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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
bride of the winter king ❄️🗡 by holly rose
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, fantasy
**i am part of holly’s street team but all opinions are my own**
bride of the winter king is the perfect wintery fantasy to gift your book lover friends this christmas! it is the first book in a slow burn enemies to lovers series and i MEAN slow burn in the most excruciating and exhilarating way possible. the hatred the betrayal, the slow unraveling as self-doubt creeps into Adara as she is taken in as the Summer Bride of the Winter King and plots to kill him. Elaric, the Winter King, has taken the lives of her sister and countless other Brides before her, but his icy heart seems to that’s in her presence.
Though I am a little skeptical of the age gap between the main characters, this fantasy romance was executed very well and I found myself rooting for Elaric’s unraveling from a villain into a misunderstood man, and hoping for their relationship to continue. I found the pacing of the book very well done and the action was dynamic without feeling rushed. The plot never stops but lingers to allow that build of tension between the characters that is exactly what you want in a fantasy romance. And you know he cares when we get a ‘Who hurt you?’ moment from a captor. Is this a beauty and the beast retelling? Because if so it was executed wonderfully and is a great and easy read that toys with all your emotions.
‘i am a weapon, and weapons do not think. they do not feel. they only strike’
i am so much looking forward to the next instalment of this series - and remember if you order soon, there is a very sexy swag pack you can get for FREE.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5, fantasy
**i am part of holly’s street team but all opinions are my own**
bride of the winter king is the perfect wintery fantasy to gift your book lover friends this christmas! it is the first book in a slow burn enemies to lovers series and i MEAN slow burn in the most excruciating and exhilarating way possible. the hatred the betrayal, the slow unraveling as self-doubt creeps into Adara as she is taken in as the Summer Bride of the Winter King and plots to kill him. Elaric, the Winter King, has taken the lives of her sister and countless other Brides before her, but his icy heart seems to that’s in her presence.
Though I am a little skeptical of the age gap between the main characters, this fantasy romance was executed very well and I found myself rooting for Elaric’s unraveling from a villain into a misunderstood man, and hoping for their relationship to continue. I found the pacing of the book very well done and the action was dynamic without feeling rushed. The plot never stops but lingers to allow that build of tension between the characters that is exactly what you want in a fantasy romance. And you know he cares when we get a ‘Who hurt you?’ moment from a captor. Is this a beauty and the beast retelling? Because if so it was executed wonderfully and is a great and easy read that toys with all your emotions.
‘i am a weapon, and weapons do not think. they do not feel. they only strike’
i am so much looking forward to the next instalment of this series - and remember if you order soon, there is a very sexy swag pack you can get for FREE.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Winter King is throwing a ball to choose yet another Summer Bride
This is the third book by Holly Rose that I have read (Ashes of Aether and Storm of Shadows being the previous two) and her writing is definitely unique to her, the world building is rich and descriptive, and everything feels like you are watching a show unfold before your eyes, each characters is so well written with fantastic depth and development, and each book leaves you wanting more!
Bride of the Winter King is no exception, this first book in a new series follows the main character, Adara, as she is searching for information and revenge for her “stolen” sister and believes she will find it from the Winter King. Enter a beauty and the beast type retelling with an enemies to lovers trope that is a complete page turner and full of mystery, with some very lovely ballroom scenes that I’d love to attend, and here we have BOTWK.
I was completely engrossed from the first page, and despite the warnings of her father, Adara is adamant she is going to get revenge on the Winter King for her sister, she is a fantastic lead character, and really brings strong-willed and stubborn female leads to the forefront of the novel, and it was interesting to watch the internal debate that she had with herself throughout the book regarding the
Winter King, she is definitely someone I would love to befriend. There were times in the book that I felt I wanted to know more about Elaric as he did come across as quite closed off and mysterious in places, but I am hoping a sequel will add to his characters development, plus I forgive him a little for being such a cinnamon roll.
I would also mention that the book is a moderate steam level. There are a few hot under the collar moments in the book, and the consummation scene were rather spicy, too. Holly definitely knows how to write her scenes!
Plus, that ending was something else, I hate being left on those kinds of cliff-hangers.
Please, can I have Heart of the Summer Queen now?
**thank you to Holly Rose for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
This is the third book by Holly Rose that I have read (Ashes of Aether and Storm of Shadows being the previous two) and her writing is definitely unique to her, the world building is rich and descriptive, and everything feels like you are watching a show unfold before your eyes, each characters is so well written with fantastic depth and development, and each book leaves you wanting more!
Bride of the Winter King is no exception, this first book in a new series follows the main character, Adara, as she is searching for information and revenge for her “stolen” sister and believes she will find it from the Winter King. Enter a beauty and the beast type retelling with an enemies to lovers trope that is a complete page turner and full of mystery, with some very lovely ballroom scenes that I’d love to attend, and here we have BOTWK.
I was completely engrossed from the first page, and despite the warnings of her father, Adara is adamant she is going to get revenge on the Winter King for her sister, she is a fantastic lead character, and really brings strong-willed and stubborn female leads to the forefront of the novel, and it was interesting to watch the internal debate that she had with herself throughout the book regarding the
Winter King, she is definitely someone I would love to befriend. There were times in the book that I felt I wanted to know more about Elaric as he did come across as quite closed off and mysterious in places, but I am hoping a sequel will add to his characters development, plus I forgive him a little for being such a cinnamon roll.
I would also mention that the book is a moderate steam level. There are a few hot under the collar moments in the book, and the consummation scene were rather spicy, too. Holly definitely knows how to write her scenes!
Plus, that ending was something else, I hate being left on those kinds of cliff-hangers.
Please, can I have Heart of the Summer Queen now?
**thank you to Holly Rose for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Bride of the Winter King has been one of the most captivating and suspenseful fantasy novels I have read in a while. Holly Rose knows how to keep the reader entertained and wanting more from start to finish.
The story starts off at the Winter King’s annual ball he hosts in order to find his Summer Bride. No one knows what happens to the previous brides but some assume they are killed by the King. Among the many girls he has to pick from is Adara. She will do it whatever it takes to be the Summer Bride so she can get revenge for the disappearance of her sister when she was chosen as the Summer Bride three years ago. But first she must make the King choose her and not let her father get in the way of her revenge.
Adara is the ideal heroine. She is brave, strong willed, witty when need be, but also kind and caring towards others. Her struggle of listening to her heart or her head puts the reader on edge of what her next move will be. Then there is the Winter King, Elaric, is he just a broody, frozen hearted, unruly king Adara believes him to be or is there more to that frozen heart than just ice.
This is everything you could want in an “enemies to lovers” or an “I love you but I have to kill you” novel. This is one story you won’t want to miss!!
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
ARC REVIEW
In 3 Words: Charming, Quick, Seasonal
Fave Quote: Appearances can be powerful weapons
With a frozen palace and icy magic, now is the perfect time of year to read this book. There was no waiting around for plot to start. I wouldn't consider there to be loads of action in this book, but neither does it dally around with unnecessary details and interactions. I'm tempted to say it's short and sweet, but there's too much enemies and not enough lovers to call it sweet. Adara is too blinded by revenge to see that there's much more to the Winter King's reign than she realises. He's always kind and thoughtful, and I feel really sorry for him that Adara's so reluctant to see him as anything but a monster. However, I do have to hand it to Adara for her genius at sneaking around and hiding things
The rescue attempt was an interesting turn of events. I couldn't be mad at the guards for disturbing the peace, but I should've known better than to think they would survive (I still haven't forgotten the pain caused by Ashes of Aether). It was kind of amusing when the poison didn't work. Then Adara's first kiss with Elaric was exactly the change of pace I needed. However, I was HURT by that ending and I really don't see how where relationship is supposed to go from here
Theory: The locked door is hiding frozen statues of the previous brides
In 3 Words: Charming, Quick, Seasonal
Fave Quote: Appearances can be powerful weapons
With a frozen palace and icy magic, now is the perfect time of year to read this book. There was no waiting around for plot to start. I wouldn't consider there to be loads of action in this book, but neither does it dally around with unnecessary details and interactions. I'm tempted to say it's short and sweet, but there's too much enemies and not enough lovers to call it sweet. Adara is too blinded by revenge to see that there's much more to the Winter King's reign than she realises. He's always kind and thoughtful, and I feel really sorry for him that Adara's so reluctant to see him as anything but a monster. However, I do have to hand it to Adara for her genius at sneaking around and hiding things
Theory: The locked door is hiding frozen statues of the previous brides
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
I was a little nervous going into this book because it sounded so good but it takes a little bit for me to get into a fantasy book but y’all… this had me HOOKED. I absolutely loved it. The Winter King..? So hot and mysterious. There’s so much that I want to know and I can’t wait for the next in the series. (I need it like ASAP.) It was a slow-medium pace throughout the beginning and sped up towards the middle/end and I loved it. I truly love how you can tell he genuinely cares for her whether she believes it or not. Ugh. I seriously love him so much. Spring of 2023… please hurry.
I was lucky enough to be introduced to “Bride of the Winter King” before its official release. In Holly Rose’s newest book series, we follow Adara who is on her way to wed the Winter King in order to avenger her sister.
This story is full beautifully written, descriptive language that had me imagining everything so clearly. I fell in love with Adara, a head-strong character, in chapter one. The whole second half of the book I devoured in one night because I refused to put it down. I was so swept up, that I was making audible noises that had my partner concerned.
If I had a complaint, it would just be that it left on such a spectacular cliffhanger that I’m absolutely livid that I don’t have book two right now. I don’t know how I’ll make it to Spring 2023 without the rest of this story.
If you want a Frozen meets Beauty and the Beast slow burn, then pick this up immediately.
This story is full beautifully written, descriptive language that had me imagining everything so clearly. I fell in love with Adara, a head-strong character, in chapter one. The whole second half of the book I devoured in one night because I refused to put it down. I was so swept up, that I was making audible noises that had my partner concerned.
If I had a complaint, it would just be that it left on such a spectacular cliffhanger that I’m absolutely livid that I don’t have book two right now. I don’t know how I’ll make it to Spring 2023 without the rest of this story.
If you want a Frozen meets Beauty and the Beast slow burn, then pick this up immediately.