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cerianh 's review for:
The Sea-Ogre's Eager Bride
by Ruby Dixon
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Look, as far as I’m concerned, Ruby Dixon is a freaking master at balancing vulnerable characters with flaws in precarious situations with humour and heart.
I haven’t read the main Aspect and Anchor books yet, which are the world in which this book is set. However, the world building is fleshed out enough in this shorter book that you can easily read it as a stand alone.
Valessa, or Vali, is enslaved and out of options when we meet her….or so it seems. Rescue comes in the unexpected form of a sea-ogre when the pirate stops the ship she’s on and demands a bride. As you can imagine, Vali has been through the wringer. She copes by conforming herself to whatever she thinks will please her master and burying her own need and wants. Throughout the book she grows to recognise and stand up for her own needs, with Ranan’s encouragement.
Rana is a seakind (aka sea-ogre) pirate, spending his days floating on his giant turtle’s back and robbing merchant and slave ships. He accidentally demands a bride as his prize from one such ship and ends up with Vali. One thing to know about Ranan - he’s awkward AF. Like, really awkward. He’s so used to being by myself and he’s constantly putting his foot in his mouth. Bless him.
Ranan and Vali both grow so much in this relatively short book. Both as individuals, and as a couple. Vali lies as a way to protect herself and mixing this with Ranan’s awkwardness is the perfect breeding ground for miscommunication to abound.
When they do manage to communicate, their chemistry flourishes but it’s not smooth sailing for them (get it?).
This was an enjoyable shorter fantasy / monster romance that hits the right spots. It touches on some darker themes but the focus is on Raman and Vali’s fledgling relationship. It’s a great little taster for this world, and it makes me all the more keen to pick up the rest of the books in the series.