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Wing Mates #2
Embers and Ash
He’s an arrogant liar. A winged prince responsible for my family’s suffering. And now my mate.
I’ve spent my entire life training to kill Darius the Silent. He’s everything I hate, powerful and cruel and son to a ruling family that crushed my people.
When he finds his way into the Arden Kingdom, my only goal is revenge. To fulfill my life’s purpose and end him. But meeting him changes everything.
He’s not what I expect. Devious, charming, and with a wit as sharp as a blade, he’s a man who’s spent his life preparing for a rebellion like this.
After seeing how impossible our mission is, I realize something terrible. I need his help more than I need him dead.
The great war has begun, and I have to slow down an entire army with Darius by my side. If we don’t find a way to work together, we’ll be the first casualties of this war.
I have a lifetime of hatred for this man, and yet his touch makes me want to forget it all. Especially when I learn there’s more to him than his arrogance. That his heart may be burnt to nothing but embers and ash.
Just like mine.
Hate fueled our fire, but passion is what will bind us, what will build us, and what will help us win this war.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2021
5 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Hart
5 books42 followersOlivia Hart is a fantasy romance author in love with all things out of this world. She writes about the darker side of fantasy romance with sassy heroines and flawed heroes. Join her mailing list to stay up to date on her latest releases, promotions, and news: http://eepurl.com/hqokzr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 15, 2021
5 stars ⭐️
This is the second book in the duet, and wow, it doesn’t disappoint. The story continues with Prince Darius the Silent, and the Arden Fae Princess Orlanda. War is coming, and they are tasked with slowing down the travelling time of King Azulus’s army. There are many secrets to be overcome before Darius and Orlanda can find true happiness, but the emotional roller coaster these two take us on is a real heart teaser. I could not put this one down, it sucked me in and took me on the adventure too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second book in the duet, and wow, it doesn’t disappoint. The story continues with Prince Darius the Silent, and the Arden Fae Princess Orlanda. War is coming, and they are tasked with slowing down the travelling time of King Azulus’s army. There are many secrets to be overcome before Darius and Orlanda can find true happiness, but the emotional roller coaster these two take us on is a real heart teaser. I could not put this one down, it sucked me in and took me on the adventure too.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2021
This is the second book in the Winged fates duet, and it did deliver one hell of a story. We continue our adventure with Prince Darius the Silent, and the Arden Fae Princess Orlana. War is coming, and they are tasked with slowing down the traveling time of King Azulus’s army. But with so many secrets and facades will these two be able to join together, fight the evil king, and bring about freedom to many people that have never known it.
I will say that the characters and storyline are very rich and have great detail spent on them. The author has done an excellent job of making this book just as realistic feeling as the first one. There is a bit more wit and humor to this book than the first and that is completely down to the two MCs of it. We learn more about the Princes' past and the particular struggles they each had to deal with. We also get to see just how oppressed a whole race has been thanks to King Azulus.
The pace was brilliant, there is hardly a dull moment, and you are constantly on edge to find out what happens next. The only downside I would say is that the third Brother, Arturus, won't have his own book. I would love to see what happens or what happened to him in a third book but alas, I don't see that coming.
This is a fantastic read for fantasy fans, especially when dealing with fae, rebellion, and tyrannical leaders. A very good read that I couldn't put down!
I will say that the characters and storyline are very rich and have great detail spent on them. The author has done an excellent job of making this book just as realistic feeling as the first one. There is a bit more wit and humor to this book than the first and that is completely down to the two MCs of it. We learn more about the Princes' past and the particular struggles they each had to deal with. We also get to see just how oppressed a whole race has been thanks to King Azulus.
The pace was brilliant, there is hardly a dull moment, and you are constantly on edge to find out what happens next. The only downside I would say is that the third Brother, Arturus, won't have his own book. I would love to see what happens or what happened to him in a third book but alas, I don't see that coming.
This is a fantastic read for fantasy fans, especially when dealing with fae, rebellion, and tyrannical leaders. A very good read that I couldn't put down!
January 16, 2022
I received an e-ARC via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Orlana has spent her life hidden away in the caves of the Fae, preparing for the day when she can destroy the family that murdered her mother. So when Darius arrives begging for her people’s help fighting against his father, she can hardly believe that he is not the monster she swore an oath to kill. Forced to work together in a desperate attempt to save their people, Orlana and Darius are drawn closer and closer, even as prophecy and politics seek to keep them apart.
I predicted that book two of this duet would be better, and goodness knows I was right! Picking up after the events of Sand and Storm, Embers and Ash is everything the first book had the potential to be. With great characters, intense conflict, passionate romance, and spectacular writing, this book encapsulates the fun of the fantasy romance genre.
Orlana was a fierce heroine who grew exponentially throughout the book, dealing with exploring her emotions and validating her own opinions. Darius was certainly a better character than he was in book one, with layers and a backstory that explained his actions without forcing them. Their romance worked because they had constant chemistry, even when they hated each other. It was a believable turn of events that was drawn out in the best way possible. My only complaint is that the miscommunication trope was used near the end of the story, and I felt that it wasn’t necessary to heighten the drama.
The plot of Embers and Ash didn’t contain a dull moment, constantly speeding ahead to further conflict. Though there were enough sweet moments to balance the violence of war, the story never dragged. The setting and worldbuilding did their job well, and the author explained how her world worked without an influx of worldbuilding.
Embers and Ash is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, the one-bed trope, forced alliances, and fantasy romance in general. If you enjoyed From Blood and Ash, The Bridge Kingdom, or A Shadow in the Ember, this should definitely be your next read!
Orlana has spent her life hidden away in the caves of the Fae, preparing for the day when she can destroy the family that murdered her mother. So when Darius arrives begging for her people’s help fighting against his father, she can hardly believe that he is not the monster she swore an oath to kill. Forced to work together in a desperate attempt to save their people, Orlana and Darius are drawn closer and closer, even as prophecy and politics seek to keep them apart.
I predicted that book two of this duet would be better, and goodness knows I was right! Picking up after the events of Sand and Storm, Embers and Ash is everything the first book had the potential to be. With great characters, intense conflict, passionate romance, and spectacular writing, this book encapsulates the fun of the fantasy romance genre.
Orlana was a fierce heroine who grew exponentially throughout the book, dealing with exploring her emotions and validating her own opinions. Darius was certainly a better character than he was in book one, with layers and a backstory that explained his actions without forcing them. Their romance worked because they had constant chemistry, even when they hated each other. It was a believable turn of events that was drawn out in the best way possible. My only complaint is that the miscommunication trope was used near the end of the story, and I felt that it wasn’t necessary to heighten the drama.
The plot of Embers and Ash didn’t contain a dull moment, constantly speeding ahead to further conflict. Though there were enough sweet moments to balance the violence of war, the story never dragged. The setting and worldbuilding did their job well, and the author explained how her world worked without an influx of worldbuilding.
Embers and Ash is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers, the one-bed trope, forced alliances, and fantasy romance in general. If you enjoyed From Blood and Ash, The Bridge Kingdom, or A Shadow in the Ember, this should definitely be your next read!
September 14, 2021
Embers and Ash is the second book in Olivia Hart's Winged Mates series and this book really brings everything to a nice conclusion. Where the first book focused on Marcellus and Talia, this book focuses on the brother, Darius and arden Princess, Orlana. Orlana has dreamed of the day of when she could bring justice for the death of her mother, but when her path crosses with Darius, she's told that he's now an ally and that she is to work with him in bringing down his father.
Embers and Ash is told from the perspective of Orlana throughout and I would have liked to have some of Darius's point of view, but the story flows pretty well overall. Orlana is the focus as she is the one who has lost, seemingly the most. There is quite a bit of back and forth between Orlana and Darius as they learn to work together, and slowly but surely love begins to grow between them. I'm curious quite often as to why Darius is so aloof. Don't worry, the author gives readers backstory in the appropriate times. Whenever a question arose in my mind, the author expertly moved to answer it in the right time.
I appreciate that we get quite a few fight scenes in this book and that the final battle isn't just phoned in. I was a bit disappointed more than once with Orlana and her attitude. She does act like a spoiled princess and it gets annoying. I don't like it when she wants to get an attitude about minor things. Yes, her getting "ignored" was hurtful, but she needed to grow up and remember the situation that they were all facing in that moment. She's immature in the worst possible times and it's irritating. Thankfully, everything works out in the end.
I'm choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's well written and I love that readers get a nice HEA at the end. It's a good ending to this duet.
Embers and Ash is told from the perspective of Orlana throughout and I would have liked to have some of Darius's point of view, but the story flows pretty well overall. Orlana is the focus as she is the one who has lost, seemingly the most. There is quite a bit of back and forth between Orlana and Darius as they learn to work together, and slowly but surely love begins to grow between them. I'm curious quite often as to why Darius is so aloof. Don't worry, the author gives readers backstory in the appropriate times. Whenever a question arose in my mind, the author expertly moved to answer it in the right time.
I appreciate that we get quite a few fight scenes in this book and that the final battle isn't just phoned in. I was a bit disappointed more than once with Orlana and her attitude. She does act like a spoiled princess and it gets annoying. I don't like it when she wants to get an attitude about minor things. Yes, her getting "ignored" was hurtful, but she needed to grow up and remember the situation that they were all facing in that moment. She's immature in the worst possible times and it's irritating. Thankfully, everything works out in the end.
I'm choosing to rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. It's well written and I love that readers get a nice HEA at the end. It's a good ending to this duet.
September 15, 2021
I was looking forward to this after reading the first book, thinking it would be good. It superceded my expectations, it was absolutely spectacular. I was fascinated by Darius in book 1 he's got such a sexy but mischievous personality, and after reading book two I totally fell for him he was so well developed that it took my breath away. Orlana is a slightly tempered woman, who has much to learn. Darius and her are a perfect match, although I'm completely jealous of her. The storyline was astounding, I was utterly blown away. And that ending, oh my god. Perfect... This series is an absolute must read, it won't Dissapoint.
September 15, 2021
This is the second book in Oliva's Winged Mates series and focus's on Darius's brother Marcellus and his mate Talia as they overcome so much to be together.
This one tugs a bit more on the heart strings but is still fast paced and full of Action - Once you start reading you cant put it down as it draws you full in and holds you.
Such a well written Fantasy with great chemistry, dynamic characters and detailed world building.
The two brothers come back together for an epic battle at the end and although this could be read as a stand alone the ending makes more sense if you have read book 1 first
This one tugs a bit more on the heart strings but is still fast paced and full of Action - Once you start reading you cant put it down as it draws you full in and holds you.
Such a well written Fantasy with great chemistry, dynamic characters and detailed world building.
The two brothers come back together for an epic battle at the end and although this could be read as a stand alone the ending makes more sense if you have read book 1 first
September 15, 2021
The series started with me in tears, and it ended that way too. I guess it’s only fitting for the completed cycle to bring me back to where I started. Orlana causes sparks everywhere she goes, though most of them don’t create as much reaction as she gets with Darius. The chemistry between this pair could light up a small city. And that’s when they’re cooperating with one another. When the claws really come out, they can set the world on fire. I adored this conclusion to the story, and I can’t wait to see what the author has hiding up her sleeve for what’s coming next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
September 14, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this and was hooked on it from beginning to end. It moved along at a great pace, has amazing characters that you will fall in love with and you want to know more about. This book is a must read that needs to be on your TBR list, no doubts about it at all.
September 12, 2021
Book 2 has Darius and Marcellus (main character in book 1) finally take on their father and brother in battle.
Darius and Orlana's story was sweet and funny, but also tragic and had my emotions flying all over the place. I love those two together.
I really enjoyed this one, even more than the first book. Magic, battles, family and love, it had it all.
Darius and Orlana's story was sweet and funny, but also tragic and had my emotions flying all over the place. I love those two together.
I really enjoyed this one, even more than the first book. Magic, battles, family and love, it had it all.
September 13, 2021
This series ended great so glad for HEA sad to see it end thou. I loved watching these characters grow and come together. It has everything you could possibly want in the conclusion of a series.
September 16, 2021
I absolutely loved the ending to the Wi ged Mates duet. Although I enjoyed Marcellus' girl's personality a bit better, I loved how Orlando and Darius get together. I have been waiting to learn more about why Darius is the way he is, and this book answers all the questions. And the baddies finally get what they deserve! I totally recommend d this book and the previous as a duet.
September 16, 2021
loved this duology so much! ... if you haven't read this one, you need to pick it up!!
September 9, 2021
A great conclusion to the Winged Mates duet!! The world building is on point, the storyline is engaging, and it’s filled with drama, action, plenty of steam, and secrets. Darius and Orlanda have many obstacles to overcome to find their happily ever after. I loved both Darius and Orlanda’s characters and I loved that Orlanda was such a kick butt heroine. A terrific read and one I highly recommend.
September 11, 2021
This is a wonderful paranormal/fantasy romance.. I liked it very much! It is amazing! The characters are well designed, and the imagery is beautiful..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2021
Great Conclusion to the duet . . . perhaps a spin off from this great world would be warranted in the future . . . well done !
September 20, 2021
I loved this series! I was a little sceptical starting book 2, as I thought this was going to mimic the enemies to lovers theme and just be a copy and paste exercise of the first book with 2 different characters. I shouldn’t have worried! Particularly as I knew from reading book 1 that Hart was a master of creating a world and a story. The trope is excellently executed! I loved the characters in this book for different reasons than why I enjoyed those in the first - they have personalities and stories of their own. I felt and understood the emotions and turmoil each experienced. They were so well written! Hart is an expert at making you hate a character, only to have you later empathise with them! I need another book in this world! I want to know if Arturus ever found love and acceptance. I want to know more of Shadow’s past (Never has a book made me interested in the life of a sword!). Hart has definitely become a favourite author of mine.
September 16, 2021
Thank you Olivia for the eArc of this book and I'm leaving the review voluntarily.
When I first started the book I was so confused as I thought it was Talia's POV from the first book but soon enough I managed to get that it is someone else lol. But the confusion tho, so funny haha.
Other than that I actually enjoyed the first book better. I don't know the characters we're more likable, not that I didn't like this book it just felt a bit not there yet, hard to tell really. O just didn't connect with the peeps. Ntg tho, it was cute to see how they opened up to each other over time, but I guess it was just taking to long, and she was so stubborn
When I first started the book I was so confused as I thought it was Talia's POV from the first book but soon enough I managed to get that it is someone else lol. But the confusion tho, so funny haha.
Other than that I actually enjoyed the first book better. I don't know the characters we're more likable, not that I didn't like this book it just felt a bit not there yet, hard to tell really. O just didn't connect with the peeps. Ntg tho, it was cute to see how they opened up to each other over time, but I guess it was just taking to long, and she was so stubborn
September 13, 2021
This second book in the Winged Mates series is another bona fide winner of a read!
Filled with excitement, drama and two indelibly fascinating lead characters that together create a powerfully crafted story of love, desire and acceptance. Enemies to lovers Darius and Orlana must circumvent the complexities of their different worlds while navigating their growing attraction for each other, a quest just as fraught with danger. This was another well written intensive read filled with action, adventure and a persistently riveting fast paced narrative. HEA
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Filled with excitement, drama and two indelibly fascinating lead characters that together create a powerfully crafted story of love, desire and acceptance. Enemies to lovers Darius and Orlana must circumvent the complexities of their different worlds while navigating their growing attraction for each other, a quest just as fraught with danger. This was another well written intensive read filled with action, adventure and a persistently riveting fast paced narrative. HEA
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 21, 2021
This book picks up where book one left off. I wasn't sure how much I would like this one. I was not a big fan of Darius the Silent in the first book. I ended up really liking him. He grew so much during this book. We learned so much more of his backstory. He wants his freedom from his father as well.
We meet the Arden Fae in this book. Princess Orlana is a very strong but naïve woman. She was raised in hiding. She doesn't understand how the world works. Darius is of course willing to help her learn. They start out on a journey together to help the war effort. Will they be able to win?
We meet the Arden Fae in this book. Princess Orlana is a very strong but naïve woman. She was raised in hiding. She doesn't understand how the world works. Darius is of course willing to help her learn. They start out on a journey together to help the war effort. Will they be able to win?
September 18, 2021
Everything was thrown into this second book in the Winged Mates series. After losing her mother Orlana (FMC) has heart and mind set on revenge against King Azulus. Only for both her and his son Prince Darius intentions to mixed up together in the pursuit of that. A book of love, loss, revenge and redemption. I genuinely really liked the relationship that Orlana and Darius had. The playful banter that they had was the highlight in this book for me. It made for a great read
September 24, 2021
Gives the reader adventure and romance
Orlana, a princess of the arden fae, has spent her whole life hidden in a mountain training for war until Darius, a solen fae and her enemy, comes to recruit the arden fae to fight against his father. As the story progresses games are played with the enemy, neither of them are prepared for the realities, and the most dangerous battle they face has nothing to do with the war. Olivia Hart’s new fantasy world of fae, elves, sorcerers, and humans gives the reader adventure and romance as a fight to right the wrongs is undertaken. How the journey ends seems to be every bit in question as the loyalties of the travelers.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
Orlana, a princess of the arden fae, has spent her whole life hidden in a mountain training for war until Darius, a solen fae and her enemy, comes to recruit the arden fae to fight against his father. As the story progresses games are played with the enemy, neither of them are prepared for the realities, and the most dangerous battle they face has nothing to do with the war. Olivia Hart’s new fantasy world of fae, elves, sorcerers, and humans gives the reader adventure and romance as a fight to right the wrongs is undertaken. How the journey ends seems to be every bit in question as the loyalties of the travelers.
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited subscription and I received a free copy of the book from the author. I had the opportunity to review or not.
September 21, 2021
Satisfying conclusion
The second half of Olivia Hart's high fantasy duet sees a fae princess team up with her enemy in order to defeat his father. This had a very different feel to the first novel in the set, but it works as Orlana is a very different type of heroine from Talia. She and Darius make a fantastic enemies to lovers couple, Their relationship feels real and understandable on both sides of the emotional balance. The story has a satisfactory conclusion to war between the Solen, Arden and Umbran fae.
The second half of Olivia Hart's high fantasy duet sees a fae princess team up with her enemy in order to defeat his father. This had a very different feel to the first novel in the set, but it works as Orlana is a very different type of heroine from Talia. She and Darius make a fantastic enemies to lovers couple, Their relationship feels real and understandable on both sides of the emotional balance. The story has a satisfactory conclusion to war between the Solen, Arden and Umbran fae.
September 21, 2021
The second book in the Winged Mates series an enemies to lovers story that held my interest throughout. This is mainly Princess Orlana of the Emerald Caverns and Prince Darius of Kharn, but we also get to know more of Princess Talia, and Prince Marcellus and Prince Arturus. The story has suspense, drama, danger, a very evil villain, twists, turns, and romance. A great ending to this series. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2021
Olivia Hart has created a beautiful world full of interesting characters in the Winged Mates series! Embers and Ash introduce readers to Orlana and Darius, enemies who are forced to become allies when Orlana's people agree to help Darius overthrow his father. It isn't easy, but these enemies soon find that they each have more to offer and they can't help falling for one another. This book was filled with action and heated moments throughout!
September 16, 2021
Embers and Ash by Olivia Hart is the second book in the Winged Mates series and focuses on Marcellus' brother Darius and Princess Orlana. This second book, like the first is full of drama, intrigue and of course plenty of passion, ending in an awe-inspiring battle that brings the brothers together for a battle royale. Even though this book can be read on it's own, it does have a better flow when read with the first. Definitely a must read!!!
September 17, 2021
Filled with action and danger. We follow Princess Orlana and her mission to get revenge on the male who killed her mother. But her father has plans and she will have to work with someone she always believed was her enemy. They both will change as the story goes. She will grow and learn about herself and the world. The tension gets intense and the twists will bring so many unexpected moments. Loved this series and all the adventure.
September 17, 2021
Book 2 in Hart's Winged Mates series and should be read in order...A well written book with amazing characters and a storyline that flows smoothly and will captivate! I found this to be a page turner, I couldn't get enough! And the ending just brings is all together! Loved this read!
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
September 18, 2021
This is book 2 in the Winged mates series by Olivia Hart. Loved the storyline. Story has lots of action to keep me wanting more. Of course the steam Also. One of those stories you can’t put down. Picks up after book 1. Very well written. Definitely loved reading about Princess Orlana and Darius. Highly recommend.
September 21, 2021
This was such a great duet that wrapped up nicely in this book! There is good attention to detail, I really enjoyed the characters and how they developed through the books. I enjoyed the concept and thought the plot was solid and well laid out. This was a fun fantasy read that kept me entertained to the last page!
September 22, 2021
Well written story that shows you there is always more to a story that what one sees up front or has come to believe as the whole truth. Full of twists and surprises, conflict and struggles, danger, suspense, drama, action, and romance. Love the interaction between Orlana and Darius - wow, what an emotional rollercoaster ride!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews