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Warriors of the Five Realms #1
Little Fire
She's broken from a past she can't remember. He's scarred from a past he can't forget.
Declan can kill with a blink of his eye. Jaded and cold, he rules his kingdom the same way he does his heart—with merciless pragmatism. So why does he risk all to protect a little mortal during a slave-trade uprising? Now stuck in the Shadow Realm, the loss of his powers are the least of his troubles. The woman may have a frustratingly tender heart, but she has enough fire in her soul to thaw the ice in his veins.
He could take her by right, but he wants more than acceptance. He wants her willing surrender...
Evangeline is chained by a past she can't remember. Her fractured memories keep her shy and single. When she is thrust into a demon realm in the arms of an indomitable archmage, he becomes her only chance of survival. But soon, she realizes her unnerving protector may not be as callous as he appears, and her heart may be as much at risk as her life.
His desire for her is no secret, but she wants more than scalding lust. She wants his icy heart...
Can they survive the Shadow Realm long enough to break down each other's walls?
Author's Note: Little Fire is Book 1 in The Warriors of the Five Realms fantasy romance series. If you love the works of Laura Thalassa, Sarah J Maas and CL Wilson, then you will love this.
Little Fire is a standalone, with a guaranteed HEA. Mature themes and possible triggers of sexual abuse. Intended for readers aged 18+.
Declan can kill with a blink of his eye. Jaded and cold, he rules his kingdom the same way he does his heart—with merciless pragmatism. So why does he risk all to protect a little mortal during a slave-trade uprising? Now stuck in the Shadow Realm, the loss of his powers are the least of his troubles. The woman may have a frustratingly tender heart, but she has enough fire in her soul to thaw the ice in his veins.
He could take her by right, but he wants more than acceptance. He wants her willing surrender...
Evangeline is chained by a past she can't remember. Her fractured memories keep her shy and single. When she is thrust into a demon realm in the arms of an indomitable archmage, he becomes her only chance of survival. But soon, she realizes her unnerving protector may not be as callous as he appears, and her heart may be as much at risk as her life.
His desire for her is no secret, but she wants more than scalding lust. She wants his icy heart...
Can they survive the Shadow Realm long enough to break down each other's walls?
Author's Note: Little Fire is Book 1 in The Warriors of the Five Realms fantasy romance series. If you love the works of Laura Thalassa, Sarah J Maas and CL Wilson, then you will love this.
Little Fire is a standalone, with a guaranteed HEA. Mature themes and possible triggers of sexual abuse. Intended for readers aged 18+.
484 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2021
1470 people are currently reading
19085 people want to read
About the author
Hollee Mands
7 books541 followersHollee Mands writes her stories in the land called Melbourne, where the weather is as capricious as her imagination. When not stuck in a daydream, writing—or thinking about writing—she's juggling her tiny, spirited tyrant, conquering the demands of her day job, escaping between the pages of a book, exploring new recipes in the kitchen, or embarking on some other epic household adventure... all with a cuppa in hand and a podcast in her ears.
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SUBSCRIBE and get an award winning short story FREE: holleemands.com/newsletter
Join me at Hollee Mands Reader Group for new updates, giveaways and more! facebook.com/groups/holleemands
Social media haunts:
Amazon: amazon.com/author/holleemands
Instagram: instagram.com/holleemands/
Tik Tok: www.tiktok.com/@holleemandsauthor
Facebook: facebook.com/AuthorHolleeMands
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 925 reviews
December 6, 2021
By the end of the second chapter, I was a little disappointed. Because the style of writing at the beginning of the story was not so smooth and it seemed untidy to me. But then, slowly, as I read one chapter after another, I found myself completely lost in this fantasy world. The most interesting thing about the book was the strong connection between the two main characters, as it was wonderfully portrayed here. I truly enjoyed their character development and sexual tension. This slow-burn story was damn HOT!
However, the author's writing was a bit different, which made it very difficult for me to get into. Other than that, there was something missing from this book, I couldn't pinpoint it though. So overall it was an OK read.
TW: Sexual assault, rape, slavery, human trafficking.⚠️
However, the author's writing was a bit different, which made it very difficult for me to get into. Other than that, there was something missing from this book, I couldn't pinpoint it though. So overall it was an OK read.
TW: Sexual assault, rape, slavery, human trafficking.⚠️
January 15, 2022
This book lit only a little fire in me. The book has some odd jumps in time where it seems like the author either forgot or just didn’t know how to connect scenes. Especially towards the end of the book. This is a fantasy romance, which is a genre that’s hard for me to find great books. And this isn’t great but it’s not bad either. There’s decent relationship development pacing, there’s some good emotional scenes, and a surprise I didn’t see coming. I’m not particularly interested in reading more of this series but I’d be willing to give this author another try in the future.
March 2, 2022
This was a solid fantasy romance! I really enjoyed how the beginning of this book started out with forced proximity since the hero and heroine are stuck in another realm together waiting for the hero's people to save them. He's a super powerful immortal and she's a regular mortal from a small village. I really loved how the hero fell so hard for our heroine and wasn't afraid to tell her how he felt. The world in here was a little slow to build throughout the begging of the story and dragged just a little bit, but I really enjoyed learning about everything and I'm excited to learn more in the next book. I enjoyed all of the side characters in here and the plot was definitely intriguing, especially once we got to around the halfway mark. The ending almost happened a little too fast and it was hard to follow everything, but I'm excited to continue on in this series!
November 23, 2021
Not really sure how I felt about this, it was compelling enough to keep going but doesn't really hold up to close examination. Cognitive dissonance is a must with this one, and to be honest now I've written out the review I probably won't be picking up the next one.
The good
Evangeline - she was pretty standard fmc, but I liked her well enough
The demon Realm - I preferred the relationship between Evie and Declan in that section of the book, the getting to know one another part worked well
The bad
The lack of characterisation of supporting characters made it hard to believe the relationships the main characters had with them
The short time in the fae Realm, that could and should have been a bigger part of the story where she finds out who she is
Her clearly being really powerful, but not having her power in the Mage Realm. A fmc who never gets to properly own her huge powers - yawn, tired of seeing that
And the WTF!
The handling of the SA/human trafficking, it felt weirdly glossed over for something that dominated so much of the story. Like oh look another victim, and another, and they're they're traumatised, but you'll barely know more than their name. It felt gratuitous, particularly the woman thrown to the wolves in place of the fmc when she was captured in the latter part of the book
Evie's instant recovery from regaining her memories of the traumatic abuse she went through felt off.
Her best friend calling her a whore and turning out to be one of said trafficking gang was almost as weird as Evie fighting so hard against any punishment that was presented for him, and the odd grey area around him not being that bad because he only did it to save his mum
The love interest telling her he'll only free the slaves if she stays at his castle and our fmc, who was abused as a child, has been assaulted and almost raped again at this point of the story is kind of like Archmages will be Archmages about it
The way the abuse of women in this book is used as a plot development for other characters is lazy, frustrating and something which really annoyed me
The good
Evangeline - she was pretty standard fmc, but I liked her well enough
The demon Realm - I preferred the relationship between Evie and Declan in that section of the book, the getting to know one another part worked well
The bad
The lack of characterisation of supporting characters made it hard to believe the relationships the main characters had with them
The short time in the fae Realm, that could and should have been a bigger part of the story where she finds out who she is
Her clearly being really powerful, but not having her power in the Mage Realm. A fmc who never gets to properly own her huge powers - yawn, tired of seeing that
And the WTF!
The handling of the SA/human trafficking, it felt weirdly glossed over for something that dominated so much of the story. Like oh look another victim, and another, and they're they're traumatised, but you'll barely know more than their name. It felt gratuitous, particularly the woman thrown to the wolves in place of the fmc when she was captured in the latter part of the book
Evie's instant recovery from regaining her memories of the traumatic abuse she went through felt off.
Her best friend calling her a whore and turning out to be one of said trafficking gang was almost as weird as Evie fighting so hard against any punishment that was presented for him, and the odd grey area around him not being that bad because he only did it to save his mum
The love interest telling her he'll only free the slaves if she stays at his castle and our fmc, who was abused as a child, has been assaulted and almost raped again at this point of the story is kind of like Archmages will be Archmages about it
The way the abuse of women in this book is used as a plot development for other characters is lazy, frustrating and something which really annoyed me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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April 17, 2024little fire...yeah, in my pants.
jokes aside, im really struggling with this book. the biggest issue i have with the story is that the world building is chaotic af but im also having a hard time with the fmc and the way she kept doing anything in her power to put herself in trouble.
the romance was also pretty meh.
DNFing at 37%
jokes aside, im really struggling with this book. the biggest issue i have with the story is that the world building is chaotic af but im also having a hard time with the fmc and the way she kept doing anything in her power to put herself in trouble.
the romance was also pretty meh.
DNFing at 37%
March 20, 2022
This is a fantasy romance by a new to me author and I enjoyed it so much! The writing and world building were great. There’s a lot of magic in this world – the hero is an archmage, one of the most powerful magical beings in their world, and he’s able to control the elements. The heroine has amnesia and can’t remember her past. Evie and Declan meet when there’s an attack on her city and he and his soldiers show up to save the people, except they both accidentally end up in a portal that takes them to a remote, dangerous, wintery mountain and they have nothing to survive except themselves. Here’s where Evie and Declan get close and start falling. I loved Declan’s cold grumpiness that slowly thaws for Evie and only Evie! The romance is super sweet, especially once they return back home and Declan is so devoted to Evie. The fantasy world was fascinating and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Hollee Mands.
February 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this! Unique and interesting fantasy world with a blend of Fae, unseelie and seelie, and powerful mages and arch mages. Very impressed with the world building and the soft magic system, especially considering this is the author's first fantasy.
But what really sold me was the lovely and sweet romance. The classic grumpy/sunshine with a cold, stern hero who turns into a complete cinnamon roll for the heroine.
Would have loved to see the final conflict take up more page space but still really a great read.
But what really sold me was the lovely and sweet romance. The classic grumpy/sunshine with a cold, stern hero who turns into a complete cinnamon roll for the heroine.
Would have loved to see the final conflict take up more page space but still really a great read.
March 15, 2023
4.5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶
This was a solid Romantasy book - it was predictable in all the best ways & the execution was spot on.
I knew where the story was going but I throughly enjoyed the ride.
It was surprisingly heavy in some moments (SA - not on page but eluded to) but I felt like it was handled with care.
Although I do feel like the cover let’s this series down a little, I will definitely be continuing with the series & look forward to the 2nd book in the Duology.
I listened on audio & really liked the narration.
This was a solid Romantasy book - it was predictable in all the best ways & the execution was spot on.
I knew where the story was going but I throughly enjoyed the ride.
It was surprisingly heavy in some moments (SA - not on page but eluded to) but I felt like it was handled with care.
Although I do feel like the cover let’s this series down a little, I will definitely be continuing with the series & look forward to the 2nd book in the Duology.
I listened on audio & really liked the narration.
September 28, 2021
This debut novel is a unicorn—larger-than-life characters, fact-paced action, and tender, beautiful romance. I want to live in this world with a Declan of my own!
March 25, 2023
Disappointing.
This book started out SO GOOD. I truly believed it was going to be one of the best fantasy romance books of my life... Then I got to the 50% mark. The world-building, tension, buildup and overall storyline were perfect in the beginning and I could not stop reading. When the couple finally got together I lost interest so quickly. It lost the spark and my interest. It became very predictable and the plot wasn't engaging for me anymore, so it was a chore to finally finish this book:/
This book started out SO GOOD. I truly believed it was going to be one of the best fantasy romance books of my life... Then I got to the 50% mark. The world-building, tension, buildup and overall storyline were perfect in the beginning and I could not stop reading. When the couple finally got together I lost interest so quickly. It lost the spark and my interest. It became very predictable and the plot wasn't engaging for me anymore, so it was a chore to finally finish this book:/
March 29, 2021
One of the best fantast romances I've ever read. Lyrical and poetic likes that had me swooning every other page. 101/10!
July 16, 2024
If there is one Romance Sub genre that fails me, then it’s Fantasy Romance. Trust me, we are not friends even after my many many trials. I really love the idea of it but I loose interest in the books pretty quickly.
It’s rare that I like one BUT this one just proved me why people are gaga over this sub genre.
Dear God, what did I just read?
Absolutely-Freaking-Amazing!
From the Prologue itself I was invested and done for. I knew pretty early on it’s going to blow my mind and it definitely did.
Declan Thorne- you’re one masterpiece hero. I loved how he was with Evangeline. His ‘touch her and die’ vibe made me swoon. Their connection took time to develop and deepen and I enjoyed reading it.
As a powerful being with a past like his, he was perplexed with the way Evangeline treated him. And that’s what I liked the most about her. She was kind to the core. Sweet but so resilient.
Another thing I enjoyed was the plot. There was no loophole to the story, every reason and action was solid. And many times I wondered about the endgame and still couldn’t predict it. Let’s not even talk about the epic battle scene (I’ll run out of place).
Their world was Enchanting but with an old world charm. Loved the various secondary characters. Especially Declan’s battlemages.
The writing style and the many new words is just chef’s kiss 🤌.
But there are many triggers in the story. It’s pretty dark.
Highly recommended, safe and KU.
It’s rare that I like one BUT this one just proved me why people are gaga over this sub genre.
Dear God, what did I just read?
Absolutely-Freaking-Amazing!
From the Prologue itself I was invested and done for. I knew pretty early on it’s going to blow my mind and it definitely did.
Declan Thorne- you’re one masterpiece hero. I loved how he was with Evangeline. His ‘touch her and die’ vibe made me swoon. Their connection took time to develop and deepen and I enjoyed reading it.
As a powerful being with a past like his, he was perplexed with the way Evangeline treated him. And that’s what I liked the most about her. She was kind to the core. Sweet but so resilient.
Another thing I enjoyed was the plot. There was no loophole to the story, every reason and action was solid. And many times I wondered about the endgame and still couldn’t predict it. Let’s not even talk about the epic battle scene (I’ll run out of place).
Their world was Enchanting but with an old world charm. Loved the various secondary characters. Especially Declan’s battlemages.
The writing style and the many new words is just chef’s kiss 🤌.
But there are many triggers in the story. It’s pretty dark.
Highly recommended, safe and KU.
January 7, 2024
My opinions on this book can all be summarized in one word: Meh.
In fact Ashley S.'s review (here) was right on the money when it comes to my opinions on this story. Head on over and give her review a like!
The last 4 or so hours of this book were painful. I had to speed it up to 2x because I simply did not want to finish this book by that point. The heroine got on my nerves. The hero was amazing but he did not make this story pleasant to sit through because there was a point where I was simply OVER IT.
I'm glad I got through it. It's too bad that this was my first read of 2024. Here's hoping 2024 only gets better from here 😅
In fact Ashley S.'s review (here) was right on the money when it comes to my opinions on this story. Head on over and give her review a like!
The last 4 or so hours of this book were painful. I had to speed it up to 2x because I simply did not want to finish this book by that point. The heroine got on my nerves. The hero was amazing but he did not make this story pleasant to sit through because there was a point where I was simply OVER IT.
I'm glad I got through it. It's too bad that this was my first read of 2024. Here's hoping 2024 only gets better from here 😅
Read
August 9, 2025DNF 43 % c’était pas si mal !! Et polaire en plus ! Il faudra que je le reprenne quand mon cerveau sera moins à l’envers 😩
November 16, 2022
This fed me my very specific, hard to satisfy high fantasy romance fix. It reminded me a lot of a historical romance in how the romance develops and the steam (it was hot for me but they only have a few (1-3?) explicit or just descriptive sex scenes). Will be reading the second book!!
Will share more thoughts. RTC!
*More Thoughts*
Little Fire starts off very predictable but something kept me going enough to skim, and all of a sudden we were at the end of the story, and I went on to read the next book in the series. Cover makes it appear as though it's just another fantasy romance but it's a very talented debut.
There is some set-up here, which may account for the slowness but its slow pacing, for me, is attributed to the commonly used trope of hero and heroine get to know each other by being sequestered with each other. While I found their actual romance and getting to know each other predictable, therefore I found it bland, and as my interest dwindled, it felt like slow going. Yet for all of that, I was invested in the world. I was into the imagery of the caves, of the creatures...
I'm also a big sucker for cold heroes, arrogant but he knows his business, absolutely not interested in anyone or human emotions until he meets her. I also love how this book sets up the "she's not good enough for him" trope (conflict?) that blooms full-force in the second book. This trope is also one of my favourites in romance novels... must file that under abused heroine catharsis.
I also just finished Declan and Evangeline's story which wraps up in the second book to the Warriors of the Five Realms, Winter Sun, and it is even better. Please do go read it if you're in the fix for medieval fantasy romance vibes!
Will share more thoughts. RTC!
*More Thoughts*
Little Fire starts off very predictable but something kept me going enough to skim, and all of a sudden we were at the end of the story, and I went on to read the next book in the series. Cover makes it appear as though it's just another fantasy romance but it's a very talented debut.
There is some set-up here, which may account for the slowness but its slow pacing, for me, is attributed to the commonly used trope of hero and heroine get to know each other by being sequestered with each other. While I found their actual romance and getting to know each other predictable, therefore I found it bland, and as my interest dwindled, it felt like slow going. Yet for all of that, I was invested in the world. I was into the imagery of the caves, of the creatures...
I'm also a big sucker for cold heroes, arrogant but he knows his business, absolutely not interested in anyone or human emotions until he meets her. I also love how this book sets up the "she's not good enough for him" trope (conflict?) that blooms full-force in the second book. This trope is also one of my favourites in romance novels... must file that under abused heroine catharsis.
I also just finished Declan and Evangeline's story which wraps up in the second book to the Warriors of the Five Realms, Winter Sun, and it is even better. Please do go read it if you're in the fix for medieval fantasy romance vibes!
July 13, 2022
Evangeline is so annoyingly self-righteous with no common sense. And their journey (which spans a heck of a lot of chapters) was so boring I had to skim most of it. If you want an exciting journey romance type of story, pick up Alyria by Danielle Lori instead (Only the first installment is a journey type of book).
Back to the immature, annoying Evangeline (Don't worry, this isn't a spoiler because it's such a minor detail): Even after Declan explains how slave rescue missions would push the linchpins underground and make it almost impossible to prevent future kidnappings + selling them into slavery, she throws a tantrum and says they still have to be saved. Are you dumb? You'd have him save (for example) 100 slaves - a fixed number - even though saving the next batches 100 + 100 + 100 and so on might become impossible? I mean, I get it if you're Kate Daniels and you're capable of saving them all yourself but you're clueless and helpless so you can't do sh*t. All you can do is attempt simple math to understand Declan's decision, which your brain clearly could not handle.
*I usually don't mind clueless, helpless h's - in fact I sometimes purposefully search for and read damsel in distress stories when I feel like it - but not when they're this dumb and are capable of only stomping their feet and demanding that people risk their lives to do something they believe is "right".
Another one: Declan gives Evangeline sound reasons why they could not save one stray girl without risking their own lives especially in his weakened state. What does she do? She throws a huge-ass tantrum again and then refuses his coat when he tries to help her because she's mad at him. Wtf. I cannot continue this book.
Back to the immature, annoying Evangeline (Don't worry, this isn't a spoiler because it's such a minor detail): Even after Declan explains how slave rescue missions would push the linchpins underground and make it almost impossible to prevent future kidnappings + selling them into slavery, she throws a tantrum and says they still have to be saved. Are you dumb? You'd have him save (for example) 100 slaves - a fixed number - even though saving the next batches 100 + 100 + 100 and so on might become impossible? I mean, I get it if you're Kate Daniels and you're capable of saving them all yourself but you're clueless and helpless so you can't do sh*t. All you can do is attempt simple math to understand Declan's decision, which your brain clearly could not handle.
*I usually don't mind clueless, helpless h's - in fact I sometimes purposefully search for and read damsel in distress stories when I feel like it - but not when they're this dumb and are capable of only stomping their feet and demanding that people risk their lives to do something they believe is "right".
Another one: Declan gives Evangeline sound reasons why they could not save one stray girl without risking their own lives especially in his weakened state. What does she do? She throws a huge-ass tantrum again and then refuses his coat when he tries to help her because she's mad at him. Wtf. I cannot continue this book.
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March 28, 2023*A larger than life hero
*An amnesiac heroine
*Stranded in a demon realm
If you enjoy the tropes mentioned, you might find this to your liking....
Little Fire is the first in the Warriors of the Five Realms, an epic new fantasy romance series. Full-length, with a guaranteed HEA. No cliffhangers.
It contains mature themes and possible triggers of sexual abuse. Intended for readers aged 18+.
Read here: getbook.at/littlefire
*An amnesiac heroine
*Stranded in a demon realm
If you enjoy the tropes mentioned, you might find this to your liking....
Little Fire is the first in the Warriors of the Five Realms, an epic new fantasy romance series. Full-length, with a guaranteed HEA. No cliffhangers.
It contains mature themes and possible triggers of sexual abuse. Intended for readers aged 18+.
Read here: getbook.at/littlefire
October 31, 2023
3.5
“Mother, I’m not afraid of monsters in the dark anymore.
Contra todo pronóstico este libro me sorprendió y en el buen sentido. Yo iba con la premisa que el libro sería igual que la precuela. Sin embargo, esta primera novela cuenta con más trasfondo y no se le puede comparar con el anterior.
Estaba muy equivocada. Ojalá lo traduzcan al español.
“Silence all who fuel the rumors”.
Me enganché como una tonta. La historia, aunque le falte profundidad de escenario, lo que viene la relación de los personajes y su desarrollo está bastante bien creado. La autora se toma su tiempo y paginas en mostrarnos una historia y relación que se va hilando poco a poco.
“She’s pure sunlight…and you brother, have been living in winter for far too long”.
¿Puede llegar a ser cliché? Sí, pero la autora lo ha escrito de tal manera que no te importe además que se nota que le ha puesto amor y empeño a la novela. Eso es algo que yo considero como puntos a favor.
“I know I’m a hard man to love but whatever remains in my chest, what still beats, belongs to you. ”
El final me ha dejado con muchas más ganas del siguiente. He de admitir que también pensé que no iría de los mismos personajes y necesito saber muchas cosas.
“Everyone deserves to be free”.
“Mother, I’m not afraid of monsters in the dark anymore.
Contra todo pronóstico este libro me sorprendió y en el buen sentido. Yo iba con la premisa que el libro sería igual que la precuela. Sin embargo, esta primera novela cuenta con más trasfondo y no se le puede comparar con el anterior.
Estaba muy equivocada. Ojalá lo traduzcan al español.
“Silence all who fuel the rumors”.
Me enganché como una tonta. La historia, aunque le falte profundidad de escenario, lo que viene la relación de los personajes y su desarrollo está bastante bien creado. La autora se toma su tiempo y paginas en mostrarnos una historia y relación que se va hilando poco a poco.
“She’s pure sunlight…and you brother, have been living in winter for far too long”.
¿Puede llegar a ser cliché? Sí, pero la autora lo ha escrito de tal manera que no te importe además que se nota que le ha puesto amor y empeño a la novela. Eso es algo que yo considero como puntos a favor.
“I know I’m a hard man to love but whatever remains in my chest, what still beats, belongs to you. ”
El final me ha dejado con muchas más ganas del siguiente. He de admitir que también pensé que no iría de los mismos personajes y necesito saber muchas cosas.
“Everyone deserves to be free”.
November 28, 2022
3.5 stars
Can I have a Declan in my life pretty please with a chocolate on top?
I loved him and Evangeline. They turned me into a complete mush ball. I really liked when they were trapped in the demon realm. It was just two strangers just trying to survive and was the perfect opportunity for them do get to know each other. There was tension, Declan trying to be stone cold and failing, saving each other’s lives and some sweeter moments that made me all giddy inside.
It was just as fun to read about when they returned. It did start to get a bit boring 2/3s on the way through but overall enjoyable. The little moments of him being uncertain of himself around her were the sweetest considering he’s one of the most powerful and feared mages in the realm. I would say it was a medium burn, and there wasn’t as much tension as I would have liked but, it was still really good.
There were a few time jumps I wish either flowed easier or weren’t there at all. Especially the last one. It was not a time to skip because there was so much I felt they needed to discuss and we as readers needed to read them absorbing everything that happened. But we didn’t really get much. The ending just felt a little rushed. There were so many little questions I had that I don’t think will be answered in the next book as they weren’t crucial to the story but I wanted to know!
I’m really excited to see where the story goes. If you like fantasy with mages, fae, forced proximity turned court romance, and a man obsessed, you might like this one.
Minor OW drama (I’m trying to be vague but if you don’t want to know don’t read below).
There is a slight incident with another woman that did bother me but that was quickly rectified and nothing of the sort ever happened again. After centuries of just sleeping with different women all the time and his vow of never caring for a woman again, I get why a few days with the FMC wouldn’t just magically make him switch without a realization but it still wasn’t fun to read about. It was a sexual manor but they didn’t have sex or anything like that and was quickly stopped. But not because he thought of how it would hurt Evangeline or that it didn’t feel right, but it just wasn’t working for him even though he wanted it to. Then there’s a complete switch and it’s like it never happened so I chose to forget that entire incident.
Can I have a Declan in my life pretty please with a chocolate on top?
I loved him and Evangeline. They turned me into a complete mush ball. I really liked when they were trapped in the demon realm. It was just two strangers just trying to survive and was the perfect opportunity for them do get to know each other. There was tension, Declan trying to be stone cold and failing, saving each other’s lives and some sweeter moments that made me all giddy inside.
It was just as fun to read about when they returned. It did start to get a bit boring 2/3s on the way through but overall enjoyable. The little moments of him being uncertain of himself around her were the sweetest considering he’s one of the most powerful and feared mages in the realm. I would say it was a medium burn, and there wasn’t as much tension as I would have liked but, it was still really good.
There were a few time jumps I wish either flowed easier or weren’t there at all. Especially the last one. It was not a time to skip because there was so much I felt they needed to discuss and we as readers needed to read them absorbing everything that happened. But we didn’t really get much. The ending just felt a little rushed. There were so many little questions I had that I don’t think will be answered in the next book as they weren’t crucial to the story but I wanted to know!
I’m really excited to see where the story goes. If you like fantasy with mages, fae, forced proximity turned court romance, and a man obsessed, you might like this one.
Minor OW drama (I’m trying to be vague but if you don’t want to know don’t read below).
There is a slight incident with another woman that did bother me but that was quickly rectified and nothing of the sort ever happened again. After centuries of just sleeping with different women all the time and his vow of never caring for a woman again, I get why a few days with the FMC wouldn’t just magically make him switch without a realization but it still wasn’t fun to read about. It was a sexual manor but they didn’t have sex or anything like that and was quickly stopped. But not because he thought of how it would hurt Evangeline or that it didn’t feel right, but it just wasn’t working for him even though he wanted it to. Then there’s a complete switch and it’s like it never happened so I chose to forget that entire incident.
November 18, 2021
This is the first book in the series, but it's not the first one I've read by the author. A few months ago, I came across a post on one of my FB groups where a reader was gushing about a book called Lullaby Scars. I picked it up out of curiosity and fell in love with it. I couldn't stop talking about it, and I recommended it to everyone who asked me for a romantic fantasy novel.
Fast forward to last month, the author asked me if I'd be interested in reading Little Fire. I was shocked and happy at the same time, and it took me a few seconds to process the feeling. Then I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding 😉 and responded like a woman saying yes to a marriage proposal.
I cannot express how happy I am for receiving the opportunity to read an ARC of the book. It is absolutely amazing, and the author has outdone herself this time. It surpassed all my expectations, and I now have another addition to my list of favorite authors.
Coming to the story, the writing flows beautifully. Every aspect of the book is well planned and executed to perfection. The characters are written in a way that will make you love or hate them. When I read, I tend to imagine myself in the place of my favorite female character, and the fact that I could connect to Evangeline on such a deeper level, made me love the story even more.
Declan, though physically powerful is broken inside, and I'm a sucker for such male protagonists. He did annoy me a few times, but I saw him evolve as a person throughout the course of the book, and it was immensely satisfying.
The supporting characters did a marvelous job in helping the story move forward. Their unique personalities, motivations, and reactions kept the story interesting. I would have liked to see more of Alexander, Declan's brother, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
The world-building was just the right amount. It didn't go on and on with every minuscule detail about the geographical and political aspects, but there was enough information to paint a picture.
I experienced so many emotions in a matter of 2 days, from anger to joy to sadness and anxiety. I kept messaging the author obsessively with a running commentary of my feelings. I even cursed the villains a little. I stayed up till 2.30 a.m last night and refused to sleep because I wanted to know what happened next, but I finally gave in and finished it today.
There were a few twists and turns with some mystery thrown in the mix regarding Evangeline's past. Even though I had guessed some of it in the beginning, it did not take away from the revelation that happened towards the end.
The romance, the tension, and the intimacy were superbly done. I liked the sex scenes, as it focused more on the emotions rather than the physical aspect. I'm not averse to smutty scenes, but it felt extra special in this case.
The ending was action-packed, and I was so hyped up while reading it. I'm also glad that it ended in a HEA. Even though there are some unresolved issues, there wasn't a cliffhanger, which had me feeling relieved.
Overall, this book is a masterpiece and everyone who is a fan of the romantic fantasy genre with a fast pace should read it. While you're at it, go read Lullaby Scars as well, which is a prequel to this series.
Fast forward to last month, the author asked me if I'd be interested in reading Little Fire. I was shocked and happy at the same time, and it took me a few seconds to process the feeling. Then I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding 😉 and responded like a woman saying yes to a marriage proposal.
I cannot express how happy I am for receiving the opportunity to read an ARC of the book. It is absolutely amazing, and the author has outdone herself this time. It surpassed all my expectations, and I now have another addition to my list of favorite authors.
Coming to the story, the writing flows beautifully. Every aspect of the book is well planned and executed to perfection. The characters are written in a way that will make you love or hate them. When I read, I tend to imagine myself in the place of my favorite female character, and the fact that I could connect to Evangeline on such a deeper level, made me love the story even more.
Declan, though physically powerful is broken inside, and I'm a sucker for such male protagonists. He did annoy me a few times, but I saw him evolve as a person throughout the course of the book, and it was immensely satisfying.
The supporting characters did a marvelous job in helping the story move forward. Their unique personalities, motivations, and reactions kept the story interesting. I would have liked to see more of Alexander, Declan's brother, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book.
The world-building was just the right amount. It didn't go on and on with every minuscule detail about the geographical and political aspects, but there was enough information to paint a picture.
I experienced so many emotions in a matter of 2 days, from anger to joy to sadness and anxiety. I kept messaging the author obsessively with a running commentary of my feelings. I even cursed the villains a little. I stayed up till 2.30 a.m last night and refused to sleep because I wanted to know what happened next, but I finally gave in and finished it today.
There were a few twists and turns with some mystery thrown in the mix regarding Evangeline's past. Even though I had guessed some of it in the beginning, it did not take away from the revelation that happened towards the end.
The romance, the tension, and the intimacy were superbly done. I liked the sex scenes, as it focused more on the emotions rather than the physical aspect. I'm not averse to smutty scenes, but it felt extra special in this case.
The ending was action-packed, and I was so hyped up while reading it. I'm also glad that it ended in a HEA. Even though there are some unresolved issues, there wasn't a cliffhanger, which had me feeling relieved.
Overall, this book is a masterpiece and everyone who is a fan of the romantic fantasy genre with a fast pace should read it. While you're at it, go read Lullaby Scars as well, which is a prequel to this series.
January 15, 2022
If I had a dollar for every book that has: "If you love the works of Laura Thalassa, Sarah J Maas and CL Wilson, then you will love this." In the synopsis and how many of those books actually live up to my expectations, I would be rich. This one sadly didn't reach my high expectations after seeing it reviewed on tiktok.
I gotta say I super liked the first part of this book and it had parts that were five stars for me but I haven't read a book where I felt so much that I wanted to go back to the start as I did with this book. The highs weren't high enough for me in the second half to make me feel it was epic.
If this is debut book like I read in another review than holy fuck she did amazing and excited to see her work once she gets some more under her belt. Just for someone who reads a lot this didn't make me feel all the feels.
With that being said I don't think anyone who likes romance fantasy will hate it but I think some will feel like me and want more.
I gotta say I super liked the first part of this book and it had parts that were five stars for me but I haven't read a book where I felt so much that I wanted to go back to the start as I did with this book. The highs weren't high enough for me in the second half to make me feel it was epic.
If this is debut book like I read in another review than holy fuck she did amazing and excited to see her work once she gets some more under her belt. Just for someone who reads a lot this didn't make me feel all the feels.
With that being said I don't think anyone who likes romance fantasy will hate it but I think some will feel like me and want more.
October 7, 2021
WOW!! My mind is completely blown!!! I WANT MORE!! So much more!!
I completely devoured this book!!! It is unputdownable!!! Like I even completely missed an appointment because I was reading this book🤣🤣.
That being said, this book is NOT for the faint of heart. It will completely shattered your heart only to rebuild it then shatter and rebuild it again. But I would and will read it again and again. I really hope this series is going to be in paperback also because I want one!!!
I received an ARC and am volunteering my honest review
I completely devoured this book!!! It is unputdownable!!! Like I even completely missed an appointment because I was reading this book🤣🤣.
That being said, this book is NOT for the faint of heart. It will completely shattered your heart only to rebuild it then shatter and rebuild it again. But I would and will read it again and again. I really hope this series is going to be in paperback also because I want one!!!
I received an ARC and am volunteering my honest review
January 26, 2025
*3.75
January 4, 2023
I am excited.
Hollee Mands is a new author writing in the Fantasy romance genre, and she has produced an excellent first book. Let me tell you why I think this is so!
Firstly, there was terrific world-building. No gigantic info-dump, but a subtle description and exploration of this fantasy world, namely the Five Realms.
We have vivid characterisation. The heroine, Evangeline, is a complex, intelligent young woman. She manages to be both sensitive and strong, with a surprising backbone that develops over the course of the book. The hero, Declan, is an archmage of immense power. His is a callous arrogance that initially manifests as cruelty and indifference, for example, to the plight of the people being taken as slaves. He is softened and ultimately transformed by Evangeline. It takes time and their relationship is a difficult one, but I found myself invested almost from the outset in their story.
The secondary characters are also fascinating and I am eagerly anticipating their stories in future books.
Of course, I loved the imaginative and unpredictable plot. Never a dull moment in this book, although I admit the sheer brutality and descriptive violence in some parts were hard for me to read. Shades of GoT were evident, a series I never rally warmed to. This was especially the case when the despicable treatment of females by the villains turned my stomach, but then, I have a weak stomach where this is concerned! And the sad fact is: females are easy targets in any kind of conflict. (We don't need to look further than the use of rape as a weapon of war, something that is even now being perpetrated in the Ukraine. Still, it always makes me furious.) If you like action and a bit of gore, you will find lots of that here.
The writing is really good- grammar, syntax, vocabulary and the fluid, graceful style made for very pleasurable reading. I cannot say this for many books that I have read recently, unfortunately. The author is Australian (yay!) and thus avoids poor grammar and Americanisms, especially the annoying misuse of prepositions. (These bump me jarringly out of the world the author is creating.) Conversations were realistic and rang true to the characters who were speaking.
Ultimately, in this book we have a hero who is alpha, but tender, possessive but respectful, and who is willing to learn about the needs of his partner and try to modify his more aggressive tendencies when it is needed. And a heroine who is shy and sensitive, but bravely stands up for what she believes in, willing to go head to head with the hero to get her way. As she becomes tougher and more confident, the hero has to work hard to win her regard. I love that.
The writing puts me a little in mind of Milla Vane's Gathering of Dragons barbarian fantasy romance series.
One small caveat- for some reason, the audiobook for this novel uses an American narrator. For me, this genre always works better with a British narrator- it seems to add a certain gravity to the tone that lends credibility and realism to what is essentially an imagined world. The American accent in the sample I heard just didn't work for me here, and I will not be listening to the audiobook, which makes me sad 😓.
Hollee Mands is a new author writing in the Fantasy romance genre, and she has produced an excellent first book. Let me tell you why I think this is so!
Firstly, there was terrific world-building. No gigantic info-dump, but a subtle description and exploration of this fantasy world, namely the Five Realms.
We have vivid characterisation. The heroine, Evangeline, is a complex, intelligent young woman. She manages to be both sensitive and strong, with a surprising backbone that develops over the course of the book. The hero, Declan, is an archmage of immense power. His is a callous arrogance that initially manifests as cruelty and indifference, for example, to the plight of the people being taken as slaves. He is softened and ultimately transformed by Evangeline. It takes time and their relationship is a difficult one, but I found myself invested almost from the outset in their story.
The secondary characters are also fascinating and I am eagerly anticipating their stories in future books.
Of course, I loved the imaginative and unpredictable plot. Never a dull moment in this book, although I admit the sheer brutality and descriptive violence in some parts were hard for me to read. Shades of GoT were evident, a series I never rally warmed to. This was especially the case when the despicable treatment of females by the villains turned my stomach, but then, I have a weak stomach where this is concerned! And the sad fact is: females are easy targets in any kind of conflict. (We don't need to look further than the use of rape as a weapon of war, something that is even now being perpetrated in the Ukraine. Still, it always makes me furious.) If you like action and a bit of gore, you will find lots of that here.
The writing is really good- grammar, syntax, vocabulary and the fluid, graceful style made for very pleasurable reading. I cannot say this for many books that I have read recently, unfortunately. The author is Australian (yay!) and thus avoids poor grammar and Americanisms, especially the annoying misuse of prepositions. (These bump me jarringly out of the world the author is creating.) Conversations were realistic and rang true to the characters who were speaking.
Ultimately, in this book we have a hero who is alpha, but tender, possessive but respectful, and who is willing to learn about the needs of his partner and try to modify his more aggressive tendencies when it is needed. And a heroine who is shy and sensitive, but bravely stands up for what she believes in, willing to go head to head with the hero to get her way. As she becomes tougher and more confident, the hero has to work hard to win her regard. I love that.
The writing puts me a little in mind of Milla Vane's Gathering of Dragons barbarian fantasy romance series.
One small caveat- for some reason, the audiobook for this novel uses an American narrator. For me, this genre always works better with a British narrator- it seems to add a certain gravity to the tone that lends credibility and realism to what is essentially an imagined world. The American accent in the sample I heard just didn't work for me here, and I will not be listening to the audiobook, which makes me sad 😓.
Read
May 5, 2022DNF @ 200 pages
CW: sexual assault, slavery
This is such a disappointment. I was so excited for this one. I’ve been had. This was pitched for fans of SJM, Holly Black, and Kerri Maniscalco and it was a TRAP!!
The writing in this book is really weird. Like the author made word choices that it was like “okay, why that word?“ when talking about a water pitcher, they used receptacle. Why? And instead “wiped the sleep from her eyes” or something, they used the word somnolence. “The somnolence quickly cleared from her eyes.” Like yes, that works there, but at what cost?
And the insta-love was so boring. We go from annoying little mortal, what a burden to I like touching you, I need to fuck you now.
And Declan. Ugh Declan. Doesn’t want to help a slave child who is very likely living a life of torment and rape because “she’s mortal, she’ll die soon anyway.” What the fuck? And he straight up has a line in his POV thats “he was an archmage. He had the right to any woman who lived in his province, if he so pleased.” Make me vom, why don’t you?
All of that with the fact that the main character had the personality of a wet napkin and I can’t force myself to finish this book.
CW: sexual assault, slavery
This is such a disappointment. I was so excited for this one. I’ve been had. This was pitched for fans of SJM, Holly Black, and Kerri Maniscalco and it was a TRAP!!
The writing in this book is really weird. Like the author made word choices that it was like “okay, why that word?“ when talking about a water pitcher, they used receptacle. Why? And instead “wiped the sleep from her eyes” or something, they used the word somnolence. “The somnolence quickly cleared from her eyes.” Like yes, that works there, but at what cost?
And the insta-love was so boring. We go from annoying little mortal, what a burden to I like touching you, I need to fuck you now.
And Declan. Ugh Declan. Doesn’t want to help a slave child who is very likely living a life of torment and rape because “she’s mortal, she’ll die soon anyway.” What the fuck? And he straight up has a line in his POV thats “he was an archmage. He had the right to any woman who lived in his province, if he so pleased.” Make me vom, why don’t you?
All of that with the fact that the main character had the personality of a wet napkin and I can’t force myself to finish this book.
March 15, 2022
This was fine. Decent writing but a lot of archaic words used that really drew me out of the story a bit. The plot was fine but pretty slow moving for a book this long. I also kind of thought this would be a series where each book was a different couple but no, book two is just more Evie and Declan. I’m honestly just not that interested in reading more about them. The world building is fine but doesn’t really hook me either. I also found the first chunk where their trapped in another land to be really tedious without contributing much to the overall world building. I’m far more invested with side characters like Gabriel, Lex, and Killian than I am with the main couple. The writing and plotting here aren’t bad at all. I do think this is a decent book. It just didn’t hook me enough to make me want to continue. I saw that book three will be Gabriel’s book so I might read book two when that comes out because I am interested in this story but I do think I’ll wait to continue until that book is released.
February 27, 2022
1.5 stars
TW: Rape, Assault.
This book had so much potential in the beginning and I was really enjoying the story so I'm pretty disappointed that those feelings rapidly went away as I continued reading.
In the beginning of this novel, I was entranced. I loved the plot and the world so much that I was gearing up to truly love this story. However, somewhere along the way it started reading like a totally different book. My interest and excitement dwindled and the story became less and less exciting. It eventually became a struggle to get through.
In all honesty, if anyone was to ask me specific details in regards to the last hundred pages, I wouldn't be able to answer them because I felt as if I was barely paying attention. I felt totally distant from the story and just wanted it to be over.
TW: Rape, Assault.
This book had so much potential in the beginning and I was really enjoying the story so I'm pretty disappointed that those feelings rapidly went away as I continued reading.
In the beginning of this novel, I was entranced. I loved the plot and the world so much that I was gearing up to truly love this story. However, somewhere along the way it started reading like a totally different book. My interest and excitement dwindled and the story became less and less exciting. It eventually became a struggle to get through.
In all honesty, if anyone was to ask me specific details in regards to the last hundred pages, I wouldn't be able to answer them because I felt as if I was barely paying attention. I felt totally distant from the story and just wanted it to be over.
September 2, 2022
★★★★★
Wow! I did not expect for it to be this good. I’ve had downloaded in my KU library for months, but I kept putting it off. Such a fool I was, because I devoured it.
I don’t know if I loved it so much because it was so different from I’ve been reading lately, but I feel in love with the world and the characters, which are so well structured in my opinion.
The romance is the sweetest, the perfect kind of slow burn, my cold little heart felt warm so many times. Declan and Evangeline are my new favorite couple❤️
There was never a dull moment, the pacing was so perfectly balanced.
‼️TW: RAPE, SA, HUMAN TRAFFICKING‼️
Wow! I did not expect for it to be this good. I’ve had downloaded in my KU library for months, but I kept putting it off. Such a fool I was, because I devoured it.
I don’t know if I loved it so much because it was so different from I’ve been reading lately, but I feel in love with the world and the characters, which are so well structured in my opinion.
The romance is the sweetest, the perfect kind of slow burn, my cold little heart felt warm so many times. Declan and Evangeline are my new favorite couple❤️
There was never a dull moment, the pacing was so perfectly balanced.
‼️TW: RAPE, SA, HUMAN TRAFFICKING‼️
March 29, 2022
“I would rather live one mortal lifetime as your elorin de han than to see a thousand meaningless sunrises incomplete.”
I just loved this carefully crafted world that the author created. The simple but apt descriptions were very creative and carefully thought of. It was an incredibly enjoyable read. Declan & Evangeline's chemistry was just perfect! I loved loved loved them together! He was just so smitten with her and whenever he complied to her demands like a whipped puppy, I was left swooning lol! Declan just couldn't stop himself from falling for her because Evangeline was just so kind and at the same time so fiery. I can't get enough of these two, I shipped them so hard and I'm definitely going to read the next book. There are other amazing side characters as well who I would love to get to know more about. If you're looking for a fantasy romance book with the forced proximity trope, you should definitely pick this one up!
I just loved this carefully crafted world that the author created. The simple but apt descriptions were very creative and carefully thought of. It was an incredibly enjoyable read. Declan & Evangeline's chemistry was just perfect! I loved loved loved them together! He was just so smitten with her and whenever he complied to her demands like a whipped puppy, I was left swooning lol! Declan just couldn't stop himself from falling for her because Evangeline was just so kind and at the same time so fiery. I can't get enough of these two, I shipped them so hard and I'm definitely going to read the next book. There are other amazing side characters as well who I would love to get to know more about. If you're looking for a fantasy romance book with the forced proximity trope, you should definitely pick this one up!
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