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Blood and Ice #3

Song of Silk and Scars

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Naria just wants to be free.
Trapped in the palace, she would rather die than become a courtesan, but she refuses to be a slave all her life either.

Ivan is the greatest warrior in Karscha.
He is ruthless and used to absolute obedience. Nothing and nobody can call his power to account.


So when Ivan is sent to a mission to an enemy kingdom, he expects everything to go exactly according to his plan.

Until he finds himself having to drag a troublesome slave girl back to his kingdom. A girl who is determined to be free. A girl Ivan isn’t sure whether he wants to kill or claim.

But the more they clash, the more Ivan and Naria discover there is a very fine line between hatred and obsession, love and submission, pain and pleasure.

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

49 people are currently reading
554 people want to read

About the author

Violet Froste

7 books42 followers

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5 stars
84 (32%)
4 stars
91 (35%)
3 stars
54 (21%)
2 stars
22 (8%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Charlotte 🦋.
196 reviews97 followers
July 20, 2022
Scarred hero? ☑️
Chemistry between the two MC’s? ☑️☑️
Big bad protective lead? ☑️☑️☑️


When I tell you I’m obsessed I’m OBSESSED. I loved Naria’s & Ivan’s story.
This is a slow burn enemies to lovers, spicy, historical / fantasy romance. The chemistry between the two is fantastic. The banter is phenomenal. I don’t normally laugh when reading but the banter between them had me cheesing the whole time. I am adding this to my favourite’s, this book deserves that 5 star.


“Marriage is for fools, lioness, but if you should choose anybody to make into your fool, don’t choose some nobleman—don’t choose anybody else. Choose me.” AGHHHHHH


- NO cheats
- NO OW/OM drama
- HEA
- Dagger to throat tropes
- Protective Alpha
- Independent/ Strong heroine
Profile Image for merp.
179 reviews15 followers
July 15, 2022
I *should* be asleep, but instead I immediately had to write this review after saying up far too late to finish this book.

I am absolutely blown away by how wonderful this book was. I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC, and I went into it with zero expectations. From the very first page, I found the writing to be rich and descriptive, full of beautiful imagery and stunning world building.

The slow-burn romance? 🥵 I adored Ivan from the get-go, and Naria was a strong, stubborn and determined woman who I truly enjoyed watching soften.

The spice was fantastic, classy and not crass while still being HOT. The character development was wonderful and I would gladly read ten more books about Ivan. I am team Ivan for sure.

I actually highlighted things in this book, which I never do, because I loved them so much.

This book gets a genuine 5/5, and I am absolutely going to read every other book she has written!
Profile Image for Venus.
46 reviews
July 15, 2022
I read this in one sitting! I genuinely couldn’t put it down :)

I loved how strong Naria was, although it was annoying sometimes because of how stubborn she was, I realize I’m
just like her most of the times so I can’t really judge 🥲

This story was really well written and the imagery was IMMACULATE. I could really visualize the setting and all the characters so I really loved that.

And omg IVAN I loved him so much, he just couldn’t resist falling in love with Naria and I wish something like that happened to me irl 😩 I loved his personality sm, he could be really harsh sometimes but in the end he could also be really kind.

The only reason this wasn’t 5 stars is because I felt like Naria was a little TOO harsh at times, when it wasn’t needed bc we could all see Ivan was falling in love with her. Also, I thought this was going to be a lot more smutty but we only got like 3 sx scenes in the whole book 😭😭. I mean when the smut DID happen it was really hot but I just expected there to be a lot more scenes, it was like a 🌶🌶.75/5 spice level.

Overall I really liked this book and would definitely consider rereading it in the future. It was fast paced and easy to read in one sitting. Thank you author for providing a free copy of this book!! I really enjoyed it so thank you <33
Profile Image for Sarah J.
38 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2022
I absolutely enjoyed this book! I had been searching for a rly good take on a Beauty and Beast telling, and this one gave me that and so much more. It was as if beauty and beast, Red Ridinghood, and Snow White and the Huntsman had a baby… With spice 🌶🌶 *Minor Spoiler* It could be triggering for some with the ‘slavery’ aspect but the book is set in such a time like Game Of Thrones. But the FMC Naria is such a relentless badass that never gives up! She’s got a fire within her that will burn down anything in her way in order to achieve her goals. She is smart, witty, and not afraid to speak her mind. She is a no sugar coating to the point woman. Then, there’s our MMC Ivan, a strong Male with a strong mindset and a specific view on how he expected his life to be… That is until he met our Naria! A delightful tale between these two MCs that just wouldn’t let me put this book down.
Profile Image for Allison ☾.
465 reviews17 followers
Read
November 20, 2022
DNF @ 30%

As much as I love the first 2 novels in this series, this one is getting put down immediately. The power dynamic between the 2 characters is turning my stomach. Ivan has Naria (already a slave in a whorehouse against her will) tied up, threatened with whipping, forced to walk behind his horse, and threatened with starvation if she doesn't "break" to his will. Meanwhile he's getting aroused at her presence as she is forced to care for him to receive food. I'm sorry, just not my cup of tea whatsoever. Yuck.
Profile Image for Kirsty McCracken.
1,722 reviews18 followers
July 20, 2022
Oh my goodness. I was promised more spice and she DELIVERED. That carriage scene. Good Grief. Ivan and Naria. Ivan. IVAN. Badass, determined, passionate leading lady and an intense, strong, levelheaded leading gent. YES!!!

Thank you so so much Violet for letting me be part of the ARC team for this because I was already going to buy it but now I am SOOOOO EXCITED to buy it and have it forever!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
51 reviews24 followers
July 29, 2022
I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I hadn’t read the other two books in this series, but since they are all stand-alone books set in the same universe, I had no trouble enjoying the story and understanding the world. I liked a lot about this book (the setting, the story, the writing, Ivan. I loved Ivan), but I could not warm up to Naria. I tried. I wanted to like her, and I did like her basic character, but she never grew or developed; she was always the same prideful woman who saw the world as out to get her. It was easy to understand where Naria's pride and attitude came from; she lived her whole life fighting for her freedom, and people underestimated her, hurt her, undervalued her, and took advantage of her. Naria’s coping mechanisms are understandable, but she never realized or accepted that her actions only further hurt and trapped herself. I kept comparing this love story to Darcy and Elizabeth's. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books because of the realization both main characters experience in the second half and the self-sacrifices they make to be together. Naria never had any realization or grand moment of self-sacrifice that proved she truly loved Ivan. It felt like all of the romance in this love story came from Ivan, and Naria mostly lusted after him. Which would have been a good story but was not a very strong romance story because, by the end, it was hard to tell if Naria stayed with Ivan because she loved him or just because she got what she wanted, liked him enough, and saw a good future with him.
Naria also wasn’t as smart as she thought or as smart as the author wanted to portray her, which was annoying in a main character you’re supposed to sympathize with. Naria’s early escape attempts were haphazard and probably would have ended with her death from starvation, dehydration, getting lost, or running across the wrong people. Naria only survived because she failed or because of luck. However, Naria wasn’t completely annoying, and her character did not make me want to DNF the book because the story, the setting, and Ivan were worth reading. I loved Ivan! Naria and Ivan’s sexual chemistry was also very strong. The chapters from Ivan’s POV were my favorite, and where Naria’s character was flat, his was highly complex. Ivan was not naturally soft and fluffy, so it was cute to see him develop a fascination with and admire Naria before realizing her loved her, even as she raged against him.
Despite my reservations about Naria, I enjoyed this story and the world Froste created. It was lush with atmospheric details, and I’d love to revisit it and read the proceeding two books. If you’re looking for a quick, medium-paced, sexy romance with a (too) headstrong MFC and touch her, and I’ll kill you MMC, you’ll love this book, and I highly recommend it!
9 reviews2 followers
November 3, 2022
Disappointing

I enjoyed the other books in this series, but this one felt off for me. The male main character never apologized for how he treated the FMC in the beginning. In fact he punishes her for doing everything she can to escape slavery. The power dynamic in their relationship was problematic at best and abusive at worst.
Profile Image for Lynn.
42 reviews
January 29, 2023
She literally complained the entire book
Author 1 book4 followers
July 29, 2022
This novel was a certainly an enjoyable way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. The interaction between Naria and Ivan certainly ticked all the boxes for an great enemies to lovers romance. Naria's spirited, prideful, and audacious personality was the perfect foil to Ivan's commanding presence. Together they engage in a constant battle of wills but have enough key similarities that ultimately allows them to both stand on solid ground. I was captivated by the author's prose and writing style. It is excellent and is befitting a fantasy romance.

The story focuses mainly on the interaction between Ivan and Naria, rather than how they interact with the world. I consider this a bit of a missed opportunity for the author did an excellent job in giving us a glimpse of how her world functioned, and it left me wanting to learn more.

The steam of this novel is bold and unapologetic, which is what I would expect from these characters. There are few moments of tenderness sprinkled in but this novel heavily relies on the unflinching passion from the MCs and the steam definitely follows suit. The author does an excellent job in maintaining the Ivan and Naria's distinct personalities even during moments of intimacy. She stays very true to these characters from the first page to the last.

If you are expecting a story which involves enemies devolving into an ooey-gooey cinnamon bun of a love story, then this probably isn't the novel for you. However, the author does an excellent job of bringing together two people who know exactly who they are and what they want in life. Luckily for us readers, they were able to navigate together their own HEA in a heated battle of wills where sparks were definitely flying. I look forward to the author's next installment.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this novel for free and am leaving a review voluntarily
Profile Image for Dark and Angsty.
111 reviews13 followers
July 30, 2022
4/5⭐️
2/5🌶

I loved Naria and Ivan's story! The chemistry between them is fantastic. This is the first Violet Froste book I've read, and I'm so happy I did! I was in a huge book slump and this helped get out of it. It was refreshing to read a fantasy standalone that was true enemies to lovers with amazing banter. It is a slow burn with so much sexual tension, and you will not be disappointed when they finally accept their desire for one another.

The story follows Naria a coveted courtesan in the Kings House of Amethysts, and Ivan the General Commander of an enemy kingdom. Naria is prideful, stubborn, and unbreakable. Ivan wants nothing more than to be the one to break her. The story focuses more on characters than world building. The chemistry between them was fantastic and once I started their story I didn't want to put it down. I loved that Ivan was willing to show Naria more tender parts of himself because it made her realize that it’s ok to be vulnerable at times.

If you are looking for a book to get you out of a slump without having to read a whole series, I defiantly recommend this one. I can't wait to dive into more of her books!!
Profile Image for Rachel Zanetti.
66 reviews
July 31, 2022
An Enjoyable Read!

I very much enjoyed the two main characters of this novel and the stories revolution around the progression of the pair. Both Naria and Ivan and stubborn and headstrong, creating this constant push and pull between the characters making the reader curious who will come out on top. The banter between the two is both witty and biting, neither character holds back and it is refreshing to see a female lead who has her flaws, yet able to stand toe to toe with the male lead. The graphic content worked well with the progression of the story, however a few times I felt it was a little much but was in no way a deterrent for me to continuing reading. I had no trouble following along with this story and it kept me going from beginning to end. I completed reading it in two days and enjoyed the progression from enemies to lovers for the main pair.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced free copy of this novel and I am leaving a review voluntarily
Profile Image for Sissy.
Author 2 books7 followers
July 27, 2022
If you like spicy slow burns, scarred Doms/brat tamers, prideful and determined brats, "only one bed" trope, and beautiful settings, you'll likely enjoy this read!

The MCs both had great banter, and I enjoyed reading about their backstories and their dreams for the future. It had a quick pace without feeling too rushed most of the time-- I would've read it faster if I hadn't read it well past my bedtime when my eyes were more into the inside of my eyelids than what was on the page, lol.

Ivan was my favorite character, though he was a bit more sadistic than I prefer in a book, but it wasn't so over the top in that regard, considering his background, and Naria seemed to respond to it well when she wasn't trying to escape to freedom, as she is meant to be a gift to Ivan's emperor.

I received an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review! Thank you, Violet!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
65 reviews
April 2, 2025
The other books in this series were fun and sexy with great world building. This one was… not. Slavery is not fun or sexy. The MMC views the FMC as spoiled and willful for doing anything she can to escape slavery??? And never changed his mind (he just also thinks she’s brave and etc etc) and never apologized. She is humiliated by him and the plot over and over. When he beat her for escaping in a scene that was written as if it was foreplay and not abuse, I almost DNF’d. I should’ve, because in the end it turns out she was silly for trying to escape, her new master would’ve freed her anyway. So they all have a good laugh and a happily ever after. Disgusting. Also the whole setting is an orientalist Islamophobic nightmare. Makes me dislike the other books by this author retroactively.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sahana Ramnath.
1,152 reviews32 followers
July 15, 2022
This is the latest Blood & Ice book, and it was so nice to be back in this amazing world.

This is a sort of hate to love relationship, and the two MCs have stark differences of opinion on how to react to any situation - the MMC Ivan believes in being flexible and following the rules to escape a bad situation, whereas the FMC Naria believes in being unbreakable and in never losing her pride. Underneath all this, they both share the qualities of patience and relentlessness, and their interactions are truly wonderful. And the ending was wholesome af 😭

Bonus stuff - I totally loved the glimpses into Sergevni and Adrienna's hea (MCs of book 1.5)
Profile Image for AB Davis.
50 reviews
July 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. If I could give it 4.5 stars, I would! I received an ARC copy for an honest review of the novel. I found both main characters to be likable off the bat but I especially preferred Naria. She was such a strong, capable female lead and I enjoyed her shenanigans so much. Ivan was such a grump at first and I loved watching his development. Their relationship reminded me so much of mine that I love it that much more. Sometimes the unknown geography got a little confusing and it seemed a bit slow but over all this was a read I would recommend. I especially enjoyed the 18+ bits, they were TOP notch! If there was a sequel, I would definitely read it!
Profile Image for MsV.
122 reviews5 followers
July 25, 2022
Voluntary ARC review
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Top emojis used: 🤭🥵
Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶
Favorite highlight: “If you are troublesome, your highness,” Ivan said miserably, “then the slave girl is nothing short of a nightmare brought to life, a veritable demon from the pits of hellfire.”
I devoured this book in 2 days. It was physically impossible to put it down. I love love love Naria and Ivan! Seriously, where can I find a Ivan 😅 The angst was 🔥 and I laughed at so much of their bantering. I truly felt their connection grow. I’m a sucker for HEA and the smut was 🤌🏽. Definitely a fun and entertaining read!
Profile Image for Tilly Tiason.
Author 5 books39 followers
August 4, 2022
I got an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you author for the opportunity. You did not disappoint. I really want more reviews and reads for this book because hot dog it was that good. I had no trouble enjoying the story and understanding the world. I liked a lot about this book (the setting, the story, the writing, Ivan. I loved Ivan)

I can see how people can perceive Naria was ughhh but at the same time I actually enjoyed it. I just felt like it was great character development and overall I can't picture anyone else carrying this book on their back besides her.

I feel like if you replaced Naria, the book wouldn't be as good. She was def unique and I was blown away. I will have to say, I gotta buy be a paperback after reading this
Profile Image for M.T. Fontaine.
Author 2 books21 followers
July 14, 2022
I absolutely adored this book from beginning to end. It is a true fantasy romance in that the plot revolves solely around their relationship, but it was a mesmerizing read from beginning to end. Naria was willful, strong, and prideful to a fault, but she fit so well with Ivan's arrogant and domineering personality. They learned off each other, and it was beautiful to read. I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Janet.
126 reviews8 followers
July 19, 2022
My first book by this author. Enjoyed this book very much. Wasn’t what I thought but enjoyed it nevertheless!! Naria is the FMC who is headstrong and full of pride who just wants to be free to live her own life. She ends up meeting Ivan, who is a general after being sold to another Emperor.
Their journey back to Ivan’s Emperor is a whirlwind of feelings and their banter is interesting. There is some spice and is nicely done.

I received an eARC for free in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Obasi Naomi.
Author 3 books7 followers
July 28, 2022
I loved, loved loved it!!!! I wish I could go on and on about how amazing this writer perfectly depicted this world.

I fell in love with the Characters (Naria and Ivan) from the onset.


The steam, oh God!

If you are a fan of the enemies to lovers plot, you should definitely check this out!
136 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the strong FMC; I loved the tough MMC. The world building was well done, and I enjoyed the story line a lot. There was some good spice in it. I definitely will be reading more by Violet!! I read this book as an ARC.
1,683 reviews21 followers
August 5, 2022
Ivan

You will fall in love with Ivan! He has a commanding presence, but is very lovable. Naria is stubborn and prideful and definitively harder to like. Their chemistry together is amazing though.
5 reviews
October 18, 2022
That’s It?

When I got to the end… seriously? That’s it? I want more!! There was chemistry between them that I wish we could see more of. And what of their future?
This was a good book!!
41 reviews
October 20, 2023
Good for a romance

Like the previous 2 books, the author is too focused on the main couple. If you're only looking for that then this is the book for you. However, if you need a real fantasy story that has depth, look elsewhere.
Profile Image for liya.
425 reviews
November 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a well paced enemies to lovers. Naria was so prideful and didn’t back down even after she fucked him she still went and tried to escape and ivan was perfect for her gentle when she needed it and mean when she deserved it.
8 reviews
August 5, 2022
Good storyline

Good storyline. Was a little slow every so often but overall impressed. 3rd times the charm. Better continuity better Grammer.
Profile Image for Olivia.
137 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2022
4.25: I love Naria and this book delivers all the tension I wanted, but the plot was a little too simple for me (very much a cat and mouse type romance book more than fantasy)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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