can hardly believe that this book was written by one of my favorite authors!!!
I can hardly believe that this book was written by one of my favorite authors!!!
June 28, 2018
SPOILERS
I’ve always enjoyed books by this author but I struggled with this one. While the world building was great, the writing as phenomenal as always, the characters well developed and the plot engaging, it had an element to it that I struggled with. Through the whole story.
Vienne, the heroine, is married until the very end of the book. Urban has a magical mark that alerts him when he meets his one true love and it lets him know fast that Vienne is the one. Soren, the husband, is not abusive, he’s not mean or evil. He’s just not involved or loving or romantic. And he doesn’t give orgasms. So it was hard for me to get behind any building relationship between the hero and heroine.
Urban fights against all his instincts to stay away from Vienne. It’s a pretty angsty read in that regard. While Urban is experiencing all the feels, Vienne is unaware of the mating bond that has consumed him and therefore, she is not suffering such emotions.
There is a lot of action moving this story along and I did enjoy that. Vienne is pregnant from the beginning and while I’m not a fan of heroine’s being pregnant when they meet the hero, I have to say that Urban was incredible when it came to Vienne’s baby. I loved his tenderness and care and would have loved to have more of these scenes.
This has a slow pace to it but not the type that makes you skim. It has a historical romance feel to it with the fantasy elements added in that I really enjoyed. Secondary characters were exceptional and I was just as invested in them as the hero and heroine without them taking over the story.
The steam here is about medium but I think I felt it to be so because this couple have sex in their dreams where they are able to connect. And as they’re having dream sex, I kept thinking that the heroine was emotionally cheating on her husband. Once they are awake, they are both aware of what took place in their sleep and it adds to the emotional cheating element. I just struggled with it.
Overall, I do have to say that this author’s first foray into fantasy romance was very well done as far as the writing goes. Again, it was my dislike for the married woman trope that bothered me. However, there will be more in this series and I do intend to read them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow drama but see review for other issues
Triggers
I’ve always enjoyed books by this author but I struggled with this one. While the world building was great, the writing as phenomenal as always, the characters well developed and the plot engaging, it had an element to it that I struggled with. Through the whole story.
Vienne, the heroine, is married until the very end of the book. Urban has a magical mark that alerts him when he meets his one true love and it lets him know fast that Vienne is the one. Soren, the husband, is not abusive, he’s not mean or evil. He’s just not involved or loving or romantic. And he doesn’t give orgasms. So it was hard for me to get behind any building relationship between the hero and heroine.
Urban fights against all his instincts to stay away from Vienne. It’s a pretty angsty read in that regard. While Urban is experiencing all the feels, Vienne is unaware of the mating bond that has consumed him and therefore, she is not suffering such emotions.
There is a lot of action moving this story along and I did enjoy that. Vienne is pregnant from the beginning and while I’m not a fan of heroine’s being pregnant when they meet the hero, I have to say that Urban was incredible when it came to Vienne’s baby. I loved his tenderness and care and would have loved to have more of these scenes.
This has a slow pace to it but not the type that makes you skim. It has a historical romance feel to it with the fantasy elements added in that I really enjoyed. Secondary characters were exceptional and I was just as invested in them as the hero and heroine without them taking over the story.
The steam here is about medium but I think I felt it to be so because this couple have sex in their dreams where they are able to connect. And as they’re having dream sex, I kept thinking that the heroine was emotionally cheating on her husband. Once they are awake, they are both aware of what took place in their sleep and it adds to the emotional cheating element. I just struggled with it.
Overall, I do have to say that this author’s first foray into fantasy romance was very well done as far as the writing goes. Again, it was my dislike for the married woman trope that bothered me. However, there will be more in this series and I do intend to read them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe – no ow drama but see review for other issues
Triggers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2019
DNF at 7% unrated.
If I continued it would be a very low rating. I cannot work with the writing style which is fantasy with a historical-Kingdom feel and a hero that speaks like he’s from the hood. It doesn’t work in any shape or form for me. Also the phrase ‘one true love’ has been uttered or thought so many times by 7%. This is all a pity considering I’ve enjoyed many of Linda Kage’s books but clearly this one just isn’t for me.
If I continued it would be a very low rating. I cannot work with the writing style which is fantasy with a historical-Kingdom feel and a hero that speaks like he’s from the hood. It doesn’t work in any shape or form for me. Also the phrase ‘one true love’ has been uttered or thought so many times by 7%. This is all a pity considering I’ve enjoyed many of Linda Kage’s books but clearly this one just isn’t for me.
June 7, 2018
I received an e-ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*
Allow me to fangirl and rave a lot about this little gem! First of all, Linda Kage has been known through her NA Contemporary series "Forbidden Men" and this is her first attempt on the Adult Fantasy. Knowing her writing style I was very excited about this book! Also, it has a map!
Prince Urban of Hight Cliff follows his sister Allera who is betrothed to Prince Brentley, from another kingdom. The people of High Cliff get a tattoo close to their eye, which will 'activate' magically when their True Love is close.
So, imagine Urban's surprise when his mark starts to twitch and he discovers that his True Love is the most forbidden woman to him! And thus begins a tale of angst, secret love and humorous moments, but also with political secrets, murderous plots and forbidden magic.
I really didn't expect the book to be so freaking amazing! There's double POV for Urban and Vienne, many secondary characters who I'd love to see their own story, like Nicolette, and the world building left me with a bittersweet need to re-read Throne of Glass or watch Game of Thrones.
Plus, True Love's Kiss works here!
Some aspects of the characters were annoying like the King, who sometimes acted like a spoiled child and many times Urban proved to be far more intelligent and always pointing the obvious to the others. The humor in the book also was amazing and honestly, I'd love to listen to the audiobook if there will be one.
Don't miss the chance to read this hidden gem!
Allow me to fangirl and rave a lot about this little gem! First of all, Linda Kage has been known through her NA Contemporary series "Forbidden Men" and this is her first attempt on the Adult Fantasy. Knowing her writing style I was very excited about this book! Also, it has a map!
Prince Urban of Hight Cliff follows his sister Allera who is betrothed to Prince Brentley, from another kingdom. The people of High Cliff get a tattoo close to their eye, which will 'activate' magically when their True Love is close.
So, imagine Urban's surprise when his mark starts to twitch and he discovers that his True Love is the most forbidden woman to him! And thus begins a tale of angst, secret love and humorous moments, but also with political secrets, murderous plots and forbidden magic.
I really didn't expect the book to be so freaking amazing! There's double POV for Urban and Vienne, many secondary characters who I'd love to see their own story, like Nicolette, and the world building left me with a bittersweet need to re-read Throne of Glass or watch Game of Thrones.
Plus, True Love's Kiss works here!
Some aspects of the characters were annoying like the King, who sometimes acted like a spoiled child and many times Urban proved to be far more intelligent and always pointing the obvious to the others. The humor in the book also was amazing and honestly, I'd love to listen to the audiobook if there will be one.
Don't miss the chance to read this hidden gem!
June 24, 2018
2 Stars
It is difficult for me to write this review because Linda Kage is my favorite contemporary romance author. I'd read anything that woman writes. Her "Forbidden Men" and "Granton University" books are fabulous. That' s why I am all the more disappointed by her first fantasy novel ...
One True Love is the story of Prince Urban, who travels with his sister to an unknown kingdom to marry her to the King's brother. It's an arranged marriage and he goes with her to support her. The people in Urban's kingdom all get a mark tattooed when they are children. This mark should show them later who their one true love is.
It happens what has to happen, his mark goes crazy when he enters the palace. HEA on the way? As this is a forbidden love, the whole thing is unfortunately not that simple. I will put the next part into spoiler tags, as this is indeed very spoilerish.
So, back from the spoiler part. I try to make the rest of this review as spoiler free as possible. Promise!
I think I could have liked Urban if his love mark hadn't completely changed his character. At first he is self-confident, arrogant, a bad boy prince with a big mouth. But as soon as he meets his one true love, he whines after her and there is nothing left of the man we met in the first chapters.
I like men who show feelings and do anything for the woman they love, but this was just too much. Some may think he was romantic, but his behavior was pathetic to me.
I didn't like the idea that a love mark shows you true love and you have almost no choice but to love this person. I want to read why people fall in love and not just that a tattoo itches and it is as it is. That's insta love, something I really really hate. Linda tries to soften it a bit in the end, but it was already too late for me.
I couldn't take Urban very serious and his one true love was unfortunately too dull. He, driven by the tattoo, always thought how wonderful she is, but so she looked like a Mary Sue through his eyes.
A few short words about the fact that this is a fantasy novel:
The characters speak as if they are from the 21st century. That was irritating as hell. Of course, every author can design his imaginary world the way he wants , I just didn't like how the characters spoke and acted. There were too many contemporary elements to convince me that this could be fantasy.
I'm so sorry, I was so looking forward to this book, but I'm disappointed. Of course, I will read all of Linda's future books (I am looking forward to part 3 of her 'Fairy Tale Quartet'), One True Love was just not for me.
It is difficult for me to write this review because Linda Kage is my favorite contemporary romance author. I'd read anything that woman writes. Her "Forbidden Men" and "Granton University" books are fabulous. That' s why I am all the more disappointed by her first fantasy novel ...
One True Love is the story of Prince Urban, who travels with his sister to an unknown kingdom to marry her to the King's brother. It's an arranged marriage and he goes with her to support her. The people in Urban's kingdom all get a mark tattooed when they are children. This mark should show them later who their one true love is.
It happens what has to happen, his mark goes crazy when he enters the palace. HEA on the way? As this is a forbidden love, the whole thing is unfortunately not that simple. I will put the next part into spoiler tags, as this is indeed very spoilerish.
So, back from the spoiler part. I try to make the rest of this review as spoiler free as possible. Promise!
I think I could have liked Urban if his love mark hadn't completely changed his character. At first he is self-confident, arrogant, a bad boy prince with a big mouth. But as soon as he meets his one true love, he whines after her and there is nothing left of the man we met in the first chapters.
I like men who show feelings and do anything for the woman they love, but this was just too much. Some may think he was romantic, but his behavior was pathetic to me.
I didn't like the idea that a love mark shows you true love and you have almost no choice but to love this person. I want to read why people fall in love and not just that a tattoo itches and it is as it is. That's insta love, something I really really hate. Linda tries to soften it a bit in the end, but it was already too late for me.
I couldn't take Urban very serious and his one true love was unfortunately too dull. He, driven by the tattoo, always thought how wonderful she is, but so she looked like a Mary Sue through his eyes.
A few short words about the fact that this is a fantasy novel:
The characters speak as if they are from the 21st century. That was irritating as hell. Of course, every author can design his imaginary world the way he wants , I just didn't like how the characters spoke and acted. There were too many contemporary elements to convince me that this could be fantasy.
I'm so sorry, I was so looking forward to this book, but I'm disappointed. Of course, I will read all of Linda's future books (I am looking forward to part 3 of her 'Fairy Tale Quartet'), One True Love was just not for me.
February 10, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review contains spoilers, so be warned before reading. This has more than I normally would put in because of the content of the story. Read the last paragraph if you don't want the details.
One True Love is the first book in Linda Kage's first epic fantasy romance series and I have to say that I was really impressed with her work on this book and it was so fabulous reading this one here. I will admit that I was SUPER nervous in reading this one, and I had this to be read for weeks, and I finally got up the courage to read it this morning and I am so glad that I was able to finally brave it and read this book because it was so worth it. I don't know why I ever doubt Linda Kage because her books are priceless and are just the perfect books for me.
But this story does deal with an aspect of forbidden love that we see so rarely in romance (although sometimes I have seen it in historical romance where one of the characters are married) So yes this is the reason why it took me so long to actually read this book and I wanted to so badly because I was curious to see how Kage would handle an epic fantasy romance. And it was really well done actually and it was handled very delicately which I liked and since this author loves a good forbidden love I was curious to see how she would get these two with their happy ever after without abandoning their values of loyalty and honor.
Prince Urban is escorting his sister to her betrothed, where she will marry a prince of the land of sand, Donnelly. But when they meet the royal family, Urban feels an impression in his love mark that he has had since birth and he knows that his fated love mate is near but he is devastated when he learns that his true love is already married and heavily pregnant especially when she is married to a man that doesn't love her or even appreciate her as he should. But he knows he can't ever have her because he would do anything for her, and he knows that she is a woman that has a loyal heart and will never betray that honor that she has to her husband. So Urban keeps quiet, making sure that her needs are seen to without her knowledge of it. But then something changes everything when she almost dies from childbirth, it his kiss of true love that brings her back to life and now everyone knows the truth. The situation becomes way tenser but there is something more going on in the kingdom than meets the eye. And discovering the real truth will set Urban and his love on a course to finding they're happy ever after in the most unexpected direction.
One True Love was simply spectacular and I really enjoyed this fantasy romance despite the forbidden element where the heroine is married. For most of the book through they hardly speak to each other and barely touch, they do have dreams though but that is as far as it goes between them until they find out some truths and get to reach their HEA. I love how committed Urban is and even though he wants to carry his mate off and away from the Donnelly kingdom, he won't do it because he will do whatever it takes to keep his true love happy even if it means being without his true mate and watch over her from a distance.
I did enjoy seeing how Linda Kage wrote this fantasy romance, there are some details that could have been better described, and of course the dialogue could have been a bit more polished it sounds more contemporary, some phrases I don't imagine being said in this type of fantasy like world. However other than that, this story was precious and solid and truly enchanting!! I can't wait to see what this author comes up with in the future.
This review contains spoilers, so be warned before reading. This has more than I normally would put in because of the content of the story. Read the last paragraph if you don't want the details.
One True Love is the first book in Linda Kage's first epic fantasy romance series and I have to say that I was really impressed with her work on this book and it was so fabulous reading this one here. I will admit that I was SUPER nervous in reading this one, and I had this to be read for weeks, and I finally got up the courage to read it this morning and I am so glad that I was able to finally brave it and read this book because it was so worth it. I don't know why I ever doubt Linda Kage because her books are priceless and are just the perfect books for me.
But this story does deal with an aspect of forbidden love that we see so rarely in romance (although sometimes I have seen it in historical romance where one of the characters are married) So yes this is the reason why it took me so long to actually read this book and I wanted to so badly because I was curious to see how Kage would handle an epic fantasy romance. And it was really well done actually and it was handled very delicately which I liked and since this author loves a good forbidden love I was curious to see how she would get these two with their happy ever after without abandoning their values of loyalty and honor.
Prince Urban is escorting his sister to her betrothed, where she will marry a prince of the land of sand, Donnelly. But when they meet the royal family, Urban feels an impression in his love mark that he has had since birth and he knows that his fated love mate is near but he is devastated when he learns that his true love is already married and heavily pregnant especially when she is married to a man that doesn't love her or even appreciate her as he should. But he knows he can't ever have her because he would do anything for her, and he knows that she is a woman that has a loyal heart and will never betray that honor that she has to her husband. So Urban keeps quiet, making sure that her needs are seen to without her knowledge of it. But then something changes everything when she almost dies from childbirth, it his kiss of true love that brings her back to life and now everyone knows the truth. The situation becomes way tenser but there is something more going on in the kingdom than meets the eye. And discovering the real truth will set Urban and his love on a course to finding they're happy ever after in the most unexpected direction.
The day I'd come to this kingdom within the sand, I'd been lost. But as I gazed at my one true love, I knew I was found. I had a place and a reason, and this woman had helped me find it...
One True Love was simply spectacular and I really enjoyed this fantasy romance despite the forbidden element where the heroine is married. For most of the book through they hardly speak to each other and barely touch, they do have dreams though but that is as far as it goes between them until they find out some truths and get to reach their HEA. I love how committed Urban is and even though he wants to carry his mate off and away from the Donnelly kingdom, he won't do it because he will do whatever it takes to keep his true love happy even if it means being without his true mate and watch over her from a distance.
I did enjoy seeing how Linda Kage wrote this fantasy romance, there are some details that could have been better described, and of course the dialogue could have been a bit more polished it sounds more contemporary, some phrases I don't imagine being said in this type of fantasy like world. However other than that, this story was precious and solid and truly enchanting!! I can't wait to see what this author comes up with in the future.
June 4, 2018
3.5-4 stars
One True Love by Author Linda Kage is a fantasy romance novel.
“I want to know everything there is to know about you. I want to know why you make me hot and needy whenever you’re near. I want to know why you—a complete stranger—fill me with a loyalty and respect I’ve not felt before. I want to know how you make me think about you constantly and ache for your mere presence. I want to know why I’m so willing to die for you if need be, why I’d cut off my hand rather than hurt you, or my tongue before I spoke a single harsh word against you. I want to know why I now see your enemies as my enemies and your home as my home. All my allegiances are firmly placed at your feet. Of course, I’m curious to learn everything there is to learn about you.”
I became a Linda Kage fan from reading her Forbidden Men series. These stories always kept me right on the edge, loving every moment of their forbidden love. It was quite a jump to go from edgy and this-century to fantasy. But, some things remained true. Linda Kage continued to give us mouth-watering writing with a forbidden twist.
“I crave you. In every way possible.”
Urban was intense, brooding, protective. He kept what was his close to his heart. He loved fiercely, unabashedly; he did it with no regrets. Vienne longed to be loved, to be someone’s most treasured love, not a prized possession. She was smart, sure, and wise.
“It made me wonder if maybe that was what one true love really was: the selfless giving of your heart to another without reason, thought, consequence or gain.”
I loved the customs of Urban’s family, which added charm and intrigue to the story. It’s also an exceptional treat when we are given the opportunity to see characters change as their feelings develop and deepen into something more. One of my favorite parts of this novel was what happened at night. Shhhh....I’m not going to spoil it for you. But, this gave me all the feels, and provided an intimate knowledge of Vienne and Urban’s true intentions.
“I don’t want a good boy. I just want you.”
One True Love was a unique and captivating fantasy novel. I hope we get more from this realm.
One True Love by Author Linda Kage is a fantasy romance novel.
“I want to know everything there is to know about you. I want to know why you make me hot and needy whenever you’re near. I want to know why you—a complete stranger—fill me with a loyalty and respect I’ve not felt before. I want to know how you make me think about you constantly and ache for your mere presence. I want to know why I’m so willing to die for you if need be, why I’d cut off my hand rather than hurt you, or my tongue before I spoke a single harsh word against you. I want to know why I now see your enemies as my enemies and your home as my home. All my allegiances are firmly placed at your feet. Of course, I’m curious to learn everything there is to learn about you.”
I became a Linda Kage fan from reading her Forbidden Men series. These stories always kept me right on the edge, loving every moment of their forbidden love. It was quite a jump to go from edgy and this-century to fantasy. But, some things remained true. Linda Kage continued to give us mouth-watering writing with a forbidden twist.
“I crave you. In every way possible.”
Urban was intense, brooding, protective. He kept what was his close to his heart. He loved fiercely, unabashedly; he did it with no regrets. Vienne longed to be loved, to be someone’s most treasured love, not a prized possession. She was smart, sure, and wise.
“It made me wonder if maybe that was what one true love really was: the selfless giving of your heart to another without reason, thought, consequence or gain.”
I loved the customs of Urban’s family, which added charm and intrigue to the story. It’s also an exceptional treat when we are given the opportunity to see characters change as their feelings develop and deepen into something more. One of my favorite parts of this novel was what happened at night. Shhhh....I’m not going to spoil it for you. But, this gave me all the feels, and provided an intimate knowledge of Vienne and Urban’s true intentions.
“I don’t want a good boy. I just want you.”
One True Love was a unique and captivating fantasy novel. I hope we get more from this realm.
June 24, 2018
Ay, es que ¡¿cómo no voy a entregar cuatro o cinco estrellas a un libro de Linda?!
Este libro fue todo lo que esperaba que fuese y más. Es la primera vez que Linda crea un libro de fantasía, y me fascinó. Siempre he dicho que adoro la forma que tiene la autora de escribir, de narrar, de lograr enamorarte de los personajes.
Urban es otro hombre más que se va a mis favoritos, pues su forma de ser me encantó (como era de esperarse). La forma que iba enamorándose me gustó, y te enamora poco a poco. Vienne fue encantadora, tan ella misma, siempre pendiente del reino y su familia. Los demás personajes también tuvieron lo suyo, te deja con ganas de querer saber más de ellos. Obviamente se notan los giros de la historia a kilómetros, pero no por eso dejó de ser buena y atrayente.
La verdad es que fue un buen libro para pasar el rato, me entretuvo bastante como para sacar el celular y comenzar a leerlo cada vez que tenía tiempo, y más aun cuando buscabas qué leer.
La nota del autor ... wow. Me alegro que haya sido una forma de escape y sanación escribir este libro.
Todo mi amor para el libro y su significado.
Este libro fue todo lo que esperaba que fuese y más. Es la primera vez que Linda crea un libro de fantasía, y me fascinó. Siempre he dicho que adoro la forma que tiene la autora de escribir, de narrar, de lograr enamorarte de los personajes.
Urban es otro hombre más que se va a mis favoritos, pues su forma de ser me encantó (como era de esperarse). La forma que iba enamorándose me gustó, y te enamora poco a poco. Vienne fue encantadora, tan ella misma, siempre pendiente del reino y su familia. Los demás personajes también tuvieron lo suyo, te deja con ganas de querer saber más de ellos. Obviamente se notan los giros de la historia a kilómetros, pero no por eso dejó de ser buena y atrayente.
La verdad es que fue un buen libro para pasar el rato, me entretuvo bastante como para sacar el celular y comenzar a leerlo cada vez que tenía tiempo, y más aun cuando buscabas qué leer.
La nota del autor ... wow. Me alegro que haya sido una forma de escape y sanación escribir este libro.
Todo mi amor para el libro y su significado.
May 27, 2018
I am a huge fan of Linda Kage and was super excited to read this. One True Love is Linda's first attempt at fantasy romance and she did brilliantly! The book was sweet, romantic, beautiful, touching... all the wonderful things I have come to expect from Linda Kage.
Prince Urban was fantastic! *swoon*
The way Urban reacts at finding out who his true love is and the way he acts afterwards will have your heart melting. He is one of the most loyal and caring characters I've read in a while.
Vienne turned out to be a very strong, clever and reliable woman. The more you read about her the easier it is to love her as well as Urban.
The chemistry and passion between the two was perfect. They are two very different people that fit and complement each other perfectly.
I also loved the side characters, they will make fantastic main characters on the books to come. I particularly loved that there was more than just one romance story happening at the same time and that both ended beautifully. I won't tell you who I am referring too though... Go Read! 😊
All in all it was yet another fantastic work by Linda Kage!
But, after all this praise you are probably wondering why not 5 stars...
Well, I have a few deal breakers when reading a book. One of them is cheating. I can handle love triangles so long as there is no cheating. After about 20% into the book I was petrified I was going to hate it, but since I love Linda Kage I kept on going. I am VERY HAPPY I did. It was a great story and the forbidden love between Urban and Vienne was treated with great care. There was some level of cheating, so I cannot in good conscience give it 5 stars, but it was acceptable and even understandable.
Go read guys! Linda is AMAZING!
more reviews on blog Glimpses of my Books and my Instagram
Prince Urban was fantastic! *swoon*
The way Urban reacts at finding out who his true love is and the way he acts afterwards will have your heart melting. He is one of the most loyal and caring characters I've read in a while.
Vienne turned out to be a very strong, clever and reliable woman. The more you read about her the easier it is to love her as well as Urban.
The chemistry and passion between the two was perfect. They are two very different people that fit and complement each other perfectly.
I also loved the side characters, they will make fantastic main characters on the books to come. I particularly loved that there was more than just one romance story happening at the same time and that both ended beautifully. I won't tell you who I am referring too though... Go Read! 😊
All in all it was yet another fantastic work by Linda Kage!
But, after all this praise you are probably wondering why not 5 stars...
Well, I have a few deal breakers when reading a book. One of them is cheating. I can handle love triangles so long as there is no cheating. After about 20% into the book I was petrified I was going to hate it, but since I love Linda Kage I kept on going. I am VERY HAPPY I did. It was a great story and the forbidden love between Urban and Vienne was treated with great care. There was some level of cheating, so I cannot in good conscience give it 5 stars, but it was acceptable and even understandable.
Go read guys! Linda is AMAZING!
more reviews on blog Glimpses of my Books and my Instagram
June 14, 2018
I had to stop 10% in. I was really gearing up to read this book. I'm a massive fantasy lover and thought this would be perfect since I'm an avid romance reader, as well. There's a problem, though; and it lies within this line: "Jesus Christ on the Cross..."
Now, my problem is not because I'm offended on a religious level, but, because this is too close to our real world. A basic rule of writing fantasy is for the entirety of the world to be new, fresh, and mysterious. The way of speaking, names, titles, lands, and religions; this must all be new to the reader. Otherwise you end up with an Ed Sherran in GoT type of thing. It takes you entirely out of the world. Sorry, but, even in the first 10%, the layout and plot of this story seemed to have been very haphazard.
Now, my problem is not because I'm offended on a religious level, but, because this is too close to our real world. A basic rule of writing fantasy is for the entirety of the world to be new, fresh, and mysterious. The way of speaking, names, titles, lands, and religions; this must all be new to the reader. Otherwise you end up with an Ed Sherran in GoT type of thing. It takes you entirely out of the world. Sorry, but, even in the first 10%, the layout and plot of this story seemed to have been very haphazard.
May 19, 2024
2024 Reads #302/250
3.5⭐️
Spoilers. . .
CW/TW: Threats of rape, traumatic birth of which most is off page, but immediately afterwards it is horrific and brutal.
3.5⭐️
Spoilers. . .
CW/TW: Threats of rape, traumatic birth of which most is off page, but immediately afterwards it is horrific and brutal.
June 8, 2018
4,5 💟✨💟 🌟🌟🌟🌟s‼️‼️
June 10, 2018
ARC received by the author in exchange for an honest review
It has been a while since I had read a fantasy book. This was a nice comeback to that genre. I really enjoy this world so much, and all the characters were memorable. Linda did such a good job describing and creating this world.
For me, the romance in this story was sooo good. It was nice to see a different start between the main couple and see its development.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
It has been a while since I had read a fantasy book. This was a nice comeback to that genre. I really enjoy this world so much, and all the characters were memorable. Linda did such a good job describing and creating this world.
For me, the romance in this story was sooo good. It was nice to see a different start between the main couple and see its development.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 9, 2019
Excellent, beautiful history.
June 19, 2018
Fun read and great effort for the author's first fantasy novel.
Arranged marriages, deadly court intrigue, and a dash of magic make this NA fantasy debut a wild and fun ride.
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
#OneTrueLove #NetGalley
Arranged marriages, deadly court intrigue, and a dash of magic make this NA fantasy debut a wild and fun ride.
I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. Read more reviews! http://dreamerjbookreviews.blogspot.com
#OneTrueLove #NetGalley
Read
June 30, 2018DNF @11%. I couldn’t connect to the story, the characters or the way they spoke and found that I was unable to immerse myself in their world. I may try again at some point in the future but it’s a dnf for now.
June 21, 2018
#OneTrueLove #NetGalley
publisher synopsis: Custom demanded that Prince Urban get a love mark tattooed to the side of his left eye as an infant, just like the rest of his people, but to him, the stupid things have only brought on the scorn of his father, the misery of his siblings, and caused his entire kingdom to go broke from fighting so many wars over the irritating ink stains.
When Urban’s sister must travel to Donnelly, the kingdom within the sand, for her arranged marriage to align two realms, he goes with her. But he no sooner steps foot inside their castle than his mark starts itching like a son of a bitch, telling him his one true love is near.
It just figures, though, that the woman meant for him is completely forbidden. Now he must decide if he should ignore the persistent mark, telling him she's the one, in order to avoid a possible war between kingdoms, or if he should discover whether she's worth risking everything for so they can be together. Either way, his life gets sucked into chaos with threats of beheadings, dark magic lurking, castle traitors scheming, and sword fights eminent.
Who knew one little tattoo could cause so much trouble?
I was very excited to get and begin reading this book. The cover is beautiful and the synopsis... awesome! When I actually started reading the book I became discouraged, and I am probably the minority. But all the Insta love and expressiveness of the beginning of the book was a lot and where do you build up to from there? Also there was a lot of conflicting aspects of the book, some of it was modern and some not. It didn't make since how or why one thing would be the way it is. The book also used a lot of reality and it took away from the fantasy of the novel. So I really wanted to love the novel, and I really think most people will, I just didn't.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
publisher synopsis: Custom demanded that Prince Urban get a love mark tattooed to the side of his left eye as an infant, just like the rest of his people, but to him, the stupid things have only brought on the scorn of his father, the misery of his siblings, and caused his entire kingdom to go broke from fighting so many wars over the irritating ink stains.
When Urban’s sister must travel to Donnelly, the kingdom within the sand, for her arranged marriage to align two realms, he goes with her. But he no sooner steps foot inside their castle than his mark starts itching like a son of a bitch, telling him his one true love is near.
It just figures, though, that the woman meant for him is completely forbidden. Now he must decide if he should ignore the persistent mark, telling him she's the one, in order to avoid a possible war between kingdoms, or if he should discover whether she's worth risking everything for so they can be together. Either way, his life gets sucked into chaos with threats of beheadings, dark magic lurking, castle traitors scheming, and sword fights eminent.
Who knew one little tattoo could cause so much trouble?
I was very excited to get and begin reading this book. The cover is beautiful and the synopsis... awesome! When I actually started reading the book I became discouraged, and I am probably the minority. But all the Insta love and expressiveness of the beginning of the book was a lot and where do you build up to from there? Also there was a lot of conflicting aspects of the book, some of it was modern and some not. It didn't make since how or why one thing would be the way it is. The book also used a lot of reality and it took away from the fantasy of the novel. So I really wanted to love the novel, and I really think most people will, I just didn't.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
May 25, 2018
Q&A
Physical or Ebook?
Ebook
Have you ever read a book by this author before?
Nope, but I plan on reading everything I can get my greedy little hands on.
Genre?
Fantasy Romance
Star Rating?
5 Stars
Rereadable?
Definitely!
If it's a series, would you continue reading it?
Yes.
Is this a part of a challenge?
No.
Who would you recommend this for?
Anyone who likes Fantasy romance that has a contemporary or modern feel.
Conclusion:
Holy Connolly...
I'm shook, fam.
You know why? 'Cause I'm pretty sure I just found my new favorite author and she has tons of books for me to read.
'Cause this fantasy romance is literally the best thing I have read in a while. Okay, so I say that a lot! But seriously, I absolutely loved this.
I love soul mate novels. Call me a romantic, but I honestly love reading these. The fact that it comes in the form of a tattoo is even cooler.
Ahem.. Urban is my new book boyfriend. He is swoony af.
Vienne is such an interesting character. She came off as meek and quiet at first, but the more you read, the more you realize that she's kind of a badass.
I also loved that this also delved a little into castle politics and alliances. It added a whole other element to the novel that wasn't just steamy romance.
Okay, but there was a lot of that and I am not complaining at all.
I enjoy fantasy novels here and there, but I find that the authors tend to try to use complicated wording or old english and it really just gets me lost. This is written in a much more laid back style but still interesting and quick witted.
Honestly, her writing style reminds me a lot of Jennifer Armentrout, which I adore of course.
I can't wait to read more from this world and just from this author in general. I will be starting another one of her novels tonight and I am super excited!
Physical or Ebook?
Ebook
Have you ever read a book by this author before?
Nope, but I plan on reading everything I can get my greedy little hands on.
Genre?
Fantasy Romance
Star Rating?
5 Stars
Rereadable?
Definitely!
If it's a series, would you continue reading it?
Yes.
Is this a part of a challenge?
No.
Who would you recommend this for?
Anyone who likes Fantasy romance that has a contemporary or modern feel.
Conclusion:
Holy Connolly...
I'm shook, fam.
You know why? 'Cause I'm pretty sure I just found my new favorite author and she has tons of books for me to read.
'Cause this fantasy romance is literally the best thing I have read in a while. Okay, so I say that a lot! But seriously, I absolutely loved this.
I love soul mate novels. Call me a romantic, but I honestly love reading these. The fact that it comes in the form of a tattoo is even cooler.
Ahem.. Urban is my new book boyfriend. He is swoony af.
Vienne is such an interesting character. She came off as meek and quiet at first, but the more you read, the more you realize that she's kind of a badass.
I also loved that this also delved a little into castle politics and alliances. It added a whole other element to the novel that wasn't just steamy romance.
Okay, but there was a lot of that and I am not complaining at all.
I enjoy fantasy novels here and there, but I find that the authors tend to try to use complicated wording or old english and it really just gets me lost. This is written in a much more laid back style but still interesting and quick witted.
Honestly, her writing style reminds me a lot of Jennifer Armentrout, which I adore of course.
I can't wait to read more from this world and just from this author in general. I will be starting another one of her novels tonight and I am super excited!
June 11, 2018
3.75 Stars
Fantasy romance is one of my favorite categories. That being said, it's a tough category to write, in my opinion, because there's a delicate balancing act of fantastical elements and romantic plot. Overdoing or falling short in one or the other could make the story not work.
One True Love was good. The romance was sweet and steamy. The problem was the fantastical worldbuilding elements just seemed plain and unoriginal. For example, the dialogue was very modern, there were elements of mystical creatures or magic thrown in to further the plot, but didn't seem as if they were important or tied into the world.
Plot-wise, the whole first half of this book revolved around the romantic arc of the tattoo love mark. The conflict, while hints were made during the first half, didn't make an appearance until perhaps 60% into the book.
Overall, I did read this book over the matter of a day. The pacing was great, and it kept me entertained. I do look forward to the next book (if there is one).
Fantasy romance is one of my favorite categories. That being said, it's a tough category to write, in my opinion, because there's a delicate balancing act of fantastical elements and romantic plot. Overdoing or falling short in one or the other could make the story not work.
One True Love was good. The romance was sweet and steamy. The problem was the fantastical worldbuilding elements just seemed plain and unoriginal. For example, the dialogue was very modern, there were elements of mystical creatures or magic thrown in to further the plot, but didn't seem as if they were important or tied into the world.
Plot-wise, the whole first half of this book revolved around the romantic arc of the tattoo love mark. The conflict, while hints were made during the first half, didn't make an appearance until perhaps 60% into the book.
Overall, I did read this book over the matter of a day. The pacing was great, and it kept me entertained. I do look forward to the next book (if there is one).
June 5, 2018
One True Love is a fantasy romance. It is a blend of sweet romance with a pretty epic fantasy. It is the first book in the Love Mark Fantasy Romance series and sets the scene, introducing the reader to this new world of fantasy and magic.
Prince Urban escorts his sister to meet the prince she is betrothed to and discovers his own “One True Love”. But the hitch is that she is already married to someone else and Urban must pine from afar.
“I’d follow her to hell and back. She was my one true love.”
The story is full of romance, danger and adventure. There is lots of world building in this first book and plenty of opportunity for a true fantasy fan to get lost in this big story.
-3.5 Stars-
Prince Urban escorts his sister to meet the prince she is betrothed to and discovers his own “One True Love”. But the hitch is that she is already married to someone else and Urban must pine from afar.
“I’d follow her to hell and back. She was my one true love.”
The story is full of romance, danger and adventure. There is lots of world building in this first book and plenty of opportunity for a true fantasy fan to get lost in this big story.
-3.5 Stars-
Read
June 12, 2018No rating as DNF @ 28%. a bit of a miss for moi
February 11, 2020
4 -Mágicas y maravillosas -estrellas
*SPOILER ALERT*
El reino de High Cliff es un pueblo de tradiciones, siendo uno de los reinos más antiguos, no podía ser de otra manera. Sin embargo, hay una tradición en especial que los hace destacar. Cada una de las personas que viven en High Cliff deben adornar su rostro con un pequeño tatuaje a lado del ojo. Esto, con la finalidad de encontrar su verdadero amor.
Urban, uno de los príncipes de High Cliff, nunca fue muy partidario de la marca, pero no había tenido ningún problema, hasta ahora.
Cuando llega al reino de Donnelly y su tatuaje comienza a picar de una manera insoportable. ¿La razón? Su único y verdadero amor está cerca y en lo único que puede pensar es en estar con ella.
Desafortunadamente, no es tan sencillo como debiera, pues se encuentra en Donnelly para supervisar el compromiso de su hermana, Allera, quien desposará al hermano del rey, y la dueña de su corazón resulta ser también la esposa de el primo del rey. Ah, pero la cosa no termina ahí, ella también está embarazada. ¿Se puede poner peor? Sí. Ella es inconsciente de las reacciones que le provoca, ya que no posee un tatuaje como él, así que parece estar destinado a sufrir en silencio.
Vienne, nunca ha deseado nada, salvo que su gente en Donnelly sea feliz y próspera, por eso no tiene problema en actuar detrás de escena para que esto sea posible. Pero cuando por un incidente, ve al príncipe Urban de otra manera, comienza a desear poder tener más, aunque sea imposible.
¿Una historia fantástica en donde existen las almas gemelas?, ¿El protagonista está locamente enamorado?, ¿El beso de amor verdadero existe y de hecho funciona? Sí, sí, y maldita sea, sí. No es una sorpresa que termianara babeando por este libro. Tiene prácticamente todo lo que amo y por si fuera poco, fue escrito por una de mis autoras favoritas, así que cuando lo encontré, yo básicamente estaba llorando.
Si soy honesta, no sabía cómo el hecho de que está casada y embarazada iba a funcionar, porque si bien Linda Cage ha pasado ese obstáculos con libros anteriores (y de una manera espléndida), gracias a que todo se desarrolla en un mundo de fantasía, no estaba muy convencida.
Peeeeero tal y como antes, el asunto del matrimonio y de la bebé no presentó un gran problema, a pesar de ser la razón principal por la que ambos no pueden estar juntos y al final, eso es lo que crea toda la tensión sexual y frustración por su relación, así que sí, también disfruté de esa parte.
De hecho, la historia me pareció muy completa y me encantó el mundo que Linda diseñó. Mi problema radica en los personajes. Mientras que los protagonistas no tienen realmente algo que me haga perder los nervios, hay personajes como Soren o la hermana de Vienne, que no comprendo del todo.
Me explico mejor: Soren, por un lado, en un comienzo fue un personaje detestable y ya sabía que al final iba a resultar ser quien o uno de los que intentaba dañar el reino. Pero luego vino la escena del carruaje en donde le dice a Vienne que lo salve a Urban, mi visión de él cambió y creí que quizás al final no sería tan malo. Error.
La cosa aquí es que inició muy fuerte, siendo un personaje que podía odiar, pero luego sólo se me hizo un idiota, pero no más. Para el cierre, yo dejé de considerarlo una amenaza real y estuve muy molesta con Vienne cuando se entera de que le está siendo infiel, pareciera que no descubre nada. Lo único que ella hace es dejarle entre ver que sabe la verdad, pero eso es todo. ¡¿Qué demonios, Vianne?! Por lo que sí, creo que Soren queda como un patético que ha sido manipulado y nada más, de hecho sentí un poquito de lástima por él, pero nada más poquito.
El desenlace es lo que más me frustró. Me hubiera encantado que fuera menos... umm... no sé cómo decirlo, pero lo sentí un poco flojo. Tal y como en otras historias de Linda, sentí que al final todo se resuelve de manera demasiado sencilla. El conflicto, que es que la hermana de Vienne es la portadora de magia oscura, no me pareció que fuera tan impactante como debiera. Y quizá fue porque estaba muy absorta con la muerte del rey. Todavía no puedo creer que haya muerto, me caía muy bien.
Todo el plan de la loca hermana de Vianne pudo ser mil veces mejor, sólo faltó un empujoncito más y que todo dejara de pasar o demasiado rápido o demasiado lento, porque a decir verdad, toda la escena en la que la hermana de Vianne (lo siento pero no recuerdo su nombre) da su monólogo de porqué está haciendo todo eso, yo me aburrí un poco.
Y bueno, fuera de eso, disfruté mucho de el resto de la lectura, me encanta el mor que Urban siente por la pequeña bebé de Vianne. Me gustó toda la parte de los sueños compartidos y lo de Eliot (?) el dragón.
No puedo esperar por el segundo libro, estoy ansiosa por explorar más este maravilloso universo lleno de magia y amor, dos de mis cosas favoritas.
*SPOILER ALERT*
El reino de High Cliff es un pueblo de tradiciones, siendo uno de los reinos más antiguos, no podía ser de otra manera. Sin embargo, hay una tradición en especial que los hace destacar. Cada una de las personas que viven en High Cliff deben adornar su rostro con un pequeño tatuaje a lado del ojo. Esto, con la finalidad de encontrar su verdadero amor.
Urban, uno de los príncipes de High Cliff, nunca fue muy partidario de la marca, pero no había tenido ningún problema, hasta ahora.
Cuando llega al reino de Donnelly y su tatuaje comienza a picar de una manera insoportable. ¿La razón? Su único y verdadero amor está cerca y en lo único que puede pensar es en estar con ella.
Desafortunadamente, no es tan sencillo como debiera, pues se encuentra en Donnelly para supervisar el compromiso de su hermana, Allera, quien desposará al hermano del rey, y la dueña de su corazón resulta ser también la esposa de el primo del rey. Ah, pero la cosa no termina ahí, ella también está embarazada. ¿Se puede poner peor? Sí. Ella es inconsciente de las reacciones que le provoca, ya que no posee un tatuaje como él, así que parece estar destinado a sufrir en silencio.
Vienne, nunca ha deseado nada, salvo que su gente en Donnelly sea feliz y próspera, por eso no tiene problema en actuar detrás de escena para que esto sea posible. Pero cuando por un incidente, ve al príncipe Urban de otra manera, comienza a desear poder tener más, aunque sea imposible.
¿Una historia fantástica en donde existen las almas gemelas?, ¿El protagonista está locamente enamorado?, ¿El beso de amor verdadero existe y de hecho funciona? Sí, sí, y maldita sea, sí. No es una sorpresa que termianara babeando por este libro. Tiene prácticamente todo lo que amo y por si fuera poco, fue escrito por una de mis autoras favoritas, así que cuando lo encontré, yo básicamente estaba llorando.
Si soy honesta, no sabía cómo el hecho de que está casada y embarazada iba a funcionar, porque si bien Linda Cage ha pasado ese obstáculos con libros anteriores (y de una manera espléndida), gracias a que todo se desarrolla en un mundo de fantasía, no estaba muy convencida.
Peeeeero tal y como antes, el asunto del matrimonio y de la bebé no presentó un gran problema, a pesar de ser la razón principal por la que ambos no pueden estar juntos y al final, eso es lo que crea toda la tensión sexual y frustración por su relación, así que sí, también disfruté de esa parte.
De hecho, la historia me pareció muy completa y me encantó el mundo que Linda diseñó. Mi problema radica en los personajes. Mientras que los protagonistas no tienen realmente algo que me haga perder los nervios, hay personajes como Soren o la hermana de Vienne, que no comprendo del todo.
Me explico mejor: Soren, por un lado, en un comienzo fue un personaje detestable y ya sabía que al final iba a resultar ser quien o uno de los que intentaba dañar el reino. Pero luego vino la escena del carruaje en donde le dice a Vienne que lo salve a Urban, mi visión de él cambió y creí que quizás al final no sería tan malo. Error.
La cosa aquí es que inició muy fuerte, siendo un personaje que podía odiar, pero luego sólo se me hizo un idiota, pero no más. Para el cierre, yo dejé de considerarlo una amenaza real y estuve muy molesta con Vienne cuando se entera de que le está siendo infiel, pareciera que no descubre nada. Lo único que ella hace es dejarle entre ver que sabe la verdad, pero eso es todo. ¡¿Qué demonios, Vianne?! Por lo que sí, creo que Soren queda como un patético que ha sido manipulado y nada más, de hecho sentí un poquito de lástima por él, pero nada más poquito.
El desenlace es lo que más me frustró. Me hubiera encantado que fuera menos... umm... no sé cómo decirlo, pero lo sentí un poco flojo. Tal y como en otras historias de Linda, sentí que al final todo se resuelve de manera demasiado sencilla. El conflicto, que es que la hermana de Vienne es la portadora de magia oscura, no me pareció que fuera tan impactante como debiera. Y quizá fue porque estaba muy absorta con la muerte del rey. Todavía no puedo creer que haya muerto, me caía muy bien.
Todo el plan de la loca hermana de Vianne pudo ser mil veces mejor, sólo faltó un empujoncito más y que todo dejara de pasar o demasiado rápido o demasiado lento, porque a decir verdad, toda la escena en la que la hermana de Vianne (lo siento pero no recuerdo su nombre) da su monólogo de porqué está haciendo todo eso, yo me aburrí un poco.
Y bueno, fuera de eso, disfruté mucho de el resto de la lectura, me encanta el mor que Urban siente por la pequeña bebé de Vianne. Me gustó toda la parte de los sueños compartidos y lo de Eliot (?) el dragón.
No puedo esperar por el segundo libro, estoy ansiosa por explorar más este maravilloso universo lleno de magia y amor, dos de mis cosas favoritas.
June 10, 2018
2,5 stars
June 7, 2018
I think this was Linda Kage’s first attempt at a fantasy novel and considering that this is pretty good. Overall 3.5 but rounding to 4 as I really did like this and read it in one sitting.
The description basically tells us of a people that have the ability to recognise their soul mate at once due to tattoos, here the Prince of the realm discovers that he too has a true love when he is sent to a neighbouring kingdom, but she is completely off limits (LK likes writing about forbidden love I think!). Now when I read this description I thought urgh it’s going to be the queen but it isn’t so that was a nice bonus. What made this book fun, and Kage even mentions this at the end of the novel, but she has drawn inspiration from some tv shows and books (which happen to be my favourites) like game of thrones, Outlander (Jamie sigh) and supernatural, so there are little Easter eggs in a sense with some phrases and scenes that readers can look out for.
The plot of having a tattoo mark was original and refreshing and Linda has done a great job creating the universe from scratch. You can tell this is the first novel and hopefully the world will be explored more in the following books (5 are due) as this novel mainly just introduced characters and took place in the palace. Although the romance did take centre stage, we do get the fantasy coming through from the dark magic threat and possible invaders.
Main characters, I was not completely taken with them I confess, they were great but they won’t make my top ten couples, Urban does a great job pointing out Vienne’s attributes and how people view them differently which then made the reader realise this more and more. Certainly Vienne’a loyalty and love for others does shine through, however in fantasy I tend to like women how have a bit more spunk. Urban again was a great character, I preferred his interactions with others especially his sister, but of course with Vienne he does loose my favour as because she is off limits he just turns into a sad puppy. The secondary romance between Urban’s sister was amazingly sweet and I was so glad of the conclusions Kage wrote. Nicolette deserves a mention, she is getting her own book which I really cannot wait for, but I can tell already what a great heroine she will be.
Plot: this mainly focuses on the romance I think but that is Kage’s specialty. That is not to say there is action, this mainly happens at the end of the novel though. This was certainly enough to set the scene and I am very curious to see how the country dynamics play out.
Now given the heroine is off limits I will address the ‘cheating’ issues so spoiler spoiler!!
I think this is open to interpretation, urban makes it clear he won’t woo Vienne as she is married (however unhappy) but they do share dream together which they got more intimate...so is dream cheating a thing? That is the question. Otherwise they kiss once I believe whilst she is married
End of spoiler
The only other quibble I had was how many times the phrase ‘one true love’ actually was written but hey that’s nothing
There are many reasons why Linda Kage is one of my favourite authors, I think the top two reasons though actually don’t have anything to do with the books themselves, the first being that LK writes loads of books and seems to bring them out every few months rather than waiting years. Also the main reason and I think all authors need to adopt this, is that if you go to LK’s website she tells you not only the upcoming books and the description and estimated release, but also a running thread of how far along she is with each one, so for instance I know that as of May2018 the next book in the series is 2000 words at the moment, obviously not enough for a novel, but it’s something I can cling to as I am so looking forward to it! I did like Vienne but she seemed a bit of a drip at times, But I loved Nicollette, we have already had a glimpse of her knowledge and she’s a hoot let’s face it.
The description basically tells us of a people that have the ability to recognise their soul mate at once due to tattoos, here the Prince of the realm discovers that he too has a true love when he is sent to a neighbouring kingdom, but she is completely off limits (LK likes writing about forbidden love I think!). Now when I read this description I thought urgh it’s going to be the queen but it isn’t so that was a nice bonus. What made this book fun, and Kage even mentions this at the end of the novel, but she has drawn inspiration from some tv shows and books (which happen to be my favourites) like game of thrones, Outlander (Jamie sigh) and supernatural, so there are little Easter eggs in a sense with some phrases and scenes that readers can look out for.
The plot of having a tattoo mark was original and refreshing and Linda has done a great job creating the universe from scratch. You can tell this is the first novel and hopefully the world will be explored more in the following books (5 are due) as this novel mainly just introduced characters and took place in the palace. Although the romance did take centre stage, we do get the fantasy coming through from the dark magic threat and possible invaders.
Main characters, I was not completely taken with them I confess, they were great but they won’t make my top ten couples, Urban does a great job pointing out Vienne’s attributes and how people view them differently which then made the reader realise this more and more. Certainly Vienne’a loyalty and love for others does shine through, however in fantasy I tend to like women how have a bit more spunk. Urban again was a great character, I preferred his interactions with others especially his sister, but of course with Vienne he does loose my favour as because she is off limits he just turns into a sad puppy. The secondary romance between Urban’s sister was amazingly sweet and I was so glad of the conclusions Kage wrote. Nicolette deserves a mention, she is getting her own book which I really cannot wait for, but I can tell already what a great heroine she will be.
Plot: this mainly focuses on the romance I think but that is Kage’s specialty. That is not to say there is action, this mainly happens at the end of the novel though. This was certainly enough to set the scene and I am very curious to see how the country dynamics play out.
Now given the heroine is off limits I will address the ‘cheating’ issues so spoiler spoiler!!
I think this is open to interpretation, urban makes it clear he won’t woo Vienne as she is married (however unhappy) but they do share dream together which they got more intimate...so is dream cheating a thing? That is the question. Otherwise they kiss once I believe whilst she is married
End of spoiler
The only other quibble I had was how many times the phrase ‘one true love’ actually was written but hey that’s nothing
There are many reasons why Linda Kage is one of my favourite authors, I think the top two reasons though actually don’t have anything to do with the books themselves, the first being that LK writes loads of books and seems to bring them out every few months rather than waiting years. Also the main reason and I think all authors need to adopt this, is that if you go to LK’s website she tells you not only the upcoming books and the description and estimated release, but also a running thread of how far along she is with each one, so for instance I know that as of May2018 the next book in the series is 2000 words at the moment, obviously not enough for a novel, but it’s something I can cling to as I am so looking forward to it! I did like Vienne but she seemed a bit of a drip at times, But I loved Nicollette, we have already had a glimpse of her knowledge and she’s a hoot let’s face it.
May 28, 2018
4.5 Cranky Stars
Give me more please!! I was really into this story and didn’t want to stop reading. I think kids and pets may have gone unnoticed while I dived into this story of betrayal and most of love true love.
Urban is a prince and leader of an army. He decides to follow his sister on her way to another realm where she is to be married to Prince Brentley to secure a union between her realm and his. He isn’t expecting the troublesome tattoo on his face to alert him that his one true love is near. When he seeks her out he learns she is forbidden and stays away. He watches her daily (not in a creepy way people calm down) and visits her in their dreams. When tensions mount and there is a traitor in their midst they come together to defeat a common enemy.
Vienne is living in an arranged marriage to Soren. She isn’t happy and little does she know that the handsome Prince Urban claims she’s his one true love. She gives birth to a beautiful daughter but doesn’t understand why she came back to the land of the living. When she starts to have strange dreams she seeks out Prince Urbans sister Princess Allera to tell her more about the mark. What she doesn’t expect to experience the ultimate betrayal at the hands of people who claim to love her.
I was into this book hardcore. I have never read a Linda Kage book but it was always on my short list of authors to read. I wasn’t sure how I would feel given it’s set in older times but I was so enthralled I couldn’t stop. They did use a lot of modern slang so maybe that made up for it I suppose. I loved Allera and Brently. They were the cutest together and Allera is a kick butt chick. I loved how spirited Nicolette was she was not concerned with decorum. Soren and Yasmin well you got what you deserved. Jerks all of you!! Caulder needed to grow a pair. I mean seriously I guess love is blind in this case. The chemistry between Urban and Vienne was like fireworks.
Their relationship was a slow burn that made my kindle smoke. I absolutely loved this story and I hope there is more!!
Give me more please!! I was really into this story and didn’t want to stop reading. I think kids and pets may have gone unnoticed while I dived into this story of betrayal and most of love true love.
Urban is a prince and leader of an army. He decides to follow his sister on her way to another realm where she is to be married to Prince Brentley to secure a union between her realm and his. He isn’t expecting the troublesome tattoo on his face to alert him that his one true love is near. When he seeks her out he learns she is forbidden and stays away. He watches her daily (not in a creepy way people calm down) and visits her in their dreams. When tensions mount and there is a traitor in their midst they come together to defeat a common enemy.
Vienne is living in an arranged marriage to Soren. She isn’t happy and little does she know that the handsome Prince Urban claims she’s his one true love. She gives birth to a beautiful daughter but doesn’t understand why she came back to the land of the living. When she starts to have strange dreams she seeks out Prince Urbans sister Princess Allera to tell her more about the mark. What she doesn’t expect to experience the ultimate betrayal at the hands of people who claim to love her.
I was into this book hardcore. I have never read a Linda Kage book but it was always on my short list of authors to read. I wasn’t sure how I would feel given it’s set in older times but I was so enthralled I couldn’t stop. They did use a lot of modern slang so maybe that made up for it I suppose. I loved Allera and Brently. They were the cutest together and Allera is a kick butt chick. I loved how spirited Nicolette was she was not concerned with decorum. Soren and Yasmin well you got what you deserved. Jerks all of you!! Caulder needed to grow a pair. I mean seriously I guess love is blind in this case. The chemistry between Urban and Vienne was like fireworks.
Their relationship was a slow burn that made my kindle smoke. I absolutely loved this story and I hope there is more!!
June 6, 2018
One True Love takes us on an emotional journey that shows us the true depths of love. Linda Kage creates a fantastical world where everyone has a one true love, even those whom don't believe they do. Allera and Urban are brother and sister who come from a land that marks your face to alert you of when you met your true love. Their kingdom is the only one who practices this. After Allera's one true love died her father, the King, arranged a marriage to a prince in a fairly new kingdom. Urban comes along for the ride. Once there he meets his one true love and learns she is definitely forbidden. Completely. While his heart breaks, he vows to make sure she's always happy but from a distance. Here we learn what true love looks like.
Urban, at first, comes off completely cocky and you aren't sure if you'll like his brand of confidence. You learn quickly he's so easy to call in love with. He would willingly sacrifice himself to make sure his one true love is fine, happy, and content. He's so protective of Vienne and his sister that it was a nice change of pace from the back and forth you get from guys in books nowadays. Vienne was steadfastly loyal. She stayed loyal no matter how much she was tempted to stray to her one true love. She was so smart, and helped lead the kingdom with her brother in law the King. I truly thought she was a breath of fresh air.
Now why did I rate it four stars? How could I have loved the book SO much and not given it five? Honestly I wanted to. I just couldn't get past how predictable the suspense and who done it was. I knew from the very beginning who the bad guys were. I wasn't shocked at all. It also made me question how smart some of the characters around them were to never figure it out. Although is was predictable, I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the world. I enjoyed the love story. Urban gives us a glimpse of how far someone who is very much in love will go to be selfless.
Urban, at first, comes off completely cocky and you aren't sure if you'll like his brand of confidence. You learn quickly he's so easy to call in love with. He would willingly sacrifice himself to make sure his one true love is fine, happy, and content. He's so protective of Vienne and his sister that it was a nice change of pace from the back and forth you get from guys in books nowadays. Vienne was steadfastly loyal. She stayed loyal no matter how much she was tempted to stray to her one true love. She was so smart, and helped lead the kingdom with her brother in law the King. I truly thought she was a breath of fresh air.
Now why did I rate it four stars? How could I have loved the book SO much and not given it five? Honestly I wanted to. I just couldn't get past how predictable the suspense and who done it was. I knew from the very beginning who the bad guys were. I wasn't shocked at all. It also made me question how smart some of the characters around them were to never figure it out. Although is was predictable, I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the world. I enjoyed the love story. Urban gives us a glimpse of how far someone who is very much in love will go to be selfless.
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