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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
3 stars
Giving this 3 stars rather than 4 stars that I was planned, because I feel the last 1/3 part feel so rushed (especially the scene in the court) while the part when Leo and Luciana think if they deserve each other is too long! A little bit dragging too! But still a good read for me. Nice to see Sparks write in fantasy romance compared to her vampires and werewolf books. Not as funny as Love at Stake series, more serious tone, but she didn't forget to input her humor trademark :)!
Giving this 3 stars rather than 4 stars that I was planned, because I feel the last 1/3 part feel so rushed (especially the scene in the court) while the part when Leo and Luciana think if they deserve each other is too long! A little bit dragging too! But still a good read for me. Nice to see Sparks write in fantasy romance compared to her vampires and werewolf books. Not as funny as Love at Stake series, more serious tone, but she didn't forget to input her humor trademark :)!
DNF @ 60%. Unforgivable insta-love and flat plot. Also strange tone, more like a serious pseudo-medieval romance.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
The Embraced series is the only romance series I have ever read, and though I am always a little mortified by the covers, I really have enjoyed reading the series. To me, the Embraced series has read more like a fantasy series than a romance series. While I loved the series for being action packed, full of fantasy elements, interesting lore, and pure fun, I think that How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days was the weakest installment I have read as of yet. I felt that the other novels, including Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon, offered a more complex chain of characters and a more authentic feeling romance. I also could not help but to notice the formula of the series and the repetitions in the writing.
Luciana, the main character of How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days Days, was born Embraced, along with her four adopted sisters. Born under the eclipse, or “embrace” of the two moons, the sisters and others born during this time were born with a magical ability. The Embraced were generally feared and put to death on the mainland, so the orphaned sisters live in secrecy on a convent on the Isle of the Moon. We learned of Luciana’s gift, when her father—whom she did not know existed, as she believed herself an orphan—showed up with his dead daughter—Tatiana, Luciana’s twin.
With her family's appearance, Luciana learned of the predicament her well-to-do father was in—if his daughter did not marry the King’s suitor, his nephew, her father would be killed and his land and people put under the direct rule of the greedy, murderous, and tyrannical King. Given no choice but to pose as her deceased sister—as twin girls were considered taboo and often put to death—Luciana left the safety of the Isle and the comfort of the only home she had ever known in order to save her father and to marry Lord Protector of the Realm, Leofric. Known as the Beast for his horrific lightning powers that rendered him unable to touch anyone for fear of harming or even killing them, Luciana was understandably a little nervous to meet her betrothed.
From the moment she first saw Leo, initially not knowing that mysterious man she met was actually him, Luciana was smitten with him. And the feeling was beyond mutual. I have never liked instalove in books, but it really did not bother me too much in this series, because clearly it’s a romance book and love, as well as the promise of a fun and light series, were the main reasons for which I was reading the novels. I usually prefer much more of a slow-burn and development of feelings Though the instalove didn't bother me too much in the series because I was in the mood to read something light and fluffy, I still felt that Leo and Luciana's relationship, out of the other two in the series, was the weakest and most shallow. I did not feel like Luciana and Leo spent much time at all getting to know one another (only seven days if we go by the title), or even talking. In fact much of their time spent together, included him spying on her, via his shapeshifting friend Brody (whom I adore), being suspicious of her identity, and reading her hidden letter from her sisters, which is hilariously delivered by messenger seals—yes, you read that correctly. Ultimately though, everyone is exceedingly and saccharinely forgiving of all these things, which annoyed me more than all of the unhealthy snooping.
Though I enjoyed Luciana’s powers and her ability to I felt it was a bit of a recycled trope and presented nothing new here. Admittedly, it was definitely unique to watch Luciana develop a relationship This was a disconnect that was never really explained and must simply be accepted, as was much concerning the villain of the novel.
I loved the introduction of the series villain, the Chameleon and was anxious to see what he does in the next novel, as he was not around much in this one, but certainly made an impression. Able to shapeshift into any figure, man or animal, the Chameleon aimed to take over the kingdom one throne and mistaken identity at a time.
My main problem with this series was that there was just so much coincidence that lead to a happy ending, instead of what felt like carefully laid writing plans. For instance, it was revealed that This predictability would probably not be as big of an issue in How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days, if I had read the series in order, but I actually read the third novel in the series first. Because of this, I was able to clearly see the formula for the series—both the guy and the girl have separate crystallizing moments of realization that they are in love with the other; the main guy hides something really important, like being the heir to the throne; rushed marriages as something huge with dire consequences is happening that necessitates their official union; the heroine doing something major to save the day after previously ruining said day.
Despite of the formulaic feeling of the series, I still immensely enjoyed the novels and their humor. In How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days though, the humor fell a little flat for me. I cringed SO hard at Luciana referring to Leo’s—ahem—member, as a lightning rod. I really could not believe what I was reading—in fact, I felt like I was reading something for a far more juvenile audience at that moment—and did not really enjoy their intimacy because of that and similar writing. And the rest of their flirtation and dialogue, which I think was supposed to be banter, was similarly awkward due to excessive repetition. Leo and Luciana continually came back to phrases like, “You’re beautiful. I like that,” or “you’re clever. I like that.” ENOUGH, we get it. In every novel of the Embraced series, the author had a set of words or phrases that she could not help but to repeat over and over. Whenever I encountered "THE PHRASE" of the book, I wished the author would stop, as it really took me out of the moment of the novel.
Regardless of my qualms with the repetition, coincidences, and predictability, I still could not put this guilty pleasure of a book down and immediately went onto the next entry in the series. I loved that each of the Embraced novels set up the next novel, which stars another of the five sisters and their own romantic adventures. If you are looking for a fast and fun read—complete with supernatural powers, assassins, political intrigue, and interesting lore—or enjoy fantasy books with romantic elements, or just romance books, you will enjoy How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days and the rest of the Embraced series. Just do not expect a slowly developing romance with loads of character growth, or to be very surprised by many of the unfolding of events in this or the other books in the Embraced series.
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The Embraced series is the only romance series I have ever read, and though I am always a little mortified by the covers, I really have enjoyed reading the series. To me, the Embraced series has read more like a fantasy series than a romance series. While I loved the series for being action packed, full of fantasy elements, interesting lore, and pure fun, I think that How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days was the weakest installment I have read as of yet. I felt that the other novels, including Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon, offered a more complex chain of characters and a more authentic feeling romance. I also could not help but to notice the formula of the series and the repetitions in the writing.
Luciana, the main character of How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days Days, was born Embraced, along with her four adopted sisters. Born under the eclipse, or “embrace” of the two moons, the sisters and others born during this time were born with a magical ability. The Embraced were generally feared and put to death on the mainland, so the orphaned sisters live in secrecy on a convent on the Isle of the Moon. We learned of Luciana’s gift, when her father—whom she did not know existed, as she believed herself an orphan—showed up with his dead daughter—Tatiana, Luciana’s twin.
Spoiler
It was not long before Tatiana, a bratty and spoiled noble lady, appeared to Luciana beyond the grave. Tatiana was beyond annoying and jealous of her sister Luciana for still being alive and wearing all of her pretty clothes, etc., but it was an interesting sisterly dynamic that changed and developed into something stronger over time.With her family's appearance, Luciana learned of the predicament her well-to-do father was in—if his daughter did not marry the King’s suitor, his nephew, her father would be killed and his land and people put under the direct rule of the greedy, murderous, and tyrannical King. Given no choice but to pose as her deceased sister—as twin girls were considered taboo and often put to death—Luciana left the safety of the Isle and the comfort of the only home she had ever known in order to save her father and to marry Lord Protector of the Realm, Leofric. Known as the Beast for his horrific lightning powers that rendered him unable to touch anyone for fear of harming or even killing them, Luciana was understandably a little nervous to meet her betrothed.
From the moment she first saw Leo, initially not knowing that mysterious man she met was actually him, Luciana was smitten with him. And the feeling was beyond mutual. I have never liked instalove in books, but it really did not bother me too much in this series, because clearly it’s a romance book and love, as well as the promise of a fun and light series, were the main reasons for which I was reading the novels. I usually prefer much more of a slow-burn and development of feelings Though the instalove didn't bother me too much in the series because I was in the mood to read something light and fluffy, I still felt that Leo and Luciana's relationship, out of the other two in the series, was the weakest and most shallow. I did not feel like Luciana and Leo spent much time at all getting to know one another (only seven days if we go by the title), or even talking. In fact much of their time spent together, included him spying on her, via his shapeshifting friend Brody (whom I adore), being suspicious of her identity, and reading her hidden letter from her sisters, which is hilariously delivered by messenger seals—yes, you read that correctly. Ultimately though, everyone is exceedingly and saccharinely forgiving of all these things, which annoyed me more than all of the unhealthy snooping.
Though I enjoyed Luciana’s powers and her ability to
Spoiler
communicate with the dead,Spoiler
with her sister and mother for the first time—even though they were deceased and no one else could see them. Brody, who was keeping an eye on Luciana in dog form, hilariously thought his best friend's fiancee was crazy at first for talking to thin air. Though that matter was eventually cleared up, I was still confused that at first, Luciana’s mother, also a ghost, repeatedly ran away from her daughter and then later told her how much she loved her, even coming to her rescue.I loved the introduction of the series villain, the Chameleon and was anxious to see what he does in the next novel, as he was not around much in this one, but certainly made an impression. Able to shapeshift into any figure, man or animal, the Chameleon aimed to take over the kingdom one throne and mistaken identity at a time.
Spoiler
Though I was honestly very perplexed by how everyone believed in the existence of the Chameleon right away, simply on the word of witnesses and by producing the appropriate royal corpses that he murdered and assumed the identities of. Regardless of others's willingness to believe in the existence of the Chameleon, his dastardly deeds—including the murder of the King and his heir—coincidentally allowed Leo to assume the throne as King and Luciana as his Queen. It was touching that the first thing they did as rulers was to decree that being Embraced was no longer a death sentence, also fortuitously opening the door for visits from fellow Embraced sisters from the Isle of the Moon in the future.My main problem with this series was that there was just so much coincidence that lead to a happy ending, instead of what felt like carefully laid writing plans. For instance, it was revealed that
Spoiler
Luciana’s mother was struck by lightning while pregnant with her twins, bestowing upon her daughter a much-needed immunity to Leo’s touch. Though this does seem to be a theme of the series—that each Embraced girl provides some sort of missing characteristic that the Embraced male needs, such as Luciana’s lightning immunity—it did make the series feel even more predictable.Despite of the formulaic feeling of the series, I still immensely enjoyed the novels and their humor. In How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days though, the humor fell a little flat for me. I cringed SO hard at Luciana referring to Leo’s—ahem—member, as a lightning rod. I really could not believe what I was reading—in fact, I felt like I was reading something for a far more juvenile audience at that moment—and did not really enjoy their intimacy because of that and similar writing. And the rest of their flirtation and dialogue, which I think was supposed to be banter, was similarly awkward due to excessive repetition. Leo and Luciana continually came back to phrases like, “You’re beautiful. I like that,” or “you’re clever. I like that.” ENOUGH, we get it. In every novel of the Embraced series, the author had a set of words or phrases that she could not help but to repeat over and over. Whenever I encountered "THE PHRASE" of the book, I wished the author would stop, as it really took me out of the moment of the novel.
Regardless of my qualms with the repetition, coincidences, and predictability, I still could not put this guilty pleasure of a book down and immediately went onto the next entry in the series. I loved that each of the Embraced novels set up the next novel, which stars another of the five sisters and their own romantic adventures. If you are looking for a fast and fun read—complete with supernatural powers, assassins, political intrigue, and interesting lore—or enjoy fantasy books with romantic elements, or just romance books, you will enjoy How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days and the rest of the Embraced series. Just do not expect a slowly developing romance with loads of character growth, or to be very surprised by many of the unfolding of events in this or the other books in the Embraced series.
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dnf
A lot of potential in the world building, but much of this turns out to be superficial. The tipping point was how the heroine was written: endlessly kind and self-sacrifical. Without reason. There's a difference between a character who sacrifices are based on beliefs and relationships. But in this case, the main character gives up everything to save a man she barely knows. If she had sacrificed her life for her sisters or for the convent, I would have been head over heels for this book. Sadly not the case.
Other annoying elements:
-no explanation for why nations are at war
-repetitive world-building. There was an intro, a prologue, and explication saying the same things.
-superficial characters: I don't mean vain, I mean underdeveloped.
-name dropping with no context
A lot of potential in the world building, but much of this turns out to be superficial. The tipping point was how the heroine was written: endlessly kind and self-sacrifical. Without reason. There's a difference between a character who sacrifices are based on beliefs and relationships. But in this case, the main character gives up everything to save a man she barely knows. If she had sacrificed her life for her sisters or for the convent, I would have been head over heels for this book. Sadly not the case.
Other annoying elements:
-no explanation for why nations are at war
-repetitive world-building. There was an intro, a prologue, and explication saying the same things.
-superficial characters: I don't mean vain, I mean underdeveloped.
-name dropping with no context
First off, I should mention that I got this copy free from a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks Goodreads!
It has been a while since I've read a romance novel like this but I really enjoyed it and will be keeping my eye out for the next books in the series to be released. This was a fun read with enjoyable characters. It's one of those books that you read with a good idea as to how things will end up but you enjoy the process of getting to that destination.
It has been a while since I've read a romance novel like this but I really enjoyed it and will be keeping my eye out for the next books in the series to be released. This was a fun read with enjoyable characters. It's one of those books that you read with a good idea as to how things will end up but you enjoy the process of getting to that destination.
***3.5 Stars***
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one at first. Initiallly it seemed a little too sweet for me (if that makes sense), but as the story progressed it grew on me. I liked Luciana and I liked Leo so that helped. This is written to feel like a "slow burn" but in reality it only takes days for our H and h to fall deeply and madly in love, which is fortunate because I could only stand reading about his having to hide his bulging groin so much before it started to get old. Basically every time he saw her. But the two are pretty cute together so I'm not going to complain about that too much. I like that this is a PNR based in a fantasy setting with some HR components. It hits all the right notes for my mood reading. I'm ready to seen what is in store for the other sisters!
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one at first. Initiallly it seemed a little too sweet for me (if that makes sense), but as the story progressed it grew on me. I liked Luciana and I liked Leo so that helped. This is written to feel like a "slow burn" but in reality it only takes days for our H and h to fall deeply and madly in love, which is fortunate because I could only stand reading about his having to hide his bulging groin so much before it started to get old. Basically every time he saw her. But the two are pretty cute together so I'm not going to complain about that too much. I like that this is a PNR based in a fantasy setting with some HR components. It hits all the right notes for my mood reading. I'm ready to seen what is in store for the other sisters!
This is a new fantasy series by Kerrelyn Sparks and I am here for it. It felt different from the other series I have read by her but this book was just as enjoyable as those other series.
In this book, children born on a moon eclipse were considered "embraced" and were executed because they were deemed dangerous. So a few parents managed to sneak their embraced children off to a convent on a close island to be raised in secret. This series introduces the reader to five embraced girls living on the Isle of Moon, Luciana, Maeve, Brigitta, Sorcha and Gwennore. These girls are so close they consider themselves sisters
One day, a man shows up to the Isle of Moon claiming to be Luciana's father. He tells her why they had to give her away but now asks her to return with him in order to save his life from a corrupt King. Part of her mission to impersonate her twin sister Tatiana, who was supposed to be to wed a warrior known as the Beast of Benwick. The Beast was rumored to kill with a single touch but somehow Luciana was expected to win him over. The problem was that Luciana was opposite in temperament from her twin, Tatiana. That was part of the entertaining part of this story, Luciana trying to be someone else, yet her inherent goodness kept shining through.
Leofric of Benwick, the nephew of the evil king felt a connection the minute he laid eyes on his bethrod. However, his lightning power is also his curse. He can't touch anyone without frying them with his lightning touch. But he wants to be touched and by his intended, so that was a dilemma that he had to overcome.
But the author threw in some humorous sidekicks to make this adventure that much more entertaining. Leo's best warriors and Luciana's sister provided comic relief. Each character had an ability that helped them aid both Leo and Luciana. The author did a great job weaving this fantasy with a sense of adventure, humor and romance. It was really balanced and developed well. This was a really great start to a new series. I can't wait to see what direction the author will take the adventure in book two.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the book given in exchange for an honest review.
In this book, children born on a moon eclipse were considered "embraced" and were executed because they were deemed dangerous. So a few parents managed to sneak their embraced children off to a convent on a close island to be raised in secret. This series introduces the reader to five embraced girls living on the Isle of Moon, Luciana, Maeve, Brigitta, Sorcha and Gwennore. These girls are so close they consider themselves sisters
One day, a man shows up to the Isle of Moon claiming to be Luciana's father. He tells her why they had to give her away but now asks her to return with him in order to save his life from a corrupt King. Part of her mission to impersonate her twin sister Tatiana, who was supposed to be to wed a warrior known as the Beast of Benwick. The Beast was rumored to kill with a single touch but somehow Luciana was expected to win him over. The problem was that Luciana was opposite in temperament from her twin, Tatiana. That was part of the entertaining part of this story, Luciana trying to be someone else, yet her inherent goodness kept shining through.
Leofric of Benwick, the nephew of the evil king felt a connection the minute he laid eyes on his bethrod. However, his lightning power is also his curse. He can't touch anyone without frying them with his lightning touch. But he wants to be touched and by his intended, so that was a dilemma that he had to overcome.
But the author threw in some humorous sidekicks to make this adventure that much more entertaining. Leo's best warriors and Luciana's sister provided comic relief. Each character had an ability that helped them aid both Leo and Luciana. The author did a great job weaving this fantasy with a sense of adventure, humor and romance. It was really balanced and developed well. This was a really great start to a new series. I can't wait to see what direction the author will take the adventure in book two.
Special thanks to St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for the book given in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Being born as an Embraced, is a death sentence to any who are born gifted. Luciana always thought that she was an orphan along with the other women who are like her own sisters. They share a close bond. Luciana and the other women live on a island nunnery. Part of a kingdom seperate from the others. She is shocked when she learns that she has a father and needs her help. She learns that she was a twin and her sister died and will need to marry a stranger known as the "beast" in order to save her fathers life from the kings wrath. But she will have to act like her sister and forget being Luciana and what she has always known to believe. So she leaves the only home and family she has ever known to be someone she isn't, and to marry a man known as the "beast" But upon meeting this tall and handsome beast she is drawn to him. Leo also known as the Beast of Benwick, has been feared for most of his life. Where when he was five years old was struck by lightning and his body was changed and hasn't been able to touch or hold anyone sine his touch can harm or even kill. He starts to realize that she is powerfully gifted but will she be strong and able enough to survive his touch
How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days is the first book of a new series by one of my favorite authors Kerrelyn Sparks. Now granted, this book was so unique different and not what I was expecting. She has kinda switched genres from vampires and shape shifters to a whole different realm of fantasy where dragons exist and being magically gifted is a death sentence by the king. And boy did I fall madly in love with this book very quickly. The first impression I had about this book was the bond that these girls have with each other. We have five women that were born in a unique time that made them Embraced and they are each gifted. Our heroine of the story Luciana (such a gorgeous name) has the ability to see certain moments in the future as well as see and interact with ghosts. She finds out her true heritage and so she returns home with her father planning on marrying a man she has never met. Now Luciana having been raised in a convent has no clue what to expect from a marriage with him. There aren't any men there and has never interacted with them. So she is pretty innocent at times but is intelligent and kind. I loved Luciana so very much. Now we have our hero. He is quite the character. He is pretty tough, not a man you want to cross but also has some close friendships and has some extreme power inside him. I love how protective he is yet he is starved for any physical touch. The world that Kerrelyn Sparks has created a world of ghosts, dragons, elves, shifters, and magic and I was drawn completely into it. Sparks has surprised me with this book and her plans for this series has me super super excited!!
I honestly don't mind anything about this cover....I do love those pecs and abs....yep I wouldn't mind keeping him.
How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days is part of a uniquely crafted romance that is stunning in detail, thrills and chills, captivating characters that endears the reader...not a book you will want to to put down. STUNNING!!
Summary
Being born as an Embraced, is a death sentence to any who are born gifted. Luciana always thought that she was an orphan along with the other women who are like her own sisters. They share a close bond. Luciana and the other women live on a island nunnery. Part of a kingdom seperate from the others. She is shocked when she learns that she has a father and needs her help. She learns that she was a twin and her sister died and will need to marry a stranger known as the "beast" in order to save her fathers life from the kings wrath. But she will have to act like her sister and forget being Luciana and what she has always known to believe. So she leaves the only home and family she has ever known to be someone she isn't, and to marry a man known as the "beast" But upon meeting this tall and handsome beast she is drawn to him. Leo also known as the Beast of Benwick, has been feared for most of his life. Where when he was five years old was struck by lightning and his body was changed and hasn't been able to touch or hold anyone sine his touch can harm or even kill. He starts to realize that she is powerfully gifted but will she be strong and able enough to survive his touch
Plot and Story Line
How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days is the first book of a new series by one of my favorite authors Kerrelyn Sparks. Now granted, this book was so unique different and not what I was expecting. She has kinda switched genres from vampires and shape shifters to a whole different realm of fantasy where dragons exist and being magically gifted is a death sentence by the king. And boy did I fall madly in love with this book very quickly. The first impression I had about this book was the bond that these girls have with each other. We have five women that were born in a unique time that made them Embraced and they are each gifted. Our heroine of the story Luciana (such a gorgeous name) has the ability to see certain moments in the future as well as see and interact with ghosts. She finds out her true heritage and so she returns home with her father planning on marrying a man she has never met. Now Luciana having been raised in a convent has no clue what to expect from a marriage with him. There aren't any men there and has never interacted with them. So she is pretty innocent at times but is intelligent and kind. I loved Luciana so very much. Now we have our hero. He is quite the character. He is pretty tough, not a man you want to cross but also has some close friendships and has some extreme power inside him. I love how protective he is yet he is starved for any physical touch. The world that Kerrelyn Sparks has created a world of ghosts, dragons, elves, shifters, and magic and I was drawn completely into it. Sparks has surprised me with this book and her plans for this series has me super super excited!!
The Cover
I honestly don't mind anything about this cover....I do love those pecs and abs....yep I wouldn't mind keeping him.
Overall View
How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days is part of a uniquely crafted romance that is stunning in detail, thrills and chills, captivating characters that endears the reader...not a book you will want to to put down. STUNNING!!
Disregard the beefcakey cover, which is, erm, quite fetching, but does nothing to depict the actual story. This is a fairy tale in a fantasy land of the author's creation, with a large cast of likeable characters (who I'm certain will appear in later books). It's also a romance, although it takes our heroes a third of the book to meet. No "taming" occurs (thank goodness), and there's a lot of secret lusting from afar. The characters deserve better, but this is still an swfully fun story with quite a bit of heart.