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3.74 AVERAGE
3.74 AVERAGE
I think I'm starting to fall into a reading slump again so I've been rereading my favs and one of them is KA. man, if you think about it the whole IDEA of this world is so ridiculous but it works in a way that only KA could pull it off.
Still love this like the first time.
First read: June 2014
4 surprised that I love this but at the same time not surprised because it's KA stars
No seriously I didn't expect to like it this much because fantasy books are sometimes a hit and miss for me but yeah this one is obviously a hit. Of course it's not perfect; I have a few issues with it but they didn't stop me from enjoying the story.
Will be picking up the sequel, yep.
Still love this like the first time.
First read: June 2014
4 surprised that I love this but at the same time not surprised because it's KA stars
No seriously I didn't expect to like it this much because fantasy books are sometimes a hit and miss for me but yeah this one is obviously a hit. Of course it's not perfect; I have a few issues with it but they didn't stop me from enjoying the story.
Will be picking up the sequel, yep.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Finally, a Kristen Ashley book/series that's better than OK. I was beginning to think all of the praise I kept reading about her writing was highly overrated, but I think I've found my Kristen Ashley niche. I love the world she has built here for FantasyLand, and can't wait to dive into book 2.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Wildest Dreams is a story that takes us to a parallel world....a universe that has dragons, witches, kings and warriors, assassination plots, poison, magic and a epic love story that will take your breath away with every page!!
Wildest Dreams is one of my favorite reads of the year and I have had the opportunity to read some AMAZING Books and this book tops them all here. I have known about this series for a couple of years now, but honestly, I have no clue why I was such an idiot and didn't read these SOONER because this book "takes the cake" like honestly I have so much love for this book. I decided that I wanted to find more fantasy romance this year and I knew about these books, so when I saw it available on the Audible's romance package I snatched it up and listened to it in two days and its close to twenty hours LONG folks.
Our story begins when our heroine who has been grieving her parents on Earth for a few years now. She has never been the same since they were killed in a plane crash. So when she learns that there is a witch that can transport her to a parallel world where she has her own twin, she goes in search of her and comes with an agreement with her twin self. That they will switch places for a year and that Finnie will be able to spend time with the parents of this different world. Her parents taught her to have adventure and never look back, always looking forward.
But when she arrives to Winter Wonderland of Lunwyn, she learns that she is about to be married The Drakkar----king of dragons and elves. One of the most powerful men in this world and he doesn't like her nor are her parents what she imagined that they would be. After being married, The Drakkar takes her into the forest and drops her off alone into an isolated cabin for a month.
But when Frey Drakkar learns is that his Wife is not who he assumes her to be. He learns from his elves that she is his true ice queen, the woman he was fated to love and the one woman that will stand by his side and not the winter princess Seofin who prefers women over men. As Frey and Finnie start to build a life together, going on adventures and learning to love and share passion, there is a plot to kill Finnie, but will their love be strong enough or will they lose each other to their enemies???.........
This book packed a powerful punch and I honestly couldn't get enough. First off, I have such a weakness for a great fantasy romance and this book delivered everything I was looking for and MORE. Second, this is a royalty romance and I just love this theme. Now I will say that at times Frey is an ass, he is prideful and stubborn and he tends to keep things from Finnie. I don't blame him too much, since the men of this world are raised to think this way, to protect their women and take care of the "details" on their own. But Finnie isn't one of their own, she is independent and willful and prefers to fight her own battles.
The romance that builds between Frey and Finnie was very heartfelt even from the beginning when their relationship just begins, I just wanted to immerse myself in the "moment" because their relationship was so vibrantly penned. We see so much character growth, from both characters but mostly from Finnie. What I truly appreciated about her character was the way that she grows SO much. Because she adapts to this world, she wants to enjoy every moment of this world and of her husband and lover...Frey. I love how she works with Frey in many ways, and she doesn't resist the customs and their "ways" or laws like some modern women might. She takes into her role as princess and eventually Queen very well and you see how the people just fall in love with her. Because she is kind and courageous and she honestly doesn't have a mean bone in her body unless she is defending those she loves the most.
I will say that the ending really worked me on an emotional level, there is such a great climax and boy I guarantee that it will work through your emotions so well. I honestly didn't think that this book would do that as much as it did...but why should I be surprised with the author being KA.
This wonderful worldbuilding is a true testament to the talent of Kristen Ashley and I was drawn into it so immensely and I honestly felt so much real and vibrant details that just made this book come alive!! If you are a sucker for fantasy romance and royal romance with action and intrigue....GRAB THIS ONE...I promise that you won't regret it.
[foogallery id="50042"]
Wildest Dreams is a story that takes us to a parallel world....a universe that has dragons, witches, kings and warriors, assassination plots, poison, magic and a epic love story that will take your breath away with every page!!
Wildest Dreams is one of my favorite reads of the year and I have had the opportunity to read some AMAZING Books and this book tops them all here. I have known about this series for a couple of years now, but honestly, I have no clue why I was such an idiot and didn't read these SOONER because this book "takes the cake" like honestly I have so much love for this book. I decided that I wanted to find more fantasy romance this year and I knew about these books, so when I saw it available on the Audible's romance package I snatched it up and listened to it in two days and its close to twenty hours LONG folks.
Our story begins when our heroine who has been grieving her parents on Earth for a few years now. She has never been the same since they were killed in a plane crash. So when she learns that there is a witch that can transport her to a parallel world where she has her own twin, she goes in search of her and comes with an agreement with her twin self. That they will switch places for a year and that Finnie will be able to spend time with the parents of this different world. Her parents taught her to have adventure and never look back, always looking forward.
But when she arrives to Winter Wonderland of Lunwyn, she learns that she is about to be married The Drakkar----king of dragons and elves. One of the most powerful men in this world and he doesn't like her nor are her parents what she imagined that they would be. After being married, The Drakkar takes her into the forest and drops her off alone into an isolated cabin for a month.
But when Frey Drakkar learns is that his Wife is not who he assumes her to be. He learns from his elves that she is his true ice queen, the woman he was fated to love and the one woman that will stand by his side and not the winter princess Seofin who prefers women over men. As Frey and Finnie start to build a life together, going on adventures and learning to love and share passion, there is a plot to kill Finnie, but will their love be strong enough or will they lose each other to their enemies???.........
Somehow, someway, I had to figure out how to talk my husband (and the king and queen) into accepting me as a replacement for good and communicate with Sjofn that her hopes for Lunwyn had come true. I was going to stay with the man I loved in this fabulous world that had elves and dragons (and people who wanted to kill me, but I decided not to think of that). And I was going to do it forever.
This book packed a powerful punch and I honestly couldn't get enough. First off, I have such a weakness for a great fantasy romance and this book delivered everything I was looking for and MORE. Second, this is a royalty romance and I just love this theme. Now I will say that at times Frey is an ass, he is prideful and stubborn and he tends to keep things from Finnie. I don't blame him too much, since the men of this world are raised to think this way, to protect their women and take care of the "details" on their own. But Finnie isn't one of their own, she is independent and willful and prefers to fight her own battles.
“Where on earth did you come from,
baby?”
Frey's brows drew together and he asked softly back, "Pardon?"
My thumb stroked his jaw before I whispered, "My handsome husband is gentle, thoughtful and kind. He laughs and smiles easily and he makes me feel safe. I was with your folks for about five minutes and they were so far from any of that, it is not funny. So," I squeezed his neck, "where did you come from?”
The romance that builds between Frey and Finnie was very heartfelt even from the beginning when their relationship just begins, I just wanted to immerse myself in the "moment" because their relationship was so vibrantly penned. We see so much character growth, from both characters but mostly from Finnie. What I truly appreciated about her character was the way that she grows SO much. Because she adapts to this world, she wants to enjoy every moment of this world and of her husband and lover...Frey. I love how she works with Frey in many ways, and she doesn't resist the customs and their "ways" or laws like some modern women might. She takes into her role as princess and eventually Queen very well and you see how the people just fall in love with her. Because she is kind and courageous and she honestly doesn't have a mean bone in her body unless she is defending those she loves the most.
I love you, Frey. I’m in love with you. So in love, I’ll never stop loving you. Not ever. You, everything about you is beyond my wildest dreams.
I will say that the ending really worked me on an emotional level, there is such a great climax and boy I guarantee that it will work through your emotions so well. I honestly didn't think that this book would do that as much as it did...but why should I be surprised with the author being KA.
This wonderful worldbuilding is a true testament to the talent of Kristen Ashley and I was drawn into it so immensely and I honestly felt so much real and vibrant details that just made this book come alive!! If you are a sucker for fantasy romance and royal romance with action and intrigue....GRAB THIS ONE...I promise that you won't regret it.
[foogallery id="50042"]
Wow... uhm... where to start? It's all good though... it's just that there's A LOT going on and it was listening 18 hrs and 49 mins ... It's all worth it though!. This is my first dive into this series from Kristen Ashley and while I originally didn't think I'd be into this series when I first learned about it... my interest peaked after I read her book BOUNTY... here's the truth... I've read her UNFINISHED HEROES series and LOVED IT. She has her other series the ROCK CHICKS.... I hear mix reviews but always willing to give things a try... just not yet. I had the opportunity to review the audio book of BOUNTY from Colorado Mountain. Bounty is book 7 in the series and this cemented that I am TOTALLY GooGooGaga over Kristen (okay, lets be honest... more than I already was). So when the opportunity arose to listen to WILDEST DREAMS, book 1 of a five book series, I jumped at the chance and I'm so happy I did!
There is a LOT of world building and lots of descriptive narrative (Kristen likes to paint you the picture) however, this is done from the POV of the heroine, Finnie, who is experiencing this world for the first time as well as ours! Yet, the manner in which it's described and the performance of the narrator, it doesn't feel like the story is 'dragging'. There were a few times where I did shake my head at Finnie's describing how "gorgeous" Frey was or how 'handsome', but I get that goes along with the territory...
I really enjoyed reading (well listening) to this story because the heroine is strong, smart, independent and adventurous! She seeks out the adventure and that's how she ended up in Lunwyn. I loved how she didn't complained or succumb to the situation or circumstances, instead she thrives and blossoms.
Ah... Frey Drakkar... typical of Kristen's males... he's a complete Alpha, YET.... can be a complete sweetheart to his Finnie! It was a breathe of fresh air to get to know him as a character, because he was true to himself but never an ass to the heroine. Granted... certain events when they first met he may not have been pleasant, but this was due to his knowledge of the original Sjofn. Upon learning the truth... he does everything within his powers to make things right between them and goes above and beyond to make things easier for her.
There was definitely the attraction between the Hero and Heroine, but the passion grows further as they get to know each other. While not a complete "slow burn" type of story, it isn't an "instant jump into your bed" sort of story either.
There is loss and heartache and moments that are joyous. It's a great mix of going through the emotions of a reader as they get to know new characters and of course some of the topics included such as "living life to its fullest" as well as "loving those you have in your life while you have them".
Narrator's Review:
Tillie Hooper NAILED IT! Her performance is great and provides the reader with ease of listening! She utilizes different tones and voices for each character and the narrative allowing the readers to follow along easily! She not only tells the story but keeps you engaged as well. I'm happy to see she's also narrating the second audio book in this series and look forward to seeing how she manages the different sets of characters.
Overall, I'm so happy I picked up this book as I now have another series to continue to discover and fall in love with. If you like/love Kristen Ashley's writing style, you'll fall for this series hard. Alpha Males, Strong Women, creative bantering, interesting worlds, I could go on and on.
There is a LOT of world building and lots of descriptive narrative (Kristen likes to paint you the picture) however, this is done from the POV of the heroine, Finnie, who is experiencing this world for the first time as well as ours! Yet, the manner in which it's described and the performance of the narrator, it doesn't feel like the story is 'dragging'. There were a few times where I did shake my head at Finnie's describing how "gorgeous" Frey was or how 'handsome', but I get that goes along with the territory...
I really enjoyed reading (well listening) to this story because the heroine is strong, smart, independent and adventurous! She seeks out the adventure and that's how she ended up in Lunwyn. I loved how she didn't complained or succumb to the situation or circumstances, instead she thrives and blossoms.
Ah... Frey Drakkar... typical of Kristen's males... he's a complete Alpha, YET.... can be a complete sweetheart to his Finnie! It was a breathe of fresh air to get to know him as a character, because he was true to himself but never an ass to the heroine. Granted... certain events when they first met he may not have been pleasant, but this was due to his knowledge of the original Sjofn. Upon learning the truth... he does everything within his powers to make things right between them and goes above and beyond to make things easier for her.
There was definitely the attraction between the Hero and Heroine, but the passion grows further as they get to know each other. While not a complete "slow burn" type of story, it isn't an "instant jump into your bed" sort of story either.
There is loss and heartache and moments that are joyous. It's a great mix of going through the emotions of a reader as they get to know new characters and of course some of the topics included such as "living life to its fullest" as well as "loving those you have in your life while you have them".
Narrator's Review:
Tillie Hooper NAILED IT! Her performance is great and provides the reader with ease of listening! She utilizes different tones and voices for each character and the narrative allowing the readers to follow along easily! She not only tells the story but keeps you engaged as well. I'm happy to see she's also narrating the second audio book in this series and look forward to seeing how she manages the different sets of characters.
Overall, I'm so happy I picked up this book as I now have another series to continue to discover and fall in love with. If you like/love Kristen Ashley's writing style, you'll fall for this series hard. Alpha Males, Strong Women, creative bantering, interesting worlds, I could go on and on.
4.5 Stars
Wanting a chance to again see her parents who had died in an accident when she was young Finnie hires a witch who claims she can send her to a parallel universe where she will there switch places with her identical twin for the period of one year. But unknown to Finnie her twin has a secret hidden agenda one that sees Finnie now joining herself in marriage to the Drakkar himself. This was actually a reread and I enjoyed it though I definitely noticed a few problematic character traits this time around that may have gone over my head initially on my maiden voyage but still it definitely is one of my favourite series that I’ve read to date and for that, it gets definite brownie points.
So Finnie could seem a little bit infantile in some of her comprehension skills and deductions and also her manner of speech. She didn’t even twig that Frey had deduced just who she was by all of her inane responses that definitely gave away just how little she actually knew about this new world she is now inhabiting So not the brightest bulb then. But despite that she was still a very likeable warm individual.
I also found some of her reactions to certain events dramatic and slightly OTT examples of this are her ridiculous reaction to the assassins when Frey and his men dispatched them and then her behaviour about past liaisons of his that occurred before they’d even met to name just a few. With that said Frey also deserves a mention though to be fair I did like him but he definitely can be a tad arrogant and dismissive, combine those with a slightly superior attitude that is at times apparent I think mostly because of his station. He can also be quite rigid his reaction to his original bride and her inclinations showcased this and was in my opinion judgemental and slightly unfair. whilst Finnie is basically described as his wet dream with all of her baking nurturing and inane commentary though she did also come across to me as a tad inconsequential initially and unfortunately at times not very bright either.
I did find myself loving Frey's formal style of speech when he used the term wife and all of his indeeds and when he called Finnie his wee one it was actually bloody adorable. Frey though could also employ a bit of a superior attitude against those he considers beneath his class which I did find a bit of a character flaw though it was definitely in keeping with his background and lifestyle.
Finnie did eventually grow into her character becoming much more capable in her new role and the romance between these two is an all-consuming one. If you like over the top declarations and possessive alpha males this is the book for you.
It was also highly imaginative and full of action. It probably could have been condensed down some though as it was quite lengthy and though I do like a good long read this did drag slightly in places.
This also set up future storylines ready for the continuation of the series and I’m so looking forward to getting stuck into book two which is my stand-out favourite for sure in this series. Genre wise this is fantasy romance involving parallel universes witches dragons and elves which to quote Finnie is so cool.
In conclusion, the positives definitely outstripped the negatives for me and I found this to be an engaging imaginative read with some fabulous world-building for that reason I have no issues recommending this.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/63435390
I do not love this author's writing style/writing voice, this book is too long for me and it felt too dated.
The heroine was a doormat who just wanted to cook for and have sex with the brooding hero. She is also the typical flimsy 2000-2010 heroine.
If you have enjoyed other works from this author you are going to like it.
The heroine was a doormat who just wanted to cook for and have sex with the brooding hero. She is also the typical flimsy 2000-2010 heroine.
If you have enjoyed other works from this author you are going to like it.
I found the writing, story telling and dialogue unsophisticated. The main character had the speech and vocabulary of a 13-year old. It was difficult to read.
didn’t care enough too. it was good in the beginning then it dragged and I lost interest. and you’re not just brush over a big betrayal by making her feel bad….