Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
A sweet and spicy story in a great setting with some fascinating characters. Made me laugh out loud a few times. Can't wait to read more in this series!
Interesting world that Sparks created here. People with magical abilities are usually killed, but of course some people have survived. The main lady, Luciana, was hidden away her entire life but she has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. The main man, Leo, can harness and control lightning. But because of this, no one has been able to touch him in years.
It’s a good block for the romance aspect of the story. There’s obviously attraction, but they can’t touch each other. There is also a good story happening where the king wants them both dead, so there’s a lot going on with that. But it did take a while for them to actually meet and the sister was selfish and annoying.
It’s a good block for the romance aspect of the story. There’s obviously attraction, but they can’t touch each other. There is also a good story happening where the king wants them both dead, so there’s a lot going on with that. But it did take a while for them to actually meet and the sister was selfish and annoying.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Took me a little bit to get into this, the magic system isn't really explained besides that some people are born "Embraced" where they have certain powers... the powers seem kinda random? Luciana can see and talk to ghosts. Leo has lightning powers which are ridiculously strong but the tradeoff is he can't touch anyone with his bare skin. And everyone that meet who is Embraced is super young, so this book feels a bit like the X-Men.
Luciana has grown up on the Isle of Moon thinking she's an orphan until her father shows upsaying that her twin sister Tatiana(sp?) has died and he needs Luciana to impersonate her and marry "the Beast" and Duke/Protector dude Leo. But also assassins want to kill Luciana and her father, another duke, because it'll inherit to the king or something? So they go to her father's homestead and Leo is there too but he doesn't reveal who he is right away since he's 1) spying on her and 2) trying to bait the assassin. He has help from a "cursed" shapeshifter Brody who can turn into a dog, a seal, and who knows what else. As a dog he spies on Luciana where he uncovers her secret that she can speak to ghosts but they're also spying because Tatiana was rumored to have an affair with her guard (this turns out to be true, and Luciana has to thwart his come-on attempts since they're twins).
Eventually the assassin does strike and Leo finally reveals himself and tells Luciana to pretend to be nearly dying, hiding out in her room. But then they get married? Also they are both insta-attracted to each other but can't touch.
However the big reveal comes out at the end Luciana's mother was struck by lightning or something while giving birth to her so she's immune to his power.
And the assassin turns out to be a chameleon shapeshifter, he can turn into people. He killed and was impersonating Leo's cousin too. But with Tatiana helping them as a ghost and her ghost childhood friend Christopher they know he's a fake. They go to the king and more shit goes down and eventually the assassin is revealed or maybe killed i don't remember. But they live HAE.
The book also sets up more books in the series because of her "sister" orphans - also Embraced - on the Isle of Moon.
Luciana has grown up on the Isle of Moon thinking she's an orphan until her father shows up
Eventually the assassin does strike and Leo finally reveals himself and tells Luciana to pretend to be nearly dying, hiding out in her room. But then they get married? Also they are both insta-attracted to each other but can't touch.
However the big reveal comes out at the end Luciana's mother was struck by lightning or something while giving birth to her so she's immune to his power.
And the assassin turns out to be a chameleon shapeshifter, he can turn into people. He killed and was impersonating Leo's cousin too. But with Tatiana helping them as a ghost and her ghost childhood friend Christopher they know he's a fake. They go to the king and more shit goes down and eventually the assassin is revealed or maybe killed i don't remember. But they live HAE.
The book also sets up more books in the series because of her "sister" orphans - also Embraced - on the Isle of Moon.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It turned out to be more of a fantasy novel than a romance, which is good because the romance started out with, in my opinion, insta-love, and I hate that. I liked the world building, and I’m pretty set on reading at least the next one
2.5 stars. I won this paperback in a Goodreads Giveaway. This was a fun fantasy romance that didn't quite pull me in the way I expected. Some aspects of the plot could have been completely removed leaving room for more detail in the interesting characters and world.
Man, I really enjoyed this. Don't let the beefcake cover fool you, this was a lovely romantic fantasy with great world-building and really likable characters. I enjoyed every moment of it, even staying up until 2am (my poor, puffy eyes) last night because I just couldn't put it down.
It was exactly the sweet diversion I needed and wanted.
It was exactly the sweet diversion I needed and wanted.
*I won this book in a GoodReads First Reads Giveaway*
This series has promise. It's a little more high fantasy than I'd normally go with, but I liked the idea of the Embraced. I liked the idea of four warring kingdoms. Of two warring religions. The ghosts were a bit too convenient (mostly the Mother). But I enjoyed Tatiana and just how ridiculous she was. I also liked Brody and Nevis (mostly). Luciana was a bit too sweet - but hey, it's a fantasy romance novel, so that was kind of expected. And for some reason, it didn't feel like "too much". She certainly wasn't perfect and I think the background she had made her character more believable. I also rather liked Leo. He wasn't quite as Beastly as I imagined someone with that title to be, but his character made sense.
So why only three stars? If I heard Nevis say "it was all muscle" one more time...okay, we get it. It's an amusing joke/character quirk three or four times, but after fifty times it's neither endearing or amusing. The "ye" and "him selfs" were too much. There wasn't any need for that "accent" other than to be used as a way to make Leo and others realize that Luciana wasn't Tatiana. Honestly, it felt a bit too convenient. Then the whole one God thing at the end...kind of made me cringe. It was so out of place with the rest of the novel. Actually, the whole ending kind of came out of nowhere. It was rushed and awkward. If the Chameleon could kill the King that easily...why the hell did he masquerade as a guard for years and then as Tedric?
That said, I'd love to read Brody's story - there's no way he's not ending up with Maeve right?!
I think maybe the books will run a bit smoother now that we have the world building foundation set up. Looking forward to Brigitta's book.
This series has promise. It's a little more high fantasy than I'd normally go with, but I liked the idea of the Embraced. I liked the idea of four warring kingdoms. Of two warring religions. The ghosts were a bit too convenient (mostly the Mother). But I enjoyed Tatiana and just how ridiculous she was. I also liked Brody and Nevis (mostly). Luciana was a bit too sweet - but hey, it's a fantasy romance novel, so that was kind of expected. And for some reason, it didn't feel like "too much". She certainly wasn't perfect and I think the background she had made her character more believable. I also rather liked Leo. He wasn't quite as Beastly as I imagined someone with that title to be, but his character made sense.
So why only three stars? If I heard Nevis say "it was all muscle" one more time...okay, we get it. It's an amusing joke/character quirk three or four times, but after fifty times it's neither endearing or amusing. The "ye" and "him selfs" were too much. There wasn't any need for that "accent" other than to be used as a way to make Leo and others realize that Luciana wasn't Tatiana. Honestly, it felt a bit too convenient. Then the whole one God thing at the end...kind of made me cringe. It was so out of place with the rest of the novel. Actually, the whole ending kind of came out of nowhere. It was rushed and awkward. If the Chameleon could kill the King that easily...why the hell did he masquerade as a guard for years and then as Tedric?
That said, I'd love to read Brody's story - there's no way he's not ending up with Maeve right?!
I think maybe the books will run a bit smoother now that we have the world building foundation set up. Looking forward to Brigitta's book.
I am familiar with this author and her vampire novels. What I like about those novels is that each story has a strong set of leads (male and female). In addition, to be witty and a bit sexy.
I like this new Kerrelyn Sparks. The beginning introduces the reader to five friends. So, it would allude to the fact that there will be at least 5 books in this series. In this first book, we are introduced to Luciana. She is down to earth. Although, she may come from royalty. Oh and I can't forget to mention that Luciana had a sister, Tatiana (she is dead). Yet, Luciana can communicate with the dead.
Leo is a strong male presence. When ever he comes into a room, his presence just fills the room. He may be a Lord but he is also down to earth. In fact, Luciana is not the only one that has special abilities. Leo does as well. He has the ability of lightening.
While I did like this book and new series, it felt like the story didn't start until the half way point. This is when Luciana and Leo actually met. Luckily, the secondary characters were not just throw away characters. So they helped with the story. The romance between Leo and Luciana was a slow build up. I am intrigued to read the next woman's story.
I like this new Kerrelyn Sparks. The beginning introduces the reader to five friends. So, it would allude to the fact that there will be at least 5 books in this series. In this first book, we are introduced to Luciana. She is down to earth. Although, she may come from royalty. Oh and I can't forget to mention that Luciana had a sister, Tatiana (she is dead). Yet, Luciana can communicate with the dead.
Leo is a strong male presence. When ever he comes into a room, his presence just fills the room. He may be a Lord but he is also down to earth. In fact, Luciana is not the only one that has special abilities. Leo does as well. He has the ability of lightening.
While I did like this book and new series, it felt like the story didn't start until the half way point. This is when Luciana and Leo actually met. Luckily, the secondary characters were not just throw away characters. So they helped with the story. The romance between Leo and Luciana was a slow build up. I am intrigued to read the next woman's story.
adventurous
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:
Yes
Do not be fooled by the cover (or the title), this is a wonder of romance writing.
This reads like a medieval romance in a fantasy setting where magical world reasons have given us The Embraced. You know, shapeshifters, oracles, and men who can wield lightning... I was skeptical of this world and thought I had picked up just another paranormal romance--boy, I'm glad I finished it. I quickly fell in love with Luciana and was so charmed with her personality she reminds me of some Julie Garwood historical FMCs. What to even say about Leo?? He is very hot.
Great plot, lots of action and adventure and some great side characters, several who are dead! Definitely read if you are on a romantacy kick, I would comp this to both "The Winter King" by C. L. Wilson and "The Bride" by Julie Garwood.
This reads like a medieval romance in a fantasy setting where magical world reasons have given us The Embraced. You know, shapeshifters, oracles, and men who can wield lightning... I was skeptical of this world and thought I had picked up just another paranormal romance--boy, I'm glad I finished it. I quickly fell in love with Luciana and was so charmed with her personality she reminds me of some Julie Garwood historical FMCs. What to even say about Leo?? He is very hot.
Great plot, lots of action and adventure and some great side characters, several who are dead! Definitely read if you are on a romantacy kick, I would comp this to both "The Winter King" by C. L. Wilson and "The Bride" by Julie Garwood.
I was so excited to see that my favorite author had come out with a new series. Kerrelyn Sparks was the author who got me into paranormal romance to begin with. When her vampire series ended, I was devastated because I was afraid I would never get to read her amazing work again. Enter the Embraced series. This book was really good. Kerrelyn set up a brand new, exciting world for her loyal readers (and those new to her too). I loved it!