Review: The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

Series: The Bridge Kingdom #1

Publication date: October 15th, 2024

Pages: 448

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • "The Bridge Kingdom is heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!" -- Elise Kova, author of A Deal with the Elf King

The iconic Bridge Kingdom series begins: a sweeping sizzling fantasy romance filled with political intrigue and passionate love, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood.

A warrior princess trained in isolation, Lara is driven by two certainties. The first is that King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy. And the second is that she'll be the one to bring him to his knees.

The only route through a storm-ravaged world, the Bridge Kingdom of Ithicana enriches itself and deprives its rivals, including Lara's homeland. So when she's sent there as a bride under the guise of peace, Lara is prepared to do whatever it takes to fracture its impenetrable defenses--and the defenses of its king.

Yet as she infiltrates her new home and gains a deeper understanding of the war to possess the bridge, Lara begins to question whether she's the hero or the villain. As her feelings for her husband transform from frosty hostility to fierce passion, Lara must choose which kingdom she'll save... and which she'll destroy.

Includes two bonus chapters, "The Wedding" from Ahnna's point of view and "The Capture" from Jor's point of view

Available at:

Story:

When the story first opens you are transported into a world of espionage and intrigue. The main character is amongst a group of her sisters with her father telling them that one of them will infiltrate their enemy's world to garner information that will help their kingdom to destroy the other. They were trained since children how to kill and how to be stealthy. The main character, Lana, thinks that she is taking this burden onto herself so that her sisters can have lives of their own. What she doesn't know is that the enemy of her kingdom may not be the royal she is betrothed to. I loved the premise. I think it was executed perfectly. The story has depictions of a world that is so unusual that it is hard to picture in my head without the aid of the map at the beginning of the book. There is so many moving parts that lead to a turbulent climax that kept me curiously locked into what was happening. The downfall though is that it became rather predictable. I had a feeling what was going on from the very first meeting of Lana and Aren. The author did a good job detailing their story, but the fact I knew the ending from the beginning drew a little of the excitement away from the overall experience.

Characters:

• Lana - Lana went into her situation thinking she would be fighting for her father and her people but the more she uncovered about what has been happening behind the scenes, the more she starts to realize she has been trained to betray the wrong side. Sometimes the best way to understand one's enemy is to get into bed with them. That is exactly what Lana does but as she moves throughout her duties as the new Queen of her enemy's kingdom she starts to witness little attributes of Aren and his people that don't add up with what she had been told by her father. As Lana's eyes start to open she starts to show that she is more than the mindless soldier that her father wishes her to be. Watching her discover herself and the connection she shares with Aren is a delightful enemies-to-lovers story that is rooted in a fantastical world of wonder, war, and what lies under the surface of the people on the water.

• Aren - Aren is a little bit of a blind man as he welcomes his enemy into his midst. Instead of being weary of her he automatically sees her pretty face and assumes she is just as much a pawn in her father's game as he is in the peace treaties between their people. He treats her like she is a damsel in distress and she plays the part well. I feel he was far too naive and when Lana's secrets start to unravel, he acts like he knew all along and was just waiting for her to show her hand. That isn't at all congruent with his inner monologues or the actions he took with her. I feel like out of the two characters, Aren was the doe-eyed innocent rather than the snake he got in bed with.

Writing:

I feel the author did a pretty decent job with the story however there were so many inconsistencies. The plot may have needed to be laid out a bit more clearly so that everything matched up well. There would have been another opportunity to make the storyline less predictable so that readers don't get bored with the plot and lose focus on what is happening with the characters. There were a lot of different villages and ports that were thankfully outlined on a map but were hard to follow from memory. At least the descriptors were well done so that it was easy to get a mental image of what was happening and where.

Overall:

I was intrigued by the storyline and the world building that was done by the author but the interpersonal relationship between Lana and Aren was a little forced as well as not highlighting the male lead in a good way. It is not every day that the male lead seems to be the more innocent of the two characters. I think the story has promise and the characters can be saved from staying in the stasis they find themselves in so I will likely be reading the next book.

Book Blitz with Excerpt + Giveaway: How to Love a Prince by Hayden Stone @writerhayden @XpressoTours

How to Love a Prince by Hayden Stone

Series: Being Royal #2

Publication date: June 1st, 2026

Synopsis:

What happens when a playboy prince must find a respectable husband to redeem himself and secure the monarchy's future when he unexpectedly inherits the throne?

When London-based playboy Prince Theodor learns he's about to inherit the Danish throne, he must clean up his scandalous image by finding an appropriate husband. But his planned redemption arc to audition fake boyfriends to fake marry creates another set of problems, until a fateful trip to Corfu, Greece, leads him to Greek Prince Stefanos, of the former Greek monarchy, and challenges his guarded heart as sparks fly.

It's too bad they accidentally sink a yacht, which inevitably leads to more scandal, and they must start apart. However, Theodor and Stefanos can't stop thinking of each other, leading to heated, secret encounters between Greece and England guaranteed to set the tabloids alight once their secret is revealed...

How to Love a Prince, Book 2 in the Being Royal Series, is a light-hearted royal rom-com featuring fake dating, opposites-attract, and forbidden love.

For fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and The Unlikely Heir.

Available at:

When I pause long enough to go to the bar and get some water, I bump unsteadily into someone. "Sorry," I manage, clapping a hand on the tall man's shoulder in apology. It's solid muscle under my fingers. He's even more built than I am, and I've kept in good shape since my military service years ago and more recent modeling work after that. Before I settled into working with my business partner on our design projects.

The man turns around, frowning, his mouth open to complain. Then his eyes widen in recognition, beneath a tumble of dark, wavy hair.

Of course he's hot.

I grit my teeth. A hot man is what got me in trouble to begin with tonight. Or, more like, said hot man got himself caught up in the tabloids and then caused me problems.

Also, I might be staring at the stranger.

Not being a British royal usually has its advantages in London. Less recognition, for starters. I've lived in London for years now, away from Denmark. I get less than I would get back home anyway, unless on the off chance I come across a Dane or a Danish monarchy enthusiast. Which, surprisingly, happens more often than one might think.

Except I'm hardly being subtle tonight. I want to be seen. Straightening to my full height, I stand my ground in defiance.

Let them photograph me. I insist.

I want Aidan to know what he's missing. He'll be sorry then, him and his wretched groom.

Except it doesn't make things any better, and then it dawns on me I've still been gawping openly at a gorgeous man, with olive skin and black hair and blue eyes. Which, I've got to say, is a stunning combination known to do a number on me. He's mesmerizing. I gawp like a tourist taking in one of the wonders of the world. Believe me, he's one of them. Usually, I'm a shade more coy, to my credit, but I've had a lot to drink tonight, and my filter is off. In fact, my filter's probably tossed somewhere deep in the Thames, like a votive offering right alongside some Bronze Age weapons and Roman coins.

"Prince Theodor?" He has an accent that I can't quite place. It's totally hot, though.

"Guilty," I say flippantly, recovering in an artful facade of manners. I run a hand through my hair. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to crash into you. Shockingly rude. Would you like me to get you a drink to make up for it? Please."

"No need. Already have one." The man holds up his cocktail, complete with little umbrella and some fancy garnishes. His eyes dance. "You don't know who I am?"

If I hadn't been busy staring at his face like I was trying to etch it into my memory for all time, I would have maybe looked at his hand with its cocktail. Confession time. "To be honest, I barely know who I am right now."

"Fair." The grin he gives is spectacular, easy, almost familiar. His white teeth match his white shirt. I shiver. "I can see why you might want to forget tonight. Bad luck about the news."

Now he looks sympathetic. My face burns.

Oh, hell.

Does everyone follow the tabloids? God, has everyone seen my embarrassment coming before I did?

Even so, do I want to forget this stranger? The probability in truth is at around nil. Around us, the dance music thumps on, people laugh and carry on around the bar where we stand in the shifting strobe lights from the dance floor, all purple and pink and blue.

And then, everything comes crashing down again as his words belatedly register in my brain. My mouth hangs slightly open. So much for finding the evening's prospect. He's murdered my opening.

"Ouch, man." My suaveness has gone right out the door of the club and died on the Soho street. Probably by drowning in a well-trodden puddle. "You had to remind me about the news."

"Sorry." He looks contrite. Then he searches my eyes, with amusement lingering in his. There's no malice that I can see, which makes for a refreshing change, at least. "You really don't know who I am?"

"How rude, I should have asked your name. I'm sorry, my manners have vanished. Terribly sorry. What's your name, then?" I ask.

He laughs easily, shrugging. "It's Stefanos."

I go back to staring. Something is at last clicking into place through an absinthe-induced fog. No wonder he looks a little familiar. "As in, Prince Stefanos?"

That would be Prince Stefanos of the former Greek monarchy. The Greek Royal Family remains, but in exile outside of Greece, spread across Europe.

"Yes." Stefanos bows his head. There's something completely charming int he gesture, almost shy. Certainly self-effacing. "And I'm very sorry about the reminder of the tabloids. I know they're a pain for all of us."

"You just re-reminded me," I complain, but I'm smiling, despite the miserable night he seems to insist on reminding me about, like he's delighting in a few more twists of the knife. And despite my best efforts to forget about Aidan. A stab wound is like that. My gut twinges. Or maybe it's the drinks protesting in my stomach.

At any rate, I'm distracted by Stefanos, the moment of his glossy hair as he laughs again, ducking his head down as he breaks my riveted gaze.

"I've got to say, the prince-per-capita rating in this club is off he charts tonight." I gaze openly at him, leaning ever so slightly in. Yes, he's hot. Confirmed. As if there were any question about his hotness. The evening's at last tarting to look better and better. Thank fuck. 

"Absolutely--"

Then, in turn, someone careens into me--and my flirting is officially cancelled.

Because it's officially messy o'clock at the bar before last call.

And I'm drunk enough to not have my bones left for balance--and I crash hard, my drink splashing him first--and I fall hard right into Stefano's chest.

More animal than mineral, HAYDEN STONE is a writer of fun queer fiction, especially with kissing. He currently lives in Victoria, Canada, and has previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and London, UK. He likes strong coffee and is owned by two cats. You can find out his latest news on Twitter or Instagram, or at his website.

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Review: Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

Desperate Measures by Katee Robert

Series: Wicked Villains #1

Publication date: October 15th, 2024

Pages: 320

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

Once upon a time, I was a sheltered princess. Now he owns me, body and soul.

One night, and my entire life went up in flames. All because of him. Jafar. As my world burned around me, he offered me a choice: walk away with nothing but my freedom... or rise to his challenge and win my fortune back.

I bargained.

I lost.

Now Jafar owns me, and even as my mind rails against him, my body loves the delicious punishments he deals out. It's almost enough to believe he cares. But a gilded cage is still a prison, and I'll do anything to obtain my freedom.

Even betray the man who captured my heart.

For all tropes, tags, and CWs, please check the author's website.

Rich bonus features include:

• Gorgeous b&w interior art
• Author annotations
• Additional scenes
• A spicy kink inventory
• And more!

Available at:

Story:

When I think of an Jasmine/Jafar love connection I can't really see it in my mind based off the Disney movie Aladdin that we all are familiar with. We all want to see the villains have something behind their eyes than just evil or greed. This story made Jafar every bit as evil as the Disney depiction but with a lot more of a forcefully sexual air about him. The story itself was trying way too hard to turn something that is meant to be fantasy and magical like Aladdin and turn it smutty. It seems to be a tread with authors these days and it is a very hit or miss situation. This was a miss for me. The story has so many plot holes in it that I could drive a 16-wheeler through it. There were a lot of times I would stop and flip back in the book thinking I missed something but instead it was just something glossed over; a very square peg trying to fit in a round hole. I couldn't get into the story or relate to the characters. I couldn't get over the odd writing style or the absolute inundating of sex through the whole thing. You want porn? Look no further. You want a spicy story featuring childhood characters you love? Look elsewhere.

Characters:

• Yasmina - Spoiled little rich girl with daddy issues that is kept under the thumb of yet another controlling man. She fights for independence throughout but it just comes across as whiny and garnered no sympathy from her. She was a grating character and as someone who loved the original Jasmine, I hated this depiction of her. Another attempt of turning the strong female lead of the movie into a modern day "princess". She felt super short of my expectations for her. Is her independence really something she worked towards if it was basically handed to her?

• Jafar - He tried to be that shadow daddy, dark anti-hero but it felt forced. In a lot of ways he was led around like a lost puppy by Yasmina and that made him thoroughly unlikeable for me. I didn't like that he tried to be bad but would melt anytime Yasmina tested him. Or he'd attempt to discipline her but then back down the minute she pouted. He was what I would call a 'fake Dom' the likes of which Christian Gray would stand next to in solidarity. 

Writing:

The writing was not abysmal as you would think with the rest of this review. But the plot slipped a number of times. It felt like the author was trying to throw their readers for a loop to earn some shock value and intrigue but it just left me with a confused expression on my face and a constant need to flip backwards in the book to see if I had missed something along the way. One minute she's completely happy and submitted to Jafar and the next she's hating his guts with no reason for it other than she just changed her mind on a whim. The characters were shaky, the plot was a struggle to follow, and the terminology was used on a continued repeat instead of changed up with the aid of a thesaurus. 

Overall:

The only thing that saved this book for me from being a 1-star or a DNF was that it was loosely based on characters I had grown up with and it was interesting to see a modernized version of events. Maybe Jafar wasn't all bad. Maybe Yasmina was a selfish, sheltered brat. Maybe Raja was only a safe word and not an actual pet. But the execution was not there for me. I might read the next book in the series to see if he author just had some growing pains with this one being the first in a series. 

Review: The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The War of Two Queens by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Series: Blood and Ash #4

Publication date: March 15th, 2022

Pages: 664

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

From the desperation of golden crowns...

Casteel Da'Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could've prepared for the staggering revelations. The magnitude of what the Blood Queen has done is almost unthinkable.

And born of mortal flesh...

Nothing will stop Poppy from freeing her King and destroying everything the Blood Crown stands for. With the strength of the Primal of Life's guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her way--because there can be no retreat this time. Not if she has any hope of building a future where both kingdoms can reside in peace.

A great primal power rises...

Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dear--to protect those who cannot defend themselves. But war is only the beginning. Ancient primal powers have already stirred, revealing the horror of what began eons ago. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to be--what she fears the most.

As the Harbinger of Death and Destruction.

Available at:

Story:

I had been waiting to see the culmination of Poppy's powers and who she turned out to be but I was expecting it to come in a later book. Granted, you can't put off that much action for long. Readers will revolt or lose interest. But the finale of this book was everything I had hoped it to be and even more. The only drawback is that you get that feeling of relief that things may start to look up for the main characters and their cast of loyal followers, only to be shown that there is an even greater evil that will have to be contended with. I think Armentrout did a fine job of laying out the story. She knew when to pause for dramatic effect and when to barrel down the runway at 100 mph to push her characters to their breaking point. If Poppy and Casteel were real people I would feel terrible for them with how often they think they are finally getting room to catch their breath before they're thrown something else to contend with. The flow of the story was as good as it always is with this particular author and I found myself thoroughly wrapped up in the world to the point of almost not being able to continue onto any further books without feeling like I was missing out on characters who have found a special place in my heart.

Characters:

• Poppy - How this woman manages to take everything in her life in stride is beyond me. She loses her husband, she fights small battles until she can reach him. She is giving impossible choices, she will sacrifice herself every single time for the ones she cares about. She is told difficult truths about who she is and who contributed to her bloodline, she straightens her shoulders and lifts her chin in stubborn resolve. Poppy is one of those characters that has this quiet strength that one idolizes. Who can take that much pain and persecution and find a way to love her people regardless? In the end, you really feel what is in her heart and it is a beautiful thing. I don't think there is much of anything that would turn me away from her as a character. That's not a challenge, Jennifer L. Armentrout!

• Casteel - I love how deeply Casteel loves Poppy. There is nothing she can do wrong in his eyes. He can be told that she will bring about the end of the world and he will only defiantly shake his head and go 'nu uh!' Although the man really needs to get himself together and stop sacrificing himself all the time. Instead of treating Poppy like she can't handle herself, empower her by letting her stand on her own two feet! She is a badass who can take out damn near anything she wishes to. Let her do that. Be her counsel, not her damsel in distress she has to save all the time. Albeit he's a handsome damsel so maybe he gets a little bit of a pass.

• Kieran - I felt he needed to be added into the character pool because in this book he becomes a much larger part in the entire dynamic. Kieran has always been one of my favorite characters of all. He is comedic, charming, protective, and strong. If the situation was presented where I had to choose between him or Casteel as my favorite, Casteel may lose. The way he banters with Poppy is such an amazing delight to read when it occurs. The fact that you can feel how much he cares for her even if its questionable whether its romantic or platonic most of the time. Kieran is a gem.

Writing:

I touched on this a little but Armentrout's style of writing makes me envious. I wish I could write half as well as she can. She knows just when to add some drama, some intrigue, some action, or wonder. She walks the tightrope of poetic prose and balmy smut that leaves her readers wondering how to feel from one moment to the next. Her characters are fleshed out and raw with all the pitfalls of normal human beings with a fantastical edge. I have never read such an author with such a well developed cadence in their writing.

Overall:

Another amazing installment in a series I am growing increasingly obsessed with. Every new book I read in this series, every time I rejoin Poppy and Casteel's world, and every time I look at the beautiful books aligning my bookshelves, I kick myself for how long it took me to venture into reading the series. I cannot wait to read the next even if slightly frustrated that Poppy has a new baddie she has to track down and destroy. Poor girl never gets a break.