Jill is a Texan, born and raised. She manages the hectic social calendars for her three active children and occasionally spends an evening with her dashing husband. Aside from being an author and a mom, she's a travel junkie and loves to read when she is not lost in her own stories.
With Jill’s books, you can count on confident heroines, plenty of steamy tension, and deliciously assertive leading men. There are no guarantees in life, but with her books, you know everything will work out in the end. However, a perfect ending would not be nearly as satisfying without a seemingly insurmountable challenge. Jill loves to add plenty of adversity in her stories, creating unforgettably dynamic characters and sneaky plot twists you will never see coming.
After reading the first three books in this series, I was definitely looking forward to this one.
Born of Nothing is the fourth book in the series and features some familiar faces and some new faces as well. I would consider this a stand alone novel, you don't necessarily have read the first three books to follow this, but you do get to know the characters more intimately, plus the story just makes a bit more sense.
Born of Nothing follows two characters that we've already meet in the previous books, Fen and Cat, although they hadn't actually met one another until now... I'm so glad these two characters got a book in the series, I've wanted to know more about them since we first get to know them in Fae Games Duet.
Fen has been exiled and living in the Shadow Lands for centuries in solitary, until Rebecca helps him escape to our world. But since he's being stuck in the Shadow Lands for so long, he has some adapting to do. But with the Queen's people now in Ireland Rebecca to lay low, she doesn't want to risk a war between the Seelie Court and the Hunt, so she asks her colleague and friend Cat to look after Fen for a while. Cat is hesitant at first, because she comes from a druid family and was taught to fear the fae, but since Rebecca was a 'made' fae and a very good friend she decides to help, and has to lie to her mom in the process of helping Fen. She visits him every week and they quickly become close.... but their romance was cut short... I'll have you know that this is NOT your typical romance book... it's quite different... and definitely not like the others in the series, it's a bit darker and even more intense. I wasn't expecting it and took me by surprise. Poor Cat. She suffered so much. I felt so bad for her... I can't believe that her own mother would approve of such a thing. *sigh*
Born of Nothing was heartbreaking, terrifying and extremely well written. It's a good addition to the series and I'm looking forward to reading more in this world. This series is brilliant and definitely worth the read. I recommend it! _________________________________ Shadow Play |Review Twilight Siege |Review Shades of Betrayal |Review Born of Nothing |Review Midnight's End |Review
In Born of Nothing, we follow Cat, who works at the museum with Rebecca. They have gotten close throughout Ramsower's novels, and while we do see some characters we've met in other Ramsower books, this is a standalone novel, and you're going to love it.
Cat is a druid and they are used to hiding from the fae, so much so, that her mother has kept her on a very tight leash. Growing up she was told the fae are dangerous and only want one thing. She met Rebecca, who is fae, at work, and she's nothing like the horrors her mother had always promised. Her friendship with Becca and Ashley is the source for a lot of her mother's ire. But Cat is strong-willed, and while she loves her mother, she thinks she needs to change with the times.
Fen is a fae that has recently escaped the Shadow Lands thanks to Becca's help. Being banished to a world of virtually nothing for centuries has definitely changed him. He's a hunter who has had to endure a rough life, making him a vigilant man, he's used to a life of solitude, and while he's grateful he's no longer there, life is a completely different world than the one he left. Imagine his surprise when Rebecca shows up for a visit with Cat in tow and Cat looks stunningly like the human reason he was banished to the Shadow Lands for.
Now that Fen and Cat have grown closer, Cat is keeping secrets, and her mother is having none of it, especially considering she has plans to marry Cat off to another druid. After all, it's what her friend Daeglan has told her she must do. Because "family is everything" and the druid are her family. He's been nothing but trouble since we met him, and he's assured Cat's mother that he has the answer to her acting out, and Cat has no idea of the horrors that await her.
I absolutely love Cat and Fen together, I love how drawn they were to each other from the very start. I love watching Fen explore this new world and the excitement they both get with each new experience he has. I love his devotion to her and his devotion to finding her and making sure she is okay. Even when she is at her worst, which isn't her fault, he knows the real Cat is still there and is intent on finding her. He's patient with her, as she is him, and they are a fantastic duo.
There are a few things you can expect out of Jill's books, exceptional writing and editing, fantastic characters with strong female leads, and many swoon-worthy moments, and Cat and Fen do not disappoint. I love this world that she has created and am always excited when we get to follow a character more intently because it means we're in for something great. A fantastic read!
**Copy provided by Tour Host, in exchange for an honest review**
I enjoyed Born of Nothing, even without reading the last 3 books. This volume focuses on Cat and Fen. Cat and Fen met through Rebecca, who was trained by Fen. Fen a man who was exiled into darkness alone. Rebecca the person that she is, wanted to help Fen out of the loneliness and she did. With the help of Cat, they helped Fen get to know the human world as it is today. By visiting him with goodies every week with friendship on the side. Fen and Cat fell for each other after a few visits and couldn’t get enough of each other. Their romance was cut short by Cat’s prejudice mom, who wanted to fix Cat for being friends with the Rebecca a Fae. Cat was kidnapped with her mother’s blessings because of her ignorance to the hatred that her friend Glen had for the Fae, Hate that was so much more than her own mother’s hate.
Cat’s torture was mentally brutal and degrading, Poor girl suffered so much for her mom’s hate. This book has a lot of things that is exactly going on in the real world. From Prejudice, ignorance, hate, kidnapping and torture. Even though it was a fantasy romance, it reminded me so much of what’s going on in our world. How much hate can hurt others and the ones you love. I love how Author Jill Ramsower created this fantasy world, while putting out the real problem of our world. Like Cat, I hope one day everyone would just find a way to get along and let go of all the hate.
Having read all of the three previous books on the Fae Games, I was very excited to receive an arc for Born of Nothing. Jill warned us, however, that this story would be a little different from the other books. Yes and no. The story is still incredibly well written, same as Shadow Play, Twilight Siege and Shades of Betrayal. However, Born of Nothing is a bit darker and even more intense than the previous parts. This story is about Fen, the Fae we have already met in the earlier books. Being exiled into the Shadow Lands, he has lived there for hundreds of years in solitary. But Rebecca helps him escape. And now, after all those centuries, he needs to adapt to our world. Since it is dangerous for Rebecca to stay with him, she asks her colleague and friend Cat to look after Fen for a while. Cat is born in a druid family and was taught to fear the fae. So, she is a bit hesitant, but since Rebecca is also fae and not scary at all, she decides to help. Therefore, she lies to her mother, because her mother definitely disapproves of her friendship with Rebecca. Let alone being around a male fae. Slowly, both Cat and Fen discover that there is so much more than meets the eye. But then, Cat gets caught for being with fae. And her mother asks the help of another druid to 're-educate' Cat on the values of druids. It is heartbreaking, terrifying and extremely well written. It shows us, what horrible things people are capable of and how minds of people are twisted, almost beyond repair. Sadly, this also happens in real life and Jill Ramsower just creates a very believable scenario. So yes, dark and sinister. But also gripping, funny and heartwarming. Well done, Jill, and of course: five out of five stars from me. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love this series!! It is so well done! The first book took me a little while to get into, but at this point it is like coming home to old friends! I loved reading it! Every word was impeccably done! The character development throughout the series was perfection! I can't give it enough praise! If you haven't given Ms. Ramsower a chance you are missing out! I read through this book in two sittings, if only I didn't have to put it down to go to work! Overcoming prejudices that were instilled in her was the overall theme, I'm so glad she was able to. It made for an extremely interesting read! I look forward to reading more by this author inn the future!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I will venture to say that this is Jill’s best book so far. The rollercoaster of love, loss, and soul-searching that I just witnessed is incredibly well-written. Jill’s use of different POVs in each chapter allow the reader to connect with Cat and Fen as they inwardly battle their own emotions. I cannot wait for Jill’s next masterpiece!
Series Rating: (5 ⭐️ average) Shadow Play ★★★★★ Twilight Siege ★★★★★ Shades of Betrayal ★★★★★ Born of Nothing ★★★★★ Midnight's End ★★★★★
Well, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I have to admit Jill is a MASTER at timing! Everything was spaced out just so that all the events seemed to flow together nicely but I've noticed that throughout all of her books so far. I enjoyed the relationship between Cat and Fen. I was worried at some point worrying what the outcome would be but I was pleasantly surprised with the ending. I don't know how Jill did it but these books were ALL tied together perfectly and were great top read! On to book # 5 - I'm hopeful for this one.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced release copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved Cat’s story! I have been wanting to know more about her since book 1 and this book hit the spot! It had such a great romance and was thrilling! Jill hit it out of the park with this one!
Wow I loved getting to know Fen And Cat more. And then together is just wonderful. So much history in this one it wonderful stories. Then excitement, danger, love, laughter and lets not forget hot passion. Bring on the next book!
I was able to read this book in advance for a fair and honest review. Honestly, this is my favorite so far! The suspense was ah-maz-ing! I couldn't put it down. The romance was sweet and right up my alley Jill's books just get better and better!
This book is amazing! I love how this story evolves. My heart goes out to Cat and Fen. For their situations. I love how everything comes together in the end! I definitely recommend this book! A must read!
**Review can be found at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/ ** Keep in mind this is the fourth book set in this series, but I really think you could pick this story up and still enjoy it without any of the previous books. While the characters from the previous books play a part, they are not the main focus and enough world building is used that this could be a standalone.
I loved Cat's spunk and determination when she was first introduced as a side character in the Fae Games Duet so I was super excited to see that she was getting her own book. I loved having the opportunity to get more background on her life and the Druid culture.
Let's be honest, Fen is just about perfect, with his polite manners, observation skills, legitimate concern for other's well-being, determination and dedications. I loved this tall dark and stoic man-creature! For someone use to extreme survival living and his own company, he is a really well adjusted, caring man.
I will admit that I was a little hesitant with the romance aspect of the book for one reason in particular- Cat looks almost identical to Fen's love love. Yep, that screams red flags for me. In real life I would tell the girl to run from this kind of relationship where you are always being compared to a wonderful, perfect dead person- but it did make for an interesting story so in this case I will let it slide.
Jill is the master of the tough plots that make me want to scream or have an intervention for the female main character. Whether it is a rape (from the first book) or psychological torture, Jill can bring those hard situations to the top emotional level and make me want to cringe. Her characters always come out swinging, which is great and all, but I feel as if the scenes are as hard for me to read as it is for the characters to experience. I usually avoid books wit those kind of topics, so fair warning for those who do too.
I really hope that there is another book to come in this Fae world because I am not yet ready to say goodbye to Rebecca, Ashley, Cat and Fen.
I am voluntarily reviewing an complimentary copy of this book.
We first met both Fen and Cat in the first two books of this series, although at that point they hadn't actually met one another. Fen has lived for centuries in exile, losing just about everything, but his mind in the process. Cat, on the other hand, has lived a very sheltered life, with her mother and some of the other druids controlling almost everything that she does. In many ways, they seem like an odd match, but from the moment that they meet, there is something that draws them together.
In many ways, this is quite different from the other books in the series, indeed, it is quite different from many romance books that you might come across. When Cat tries to challenge her family in order to be with the man that she loves she is taken and subjected to terrible abuse. I have to admit that it wasn't something that I had been expecting and took me a little by surprise. But, the story was well written and it worked well. I won't say that it was an 'enjoyable' read because that's not really the right turn of phrase for something so horrible, but it was a good read.
Of course, this being a romance, you know in the end where things are likely to go. There is plenty to keep you guessing in the meantime. I've really enjoyed this series so far. I don't know if there are more planned, (although I hope so) this is a great addition to the other books so far.
we are now turning our attention to Cat, the druid witch who works with Rebecca at the museum. Her family was once hunted and murdered by Fae and the remaining members went underground, disguising their identities and practicing their magic in secret. Cat has tried to keep her head down, adhering to her mothers' rules and staying out of Fae issues that seem to haunt Rebecca's door. Tried.
Enter in Fen, recently released from his Shadow Play prison, who once saw Cat as a reincarnated version of the human who was the perpetrator that had him sent to prison in the first place. Time is a funny thing though as Fen gets over his pre-conceived notions as him and Cat begin to fall in love, putting Cat in a very tough place. Her mother is terrible, let's get that out there right now. She's overbearing, controlling, and many other words that I could list but don't have time too. She is arranging a marriage between Cat and another druid male who has nefarious plans in store for Cat.
I fell in love with Fen and Cat's romance and enjoyed continuing to explore the Fae Games world. This addition is a step up from the others. I think it's because I instantly wanted to get to know more about Cat from minute one. She's snippy, witty, and you cannot help but want the best for her.
Definitely pick up this series! You won't be disappointed!
I really enjoyed the characters of Cat and Fenodree in Rebecca's story (the first two Fae Games novels), and I missed them the third story for Ashley. When I realized they weren't just coming back but playing the leads in Born of Nothing I was super excited.
Fenodree cracked me up. His awe and manner of acceptance of the modern human world after spending centuries alone in the Shadow Realm were a mix of childlike wonder and total confusion. It was portrayed so well by Jill Ramsower, and the way his past was woven into his present was amazing.
Cat has a fight on her hands. As the druids learn to accept that not all Fae are as bad as they had been taught for generations, her family is one that refuses to change. But she won't let that stand in her way of having a friendship with Rebecca and Ashley.
But the story turns very dark and gets quite real when Cat's mother arranges for a "re-education" in the old ways of hating the Fae. Her re-education was horrific, and the psychological games really mess with her head. But Fenodree knows something isn't right. But without knowing how to navigate the modern world, will he be able to find her?
This seems like it may be the end of the Fae Games, but I really hope it isn't. I'm loving the world Ramsower has built, and I'd really like to come visit again.
**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**
First of all, this is my favorite kind of series book.. one that is a part of a series, but with enough information that it can also stand alone (or be read out of order). This was my first read of the series, and as a lifelong fantasy reader I appreciate books that can stand on their own. The characters were very well developed, and I loved the story. I am not a big fan of romantic stories, but this one had me hooked. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I was unsure of how I could give a fair and impartial review given that it was book 4 in a series, and a romance on top of it. I needn't have worried... Jill Ramsower gave me a REALLY good story, one that I really couldn't put down. It was entertaining, exciting, touching.... she deftly made me feel all the feels on this one!! Truly, if you are looking for an engaging and enthralling fantasy romance, I can't recommend this enough!! And, if you aren't looking for an engaging and enthralling fantasy romance.... read it anyway!!
This book was awesome! The author truly had me believing that the Fae really did live among us. This was exciting, heartbreaking, captivating and the best was watching a romance begin and to follow it to the end. The storyline touched on a mother-daughter relationship that was so close and yet fear tore it apart. Kidnapping and torture, it reminded me of some of the stories in the news and how this has happened over and over again to young girls. Exiled from your country or land, for falling in love to someone of a different race. This book covered a lot that goes on in today’s world. Then of course the hero, he didn’t come riding in on a white horse, but he found her and stayed with her until she became herself again. Book or real life, that is a true hero. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it
An enticing story that will keep you hooked until the very end!
With this being my first novel read by Jill Ramsower, I was far from disappointed and I will surely be reading more works from her. Born of Nothing was a fantastic read with the perfect combination of magic, action and passion! The story was well written and flowed smoothly from one chapter to the next. Each chapter had me itching to see what would happen next. The characters were well developed, likeable and memorable. I'm really hoping this won't be the last I see of Cat and Fen. Be prepared to dedicate a chunk of time to reading this book when you dive in, because I couldn't put it down once I started! 👏
Ms. Ramsower's writing continues to evolve. The character development and depth of story in Born of Nothing is exceptional. She has managed to masterfully take a serious issue that exists in the world we all live in today and convey it as a matter the Fae deal with. This fourth book in her Fae series delves into the strength love brings to us all. Through Ms. Ramsower's fine writing, we the readers are enabled to understand the pain, emotion, and confusion the characters experience as they are transformed into stronger more determined players in the sometimes dark game of life. A must read for those of us that recognize that life is more than trivial.
A fantasy book that took me by surprise. I can almost parallel it to religion and people who use it to hate other groups of people or those who do not conform to a belief system. The things Cat went through happens today and is called conversion therapy. It makes me sick to my stomach to know fanatical people do things like this and don't love others unconditionally. This was my take on the book because I recently want through my own change of escaping a cult/religion. It nice to have critical bringing bake and being able to love and embrace everyone as a human being. Great book. No cliffhanger and HEA.
Cat and Fen may have been different people with very different past experiences. But, their time spent together proved their undeniable attraction for each other and their need to stay together. This episode of the "Fae Games" was a stunning work that intrigued me and tugged at my heart. Cat and Fen were such dynamically complex characters that I was constantly surprised at their responses to events taking place around them. I truly could not put this book down. I will not easily forget Fen and Cat's story and thoroughly and happily appreciate the ending. THANKS FOR THIS GREAT READ!!!!!
This was a really lovely finish for one of the peripheral characters of this series. Cat unwittingly suffers at the hands of those still tied to the old ways, and it is her ability to survive that appeals.
The author is good at tying up loose ends giving the novels a more believable touch despite the fae and other unworldly figures that the plot is centred around. This was thoroughly enjoyable.
I love how it was set up that she was naive in somethings, but strong in others and so was he. She was strong in her beliefs and for a minute there, I had no idea if they would make it through together. Another wonderful book and Jill is solidly on my "one click" list!
In the other books in the series, I freaking adored Cat. She seemed extremely nerdy and smart but a little bit naive and sheltered. This book blew that freaking out of the park. It was great getting to know her and Fen more and I freaking adored it. It was definitely a little darker than the other books though.
This story pulled me from the beginning. It's a dark twisted harrowing tale that'll blow you away. This is a definite read that'll demonstrate one's journey from the dark to the light that is life changing leaving in the wake of it all a changed person. A must read in this series.
This is my favorite book from the series. Simply, because this is the only one with an epilogue. All the books are packed full of action, romance, and a very creative plot but in the end we need a rounded epilogue to wrap it up with a bow. Beautiful series overall!