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Magic Bound #1
Flicker and Flame
Kenna is a human in a magic biased world, but a night at the club changes everything. There she meets four sexy strangers who unbind the magic she never knew she had.
Now she needs their help to train her wild and unpredictable magic, and to find the truth of who she really is before someone she loves gets hurt.
She is tormented by events in her past, and the secret she has guarded for so long threatens to destroy everything.
Now she needs their help to train her wild and unpredictable magic, and to find the truth of who she really is before someone she loves gets hurt.
She is tormented by events in her past, and the secret she has guarded for so long threatens to destroy everything.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2020
590 people are currently reading
725 people want to read
About the author
Willow Hayes
7 books89 followersI'm a Washington State native where I live in a tiny house with my kiddo, surrounded by all that is green.
On the rare occasion that I'm not writing...
I can be found working on my green thumb, which, considering I used to kill all the the green things, is an improvement.
Behind my camera capturing memories with my kiddo at the beach, on a trail, or just because.
Or holding my bow, pretending to be Katniss, which clearly I'm not.
Proud Hufflepuff
Self professed nerd (and proud of it)
Fiery Irish lass
And reverse harem author
On the rare occasion that I'm not writing...
I can be found working on my green thumb, which, considering I used to kill all the the green things, is an improvement.
Behind my camera capturing memories with my kiddo at the beach, on a trail, or just because.
Or holding my bow, pretending to be Katniss, which clearly I'm not.
Proud Hufflepuff
Self professed nerd (and proud of it)
Fiery Irish lass
And reverse harem author
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
December 2, 2023
The magic system will be the deciding factor, in my continued interest in this series. All that whinning! Makes me want to... #IAWThoughts
12/1/2023
Okay so I found the book after covid. Then earlier this year I got ahold of the audio. Took a trip into LGBT romance and erotica. Found my way through psycops and fantasy.
To a very interesting magic system. I can't stop thinking about. As soon as my credit card transitions limit resets. I'm going to finish the rest of this series. Cause they were the ones on my last purchase list.
After this third read! It's still a 3 ⭐'s rating for me. What is missing! I really can't say. Is it the unseen queen. Is it her minions. How did they know who she was. But waited until after her Chosen's identity was revealed. Before attacking the foster children, bestie, and father figure. I mean she was in foster care. Kids go missing a.k.a. runaway all the time.
Besides it really helps, to get an understanding of writing in multiple spouse...consort...mate, subject matter..troph...plot beat..
Hey I've only been writing for 4 years. Just got started on short story's so yeah. That's my thoughts
12/1/2023
Okay so I found the book after covid. Then earlier this year I got ahold of the audio. Took a trip into LGBT romance and erotica. Found my way through psycops and fantasy.
To a very interesting magic system. I can't stop thinking about. As soon as my credit card transitions limit resets. I'm going to finish the rest of this series. Cause they were the ones on my last purchase list.
After this third read! It's still a 3 ⭐'s rating for me. What is missing! I really can't say. Is it the unseen queen. Is it her minions. How did they know who she was. But waited until after her Chosen's identity was revealed. Before attacking the foster children, bestie, and father figure. I mean she was in foster care. Kids go missing a.k.a. runaway all the time.
Besides it really helps, to get an understanding of writing in multiple spouse...consort...mate, subject matter..troph...plot beat..
Hey I've only been writing for 4 years. Just got started on short story's so yeah. That's my thoughts
February 8, 2024
1 man is toxic imagine 4 nope
October 20, 2020
Just so you know this book is a slow-burn so they aren't instantly gonna get it on, but the build-up is oh so sweet!! There is such promise for the books to come
The relationship development is a lot more real than insta-love and takes into account the heroine's background. This is where the slow-burn really shines because when they get there it's going to make the wait so worth it!
The depth of the characters is absolutely brilliant for the first in a series. There is fantastic detail and each character has their time to shine. You really get a feel for Kenna and her life, there is a lot of sass bundled up in her and I love it! She hasn’t had the easiest upbringing and is determined to make things better for the kids under her care. As for her guys, the author makes a point to hook us from the start with them, and then she shines some light onto each one of them at a time. There is fantastic chemistry between Kenna and her guys that make you laugh along with them and root for them when things go wrong. Along with some fabulous side characters you have fun reading this story.
The world-building is really exciting. We get to learn how each race views each other and how they have to live in harmony. We see how the dynamics have been skewed and are being abused by those in power. As Kenna learns more about herself and her past, which the memories remained dormant until the fated night she meets her boys; she reconciles to fix the broken system.
A fantastic start to a series and I’m about to jump into book 2!!! I can’t wait to see what happens and how this group is going to react. So it’s time to stop reading this review and download the book
The relationship development is a lot more real than insta-love and takes into account the heroine's background. This is where the slow-burn really shines because when they get there it's going to make the wait so worth it!
The depth of the characters is absolutely brilliant for the first in a series. There is fantastic detail and each character has their time to shine. You really get a feel for Kenna and her life, there is a lot of sass bundled up in her and I love it! She hasn’t had the easiest upbringing and is determined to make things better for the kids under her care. As for her guys, the author makes a point to hook us from the start with them, and then she shines some light onto each one of them at a time. There is fantastic chemistry between Kenna and her guys that make you laugh along with them and root for them when things go wrong. Along with some fabulous side characters you have fun reading this story.
The world-building is really exciting. We get to learn how each race views each other and how they have to live in harmony. We see how the dynamics have been skewed and are being abused by those in power. As Kenna learns more about herself and her past, which the memories remained dormant until the fated night she meets her boys; she reconciles to fix the broken system.
A fantastic start to a series and I’m about to jump into book 2!!! I can’t wait to see what happens and how this group is going to react. So it’s time to stop reading this review and download the book
October 9, 2020
Oh wow, I so very much enjoyed this new start to a new series.
Jenna has not had an easy life with having lost memories, being in not good foster homes and abusive foster parents. But she rises above her past and makes something of herself to help others. She is a social worker, who is not going to let kids slip through like she did. One night out on the town with her friend turns her life up side down. Welcome to her new life.
Guys, this was really so, so good. I could not put my kindle down. I cannot wait to find out how Jenna deals with everything that is going to be coming her way. She is such a fun female lead and I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. Would highly recommend.
Jenna has not had an easy life with having lost memories, being in not good foster homes and abusive foster parents. But she rises above her past and makes something of herself to help others. She is a social worker, who is not going to let kids slip through like she did. One night out on the town with her friend turns her life up side down. Welcome to her new life.
Guys, this was really so, so good. I could not put my kindle down. I cannot wait to find out how Jenna deals with everything that is going to be coming her way. She is such a fun female lead and I found myself rooting for her from the beginning. Would highly recommend.
Want to read
August 24, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/24/2020)! 🎁
February 6, 2024
I don't know why but I actually hate this book.
The World building didn't make much sense, I understand that they were a lot of different types of abilities and magic and wolves but it didn't feel that way. It just feels like a normal world and then sometimes they mention that there is magic and I'm like a little confused. And also to know that the main character is a princess that has so much power and never actually even use it. She did use it but not as much as I thought she would have.
I felt frustrated it was so slow that I actually could have come back later in the chapters and the same things would be happening example she's keep training and her talking about her foster kids. I was out I didn't really want to listen to this book and the fact that she has five mates and nothing really happened was even more frustrating. They all had the same personality in a sense. The ending was actually interested I really hated the pedophile child murderer and I hated even more that his death was so quick that it made me even more angry.
Another thing that was so annoying is that she keep victim blaming herself for being raped as a child and not protecting another child in the foster care system. I understand why she think that but it became so annoying that I started to hate her. By knowing this knowledge I even forgot that this was a magical book. I wasn't prepared to have such a dark backstory for her that I did not enjoy it at all.
And another thing she has five mates and none of them could actually protect her, what the hell!!
The World building didn't make much sense, I understand that they were a lot of different types of abilities and magic and wolves but it didn't feel that way. It just feels like a normal world and then sometimes they mention that there is magic and I'm like a little confused. And also to know that the main character is a princess that has so much power and never actually even use it. She did use it but not as much as I thought she would have.
I felt frustrated it was so slow that I actually could have come back later in the chapters and the same things would be happening example she's keep training and her talking about her foster kids. I was out I didn't really want to listen to this book and the fact that she has five mates and nothing really happened was even more frustrating. They all had the same personality in a sense. The ending was actually interested I really hated the pedophile child murderer and I hated even more that his death was so quick that it made me even more angry.
Another thing that was so annoying is that she keep victim blaming herself for being raped as a child and not protecting another child in the foster care system. I understand why she think that but it became so annoying that I started to hate her. By knowing this knowledge I even forgot that this was a magical book. I wasn't prepared to have such a dark backstory for her that I did not enjoy it at all.
And another thing she has five mates and none of them could actually protect her, what the hell!!
November 15, 2020
Flicker and Flame by Willow Hayes is a reverse harem paranormal romance novel that introduces readers to a character who has lived her life believing that she is human only to discover that locked inside her is magic that marks her as the true heir to the throne. She’s not ready for the threats that are quickly coming her way, but with the help of her men she just might be able to survive and move forward toward her true path.
Flicker and Flame is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I was really hopeful about it. The blurb really piqued my interest about Kenna and her road to reclaiming what is rightfully hers, but I felt that this book ends up falling a bit flat for me. Kenna has some interesting moments as a character, and I really like her friend Rya. I love how we get some really interesting character descriptions and how unique most of them are. We get a couple characters that we’ll love to absolutely hate. These characters bring some life to the story in spots which help to engage me back into the story. I loved reading about Kenna’s work as a social worker and how she helped the children in her care. There are some really heartwarming moments and then there are a couple of absolutely heartbreaking moments as well.
My biggest issue with this story is how quickly things move…mentally (?) with the guys and Kenna. She’s met them once and her “heart twists painfully at the thought of them”? Why? There is an insta-attraction between them, but it wasn’t “insta-love.” Then for almost half the book it’s the guys training and working with Kenna. I felt that it was a bit much. A couple chapters of it, that’d be fine, but for there to be so much focus on it. There are a couple of interesting moments mixed in, but it’s a lot to get through just to have those occasional interesting moments.
Now, if you’re looking for some steamy moments to drool over…this book is more of a slow-burn in my opinion. There are some kissing, some teasing, and a bit of “playing” but there isn’t really anything truly steamy going on.
I’m rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. The book is okay, but it’s not one that I’d rave about. It has good moments, but they are scattered throughout. I had to push myself to get through certain parts in the hopes that the storyline would pick up and get more interesting, but that only happens closer to the last few chapters. I’m hopeful that the next book will be an improvement, but book one didn’t really meet my expectations.
Flicker and Flame is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I was really hopeful about it. The blurb really piqued my interest about Kenna and her road to reclaiming what is rightfully hers, but I felt that this book ends up falling a bit flat for me. Kenna has some interesting moments as a character, and I really like her friend Rya. I love how we get some really interesting character descriptions and how unique most of them are. We get a couple characters that we’ll love to absolutely hate. These characters bring some life to the story in spots which help to engage me back into the story. I loved reading about Kenna’s work as a social worker and how she helped the children in her care. There are some really heartwarming moments and then there are a couple of absolutely heartbreaking moments as well.
My biggest issue with this story is how quickly things move…mentally (?) with the guys and Kenna. She’s met them once and her “heart twists painfully at the thought of them”? Why? There is an insta-attraction between them, but it wasn’t “insta-love.” Then for almost half the book it’s the guys training and working with Kenna. I felt that it was a bit much. A couple chapters of it, that’d be fine, but for there to be so much focus on it. There are a couple of interesting moments mixed in, but it’s a lot to get through just to have those occasional interesting moments.
Now, if you’re looking for some steamy moments to drool over…this book is more of a slow-burn in my opinion. There are some kissing, some teasing, and a bit of “playing” but there isn’t really anything truly steamy going on.
I’m rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. The book is okay, but it’s not one that I’d rave about. It has good moments, but they are scattered throughout. I had to push myself to get through certain parts in the hopes that the storyline would pick up and get more interesting, but that only happens closer to the last few chapters. I’m hopeful that the next book will be an improvement, but book one didn’t really meet my expectations.
November 8, 2020
Wow
What an explosive start to a new series! Kenna is a fantastic social worker in a world where paranormals exist. She believes she is human until a random encounter with four guys brings about magical changes. Overtime she learns she is the missing princess and heir to the throne even though her magic had been bound. To survive she starts training to become better so she can be safe. The guys are her Chosen giving them a magical connection which will be vital as events start snowballing throwing her into danger. Makes for a fast paced story that leads to a cliff hanger ending sure to please fans of paranormal reverse harem. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
What an explosive start to a new series! Kenna is a fantastic social worker in a world where paranormals exist. She believes she is human until a random encounter with four guys brings about magical changes. Overtime she learns she is the missing princess and heir to the throne even though her magic had been bound. To survive she starts training to become better so she can be safe. The guys are her Chosen giving them a magical connection which will be vital as events start snowballing throwing her into danger. Makes for a fast paced story that leads to a cliff hanger ending sure to please fans of paranormal reverse harem. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
September 28, 2020
Wow this story was freaking fantastic!!!! Absolutely loved it!!! Ok so this is a slow burn. Now I usually am not a fan of slow burns. But this storyline and just the buildup over all was enough for me. The guys sound gorgeous. And I cannot make up my mind which one I like more. I really hope we see more of Akito in the next book. I won’t give away spoilers so you will just need to read this one to know what I’m talking about. Definitely a must read. You will love The main character Keanna and her guys. So need the next book.
October 13, 2020
Kenna (FMC) has a night out with a friend and a chance meeting with 4 hot men - Luka, Teo, Koa and Callum turns her life completely upside down. Opens her up to a world that she had no idea about as well as finding out secrets about her and her background. A slow burn RH book and a quite longish read for a first book in the series i think. Still the story flowed quite quickly and all the characters including Akito the Kitsune (Awwwww hes a cutie an i cant wait until he changes. Im sure he'll be a handful!!) A brilliant read and with that ending i cant wait for the next book now
January 17, 2024
Has potential
A fairly undemanding read (although trigger warnings needed for child abuse recollections) but it could do with some more work imho. There is foreshadowing which operates more like a blunt instrument than a subtle clue, for eg. And it's a bit lacking in world building, I still feel a bit clueless as to how the world is set up, even as to whether it's a secondary world or not.
But I liked the characters enough to finish it, and I'll probably read the next as it's in KU. I don't think I'd buy it outright though.
A fairly undemanding read (although trigger warnings needed for child abuse recollections) but it could do with some more work imho. There is foreshadowing which operates more like a blunt instrument than a subtle clue, for eg. And it's a bit lacking in world building, I still feel a bit clueless as to how the world is set up, even as to whether it's a secondary world or not.
But I liked the characters enough to finish it, and I'll probably read the next as it's in KU. I don't think I'd buy it outright though.
December 23, 2022
4⭐️
1🌶
▪️RH
▪️ Fantasy
▪️ Check trigger warnings
Kenna- FMC, works as a social worker and spends her time training foster children in self defence. Kenna believes she's human and it takes her awhile to accept what she is and let go of her human life.
Rya- best friend and roommate
Akito- Kasumi pet who can shift once over 100 years old
The Harem-
Nakoa/Koa- Koa is a sentinel, which is a supernatural who tend to be guards. He is described as having a feather in his hair and being built like a bear. He builds furniture and has Rune tattoos everywhere.
Teo-Teo is a wolf shifter who plays piano and tends to spend the most time with Kenna in book 1.
Calum-Calum is a Air Fae who helps Kenna with her magic. He cooks and has face tattoos he's around 250 years old.
Luka- Luka is a dhampir (half vampire). He tends to get discriminated because of his blood. He wears glasses and is a whizz with computers.
Kenna meets her guys in a club. She dancers with them and they start to unlock her magic. They soon discover they are connected and the guys need to protect Kenna as she's a royal and the rightful heir to the throne. The story continues as we learn more about Kenna, her past and the relationship grows with the guys.
I enjoyed this I think it might get a little silly if they add to many mates.
1🌶
▪️RH
▪️ Fantasy
▪️ Check trigger warnings
Kenna- FMC, works as a social worker and spends her time training foster children in self defence. Kenna believes she's human and it takes her awhile to accept what she is and let go of her human life.
Rya- best friend and roommate
Akito- Kasumi pet who can shift once over 100 years old
The Harem-
Nakoa/Koa- Koa is a sentinel, which is a supernatural who tend to be guards. He is described as having a feather in his hair and being built like a bear. He builds furniture and has Rune tattoos everywhere.
Teo-Teo is a wolf shifter who plays piano and tends to spend the most time with Kenna in book 1.
Calum-Calum is a Air Fae who helps Kenna with her magic. He cooks and has face tattoos he's around 250 years old.
Luka- Luka is a dhampir (half vampire). He tends to get discriminated because of his blood. He wears glasses and is a whizz with computers.
Kenna meets her guys in a club. She dancers with them and they start to unlock her magic. They soon discover they are connected and the guys need to protect Kenna as she's a royal and the rightful heir to the throne. The story continues as we learn more about Kenna, her past and the relationship grows with the guys.
I enjoyed this I think it might get a little silly if they add to many mates.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2021
It only takes one night at a club for Kenna, a human, to have her life turned upside down. There, she meets four sexy as sin men who unknowingly unbind the magic she was unaware she possesses. Now, they must help train her to use her magic, and figure out who she is. Then there is the issue of Kenna being tormented by her past, and threatened by an unknown source. Can her men protect her? Will all of her past secrets be revealed? And who is Kenna?
This is an amazing beginning to this new series! The storyline is awesome! I loved it! Kenna is an incredible FMC, who has had a horrible past, and has worked really hard to overcome it. I love her determination, her protectiveness, and her “take no crap”, sarcastic personality! And her men are oh so swoon worthy! I absolutely fell in love with them!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see where the story goes next! I would definitely recommend this fantastic book!
This is an amazing beginning to this new series! The storyline is awesome! I loved it! Kenna is an incredible FMC, who has had a horrible past, and has worked really hard to overcome it. I love her determination, her protectiveness, and her “take no crap”, sarcastic personality! And her men are oh so swoon worthy! I absolutely fell in love with them!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see where the story goes next! I would definitely recommend this fantastic book!
July 24, 2025
Update on the below review, now I've read the series. I am glad I stuck with it! I stand by book 1, but book 2 was better and book 3 was even better. A satisfying series.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
# Original review #
Even though I enjoyed the book, for some reason I struggled between 3 and 3.5/4.
Maybe because it's on the edge of being great but falls at the weakest hurdles. Not sure where, but something just snaps me out of the world...a phrase here or there...just misses the mark.
About the book
1st, triggers!!! Big big big ones. It's not just talk of sexual abuse, but reliving scenes suggesting, leading up to the SA through the FMC's POV. There are others but the writing was so well structured around these bits, it needed to be said. Also well done to the author for telling the story and laying out the effects it can have on survivors, including the self-blame and trauma.
This is a paranormal, RH, fated mates, human to more book, and part of a series.
Written in multiple POVs, the FMC and 4 MMCs. We meet at the start of the change.
I like the FMC and the MMCs, although there is more build needed on the MMCs and the world with its politics. I like the idea around it, and the slow burn with high spice. I read this as an audiobook and one thing it needed was a dual narrative. The female version of one of the MMCs makes him sound weird, and when you hear him through the male narrator it is hard to match them up.
In the end, I think I could live without reading the rest of the series, but I find the characters and writing style okay, and the possibilities are enough to push me onto book 2.
3.3 stars
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
# Original review #
Even though I enjoyed the book, for some reason I struggled between 3 and 3.5/4.
Maybe because it's on the edge of being great but falls at the weakest hurdles. Not sure where, but something just snaps me out of the world...a phrase here or there...just misses the mark.
About the book
1st, triggers!!! Big big big ones. It's not just talk of sexual abuse, but reliving scenes suggesting, leading up to the SA through the FMC's POV. There are others but the writing was so well structured around these bits, it needed to be said. Also well done to the author for telling the story and laying out the effects it can have on survivors, including the self-blame and trauma.
This is a paranormal, RH, fated mates, human to more book, and part of a series.
Written in multiple POVs, the FMC and 4 MMCs. We meet at the start of the change.
I like the FMC and the MMCs, although there is more build needed on the MMCs and the world with its politics. I like the idea around it, and the slow burn with high spice. I read this as an audiobook and one thing it needed was a dual narrative. The female version of one of the MMCs makes him sound weird, and when you hear him through the male narrator it is hard to match them up.
In the end, I think I could live without reading the rest of the series, but I find the characters and writing style okay, and the possibilities are enough to push me onto book 2.
3.3 stars
May 26, 2022
Terrible beginning but slowly improves.
I was about ready to DNF this book for quite a while. Thankfully, the story slowly improved. I have to admit though, Kenna (FMC) is still not my favorite. I kinda want to bash her face in to give her something better to cry about. This girl…she runs away from everything, she deny’s everything, and she cries about everything. Then she runs her mouth all cocky-like and pretends to be a tough girl. Bi*ch, if you were tough, you wouldn’t be such a coward.
Anyway, please refer to my notes and highlights for more. I’ll write a full review at the end of the series…if I make it that far.
I was about ready to DNF this book for quite a while. Thankfully, the story slowly improved. I have to admit though, Kenna (FMC) is still not my favorite. I kinda want to bash her face in to give her something better to cry about. This girl…she runs away from everything, she deny’s everything, and she cries about everything. Then she runs her mouth all cocky-like and pretends to be a tough girl. Bi*ch, if you were tough, you wouldn’t be such a coward.
Anyway, please refer to my notes and highlights for more. I’ll write a full review at the end of the series…if I make it that far.
Read
February 22, 2024DNF 𖤍 I'm sorry but, I'm not seeing what the other reviewers are seeing. At ALL.
THOUGHTS
Kenna, FMC, is a social worker with a foster past. She is out dancing with some hotties and she gets hit with a crown tattoo... and that sets her down a path...
Training MONTAGGGGGES.
Kenna + 4 dudes... and not as sexy as you would imagine a reverse harem would be.
👀 POV: 1st person, multiple MCs
🎧Audiobook Narrator(s):
✅ Troy Duran (I only got this because of Troy. Soooo I blame this on his very sexy voice, which there wasn't enough of to make this ok - he doesn't even get going until chapter 8)
👎 Stephanie Rose (I am not into her cadence at ALL)
THOUGHTS
Kenna, FMC, is a social worker with a foster past. She is out dancing with some hotties and she gets hit with a crown tattoo... and that sets her down a path...
Training MONTAGGGGGES.
Kenna + 4 dudes... and not as sexy as you would imagine a reverse harem would be.
👀 POV: 1st person, multiple MCs
🎧Audiobook Narrator(s):
✅ Troy Duran (I only got this because of Troy. Soooo I blame this on his very sexy voice, which there wasn't enough of to make this ok - he doesn't even get going until chapter 8)
👎 Stephanie Rose (I am not into her cadence at ALL)
May 26, 2021
Amazing. This is SERIOUSLY one of my favorite books I've read in a while. The relationship dynamics between the five main characters and even the secondary three main characters is so organic and natural feeling they are all embedded deep beneath my skin. I feel connected to them and the storyline so much. Her trauma was intense and painful, and her courage and strength and vulnerability throughout, was breath-taking. I am marveled, and overjoyed to find a new author to love and will happily be buying everything she ever writes.
October 15, 2021
Actual stars 1.5.
The story is a 3 star and Troy Duran's narration was excellent!
Stephanie Rose's narration, however was terrible! Her diction is all over the place. She has the male characters sounding simple-minded. Some parts she reads normally and other parts she sounds as if a robot is reading. Very Annoying!
The story is a 3 star and Troy Duran's narration was excellent!
Stephanie Rose's narration, however was terrible! Her diction is all over the place. She has the male characters sounding simple-minded. Some parts she reads normally and other parts she sounds as if a robot is reading. Very Annoying!
February 16, 2024
4.5. I actually really enjoyed this. I'm glad I didn't listen to the reviews
October 11, 2020
I got this book a long time ago, like I get so many books. I see a free book on Amazon, the blurb sounds interesting enough and I think why not. And just like so many other books it was on my iPad looking pretty, but not actively being read. Until I heard that I could get an ARC of the second book if I wanted to. I never accept a second book without reading the first and since I need to come with an answer before Thursday this was the perfect moment to read this book.
And honestly, I needed some time to get into this book and it's hard to pinpoint why exactly. Quite often I complain that things go too fast, that a heroine who had no training all of a sudden can handle her new magic and fighting skills. This book didn't do that, far from it. We witness our heroine train and work and fail and learn and grow. We got a detailed description of every training session, of all her conversations and all her lessons learned.
I have to admit that I found the plot aspect of this first book therefore quite thin. We got some glimpses of it now and then, but it always disappeared to the background again. I think that for me the book was a little slow. I was almost inclined to say that this is a wonderful slow read, but that it's not for me. And then we reached the finale. Everything came together, all those lessons went somewhere, we met new characters and we finally entered the true playing field of this story. And now I really want to know how the story continues.
Also because I think that most characters will only get their true chance to shine and show off now. We have the Kitsune, who very clearly has a big role to play, we have the Chosen, who we have not really seen in their full glory yet, we have the rebellion, just entering the playing field and making everything more interesting. And then there are all the characters and key players we haven't met yet. It feels a little bit like my experience with A Court of Thorns and Roses. I almost did not finish that one either, but then fell in love anyway. So, bring me the second book, there's loads of potential to be very awesome!
And honestly, I needed some time to get into this book and it's hard to pinpoint why exactly. Quite often I complain that things go too fast, that a heroine who had no training all of a sudden can handle her new magic and fighting skills. This book didn't do that, far from it. We witness our heroine train and work and fail and learn and grow. We got a detailed description of every training session, of all her conversations and all her lessons learned.
I have to admit that I found the plot aspect of this first book therefore quite thin. We got some glimpses of it now and then, but it always disappeared to the background again. I think that for me the book was a little slow. I was almost inclined to say that this is a wonderful slow read, but that it's not for me. And then we reached the finale. Everything came together, all those lessons went somewhere, we met new characters and we finally entered the true playing field of this story. And now I really want to know how the story continues.
Also because I think that most characters will only get their true chance to shine and show off now. We have the Kitsune, who very clearly has a big role to play, we have the Chosen, who we have not really seen in their full glory yet, we have the rebellion, just entering the playing field and making everything more interesting. And then there are all the characters and key players we haven't met yet. It feels a little bit like my experience with A Court of Thorns and Roses. I almost did not finish that one either, but then fell in love anyway. So, bring me the second book, there's loads of potential to be very awesome!
August 11, 2022
DNF
Writing was horrible - punctuation used improperly, the sentences DID NOT flow in any way, I was struggling to enjoy anything because the wordsmithing was horrible and the sentences were crafted really badly.
I hated the main character pretty much instantly. She was such a typical "iM nOt LiKe oThEr GiRls" that it pissed me off. Girl, you're not cool just cause you swear. You're not special, so shut up. The foreshadowing on her character was SO HORRIBLE MY GOD.
"Hey! Maybe you're the lost princess." -rya, her best friend
I scoffed. "Yeah, no fucking way am I the lost princess." -main character
WELL NOW SHE'S OBVIOUSLY THE FUCKING PRINCESS. I also HATE the "lost royalty" trope, because it's ALWAYS THE MAIN CHARACTER that ends up being the lost princess or queen or prince or whatever. It's so boring, cliche, and fucking stupid. I don't want to read about a special snowflake.
There were dumb plot points, for example her reasoning for why she was DEFINITELY not the lost princess: she had no memories before six years old. NOBODY HAS FUCKING MEMORIES AT THAT AGE. Maybe you have very, very vague ones, but you VERY RARELY actually remember anything.
The 4 boys were extremely flat characters in the first introduction. The only description we got of them was physical descriptions, and the fact that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM was "sexy." The word "sexy" had to have been used at least forty times in 2 chapters.
I am not going to continue reading this book, because when I was reading it, I legit had to look away every 5 seconds for an "ohmygodthisissofuckingstupid" moment. I hated it.
Writing was horrible - punctuation used improperly, the sentences DID NOT flow in any way, I was struggling to enjoy anything because the wordsmithing was horrible and the sentences were crafted really badly.
I hated the main character pretty much instantly. She was such a typical "iM nOt LiKe oThEr GiRls" that it pissed me off. Girl, you're not cool just cause you swear. You're not special, so shut up. The foreshadowing on her character was SO HORRIBLE MY GOD.
"Hey! Maybe you're the lost princess." -rya, her best friend
I scoffed. "Yeah, no fucking way am I the lost princess." -main character
WELL NOW SHE'S OBVIOUSLY THE FUCKING PRINCESS. I also HATE the "lost royalty" trope, because it's ALWAYS THE MAIN CHARACTER that ends up being the lost princess or queen or prince or whatever. It's so boring, cliche, and fucking stupid. I don't want to read about a special snowflake.
There were dumb plot points, for example her reasoning for why she was DEFINITELY not the lost princess: she had no memories before six years old. NOBODY HAS FUCKING MEMORIES AT THAT AGE. Maybe you have very, very vague ones, but you VERY RARELY actually remember anything.
The 4 boys were extremely flat characters in the first introduction. The only description we got of them was physical descriptions, and the fact that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM was "sexy." The word "sexy" had to have been used at least forty times in 2 chapters.
I am not going to continue reading this book, because when I was reading it, I legit had to look away every 5 seconds for an "ohmygodthisissofuckingstupid" moment. I hated it.
October 18, 2020
Kenna is a human that grew up in foster care. Kenna decided to become a social worker and after a bad day at work. Kenna is talked into with her friend Rya when they meet some hot guys. Kenna seems to be drawn to them. When dancing she is hit with a horrible pain. Kenna decides to go home and sees a she now has a mark. Kenna doesn't know what to do, she is human. The guys also get a mark as well. Rya gets Kenna to go out for coffee and the guys show up. Kenna finds out about their marks and what it means. She can't accept the what it could possibly mean.
Kenna is having a hard time with some guy from the regional office due to his hatred for shifters. Kenna has to do what she doesn't want to do. These emotions drive her magic to come out. Kenna calls the guys to talk to about her new found magic. Kenna is also threatened by some unknown person. Kenna and the guys are determined to find out about who she really is and about her magic. Kenna's world is about to get turned up side down.
This was a great read. You will like the main character and those around her. There is so much that happens to this character, you are on quite a ride. There is something for everyone in this book, I recommend reading this.
Kenna is having a hard time with some guy from the regional office due to his hatred for shifters. Kenna has to do what she doesn't want to do. These emotions drive her magic to come out. Kenna calls the guys to talk to about her new found magic. Kenna is also threatened by some unknown person. Kenna and the guys are determined to find out about who she really is and about her magic. Kenna's world is about to get turned up side down.
This was a great read. You will like the main character and those around her. There is so much that happens to this character, you are on quite a ride. There is something for everyone in this book, I recommend reading this.
October 27, 2020
It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't spectacular either.
Kenna has been brought up as a human, with some rough childhood that affected her personality. One night everything changes, and she finds out she has magic - while attracting four men to her. And the whole game of power and protection starts, leading to the throne maybe some time in the future.
The premise was nice, the storytelling okay, and I liked some of the characters very much. But mind you, the best one was Akito. With this book being labeled as RH, there was very little RH except for collecting the four men and some kissing/touching - very slow burn in this case. But my biggest issue was the writing with lots of unnecessary details or repeating the same scene from the view of another character. It slowed the pace down and I was losing motivation to read on, getting bored and tempted to skip some parts. 25% could have been easily edited out with no harm to the story. Also, as I downloaded an official copy, there were more typos and errors than I'd like in a final version. However I really liked some scenes in the book, and the last part of the story was improving in comparison to the first half, so I'd give it a chance and continue reading.
Kenna has been brought up as a human, with some rough childhood that affected her personality. One night everything changes, and she finds out she has magic - while attracting four men to her. And the whole game of power and protection starts, leading to the throne maybe some time in the future.
The premise was nice, the storytelling okay, and I liked some of the characters very much. But mind you, the best one was Akito. With this book being labeled as RH, there was very little RH except for collecting the four men and some kissing/touching - very slow burn in this case. But my biggest issue was the writing with lots of unnecessary details or repeating the same scene from the view of another character. It slowed the pace down and I was losing motivation to read on, getting bored and tempted to skip some parts. 25% could have been easily edited out with no harm to the story. Also, as I downloaded an official copy, there were more typos and errors than I'd like in a final version. However I really liked some scenes in the book, and the last part of the story was improving in comparison to the first half, so I'd give it a chance and continue reading.
October 14, 2020
Wow! This was the first book of this author that I've read and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the premise and the storyline, it was creative and well thought out. The world building was done really well, with great description and detail. I really enjoyed the characters and the growth we see in each character as individuals and as the story progresses. This is a slow burn RH and I felt that this really fits these characters and their lives really well. There is a lot of dark history that the FMC is working through and the pace that she and her men move at, makes their growing relationships feel authentic and genuine. With action, magic , drama and tension galore, this series looks to be quite exciting and I am looking forward to the next installment!
October 6, 2020
This is a new-to-me author and I have to say, she did a fab job drawing me in to the story, the characters' lives and the mystery of Kenna. There's great chemistry, a variety of personalities that help train her, and friends that are more than family in this fast paced high octane read. Expect to feel all sorts of love, nerves, anger and edge of your seat suspense while you follow along with Kenna to seek answers to so many questions. This is book one, though, so more over arcing plot to explore in the next book. Good fun!
July 9, 2020
Wow
Just wow. Brand new author willow Hayes absolutely has blown me away with her debut novel. Book lovers of ivy Asher, Erica woods... really any of the epic books will love this cannot wait to see where this series goes
Just wow. Brand new author willow Hayes absolutely has blown me away with her debut novel. Book lovers of ivy Asher, Erica woods... really any of the epic books will love this cannot wait to see where this series goes
October 5, 2023
I got this book in an audio version for free off amazon prime. I grabbed it because it was a PNR and its blurb caught me as well as it having Troy Duran as a narrator.
For the Narration: I give it 3 stars, but really it should be 2. Mainly because Troy Duran as usual did a magnificent job. Unfortunatly this book is mainly in the POV of the MFC putting it up to the other narrator to slay the book. Which had the other narrator Stephanie Rose been the only one narrating I probably wouldn't have finished it. I don't know if it was just me, but she sounded very choppy / flat and robotic like for any character that isn't the MFC. Which made it hard to tell out of the 4 guys which one was interacting with Kenna unless I gave it my undivided attention. Which giving that attention was hard to do with the flat choppiness happening.
For the Story: This had some good world building happening within it. I enjoyed how the magic was done within this book, and how it was introducing various things.
The guys: As the story went on, I was getting more and more disappointed with how these characters were written. Since for the ages they were acting like they were 18 yr olds running a security company. In short there were flaws, and the author allowed some things to happen so unquestionably easily it just didn't add up.
Kenna: The main female character. She actually had a very stereotypical personality and backstory. And was even given the stereotypical hobby outlets to go along with it. In short I wasn't impressed with her. The story surrounding her was more interesting than her.
Other than that there was 1 thing that really stood out to me that made me question if I really wanted to finish the book. There is talk in the begining of the book with Kenna and her friend. Talking about the current queen and just randomly tips off hey you could be the so n so. (not stating it for spoiler purposes ). Like because up to that point there wasn't anything thing talking about that or anything, that was the most in your face forshadowing whats about to go down I have seen in a while. Which it did 100% give away what was happening next.
In the end this book had some unique things with in it that, I wouldn't be opposed to picking up the next book, however, I doubt I will grab the audio, because while I love listening to Troy Duran, if the book is mainly in the MFC pov it could be rough.
For the Narration: I give it 3 stars, but really it should be 2. Mainly because Troy Duran as usual did a magnificent job. Unfortunatly this book is mainly in the POV of the MFC putting it up to the other narrator to slay the book. Which had the other narrator Stephanie Rose been the only one narrating I probably wouldn't have finished it. I don't know if it was just me, but she sounded very choppy / flat and robotic like for any character that isn't the MFC. Which made it hard to tell out of the 4 guys which one was interacting with Kenna unless I gave it my undivided attention. Which giving that attention was hard to do with the flat choppiness happening.
For the Story: This had some good world building happening within it. I enjoyed how the magic was done within this book, and how it was introducing various things.
The guys: As the story went on, I was getting more and more disappointed with how these characters were written. Since for the ages they were acting like they were 18 yr olds running a security company. In short there were flaws, and the author allowed some things to happen so unquestionably easily it just didn't add up.
Kenna: The main female character. She actually had a very stereotypical personality and backstory. And was even given the stereotypical hobby outlets to go along with it. In short I wasn't impressed with her. The story surrounding her was more interesting than her.
Other than that there was 1 thing that really stood out to me that made me question if I really wanted to finish the book. There is talk in the begining of the book with Kenna and her friend. Talking about the current queen and just randomly tips off hey you could be the so n so. (not stating it for spoiler purposes ). Like because up to that point there wasn't anything thing talking about that or anything, that was the most in your face forshadowing whats about to go down I have seen in a while. Which it did 100% give away what was happening next.
In the end this book had some unique things with in it that, I wouldn't be opposed to picking up the next book, however, I doubt I will grab the audio, because while I love listening to Troy Duran, if the book is mainly in the MFC pov it could be rough.
July 4, 2022
Kenna grew up in the system and all she's wanted as an adult is to keep other children from living the life of pain she did. Now after a night out with her best friend and meeting four hot guys, her normal life has been ripped away from her as she attempts to reclaim the life that should have been hers all along. If she can succeed, she will have the ability to help others on a grand scale. But in order to succeed, she will have to stay alive. Luckily, she has her four protectors to help.
I enjoyed this paranormal RH. It's definitely a slow burn/fade-to-black kind of RH, so don't expect tons of steaminess. I was fine with that and there is ample relationship development. I like the characters for the most part. Kenna is one of those girls who talks a tough game but in reality, we get more crying and worrying than bada**ery. I hope her survival skills kick in more as she accepts her new reality. Her Chosen, Callum, Luka, Nakoa, and Teo are all yummy, gifted men ready to adore her. Her Chosen Family with her father figure Reg and best friend Rya are fantastic. But my favorite character in the book isn't even human; it's her kitsune Akito. Adorable. This lost kingdom trope isn't new but it is nicely done. There are plenty of questions and a few dream flashbacks to keep the reader interested.
I listened to this book on Audible narrated by Stephanie Rose and Troy Duran. Troy did an excellent job with the guys' voices making each distinguishable. Stephanie did a great job on the female voices, however, she needs to rethink how she narrates males. It's awful. She uses this stilted voice that makes you think each one was constipated. If I was reviewing this simply for the audiobook, I would remove another star. It was that bad. It would take me out of the story for a few seconds each time. I cannot stress how bad it was. Every once in a while she would forget and speak in a normal cadence, so I know she can and this was her choice. How she and the author decided Nakoa should ever be portrayed as she did is a mystery to me. I would make Stephanie retape the entire male dialogue to give justice to the Chosen.
I enjoyed this paranormal RH. It's definitely a slow burn/fade-to-black kind of RH, so don't expect tons of steaminess. I was fine with that and there is ample relationship development. I like the characters for the most part. Kenna is one of those girls who talks a tough game but in reality, we get more crying and worrying than bada**ery. I hope her survival skills kick in more as she accepts her new reality. Her Chosen, Callum, Luka, Nakoa, and Teo are all yummy, gifted men ready to adore her. Her Chosen Family with her father figure Reg and best friend Rya are fantastic. But my favorite character in the book isn't even human; it's her kitsune Akito. Adorable. This lost kingdom trope isn't new but it is nicely done. There are plenty of questions and a few dream flashbacks to keep the reader interested.
I listened to this book on Audible narrated by Stephanie Rose and Troy Duran. Troy did an excellent job with the guys' voices making each distinguishable. Stephanie did a great job on the female voices, however, she needs to rethink how she narrates males. It's awful. She uses this stilted voice that makes you think each one was constipated. If I was reviewing this simply for the audiobook, I would remove another star. It was that bad. It would take me out of the story for a few seconds each time. I cannot stress how bad it was. Every once in a while she would forget and speak in a normal cadence, so I know she can and this was her choice. How she and the author decided Nakoa should ever be portrayed as she did is a mystery to me. I would make Stephanie retape the entire male dialogue to give justice to the Chosen.
June 13, 2023
DNF 17% 😂 Too immature. Suited to a younger audience.
Normally I wouldn’t bother reviewing at so little progress.
But this felt like sooo much longer.
Seriously not for me.
It’s possible it gets better, but I don’t have the patience, plus having gone back and checked other reviews, I’d rather read something else.
She’s very immature, prefers to stick her head in the sand and wait for it all to disappear, or someone else to solve. Which doesn’t add up with the job she has, or the 3yrs of experience she’s meant to have.
Her needy dependence on her friend also doesn’t match the whole ‘no trust, on my own’, scenario the author is trying to set up.
One moment she’s teaching a kid about facing and dealing with their fear, the next, her friend is having to give her the same lecture, and there’s no acknowledgement of this…
She reads like a middle class, 20yr-something, rather than the supposed ex-foster kid, who managed to graduate college…
That’s a huge accomplishment on your own when you have little support, never mind the drive to follow through.
It doesn’t match the person we’re introduced to.
It was frustrating, very slow going, with a focus on looks and trivial details. No real depth despite the subject matters it’s supposed to be based on.
Also, hugely predictable, with wordy, cringe, and stilted info dumps.
(Setup: coffee shop, inside table. You fail to notice 4 extra large, ‘supremely gorgeous [stood out in a crowded nightclub], guys, who are able to walk up behind you, right when you say the most embarrassing comment, about them…)
Feels like it will be a cliché, lightweight PNR, with an emphasis on how ‘f-ing hot’, they all are, and ‘badass’ and ‘better’ than everyone else as well (all while crying and running away at every opportunity, and hypocritically judging everyone else for their flaws)..
if it were a movie, it would be a straight to T.V., Hallmark special. ☺️😉🧀
When I was in my 20’s-something, sure, just not anymore 🤓😬🤭
Normally I wouldn’t bother reviewing at so little progress.
But this felt like sooo much longer.
Seriously not for me.
It’s possible it gets better, but I don’t have the patience, plus having gone back and checked other reviews, I’d rather read something else.
She’s very immature, prefers to stick her head in the sand and wait for it all to disappear, or someone else to solve. Which doesn’t add up with the job she has, or the 3yrs of experience she’s meant to have.
Her needy dependence on her friend also doesn’t match the whole ‘no trust, on my own’, scenario the author is trying to set up.
One moment she’s teaching a kid about facing and dealing with their fear, the next, her friend is having to give her the same lecture, and there’s no acknowledgement of this…
She reads like a middle class, 20yr-something, rather than the supposed ex-foster kid, who managed to graduate college…
That’s a huge accomplishment on your own when you have little support, never mind the drive to follow through.
It doesn’t match the person we’re introduced to.
It was frustrating, very slow going, with a focus on looks and trivial details. No real depth despite the subject matters it’s supposed to be based on.
Also, hugely predictable, with wordy, cringe, and stilted info dumps.
(Setup: coffee shop, inside table. You fail to notice 4 extra large, ‘supremely gorgeous [stood out in a crowded nightclub], guys, who are able to walk up behind you, right when you say the most embarrassing comment, about them…)
Feels like it will be a cliché, lightweight PNR, with an emphasis on how ‘f-ing hot’, they all are, and ‘badass’ and ‘better’ than everyone else as well (all while crying and running away at every opportunity, and hypocritically judging everyone else for their flaws)..
if it were a movie, it would be a straight to T.V., Hallmark special. ☺️😉🧀
When I was in my 20’s-something, sure, just not anymore 🤓😬🤭
November 11, 2020
DNF - Quit at 25%
The story moves so slowly, making it so boring. The world building is not there, which I think it was intended to be learn as the FMC learns about the paranormal world, but he fatal flaw with that, is paranormal world is out in the open, she's working with the paranormal as a human social worker placing paranormal children into paranormal foster homes, and has at least a basic grasp on paranormal world in general. When she finds out she's got magic, she suddenly seems totally ignorant of the paranormal world & how it could effect her. The royalty thing is given away way too early, and for the RH guys, they all are paranormal and should have had more clues to give her about what the magic tattoo mark meant. I felt no chemistry between her and the 4 guys. I didn't see anything that would lead to a RH. I also felt no distinction between the 4 guys, I had to backtrack too many times to figure out whose point of view I was reading, because they weren't unique enough from each other. I also didn't like the FMC, she just was too hot/too cold in a big fluctuation to get me interested in what happens to her. It actually felt very immature & more of a Y/A type of writing style. There was no heat, nor chemistry, no slow burn feelings. There were just enough proof-reading type errors, to say that it needs an proof-reading crew to go through it.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
The story moves so slowly, making it so boring. The world building is not there, which I think it was intended to be learn as the FMC learns about the paranormal world, but he fatal flaw with that, is paranormal world is out in the open, she's working with the paranormal as a human social worker placing paranormal children into paranormal foster homes, and has at least a basic grasp on paranormal world in general. When she finds out she's got magic, she suddenly seems totally ignorant of the paranormal world & how it could effect her. The royalty thing is given away way too early, and for the RH guys, they all are paranormal and should have had more clues to give her about what the magic tattoo mark meant. I felt no chemistry between her and the 4 guys. I didn't see anything that would lead to a RH. I also felt no distinction between the 4 guys, I had to backtrack too many times to figure out whose point of view I was reading, because they weren't unique enough from each other. I also didn't like the FMC, she just was too hot/too cold in a big fluctuation to get me interested in what happens to her. It actually felt very immature & more of a Y/A type of writing style. There was no heat, nor chemistry, no slow burn feelings. There were just enough proof-reading type errors, to say that it needs an proof-reading crew to go through it.
At my age (approaching 60), life is way too short & my time is too important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.
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