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Forsaken #2
The Broken Queen
Queen Rolfe betrayed me.
My own mother.
The Teeth have my wife, and I can't allow myself to think about what they're doing to her. I need to raise an army to get her back, and if I can't, I'll march in there and do it myself.
My own mother.
The Teeth have my wife, and I can't allow myself to think about what they're doing to her. I need to raise an army to get her back, and if I can't, I'll march in there and do it myself.
600 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2022
1536 people are currently reading
1713 people want to read
About the author
Penelope Barsetti
32 books946 followersPenelope Barsetti is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her beloved novels have sold more than 5 Million copies, and her work has been translated into a dozen languages. Readers may know her by another name, Penelope Sky, where she writes contemporary dark romance.
An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.
Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.
An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.
Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 328 reviews
February 23, 2022
Part 2
3,5 🗡🏹🐇⭐️s❗️
I will post my pov for this series on the 3rd part.
3,5 🗡🏹🐇⭐️s❗️
I will post my pov for this series on the 3rd part.
January 26, 2022
im a fucken mess. i can’t fucken move on. editing, writing, deleting. FML. i just NEED Huntley’s sperm to be stronger than the herb he’s taking because homegirl needs to be prego b4 the divorce hit pls. 😂🤞🏻
August 10, 2022
Umm what the fuck?
Why is Ivory gushing about making friends with Queen Rolfe when that woman tried to get her raped on multiple occasions and then sent her off with the Teeth to be raped and murdered. Are people smoking crack in this author's world? There is absolutely no way that this is acceptable. Just because Queen Rolfe was raped herself does not give her the right to mete out this heinous act on another person. Also, what is up with Huntley and Ivory's thoughts of respect and admiration for this woman. It is absolutely sick.
I also hate how Queen Rolfe treats Ian and her daughter. This woman is a fucking disgrace.
Why is Ivory gushing about making friends with Queen Rolfe when that woman tried to get her raped on multiple occasions and then sent her off with the Teeth to be raped and murdered. Are people smoking crack in this author's world? There is absolutely no way that this is acceptable. Just because Queen Rolfe was raped herself does not give her the right to mete out this heinous act on another person. Also, what is up with Huntley and Ivory's thoughts of respect and admiration for this woman. It is absolutely sick.
I also hate how Queen Rolfe treats Ian and her daughter. This woman is a fucking disgrace.
January 11, 2023
Just wasn’t a fan of the multiple POVs and I couldn’t get into knowing what their siblings were going through. I prefer POVs of Ivory and Huntley best. My favourite part was Ivory’s relationship with the dragon, Pyre, a submissive dragon as noted by Huntley. The cliffhanger is enticing, but I skimmed a lot of this. I do enjoy how the author writes smut - not as much of it here as there was in the first book.
March 15, 2022
3.5⭐
De la historia ya no entraré en mucho detalle porque... #spoilers
Solo diré que me gustó como doblan las manos ciertos personajes 👀
La relación de Huntley y Ivory jajajaja me daba más risa que otra cosa. El jugueteo de Huntley así tipo el todas mías pero de manera divertida, no arrogante mal pdo. Ivory toda una badass con sus mascotas. 😉🐲
¿Riker?
Well hello 😏 Quiero más de Riker y Effie.
Contrario a lo que normalmente me pasa, esta vez si disfrute tantos pov... Elora, Ian, Riker, Effie. Le daban una redondez a la historia y se aprecia. Además, fueron bien distribuidos, lo que no provocaba mareo. 👌🏼
Y ps, seguimos con el vocabulario contemporáneo...🙄 y situaciones como muy 'siglo XXI'.
Las escenas 🔥 no sé si había menos o llegó un punto en que ya me daban igual 😅
¿Y ese final?
No fue tan sorpresa pero si dije aww.. No, hombre, no.
_
You owe her more than your coldness. You owe her more than your indirect gratitude. You owe her more than a fucking nod. You will thank my wife for what she’s done for all of us—and you will embrace her as a daughter because she’s the woman I love.”
_
“No matter your age, you’re the woman I want in my bed. I don’t want a woman I bought. I want the woman I earned. I will be a damn good father to the children you give me, and I will love my daughters more than my sons simply because they’ll look like you. I’m your family—and that’s never going to change.”
_
“It’s hard to fight your enemies, but it’s even harder to fight your family. You’re brave, Ivory.”
De la historia ya no entraré en mucho detalle porque... #spoilers
Solo diré que me gustó como doblan las manos ciertos personajes 👀
La relación de Huntley y Ivory jajajaja me daba más risa que otra cosa. El jugueteo de Huntley así tipo el todas mías pero de manera divertida, no arrogante mal pdo. Ivory toda una badass con sus mascotas. 😉🐲
¿Riker?
Well hello 😏 Quiero más de Riker y Effie.
Contrario a lo que normalmente me pasa, esta vez si disfrute tantos pov... Elora, Ian, Riker, Effie. Le daban una redondez a la historia y se aprecia. Además, fueron bien distribuidos, lo que no provocaba mareo. 👌🏼
Y ps, seguimos con el vocabulario contemporáneo...🙄 y situaciones como muy 'siglo XXI'.
Las escenas 🔥 no sé si había menos o llegó un punto en que ya me daban igual 😅
¿Y ese final?
No fue tan sorpresa pero si dije aww.. No, hombre, no.
_
You owe her more than your coldness. You owe her more than your indirect gratitude. You owe her more than a fucking nod. You will thank my wife for what she’s done for all of us—and you will embrace her as a daughter because she’s the woman I love.”
_
“No matter your age, you’re the woman I want in my bed. I don’t want a woman I bought. I want the woman I earned. I will be a damn good father to the children you give me, and I will love my daughters more than my sons simply because they’ll look like you. I’m your family—and that’s never going to change.”
_
“It’s hard to fight your enemies, but it’s even harder to fight your family. You’re brave, Ivory.”
January 30, 2022
This book has some of the same issues as the first.
So, I did enjoy this, as I did the first one, but both have the same issues.
First, I get that it's fantasy, but not even then can you expect me to believe you could string multiple arrows at once (more than 2) and hit a person with each one. The idea was so laughable I had to stop reading for a second. Another thing, Effie distinctly recalls "Christmas morning"... Okay. Who is the Christ that holiday is named after? Because the god they worship is Adeodobo-something. And they have electricity, but how is it powered?
Once again this book could've used more editing, and there were line repeated almost word for word in a couple different places, like they were moved around but not taken out of the previous place. There are a few typos, but they aren't too bad.
My #1 pet peeve? The language. It's far too modern in most places, and don't get me started on Huntley and his "baby" crap. Ew. That word is so overused throughout the whole book. Here and there I would have been okay with, but he calls her by her name maybe 3 times in 595 pages. Everything else is baby. Just... blech.
***SPOILER ALERT***
For all that, it's fun. Queen Rolfe is one hell of a character, and while I enjoy her, I found it a little ridiculous that Ivory accepted her actions in the end (seriously... the woman tried to have you raped not once but TWICE knowing A. what it was like and B. that you weren't even BORN when she was attacked and THEN she pawned you off on her cannibalistic enemies AFTER learning you're her daughter-in-law with the full expectation of you being raped and then--oh yeah--EATEN). B####, please. Yes, Queen Rolfe is admirable as a leader, yadda yadda but no, I'm sorry. Ivory forgiving her--or even Huntley--was in no way believable.
Huntley, however... his actions at the end, while annoying and stupid and selfish, we're 100% believable. While I don't like it, it made sense. Still, I hope Ivory makes him crawl back to her on his hands and knees because that wasn't cool. At. All. Though as we've learned, forgiveness comes quite easily to Ivory. 🙄
ANYWAY. I liked Effie, but there wasn't enough of her. I liked Ryker's personality, but I wish he'd grown a pair sooner. I liked Elora, too, and I do want to see more of her and the mysterious stranger. Poor Ian just needs to be loved (one more knock against the queen, IMHO). The dragons were okay.
So, I did enjoy this, as I did the first one, but both have the same issues.
First, I get that it's fantasy, but not even then can you expect me to believe you could string multiple arrows at once (more than 2) and hit a person with each one. The idea was so laughable I had to stop reading for a second. Another thing, Effie distinctly recalls "Christmas morning"... Okay. Who is the Christ that holiday is named after? Because the god they worship is Adeodobo-something. And they have electricity, but how is it powered?
Once again this book could've used more editing, and there were line repeated almost word for word in a couple different places, like they were moved around but not taken out of the previous place. There are a few typos, but they aren't too bad.
My #1 pet peeve? The language. It's far too modern in most places, and don't get me started on Huntley and his "baby" crap. Ew. That word is so overused throughout the whole book. Here and there I would have been okay with, but he calls her by her name maybe 3 times in 595 pages. Everything else is baby. Just... blech.
***SPOILER ALERT***
For all that, it's fun. Queen Rolfe is one hell of a character, and while I enjoy her, I found it a little ridiculous that Ivory accepted her actions in the end (seriously... the woman tried to have you raped not once but TWICE knowing A. what it was like and B. that you weren't even BORN when she was attacked and THEN she pawned you off on her cannibalistic enemies AFTER learning you're her daughter-in-law with the full expectation of you being raped and then--oh yeah--EATEN). B####, please. Yes, Queen Rolfe is admirable as a leader, yadda yadda but no, I'm sorry. Ivory forgiving her--or even Huntley--was in no way believable.
Huntley, however... his actions at the end, while annoying and stupid and selfish, we're 100% believable. While I don't like it, it made sense. Still, I hope Ivory makes him crawl back to her on his hands and knees because that wasn't cool. At. All. Though as we've learned, forgiveness comes quite easily to Ivory. 🙄
ANYWAY. I liked Effie, but there wasn't enough of her. I liked Ryker's personality, but I wish he'd grown a pair sooner. I liked Elora, too, and I do want to see more of her and the mysterious stranger. Poor Ian just needs to be loved (one more knock against the queen, IMHO). The dragons were okay.
January 14, 2022
EPIC READ.
I am so in 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 with this series. The 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑!!!! I need the 3rd asap!!!
This one is more action then the first one, but the suspense is still there. I freaking love Huntley and Ivory. They're one of the couples that are both strong and willing to do anything for one another. Always have each others back. Really jealous too. Lol 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇. 𝐀𝐇𝐇𝐇𝐇!!!
Like I mentioned before, if you love Game of Thrones, oh you will love this one. Because there are 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐒!!!! Like shut the front door. Lol Forgot to mention that there are at least 6 POV, but no worries. You'll love everything about it.
I am so in 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 with this series. The 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐅𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑!!!! I need the 3rd asap!!!
This one is more action then the first one, but the suspense is still there. I freaking love Huntley and Ivory. They're one of the couples that are both strong and willing to do anything for one another. Always have each others back. Really jealous too. Lol 𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇. 𝐀𝐇𝐇𝐇𝐇!!!
Like I mentioned before, if you love Game of Thrones, oh you will love this one. Because there are 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐒!!!! Like shut the front door. Lol Forgot to mention that there are at least 6 POV, but no worries. You'll love everything about it.
January 5, 2023
The romance was repetitive, the use of “baby” was egregious, the amount of times sex was used as a stand in for mature, adult conflict resolution was astounding. Ivory continued to be a pushover for sex and Huntley continued to be a controlling asshole. There were dragons.
I don’t know why I’m going to read the third one but I’m trash so here I go.
One star for the interesting concept and world building and one star for some interesting characters. Bummer romance.
I don’t know why I’m going to read the third one but I’m trash so here I go.
One star for the interesting concept and world building and one star for some interesting characters. Bummer romance.
January 12, 2022
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
I’m in shook, i wasn’t expecting that at all and my mental peace is no longer here thanks to PENELOPE BARSETTI
Since the book started it was just full of surprises and i’ll always gonna love the way she writes because i was ready to suffer half book and…NOT AT ALL.
SPOILERS
The last book ended with Queen Rolfe handing over Ivory to the Teeths and i was so scared for her!! But thank god she did escape from them doing team work with HER BROTHER??, i mean, when i was reading that i couldn’t believe it. It was so good seeing Ryker help her and Effie, seeing that he’s not at all like their father and proving that he is so much more and honestly i can’t wait to read more about him and Effie, they’re so sweet.
And for the Huntley side, i wasn’t expecting less from my man. The moment he could search for Ivory he didn’t stop! And i was in shook when the Queen also helped him, leaving all behind for a moment just for the love she has for her son, that’s powerful and i’ve no doubt that she’s going to bring us more surprises.
Honestly i don’t know if i’m gonna keep saying this with all the books from this trilogy?? But this now is my favorite❤️ first we have more of the love between Ivory and Huntley, they’re just so AGGHHHHH 😍😍😍😍 when Huntley said: “Your eldest son deserves to be with the woman he wants—and she’s the woman that I want.” SAY IT OUT LOUDDDDDDD. I love how he keeps protecting Ivory from all, how he didn’t hesitate to say that he loves her and he would do anything for her the same as Ivory defending him and keep trying to demostrate it to anyone: “They’re empty because I would die before I let anything happen to your brother.” YESS QUEEN, SCREAM IT BECAUSE THAT’S A FACT!! Ivory keeps being so powerful, being able to fight and defend herself, have the power to heal the dragons, be confident with her sexuality and not letting a man talk or have macho thoughts 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 i love her, she’s one of my favorite heroines.
And since i just mentioned the dragons, let’s talk about them, i love theeemmmm, i was so happy that she could heal Pyre and Storm and that they’re can talk to them!! I’m so excited to read more about them, and the moment they get back their confident and don’t be afraid to BURN NECROSIS. When i was reading how everyone was thinking that they were going to die in the battle and just suddenly they saw a dragon in the sky?? Chills, literally chills. That was a powerful scene, girl!
Aaaannnd let’s not talk about the s🔥x scenes because WE’RE GONNA BE HOT IN HERE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 they are newlyweds and it shows! LOL
“Are you going to be gone all day tomorrow?”
“No.”
“Then can we have sex all day?”
He turned and gave me his full look, a slight smirk on his lips. “Sure, baby.”
RELATIONSHIP GOALS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Oh and also Huntley being ready to be a dad just as soon Ivory’s ready?? Perfect man 😍
I can’t can’t can’t wait for the third book, that ending was not expected at all, i mean i did have my theories but not from Huntley i’m like OMG, how is this going to be with them??
Also i can’t wait to know who was the mysterious man that warned Elora, hopefully we have more about her, maybe a book? Lol
I love the way Penelope wrote this book including pov from not just Ivory and Huntley but also from Elora, Effie, Ryker and Ian, it give us a lot of context and it was perfect knowing both sides of the story and i’m so excited to read more about all of them.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
I’m in shook, i wasn’t expecting that at all and my mental peace is no longer here thanks to PENELOPE BARSETTI
Since the book started it was just full of surprises and i’ll always gonna love the way she writes because i was ready to suffer half book and…NOT AT ALL.
SPOILERS
The last book ended with Queen Rolfe handing over Ivory to the Teeths and i was so scared for her!! But thank god she did escape from them doing team work with HER BROTHER??, i mean, when i was reading that i couldn’t believe it. It was so good seeing Ryker help her and Effie, seeing that he’s not at all like their father and proving that he is so much more and honestly i can’t wait to read more about him and Effie, they’re so sweet.
And for the Huntley side, i wasn’t expecting less from my man. The moment he could search for Ivory he didn’t stop! And i was in shook when the Queen also helped him, leaving all behind for a moment just for the love she has for her son, that’s powerful and i’ve no doubt that she’s going to bring us more surprises.
Honestly i don’t know if i’m gonna keep saying this with all the books from this trilogy?? But this now is my favorite❤️ first we have more of the love between Ivory and Huntley, they’re just so AGGHHHHH 😍😍😍😍 when Huntley said: “Your eldest son deserves to be with the woman he wants—and she’s the woman that I want.” SAY IT OUT LOUDDDDDDD. I love how he keeps protecting Ivory from all, how he didn’t hesitate to say that he loves her and he would do anything for her the same as Ivory defending him and keep trying to demostrate it to anyone: “They’re empty because I would die before I let anything happen to your brother.” YESS QUEEN, SCREAM IT BECAUSE THAT’S A FACT!! Ivory keeps being so powerful, being able to fight and defend herself, have the power to heal the dragons, be confident with her sexuality and not letting a man talk or have macho thoughts 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 i love her, she’s one of my favorite heroines.
And since i just mentioned the dragons, let’s talk about them, i love theeemmmm, i was so happy that she could heal Pyre and Storm and that they’re can talk to them!! I’m so excited to read more about them, and the moment they get back their confident and don’t be afraid to BURN NECROSIS. When i was reading how everyone was thinking that they were going to die in the battle and just suddenly they saw a dragon in the sky?? Chills, literally chills. That was a powerful scene, girl!
Aaaannnd let’s not talk about the s🔥x scenes because WE’RE GONNA BE HOT IN HERE 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 they are newlyweds and it shows! LOL
“Are you going to be gone all day tomorrow?”
“No.”
“Then can we have sex all day?”
He turned and gave me his full look, a slight smirk on his lips. “Sure, baby.”
RELATIONSHIP GOALS LADIES AND GENTLEMEN 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Oh and also Huntley being ready to be a dad just as soon Ivory’s ready?? Perfect man 😍
I can’t can’t can’t wait for the third book, that ending was not expected at all, i mean i did have my theories but not from Huntley i’m like OMG, how is this going to be with them??
Also i can’t wait to know who was the mysterious man that warned Elora, hopefully we have more about her, maybe a book? Lol
I love the way Penelope wrote this book including pov from not just Ivory and Huntley but also from Elora, Effie, Ryker and Ian, it give us a lot of context and it was perfect knowing both sides of the story and i’m so excited to read more about all of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2022
DNF 48%
Well, realistically I DNFed at 3%, but I continued by skipping to the chapters with the MCs from book one, and let me tell you, I shouldn't have even tried.
The relationship between Ivory and Huntley is still cringy and if you thought the toxicity was going to dim down now that they are married... you've got a storm coming.
Anyways, the real question is: why did I dnf this book at 3%? Well, let me present to you the least likeable MC ever, also known as Ivory's sexist brother.
To provide some context, we first meet him when he is casually witnessing a woman about to be r*ped (like every other woman written by this author). Does he appear enraged about this? Not really. He just interferes when he imagines her sister in that position, BECAUSE HE CAN'T FEEL EMPATHY FOR THE WOMAN JUST INFRONT OF HIM apparently. Not only that, but he takes advantage of the situation to be a fucking creep:
I was too pissed off to read anything else from him after, and let me tell you, I would do it again.
Well, realistically I DNFed at 3%, but I continued by skipping to the chapters with the MCs from book one, and let me tell you, I shouldn't have even tried.
The relationship between Ivory and Huntley is still cringy and if you thought the toxicity was going to dim down now that they are married... you've got a storm coming.
Anyways, the real question is: why did I dnf this book at 3%? Well, let me present to you the least likeable MC ever, also known as Ivory's sexist brother.
To provide some context, we first meet him when he is casually witnessing a woman about to be r*ped (like every other woman written by this author). Does he appear enraged about this? Not really. He just interferes when he imagines her sister in that position, BECAUSE HE CAN'T FEEL EMPATHY FOR THE WOMAN JUST INFRONT OF HIM apparently. Not only that, but he takes advantage of the situation to be a fucking creep:
I admit I stared for a second—because I was a man.
The tears continued to streak down her cheeks, and that just made my dick hard.And then he gets pissed because she is afraid of him, WHEN HE WAS LITERALLY SECONDS AWAY FROM WATCHING HER GET R*PED!
I was too pissed off to read anything else from him after, and let me tell you, I would do it again.
January 13, 2022
Phew. Literally finished this book mere moments ago and I am still reeling.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for review.
If you haven’t already read The Forsaken King, go do that first as this is book 2. Done? Perfect.
I don’t know why you’re even wasting your time reading this review instead of jumping right in after where TFK left off. But since you’re here…
You will not be disappointed.
Penelope does an amazing job picking right back up from where we left off. She’ll pull your emotions through the ringer and leave you counting the days until The Three Kings follows.
We’re introduced to some new characters and get more point of views in this installment of the Forsaken series. Ivory and Huntley grow as characters, and so do some of their family members who get a bit more spotlight this time around.
This exciting adventure will keep you glued to your book in anticipation of what happens next.
As before she’s kept a wonderful balance between the action/adventure plot and the spice keeping this properly a fantasy romance novel instead of just a romance novel in a fantasy setting.
Oh, and did I mention the dragons? Your new favorite characters are all waiting for you here. So, stop reading this review and crack open The Broken Queen.
Now to try and wait patiently for February 18th to roll around for The Three Kings.
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for review.
If you haven’t already read The Forsaken King, go do that first as this is book 2. Done? Perfect.
I don’t know why you’re even wasting your time reading this review instead of jumping right in after where TFK left off. But since you’re here…
You will not be disappointed.
Penelope does an amazing job picking right back up from where we left off. She’ll pull your emotions through the ringer and leave you counting the days until The Three Kings follows.
We’re introduced to some new characters and get more point of views in this installment of the Forsaken series. Ivory and Huntley grow as characters, and so do some of their family members who get a bit more spotlight this time around.
This exciting adventure will keep you glued to your book in anticipation of what happens next.
As before she’s kept a wonderful balance between the action/adventure plot and the spice keeping this properly a fantasy romance novel instead of just a romance novel in a fantasy setting.
Oh, and did I mention the dragons? Your new favorite characters are all waiting for you here. So, stop reading this review and crack open The Broken Queen.
Now to try and wait patiently for February 18th to roll around for The Three Kings.
October 29, 2022
Wow.. this was bad. I mean it's honestly making me second guess myself on the rating I gave the first book. Which I read almost a year ago and liked for the most part. I'm now questioning if I even really liked it. The dialogue was juvenile and boring and there wasn't much else to it. I was excited after the first one to see where the relationship with Ivory and Huntley went after their wedding but uhm it was awful. I always feel terrible for giving one star reviews because I know if I was an author I would be devastated but this was so bad I can't help it. Sad.
January 20, 2022
I liked the last book, but for some reason when I picked this one up I couldn't get back into the writing style. I think I am just really disliking books lately that focus heavy on dialogue and especially when that dialogue comes off juvenile. I think this series had a lot of potential based off the world building of the first book, but fell short in this one due to bad dialogue. It's not a bad story, again the overly simplistic dialogue threw me out of the book.
June 22, 2023
I was really enjoying this until more POVs were brought in. I don’t really care about Effie and Ryker.
March 4, 2022
4.5 Stars 🌟
I have to admit that I was extremely anxious to get and start this book. The first book in this series really grabbed me and had me completely invested and to say that it ended in a "cliffhanger" is like saying that the Sistine Chapel is beautiful (it is, but that doesn't do it justice).
So, without going into much of a recap, we have the female MC Ivory and the male MC Huntley marrying at the end of the last book to basically save Ivory from the Queen (Huntley's mother). Unfortunately, she is still quite the bitch at this point so she betrays her son and arranges to have Ivory kidnapped and given to the Teeth (they are these AWFUL kind of monster creatures with rows of teeth who feed on people- not fun, right?). So....quite the cliffhanger.
This is the first time that we get to see the Queen as anything other than an awful bitch. She is not yet sorry at all for what she did to Ivory, in fact she even had her Second beat Huntley and tie him up so he couldn't go after Ivory. BUT, she COMPLETELY miscalculated on the entire situation. She did not understand that these two TRULY loved each other and Huntly was willing to do ANYTHING to get her back - even go to war. The moment that becomes clear to her, we see a sliver of humanity (and fear that she might have gone too far). She changes her stance and is now willing to go to war WITH Huntley to get her back. Still a bitch, but maybe she might be learning....
This book gives us some new POV's and I enjoyed that. We get POV's from Ryker (Ivory's brother),
and from Effie (a girl from a family that was sent down to the bottom of the cliffs to die). It was great to see Ivory have someone to count on. Even though she had Huntley, the poor girl had REALLY been through quite a whole lot. I think the Ryker and Effie story gave a bit of relief for the heaviness of the story. Not that they weren't going through a lot on their own, but I enjoyed the new dynamics. I also liked Ian and Elora. Overall, there were some great character relationships throughout this story.
I'm not going into much more of the plot other than to say that I enjoyed this book - quite a lot. As I said before, this book starts the redemption of the Queen (somewhat, she is still not where she needs to be). It also shows the very skewed dynamics that have been lived within her family. The way she treats Huntley, versus Ian, versus Elora. It was hard sometimes to read.
There is nonstop action and I loved every minute of it. And... wouldn't you know, the ending was....you guessed it...another cliffhanger!
If I had one complaint, it would be that the audio is not yet out. Other than that, I need to go find book 3.
I have to admit that I was extremely anxious to get and start this book. The first book in this series really grabbed me and had me completely invested and to say that it ended in a "cliffhanger" is like saying that the Sistine Chapel is beautiful (it is, but that doesn't do it justice).
So, without going into much of a recap, we have the female MC Ivory and the male MC Huntley marrying at the end of the last book to basically save Ivory from the Queen (Huntley's mother). Unfortunately, she is still quite the bitch at this point so she betrays her son and arranges to have Ivory kidnapped and given to the Teeth (they are these AWFUL kind of monster creatures with rows of teeth who feed on people- not fun, right?). So....quite the cliffhanger.
This is the first time that we get to see the Queen as anything other than an awful bitch. She is not yet sorry at all for what she did to Ivory, in fact she even had her Second beat Huntley and tie him up so he couldn't go after Ivory. BUT, she COMPLETELY miscalculated on the entire situation. She did not understand that these two TRULY loved each other and Huntly was willing to do ANYTHING to get her back - even go to war. The moment that becomes clear to her, we see a sliver of humanity (and fear that she might have gone too far). She changes her stance and is now willing to go to war WITH Huntley to get her back. Still a bitch, but maybe she might be learning....
This book gives us some new POV's and I enjoyed that. We get POV's from Ryker (Ivory's brother),
and from Effie (a girl from a family that was sent down to the bottom of the cliffs to die). It was great to see Ivory have someone to count on. Even though she had Huntley, the poor girl had REALLY been through quite a whole lot. I think the Ryker and Effie story gave a bit of relief for the heaviness of the story. Not that they weren't going through a lot on their own, but I enjoyed the new dynamics. I also liked Ian and Elora. Overall, there were some great character relationships throughout this story.
I'm not going into much more of the plot other than to say that I enjoyed this book - quite a lot. As I said before, this book starts the redemption of the Queen (somewhat, she is still not where she needs to be). It also shows the very skewed dynamics that have been lived within her family. The way she treats Huntley, versus Ian, versus Elora. It was hard sometimes to read.
There is nonstop action and I loved every minute of it. And... wouldn't you know, the ending was....you guessed it...another cliffhanger!
If I had one complaint, it would be that the audio is not yet out. Other than that, I need to go find book 3.
January 16, 2022
This book is Amazing!! I could not put this book down for nothing. It’s full of action, fantasy, romance and cliff hangers! Penelope Barsetti has knocked it out of the park!
Ivory’s brother, Ryker, sets out alone to find, his new found love, Effie, and her family, who won the lottery, trying to save them. Ryker finds the family and finds that Effie and her family had survived. They had found a shelter in the harsh elements in the new world they were lowered to below Delacroix, sacrificing them to the Necrosis. When he gets there the family told him she went out alone to find what’s out there to save her family.
Huntley and Ivory’s love and adventures continues to surprise. Their loyalty and love for each other is so immense that they can feel each other’s pain they endure, emotions and love that each other feels. Huntley went in search of Ivory. He went to his brother’s outpost to ask for his help along with his soldiers to help him get her back from the teeth because Huntley’s mother, Queen of HeartHolme gave his wife to the teeth. Huntley is doing everything possible to save her.
Ryker and Effie are captured by the teeth and is taken by them. He finds that the teeth are feeding off Ivory when he was thrown in the holding building with her. He was also taken for the teeth to feed from them.
Ivory was trying to stick to her and Huntley’s plan to go see the dragons and save them. But first has to go to Delacroix to get what she needs to heal them. Did they successfully escape or were they saved? Did she get back to her home in Delacroix or perish in the elements of the kingdoms? See if they escape and if she sticks to the plan that her and Huntley have? Does necrosis take over the kingdoms? Did they successfully take over Delacroix and they kingdoms above the cliff?
Read this exciting and new venue that Penelope has written. She is so talented that her books have me so engrossed and feeling everything the characters are experiencing!
Ivory’s brother, Ryker, sets out alone to find, his new found love, Effie, and her family, who won the lottery, trying to save them. Ryker finds the family and finds that Effie and her family had survived. They had found a shelter in the harsh elements in the new world they were lowered to below Delacroix, sacrificing them to the Necrosis. When he gets there the family told him she went out alone to find what’s out there to save her family.
Huntley and Ivory’s love and adventures continues to surprise. Their loyalty and love for each other is so immense that they can feel each other’s pain they endure, emotions and love that each other feels. Huntley went in search of Ivory. He went to his brother’s outpost to ask for his help along with his soldiers to help him get her back from the teeth because Huntley’s mother, Queen of HeartHolme gave his wife to the teeth. Huntley is doing everything possible to save her.
Ryker and Effie are captured by the teeth and is taken by them. He finds that the teeth are feeding off Ivory when he was thrown in the holding building with her. He was also taken for the teeth to feed from them.
Ivory was trying to stick to her and Huntley’s plan to go see the dragons and save them. But first has to go to Delacroix to get what she needs to heal them. Did they successfully escape or were they saved? Did she get back to her home in Delacroix or perish in the elements of the kingdoms? See if they escape and if she sticks to the plan that her and Huntley have? Does necrosis take over the kingdoms? Did they successfully take over Delacroix and they kingdoms above the cliff?
Read this exciting and new venue that Penelope has written. She is so talented that her books have me so engrossed and feeling everything the characters are experiencing!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2022
What an amazing follow up to the first book! What I love about this 2nd book is how we get to hear from the many other characters. Each of them have such a different voice and personality, you get to know them and love them. The steam level oh wow 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I swear my kindle was smoking at times! I love the snarkiness and fearlessness of the female characters, they’re soooo badass, I am living for it!!!!! Just wait because we get sooooo much dragon interaction, my nose was smashed against the screen trying to absorb it all in!!! I love them so much and so bitter dragons aren’t real. This 3rd book cannot cannot cannot be the end, dear God there just can’t be one more book left. Penelope gave us more insight on how much bigger the world is in the book, more lands and characters to explore. This cannot be the end, I need more and I need the this world to expand!!!!!!! This is lord of the rings / game of thrones and it’s amazing!!! Also, for those that watched the last lord of the rings: the return of the king, when I think of the teeth I see the character from that movie the mouth of sauron (google it & you’ll know)!!! Can’t get it out of my head 🤣 anyways I can’t wait for the final book, but also so bitter there’s only one more book left and I hope hope that it really isnt the last!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
Another great series from Penelope!
Forsaken Series (Penelope Barsetti): Multi POV, førc€d vøyerism of SA on MMCs mother, MMC witnessed his family mûrdêred, spoiled/sheltered FMC who's also a bit stabby/smart mouthed/cunning/resourceful, kidn@pping, førced proximity, €nemîes to løvers to almost €n€mies again to forced back to løvers (you'll understand, Huntley doesn't take "No" for an answer), "hidden" world, dragons, thirst for w@r/r€v€nge, "unhinged" Queen, monsters (Necrosis, Teeth, Yetis), sècrets, tênsîon, spiceee, betr@yal, magic/powers, w@r, unlikely pairs and allies.
Forsaken Series (Penelope Barsetti): Multi POV, førc€d vøyerism of SA on MMCs mother, MMC witnessed his family mûrdêred, spoiled/sheltered FMC who's also a bit stabby/smart mouthed/cunning/resourceful, kidn@pping, førced proximity, €nemîes to løvers to almost €n€mies again to forced back to løvers (you'll understand, Huntley doesn't take "No" for an answer), "hidden" world, dragons, thirst for w@r/r€v€nge, "unhinged" Queen, monsters (Necrosis, Teeth, Yetis), sècrets, tênsîon, spiceee, betr@yal, magic/powers, w@r, unlikely pairs and allies.
January 26, 2022
4.5
Me gustó muchísimo esta continuación. Incluso más que el primer libro. La autora superó mis expectativas con esta historia, para ser la primera del género de fantasía que escribe, creo que está haciendo un muy buen trabajo. Ese final me dejó con ganas de más, así que estoy deseando leer la tercera parte.
Estoy amando a todos los personajes, cada uno en su rol, están teniendo un desarrollo muy bueno. La historia tendrá sus pegas, pero de que es adictiva, lo es.
Me gustó muchísimo esta continuación. Incluso más que el primer libro. La autora superó mis expectativas con esta historia, para ser la primera del género de fantasía que escribe, creo que está haciendo un muy buen trabajo. Ese final me dejó con ganas de más, así que estoy deseando leer la tercera parte.
Estoy amando a todos los personajes, cada uno en su rol, están teniendo un desarrollo muy bueno. La historia tendrá sus pegas, pero de que es adictiva, lo es.
February 26, 2024
This still had SMUT. REVENGE. BETRAYAL. HEAVY ON THE BETRAYAL. some groveling. Multiple POVS, some new lovable characters (Ryker & Effie)
A petty ass bitch ass queen/mom 😤
TWO DRAGONS. Some interesting character growth/development.
This was still a good time, read it.
But I’m gonna need Ivory to step her pussy up in book 3 and grow a fucking backbone. for the love of GAWD stop immediately caving bc Huntley got that thang - ENOUGH!!! STAND UP!!!! 😩😩
A petty ass bitch ass queen/mom 😤
TWO DRAGONS. Some interesting character growth/development.
This was still a good time, read it.
But I’m gonna need Ivory to step her pussy up in book 3 and grow a fucking backbone. for the love of GAWD stop immediately caving bc Huntley got that thang - ENOUGH!!! STAND UP!!!! 😩😩
July 10, 2024
this rating is probably unjust, though, seeing as I only read ivory and hauntley's povs from the last third of the book. but whatever, I'm pissed cuz I really don't give a fuck about the other characters' stories. I only want ivory and hauntley's story. if you wanna make the other characters' stories, just make a novella or something idgaf, don't ruin the book with these unnecessary stories (would rather read these povs from 3rd person view tbh).
February 1, 2025
Invested in the story
I’m thoroughly enjoying the series so far, so what’s keeping me from 5 stars?
First, there were a couple continuity issues. They’re small, but there and those are the kinds of things that bother me (in case Ms Bassett sees this, the main one was Ivory asking Huntley how he survived the fall, yet she learned this from Ian in book 1).
The next item that bothered me were the sex scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some spice, but it wasn’t until I got to book 2 that I realized that’s what kept me from giving book 1 a 5-star review as well. Ivory & Huntley’s sex scenes felt perfunctory, like rabbits. There was nothing really special in their closeness, and it was so frequent as to not make me anticipate the next.
Despite this, the overall story has me completely hooked. I can’t believe Huntley’s actions in the final pages (no spoilers, I promise) and cannot wait to see how he and Ivory move forward.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the series so far, so what’s keeping me from 5 stars?
First, there were a couple continuity issues. They’re small, but there and those are the kinds of things that bother me (in case Ms Bassett sees this, the main one was Ivory asking Huntley how he survived the fall, yet she learned this from Ian in book 1).
The next item that bothered me were the sex scenes. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some spice, but it wasn’t until I got to book 2 that I realized that’s what kept me from giving book 1 a 5-star review as well. Ivory & Huntley’s sex scenes felt perfunctory, like rabbits. There was nothing really special in their closeness, and it was so frequent as to not make me anticipate the next.
Despite this, the overall story has me completely hooked. I can’t believe Huntley’s actions in the final pages (no spoilers, I promise) and cannot wait to see how he and Ivory move forward.
March 31, 2022
I liked Ivory and Huntley more in this book. Rhyker was not my favourite especially in the beginning. His romance with Effie just didn't do it for me. I would have liked it to be more of a slow burn. Even though this book is 600 pages it read very quickly and I am hooked in the storyline. The dragons were SO CUTE! Definitely my favourite part of the book. Now I just want to read the third book hopefully soon because that ending has me curious of how this series will wrap up.
January 16, 2022
it took me some time to reconnect with the characters.
After that, i felt Ivory’s pain & desire towards her goal
Also Dragons 🥰
After that, i felt Ivory’s pain & desire towards her goal
Also Dragons 🥰
January 19, 2022
I waited with breathless anticipation for the second book in this series. The cliffhanger we were left with in The Forsaken King kept mr wanting more and Penelope Barsetti did not disappoint.
The Broken Queen continues the story of Huntley and Ivory. It has amazing twists and turns with lots of action and romance. You may think you know the direction the story is going to take but you are in for some surprises!
The end cam way too quickly and left me wanting the third book soon, soon, soon!!!!! Ten stars!
I received a free copy of this ARC in return for an honest review.
The Broken Queen continues the story of Huntley and Ivory. It has amazing twists and turns with lots of action and romance. You may think you know the direction the story is going to take but you are in for some surprises!
The end cam way too quickly and left me wanting the third book soon, soon, soon!!!!! Ten stars!
I received a free copy of this ARC in return for an honest review.
March 20, 2022
I read this book back to back with the Forsaken King so maybe the contrast between the two is a lot starker. While I really liked book one I struggled a bit with book two.
Firstly, there are so many more POVs. While I do enjoy if not prefer a multiple POV it didn’t work quite as well here. At the start I couldn’t wait to get back to Ivory and Mastodon’s (aka Huntley) story but then as the book went on I actually found myself wanting more of Ryker and Effie.
Secondly, Huntley and Ivory become a bit monotonous. The spice? It’s still there in spades but there’s only so many times I can read about them getting it on missionary style in a bed. In like every chapter! Also where’s the foreplay? And please, Huntly, for the love of all things holy please stop calling Ivory your “baby”. It got to the point where it was more cringe than sexy.
The storyline is still enjoyable enough though I just couldn’t get past the above mentioned gripes.
I like that Ivory is a gal that saves herself. She’s no damsel in distress that’s for sure.
Ryker and Effie definitely have the more interesting relationship in this book. It kinda makes me think maybe this series would have been better being split with each book focusing on a different couple. Book one: Ivory and Huntley and book two Ryker and Effie.
The ending has quite the cliffy so be warned. I’m still torn as to whether I continue with the series. I want to find out what happens but at the same time I don’t think I can deal with that much vanilla spice and cringe pet names. If you’re reading this and have read book three let me know what I’m in for.
Firstly, there are so many more POVs. While I do enjoy if not prefer a multiple POV it didn’t work quite as well here. At the start I couldn’t wait to get back to Ivory and Mastodon’s (aka Huntley) story but then as the book went on I actually found myself wanting more of Ryker and Effie.
Secondly, Huntley and Ivory become a bit monotonous. The spice? It’s still there in spades but there’s only so many times I can read about them getting it on missionary style in a bed. In like every chapter! Also where’s the foreplay? And please, Huntly, for the love of all things holy please stop calling Ivory your “baby”. It got to the point where it was more cringe than sexy.
The storyline is still enjoyable enough though I just couldn’t get past the above mentioned gripes.
I like that Ivory is a gal that saves herself. She’s no damsel in distress that’s for sure.
Ryker and Effie definitely have the more interesting relationship in this book. It kinda makes me think maybe this series would have been better being split with each book focusing on a different couple. Book one: Ivory and Huntley and book two Ryker and Effie.
The ending has quite the cliffy so be warned. I’m still torn as to whether I continue with the series. I want to find out what happens but at the same time I don’t think I can deal with that much vanilla spice and cringe pet names. If you’re reading this and have read book three let me know what I’m in for.
February 12, 2022
This series... I like the world. I think the monsters and humans political structures are interesting, several of the side characters are interesting, and we're starting to get a better look at healing magic (but not enough). I want to see how it ends and luckily the next book comes out in a week, so we'll see how that goes.
HOWEVER I'm getting really sick of the whole Huntley thinking with his 🍆 thing, especially when he's interrupting Ivory addressing important things by just putting his 🍆 in her. And Ivory putting up with it because it feels good is obnoxious.
Huntley has a few moments when he stands up to his mother about not only Ivory but also his siblings that are golden. But then he goes back to being a meathead and it's annoying. I will say I'm glad he did what he did at the end, though.
Also I really hate it when "baby" is used as a term of endearment in fantasy novels. It takes me out of the story. It was easier to ignore in the last book, but not in this one since it's used more frequently.
HOWEVER I'm getting really sick of the whole Huntley thinking with his 🍆 thing, especially when he's interrupting Ivory addressing important things by just putting his 🍆 in her. And Ivory putting up with it because it feels good is obnoxious.
Huntley has a few moments when he stands up to his mother about not only Ivory but also his siblings that are golden. But then he goes back to being a meathead and it's annoying. I will say I'm glad he did what he did at the end, though.
Also I really hate it when "baby" is used as a term of endearment in fantasy novels. It takes me out of the story. It was easier to ignore in the last book, but not in this one since it's used more frequently.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2022
I love this series and I love Penelope Sky Barsetti! Every book in every series that she has written is good. Once you start you won’t be able to stop until you have finished. I have fallen in love with the dragons. Not the kind of books I am used to reading, but I really have enjoyed this one. Ivory has such a beautiful heart and you could tell how kind she was not giving up until she had repaired both dragons. Huntley and Ivory’s love for each other has no boundaries. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens!
March 14, 2022
so confused
I powered through book one, the concept was there but the dialogue and character building was not. A few pages into book 2 and I’m out. “She was a hottie” followed by a line about the girl in her trousers. The characters internal monologue and dialogue with each other sounds like it belongs in a cheesy high school romance not a fantasy set in the times of kings where words like breeches are used. It draws you out of the story.
I powered through book one, the concept was there but the dialogue and character building was not. A few pages into book 2 and I’m out. “She was a hottie” followed by a line about the girl in her trousers. The characters internal monologue and dialogue with each other sounds like it belongs in a cheesy high school romance not a fantasy set in the times of kings where words like breeches are used. It draws you out of the story.
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