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Elves of Ardani #2
Rogue Elves of Ardani
She’s an enslaved telepath who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. He’s a scarred elven prisoner with a deep hatred of humans. She needs him if she wants her freedom… but he just wants her dead.
Crow expects her task to be simple. Breaking a man out of prison isn’t difficult for someone with the power to read and control minds. It’s just another job forced upon her by her cruel master.
But things change when she meets an unusual inmate: a surly night elf with a thirst for revenge. Everyone knows night elves can’t be trusted. But in him, Crow sees a kindred spirit. A fellow prisoner. A fellow outcast in a world that hates them both. His many scars mirror her own. In him, she sees an opportunity to rebel against her master and win freedom for them both. But will he ever see her the same way?
All Vaara wants is to get home. The human who was his savior, Crow, has become his enslaver. She’s a liar, a manipulator, a criminal, and a user of dark magic. How can he trust someone who has shackled his very mind? And yet, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her sly wit and her surprising gentleness.
He still can’t decide whether he wants to kill her or kiss her.
Rogue Elves of Ardani is an enemies-to-lovers high fantasy romance with healthy doses of spice, adventure, and banter. This book is part of the Elves of Ardani series, but can be read as a standalone.
This book is intended for adults and contains steamy scenes, violence, and mature themes.
Crow expects her task to be simple. Breaking a man out of prison isn’t difficult for someone with the power to read and control minds. It’s just another job forced upon her by her cruel master.
But things change when she meets an unusual inmate: a surly night elf with a thirst for revenge. Everyone knows night elves can’t be trusted. But in him, Crow sees a kindred spirit. A fellow prisoner. A fellow outcast in a world that hates them both. His many scars mirror her own. In him, she sees an opportunity to rebel against her master and win freedom for them both. But will he ever see her the same way?
All Vaara wants is to get home. The human who was his savior, Crow, has become his enslaver. She’s a liar, a manipulator, a criminal, and a user of dark magic. How can he trust someone who has shackled his very mind? And yet, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her sly wit and her surprising gentleness.
He still can’t decide whether he wants to kill her or kiss her.
Rogue Elves of Ardani is an enemies-to-lovers high fantasy romance with healthy doses of spice, adventure, and banter. This book is part of the Elves of Ardani series, but can be read as a standalone.
This book is intended for adults and contains steamy scenes, violence, and mature themes.
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
169 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Nina K. Westra
11 books151 followersNina K. Westra is an elf enthusiast and fantasy romance author with a love of antiheroes, outsiders, and feminist men. Her books feature sweetness and spice, action and adventure, and heart-wrenching (usually forbidden, always angsty) romance with non-human men.
She lives in the ridiculously beautiful Pacific Northwest, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found petting someone’s cat.
For news, ARCs, and free stories, sign up for her newsletter at ninakwestra.com.
She lives in the ridiculously beautiful Pacific Northwest, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found petting someone’s cat.
For news, ARCs, and free stories, sign up for her newsletter at ninakwestra.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 25, 2022
3.75
A prison break, a daring escape, a soul binding contract, and heated attraction all rolled into this revenge/ romance tale for our two broken leads who are just trying to survive and piece themselves back together along the way.
A prison break, a daring escape, a soul binding contract, and heated attraction all rolled into this revenge/ romance tale for our two broken leads who are just trying to survive and piece themselves back together along the way.
April 2, 2023
I wanted a romance break in my readings, but this didn't exactly hit the spot for me. I was going to give it only 2 stars because I grew tired of it and glossed over a few things in the middle, but to be fair, it's not that this story was particularly boring, it's just that it follows a pattern I am fast growing very bored of - so I put this back up to 3 stars and I'm gonna write a mini rant below instead.
So, I feel it's been a recurrent thing for me while reading romance novels, and fantasy ones in particular, that the story would start great, with a lot of original things going on for it, but somehow melts back down to average through the course of the book. Not bad, but just run-of-the-mill ok.
Here, characters start off as novel, with interesting traits and backstories, ripe with potential. We also have an intriguing premise, and the whole book is consistently supported by good writing and compelling world building - lots of good things going on! And indeed, until I'd say 1/3 in, I am having a great time and thinking this book is very solid.
... This makes it all the more frustrating when somehow down the line characters inevitably morphed back into generic romance characters, with generic problems, generic doubts and a generic way to get over those!!
One thing that might have made this worse is the weird triptychal structure of this book. I know the first book in this series (which I have not read myself) was initially published as 3 separate volumes. I wonder if the author serializes their online publication or something, because this one too felt rather like a group of 3 books. We have clearly 3 parts, 1 different "mission" each, 1 sex scene each, 1 relationship step each, etc. It could be fine, albeit a bit weirdly regular, but it turned out to become fertile ground for fillers. At one point, we get the novel equivalent to the well known anime episode filler of the onsen trip... This was such a stupid scene: why would they had wasted time doing this while being on the run?? That just made the two main characters look dumb and undermined the darker scenes that follow.
So all in all, an ok read - that could have been good with some editing out of the longest bits - but could even have been great if it had actually used the originality it started with, instead of devolving back into an average fantasy romance.
So, I feel it's been a recurrent thing for me while reading romance novels, and fantasy ones in particular, that the story would start great, with a lot of original things going on for it, but somehow melts back down to average through the course of the book. Not bad, but just run-of-the-mill ok.
Here, characters start off as novel, with interesting traits and backstories, ripe with potential. We also have an intriguing premise, and the whole book is consistently supported by good writing and compelling world building - lots of good things going on! And indeed, until I'd say 1/3 in, I am having a great time and thinking this book is very solid.
... This makes it all the more frustrating when somehow down the line characters inevitably morphed back into generic romance characters, with generic problems, generic doubts and a generic way to get over those!!
One thing that might have made this worse is the weird triptychal structure of this book. I know the first book in this series (which I have not read myself) was initially published as 3 separate volumes. I wonder if the author serializes their online publication or something, because this one too felt rather like a group of 3 books. We have clearly 3 parts, 1 different "mission" each, 1 sex scene each, 1 relationship step each, etc. It could be fine, albeit a bit weirdly regular, but it turned out to become fertile ground for fillers. At one point, we get the novel equivalent to the well known anime episode filler of the onsen trip... This was such a stupid scene: why would they had wasted time doing this while being on the run?? That just made the two main characters look dumb and undermined the darker scenes that follow.
So all in all, an ok read - that could have been good with some editing out of the longest bits - but could even have been great if it had actually used the originality it started with, instead of devolving back into an average fantasy romance.
May 23, 2022
I have a strong feeling that if you vibed with Night Elves of Ardani, you'll really vibe with this one. All the hits are back: crystal-clear prose that doesn't waste a single word, a contained, interesting little world, some definite moments of darkness, and a compassionate (and steamier, I think?) romance.
But this time we've got the very cool concept of "empathy," where our FMC can get into people's heads to read their thoughts and influence their feelings.
While I don't think reading Night Elves first is required, the leads from that book are around for a very good chunk of this one.
(My only hesitation is a personal one--despite their different circumstances, I felt like these characters were really, really similar to Novikke and Aruna. But also these character types are overwhelmingly popular in the genre, so I bet that's just a me problem.)
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But this time we've got the very cool concept of "empathy," where our FMC can get into people's heads to read their thoughts and influence their feelings.
While I don't think reading Night Elves first is required, the leads from that book are around for a very good chunk of this one.
(My only hesitation is a personal one--despite their different circumstances, I felt like these characters were really, really similar to Novikke and Aruna. But also these character types are overwhelmingly popular in the genre, so I bet that's just a me problem.)
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2022
I'm going to be honest, albeit constructively so: this is probably a "it's me, not you" problem.
The pacing and the writing were just as tight and high quality as the earlier series, which I loved. Someone pointed out that there's no grammatical errors even though it's an ARC - it's definitely true.
Plot and characterization are the same: they're just really good, and on point. I just personally wasn't a fan of the tropes and the characters in general - I could never really empathize with either Vaara or Crow, but again, the fault lies not in the writing but in my personal taste.
On the other hand, it was nice to meet Aruna and Novikke again, and see what they've been up to!
Overall, it's 4 stars from me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The pacing and the writing were just as tight and high quality as the earlier series, which I loved. Someone pointed out that there's no grammatical errors even though it's an ARC - it's definitely true.
Plot and characterization are the same: they're just really good, and on point. I just personally wasn't a fan of the tropes and the characters in general - I could never really empathize with either Vaara or Crow, but again, the fault lies not in the writing but in my personal taste.
On the other hand, it was nice to meet Aruna and Novikke again, and see what they've been up to!
Overall, it's 4 stars from me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2023
Story : 📖📖📖/5
Characters : ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️/5
Romance : 💗💗💗💗,5/5
Spice : 🌶🌶🌶
What a ride !
I loved the characters (Vaara especially 🥹), the writing style, the universe, the romance, the enemies-to-lovers, the ending... really it was an amazing book !
Some of the twists and turns were a bit repetitive, and the smut could have been better to be honest, but overall, it was a great adult fantasy book that I would 100% recommend 💗
Characters : ❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️/5
Romance : 💗💗💗💗,5/5
Spice : 🌶🌶🌶
What a ride !
I loved the characters (Vaara especially 🥹), the writing style, the universe, the romance, the enemies-to-lovers, the ending... really it was an amazing book !
Some of the twists and turns were a bit repetitive, and the smut could have been better to be honest, but overall, it was a great adult fantasy book that I would 100% recommend 💗
September 1, 2025
Enjoyable read
A good fantasy romance, though not as good as its predecessor, imo. Very much enjoyed the characters, but the plot felt less epic than the last book. Still a highly enjoyable story.
A good fantasy romance, though not as good as its predecessor, imo. Very much enjoyed the characters, but the plot felt less epic than the last book. Still a highly enjoyable story.
August 22, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️
Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I can't tell you how much in love I am with this series and Nina's writing.
The prose is flawless with rich and in-depth worldbuilding without infodumping or wasting a single word. I dare to say this series is one of the most seamlessly flowing ones without being cheap. And I adore it.
But what I adore even more are these characters and their nuanced personalities. First we saw Novikke and Aruna have a rollercoaster relationship while juggling their communication and cultural differences. And now we see Crow and Vaara face their fears together and in each other that are rooted at the same place. And I think I enjoyed their dynamic a little better.
I also have the feeling this sequel got a little dirtier and a little more angsty, which is always a plus with me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Spice Scale: 🌶️🌶️
Heat Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I can't tell you how much in love I am with this series and Nina's writing.
The prose is flawless with rich and in-depth worldbuilding without infodumping or wasting a single word. I dare to say this series is one of the most seamlessly flowing ones without being cheap. And I adore it.
But what I adore even more are these characters and their nuanced personalities. First we saw Novikke and Aruna have a rollercoaster relationship while juggling their communication and cultural differences. And now we see Crow and Vaara face their fears together and in each other that are rooted at the same place. And I think I enjoyed their dynamic a little better.
I also have the feeling this sequel got a little dirtier and a little more angsty, which is always a plus with me.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 22, 2022
I did not read the first book in this series (yet), but as the author said this book can stand alone. It really can!
The world building is wonderful and the characters are perfectly fleshed out. There’s not a page I didn’t enjoy! The witty banter is honestly perfection.
This is also a great book if you’re new to ~spicy~ literature. The romance scenes are enjoyable but not overly graphic in their descriptions.
10/10 would recommend and I will be picking up books by this author again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building is wonderful and the characters are perfectly fleshed out. There’s not a page I didn’t enjoy! The witty banter is honestly perfection.
This is also a great book if you’re new to ~spicy~ literature. The romance scenes are enjoyable but not overly graphic in their descriptions.
10/10 would recommend and I will be picking up books by this author again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2024
This was such a beautifully written story full of action with the perfect amount of romance. This will forever be my favorite series. I didn’t think I could love anyone else other than gentle Aruna but grumpy Vaara has my heart also 💗
June 6, 2022
slow burn, intense emotions
Some incredibly good writing. Well developed world, characters with depth and complicated emotions, and a slow burn romance makes this a page-turner
Some incredibly good writing. Well developed world, characters with depth and complicated emotions, and a slow burn romance makes this a page-turner
April 21, 2022
Finally finally finally! This is my second ARC copy read, got the book for free and Im not ashamed to give critique when its due (like my firts ARC read which is a DNF even if I did very very hard) But here we are on my second ever ARC read and Im so so so happy that this is soooo good of a book! Thank you!!!!!
An easy five star book in content plus I luve the cover very much. That was a pre final book and had no grammatical or storyflow errors which I do find even in plusieur edition still. It was perfectly written, easy to engage and caught up in the flow of the story. I loved the first too but this second!!! Amazing! I loved both main characters and that we had a glimpes back to Novikke and Aruna whereabouts a bit.
I really liked that it had a lot of adventure and the romance development is better than the first! I just rooted for them both!
I was a bit sorry that the warden was beyond saving from darkness, I did rooted maybe a bit.
So summa summarum I did love the book I enjoyed every moment of the story and cant wait to get it on paperback!!!! And if any new night elf is out there…
An easy five star book in content plus I luve the cover very much. That was a pre final book and had no grammatical or storyflow errors which I do find even in plusieur edition still. It was perfectly written, easy to engage and caught up in the flow of the story. I loved the first too but this second!!! Amazing! I loved both main characters and that we had a glimpes back to Novikke and Aruna whereabouts a bit.
I really liked that it had a lot of adventure and the romance development is better than the first! I just rooted for them both!
I was a bit sorry that the warden was beyond saving from darkness, I did rooted maybe a bit.
So summa summarum I did love the book I enjoyed every moment of the story and cant wait to get it on paperback!!!! And if any new night elf is out there…
February 3, 2024
I feel this book would've done much better had it been spent over a longer period of time.
I really liked the idea of the first kiss suddenly and unexpectedly turning into sex because of the feedback loop - I just wish the consequences of it (feeling icky, trying to sort through their emotions, etc) would've been fleshed out more. And Vaara and Crow could've had more time to bond during their travels.
I really liked the idea of the first kiss suddenly and unexpectedly turning into sex because of the feedback loop - I just wish the consequences of it (feeling icky, trying to sort through their emotions, etc) would've been fleshed out more. And Vaara and Crow could've had more time to bond during their travels.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2022
I may have liked this more than the first one. I adored Crow and Vaara.
January 6, 2023
My new favorite series
I don't know where to begin. This author can weave such a touching, beautiful story. I wouldn't change a thing. This story had me in it's grip from the first page, it's 'stay up all night reading' wonderful. These characters, their driving forces, their personalities, their desires amd fears are all so fleshed out, so real. I felt gut wrenching emotions all the way through.
I could use so many more books in the Ardani series, but I would especially love to read so much more about Crow and Vaara (be sure to go to the authors website and check out the short story following this book). I had a job interview today and all I could think of was getting back to this book!
Is it enemies to friends to lovers? Idk and I don't care. Crow and Vaara's journey was a rollercoaster. Nina knows how to write a strong female lead. It is so refreshing to find a FMC that isn't childish and whining or constantly making poor decisions. Crow quickly become my new favorite female lead. And Vaara, oh my heart just aches for him! He's our literal tortured hero, if we can call him a hero. He is a night elf after all ;) Couldn't have asked for a more satisfying ending to this book. It's like a realistic happily ever after, and it's so so refreshing. Nina's characters always seem to stay true to themselves and not loose who they are just because of a love interest like in other books where the FMC forgets everything they know for a guy. I'll be re-reading this asap.
The writing style, how do I even begin. It's just beautiful. I especially love that her books are about normal people just making it through life and going on life changing journeys of self discovery together. No wicked kings or snarky borderline abusive princes or secret 'save the world' type powers hidden in the FMC. I hope the world gets to read so much more from this author! I'll be eagerly awaiting more books in this series and anything else she creates! Thank you Nina for one of my new favorite books! I'll have a hangover from this one for a while.
I don't know where to begin. This author can weave such a touching, beautiful story. I wouldn't change a thing. This story had me in it's grip from the first page, it's 'stay up all night reading' wonderful. These characters, their driving forces, their personalities, their desires amd fears are all so fleshed out, so real. I felt gut wrenching emotions all the way through.
I could use so many more books in the Ardani series, but I would especially love to read so much more about Crow and Vaara (be sure to go to the authors website and check out the short story following this book). I had a job interview today and all I could think of was getting back to this book!
Is it enemies to friends to lovers? Idk and I don't care. Crow and Vaara's journey was a rollercoaster. Nina knows how to write a strong female lead. It is so refreshing to find a FMC that isn't childish and whining or constantly making poor decisions. Crow quickly become my new favorite female lead. And Vaara, oh my heart just aches for him! He's our literal tortured hero, if we can call him a hero. He is a night elf after all ;) Couldn't have asked for a more satisfying ending to this book. It's like a realistic happily ever after, and it's so so refreshing. Nina's characters always seem to stay true to themselves and not loose who they are just because of a love interest like in other books where the FMC forgets everything they know for a guy. I'll be re-reading this asap.
The writing style, how do I even begin. It's just beautiful. I especially love that her books are about normal people just making it through life and going on life changing journeys of self discovery together. No wicked kings or snarky borderline abusive princes or secret 'save the world' type powers hidden in the FMC. I hope the world gets to read so much more from this author! I'll be eagerly awaiting more books in this series and anything else she creates! Thank you Nina for one of my new favorite books! I'll have a hangover from this one for a while.
February 26, 2023
Overall i liked it 🤓 the initial premise was intriguing, the characters were interesting and had depth, i really liked their dynamic and was greatful that it wasn't insta love.
However i felt that at 60% through the book the scenario got really repetitive (Vaara saving Crow, Crow saving Vaara, a bit too many times). I get it, it's showing us how hard it is for them to truly escape their current situations, but i would have appreciated it if that back and forth rescuing was a lesser portion of the story and instead focused on the cooler concepts of the book (a prison full of dangerous inmates maybe?, the mental struggles to overtake someone's mind, Crow's harrowing power over Alexei or Vaara's magic). We get the HEA at the very very end of the book, literally in the last few pages which seemed a bit too short for my liking.
Honestly it was the epilogue "Rituals" (that i got by subscribing to the author's newsletter) that redeemed the ending for me, and again it intrigued me more (crow's ability to enter dreams, the elves' magical forest, Crow's power over the dangerous creatures, the idea of a family for them) like honestly i just want to read more about all of that than all the back and forth that almost makes up 1/3 of the book.
I recommend it to anyone looking for something more original and a bit different in the romantic fantasy genre, but it was missing a few elements for me to put it next to my favorites (A Light in the Flame or The Serpent and The Wings of Night for example), which is a bit frustrating to me, because the author definitely had all of the components to bring this story to the next level.
However i felt that at 60% through the book the scenario got really repetitive (Vaara saving Crow, Crow saving Vaara, a bit too many times). I get it, it's showing us how hard it is for them to truly escape their current situations, but i would have appreciated it if that back and forth rescuing was a lesser portion of the story and instead focused on the cooler concepts of the book (a prison full of dangerous inmates maybe?, the mental struggles to overtake someone's mind, Crow's harrowing power over Alexei or Vaara's magic). We get the HEA at the very very end of the book, literally in the last few pages which seemed a bit too short for my liking.
Honestly it was the epilogue "Rituals" (that i got by subscribing to the author's newsletter) that redeemed the ending for me, and again it intrigued me more (crow's ability to enter dreams, the elves' magical forest, Crow's power over the dangerous creatures, the idea of a family for them) like honestly i just want to read more about all of that than all the back and forth that almost makes up 1/3 of the book.
I recommend it to anyone looking for something more original and a bit different in the romantic fantasy genre, but it was missing a few elements for me to put it next to my favorites (A Light in the Flame or The Serpent and The Wings of Night for example), which is a bit frustrating to me, because the author definitely had all of the components to bring this story to the next level.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2022
I was provided a free copy of Rogue Elves of Ardani in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts:
Rogue Elves of Ardani is an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy and the enemies to lovers trope. With plenty of magic, action, simmering romantic tension and solid villains, the book is bound to keep you hooked from beginning to end. You don’t have to read the first book to follow along with this one, but it was fantastic to see characters from book one revisited, and have their storylines interconnect with that of the characters in Rogue Elves.
My main criticism for the first book was a lack of banter, and I’m happy to say we get plenty of wit and humor between the love interests this time around. Their interactions added some nice liveliness to the progression of their relationship and balanced out the heavier elements of the story.
I had some issues with Crow at the beginning of the book, but ultimately, I think the later reveals about her past and present circumstances managed to humanize her in such a way that I was able to enjoy the development of her relationship with Varaa.
Overall, I believe this book is a great installment in the series. The world of Ardani is full of well rounded characters, the romance delivers, and the pacing is just right- with something interesting always occurring in every chapter. The author knows how to write deep, intrinsically flawed characters that are interesting to read while also carrying a level of relatability and realness.
I can’t wait to see what else the series has in store. A huge thanks to the author for the arc!
Rogue Elves of Ardani is an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy and the enemies to lovers trope. With plenty of magic, action, simmering romantic tension and solid villains, the book is bound to keep you hooked from beginning to end. You don’t have to read the first book to follow along with this one, but it was fantastic to see characters from book one revisited, and have their storylines interconnect with that of the characters in Rogue Elves.
My main criticism for the first book was a lack of banter, and I’m happy to say we get plenty of wit and humor between the love interests this time around. Their interactions added some nice liveliness to the progression of their relationship and balanced out the heavier elements of the story.
I had some issues with Crow at the beginning of the book, but ultimately, I think the later reveals about her past and present circumstances managed to humanize her in such a way that I was able to enjoy the development of her relationship with Varaa.
Overall, I believe this book is a great installment in the series. The world of Ardani is full of well rounded characters, the romance delivers, and the pacing is just right- with something interesting always occurring in every chapter. The author knows how to write deep, intrinsically flawed characters that are interesting to read while also carrying a level of relatability and realness.
I can’t wait to see what else the series has in store. A huge thanks to the author for the arc!
July 17, 2022
Amazing
This series has been the gift that keeps on giving. It's been such a pleasant surprise and I can't wait to see more from Nina K Westra
She writes real, practical characters who face difficulties without things
being magically solved. The grey and nuance of relationships, the complexities faced head on. It's refreshing
I've enjoyed the main characters in both of the book series. The slow burn and build up, the romance that has all too much a reminder of how hard things can be even when you want to make it work. I've enjoyed how she's potrayed the enemies to lovers aspect of the romance, that no particular side was "good" when it came to war and cultural differences. Very well done
My one feedback would be that the world this is set in sounds interesting, but I still crave more detail or structure of some sort. The magic is explained well in some parts, but the 'lattice' that connects the story from conversation to conversation, and painting the scenes with more than just character conversation would be nice. I don't know what the technical term is for it, the "in-between" and detail in scenes. She's pretty consistent but I never feel I get the full "visual" of it. Very good at character building and the emotion/thoughts, making them relatable and real..
I'll definitely be looking forward to her next fantasy romance though, whether it's this series or a new one.
This series has been the gift that keeps on giving. It's been such a pleasant surprise and I can't wait to see more from Nina K Westra
She writes real, practical characters who face difficulties without things
being magically solved. The grey and nuance of relationships, the complexities faced head on. It's refreshing
I've enjoyed the main characters in both of the book series. The slow burn and build up, the romance that has all too much a reminder of how hard things can be even when you want to make it work. I've enjoyed how she's potrayed the enemies to lovers aspect of the romance, that no particular side was "good" when it came to war and cultural differences. Very well done
My one feedback would be that the world this is set in sounds interesting, but I still crave more detail or structure of some sort. The magic is explained well in some parts, but the 'lattice' that connects the story from conversation to conversation, and painting the scenes with more than just character conversation would be nice. I don't know what the technical term is for it, the "in-between" and detail in scenes. She's pretty consistent but I never feel I get the full "visual" of it. Very good at character building and the emotion/thoughts, making them relatable and real..
I'll definitely be looking forward to her next fantasy romance though, whether it's this series or a new one.
June 9, 2023
enemies to lovers - defs RE-READ!!
Fantasy, good pacing, great character arc and world building. It feels very natural - and reads like a fantasy webtoon - mb cos I’ve read so many and it’s the same trope lol.
There’s an oh-so-sweet and happy, romantic ending.
We get it- there’s animosity to start, distrust. But then they get to know each other on a deeper level, their hurts, their true self. FL, Crow, has an ability to read other’s minds n manipulate their feelings, but it’s basically empathy-on-steroids and the fact that she wears her heart on her sleeve mooost of the time (when she’s not being deceitful …I guess aiya u know what I mean, a hard knock life for a person who is inherently good n compassionate because of her empathy powers and childhood of suffering and abuse). It’s really beautiful cos they are better because of each other? They make each other better and more happier than they are alone. And they help each other defeat (ahem , kill) their abusers. Overcome their demons?
Also she literally defeats bigots and trauma with the power of empathy! Wow! The world would be a little if not a lot better if this were the case in real life and did the right thing according to moral and ethical principles (Yea I know, a bit preachy, but even I know how messed up the world /system/pole are and the solutions are not so simple- just that it would be a little better if were the case
Anyway, dang I think I just found my new favourite author.
Fantasy, good pacing, great character arc and world building. It feels very natural - and reads like a fantasy webtoon - mb cos I’ve read so many and it’s the same trope lol.
There’s an oh-so-sweet and happy, romantic ending.
We get it- there’s animosity to start, distrust. But then they get to know each other on a deeper level, their hurts, their true self. FL, Crow, has an ability to read other’s minds n manipulate their feelings, but it’s basically empathy-on-steroids and the fact that she wears her heart on her sleeve mooost of the time (when she’s not being deceitful …I guess aiya u know what I mean, a hard knock life for a person who is inherently good n compassionate because of her empathy powers and childhood of suffering and abuse). It’s really beautiful cos they are better because of each other? They make each other better and more happier than they are alone. And they help each other defeat (ahem , kill) their abusers. Overcome their demons?
Also she literally defeats bigots and trauma with the power of empathy! Wow! The world would be a little if not a lot better if this were the case in real life and did the right thing according to moral and ethical principles (Yea I know, a bit preachy, but even I know how messed up the world /system/pole are and the solutions are not so simple- just that it would be a little better if were the case
Anyway, dang I think I just found my new favourite author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2024
Absolutely loved the second book in the series! Crow and Vaara are reluctant enemies to lovers which is one of my favorite tropes! They do their best to deny their feelings, but both of them are seeking something that they find in each other: compassion and understanding. Not to mention both are stubborn with smart mouths and just works lol. They were hilarious together.
The romantic scenes are good and spicy and the fight/action scenes are brutal! Lots of twists and turns in the plot which I enjoyed. You doing technically need to read the first book but with extended cameos from Novikke & Aruna it helped me. Crow and Vaara could not be more different from them, btw lol.
I loved Crow’s power! Reading the scenes where she used empathy were some of my favorites, especially when her and Vaara touched minds and he works show her how he felt. Idk if their story is finished but wouldn’t mind reading about them again!
Two of my fav quotes:
- “There are many ways to chain someone down other than physically.” “Which ways?” “People with power have many ways of controlling someone who has little power.”
- “Sometimes we have a goal in mind, and we think if we can just reach that goal, then we’ll finally be truly happy. That’s almost never the case, I think.”
The romantic scenes are good and spicy and the fight/action scenes are brutal! Lots of twists and turns in the plot which I enjoyed. You doing technically need to read the first book but with extended cameos from Novikke & Aruna it helped me. Crow and Vaara could not be more different from them, btw lol.
I loved Crow’s power! Reading the scenes where she used empathy were some of my favorites, especially when her and Vaara touched minds and he works show her how he felt. Idk if their story is finished but wouldn’t mind reading about them again!
Two of my fav quotes:
- “There are many ways to chain someone down other than physically.” “Which ways?” “People with power have many ways of controlling someone who has little power.”
- “Sometimes we have a goal in mind, and we think if we can just reach that goal, then we’ll finally be truly happy. That’s almost never the case, I think.”
November 22, 2022
the Perfect Beauty as the Beast
This wasn’t exactly a telling of Beauty and the Beast, but I felt like if I were to explain our main characters, we have a beauty who is also the beast. Crow is a girl who is half elf half human. Her elf side isn’t welcome in most circles so she keeps it a secret. In this story she enslaves a beast. This is Vaara, a night elf who’s been imprisoned for the last year and tortured. Crow is now having her own agenda with Vaara, but of course our story becomes a happy ending with these two.
I loved this book and recommend the series to anyone who joys elves and love stories. This was completely different than the first book; the r rated material was more graphic (and that’s a good thing!) compared to book 1 (which was also an amazing book). I recommend book 1 only because some characters come back, but this is a stand alone. I loved it much more honestly. The adventures our author writes and the world they create is amazing in these stories. I give the book 5 stars: 4 for amazing storytelling and 1 if I’ll read it again. And again. And again.
This wasn’t exactly a telling of Beauty and the Beast, but I felt like if I were to explain our main characters, we have a beauty who is also the beast. Crow is a girl who is half elf half human. Her elf side isn’t welcome in most circles so she keeps it a secret. In this story she enslaves a beast. This is Vaara, a night elf who’s been imprisoned for the last year and tortured. Crow is now having her own agenda with Vaara, but of course our story becomes a happy ending with these two.
I loved this book and recommend the series to anyone who joys elves and love stories. This was completely different than the first book; the r rated material was more graphic (and that’s a good thing!) compared to book 1 (which was also an amazing book). I recommend book 1 only because some characters come back, but this is a stand alone. I loved it much more honestly. The adventures our author writes and the world they create is amazing in these stories. I give the book 5 stars: 4 for amazing storytelling and 1 if I’ll read it again. And again. And again.
June 18, 2023
Ok I will try to be chill here but I really love all of the characters and worldbuilding in Nina K. Westra's books so it is not easy to be chill!!!
😎 Things I liked 😎
- Liking each other despite not wanting to. Like this is truly enemies to lovers. Hate is really not that far away from love it turns out >:)
- Slow burn!!!!!!!!!!!
- The characters are flawed in their own way and yet their flaws complement each other and make each other better. This!!! Is!!!! Romance!!!!
- Stories are loosely interconnected and we get to see some old friends from book 1. So cute I'm obsessed
- When characters who've built up walls let them down for love 😭
- The writing is high-quality. If a book is poorly or lazily written it takes me right out of it but that's not an issue here
- Well thought-out magic system!
- Pacing kept things moving but gave the important scenes time to breathe
🧚♀️ Things I didn't like 🧚♀️
- When the bad guy is mean I think that's so rude
- Ok I'm sorry but I'm a Nina K. Westra stan so I can't thing of anything else bye
😎 Things I liked 😎
- Liking each other despite not wanting to. Like this is truly enemies to lovers. Hate is really not that far away from love it turns out >:)
- Slow burn!!!!!!!!!!!
- The characters are flawed in their own way and yet their flaws complement each other and make each other better. This!!! Is!!!! Romance!!!!
- Stories are loosely interconnected and we get to see some old friends from book 1. So cute I'm obsessed
- When characters who've built up walls let them down for love 😭
- The writing is high-quality. If a book is poorly or lazily written it takes me right out of it but that's not an issue here
- Well thought-out magic system!
- Pacing kept things moving but gave the important scenes time to breathe
🧚♀️ Things I didn't like 🧚♀️
- When the bad guy is mean I think that's so rude
- Ok I'm sorry but I'm a Nina K. Westra stan so I can't thing of anything else bye
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2022
I adored my first visit to Adrani in book 1 - Novikke and Aruna's story , and I was floored to find out I could go back with a new story.
I was taken with Crow from the beginning. She is different from those around her. The way she cares about Vaara when it seems like no one else does, sets her apart. She knowingly abandons her mission and saves him instead. That choice sets them on an adventure both never expected.
The story can be read without reading book 1, but I highly recommend both. We also get to see some old friends again in book 2. I found myself getting wrapped up in the emotions of the characters. I was invested in their lives and willed them to find a happy ending.
There is darkness in this world. Some torture and fighting for survival. The darkness makes the light shine brighter.
I will definitely be reading again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was taken with Crow from the beginning. She is different from those around her. The way she cares about Vaara when it seems like no one else does, sets her apart. She knowingly abandons her mission and saves him instead. That choice sets them on an adventure both never expected.
The story can be read without reading book 1, but I highly recommend both. We also get to see some old friends again in book 2. I found myself getting wrapped up in the emotions of the characters. I was invested in their lives and willed them to find a happy ending.
There is darkness in this world. Some torture and fighting for survival. The darkness makes the light shine brighter.
I will definitely be reading again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 23, 2022
As soon as I read the blurb for this one I knew I needed to read it. A forced proximity/enemies to lovers in a fantastical setting? Exactly what I look for in every book.
I didn't realize until I started that it was a sequel so I had a moment of debating whether to read the first book or just to continue through. I ended up carrying on and I am so glad I did.
The story itself is engaging from the start, it puts you straight into the action yet you're able to keep up. The characters are engaging in the love/hate relationship is swoon-worthy.
The relationship itself moved quickly at times, I was worried that the story would slow down after but the author was brilliant at keeping the pace.
The ending at first devasted me, then the last few pages were enough for me to breathe again.
I loved this one and was so relieved to have the opportunity to read this copy in advance!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I didn't realize until I started that it was a sequel so I had a moment of debating whether to read the first book or just to continue through. I ended up carrying on and I am so glad I did.
The story itself is engaging from the start, it puts you straight into the action yet you're able to keep up. The characters are engaging in the love/hate relationship is swoon-worthy.
The relationship itself moved quickly at times, I was worried that the story would slow down after but the author was brilliant at keeping the pace.
The ending at first devasted me, then the last few pages were enough for me to breathe again.
I loved this one and was so relieved to have the opportunity to read this copy in advance!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2022
Dark, gritty and a totally fantastic read Rogue Elves of Ardani introduced two absolutely engaging protagonists to its storyline with enslaved half human empath Crow with a mission and Night Elf Vaara who unexpectedly becomes part of it.
Mages, dark magic, intrigue and more keeps their story energized and flowing through the pages of this expertly crafted narrative which has assuredly secured itself a special niche in the fantasy romance genre.
Loved this exciting and immersive adventure within the Ardani world and can’t wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mages, dark magic, intrigue and more keeps their story energized and flowing through the pages of this expertly crafted narrative which has assuredly secured itself a special niche in the fantasy romance genre.
Loved this exciting and immersive adventure within the Ardani world and can’t wait for more!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 22, 2022
Vaara and Crow . . .
Vaara and Crow are enemies who find commonality in having endured the worst from humans. They each want to escape, but neither trusts the other. Crow is a telepath with the power to read thoughts and control minds. Vaara is a surly night elf with attitude and a desire to get revenge. Night elves are known for being untrustworthy.
But Crow sees some similarities in him that she can relate to. And if she can sway his opinion of her, perhaps there is hope that the two of them can gain their freedom. Will he learn to tolerate the hated human? Will he find that she is not entirely bad and he may even learn to care for her?
Vaara and Crow are enemies who find commonality in having endured the worst from humans. They each want to escape, but neither trusts the other. Crow is a telepath with the power to read thoughts and control minds. Vaara is a surly night elf with attitude and a desire to get revenge. Night elves are known for being untrustworthy.
But Crow sees some similarities in him that she can relate to. And if she can sway his opinion of her, perhaps there is hope that the two of them can gain their freedom. Will he learn to tolerate the hated human? Will he find that she is not entirely bad and he may even learn to care for her?
June 18, 2025
Enjoyed seeing the relationship develop and how we saw both perspectives. Very long, drawn out scenes - and it seemed like the characters kept getting out of trouble, then back in, then something else interrupts them and TADA they are saved but wait no! Something else! And then HEA, and it all happens between like three different places because the world is small ! Like jesus give em a break. Better than the first imo, and I really enjoyed the plot and ideas in the book. Crow is a massive asshole though. But fun!
May 21, 2022
This book was really well constructed and written. It was a really great read that I blew through because I felt a need to find out the whole story as quickly as possible. I like the enemies to lover aspect. And how so much was based on expectations and setting. It was great to see their interactions and their relationship and understanding blossom over time.
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.
May 21, 2022
I was provided an ARC of the “Rogue elves of Ardani” in exchange of an honest review.
What can I say about Book 2 of Elves of Ardani series? I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I’ve been a fan of Nina’s talent to tell a story and this one did NOT disappoint. It was everything I was hoping for and so much more.
If you have not picked up this series which is also available on KU OMG please do yourself a favor and do it NOW! You won’t regret it!
What can I say about Book 2 of Elves of Ardani series? I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT! I’ve been a fan of Nina’s talent to tell a story and this one did NOT disappoint. It was everything I was hoping for and so much more.
If you have not picked up this series which is also available on KU OMG please do yourself a favor and do it NOW! You won’t regret it!
May 26, 2022
I absolutely loved this book, I hadn’t read the first in the series (and likely if I had I would’ve understood the world a bit better) but I still loved this so much as a stand-alone, it reminded me for Six of Crows in the best way, just with more romance
The romance was on point and the emotions were vivid and raw, I loved it so much, especially Crow’s empathy powers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The romance was on point and the emotions were vivid and raw, I loved it so much, especially Crow’s empathy powers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2022
This fantasy romance had lush, interesting world building. The political machinations added texture, and the action and danger added high stakes and quick pacing. The romantic relationship was deliciously Enemies to Lovers, and there were some twists that I did not see coming. I highly recommend this novel. It was a satisfying way to spend an afternoon.
I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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