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Unveiled Magic #1
Black Ice Heart
Born into a wealthy and historically infamous family, all Ryson Melford wants is to live a simple life.
A twist of fate leads him to a man named Jack, changing everything. One touch and Ryson knows he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Jack in his life, despite the warnings from his brothers.
But Jack is not what he seems. Harboring dark and deadly secrets, he’s a mystery that is inexplicably tied to the Melford family. The closer Ryson and Jack get, the more dangerous things become as the present begins to reflect the past, threatening to destroy what is left of Ryson and his brothers.
Ryson finds himself trapped between doing what is right for his family and the man he is unexpectedly connected to. When truths come out and past mistakes are repeated, blood will be spilled...and a magic that was all but forgotten is unleashed in a battle that may spell the end for all of them.
This book may contain material that may be upsetting to some readers. Please read the disclaimer inside for details.
A twist of fate leads him to a man named Jack, changing everything. One touch and Ryson knows he’ll do whatever it takes to keep Jack in his life, despite the warnings from his brothers.
But Jack is not what he seems. Harboring dark and deadly secrets, he’s a mystery that is inexplicably tied to the Melford family. The closer Ryson and Jack get, the more dangerous things become as the present begins to reflect the past, threatening to destroy what is left of Ryson and his brothers.
Ryson finds himself trapped between doing what is right for his family and the man he is unexpectedly connected to. When truths come out and past mistakes are repeated, blood will be spilled...and a magic that was all but forgotten is unleashed in a battle that may spell the end for all of them.
This book may contain material that may be upsetting to some readers. Please read the disclaimer inside for details.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2021
29 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Abrianna Denae
42 books267 followersAbrianna Denae is a queer author living in Northern California. An English major, they have always had a passion for writing.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
Deciding to sit down and write one of the many stories that had plagued their mind for years was the easy part—finding the time to do it was a different story.
Caffeine is their best friend, and sleep is their worst enemy.
A lover of books that make the reader feel something, Abrianna tries to incorporate as much of their real-world views and feelings into their stories as they can.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 19, 2021
4.25 stars. Black Ice Heart is an amazing story where the past collides with the present. Awesomely thought out plot!
In a dark, cold, freezing alley Ryson Melford finds a man, Jack, who’s hurt and hypothermic.
He doesn’t want any police or hospital involved. Ryson takes him home.
Jack can’t believe karma is such a cruel b , how on earth is it possible he ends up with a family he knows from way, waaaay back.
Winter was kept in chains by Mother, he’s a slave, tortured, abused, burned for so long he forgot counting the years, the decades.
The Milford family lives here for over two hundred years, they were rich and infamous. Ryson wants to live a different life, he’s a kind soul who takes care of Jack. He doesn’t know Jack is connected with the family. Jack is weighed down by guilt, by a secret.
The Milord family noticed several different things about Jack, he’s special just as they are.
Jack disappears and the Milord family dives into their family history.
When Jack falls at his door again, more dead than alive, Ryson, his family, and others who are there to help, combine their magic to stop Mother.
A wonderfully written, hugely intriguing narrative. It’s told from different points, some in the third and some in the first person. It’s different and a bit confusing.
Between all the action and cruelty there is a romance blooming, Jack and Ryson are sugar-sweet with each other.
The further the story comes more characters are added, it’s getting crowdy. I was glad the author didn’t dump all information and characters at the start of this story, it would have been too much. It’s nicely proportionate and given throughout the story.
The author was amazingly creative building a world full of different kinds of magic and different magical creatures. The story is darker than I expected, the cruelty more horrible, with other words it was awesome!!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
In a dark, cold, freezing alley Ryson Melford finds a man, Jack, who’s hurt and hypothermic.
He doesn’t want any police or hospital involved. Ryson takes him home.
Jack can’t believe karma is such a cruel b , how on earth is it possible he ends up with a family he knows from way, waaaay back.
Winter was kept in chains by Mother, he’s a slave, tortured, abused, burned for so long he forgot counting the years, the decades.
The Milford family lives here for over two hundred years, they were rich and infamous. Ryson wants to live a different life, he’s a kind soul who takes care of Jack. He doesn’t know Jack is connected with the family. Jack is weighed down by guilt, by a secret.
The Milord family noticed several different things about Jack, he’s special just as they are.
Jack disappears and the Milord family dives into their family history.
When Jack falls at his door again, more dead than alive, Ryson, his family, and others who are there to help, combine their magic to stop Mother.
A wonderfully written, hugely intriguing narrative. It’s told from different points, some in the third and some in the first person. It’s different and a bit confusing.
Between all the action and cruelty there is a romance blooming, Jack and Ryson are sugar-sweet with each other.
The further the story comes more characters are added, it’s getting crowdy. I was glad the author didn’t dump all information and characters at the start of this story, it would have been too much. It’s nicely proportionate and given throughout the story.
The author was amazingly creative building a world full of different kinds of magic and different magical creatures. The story is darker than I expected, the cruelty more horrible, with other words it was awesome!!
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
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December 19, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/19/2022)! 🎁
January 28, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
Black Ice Heart, the first book in Abrianna Denae’s Unveiled Magic series, is an enjoyable slow burn PNR that centers around journeys of self-discovery. For the last of the Melfords, this takes the shape of finally delving into the truth of their family’s painful legacy and embracing hidden parts of themselves; for Jack, it involves his evolution from a pet with no autonomy or belief in his value to a being with a sense of self-worth and hope of having a real family. Told in present tense in alternating first-person POVs and flashbacks, the story focuses mostly on the series’ set up and establishing Jack as a truly sympathetic character and his seemingly predestined role in the Melford brothers’ lives. Generally, I have mixed feeling about stories told in present tense, but I think Denae uses it very effectively.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
Black Ice Heart, the first book in Abrianna Denae’s Unveiled Magic series, is an enjoyable slow burn PNR that centers around journeys of self-discovery. For the last of the Melfords, this takes the shape of finally delving into the truth of their family’s painful legacy and embracing hidden parts of themselves; for Jack, it involves his evolution from a pet with no autonomy or belief in his value to a being with a sense of self-worth and hope of having a real family. Told in present tense in alternating first-person POVs and flashbacks, the story focuses mostly on the series’ set up and establishing Jack as a truly sympathetic character and his seemingly predestined role in the Melford brothers’ lives. Generally, I have mixed feeling about stories told in present tense, but I think Denae uses it very effectively.
Read Jovan’s review in its entirety here.
August 23, 2021
I’ve been following Abrianna Denae’s work for just close to two years now and I have to say that during that time I have seen her write quite a few different genres and they have all been as equally as impressive as the last. With Abrianna you never know what you’re going to get because one minute she could be writing something oh so sweet, and then she can throw something unexpected at you, but it’s well worth the suspense that she puts you through.
This book has such a different feel and it’s clear that she’s taken such a tradition thing and made it her own, she’s turned Jack Frost into her own modern story and the events that take place are such heart-breaking but also so gripping.
It shows in her writing that this story means a lot to her and you can’t help but get so wrapped up in the story because of how she’s written it.
I loved the chemistry between Jack and Ryson, you could feel the connection that they had for each other and all you would want is for them to fight through everything that is happening around them.
Both Ryson and Jack are good people, and whilst they both have secrets of their own to reveal it’s really interesting getting to see how things play out between them.
I loved everything about this book, even the twists that Abrianna put in because it made the book just that more adventurous and brought the story to life.
Although, I will say one thing that annoyed me to no end…. Branning. I honestly thought he was a right douche…. I get that he didn’t believe in magic or pretty much most things when it came to the unknown, but still considering how close all the brothers were, you’d think that the bond between them would be enough to make him see sense that whilst he doesn’t agree with it, it would be better to stick with his brothers and just help them. But nope, he’s just one annoying character.
Other than that, I loved everything there was and just didn’t want the story to end, but I have a feeling that from the ending there is more to come and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Seriously, this is worth reading because it’s unlike anything Abrianna has ever written but it’s totally gripping.
Ryson is a good guy, he has his own coffee shop which is running smoothly and business is doing well. His brothers tend to give him a hard time about how he’s not so charitable, so when he goes ahead and does a good deed (which involves rescuing Jack from behind the coffee shop) it seems to spark trouble for him and his brothers, but his guy was telling him that he needed to do it.
Jack has suddenly turned up and it seems that there’s more to him than Ryson and his brothers realise. There’s already a connection there between them all but none of them can put their fingers on it until it’s revealed that Jack had something to do with the disappearance of Sara.
It’s clear that Jack isn’t from this current time period, but it seems that there’s a reason as to why he’s been thrown into this time period. Yet there’s something that draws Ryson into Jack, he can’t help but want to be there for him.
With so many secrets about to be revealed, how will all the brothers take them??? Will they let their guard down with Jack?? Will they figure out the mystery behind Jack appearing in their lives???
This book has such a different feel and it’s clear that she’s taken such a tradition thing and made it her own, she’s turned Jack Frost into her own modern story and the events that take place are such heart-breaking but also so gripping.
It shows in her writing that this story means a lot to her and you can’t help but get so wrapped up in the story because of how she’s written it.
I loved the chemistry between Jack and Ryson, you could feel the connection that they had for each other and all you would want is for them to fight through everything that is happening around them.
Both Ryson and Jack are good people, and whilst they both have secrets of their own to reveal it’s really interesting getting to see how things play out between them.
I loved everything about this book, even the twists that Abrianna put in because it made the book just that more adventurous and brought the story to life.
Although, I will say one thing that annoyed me to no end…. Branning. I honestly thought he was a right douche…. I get that he didn’t believe in magic or pretty much most things when it came to the unknown, but still considering how close all the brothers were, you’d think that the bond between them would be enough to make him see sense that whilst he doesn’t agree with it, it would be better to stick with his brothers and just help them. But nope, he’s just one annoying character.
Other than that, I loved everything there was and just didn’t want the story to end, but I have a feeling that from the ending there is more to come and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Seriously, this is worth reading because it’s unlike anything Abrianna has ever written but it’s totally gripping.
Ryson is a good guy, he has his own coffee shop which is running smoothly and business is doing well. His brothers tend to give him a hard time about how he’s not so charitable, so when he goes ahead and does a good deed (which involves rescuing Jack from behind the coffee shop) it seems to spark trouble for him and his brothers, but his guy was telling him that he needed to do it.
Jack has suddenly turned up and it seems that there’s more to him than Ryson and his brothers realise. There’s already a connection there between them all but none of them can put their fingers on it until it’s revealed that Jack had something to do with the disappearance of Sara.
It’s clear that Jack isn’t from this current time period, but it seems that there’s a reason as to why he’s been thrown into this time period. Yet there’s something that draws Ryson into Jack, he can’t help but want to be there for him.
With so many secrets about to be revealed, how will all the brothers take them??? Will they let their guard down with Jack?? Will they figure out the mystery behind Jack appearing in their lives???
Read
November 15, 2025A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75⭐️
"Black Ice Heart", the first book in Abrianna Denae’s Unveiled Magic series, is an enjoyable slow burn PNR that centers around journeys of self-discovery. For the last of the Melfords, this takes the shape of finally delving into the truth of their family’s painful legacy and embracing hidden parts of themselves; for Jack, it involves his evolution from a pet with no autonomy or belief in his value to a being with a sense of self-worth and hope of having a real family. Told in present tense in alternating first-person POVs and flashbacks, the story focuses mostly on the series’ set up and establishing Jack as a truly sympathetic character and his seemingly predestined role in the Melford brothers’ lives. Generally, I have mixed feeling about stories told in present tense, but I think Denae uses it very effectively.
Read my review in its entirety here.
3.75⭐️
"Black Ice Heart", the first book in Abrianna Denae’s Unveiled Magic series, is an enjoyable slow burn PNR that centers around journeys of self-discovery. For the last of the Melfords, this takes the shape of finally delving into the truth of their family’s painful legacy and embracing hidden parts of themselves; for Jack, it involves his evolution from a pet with no autonomy or belief in his value to a being with a sense of self-worth and hope of having a real family. Told in present tense in alternating first-person POVs and flashbacks, the story focuses mostly on the series’ set up and establishing Jack as a truly sympathetic character and his seemingly predestined role in the Melford brothers’ lives. Generally, I have mixed feeling about stories told in present tense, but I think Denae uses it very effectively.
Read my review in its entirety here.
October 19, 2021
I got intrigued by the summary of this book so I decided to give it a try. Having never read anything by this author. this will be the first work of the writer that I'd be consuming.
Do exercise caution if you plan on reading this book. Please heed the warnings and triggers that were given as some of the torture scenes and abusive acts can be a bit much if your tolerance for such things is a bit low as some of them were described in pretty good detail.
I found Black Ice Heart a cozy read strange as it may sound when it does have parts that are quite difficult to read due to the subject matter involved. The overall tone of the story is that of a folk tale which probably lent to the reason why I found it a cozy read. You can see where the writer drew her inspiration for some aspects of the lore in the world that she has created, but she also brought a unique and fascinating twist that gave a distinctive feel to the overall world building.
I liked the chemistry between Jack and Ryson. You can clearly see from the start that they have a deep connection and it is quite easy to root for them and to have them fight for their love. Apart from the main characters, the book has a supporting cast of interesting characters that are easy to like maybe except for Branning. At the present his actions and attitude is quite irritating though one can feel a bit of sympathy for him due to his current situation.
Ryson and Jack are both good people though each had their own secrets that they kept from the other. It was really a delight to watch as things unfold between them as their relationship grow and become stronger as they face against every obstacle just so they can be free from their past and from those who wish to tear them apart.
The bit about found family is heartwarming along with the interactions among the brothers and their friends. The first few chapters of the book is a bit too slow in pacing but it did pick up much later on. Overall, Black Ice Heart had been an enjoyable story about love, letting go of the past and finding hope in the present. I am looking forward to the rest of the series,
This would be 4 stars out of 5 for me.
I received an ARC of this book via GBP and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
Do exercise caution if you plan on reading this book. Please heed the warnings and triggers that were given as some of the torture scenes and abusive acts can be a bit much if your tolerance for such things is a bit low as some of them were described in pretty good detail.
I found Black Ice Heart a cozy read strange as it may sound when it does have parts that are quite difficult to read due to the subject matter involved. The overall tone of the story is that of a folk tale which probably lent to the reason why I found it a cozy read. You can see where the writer drew her inspiration for some aspects of the lore in the world that she has created, but she also brought a unique and fascinating twist that gave a distinctive feel to the overall world building.
I liked the chemistry between Jack and Ryson. You can clearly see from the start that they have a deep connection and it is quite easy to root for them and to have them fight for their love. Apart from the main characters, the book has a supporting cast of interesting characters that are easy to like maybe except for Branning. At the present his actions and attitude is quite irritating though one can feel a bit of sympathy for him due to his current situation.
Ryson and Jack are both good people though each had their own secrets that they kept from the other. It was really a delight to watch as things unfold between them as their relationship grow and become stronger as they face against every obstacle just so they can be free from their past and from those who wish to tear them apart.
The bit about found family is heartwarming along with the interactions among the brothers and their friends. The first few chapters of the book is a bit too slow in pacing but it did pick up much later on. Overall, Black Ice Heart had been an enjoyable story about love, letting go of the past and finding hope in the present. I am looking forward to the rest of the series,
This would be 4 stars out of 5 for me.
I received an ARC of this book via GBP and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
October 19, 2021
WOW!! What a dark dark read this book was, i was not prepared for this story at all. To say i loved this book is a understatement, i devoured this in one sitting as it was hard to put down.
I had a idea it was going to be full of triggers but the torture against Jack from his sisters and mother will leave you reeling with how cruel family can be. Jack has a hard life being winter he is treated as a pet and slave to his mother & his three sisters, Summer, Spring & Autumn.
That all changes when he meats Ryson and his brothers, as has he found love or is it just a dream, he doesn't know but is willing to give them both a chance. This was a hard read at times but i still couldn't put this book down. Fantastic from this author as you never know what you are going to get with her from sweet romance to dark and scary. Brilliant.
I had a idea it was going to be full of triggers but the torture against Jack from his sisters and mother will leave you reeling with how cruel family can be. Jack has a hard life being winter he is treated as a pet and slave to his mother & his three sisters, Summer, Spring & Autumn.
That all changes when he meats Ryson and his brothers, as has he found love or is it just a dream, he doesn't know but is willing to give them both a chance. This was a hard read at times but i still couldn't put this book down. Fantastic from this author as you never know what you are going to get with her from sweet romance to dark and scary. Brilliant.
October 17, 2021
OMG. This book was amazing. This is the first book I read from this author but will definitely not be my last. Poor Jack; the way he was treated all because he was created and fell in love with a human. Jack is a season; Winter to be exact. He was found by Ryson by the dumpster of his coffee shop and he knew Jack was special to him from the first touch. The twists and turns on how all of Ryson’s brothers helped defeat Mother Nature was awesome. I cannot wait to see what happens next and if another brother will get his happy ever after or if the story will continue with Jack and Ryson.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
November 9, 2023
Should have known if abrianna was going to try urban fantasy, it was going to be dark, and oh boy, was it! Mother Nature created her children the four seasons too bad one is male and that is not okay. This is the story of Jack (winter) and what he has to all overcome to finally be free of the reign of Mother Nature. We meet the Melford family whose fate entangle with Jack's so much that it takes 200 years to right those wrongs.
The family must learn to work together along with their new allies to seek a balance between our world and that of the magical. This is book 1 of what hopes to be all the Melford men to find their hea and peace.
The family must learn to work together along with their new allies to seek a balance between our world and that of the magical. This is book 1 of what hopes to be all the Melford men to find their hea and peace.
October 20, 2021
If you are of a certain age, you'll remember the commercial that warned about it not being nice to mess with Mother Nature. Here, that can be deadly but is necessary. Combining a really interesting take on Mother Nature with the hurt/comfort trope and Jack Frost as a compelling MC makes for one amazing story to start off what promises to be a great series. I loved Ryson and Jack and the exploration of how their pasts intersect with their present and futures and family.
August 25, 2022
The Melford brothers born into wealth, they all work and living their lives. Ryson living his life and running his coffee shop. Suddenly Jack appears out of nowhere behind Rysons coffee shop, freezing in the middle of winter.
The connection between Ry & Jack is immediate.
The mysterious appearance of Jack has everyone wondering about his existence.
An awesome book and do recommend!
The connection between Ry & Jack is immediate.
The mysterious appearance of Jack has everyone wondering about his existence.
An awesome book and do recommend!
September 22, 2022
Holy cow, what was that?!?! That ending, seriously?!?! I need more ASAP. This is not one of my normal reads but after reading Abrianna’s The Last Beginning, Stories series and Matters of the Heart series I needed more and I’m so glad I read this. I laughed, I cried and I got pissed. I find that I love when authors can pull at all my emotions in one book/series. I can’t wait for more. 🖤🔥❄️🔥🖤
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October 30, 2021I'm so sorry, but I had to DNF. If I knew it beforehand that it's a longer version of a previous short, I would have went in with a different mindset. But now, it was strangely familiar and I hate it when something seems like this. Previously I loved the short story and probably would have loved this longer version too, but not now. I'll give another chance for this in the near future.
August 20, 2021
What can I say, get ready to have your heart in your mouth and tissues in your hand. Abriana does it again. Jack is taken through a harrowing ordeal and meets a beautiful soul who is so selfless and giving.
I don’t want to spoil anything but get ready for an angst filled ride with some unexpected twists
I don’t want to spoil anything but get ready for an angst filled ride with some unexpected twists
July 12, 2023
BLACK ICE HEART is the first in the Unveiled Magic series. In it, we meet Jack, Summer, Spring, Autumn, Mother, and Old Man. Do these names sound familiar? They should do. This is the story of the seasons, of Mother Nature, Old Man Time, and Jack Frost, with its own unique spin as given by Abrianna Denae.
This is a dark story in places, with moments of torture and heartbreak, so please be aware of the trigger warning! There are also moments of love, friendship, and hope, that will keep you turning the pages.
There are a host of amazing characters in here, plus characters I've yet to meet properly, or fully understand. I'm hoping this will happen in future books as, being 100% honest here, some of them haven't made such a good impression.
Told from multiple perspectives, some characters only share their voice for one chapter. Others have multiple. So take your time reading and find out just who is speaking when - it will make it all so much easier.
The story feels almost complete until you reach the epilogue, and then it takes a whole new turn and you're left not knowing what will happen next.
Black Ice Heart kept my attention from beginning to end and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
** 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 22, 2021
This is a dark story in places, with moments of torture and heartbreak, so please be aware of the trigger warning! There are also moments of love, friendship, and hope, that will keep you turning the pages.
There are a host of amazing characters in here, plus characters I've yet to meet properly, or fully understand. I'm hoping this will happen in future books as, being 100% honest here, some of them haven't made such a good impression.
Told from multiple perspectives, some characters only share their voice for one chapter. Others have multiple. So take your time reading and find out just who is speaking when - it will make it all so much easier.
The story feels almost complete until you reach the epilogue, and then it takes a whole new turn and you're left not knowing what will happen next.
Black Ice Heart kept my attention from beginning to end and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
** 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 22, 2021
October 22, 2021
And I thought I wasn't a fan of Fantasy novels…
I requested an advanced review copy of Black Ice Heart solely because I loved the first book I read by Abrianna Denae (The Art of Living). I knew that Black Ice Heart was going to be an Urban Fantasy and even though I’ve read several Urban Fantasy books and loved them, I still don’t really consider myself a fan of this genre. After reading Black Ice Heart I may have to rethink that. 😊
I have to admit that I was a bit confused by the Prologue for this story but I kept on reading and I’m so glad I did. I’ve never read a book quite like this one. That may be due to the fact that I don’t read a lot in this genre but I also have to think that it’s the quality of the writing and storytelling by this author. Once I got past the Prologue and just a few pages into the first chapter, I was totally captivated and I didn’t want to put the book down.
The main MC’s of the story are Ryson Melford and Jack but there is so much more to it. Ryson has four brothers and each of them plays an important part in this book and since this is book one in the series, I suspect that we’ll be hearing more from Ryson’s brothers in future books.
The story has many different elements to it. There’s magic, fae, daemons and a necromancer. Jack’s mother and his 3 sisters are more than integral to the story. I’m afraid if I say too much more it will give key elements of the story away.
I’ve read some other reviews that call this a dark story and I guess it is to some extent. There are certainly some horrific scenes of torture (see the trigger warnings) but I guess because it’s a fantasy the torture scenes just didn’t hit me as hard as it might other readers. The overwhelming theme of love between the brothers and Jack and Ryson were enough for me to get past the dark parts.
I am totally hooked on this world. While Black Ice Heart doesn’t really have a cliffhanger, the epilogue certainly left me with more questions than answers. It seems to be the setup for the next book and I can’t wait to read it.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
I requested an advanced review copy of Black Ice Heart solely because I loved the first book I read by Abrianna Denae (The Art of Living). I knew that Black Ice Heart was going to be an Urban Fantasy and even though I’ve read several Urban Fantasy books and loved them, I still don’t really consider myself a fan of this genre. After reading Black Ice Heart I may have to rethink that. 😊
I have to admit that I was a bit confused by the Prologue for this story but I kept on reading and I’m so glad I did. I’ve never read a book quite like this one. That may be due to the fact that I don’t read a lot in this genre but I also have to think that it’s the quality of the writing and storytelling by this author. Once I got past the Prologue and just a few pages into the first chapter, I was totally captivated and I didn’t want to put the book down.
The main MC’s of the story are Ryson Melford and Jack but there is so much more to it. Ryson has four brothers and each of them plays an important part in this book and since this is book one in the series, I suspect that we’ll be hearing more from Ryson’s brothers in future books.
The story has many different elements to it. There’s magic, fae, daemons and a necromancer. Jack’s mother and his 3 sisters are more than integral to the story. I’m afraid if I say too much more it will give key elements of the story away.
I’ve read some other reviews that call this a dark story and I guess it is to some extent. There are certainly some horrific scenes of torture (see the trigger warnings) but I guess because it’s a fantasy the torture scenes just didn’t hit me as hard as it might other readers. The overwhelming theme of love between the brothers and Jack and Ryson were enough for me to get past the dark parts.
I am totally hooked on this world. While Black Ice Heart doesn’t really have a cliffhanger, the epilogue certainly left me with more questions than answers. It seems to be the setup for the next book and I can’t wait to read it.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
November 12, 2022
I have not read a “retelling” of the story of Jack Frost/Winter before! It was a really cool story but dark and beautiful rolled into one. I love how the author spun the tale with no fear for what they put their characters through!
It’s definitely a slow burn as the romance was woven into the story in a way that yes it was a focus but not the only focus.
Well written and I didn’t mind the outcome in the least.
It’s definitely a slow burn as the romance was woven into the story in a way that yes it was a focus but not the only focus.
Well written and I didn’t mind the outcome in the least.
October 20, 2021
First of all the story was amazing!! Jack is found by Ryson behind the coffee shop. The feels this story made me feel! I loved Ryson’s brothers, I hope they get their own story. I seriously loved this story hard!! It was really well written, highly recommend. I’m voluntarily leaving a review from an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
October 21, 2021
Amazing!
Wow this book was amazing! This book has a little bit of everything: humans, witches, fae, deamons. I enjoyed the connection between Ryson and Jack. I definitely shed a few tears throughout the story as I learned more about Jack and his family. I loved Abrianna Denae's take on Mother Nature and the four seasons. I can't wait for the continuation of this series.
Wow this book was amazing! This book has a little bit of everything: humans, witches, fae, deamons. I enjoyed the connection between Ryson and Jack. I definitely shed a few tears throughout the story as I learned more about Jack and his family. I loved Abrianna Denae's take on Mother Nature and the four seasons. I can't wait for the continuation of this series.
October 21, 2021
This was a wonderful introduction into a new series. I loved the characters and the storyline, every part of it was well written and easy to go through. I can't wait to see where the series goes, I recommend this book.
October 21, 2021
This book hooked me from the first sentence! This was an incredible retelling and loved every second of it. Ryson and Jack stole the show, but the side characters were just as enamoring! Loved it!!
January 15, 2024
Usually it would frustrate me to have so many points of view and tenses but I followed it fine and didn’t feel it overly detracted from the romance. A little but not a lot. The MCs’ love was so pronounced and so central to the plot that nothing really detracted from it.
The climax was amazing, everything I look for: action, danger, near death, moments of victory followed by moments of fear and loss; back and forth like a real war, taking many pages so not over quickly.
A non-binary person and a blind person are main characters! I loved the characters and they were done well. But in the good magic group, there are mostly men and a non-binary person. (Who it is expressly pointed out was originally seen as male and still is some narrow-minded circles. It angers me that the story told us their assigned gender at birth because it’s not relevant.)
The women are pretty much all evil or maids mentioned in a sentence or two. One of the brothers has a wife who’s only in a few scenes and she’s powerless. Then there’s a female loose cannon but I won’t spoil that for you.
I’m so sick of sexist M/M romance. One of the reasons I read it is to get away from that in het romance. I understand making a lot of men to be MCs in future books in the series but it’s not necessary to exclude powerful and GOOD women.
I hated the epilogue. It’s a twist that is supposed to make you want to read the next one but it just annoyed me.
The climax was amazing, everything I look for: action, danger, near death, moments of victory followed by moments of fear and loss; back and forth like a real war, taking many pages so not over quickly.
A non-binary person and a blind person are main characters! I loved the characters and they were done well. But in the good magic group, there are mostly men and a non-binary person. (Who it is expressly pointed out was originally seen as male and still is some narrow-minded circles. It angers me that the story told us their assigned gender at birth because it’s not relevant.)
The women are pretty much all evil or maids mentioned in a sentence or two. One of the brothers has a wife who’s only in a few scenes and she’s powerless. Then there’s a female loose cannon but I won’t spoil that for you.
I’m so sick of sexist M/M romance. One of the reasons I read it is to get away from that in het romance. I understand making a lot of men to be MCs in future books in the series but it’s not necessary to exclude powerful and GOOD women.
I hated the epilogue. It’s a twist that is supposed to make you want to read the next one but it just annoyed me.
dnf
January 20, 2024DNF @ 49% and it's totally a ME issue NOT the book's!
The story has the appropriate trigger warnings and I thought I could handle them but there are parts of the story, when it comes to the torture and how Jack is treated, that are too dark for me and I can feel my mood plummeting, so I need to take a step back .
It speaks to the author's talent of how much her story is getting to me, so why the 3 stars? Up to that point (and I have to admit I skimmed a bit after the 35%) there was minimal world building and the info is trickled a bit at a time before pushed aside to revisit later because something is going on so I was floundering trying to put pieces together.
I hope others are equipped with more fortitude and the wherewithal to continue what it is a dark but emotional story.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Book Promotions and this is my honest review.
The story has the appropriate trigger warnings and I thought I could handle them but there are parts of the story, when it comes to the torture and how Jack is treated, that are too dark for me and I can feel my mood plummeting, so I need to take a step back .
It speaks to the author's talent of how much her story is getting to me, so why the 3 stars? Up to that point (and I have to admit I skimmed a bit after the 35%) there was minimal world building and the info is trickled a bit at a time before pushed aside to revisit later because something is going on so I was floundering trying to put pieces together.
I hope others are equipped with more fortitude and the wherewithal to continue what it is a dark but emotional story.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Book Promotions and this is my honest review.
May 29, 2025
⭐️���️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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