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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
The idea is very exciting! Being stuck in a tower with a stranger for 7 years and being forced to rely on each other. The book is very spicy, nothing terribly crazy but there is a lot of knotting. Loved that the FMC was so forward and I felt her worries in surviving with her illness. And the ending was an unexpected wild ride. The book was tad too long.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
Truthfully, this isn't my inaugural journey with a Ruby Dixon novel. I'm an ardent admirer of her storytelling! Anticipating this release, I was determined to devour it at the earliest opportunity, and my eagerness was richly rewarded.
Beware, spoilers lie ahead:
Woven with traditions, marred by tragedies, and riddled with deceit, this narrative is a poignant romance. Candra, confined to a tower for seven years by a spiteful deity, isn't isolated—she shares her imprisonment with a formidable warrior, an enemy of her people. Trapped together, can they endure? Will the princess, unaccustomed to self-reliance, manage to survive?
This tale evolves from animosity to camaraderie, a love story that continually surprises and delights.
Beware, spoilers lie ahead:
Woven with traditions, marred by tragedies, and riddled with deceit, this narrative is a poignant romance. Candra, confined to a tower for seven years by a spiteful deity, isn't isolated—she shares her imprisonment with a formidable warrior, an enemy of her people. Trapped together, can they endure? Will the princess, unaccustomed to self-reliance, manage to survive?
This tale evolves from animosity to camaraderie, a love story that continually surprises and delights.
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
I always have a fun time with Ruby Dixon’s stories. Her writing style is immersive and easy, and her romances are always so swoon-worthy. Bound to the Shadow Prince follows Candra and Nemeth, royals from enemy kingdoms who, because of a long-ago curse, are cursed to spend seven years trapped in a tower together.
Candra wasn’t meant to be her kingdom’s sacrifice, and she is wholly unprepared for what awaits her, unlike Nemeth, who has been planning for much of his life. This is just the beginning of their differences. Their story is very much an opposites attract romance. Where she is outgoing, he is reserved. He is quiet and scholarly, she is a socialite. They don’t have a lot in common, but for some reason, they work. They have a super steamy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine romance, and I loved seeing their relationship turn from frosty animosity to tentative friends to more.
I enjoyed both main characters and became easily invested in their love story as well as the overarching plot that involves a simmering war between Candra and Nemeth’s kingdoms and the wrath of the gods. Used to a life of leisure, Candra doesn’t really know how to do things for herself, and she has a lot to learn about managing her supplies, clothing herself, cooking, and more. She is so vivacious and full of life, and she doesn’t take herself too seriously. A curvy girl with a lot of confidence, Candra is unapologetically herself, and I love that about her. She also has much more liberal views about romance and sex than Nemeth, who is much more reserved in all ways.
Candra also has a chronic illness, and she’s lucky Nemeth is there because he is more prepared, and he helps care for Candra. But when their supplies begin to dwindle and Candra’s medicine is almost gone, the pair has to make a difficult decision. Do they risk the anger of the gods (and their families/kingdoms) and leave the tower, or do they remain in the tower where they will probably die? And since they are from enemy kingdoms who do not mix, how will each react to the romance between this star-crossed pair? Candra and Nemeth go through so much, and their road to happiness is filled with obstacles.
I really enjoyed this story. It’s fun and intriguing, and the romance is absolutely delicious. Special thanks to Wattpad Books for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Prince Nemeth of the First House of Darkfell and Princess Candromeda Vestalin.
Two very different species.
Two very different individuals must come together and live in a tower for 7 years together.
Locked away for 7 years to appease the Gods.
The whole plot and premise of the story is exactly why I decided to read this book. I love a good strangers to lovers, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, different species, different customs - trope of a book.
The fact that these two individuals must spend seven years in a tower with no windows, no modern technology, I wanted to see how a book of almost 600 pages was going to go.
And I have to say that I absolutely love this book.
Princess Candra ended up being the ultimate sacrifice from her family. She’s never quite felt worthy as she is stuck with a blood curse, and it also makes her sterile. A princess who cannot bear an heir is an easy sacrifice, especially one as promiscuous and mouthy as Candra.
“He’s a polite monk of a Fellian who just happens to be trapped in a tower with a princess of loose morals who really, wants to ride his cock.”
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Size Difference
Forced Proximity
Wings, Horns, and Tails.
She’s Mine vibes
Battles, Betrayals, Secrets, Half Truth’s, and Plot Twists
HEA
This was one huge adventure.
I felt like the story flowed really well, and it kept me interested even being almost 600 pages long.
I do wish there was more in the aftermath of everything and in the epilogue.
The ending did feel a bit rushed.
I don’t know if this is a standalone, but I’m really hoping that we see more in this world .
Two very different species.
Two very different individuals must come together and live in a tower for 7 years together.
Locked away for 7 years to appease the Gods.
The whole plot and premise of the story is exactly why I decided to read this book. I love a good strangers to lovers, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, different species, different customs - trope of a book.
The fact that these two individuals must spend seven years in a tower with no windows, no modern technology, I wanted to see how a book of almost 600 pages was going to go.
And I have to say that I absolutely love this book.
Princess Candra ended up being the ultimate sacrifice from her family. She’s never quite felt worthy as she is stuck with a blood curse, and it also makes her sterile. A princess who cannot bear an heir is an easy sacrifice, especially one as promiscuous and mouthy as Candra.
“He’s a polite monk of a Fellian who just happens to be trapped in a tower with a princess of loose morals who really, wants to ride his cock.”
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Size Difference
Forced Proximity
Wings, Horns, and Tails.
She’s Mine vibes
Battles, Betrayals, Secrets, Half Truth’s, and Plot Twists
HEA
This was one huge adventure.
I felt like the story flowed really well, and it kept me interested even being almost 600 pages long.
I do wish there was more in the aftermath of everything and in the epilogue.
The ending did feel a bit rushed.
I don’t know if this is a standalone, but I’m really hoping that we see more in this world .
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This bad boy is over 500 pages and I did not realize that going into it. Beefy books don't scare me but some parts of this one dragged, especially at the beginning. It took 20-25% before I started to really get into it, which is about when the two MCs finally started to interact consistently. They're locked in a remote tower together yet avoid each other for months.
I really enjoyed the two of them together. Nemeth is a huge cinnamon roll of a MMC who will commit atrocities for her and that's my favorite kind of love interest. I did not care much for Candra, although she is an unapologetic spoiled princess type so I'm not sure we're meant to love her, just to understand her.
Their reason for being in the tower was a little murky for me, despite it being explained in the beginning, until they shared their people's version of the story with each other and actually spelled it out for me. Some of it remained arbitrary but I'm not the type of reader to be overly bothered by some hand waving.
I would split this book into four parts, in which I enjoyed the second and fourth, and the first and third dragged. As a whole, I still liked the book and would recommend as a slow burn plot, fast burn monster romance.
Unfortunately, because our main characters were isolated from the world, the plot that was happening was so external as to be non-existent until the end when they rejoin the world and search for answers. Nemeth and Candra's relationship really saves the story in those slow transitional parts between plot points.
There's not much for them to do in the tower besides each other, and for such a shy, scholarly person, Nemeth had a beautifully dirty mouth. I loved the spice, and the monster anatomy I was knot expecting but certainly not complaining about. Ruby is certainly a queen of monster romance.
I really enjoyed the two of them together. Nemeth is a huge cinnamon roll of a MMC who will commit atrocities for her and that's my favorite kind of love interest. I did not care much for Candra, although she is an unapologetic spoiled princess type so I'm not sure we're meant to love her, just to understand her.
Their reason for being in the tower was a little murky for me, despite it being explained in the beginning, until they shared their people's version of the story with each other and actually spelled it out for me. Some of it remained arbitrary but I'm not the type of reader to be overly bothered by some hand waving.
I would split this book into four parts, in which I enjoyed the second and fourth, and the first and third dragged. As a whole, I still liked the book and would recommend as a slow burn plot, fast burn monster romance.
Unfortunately, because our main characters were isolated from the world, the plot that was happening was so external as to be non-existent until the end when they rejoin the world and search for answers. Nemeth and Candra's relationship really saves the story in those slow transitional parts between plot points.
There's not much for them to do in the tower besides each other, and for such a shy, scholarly person, Nemeth had a beautifully dirty mouth. I loved the spice, and the monster anatomy I was knot expecting but certainly not complaining about. Ruby is certainly a queen of monster romance.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
fast-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:
Yes
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review 💐
Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon
When I tell you I DEVOURED this book 👀
Having read all of the Ice Planet Barbarian books, I thought I knew what was waiting for me when I received this ARC! BUT NO! This was so so so much more! Next level unlocked. I mean, I saw the page count and was like, 'ooooh, that more than double the usual?'. Curiosity piqued.
🔹Romeo & Juliet star-crossed lovers trope ... CHECK ✔
🔹Trapped Rapunzel damsel (not your typical damsel tbh) in distress... CHECK ✔
🔹Forced proximity sexiness... CHECK ✔
🔹Eternal mates... CHECK ✔
The female main character, Candra, is actually pretty selfish, zero% altruistic and fabulously funny. Aware of her flaws and being able to wield her charms confidently, she's a winning leading lady. Then we have Nemeth... bat-boy-shadow-daddy-beastly-sweetheart.
The chemistry is off the charts 🔥 and the spice is a steady 🌶🌶🌶.
In the tower this book had my whole heart. 5/5 ⭐
After, (being cautious of spoilers) I felt we spent maybe a bit too long getting to the mountains and, even though we skipped over the citadel, that time might have been a bit better spent in the closing stages of the coup where I felt we skimmed over a little too much.
That being said, those plot twists kept on making me, 'whaaat?', 'nooooo!' *GASP*! What more can you ask for?
A world that I can see so well in mind, characters that will stay with me for a long time, love that conquers all, and sexiness that has those pages turning faster and faster!
A joy to read.
This leaves me at a strong 4 ⭐ read that I would definitely recommend.
Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon
When I tell you I DEVOURED this book 👀
Having read all of the Ice Planet Barbarian books, I thought I knew what was waiting for me when I received this ARC! BUT NO! This was so so so much more! Next level unlocked. I mean, I saw the page count and was like, 'ooooh, that more than double the usual?'. Curiosity piqued.
🔹Romeo & Juliet star-crossed lovers trope ... CHECK ✔
🔹Trapped Rapunzel damsel (not your typical damsel tbh) in distress... CHECK ✔
🔹Forced proximity sexiness... CHECK ✔
🔹Eternal mates... CHECK ✔
The female main character, Candra, is actually pretty selfish, zero% altruistic and fabulously funny. Aware of her flaws and being able to wield her charms confidently, she's a winning leading lady. Then we have Nemeth... bat-boy-shadow-daddy-beastly-sweetheart.
The chemistry is off the charts 🔥 and the spice is a steady 🌶🌶🌶.
In the tower this book had my whole heart. 5/5 ⭐
After, (being cautious of spoilers) I felt we spent maybe a bit too long getting to the mountains and, even though we skipped over the citadel, that time might have been a bit better spent in the closing stages of the coup where I felt we skimmed over a little too much.
That being said, those plot twists kept on making me, 'whaaat?', 'nooooo!' *GASP*! What more can you ask for?
A world that I can see so well in mind, characters that will stay with me for a long time, love that conquers all, and sexiness that has those pages turning faster and faster!
A joy to read.
This leaves me at a strong 4 ⭐ read that I would definitely recommend.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes