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Seven Kingdoms #2
A Shade of Sinful
I should have died that day. You should have made sure of it. You didn’t.
I’m the last of the Devars, and whoever you are, I’m coming for you.
The sole survivor after the brutal assassination of his entire family, Zale was crowned at nine. No one expected the child to survive his cruel northern court. Fifteen years later, the king’s very much alive, and starving for vengeance.
He’s preparing to unmask and destroy his enemy, when a new player enters the game, changing all the rules.
Helyn Stovrj, a little miss nothing who could cost him his crown, his revenge, and his frozen heart.
A Shade of Sinful is a contemporary fantasy romance standalone in the Seven Kingdom universe. You can expect wicked characters, twists and turns you'll never see coming, and a sensual enemy to lovers romance.
I’m the last of the Devars, and whoever you are, I’m coming for you.
The sole survivor after the brutal assassination of his entire family, Zale was crowned at nine. No one expected the child to survive his cruel northern court. Fifteen years later, the king’s very much alive, and starving for vengeance.
He’s preparing to unmask and destroy his enemy, when a new player enters the game, changing all the rules.
Helyn Stovrj, a little miss nothing who could cost him his crown, his revenge, and his frozen heart.
A Shade of Sinful is a contemporary fantasy romance standalone in the Seven Kingdom universe. You can expect wicked characters, twists and turns you'll never see coming, and a sensual enemy to lovers romance.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2022
20 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 6, 2022
I absolutely enjoyed "A shade of sinful", the second book in the seven kingdoms of Xhera. It takes place at the same time as "Tall, Dark and evil". But in here we are treated with Zale's and Helyn's POV and their romance. I loved the fact that a few characters returned from the first book. And that scene from Zale's POV with Alis, love loved it!
We follow Helyn Storvj who gets in contact with her estranged mother after several years. Helyn was never raised by Neleda Storvj but her grandmother Lyn Storvj took care of her. Being the leader of the den and living in the undercity, life isn't exactly a luxury, especially as a common human. Every day is struggle to survive and when her mother insists on reuniting and becoming the heir of her and husbands family Elandheart, everything changes. It's an huge opportunity for Helyn to change things in the undercity. An offer she can't refuse and she will do everything for the undercity to thrive and grow in richness. It becomes even more interesting when she meets Zale Devar, the king of Ravelyn, not to mention her enrollment in Five and the rebels uprising.
If u read my other reviews, I think it's already clear how fond I am of books written in DUAL-POV. It's absolutely a treat when it's given to the reader. But in ASOS it was a little confusing at times whom POV I was reading. The names of both the main characters lacked under or next to the chapter headers. And this is specifically how I felt at the start.
On the other hand, It was such a joy to explore the seven kingdoms of Xhera even further and this time mainly focused on Ravelyn's part. I loved the worldbuilding and the plot in the first book and ASOS didn't disappoint me either. It was nice acquiring the information so, I could picture how Ravelyn looked like.
In "Tall, dark and evil" the book begins with an info dump which was hard to get through but in ASOS this wasn't the case at all. It was an easy start-up that flew right into the plot. Everything was provided along the way and I loved that. I genuinely enjoyed the plot line even though it felt a bit rushed. I think the author definitely took notes from the reviews she received and for that I'm grateful. Her writing style is so good and easy to read.
Aside from that, unlike Alis, I absolutely loved the strong and smart vibes Helyn was giving from the get go. The undercity and her mother's departure certainly made her outer shell rock hard.
And Zale was such a hand full but what do you expect from a king. It was nice knowing his story and ambitions and what made him this way.
However, the thing that bothered me was the constant reminder of how much Helyn hated Zale and vice versa. I love the enemies to lovers trope when it's done well. However, ASOS didn't fit the criteria. And that was mostly from Helyn's side. It wasn't written in action but rather shown in her dialogue. We all know actions speak louder than words. Sounds silly considering it's about a book, I know but It's true even in books. Luckily, Zale did show it in his actions.
In addition to that, they switched their feelings for each other too fast. After everything he has done to Helyn, she easily forgave him. He didn't do anything big to redeem himself other than taking care of her once. So I'm sorry to say, the enemies to lovers trope was just too weak in here.
Lastly, I think this book and the epilogue was so much better than the first book. And honestly, I loved the surprise that came out of the bargain from Zale and Helyn. Even though, Helyn was mad at first, she absolutely deserved it. Now she has a better chance at making changes for the common and the undercity. And Zale as her lover beside her.
I can't wait for the next book which arrives in November. If you're looking for a quick fantasy romance, these books are it.
We follow Helyn Storvj who gets in contact with her estranged mother after several years. Helyn was never raised by Neleda Storvj but her grandmother Lyn Storvj took care of her. Being the leader of the den and living in the undercity, life isn't exactly a luxury, especially as a common human. Every day is struggle to survive and when her mother insists on reuniting and becoming the heir of her and husbands family Elandheart, everything changes. It's an huge opportunity for Helyn to change things in the undercity. An offer she can't refuse and she will do everything for the undercity to thrive and grow in richness. It becomes even more interesting when she meets Zale Devar, the king of Ravelyn, not to mention her enrollment in Five and the rebels uprising.
If u read my other reviews, I think it's already clear how fond I am of books written in DUAL-POV. It's absolutely a treat when it's given to the reader. But in ASOS it was a little confusing at times whom POV I was reading. The names of both the main characters lacked under or next to the chapter headers. And this is specifically how I felt at the start.
On the other hand, It was such a joy to explore the seven kingdoms of Xhera even further and this time mainly focused on Ravelyn's part. I loved the worldbuilding and the plot in the first book and ASOS didn't disappoint me either. It was nice acquiring the information so, I could picture how Ravelyn looked like.
In "Tall, dark and evil" the book begins with an info dump which was hard to get through but in ASOS this wasn't the case at all. It was an easy start-up that flew right into the plot. Everything was provided along the way and I loved that. I genuinely enjoyed the plot line even though it felt a bit rushed. I think the author definitely took notes from the reviews she received and for that I'm grateful. Her writing style is so good and easy to read.
Aside from that, unlike Alis, I absolutely loved the strong and smart vibes Helyn was giving from the get go. The undercity and her mother's departure certainly made her outer shell rock hard.
And Zale was such a hand full but what do you expect from a king. It was nice knowing his story and ambitions and what made him this way.
However, the thing that bothered me was the constant reminder of how much Helyn hated Zale and vice versa. I love the enemies to lovers trope when it's done well. However, ASOS didn't fit the criteria. And that was mostly from Helyn's side. It wasn't written in action but rather shown in her dialogue. We all know actions speak louder than words. Sounds silly considering it's about a book, I know but It's true even in books. Luckily, Zale did show it in his actions.
In addition to that, they switched their feelings for each other too fast. After everything he has done to Helyn, she easily forgave him. He didn't do anything big to redeem himself other than taking care of her once. So I'm sorry to say, the enemies to lovers trope was just too weak in here.
Lastly, I think this book and the epilogue was so much better than the first book. And honestly, I loved the surprise that came out of the bargain from Zale and Helyn. Even though, Helyn was mad at first, she absolutely deserved it. Now she has a better chance at making changes for the common and the undercity. And Zale as her lover beside her.
I can't wait for the next book which arrives in November. If you're looking for a quick fantasy romance, these books are it.
September 6, 2022
“I wouldn't mind feeling the rough pressure of his lips before stabbing him to death.”
• More enemies-to-lovers than usual
• M/F
• Demigod vs. Normal
• DenialAndLust
• Kissing
• Love Hate
• HEA
•
I almost failed to get past the first chapter. Helyn arrived to her grandmother’s funeral by rappelling down a shop into a glorious publicity stunt, which I found awkward and dismissing of the woman who mothered her after her own mom abandoned her. At least she wasn’t an orphan. Have you noticed how many main characters are orphans who don’t know their heritage?
However, Helyn’s past was still murky. Her father was an unknown rapist, and so she did not consider her ninja skills special. When her mother visited out of the blue to tell her she was declared the heir to her new husband’s lands, Helyn naturally became suspicious, and her friends goaded her into investigating. Unfortunately for her, someone recognized her special skills and called her out.
The king (who technically had a regent until his majority) immediately realized she would make a good distraction (aka. New play toy) and set about torturing her. There was light bullying but nothing too egregious until he forced her to visit court. Once there he concocted another game of torture: enter the maze of mind f***s with gold, jewels, or his hand as prize. Whatever he planned, he did not expect several other women to suddenly volunteer for torture (what was he thinking?)!
I have to admit the princess competition, or The Bachelor-style competition, was my favorite part.
Both the romance and plot were dominant. You won’t be disappointed. Helyn was a strong, capable female who takes no abuse. And I laughed at the necklace scene. Her male counterpart was sexy as a twisted king who she eventually redeemed.
There was a strong theme related to racism and elitism. If you enjoy reading about the disposessed overcoming society’s biases, you will like this. I did.
• More enemies-to-lovers than usual
• M/F
• Demigod vs. Normal
• DenialAndLust
• Kissing
• Love Hate
• HEA
•
I almost failed to get past the first chapter. Helyn arrived to her grandmother’s funeral by rappelling down a shop into a glorious publicity stunt, which I found awkward and dismissing of the woman who mothered her after her own mom abandoned her. At least she wasn’t an orphan. Have you noticed how many main characters are orphans who don’t know their heritage?
However, Helyn’s past was still murky. Her father was an unknown rapist, and so she did not consider her ninja skills special. When her mother visited out of the blue to tell her she was declared the heir to her new husband’s lands, Helyn naturally became suspicious, and her friends goaded her into investigating. Unfortunately for her, someone recognized her special skills and called her out.
The king (who technically had a regent until his majority) immediately realized she would make a good distraction (aka. New play toy) and set about torturing her. There was light bullying but nothing too egregious until he forced her to visit court. Once there he concocted another game of torture: enter the maze of mind f***s with gold, jewels, or his hand as prize. Whatever he planned, he did not expect several other women to suddenly volunteer for torture (what was he thinking?)!
I have to admit the princess competition, or The Bachelor-style competition, was my favorite part.
Both the romance and plot were dominant. You won’t be disappointed. Helyn was a strong, capable female who takes no abuse. And I laughed at the necklace scene. Her male counterpart was sexy as a twisted king who she eventually redeemed.
There was a strong theme related to racism and elitism. If you enjoy reading about the disposessed overcoming society’s biases, you will like this. I did.
August 27, 2022
I enjoyed the writing style, and the plot was interesting. I just felt like it was wrapped up too quickly. They were at each other’s throats for 75% of the book where he did horrible things to her, but she thinks different after one incident where he got worried about her cold? It’s like his feelings just took an immediate switch out of no where. She caved too quickly. He never really redeemed himself in my eyes, and a lot was left unsolved by the end for the plot. I think the author is a good writer, I just wish she made the book longer or split it into two books to flesh out the ending and gradual enemies to lovers scenario.
September 12, 2022
Great Characters but Rushed ending
I enjoyed the tough female character and the snooty male character. However, the main plot of the book doesn’t happen until 80% into the book. The ending felt rushed and lots of things into the male characters mind wasn’t explained. For it to be dual POV, it just happened with no discussion from either character. It was highly irritating and annoying but I did enjoy these characters.
I enjoyed the tough female character and the snooty male character. However, the main plot of the book doesn’t happen until 80% into the book. The ending felt rushed and lots of things into the male characters mind wasn’t explained. For it to be dual POV, it just happened with no discussion from either character. It was highly irritating and annoying but I did enjoy these characters.
September 21, 2022
A Shade of Sinful
OMG what a great book! I loved the writing style, getting to know the characters, the buildup to the plot, the chemistry between the main characters, the steam (Oh my stars, the steam!). I love this world & fervently hope the author keeps writing more about it.
Zale starts out as a complete jerk, yet he’s intriguing. OK, he’s a hot alphahole. Hel is a strong, sassy, smart, down to earth heroine. You will love this book.
Reviewed by TSutton
OMG what a great book! I loved the writing style, getting to know the characters, the buildup to the plot, the chemistry between the main characters, the steam (Oh my stars, the steam!). I love this world & fervently hope the author keeps writing more about it.
Zale starts out as a complete jerk, yet he’s intriguing. OK, he’s a hot alphahole. Hel is a strong, sassy, smart, down to earth heroine. You will love this book.
Reviewed by TSutton
September 22, 2022
I'm not going to lie, I feel a little skeevy enjoying these books so much since I'm a 40-something woman. But there it is. I throughly enjoyed the first one and liked this even better. Just fun, sexy and has a good message. The sexy bits aren't overdone or even very many but what we do get is 🔥🔥🔥. Also can we talk about the covers for a minute? Or 15? I downloaded a sample of the first in this series purely based on the cover. And then this one? Judge me if you must, I'm 40-ish, not dead. 😉
January 26, 2023
What do you get when Cinderella meets a villainous Prince Charming? Apparently, you get a commoner-turned-noble who cannot help but aggravate said less-than-charming prince, who ultimately makes the most sleuthy, sneaky, underhanded marriage proposal. Helryn and Zane are so wrong for each other that they are perfect together (as long as they don't kill each other)! So many sparks and so much steam - and I am not talking about the revolution!
March 4, 2023
A good enemies to lovers story
This is a good story. Not sure about whether it's futuristic or medieval. Hel is a warrior with a lot of sass from the "other side of the tracks." She catches a break to move to the wealthy side and gets the king's attention. He's an ass and she gives back to him in spades. He falls hard and the romance is so hot. With that being said, the editing sucks. The typos were plentiful and very distracting for this reader.
This is a good story. Not sure about whether it's futuristic or medieval. Hel is a warrior with a lot of sass from the "other side of the tracks." She catches a break to move to the wealthy side and gets the king's attention. He's an ass and she gives back to him in spades. He falls hard and the romance is so hot. With that being said, the editing sucks. The typos were plentiful and very distracting for this reader.
August 13, 2022
Wicked King
Hel knows something is up when her estranged mother recently married mother is in streets looking for her but she never thought she would be named a Duke's heir or catch the attention of a King. Zale is fascinated by Hel but doesn't want to be he fights it tooth and nail. This book is great with plenty of twists and entertaining snark.
Hel knows something is up when her estranged mother recently married mother is in streets looking for her but she never thought she would be named a Duke's heir or catch the attention of a King. Zale is fascinated by Hel but doesn't want to be he fights it tooth and nail. This book is great with plenty of twists and entertaining snark.
September 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, I had not realized that it was a stand alone from a series. I'll have to look up the other books. The only thing that bugged me were two things. One was the editing, their were a few typos and second, a few places where it was confusing about who's voice was speaking. But all in all i loved it.
September 13, 2022
I have mixed feelings about this one. The world building was definitely interesting and unique. The main guy though? Eeewwwww. There is nothing redeeming about him. We get to see his inner thoughts that prove his motivation for being an absolute prick is that he enjoys tormenting our main gal. Her pin brings him pleasure. How does that lead to her wanting to jump his bones? No… just no
August 31, 2022
I raced through the book, unable to put it down. A few things at the end weren't really explained, but I loved how she triumphed and I look forward to reading more of their adventures in the future!
September 9, 2022
I absolutely love all the books written as May Sage and Alexi Blake. I consume these books like a coffee addict is with espresso. Can’t wait for the next book!
September 14, 2022
really good
Very good for a short story, but complete with no wait for the ending. Good cute characters . Pleasantly surprised
Very good for a short story, but complete with no wait for the ending. Good cute characters . Pleasantly surprised
August 2, 2023
Love ice
Zale is cold but we find out why. It changes all of our views of his actions. Hel is so strong and a perfect match for the arrogant young king..
Zale is cold but we find out why. It changes all of our views of his actions. Hel is so strong and a perfect match for the arrogant young king..
August 29, 2022
It was BRILLIANT 😍😍
I honestly love the Seven Kingdoms so far. Can't get enough of it. You know you have a winner book when you are at war with yourself to alternately keep reading and stop reading. Keep reading becos it's so fucking good. Stop reading becos it will end too soon! Great enemies to lovers romance! I always love the way May /Alexi writes. But this SK world is something else!
I honestly love the Seven Kingdoms so far. Can't get enough of it. You know you have a winner book when you are at war with yourself to alternately keep reading and stop reading. Keep reading becos it's so fucking good. Stop reading becos it will end too soon! Great enemies to lovers romance! I always love the way May /Alexi writes. But this SK world is something else!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews