He’ll do anything to save her. And then he’ll say goodbye… Being framed for murder, captured, and tortured for weeks didn’t break Val. But seeing Alanna every day, knowing she didn’t love him as he loved her, surely would. So, he’ll do whatever is necessary to stop the king from executing her…then he’ll walk away. Forever. Queen Alanna gave up everything—including her soul mate— to secure the treaty that would end the war. Now, her husband wants her dead and any chance she had for true happiness with Val is ruined. The king’s new guards are arrayed against them, the threat of war looms large, and their enemy has the upper hand. When all is said and done, will Alanna choose to sacrifice her own happiness to save her kingdom? Or will she risk it all for a second chance at happily ever after with Val? Val, book 2 in The Hawks series, is a sexy, steamy, adult fantasy romance full of danger, shifters (kind of), and tons of action. But fair warning: This book is intended only for readers who love fast-paced adventure, second chances and found family—and characters who curse when they fight for survival. If that’s you, happy reading.
Jennie Lynn Roberts believes that every kickass heroine should have control of her own story, a swoony hero to fight beside her, and a guaranteed happily ever after. Because that doesn’t always happen in real life, she began creating her own worlds that work just the way they should. And she hasn’t looked back since.
Jennie would rather be writing than doing anything else—except for spending time with her gorgeous family, of course. But when she isn’t building vibrant new worlds, she can be found nattering with friends, baking up a storm, or strolling in the woods around her home in England.
If you want to talk books, romance, movies, reluctant heroes, or just about anything else with Jennie, feel free to contact her on Facebook or Instagram But be prepared to settle in for a long chat if you bring up shifters, vampires, Star Wars, or The Princess Bride….
VAL is the second book in The Hawks series, and to get the most out of this story, I would recommend you read Tristan first. We start where Tristan finished - Val has been rescued but Alanna is still in the castle.
Val is... I would say disheartened but it's so much more than that. He's broken. He believes his brothers left him when he needed them the most. It didn't help when they started to believe the hype and lies told about Alanna, when he alone knew the truth. Of course, he could have opened his mouth, but then he wouldn't be the tortured hero.
Alanna is stronger than she realises. When you find out her back story and just what she went through? Horrible! I was really rooting for Alanna and Val to get together, but Ballanor is on their tail all the way. Val and Lanni have a slow-burn romance, which drove me insane, as I really wanted them to do the do, but it was all for a very good reason which I only figured out at the same time as the other characters! Loved that.
There are new characters introduced in this book, and Ramiel and Haniel are my favourites (so far!) I can't wait to see them in future books.
The pacing is smooth and the story is well maintained, both with Val and Lanni's individual story plus the overall arc. Oh, and if you thought Ballanor was bad, brace yourself. There's someone far worse!
A fantastic addition to the series and highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
VAL was such an emotional read but I'm so happy we got to see Alanna and Val find their way to each other! After the first book in the series my heart was breaking for everything Val was forced to endure when he's wrongly accused of killing the king. Here we see Val fighting for his innocence and most importantly doing everything he can to keep Alanna safe and away from Ballamor. It was action packed, intense, and deeply emotional to read their journey and also see what Alanna had gone through in her political marriage.
Quite frankly, this is how you write a romance where the characters already have feelings for each other. These two have been quietly pining for each other for months but I never felt like we missed out on the romantic moments or the build up of their emotions. Jennie Lynn Roberts does a fantastic job of showing us how these two fall in love all over again as they finally get a chance to be together.
I'm really looking forward to reading the next in the series and getting the rest of the Hawks' stories!
Content Warning: recounting of past domestic abuse; imprisonment and torture
Where do I start, the first book had me glued and this one there was so much emotion going on. Val had so many emotional turmoil I felt like I could just sit down and study his internal dialogue. I loved his journey through out this book, his trauma was so palpable. The love for Alanna and the need to protect her no matter what. The fight scenes were just amazing, and the introduction to Ramiel (who is just an amazing character) just added to the story. And what can I say a story isn’t a story without its resident bad guy Dornar ooo he is one slippery guy, you can’t help but loath him. I can’t wait to see his character in the next book.
The action, adventure, and suspense starts off right away. What a great way to grab our attention so that we have no choice but to follow the trail to see where it will lead us. Val seems to be dealing with finger pointing. Alanna has had a lot to deal with both mentally and physically.
Even though the author has created a world of fantasy, some aspects of our world seems to bleed in. Evil can exist anywhere and that includes bullies. Something else that seems to have filtered in is how easily people come to believe everything they are told – without checking the facts for themselves. We get to also see the opposite of that as well as heartbreak.
We have a butterfly conservatory nearby and there were times where I wished that I would just go in and sit with them flittering all around me. It would help me put my mind in the right place. Closest thing, for right now, would be to sit outside with nature and let the animals be my background music.
What I love about a fantasy world is that imagination has free rein. Nothing is off limits and we get to visit a world that might, or might not, truly exist. But it can exist in our minds. The author does a great job of painting pictures that I can see in my mind. I can step in and out of a world where my problems, at least for a little while, don’t exist. Some of you may even get involved and start to wonder how you would solve some of the conflict going on.
This is a tale that goes beyond our thoughts of Tinkerbell and where she may have come from. I liked the strong will Val had for doing what was right. As adults, we need to train our brain to not think of everything that we can see in front of us. We need to go back to our childhood where everything that we couldn’t see was possible. The ending though gave me thoughts of how long do I have to wait to see where the author will be taking us next.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I read this book in less than two days because I simply couldn't put it down.
It is the second book in the Hawks series. Finally, we learn about what happened with Val. Why he is loyal to his queen. Val is truly a great person. He is loyal to his queen, but also to his brothers. All his actions have been made to protect those he cares for.
Alanna is a very strong woman. I love how she grows throughout the book. I love how strong and confident she becomes.
Alanna and Val are meant to be, but their journey is difficult.
I have to say that the last chapters had me holding my breath. It sure has some surprises and a lot of twists and turns.
This story is well written, action-packed, and quite steamy. I can definitely recommend you read it, but please start with book one - else this book won't make that much sense.
Once I finished book one in this series there was no chance that I wasn’t going to be reading Val’s book! This book did a good job answering any lingering questions I had left over from book one. Val and Alanna get a hard earned HEA in this book which made me really happy. Those poor characters suffered enough in book one! I also liked getting to know more about the other Hawks and the world as a whole. The series continues to intrigue me and I’m interested to see where it goes next.
This is book two of the Hawks series, and although it focuses on a different couple, is pretty much a continuation of the story line so, read Tristan first. That being said, I enjoyed it just as much as I did the 1st. the love story is heartbreakingly sweet and although the self sacrificial angle may have been a little overdone in my opinion, I still loved and routed for the characters. The story line continues on in book 3 with the focus on a different couple and I will be following along...
After reading the first book in the series, I knew I needed to find out what happens with Val and Allanna. Very pleased with this book. The more Roberts shares about the world in which the Hawks live, the more interested I am in the history and the nuance of the society she's created. I will definitely be reading more!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book. I also won a signed copy!
OK SO! This is book 2 in The Hawks series, and you really REALLY MUST read Tristan, book 1, before this one. This book picks up immediately after that one, and you need, you really NEED that book to get the full picture of what's happened before. You get the most of it recapped, but personally, I don't think it ALL comes across.
Lanval was rescued, along with his sister Nim and Keeley, the Queen's maid. The Queen, however, was not and Val needs to rescue Alanna before her despot of a husband hangs her for treason she did not commit. But Val is broken, inside and out, and his Hawk friends hate him for what they thought he did. Lanni is glad Val is free, she can die knowing he is safe. Then, he's there, rescuing her and whisking her away! Ballinor won't stop though, and with a new chancellor at his side, things get mighty difficult for everyone.
In case you missed it, when you read my review for Tristan, I LOVED that book. And I wanted to love this one as much as that one, but I can't, as much as it pains me, I really can't.
Why?? Cos I LOVED THIS ONE MORE!!
OH my freaking gosh, this book! Full of so much! So much pain, for both Lanni and Val. So much love between them, even if it takes them such a long time to finally, FINALLY come together fully. So much discovered, by The hawks, about what happened before, and so much guilt from everyone!
I cried, a lot in this book. Val and Lanni are perfect for each other, but they know they can never be free to be together, while the King listens to his newest Chancellor. Oh I did NOT like him. The last one was just trying to get his hands on Lanni, but this one?? He's after so much more than that. What exactly, I'm not entirely sure yet, but I'm sure all will be revealed, eventually! I love being kept in the dark!
I shouted a lot too! Lanni has a lot of ideas about honour, as does Val, but some of it is misplaced. I swore, a few choice words a sailor would be proud of, or rather, words a soldier in the barracks would be proud of! These men, this group, right? They love hard, they fight hard, and they *think* they mess up hard, but actually, THEY don't! Reece, oh he needs such a hug. He thinks he caused most of the group to be captured, but he didn't. Even the Chancellor says so, but Reece feels he did. His book is gonna be painful reading, I reckon!
Both Lanni and Val get a say, along with Mathos, who has his book next. I did see him with someone else, to be honest, but given what was discovered here, then reading what it says at the end of this one, I was made to see my error. Mathos is not Mabin, like Val and Nim, but something else. Something with a beast inside him. With scales. Dragon-type beast? Not 100% certain, I may have missed all the clues, but Mathos the man is a bit of a player. He thinks he won't fall like Tristan and Val, so when he meets his lady in the next book, there is sure to be fireworks.
Said lady also gets the epilogue. When she was revealed in this book, I wasn't expecting her, and she has quite a tale to tell, I'm sure. How she will react to Mathos should be amusing, given these men have protective streaks a canyon wide, and she has been where she has all her life.
I said in my review for Tristan that I thought this would be a much darker read than that one, and it is, it really is. The level of violence Ballinor steps up to is given in great detail, and you can feel every lash given, every punch taken and every injury to Lanni at the hands of her husband. Val too, but it's mostly Lanni who suffers here.
I can't wait for what comes next, because I'm not seeing the whole picture yet. I can't see where this is all going and I love that! Mostly, though, because I'm loving these guys, watching them fall one by one, and meeting the strong women who take their hearts.
“Val” is the second book in “Hawks”, Fantasy Romance series by Jennie Lynn Roberts, and continues the story started with “Tristan” – a mighty brotherhood of charming guys who fight and love in a magical world plentiful of action and political intrigues. Now is the moment for follow the destinies of Queen Alanna and her valiant and passionate body guard Lanval, enthralled in a road of justice and liberty against the cruelties of despicable King Ballanor. Theirs is a tale of overcoming and rediscovery of themselves. He was tortured and considered himself despised by the woman he loved - the same Alanna who he sought to understand and protect all the time. She was a princess conscious of her obligations with her country and an arranged political marriage, but, same time, a little loved daughter for her mother, the queen of Verturia, and an abused and neglected wife for cruel Ballanor. United in a flight to save their lives, they need to recognize their own strength and allow themselves the love that can heal their greatest uncertainties and pains. The romance between the two are bittersweet and I really liked that Jennie do not create an Alanna obviously badass and overconfident. She has another strong quality, a girl in a some like medieval world of men, but with a sense of honor and resilience, that allows her to face all the dangers she encounters along the way. At the same time, Val's love and the friendship she finds in the Hawks and with Nim, are what will transform her into a more confident woman. This story shows us more about the men in the squad and I’m now curious especially about Reece. He became an annoying drunkard and ass hole, but continues to be loved and cared for his comrades. In a sense, I felt sorry for him, because his suffering is intense and he needs to feel redeemed to return to be who he was. Can’wait to see what Jennie is reserving for him. We also have some glimpses in Tor and Keely’s relationship. I’m curious if the story between these two will visit Keely’s past in Verturia and if she can have more straight links with Alanna (ok, it is a fantasy of mine, but I think they can be half-sisters. Alanna's mother seems to have her tenebrous secrets – may be a bastard daughter can be one). Well, for what I really live in fantasy romance is the world building, and I’m happy Jennie increasing the informations about places and people, especially the mysterious Nephilim. Now, I’m ready for Mathos and Lucilla’s story and, in all, can’wait to follow the Hawk’s next adventures and know the other women who will conquer their hearts. Definitively, it is a perfect series for those like me, who appreciate straight fantasy romance, with a consistent love story and a whole new magical world to discover. I receive an arc for an honest review.
Jennie Lynn Roberts is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Val and Alanna's story is filled with a plethora of ridiculously adorable moments (i.e the proposal scene) as well as utterly heartwrenching scenes. It definitely feels like a proper continuation of The Hawks story.
That being said, I wouldn't say it's a perfect follow-up to Tristan. There are a few things that didn’t sit well with me, first and foremost the death of our primary antagonist. It felt like one of convenience rather than a proper resolution like the first book had. In Tristan, Grendel's death had more weight. It gave Nim closure for the torment he caused her. But with Ballanor... Neither Val nor Alanna really get that cathartic release I was hoping for. Not to mention this death also sets up a character who I felt in the first book was going to eventually join the Hawks to become the new big baddie for, at the very least, the next book. Which, for me, is a major disappointment.
Even with my gripes, though, I very much enjoyed this book. Alanna was already one of my favorite characters in Tristan, so seeing her grow into her own was a delight. And I'm especially excited to see how Mathos' story plays out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jennie Lynn Roberts is becoming one of my new favorite authors. I was hooked from the first page and it is a well-written story. The characters, setting and everything about the series are amazing. Val is a masterpiece.
Val continues after everything that has happened in Tristan ...
Val felt betrayed by his brothers. They didn’t believe in his innocents at first. They thought that he was part in killing their previous king. He will do anything to protect his princess against the new ruler of their kingdom. The new king wants to execute Alanna and Val will do anything to prevent that from happening.
Alanna married the new king to prevent a war. Now, the same king wants her dead and wants her to accept her fate.
Alanna has to make a difficult decision. A decision that can change her whole life.
Will Val and Alanna have a chance to true happiness?
Jennie Lynn Roberts did amazing work with the second installment in The Hawks Series. I can’t wait to read Mathos (The Hawks #3). The Hawks is turning out as one of my favorites of the year so far.
I would recommend The Hawks series to all Adult Fantasy Romance Readers.
A MUST READ
Official release date: 22 April 2021 (PreOrder Now)
There is something so binge able about these books. Once I start reading I can't seem to stop myself. I just love the found family aspect of this series. These characters really do love each other. Val and Alanna's story was beautiful and heartbreaking. I was also really impressed with the Nephilim in the story. They really came through for the squad. I'm excited to read the rest of the series.
Jennie Lynn Roberts' writing just gets better and better. As the sequel to Tristan, focusing in on the passionate relationship between Val and Alanna, this is a really gripping story, in the unfolding world of Bythoria! If you looking for fantasy and love, suspense and loss, look no further!
Val and Alanna have a heartbreaking love story that you can’t help but root for from the beginning. I can’t say it enough, but this series is just amazing. Each book just gets better.