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Crown of Shadows and Stars #1
Finding Jaslynn
I fled my palace home to escape an unwanted marriage and stumbled into the arms of five potential mates. Yes, five.
One fanged genie, four badass bandits, and a plus-one princess—me—forced together in an unconventional relationship that will save our world and yours, if we can figure out how to work together and fall in love.
That’s a pretty big if.
Oh, I should probably mention, there are a few added obstacles, standing in the way of my save-the-world success:
1. My father’s snake-taming sidekick and seer put a bounty on my head. Avoiding his dark riders and the brutal pirates that roam the desert is no easy task.
2. I don’t know how to charge my mom’s magic carpet. Did I mention I suck at magic?
3. My companion, a sand cat, is missing and may be dead.
4. A supposed friend sold me to one of the above mentioned pirates.
5. I refuse to be bullied into a relationship no matter how tempting my new suitors are. These five protective and deliciously different alpha males may have claimed me, but I get to choose my fate, ancient prophecy or not.
If you’re betting on my success, take notes. I’ve lived a sheltered life inside a pristine palace, until now. So you might want to settle your affairs because I can’t guarantee I’ll beat the bad guys. But if my wannabe mates have their way, you should be good to plan your next vacation, wedding…meal. Choose wisely.
I’ll do the same. Promise.
Disclaimer: Finding Jaslynn is a fairy tale retelling reminiscent of Aladdin and The Arabian Nights. It is for readers 18 and older due to language, adult themes and sexual situations. There are events that could be considered triggers for some readers. Despite the dark fantasy elements, you can expect humor, no cheating, and a happily ever after. For those new to the genre, this is a “Why Choose” Romance, often referred to as Reverse Harem Romance. This is the first volume of a book duet (two book series).
Beware! There is a cliffhanger, but book two Saving Jaslynn will come fast and is up for pre-order now. HEA is coming!
One fanged genie, four badass bandits, and a plus-one princess—me—forced together in an unconventional relationship that will save our world and yours, if we can figure out how to work together and fall in love.
That’s a pretty big if.
Oh, I should probably mention, there are a few added obstacles, standing in the way of my save-the-world success:
1. My father’s snake-taming sidekick and seer put a bounty on my head. Avoiding his dark riders and the brutal pirates that roam the desert is no easy task.
2. I don’t know how to charge my mom’s magic carpet. Did I mention I suck at magic?
3. My companion, a sand cat, is missing and may be dead.
4. A supposed friend sold me to one of the above mentioned pirates.
5. I refuse to be bullied into a relationship no matter how tempting my new suitors are. These five protective and deliciously different alpha males may have claimed me, but I get to choose my fate, ancient prophecy or not.
If you’re betting on my success, take notes. I’ve lived a sheltered life inside a pristine palace, until now. So you might want to settle your affairs because I can’t guarantee I’ll beat the bad guys. But if my wannabe mates have their way, you should be good to plan your next vacation, wedding…meal. Choose wisely.
I’ll do the same. Promise.
Disclaimer: Finding Jaslynn is a fairy tale retelling reminiscent of Aladdin and The Arabian Nights. It is for readers 18 and older due to language, adult themes and sexual situations. There are events that could be considered triggers for some readers. Despite the dark fantasy elements, you can expect humor, no cheating, and a happily ever after. For those new to the genre, this is a “Why Choose” Romance, often referred to as Reverse Harem Romance. This is the first volume of a book duet (two book series).
Beware! There is a cliffhanger, but book two Saving Jaslynn will come fast and is up for pre-order now. HEA is coming!
- GenresFantasyWhy Choose
200 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2019
44 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Riley
22 books183 followersC.L. Riley makes her home in rainy Oregon with several furry friends. She is a vivacious reader whose love for reading became a passion for writing.
She enjoys reading almost anything but has a major soft spot for broken, bad boy, alpha males, and has found a new love for MC (biker) romances. You will find her reading and writing dark romance, WhyChoose romance, dark fantasy, paranormal romance, and erotic suspense. Though you can expect a wide range of future projects as she ventures into other genres.
Taking time for her readers is always a priority and she will do her very best to respond to your queries. She hopes you will visit her online.
She enjoys reading almost anything but has a major soft spot for broken, bad boy, alpha males, and has found a new love for MC (biker) romances. You will find her reading and writing dark romance, WhyChoose romance, dark fantasy, paranormal romance, and erotic suspense. Though you can expect a wide range of future projects as she ventures into other genres.
Taking time for her readers is always a priority and she will do her very best to respond to your queries. She hopes you will visit her online.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 5, 2019
This book was everywhere for me. I just couldn’t seem to push through but also didn’t want to DNF it at the same time. The writing style felt jumpy and I was constantly confused on what was going on and where the ‘new’ information had come from.
The plot line was interesting in idea but once again I just couldn’t get into it. It felt like a lot of the big moments or twists weren’t needed. At one point one of the harem members just starts ignoring Jaslynn for no reason it seems, and we’re only given the actual excuse a few chapters later.
This book also consisted of mostly ‘telling’ (not showing) the reader everything and by the end I had no emotional attachment to anyone. Only one of the harem stood out is different, and that was because of unnecessary drama.
I think I’m just trying to say that I was bored whilst reading it and will not be continuing with book two, though I guess it all depends on what type of writing style you like to read...
The plot line was interesting in idea but once again I just couldn’t get into it. It felt like a lot of the big moments or twists weren’t needed. At one point one of the harem members just starts ignoring Jaslynn for no reason it seems, and we’re only given the actual excuse a few chapters later.
This book also consisted of mostly ‘telling’ (not showing) the reader everything and by the end I had no emotional attachment to anyone. Only one of the harem stood out is different, and that was because of unnecessary drama.
I think I’m just trying to say that I was bored whilst reading it and will not be continuing with book two, though I guess it all depends on what type of writing style you like to read...
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September 10, 2019I think this might be a great book for some, but the writing style just wasn't working for me. Nothing against the author or the content.
January 18, 2020
A whole new world
Jaslynn knew that she wouldn't be allowed to rule. Only men can command, no matter how noble your birth. So, hearing that her maiden days were at an end wasn't surprising. Learning that of she didn't choose one of those nobles being thrown at her means that she'll be given to the snake whispering in her father's ear, that was the shocker. It gives her the courage to leave, though, and that's what starts this adventure.
War, Kaz, Jam and Faze (the names we're given but not their real) have banded together in a union based on thievery for profit. Their latest journey has them following the tale of a map. A map that an old woman says they don't need, while handing them a different map. Ears filled with words of saving a princess send them into a very different world. One where magic is real and the princess they're out to rescue isn't exactly as described.
Spoilers ahead.
So, this is clearly an Aladdin rewrite. Only instead of 1 street rat turned prince, Jaslynn accrues 4 thieves, a geenie, a highly secretive sidekick, a sand cat that isn't exactly a sand cat and a hatchling from a giant hawk's nest. Oh, and there's a flying carpet that needs charging, however that's supposed to occur. S...( I'm not going to even attempt spell his name) is highly reminiscent of Jafar. Complete with snake sidekick. The king (not sultan, although the horses are called Arabians, you figure that out) is under his spell, same as Disney has it. And the gennie is described as blue, shades of (he he punny) Robin Williams. Although, for a twist, he has fangs and isn't afraid to use them. While many things remain true to their fairy tale origins (the cleaner versions, at least, djinn can be described horrifically depending on the legend) many other things are changed. Whispers of real magic in our world, realm crossing and a complete lack of technology in the world they cross into are starters. World building is both decent and scant. Some hints and shading are done but a LOT is left vague or ignored. Then there's the bonding that's supposed to be being done between the main characters. Of the 4 guys one is a jerk who's being pined for, 2 seem like placeholders and 1 wants in but is hanging back. Then we have a nomad who has shown interest, but doesn't seem to fit the prophecy, and a vampiric geenie who does. Add in the secretive sidekick who helps, except when she isn't helpful at all, and things are more than a little odd. This band of merry thieves is fracturing, the princess has a spine but still defers to too many others and I almost forgot the gnome like trolls. I'm hoping the weaving smooths out in book 2 because chasing loose threads is not as fun as it sounds. Oh, and there are many grammatical errors, too.
Jaslynn knew that she wouldn't be allowed to rule. Only men can command, no matter how noble your birth. So, hearing that her maiden days were at an end wasn't surprising. Learning that of she didn't choose one of those nobles being thrown at her means that she'll be given to the snake whispering in her father's ear, that was the shocker. It gives her the courage to leave, though, and that's what starts this adventure.
War, Kaz, Jam and Faze (the names we're given but not their real) have banded together in a union based on thievery for profit. Their latest journey has them following the tale of a map. A map that an old woman says they don't need, while handing them a different map. Ears filled with words of saving a princess send them into a very different world. One where magic is real and the princess they're out to rescue isn't exactly as described.
Spoilers ahead.
So, this is clearly an Aladdin rewrite. Only instead of 1 street rat turned prince, Jaslynn accrues 4 thieves, a geenie, a highly secretive sidekick, a sand cat that isn't exactly a sand cat and a hatchling from a giant hawk's nest. Oh, and there's a flying carpet that needs charging, however that's supposed to occur. S...( I'm not going to even attempt spell his name) is highly reminiscent of Jafar. Complete with snake sidekick. The king (not sultan, although the horses are called Arabians, you figure that out) is under his spell, same as Disney has it. And the gennie is described as blue, shades of (he he punny) Robin Williams. Although, for a twist, he has fangs and isn't afraid to use them. While many things remain true to their fairy tale origins (the cleaner versions, at least, djinn can be described horrifically depending on the legend) many other things are changed. Whispers of real magic in our world, realm crossing and a complete lack of technology in the world they cross into are starters. World building is both decent and scant. Some hints and shading are done but a LOT is left vague or ignored. Then there's the bonding that's supposed to be being done between the main characters. Of the 4 guys one is a jerk who's being pined for, 2 seem like placeholders and 1 wants in but is hanging back. Then we have a nomad who has shown interest, but doesn't seem to fit the prophecy, and a vampiric geenie who does. Add in the secretive sidekick who helps, except when she isn't helpful at all, and things are more than a little odd. This band of merry thieves is fracturing, the princess has a spine but still defers to too many others and I almost forgot the gnome like trolls. I'm hoping the weaving smooths out in book 2 because chasing loose threads is not as fun as it sounds. Oh, and there are many grammatical errors, too.
September 8, 2019
A fairy tale with a twist, it's adult and a mix of modern and old conveniences. So cars, phones ect verses horses, camels and magic. A very interesting take on something I loved as a child brought up to date and age for an adult, it still has the fantasy element and magic but it is also a lot more adult. This is a two part story so ends on a bit of a cliff but I feel is very worth reading and committing to two books, there is plenty of plot to keep it interesting and a bit suspenseful, a whole lot exciting and the twists during reading mean you don't get to comfortable In anticipating what's going to happen. I have already pre ordered book two and am looking forward to diving in. Fantasy at its best.
January 20, 2020
Four bad boy thieves, one badass genie with fangs, and a pampered princess who isn't required to choose? Oh, and they're on a mission to save not just one world, but two. Ours and theirs. And to top things off, there's really cool animals. Some even talk! LOL. One is rather sassy and sarcastic.
This is a slow burn, reverse harem fantasy romance, loosely based on Aladdin. Definitely a "whole new world." Magical!
This is a slow burn, reverse harem fantasy romance, loosely based on Aladdin. Definitely a "whole new world." Magical!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews