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shortstack1030's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A Fun fast read but not as good as the first one. This one feels more repeative. Also this one seems to be more about character relationships with little advancements to plot. The first book has a better balance of character development/relationships to plot progression. Also the few plot points there are are poorly developed and explained.
Everything beyond the main characters relationship just doesn't really feel satisfying or earned in this one.
Everything beyond the main characters relationship just doesn't really feel satisfying or earned in this one.
chaebe's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
alysonemery's review
I loved the first book in this series, but in this book, I am so confused why Arabella is “in love” with Dhuro. Arabella is strong, and kind, and thoughtful, and I fully believe that Dhuros is in love with her. She’s a great character to read. Dhuros, however, does literally nothing to inspire love. (And no, fucking doesn’t count. Neither does picking a single flower for her after said fucking, nor saving her life after being the one to put it in danger .)
He’s been a jerk, then good in bed, then convinces her that she’s a danger to their entire party and needs to be tortured by a magic-blocker to keep control of her powers… which have not actually been “dangerous” since she realized she shouldn’t use them in battle… . He puts her and the rest of the team at risk for the sake of his own opinion of her capabilities, which stay insultingly low throughout the novel.
His character development does come out towards the end of the novel, but it stays embarrassingly weak. This is especially noticeable when staged opposite Arabella, who has just been through some serious trauma. Speaking of which, we’re not even going to try to dive in to that, to show any growth or recovery after what she’s been through? Really?
I mean, damn. If I had been tortured daily for four months straight while stuck in the body of a horse I would come out catatonic.
Thus, the love story read with a huge power imbalance from said trauma, and it made my heart break every time Dhuros made Arabella second guess her intentions. I’m leaving the last four chapters unfinished, so maybe that is where the author addresses some of this. At this point, I’ve seen enough of Dhuros’s character to know that there are too many red flags to be addressed in four chapters, at least for my taste.
All this to say, this book is not what I was expecting. The tagline is “grumpy meets sunshine”, but I’d say it’s closer to a “rejected mates”, “alpha male”, or even “bully romance lite”. If you’re into that, I would say give it a read - no judgement here, different strokes for different folks. I just can’t stomach the stuff.
He’s been a jerk, then good in bed, then convinces her that
His character development does come out towards the end of the novel, but it stays embarrassingly weak. This is especially noticeable when staged opposite Arabella, who has just been through some serious trauma. Speaking of which, we’re not even going to try to dive in to that, to show any growth or recovery after what she’s been through? Really?
I mean, damn. If I had been
Thus, the love story read with a huge power imbalance from said trauma, and it made my heart break every time Dhuros made Arabella second guess her intentions. I’m leaving the last four chapters unfinished, so maybe that is where the author addresses some of this. At this point, I’ve seen enough of Dhuros’s character to know that there are too many red flags to be addressed in four chapters, at least for my taste.
All this to say, this book is not what I was expecting. The tagline is “grumpy meets sunshine”, but I’d say it’s closer to a “rejected mates”, “alpha male”, or even “bully romance lite”. If you’re into that, I would say give it a read - no judgement here, different strokes for different folks. I just can’t stomach the stuff.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Torture
ethoslost's review against another edition
2.0
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year. I enjoyed the first book and with the release of this one being pushed back several times it only worked to build up my excitement to read it. It was a total let down. The first book had wonderful world building of the realm of the Dark Elves. This one was rushed with so many loose ends, I was confused a lot. I was also really creeped out by the unicorn romance element. Yes, Bella could change into human form but a quarter of the book was Dhuro and her fighting/flirting while she was in unicorn form.. then when he says he wants to marry her she is in unicorn form. So weird. I just couldn’t get into this book.
koops333's review
3.0
3.5
There is something about the little girl in me that just still loves anything about unicorns.
Anyhoo- this story starts with our h, Bella, who has been trapped in her unicorn form, and for the past few months has spent time recovering amongst the Dark Elves after her capture at the hands of her human brother. Bella feels somewhat defeated by the events of the last book where her family is concerned, but her past desire for peace has not been quashed whether she is human or Unicorn.
Now though our H, Dhuro, the Dark Elf Prince has been tasked with bringing the wayward Unicorn back to her herd before her Change becomes permanent. With this task, his mother the Queen, has also demanded that he forge an alliance through marriage with the Unicorns in order to stop an uprising amongst the Dark Elves that would threaten their new alliance with the humans.
Among the myriad of problems--Dhuro doesn't want to get married- or more importantly life bond to anyone, and the Elf helming the opposing incursion is none other than his best friend from child hood.
Throughout this journey both leads clash in their fundamental ideals, their views on what is takes to protect the ones they love, and eventually their bickering gives way to a budding romance. But with their past experiences clouding their judgement-- can this fun fling turn into more?
Spoiler review:
So I did enjoy the story, but ill be honest in that the romance and first hook up came out of nowhere for me. After Bella changed back into a human-they went right into hooking up, and I was a little surprised. I didn't really see their conversations as bickering banter but more as sniping at each other in the beginning so I was sitting here thinking- Oh so thats how it is huh?
Besides that I didn't understand Dhuro's constant admonishment about her powers. At one point Dhuro gets pissed at her saying that she’s not doing enough to learn about the powers & not practicing enough to control them-- then the next second he wants her to lock them away?
Which is it practice or bind?
Also, this kind of makes her even less capable of controlling her powers or even protecting herself. (as we saw with the venom incident- maybe she could have protected herself if he didn't insist on her being bound?)
Also, also, why were they wasting their time with the side mission to get arcanir when they are only a few days out from the unicorn herd? Wouldn't it make more sense to just post haste to the glen to get her to learn her powers instead of putting them all in danger to bind her powers for a few days?
And did I miss something in my speed reading? Did Bella train with the Unicorns when I wasn't paying attention? Because her having a life bond will affect her Change but not necessarity her 'out of control dangerous powers'....right?
After that I kept thinking 'oh so now she suddenly knows how to use her powers?'
What? Did she train with Gwydion when she wasn't passed out or captured? Because they all leave right after that to meet up with her family and the conversation wasn't revisited...does she magically know how to use her Unicorn powers or what?
So yeah I was a little confused by some of the plot lines--but all in all I had a good time reading this one and will look out for the next book
x--------------------------------------------------x
I keep having to move this in my upcoming list
I think it got pushed back again? Amazon now says its coming out :
January 30, 2021.- new release date on amazon
December 31, 2020
February 29, 2020- Book is no longer on amazon and no new release date atm (P.S. was commented down below that author got sick and had to postpone)
February 28, 2020
January 29th 2020
There is something about the little girl in me that just still loves anything about unicorns.
Anyhoo- this story starts with our h, Bella, who has been trapped in her unicorn form, and for the past few months has spent time recovering amongst the Dark Elves after her capture at the hands of her human brother. Bella feels somewhat defeated by the events of the last book where her family is concerned, but her past desire for peace has not been quashed whether she is human or Unicorn.
Now though our H, Dhuro, the Dark Elf Prince has been tasked with bringing the wayward Unicorn back to her herd before her Change becomes permanent. With this task, his mother the Queen, has also demanded that he forge an alliance through marriage with the Unicorns in order to stop an uprising amongst the Dark Elves that would threaten their new alliance with the humans.
Among the myriad of problems--Dhuro doesn't want to get married- or more importantly life bond to anyone, and the Elf helming the opposing incursion is none other than his best friend from child hood.
Throughout this journey both leads clash in their fundamental ideals, their views on what is takes to protect the ones they love, and eventually their bickering gives way to a budding romance. But with their past experiences clouding their judgement-- can this fun fling turn into more?
Spoiler review:
Spoiler
So I did enjoy the story, but ill be honest in that the romance and first hook up came out of nowhere for me. After Bella changed back into a human-they went right into hooking up, and I was a little surprised. I didn't really see their conversations as bickering banter but more as sniping at each other in the beginning so I was sitting here thinking- Oh so thats how it is huh?
Besides that I didn't understand Dhuro's constant admonishment about her powers. At one point Dhuro gets pissed at her saying that she’s not doing enough to learn about the powers & not practicing enough to control them-- then the next second he wants her to lock them away?
Which is it practice or bind?
Also, this kind of makes her even less capable of controlling her powers or even protecting herself. (as we saw with the venom incident- maybe she could have protected herself if he didn't insist on her being bound?)
Also, also, why were they wasting their time with the side mission to get arcanir when they are only a few days out from the unicorn herd? Wouldn't it make more sense to just post haste to the glen to get her to learn her powers instead of putting them all in danger to bind her powers for a few days?
And did I miss something in my speed reading? Did Bella train with the Unicorns when I wasn't paying attention? Because her having a life bond will affect her Change but not necessarity her 'out of control dangerous powers'....right?
He and the unicorns planned to use their powers? Yes, Bella answered for him. And so will I.
After that I kept thinking 'oh so now she suddenly knows how to use her powers?'
What? Did she train with Gwydion when she wasn't passed out or captured? Because they all leave right after that to meet up with her family and the conversation wasn't revisited...does she magically know how to use her Unicorn powers or what?
So yeah I was a little confused by some of the plot lines--but all in all I had a good time reading this one and will look out for the next book
x--------------------------------------------------x
I keep having to move this in my upcoming list
I think it got pushed back again? Amazon now says its coming out :
January 30, 2021.- new release date on amazon
December 31, 2020
February 29, 2020- Book is no longer on amazon and no new release date atm (P.S. was commented down below that author got sick and had to postpone)
February 28, 2020
January 29th 2020
jayceejarvis's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
I loved the first book in this series so I was really excited to read Bella and Dhuro's story and learn more about this woman transformed into a unicorn. Once again I was blown away by the creative world building and scope of this story. While at its heart it is a love story, it also touched on deeper themes of breaking the cycle of violence and learning to find out who you are separate from your family. I would have enjoyed learning more about Bella's family and hope that we will see more of them in later books in the series. I can't wait until the next book comes out!
originstorytoloveisdestroy's review
2.0
Oh, the case of the series didn't need a sequel. While I enjoyed the plot twist of unicorn shape-shifters, a novel on the whole ordeal felt very unnecessary in my opinion. The chapters were fairly short and felt lacking of the same power the author had in the first novel. Nonetheless, it was an okay plotline.
heylittlemissy's review
5.0
Love the world and romance!
Another amazing story from Miranda Honfleur! The lore and magic of the dark elves and unicorns is fantastic. I loved the romance and the sexy chemistry between Dhurro and Bella. Looking forward to the next book already!
Another amazing story from Miranda Honfleur! The lore and magic of the dark elves and unicorns is fantastic. I loved the romance and the sexy chemistry between Dhurro and Bella. Looking forward to the next book already!
elizee's review
adventurous
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I thought Dhuro and Arabella's story, but it was ok. It didn't fulfill what i needed it to and the smutty scene where subpar compared to the first book (which wasn't as intense as well). I still prefer Veron and Alessandra's story. There is a third book, but I don't think I'll read and if I do its gonna be skim read. I expected so much because I love a good intense brooding mc pining, but this didn't deliver. I'm disappointed.
ashlightgrayson's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
This book was delayed multiple times, so I was happy when I was able to purchase the e-book this month after such a long wait. Unfortunately, this book seemed rushed and I could tell by reading it. The first book had fast pacing, but at least the main characters had time to get to know each other and develop a romantic relationship. Dhuro is a lot more unlikeable than Veron and it feels like he wasn't given time to grow as a character because the story was so short. I would have liked him a lot more if he had. Arabella and him are disagreeable with each other at the beginning of the book and the transition to having a romantic relationship felt like it came out of nowhere. Dhuro and her had argued viciously and they transitioned to a romantic and sexual relationship before his previous behavior towards her was properly addressed. They also didn't spend enough time together for me to be convinced of the extent of their feelings for each other. I think this would have worked out better if it had just been left at "they like each other" rather than trying to sell us on "they are head over heels in love". I believe the potential for the being in love should have been left out in the open. The story was disappointing, unfortunately. I really wanted to like Dhuro more. I usually like the grumpy jerk with a heart of gold, but it seems this was not the one for me.
Since they get married at the end (in part for external but mutually convenient reasons) it would have been more satisfactory if they were entering married life with the hope that their infatuation would turn into love. In the world of arranged marriages, that seems a lot more realistic and wouldn't have completely suspended my disbelief in the story. I also don't think every romance needs to end with marriage. Sometimes an ending with potential for a stronger long lasting love is okay for me. This is just my opinion on how I think the story could have ended on a better note.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Blood and Death