What do you think?
Rate this book
Elven Alliance #1
Fierce Heart
Essie would do anything for her kingdom...even marry an elf prince she just met that morning.
When a diplomatic meeting goes horribly wrong, Essie, a human princess, finds herself married to the elf prince and warrior Laesornysh. Fitting in to the serene, quiet elf culture might be a little difficult for this talkative princess, but she’s determined to make it work.
With impending war and tenuous alliances, it will be up to Essie to unite her two peoples. And maybe get her hands on elven conditioner while she’s at it.
When a diplomatic meeting goes horribly wrong, Essie, a human princess, finds herself married to the elf prince and warrior Laesornysh. Fitting in to the serene, quiet elf culture might be a little difficult for this talkative princess, but she’s determined to make it work.
With impending war and tenuous alliances, it will be up to Essie to unite her two peoples. And maybe get her hands on elven conditioner while she’s at it.
338 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2019
About the author
Tara Grayce
28 books688 followersBorn and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 824 reviews
January 29, 2020
Gosh! When is the last time I stayed up late to read a book? I can't even remember.
Fantasy Romance is not my typical go-to genre as I generally find it full of uncomfortable hormones making poor decisions or sweet and clean but really boring. But every once in a while I find a gem in this niche and FIERCE HEART is such a gem!
First off, ELVEEEEEESSSSS. I'm really picky about how elves are handled in books. I love Tolkien's elves, and I generally find other elves in fantasy fall short to that measure. But I enjoyed the culture presented here, even if the elves did have some irritating issues over beauty.
What really makes this book work is our heroine. She is both practical and plucky. Sweet and strong. I felt she is pretty rare fictional example of a very real type of girl. Her humorous outlook both on herself and the elvish world kept me laughing through the pages. She heads into this marriage of convenience realizing it doesn't need romance to make it work or keep her happy, but she soon realizes, that gee, romance would be nice, because who can NOT ogle over an elf for a husband. It's done in such a way that I was actually giggling with delight instead of groaning in annoyance.
Farrendel. ME OH MY OH ME. Yes, be still my heart, he checks all the boxes and he checks them beautifully. Actually, scratch that. He fulfills the Quiet, Handsome, Tortured, Actually Nice boxes but he does not have any of those Rude, Aggressive, Basically Abusive tendencies other fantasy fey males tend to have. Our Farrendel is a Good Boy, and he manages to be both cool and cute, which is my favorite thing.
Violence: There is some action in this book, mainly towards the last 20%. Some violence and blood, especially relating to bullets, but nothing super graphic.
Language: None.
Sexual Content: Here was my main concern. It's a marriage of convenience book romance fantasy. Can those ACTUALLY be clean? Prepare yourself for a shocker, wow, they actually can. This was a really clean romance with one semi-passionate, not very detailed kiss at the end. I assume they will be moving along with their marriage come book 2, but with as sensibly as everything was handled in this book, I have hope it will be just as clean and comfortable to read.
So uh yeah, I recommend.
Fantasy Romance is not my typical go-to genre as I generally find it full of uncomfortable hormones making poor decisions or sweet and clean but really boring. But every once in a while I find a gem in this niche and FIERCE HEART is such a gem!
First off, ELVEEEEEESSSSS. I'm really picky about how elves are handled in books. I love Tolkien's elves, and I generally find other elves in fantasy fall short to that measure. But I enjoyed the culture presented here, even if the elves did have some irritating issues over beauty.
What really makes this book work is our heroine. She is both practical and plucky. Sweet and strong. I felt she is pretty rare fictional example of a very real type of girl. Her humorous outlook both on herself and the elvish world kept me laughing through the pages. She heads into this marriage of convenience realizing it doesn't need romance to make it work or keep her happy, but she soon realizes, that gee, romance would be nice, because who can NOT ogle over an elf for a husband. It's done in such a way that I was actually giggling with delight instead of groaning in annoyance.
Farrendel. ME OH MY OH ME. Yes, be still my heart, he checks all the boxes and he checks them beautifully. Actually, scratch that. He fulfills the Quiet, Handsome, Tortured, Actually Nice boxes but he does not have any of those Rude, Aggressive, Basically Abusive tendencies other fantasy fey males tend to have. Our Farrendel is a Good Boy, and he manages to be both cool and cute, which is my favorite thing.
Violence: There is some action in this book, mainly towards the last 20%. Some violence and blood, especially relating to bullets, but nothing super graphic.
Language: None.
Sexual Content: Here was my main concern. It's a marriage of convenience book romance fantasy. Can those ACTUALLY be clean? Prepare yourself for a shocker, wow, they actually can. This was a really clean romance with one semi-passionate, not very detailed kiss at the end. I assume they will be moving along with their marriage come book 2, but with as sensibly as everything was handled in this book, I have hope it will be just as clean and comfortable to read.
So uh yeah, I recommend.
November 7, 2023
A cute, clean romantasy about a sweet human princess and a tortured but kind elven prince entering a marriage alliance.
That's really all there is to say about this book because it didn't have much substance beyond that. It's pure fluff. If you want to read fantasy romance but you're not in the mood to deal with any kind of angst, darkness, or tension, this series would be a good choice for you.
I loved the hero, who's actually genuinely a kind person trying his best. Why is that so rare? All the romantasy heroes who are popular nowadays are assholes so this was refreshing. Farrendel respects the heroine and tries to do right by her, despite their cultural differences and the trauma he's struggling with. Even when he's not sure he can trust her, he still treats her decently. (Extremely low bar, but there you go.)
Essie is very upbeat and plucky, rolling with the punches (though it's not like there were a ton of punches, since the story was all fluff). She came off as quite young and naive. Definitely a YA heroine. Also obsessed with hair products.
At times the writing irritated me. The author has a tendency to overuse people's names and underuse pronouns. Eg, "Essie woke up. Then Essie spoke to Farrendel. Farrendel answered Essie. Essie nodded." We don't need their names in every damn sentence.
Next time I need a super sweet, low-commitment fantasy romance, I'll pick this series back up.
That's really all there is to say about this book because it didn't have much substance beyond that. It's pure fluff. If you want to read fantasy romance but you're not in the mood to deal with any kind of angst, darkness, or tension, this series would be a good choice for you.
I loved the hero, who's actually genuinely a kind person trying his best. Why is that so rare? All the romantasy heroes who are popular nowadays are assholes so this was refreshing. Farrendel respects the heroine and tries to do right by her, despite their cultural differences and the trauma he's struggling with. Even when he's not sure he can trust her, he still treats her decently. (Extremely low bar, but there you go.)
Essie is very upbeat and plucky, rolling with the punches (though it's not like there were a ton of punches, since the story was all fluff). She came off as quite young and naive. Definitely a YA heroine. Also obsessed with hair products.
At times the writing irritated me. The author has a tendency to overuse people's names and underuse pronouns. Eg, "Essie woke up. Then Essie spoke to Farrendel. Farrendel answered Essie. Essie nodded." We don't need their names in every damn sentence.
Next time I need a super sweet, low-commitment fantasy romance, I'll pick this series back up.
November 26, 2023
This book is free on Amazon (Canada) today (11/26/2023). 🙂
✅ Arranged marriage
✅ Quick read
✅ Elves
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Romance
🆗 World-building
This is a good book overall. Sure, the romance is predictable and nothing out of the ordinary, the characters are the usual strong-minded princess and the kind of broody warrior, and overall there is nothing really new or extraordinary in this story, but I still enjoyed it. It is a sweet and cute romance set in a fantasy elvish world, maybe a little childish at times, but still entertaining.
I love the positive energy of Essie and the strength of Farrendel, but I hope that they will get a little more character development in the next book. They are nice characters, but they lack a certain depth. It also feels as if some of the ideas in this book were only half-developed, it is not necessarily a downside of the story, but it would have been nice to have a few more details at times instead of time jumps.
One thing that bothers me though is the building of the relationship between Essie and Farrendel. Because of the time jump, they went from barely exchanging a few words to holding hands and being somewhat good friends on the next page, and then at the end, they were saying how they were soooo in love with each other and all that jazz. I am not saying that the feelings were not there, simply that because of the time jumps and the way Farrendel is so cold and restrained, it almost seemed as if it came out of nowhere. It is one of the reasons why I can't give 4 stars to this book.
I also have to point out that I have never read a book with such an emphasis put on hair and hair products. I get why it is part of the sub-plot, but I was getting tired of reading about magical Elvish shampoo and conditioner. This is all the girl could think about. How her husband’s hair would feel and how she could get hair as smooth as his. I mean she even thinks about the silkiness of their hair as they kiss.
Besides the weird hair obsession and the weak building of some parts of the story, I enjoyed reading this book. There is not a lot of action, this book is more about the relationship between Essie and Farrendel, but it is an easy read and I imagine that there will be more action in the next book.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
✅ Arranged marriage
✅ Quick read
✅ Elves
✅🆗 Characters
✅🆗 Plot
🆗 Romance
🆗 World-building
This is a good book overall. Sure, the romance is predictable and nothing out of the ordinary, the characters are the usual strong-minded princess and the kind of broody warrior, and overall there is nothing really new or extraordinary in this story, but I still enjoyed it. It is a sweet and cute romance set in a fantasy elvish world, maybe a little childish at times, but still entertaining.
After all, this wasn’t a story book where the handsome, brooding elf prince whisked her away to his home and fell passionately in love with her. But she could dream he would tolerate her. Maybe even be mildly fond of her. Either way, she was determined he wasn’t going to steal her joy or her happiness. She didn’t need him to make her happy.
I love the positive energy of Essie and the strength of Farrendel, but I hope that they will get a little more character development in the next book. They are nice characters, but they lack a certain depth. It also feels as if some of the ideas in this book were only half-developed, it is not necessarily a downside of the story, but it would have been nice to have a few more details at times instead of time jumps.
One thing that bothers me though is the building of the relationship between Essie and Farrendel. Because of the time jump, they went from barely exchanging a few words to holding hands and being somewhat good friends on the next page, and then at the end, they were saying how they were soooo in love with each other and all that jazz. I am not saying that the feelings were not there, simply that because of the time jumps and the way Farrendel is so cold and restrained, it almost seemed as if it came out of nowhere. It is one of the reasons why I can't give 4 stars to this book.
The women would never let their men go to war against the source of their haircare products.
I also have to point out that I have never read a book with such an emphasis put on hair and hair products. I get why it is part of the sub-plot, but I was getting tired of reading about magical Elvish shampoo and conditioner. This is all the girl could think about. How her husband’s hair would feel and how she could get hair as smooth as his. I mean she even thinks about the silkiness of their hair as they kiss.
Besides the weird hair obsession and the weak building of some parts of the story, I enjoyed reading this book. There is not a lot of action, this book is more about the relationship between Essie and Farrendel, but it is an easy read and I imagine that there will be more action in the next book.
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
July 13, 2020
This was a completely unexpected story. When you think fantasy with elves and humans and wars and stuff, you expect a degree of action and excitement and this really didn't have that (mostly). And I didn't care at all because I enjoyed very much what it did have.
And most of that comes down to Essie, but some of it is simply Grayce's skill as a storyteller. I liked Essie from the start as the princess who knows her marriage will be political and is determined to make the best of it, whatever it turns out to be. She's also determinedly cheerful, but in that way that expects setbacks and sadness. In other words, she's all about choosing her response regardless of circumstances and I find that very empowering. So when she's surprised to find herself married to an Elf prince, she takes it on as a challenge and begins immediately trying to understand her new cultural surroundings, her place in them, and, most importantly, her husband and his needs. And don't think for a minute that she's a doormat and all about submersing herself in others because she is also aware of what she needs and I loved those scenes where she had to stand up and make sure she was heard.
The thing is, the majority of this story is decidedly domestic. Not that she's cooking or keeping house or anything, but her scope is in the palace and she is mostly solving domestic issues, like how to get her hands on that magical elf shampoo and where the meals are and who has what expectations for her presence and if she needs to horn in on things or not. So this could have been boring (and I'm sure for some it is), but I think Grayce did a fantastic job keeping the pace up and establishing landmark achievements and not bogging down at all. This takes more skill than Grayce let show and I love how elegantly that worked out.
But I also liked the love story with her husband, Farrendel. His magic is abnormal in that it isn't about growing and healing like most elves are. So he has become their primary warrior and that has taken an obvious toll on him. So he's a bit closed off and more than a little emotionally wounded. The thing is, he isn't a brooder and you quickly get the sense that he simply doesn't know what to do with Essie but is willing to join her in exploring what their relationship will become. So he, too, is choosing to make the best of things and I just loved seeing his care come to the fore and, if you're looking for it, you can see how he is more attached than Essie realizes and how desperately he is looking for ways to show it.
And this story makes me wonder if I have some internal difference between "love story" and "romance" because their relationship progressed slowly and carefully and . . . domestically. And I loved it, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't "romantic". Only maybe it was? Bah, maybe I'm making a distinction that doesn't exist. Slow and steady and choosing to love who you are with is great romance, though maybe unusual in my romance reading. I really loved seeing them fall in love with each other through care and appreciation and it was everything I want in romance, so yeah.*
Anyway, I'm giving this five stars, but with the caveat that I'm willing to bet this is an idiosyncratic response and bouncing off the slow and mostly domestic story will probably be more common.
A note about Chaste: Farrendel is cautious by nature and a bit emotionally withdrawn. So he doesn't push physical intimacy and Essie follows his lead. They end up with kissing and talking about future sleeping arrangements but we don't get any sex in this story and Essie's concern/curiosity isn't detailed or explicit.
* I'm leaving my romance musings more or less how it went while I was figuring it out and without revising because I'm still not sure what I think and I want future-me to see the thought process should I stumble into this in future. Yeah, past me can be a real dick sometimes, but I'm trying to do better.
And most of that comes down to Essie, but some of it is simply Grayce's skill as a storyteller. I liked Essie from the start as the princess who knows her marriage will be political and is determined to make the best of it, whatever it turns out to be. She's also determinedly cheerful, but in that way that expects setbacks and sadness. In other words, she's all about choosing her response regardless of circumstances and I find that very empowering. So when she's surprised to find herself married to an Elf prince, she takes it on as a challenge and begins immediately trying to understand her new cultural surroundings, her place in them, and, most importantly, her husband and his needs. And don't think for a minute that she's a doormat and all about submersing herself in others because she is also aware of what she needs and I loved those scenes where she had to stand up and make sure she was heard.
The thing is, the majority of this story is decidedly domestic. Not that she's cooking or keeping house or anything, but her scope is in the palace and she is mostly solving domestic issues, like how to get her hands on that magical elf shampoo and where the meals are and who has what expectations for her presence and if she needs to horn in on things or not. So this could have been boring (and I'm sure for some it is), but I think Grayce did a fantastic job keeping the pace up and establishing landmark achievements and not bogging down at all. This takes more skill than Grayce let show and I love how elegantly that worked out.
But I also liked the love story with her husband, Farrendel. His magic is abnormal in that it isn't about growing and healing like most elves are. So he has become their primary warrior and that has taken an obvious toll on him. So he's a bit closed off and more than a little emotionally wounded. The thing is, he isn't a brooder and you quickly get the sense that he simply doesn't know what to do with Essie but is willing to join her in exploring what their relationship will become. So he, too, is choosing to make the best of things and I just loved seeing his care come to the fore and, if you're looking for it, you can see how he is more attached than Essie realizes and how desperately he is looking for ways to show it.
And this story makes me wonder if I have some internal difference between "love story" and "romance" because their relationship progressed slowly and carefully and . . . domestically. And I loved it, don't get me wrong, but it wasn't "romantic". Only maybe it was? Bah, maybe I'm making a distinction that doesn't exist. Slow and steady and choosing to love who you are with is great romance, though maybe unusual in my romance reading. I really loved seeing them fall in love with each other through care and appreciation and it was everything I want in romance, so yeah.*
Anyway, I'm giving this five stars, but with the caveat that I'm willing to bet this is an idiosyncratic response and bouncing off the slow and mostly domestic story will probably be more common.
A note about Chaste: Farrendel is cautious by nature and a bit emotionally withdrawn. So he doesn't push physical intimacy and Essie follows his lead. They end up with kissing and talking about future sleeping arrangements but we don't get any sex in this story and Essie's concern/curiosity isn't detailed or explicit.
* I'm leaving my romance musings more or less how it went while I was figuring it out and without revising because I'm still not sure what I think and I want future-me to see the thought process should I stumble into this in future. Yeah, past me can be a real dick sometimes, but I'm trying to do better.
February 21, 2020
I am not entirely sure how this book even got more than four stars.
To be frank this felt like it was a book I would have read when I was 12, dipping into the fantasy genre. I mean it was boring. The main character literally thought that a hug could strengthen ties between two different groups of people. The point of view was her literally questioning everything. What is going on? Why is he like that? Will I ever see my family? It’s just exhausting. The cover art also has no bearing on the two characters either. It’s very misleading.
I just had to finish because I unfortunately purchased this book but I felt like this was a lame disappointment.
It’s just one of those books that makes the main character invincible (unrealistically). She decides to marry the enemy and within minutes she makes friends and starts a charity and then falls in love. There was no gradual organic relationship bonding that needed to take place. It was also very odd for the timeline of the story, along with dialogue. The two were not unified. It’s set in the past basically there are trains and muskets but the elves only use swords (confusing why not make the setting medieval times?) and of course the characters dialogue was that of modern times. It was just a mixed bag of random ideas thrown into a book.
I just wanted so much more because the premise is what initially drew me and the writing is what ultimately disappointed me.
To be frank this felt like it was a book I would have read when I was 12, dipping into the fantasy genre. I mean it was boring. The main character literally thought that a hug could strengthen ties between two different groups of people. The point of view was her literally questioning everything. What is going on? Why is he like that? Will I ever see my family? It’s just exhausting. The cover art also has no bearing on the two characters either. It’s very misleading.
I just had to finish because I unfortunately purchased this book but I felt like this was a lame disappointment.
It’s just one of those books that makes the main character invincible (unrealistically). She decides to marry the enemy and within minutes she makes friends and starts a charity and then falls in love. There was no gradual organic relationship bonding that needed to take place. It was also very odd for the timeline of the story, along with dialogue. The two were not unified. It’s set in the past basically there are trains and muskets but the elves only use swords (confusing why not make the setting medieval times?) and of course the characters dialogue was that of modern times. It was just a mixed bag of random ideas thrown into a book.
I just wanted so much more because the premise is what initially drew me and the writing is what ultimately disappointed me.
November 8, 2023
3/5 ★'s
🌟ALLURE's Monthly Group Read🌟
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I didn't even read the description before diving in (as this book was voted for — I figured might as well!) What a fun surprise it was.
This gave all of the lightness of a rom-com while adding elements from some of my favorite stories like magic, elves, etc.
Something that cracked me up throughout is simply our MMC's inability to converse. I feel that Essie went from, "I'm going to make this marriage work" to "I'm madly in love with this man and forever will be" — without him ever really talking to her.
Now, to caveat that, this seems to have been taking place around the 1700-1800s. I'm currently reading Little Women (taking place around the timeframe), and "love" seemed to be a very different term back then. It frankly was something many just had to make work, as far as marriage went.
So, if you found a man that can make you happy and you he, that might just be enough! Especially when he comes with a grand adventure in Essie's case.
I think the author did hold to the period, but it would have been nice to have added more communication or even more in-depth thought processes.
The last little thing I will complain about is how frequently the damn shampoo is brought up. I like the business trope! It was logical and kind to make friends with the business owner. Hopefully, she will be in more of the following books!
However, Essie brings up their hair and shampoo like...every two seconds. Ugh! I feel something else could have been added there instead! We get it, elves have nice hair!
However, for a short, sweet, romcomesque book —it did deliver! I smiled a lot during this book, found the conflict to be interesting, and I had a good time reading it.
I probably won't continue with the series for now, but maybe someday! It's nice that it is available on Kindle Unlimited! Absolutely worth a read if you already have it. If not, maybe skip this one!
🌟ALLURE's Monthly Group Read🌟
I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I didn't even read the description before diving in (as this book was voted for — I figured might as well!) What a fun surprise it was.
This gave all of the lightness of a rom-com while adding elements from some of my favorite stories like magic, elves, etc.
Something that cracked me up throughout is simply our MMC's inability to converse. I feel that Essie went from, "I'm going to make this marriage work" to "I'm madly in love with this man and forever will be" — without him ever really talking to her.
Now, to caveat that, this seems to have been taking place around the 1700-1800s. I'm currently reading Little Women (taking place around the timeframe), and "love" seemed to be a very different term back then. It frankly was something many just had to make work, as far as marriage went.
So, if you found a man that can make you happy and you he, that might just be enough! Especially when he comes with a grand adventure in Essie's case.
I think the author did hold to the period, but it would have been nice to have added more communication or even more in-depth thought processes.
The last little thing I will complain about is how frequently the damn shampoo is brought up. I like the business trope! It was logical and kind to make friends with the business owner. Hopefully, she will be in more of the following books!
However, Essie brings up their hair and shampoo like...every two seconds. Ugh! I feel something else could have been added there instead! We get it, elves have nice hair!
However, for a short, sweet, romcomesque book —it did deliver! I smiled a lot during this book, found the conflict to be interesting, and I had a good time reading it.
I probably won't continue with the series for now, but maybe someday! It's nice that it is available on Kindle Unlimited! Absolutely worth a read if you already have it. If not, maybe skip this one!
November 28, 2019
Eeep! So good! I haven’t read a whole book so quickly in FOREVER. I totally neglected editing my own book to do it. I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob. No, seriously, it did. And I certainly did my fair share of swooning. It was adorable and delightful and I can hardly wait to read book two!! P.S. I want to wrap Farrendel in bubble wrap and protect the poor, precious dear forever.
Read
November 30, 2019Very much enjoyed! Light and big-hearted, with a chatty heroine and a surprisingly thoughtful hero. I'm a sucker for arranged marriage books, and this one had may of the best things I like about that without having the worse things... I did feel like I was reading the first third of a full book, but I won't lament at that too much since this is the first in a series and we're bound to see more of this whole story.
December 2, 2019
Such an adorable story! I thoroughly enjoyed every moment (and I'm not even usually a romance reader!). Definitely hooked for book 2 . . . .
January 28, 2021
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I CANT HANDLE DIS.
RTC when I get my own Elishina
RTC when I get my own Elishina
May 4, 2023
This was AWESOME! Why didn't I read it sooner?? 😅
November 26, 2023
This book enchanted me!
It was one of those books that I couldn’t put down.
Usually I prefer alpha heroes. But here even though Farrendel is powerful, he is also young, shy, vulnerable and somewhat broken.
Still I liked him so much.
And heroine-pure gold! She was strong and sweet with an unshakable positive attitude.
They both were equal part powerful in the book.
There were many complex secondary characters and the Elven world author created was fascinating.
Safe, clean romance.
Recommended.
-slowburn, court politics.
-marriage of convenience, complex characters, superbly written.
-refreshing world building with unique characters.
-shy but powerful hero x sunshine practical heroine.
- first in series, KU.
It was one of those books that I couldn’t put down.
Usually I prefer alpha heroes. But here even though Farrendel is powerful, he is also young, shy, vulnerable and somewhat broken.
Still I liked him so much.
And heroine-pure gold! She was strong and sweet with an unshakable positive attitude.
They both were equal part powerful in the book.
There were many complex secondary characters and the Elven world author created was fascinating.
Safe, clean romance.
Recommended.
-slowburn, court politics.
-marriage of convenience, complex characters, superbly written.
-refreshing world building with unique characters.
-shy but powerful hero x sunshine practical heroine.
- first in series, KU.
December 30, 2021
5 stars/would (and have) re-read/would (and did) recommend
I believe I've recovered enough emotionally to review this book now.
There's this epidemic going around. It's called pointless cheesy romance novels. Everyone seems to be obsessed with reading about high-schoolers falling in love and then dying. It's actually sickening.
That is not this book. At all.
I actually hate romance books. Usually.
But not this book.
This one holds you and squeezes you and hurts you all at once while being about the sweetest sugar muffin you'll ever place your grubby little hands on!
Without further ado, I shall begin my review:
Things I Loved:
1) *clears throat* everything. Literally everything. Farendell is so sweet even as he struggles. Essie is so perfect for him and the whole book is all about redemption and healing, not fluffy, pointless romance. I loved everything.
2) The writing: the prose flowed so well, and they were descriptive without any long exhausting blocks of pain known as over-describing.
3) The dialogue: every sentence said by the characters were genuine and realistic. There weren't any clunky sentences that I couldn't picture someone actually saying.
4) The characters: every single character was well-written, well-developed, complete, and unique. It was beautiful to be completely honest.
5) The plot: even though the plot was so straight-forward I could see practically to the end of the book from the beginning, it was intriguing. Little surprises kept jumping out at me.
Things I Liked:
1) The steampunk feel: Okay, so picture Middle Earth with guns and trains. It was so cool to read about that and see how naturally it worked! I thought it was expertly done.
Things I Disliked:
1) Nothing? I can't honestly think of a single thing I didn't like.
2) Okay, so maybe the elves' magic. But then it was so important later on that I got over it...
All in all, whether you like romance or not, this book is for you. While the main focus is, in fact, the arranged marriage, nothing about the romance is inappropriate or weird. The love is genuine and sacrificial, not selfish as romance often is. Lovers of fantasy will find a new voice and a new book in Fierce Heart. Words are not sufficient to describe how very much I recommend this book!
I believe I've recovered enough emotionally to review this book now.
There's this epidemic going around. It's called pointless cheesy romance novels. Everyone seems to be obsessed with reading about high-schoolers falling in love and then dying. It's actually sickening.
That is not this book. At all.
I actually hate romance books. Usually.
But not this book.
This one holds you and squeezes you and hurts you all at once while being about the sweetest sugar muffin you'll ever place your grubby little hands on!
Without further ado, I shall begin my review:
Things I Loved:
1) *clears throat* everything. Literally everything. Farendell is so sweet even as he struggles. Essie is so perfect for him and the whole book is all about redemption and healing, not fluffy, pointless romance. I loved everything.
2) The writing: the prose flowed so well, and they were descriptive without any long exhausting blocks of pain known as over-describing.
3) The dialogue: every sentence said by the characters were genuine and realistic. There weren't any clunky sentences that I couldn't picture someone actually saying.
4) The characters: every single character was well-written, well-developed, complete, and unique. It was beautiful to be completely honest.
5) The plot: even though the plot was so straight-forward I could see practically to the end of the book from the beginning, it was intriguing. Little surprises kept jumping out at me.
Things I Liked:
1) The steampunk feel: Okay, so picture Middle Earth with guns and trains. It was so cool to read about that and see how naturally it worked! I thought it was expertly done.
Things I Disliked:
1) Nothing? I can't honestly think of a single thing I didn't like.
2) Okay, so maybe the elves' magic. But then it was so important later on that I got over it...
All in all, whether you like romance or not, this book is for you. While the main focus is, in fact, the arranged marriage, nothing about the romance is inappropriate or weird. The love is genuine and sacrificial, not selfish as romance often is. Lovers of fantasy will find a new voice and a new book in Fierce Heart. Words are not sufficient to describe how very much I recommend this book!
May 19, 2020
Oh my gosh! I loved this so much!
Such a fun take on elves which still kind of holding to that LOTR ideal. And the shampoo thing was hilarious. Farrendel is basically like a better version of Legolas that I could actually care about. lol! I loved his character and how well he and Essie got along. And I ADORED Essie and her practicality and determination to make the best of the situation! The world, the stakes, everything was so well done. The budding romance is adorable!
I will say that I've seen it described as steampunk, but I really didn't get any of those vibes. Which was fine and I did like the mashup of guns/trains/magic/swords and bow vibe going on and highlighting the different cultures.
Highly recommend for a fun read with loveable characters! Have already read it more than once!
Such a fun take on elves which still kind of holding to that LOTR ideal. And the shampoo thing was hilarious. Farrendel is basically like a better version of Legolas that I could actually care about. lol! I loved his character and how well he and Essie got along. And I ADORED Essie and her practicality and determination to make the best of the situation! The world, the stakes, everything was so well done. The budding romance is adorable!
I will say that I've seen it described as steampunk, but I really didn't get any of those vibes. Which was fine and I did like the mashup of guns/trains/magic/swords and bow vibe going on and highlighting the different cultures.
Highly recommend for a fun read with loveable characters! Have already read it more than once!
March 8, 2023
This was absolutely, utterly, squeal worthy adorable and heart warming and I loved every second of this beautiful, beautiful book! 🥰😍🥰😍🥰 I didn’t want to put it down and picked it up as often as I could just to soak up all the warm feels and happiness I got from it. I can’t even tell you how many times I was grinning like an idiot as I read, lol!
Essie is such a cool, strong heroine who makes the best out of every situation thrown at her, and I want to be her when I grow up. And Farrendel, priceless, broken, sweet Farrendel is the best kind of tragic hero with a soft heart of gold—goes without saying I ADORE him. 😍😍😍 The rest of Farrendel’s family I’m still in limbo on how I truly feel about them but I know for sure I don’t like Melantha. She’s so…crabby. And I just don’t like her, haha.
The world is a simple mix of fantasy and steampunk and I really liked it as the simplicity of it all gave ALL my attention and focus on the characters and budding romance between Essie and Farrendel. Simple is sometimes better, and that was definitely the case with this book. ☺️
I do have the next two books on Kindle, but I’m worried about reading them because I don’t have the rest of the series yet! So I don’t know when I’ll pluck up the courage to read them and risk terrible heartache and a major book hangover, haha!
I loved this book to death—definitely a new all time favorite and one I will read many times until my copy falls apart and I’ll have to replace it. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Content: magic; magical abilities and races; a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; a wife notices and admires her husband’s muscles and chest (in a sweet, innocent way); a character is illegitimate; talk of a past war and the loved ones lost in it; a character was tortured in the past; violence and fighting,(not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); kissing (not detailed)
Essie is such a cool, strong heroine who makes the best out of every situation thrown at her, and I want to be her when I grow up. And Farrendel, priceless, broken, sweet Farrendel is the best kind of tragic hero with a soft heart of gold—goes without saying I ADORE him. 😍😍😍 The rest of Farrendel’s family I’m still in limbo on how I truly feel about them but I know for sure I don’t like Melantha. She’s so…crabby. And I just don’t like her, haha.
The world is a simple mix of fantasy and steampunk and I really liked it as the simplicity of it all gave ALL my attention and focus on the characters and budding romance between Essie and Farrendel. Simple is sometimes better, and that was definitely the case with this book. ☺️
I do have the next two books on Kindle, but I’m worried about reading them because I don’t have the rest of the series yet! So I don’t know when I’ll pluck up the courage to read them and risk terrible heartache and a major book hangover, haha!
I loved this book to death—definitely a new all time favorite and one I will read many times until my copy falls apart and I’ll have to replace it. 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Content: magic; magical abilities and races; a character suffers from nightmares and PTSD; a wife notices and admires her husband’s muscles and chest (in a sweet, innocent way); a character is illegitimate; talk of a past war and the loved ones lost in it; a character was tortured in the past; violence and fighting,(not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); kissing (not detailed)
February 2, 2022
4.5 stars. Wow! This book has been recommended to me over and over again and I had high expectations coming into it after all the hype. While it was totally different than I expected (I somehow missed the memo that it was a fantasy romance, not fantasy adventure/action) I enjoyed this story immensely.
The whole tone of the story was so wonderfully sweet and squishy. I loved Essie's spunk and her boldness, and Farrendel's shy, quiet front that hid the absolute preciousness beneath. Their relationship is incredibly sweet.
Despite the fact that this story has little tension beyond the romance (it is a romance novel, after all), it kept me up late at night reading because I was simply so entranced by the story!
You all were right when you told me I should read this book. It was unexpectedly wonderful, and I, in turn, highly recommend it!
The whole tone of the story was so wonderfully sweet and squishy. I loved Essie's spunk and her boldness, and Farrendel's shy, quiet front that hid the absolute preciousness beneath. Their relationship is incredibly sweet.
Despite the fact that this story has little tension beyond the romance (it is a romance novel, after all), it kept me up late at night reading because I was simply so entranced by the story!
You all were right when you told me I should read this book. It was unexpectedly wonderful, and I, in turn, highly recommend it!
June 6, 2021
Time while reading this book just flew by!
I listened to the audio and the reader did a good job but not great.
In a world where humans live in a Victorian style world but with Elves and Trolls as neighbours, Essie is the sister to the Human king. She travels with him to a peace talk with the Elves 20 years after their people were at war with them. Surprisingly, she ends up married to the Elf king's younger brother... 'Death on the Wind'.
DoW aka Ferrendel is just as quiet and reserved as any Elf, but Essie is a patient woman and doesn't take offense easily. A lot of the Elven population think she is less than an Elf simply by being Human. SO she has to deal with hate and prejudice, but not from her new husband.
I was surprised by his character. He wasn't the jerky stoic alpha I was expecting. He's a troubled young man with the weight of his people on his shoulders.
I loved the culture clash and both MCs. I loved that I reached the battle scene at the end and was amazed that I was already at the end of the book.
I also liked that the battle was concise and not dragged on and on.
At the start of the story I was worried because Essie is at such a disadvantage around the Elves. They are beautiful and graceful and live for 100's of years. How could she match her husband?
But by the end I really felt their connection and the promise of their future together. She proves herself by her resourcefulness and happy outlook on life, without being a 'Marysue'.
So mostly it's a 'getting to know you' book about stranger's that marry, but by the end there's more intrigue and action.
And there were plenty of loose threads to draw me into the second book.
Safety is good
I listened to the audio and the reader did a good job but not great.
In a world where humans live in a Victorian style world but with Elves and Trolls as neighbours, Essie is the sister to the Human king. She travels with him to a peace talk with the Elves 20 years after their people were at war with them. Surprisingly, she ends up married to the Elf king's younger brother... 'Death on the Wind'.
DoW aka Ferrendel is just as quiet and reserved as any Elf, but Essie is a patient woman and doesn't take offense easily. A lot of the Elven population think she is less than an Elf simply by being Human. SO she has to deal with hate and prejudice, but not from her new husband.
I was surprised by his character. He wasn't the jerky stoic alpha I was expecting. He's a troubled young man with the weight of his people on his shoulders.
I loved the culture clash and both MCs. I loved that I reached the battle scene at the end and was amazed that I was already at the end of the book.
I also liked that the battle was concise and not dragged on and on.
At the start of the story I was worried because Essie is at such a disadvantage around the Elves. They are beautiful and graceful and live for 100's of years. How could she match her husband?
But by the end I really felt their connection and the promise of their future together. She proves herself by her resourcefulness and happy outlook on life, without being a 'Marysue'.
So mostly it's a 'getting to know you' book about stranger's that marry, but by the end there's more intrigue and action.
And there were plenty of loose threads to draw me into the second book.
Safety is good
April 23, 2020
Why didn't I find out about this book sooner?
Arranged marriage, my favorite romance trope? Check.
Awesome worldbuilding involving elves. Check.
A perfect balance of serious and hilarity? Double check!
Why did it take so long for this book to hit my radar?
It deserves all the hype, folks. *dies*
Imma go download book two now. Too bad book three is still a while out. I think I'm going to need it.
Arranged marriage, my favorite romance trope? Check.
Awesome worldbuilding involving elves. Check.
A perfect balance of serious and hilarity? Double check!
Why did it take so long for this book to hit my radar?
It deserves all the hype, folks. *dies*
Imma go download book two now. Too bad book three is still a while out. I think I'm going to need it.
November 5, 2023
3.75
I always have fun reading a human/elven romance, and this book didn't disappoint for me!
This story was centered around a budding romance between a human Princess and an Elven Prince more or less forced to marry in order to create a ceasefire and alliance for two warring countries and races. Although their fragile connection is tentative and fraught with difficulties in the beginning-both characters are invested in making this marriage work, and slowly open themselves up to one another- as well as try to protect their new alliance from the dangerous perils and enemies awaiting them.
x----------------------------------x
So, I liked both characters, and Essie's strong and kind personality really grew on me. Hopefully in the next books we can see a bit more of Farrendel’s personality coming out as they struggle to find a place for themselves!
oh and a tiny story spoiler- but I was really relieved
I always have fun reading a human/elven romance, and this book didn't disappoint for me!
This story was centered around a budding romance between a human Princess and an Elven Prince more or less forced to marry in order to create a ceasefire and alliance for two warring countries and races. Although their fragile connection is tentative and fraught with difficulties in the beginning-both characters are invested in making this marriage work, and slowly open themselves up to one another- as well as try to protect their new alliance from the dangerous perils and enemies awaiting them.
x----------------------------------x
So, I liked both characters, and Essie's strong and kind personality really grew on me. Hopefully in the next books we can see a bit more of Farrendel’s personality coming out as they struggle to find a place for themselves!
oh and a tiny story spoiler- but I was really relieved
September 18, 2020
This was a nice book. Its the kind of book that you appreciate after you've read about couples meeting and falling in love immediately without rhyme or reason.
This book kind of chronicles their journey to find love. The alliance is made and the FMC has to leave her kingdom to a completely different world. She is shunned, her husband seem to enjoy being alone so she has no one to turn to. It was an interesting read seeing some people thaw after a while, to see her worrying about the right way to do things since she was confronted with a completely different culture and has no manual on how to act.
I did wish for me to happen because after a while it got repetitious but all in all a good read.
This book kind of chronicles their journey to find love. The alliance is made and the FMC has to leave her kingdom to a completely different world. She is shunned, her husband seem to enjoy being alone so she has no one to turn to. It was an interesting read seeing some people thaw after a while, to see her worrying about the right way to do things since she was confronted with a completely different culture and has no manual on how to act.
I did wish for me to happen because after a while it got repetitious but all in all a good read.
July 14, 2020
Childish, with an incredible lack of nuances. There's a difference between being practical and being fake. And at the same time why choose a royal setting and then ignore what that setting entails?
The staggering betrayal of marrying a princess to a bastard is just the most glaring, but it's definitely not the only hole the plot has. The YA theme didn't improve my mood.
The staggering betrayal of marrying a princess to a bastard is just the most glaring, but it's definitely not the only hole the plot has. The YA theme didn't improve my mood.
April 23, 2020
Essie knows that her duty as a princess is to marry for a political alliance. So when the elves want to bargain, she tells her brother she’s willing to marry for the sake of building peace between the humans and the elves.
Her brother (the king) suggests it, thinking they will counter offer. But he never expects them to accept.
So Essie is married off to a young prince, the fierce warrior Farrendel, known as Laesornysh, who turned the tides on the last war.
This book checked all my favorite tropes. It’s an exploration of two very different cultures. The elves are very reserved, and Essie is not.
There’s a language barrier.
There’s an arranged marriage.
There’s a slow burn romance between rival cultures.
It’s so much fun!
But what made this book really stand out was how positive Essie was. There was very little angst on her part, and it showed her maturity.
“How are you so calm about all this?” Averett rested his elbows on his knees, his shoulders drooping.
“There’s no point getting all hysterical. It won’t change anything but make me and everyone around me miserable.”
He probably felt like he was sacrificing her and her happiness for the sake of the kingdom’s peace. While it warmed her to know her brother would put her happiness above the kingdom’s wellbeing, this was her duty as it was his.
“I’m determined I’ll be happy. So that’s exactly what I will be.”
Essie is a delight. She’s happy and outgoing, and that contrasts with the serious and shy Farrendel.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Free on kindle unlimited.
Her brother (the king) suggests it, thinking they will counter offer. But he never expects them to accept.
So Essie is married off to a young prince, the fierce warrior Farrendel, known as Laesornysh, who turned the tides on the last war.
This book checked all my favorite tropes. It’s an exploration of two very different cultures. The elves are very reserved, and Essie is not.
There’s a language barrier.
There’s an arranged marriage.
There’s a slow burn romance between rival cultures.
It’s so much fun!
But what made this book really stand out was how positive Essie was. There was very little angst on her part, and it showed her maturity.
“How are you so calm about all this?” Averett rested his elbows on his knees, his shoulders drooping.
“There’s no point getting all hysterical. It won’t change anything but make me and everyone around me miserable.”
He probably felt like he was sacrificing her and her happiness for the sake of the kingdom’s peace. While it warmed her to know her brother would put her happiness above the kingdom’s wellbeing, this was her duty as it was his.
“I’m determined I’ll be happy. So that’s exactly what I will be.”
Essie is a delight. She’s happy and outgoing, and that contrasts with the serious and shy Farrendel.
I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Free on kindle unlimited.
March 8, 2023
This book drew me in from the start. My husband was like "Did you start a new book?" And I am like YES- THIS IS SO GOOD AND I AM ONLY 8% IN!
I loved the characters- Essie was a mature and realistic princess, not prone to rushing to judgement and being level headed. Farrendel was shy, strong and so sweet as Essie won him over with her care of him. The world was AWESOME- the descriptions were really well done. However, I did NOT like the cover art so much (so I just pictured the Elfquest characters- Cutter) and that made it all better.
People- this is as PG as it gets, I think they kissed by the end of this book? No heat. But I have hope that the author will bless us with a consummation- PLEASE! They deserve some sweet love.
Its a solid 4.5, if there had been a bit more of a mature storyline- would have been a total 5 for me.
I loved the characters- Essie was a mature and realistic princess, not prone to rushing to judgement and being level headed. Farrendel was shy, strong and so sweet as Essie won him over with her care of him. The world was AWESOME- the descriptions were really well done. However, I did NOT like the cover art so much (so I just pictured the Elfquest characters- Cutter) and that made it all better.
People- this is as PG as it gets, I think they kissed by the end of this book? No heat. But I have hope that the author will bless us with a consummation- PLEASE! They deserve some sweet love.
Its a solid 4.5, if there had been a bit more of a mature storyline- would have been a total 5 for me.
October 26, 2023
The funny thing is that this book has most of the things I wouldn’t choose in a book: a fairly simple plot, tiny character arcs, and a heavy emphasis on romance.
Yet.
I absolutely loved it.
This wasn’t the raging, hormonal insta-love that’s much too common fare in today’s literature. It was two selfless people working hard to love each other and make their arranged marriage work, and that relationship eventually blossomed into a beautiful love that was truly romantic and swoon-worthy. (And also, because they were ALREADY MARRIED, I was totally fine with the eventual attraction and kissing.)
Essie was a wonderful heroine: optimistic, extroverted, cheerful, selfless, and supportive with an ever-present can-do attitude. She was such a refreshing protagonist. (And I should say that although I know many people have complained that she’s obsessed with eleven hair and elven hair products, it really didn’t bother me that much; I found it more funny than annoying.)
Farrendel...ah, Farrendel, I love him so much. Tara Grayce did an excellent job of portraying his exceedingly introverted, shy, and socially awkward personality without inadvertently portraying him as cold and indifferent. His relationship with Essie was so healthy, beautiful, and healing, and putting those two complete opposites together was so fun. (And the family relationships, complete with the bride and groom’s older siblings’ concern (ahem, threats) was so great, too.)
I also loved the worldbuilding. When I started the book, I expected it to be a “normal” fantasy world. But it was actually a fantasy with light steampunk/almost western elements, which was brilliant! I haven’t read a ton of genre mashups, and I really enjoyed the way this was done. Also, the cultural and political differences and nuances were portrayed excellently and believably.
I wholeheartedly recommend this one. Even if you’re not a fan of most romances (like me)...you need to meet Essie and Farrendel. Trust me.
(Let me take a moment to mention that although this review is relatively coherent, I was grinning and internally squealing and then actually squealing to family members while reading this book. And it takes a really good book to get me to do that. Read it. :))
Content: mild violence, a few sweet kisses
Yet.
I absolutely loved it.
This wasn’t the raging, hormonal insta-love that’s much too common fare in today’s literature. It was two selfless people working hard to love each other and make their arranged marriage work, and that relationship eventually blossomed into a beautiful love that was truly romantic and swoon-worthy. (And also, because they were ALREADY MARRIED, I was totally fine with the eventual attraction and kissing.)
Essie was a wonderful heroine: optimistic, extroverted, cheerful, selfless, and supportive with an ever-present can-do attitude. She was such a refreshing protagonist. (And I should say that although I know many people have complained that she’s obsessed with eleven hair and elven hair products, it really didn’t bother me that much; I found it more funny than annoying.)
Farrendel...ah, Farrendel, I love him so much. Tara Grayce did an excellent job of portraying his exceedingly introverted, shy, and socially awkward personality without inadvertently portraying him as cold and indifferent. His relationship with Essie was so healthy, beautiful, and healing, and putting those two complete opposites together was so fun. (And the family relationships, complete with the bride and groom’s older siblings’ concern (ahem, threats) was so great, too.)
I also loved the worldbuilding. When I started the book, I expected it to be a “normal” fantasy world. But it was actually a fantasy with light steampunk/almost western elements, which was brilliant! I haven’t read a ton of genre mashups, and I really enjoyed the way this was done. Also, the cultural and political differences and nuances were portrayed excellently and believably.
I wholeheartedly recommend this one. Even if you’re not a fan of most romances (like me)...you need to meet Essie and Farrendel. Trust me.
(Let me take a moment to mention that although this review is relatively coherent, I was grinning and internally squealing and then actually squealing to family members while reading this book. And it takes a really good book to get me to do that. Read it. :))
Content: mild violence, a few sweet kisses
February 7, 2022
I love this book SO much! It is definitely a new favorite. The romance was swoon worthy, and the characters were delightful, especially Farrendel. Ferrendel was so sweet, with his adorable concern and quite bewilderment of Essie's constant talking. and I loved Essie's determination to make the best of an uncomfortable situation.
I would like to point out a part that pleasantly surprised me. At the end, after Essie and Farrendel kiss, where she wants to kiss him again, but waits because they have things they need to discuss. I'll repeat: the author has written a YA romance novel where the protagonists value communication over kissing! I can't believe it! I'm overjoyed!
This book is squeaky clean. There are 2 1\2 kisses, mentions of men (elves?) shirtless, and mentions of an illegitimate birth, but fine for anyone 11 and up.
6 out of 5 stars! Recommended to everyone looking for a swoon worthy clean romance.
P.S. if you are an Amazon prime member, this book is included on kindle, PLEASE check it out
I would like to point out a part that pleasantly surprised me. At the end, after Essie and Farrendel kiss, where she wants to kiss him again, but waits because they have things they need to discuss. I'll repeat: the author has written a YA romance novel where the protagonists value communication over kissing! I can't believe it! I'm overjoyed!
This book is squeaky clean. There are 2 1\2 kisses, mentions of men (elves?) shirtless, and mentions of an illegitimate birth, but fine for anyone 11 and up.
6 out of 5 stars! Recommended to everyone looking for a swoon worthy clean romance.
P.S. if you are an Amazon prime member, this book is included on kindle, PLEASE check it out
December 18, 2019
After reading other reviews, I'm going to sound like an echo chamber here, but really, this book is so much fun! The author takes elf/human romance tropes and turns them upside-down and definitely right side out. The heroine is very courageous to go into an arranged marriage with an elf prince she has only ever heard of as a dangerous warrior. Her positive attitude, courage, and wise choices--not to mention her often hilarious inner dialogue--make her a very likable POV character.
And Farrendel is very well written as an emotionally damaged yet kind and respectful hero. There is some action violence late in the book--very well written, I might add.
I could ramble on, but I will be concise here--if you enjoy fantasy with sweet romance, this is a book well worth reading.
And Farrendel is very well written as an emotionally damaged yet kind and respectful hero. There is some action violence late in the book--very well written, I might add.
I could ramble on, but I will be concise here--if you enjoy fantasy with sweet romance, this is a book well worth reading.
September 21, 2023
Honestly I really enjoyed this book. Was it perfect? No. But I liked it a lot. It felt a bit like reading fanfiction (which is a compliment actually) and was very smooth and endearing. A comfort read, if you will, with great characters, a fun plot, trope, and romance, and slight cheesiness. The writing itself was nothing spectacular, and neither was the worldbuilding/magic system, but I really didn’t mind in the light of all of the other positive aspects. Best of all, it’s blessedly CLEAN. You’ll see me with my nose in the next book ;).
My only true complaint is the cover!! This story deserves so much better! I honestly feel like it will deter a lot of potential readers and really needs to be redone 😅.
My only true complaint is the cover!! This story deserves so much better! I honestly feel like it will deter a lot of potential readers and really needs to be redone 😅.
Shelved as 'gave-up'
April 21, 2020Very boring
I know we all hate TSTL heroines, but is the Overly Resonable Robatic Heroine really the answer??
It's okay to feel an emotion or two! This girl is the type to plaster a big fake smile on her face as she's drowning because that's what she thinks emotional maturity is. How many references to "I'm not like all those other hysterical princesses" do we need
It's stilted and boring. I would take 12 dumb bitch heroines over this. At least you get the annoyance without the smugness with them.
Not liking this new trend of heroines who do no wrong at the cost of an actual personality.
I know we all hate TSTL heroines, but is the Overly Resonable Robatic Heroine really the answer??
It's okay to feel an emotion or two! This girl is the type to plaster a big fake smile on her face as she's drowning because that's what she thinks emotional maturity is. How many references to "I'm not like all those other hysterical princesses" do we need
It's stilted and boring. I would take 12 dumb bitch heroines over this. At least you get the annoyance without the smugness with them.
Not liking this new trend of heroines who do no wrong at the cost of an actual personality.
November 6, 2023
"Love is a choice, and it’s one we have been making all along"
I REPEAT DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER
I loved this book so much. I have read so many fantasy books where the FMC is like this badass girl who can fight but in Feirce heart we have a girl whose not at all known for her swordmanship.😊 its really relatable.
Elspeths and Farrendels love story is just beginning and i am all here for it. I can't wait to read what happens when they go to Escarndel.
Although I loved this book, maybe it's just me but i don't really like books that are written in like third person perspective. I feel as tho its more narrative and the small special moments are lost. I prefer a more descriptive first person perspective book, it gives the characters more depth and feel. The world building was also good ♡
(I just realised this book has like 6 parts!)
I REPEAT DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER
I loved this book so much. I have read so many fantasy books where the FMC is like this badass girl who can fight but in Feirce heart we have a girl whose not at all known for her swordmanship.😊 its really relatable.
Elspeths and Farrendels love story is just beginning and i am all here for it. I can't wait to read what happens when they go to Escarndel.
Although I loved this book, maybe it's just me but i don't really like books that are written in like third person perspective. I feel as tho its more narrative and the small special moments are lost. I prefer a more descriptive first person perspective book, it gives the characters more depth and feel. The world building was also good ♡
(I just realised this book has like 6 parts!)
Read
December 4, 2019I thoroughly enjoyed this light-hearted, steampunk-flavoured, clean romantic fantasy. A human princess marries an elf prince in order to forge an alliance between their kingdoms. Together, they promote peace through trade (in magical elven haircare products, in fact *snort*).
This was just a cosy, sweet rainy-day read and I was hooked all the way through. It's an arranged-marriage romance, which can be easy to do wrong, with a lot of the male love interests in such stories behaving coldly, standoffish or downright horrible to the confused heroine. The hero of this one, on the other hand, is a thoroughly decent bloke. No forced conflict or shakily motivated bad behaviour. I was absolutely pulling for the two characters to click, and was happily diverted every step of the way.
This was just a cosy, sweet rainy-day read and I was hooked all the way through. It's an arranged-marriage romance, which can be easy to do wrong, with a lot of the male love interests in such stories behaving coldly, standoffish or downright horrible to the confused heroine. The hero of this one, on the other hand, is a thoroughly decent bloke. No forced conflict or shakily motivated bad behaviour. I was absolutely pulling for the two characters to click, and was happily diverted every step of the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 824 reviews