“Except I kept a hundred of his dark secrets, and he kept only one of mine.”
“I know that voice like I know my own soul.”
“On land, you k3.5-4 star
“Except I kept a hundred of his dark secrets, and he kept only one of mine.”
“I know that voice like I know my own soul.”
“On land, you know your destination precisely, and the route you’ll take to get there. But a journey at sea is ever-changing, unpredictable. You can chart your course, but as I know from painful experience, anything can happen along the way.”
“His voice is low by my ear. “You haven’t ever handled anything that long and thick, have you?”“What?” I gasp, blinking through the rain. “I—I don’t—oh, you mean the rope.”“What else would I mean?”I shrug, my face burning. I’m glad for the cooling effect of the rain.“You can learn to handle it,” he says. “With practice. You have to be willing to stretch yourself, to expand. To try new things.”
“He goes very still, solid as a stone. “How perfectly convenient,” he says evenly. “Because I liked the simple cabin boy Nick, and the runaway girl with the stunning green eyes—but this coquettish minx, with her sly ways and bloody magic—I don’t want her.”
“shield against the surprise and hurt in his eyes. He’s a pirate, damn it. Rejection isn’t supposed to bother him. He’s not supposed to look at me like a puppy I just kicked. Not that I’ve ever kicked a puppy”
“He’s going to dump me over the side. He’s lifting me, ready to heave me overboard—And then he stops.Barely breathing, stomach coiling in knots, I look up at him. But he’s not looking at my face; he’s looking at my feet.” “The captain’s boots,” he says slowly. “You put them on.”“What’s that?” the pirate captain asks.“I told this boy to take off the merchant captain’s fine boots. And he did. See? He put them on himself.”The pirate captain stares at me, a waifish scrap of freckles and blood and rags, with my very fine black boots sticking up over Locke’s arm.The pirate crew and the merchant sailors fall quiet, watching us.And then the captain throws back his head and laughs. “A young thief with spirit!” he says. “Steal from the rich and give to the poor—which is ourselves, am I right, lads?” The pirates voice a guttural roar.” (hide spoiler)]...more
Mhmmm you heard right... Alien motherfucking pirates [image]
Get on board the alien smut y'all A pirate doesn’t ask for permission—he takes. Kivian seMhmmm you heard right... Alien motherfucking pirates [image]
Get on board the alien smut y'all A pirate doesn’t ask for permission—he takes. Kivian sees a poor human slave and knows that he has to save her
“Time to go,” Tarekh says impatiently. I pay no attention. He can wait a moment. She’s more important. ‘You can stay here,’ I answer“
Our female lead Fran was so fierce and brave. Knowing she was literally out of her world and depth....but kept sassing the living fuck out of Kirvian
“Yeah, well, it makes me feel safe,” she says, and jams another pillow between us. “Do whatever you like, if it’ll make you feel better.” The next pillow goes over my face, and then I can’t help but burst out laughing. My Fran is a fiery one. I like that.”
[image]
I've decided... alien smut is fun! *chanting begins in the background* This book is the kinda fun sexy romance that doesn't take itself too seriously which makes it all the more enjoyable. We all KNOWWW this is soo out there but the author writes developed characters in INSANE situations for us to enjoy, and a hot alpha alien to go with. so enjoy the ride
My only regret is that this was a novella and not a full length. Some of it felt rushed and I wanted Kivian and Fran to get the full story that they deserved.
I mean listen to this guy...how could you not want more?
“How can she not fall for me? I’m incredibly charming. She’s just stubborn, my Fran. She’ll come around.”
He is just so cocky and arrogant...but it fucking works RIPPPPP MEEEe
[image]
I enjoyed how we got both POV, especially the alien captain who is both mischievous but knows he responsible for his crew and now this little human. His internal dialogue is hilarious and their banter somehow always revolves the stupidest things
“Cards?” I give her a strange look. “You play with cards? Little pieces of paper? Why would you do something so foolish?” “Are you kidding me? You guys play with sticks! Freaking sticks! Now who’s the foolish one?”
[image][image]
But he is also as possessive and I guess I have a thing for Blue Horned Alien Heros....good to know
“Kiss?” “A meeting of mouths. It’s a show of affection amongst humans.” “Care to demonstrate?” I give her my best lazy grin”
I absolutely loved this story, it was so much lighter than the first and i adored the banter - flirting
“Ah, Fran, my sweet. That’s a baseless worry.” “It is?” “Yes. I’d never dump you at the nearest station. Their docking fees are tremendously expensive.”
I love a practical man
[image]
Overall I really enjoyed their story and characters, though I wish it had been longer to be more developed. The book didn't take itself too seriously so she gave us fun characters to match the tone which made me love them even more and just totally accept the book's premise. It was just sexy and so goddamn funny.
“She relaxes against me for a long moment, silent, and then punches my shoulder with one small fist. “You assholes left me behind.” I want to laugh, except she’s truly upset. “It was for your safety, I promise.”
Can’t wait for the rest of the crew, and in general more alien pirates....more
This first intrigued me when the herorine straight up spat in his face and his response was to just completely fall in love with her
So of course findThis first intrigued me when the herorine straight up spat in his face and his response was to just completely fall in love with her
So of course finding such a sassy response, I found this gem i read it. And i fucking loved it
[image][image]
Meet Cat. Yes its another heroine named Cat but stick with me okay
“Did you just try to kill me? Kef, that’s cute.” “Fuck you,” I tell him, frightened. ”
She is hella fierce despite everything she has gone through and doesn't put up with anyone’s bullshit.
She ends up on a pirate ship with some old fav characters which i mean space pirates fuck yeah lets do it
“Bit of a problem with one of the locals. We should probably head out.” He pauses for a moment. “And change our name. And our call signal. And our records.” Sentorr groans, because that work falls on him. “What did you do?”
[image]
And then theres Tarekh the dream—so big and strong but so goddamn sweet
“Who you are is this person here. The fierce little human who does what she must to survive and spits in the face of danger. I love her. I loved her since I met her.”
Like you fuckers don’t even know I love this man...alien...person.... whatever!
“I don’t want her to know that I’m obsessed with her. That I’ve considered her mine ever since she tried to stab me in med-bay with my own needle”
He is the beastly medic on the ship who has been scarred and thinks he ugly and therefore when Cat tries to play games he is hella confused and its fucking cute:
“His horns flush. Tarekh tears his gaze away from my cleavage and then shoots me an incredulous look. “This is a game?” “A sexy game.” Relief moves over his face and he rubs a big hand down his jaw. “You’ll be the death of me, Cat. Little tease.” “Shhh,” I tell him, nudging his leg with my boot. “Play along.” He schools his features and clears his throat. “Sorry. Of course. What can this lowly medic do to help you, female?”
[image]
It was the perfect mix of cute but also sexy as fuck
“I grind down against him, rocking my hips in tune to the weird, lilting music of the cantina. “This tune’s kinda catchy,” I say lightly. “Don’t you think, Tarekh?” “Quickly becoming one of my favorites,” I hear him say”
It was just a fun game of Cat and mouse..hehe... on a space ship and their banter quickly made them a favortie couple
Overall solid 4 star, like this is the one I reread when I want a good alien smut ...more
Remember that hot ass Sea King in the first book?? Thats right he is back with his OWN GODDAMN BOOK and I was so FREAKING pumped for it ! I
[image][imaRemember that hot ass Sea King in the first book?? Thats right he is back with his OWN GODDAMN BOOK and I was so FREAKING pumped for it ! I
[image][image]
Summer Considered the weakest of the King’s daughters, known as the Seasons… but we learn it is only because she WANTS them to think that.
“She closed her eyes briefly, clamped unyielding chains around the caged monster in her soul, then opened her eyes again and pasted on a pleasant smile.”
[image]
She is a goddamn beast with monster power. And with great power comes great quirks: She was literally the clumsy lili shit in the kingdom She falls off a goddamn pier because she can’t handle the sex god Dily aka Sealord Merimydion
“Oh, I am so going to regret this,” she muttered. And with that, Summer Coruscate put out her right foot and began walking down the flowered path that led to Dilys Merimydion.”
AND THEN A PLOT TWIST mhmmmmm mama’s favorite
“It was her. Summer Coruscate. The Season who had haunted his dreams since his arrival. The shy, fearful, reputedly powerless princess of Summerlea who somehow—by some impossible, incredible miracle of fate—had the legendary SPOILER.”
[image]
Dilys POV was surprisingly entertaining and looking back was the season why this book landed as a 3 star for me following its first being a solid 5. Because he is so fucking clueless
“And yet, the more Summer Coruscate smiled and charmed his men while blatantly denying him even the tiniest fraction of her regard, the tenser and more irritated he became.”
[image][image]
Dilly’s own special brand of himbo was so endurable because of how hard he tries to learn the new “above-land culture” and the complex person that is Summer. He fails. Miserably. There was one point I understood why they turned into pirates because their humanrelations director must SUCK ASS.
But to be fair, Summer doesn’t have her own shit figured out let alone this guy also trying to figure it out. Then he goes so far to say:
“I don’t know,” Dilys bit out, “and to be honest, I don’t really care. For now, we just need to..”
When the Dily asked why the main villain turned traitor like this HUGE plot discrepancy could be explained away by his boyish charm.. Yes that distracted me BUT I SAW IT DAMMNIT and seriously if he’s gonna be a goddamn king and he doesn’t even care? Da fuck Dilly?!
[image]
But worry not he had backup *fingers crossing for Ari to get his own book*
“For goddess’s sake, Ari, it’s a courtship, not a hunt.” “Ah. That, my dear cousin, may be the real root of your problem. You think a courtship and a hunt are two separate things.” Ari grinned, showing gleaming white teeth with battle fangs fully extended. “They’re not.”
Dillys honestly made my heart ache because it just wasnt my kind of trope. Then I was disappointed with the plot lacking the direction because it was honestly stalled by our own characters! We had to wait for their own flaws before allowing the plot to move even a fucking inch, i mean we never went anywhere and this suppose to be the water book?
But props. Dilly was more articulate in his love than Winter.
“What is mine is yours without question or limits. So long as there is breath in my lungs, you will never stop breathing. So long as my heart beats, yours will never stop. Whatever pain you have, let me bear it for you. I offer my strength and magic and life force to nourish your own. Stay with me, moa kiri. Live for me.”
[image][image]
My huge complaint is after the author writes that heart wrenching proclamation after he finally wins her..... it literally says “And it was done. She was his liana, his wife, and his mate.”
Well thats fucking underwhelming, well guess its done now glad we stretched a full 500 pages for that shit
Overall solid 3 star read that I definitely enjoyed. Wasn't as exciting and character developign as the first book with my favorite couple Winter and Storm, they number one in my heart but Dillys and Summer are a solid second....more
At the very beginning this book had me hooked: The mystery of caraval, the man, the myth, the legend behind it. A m Fuck that was great [image][image]
At the very beginning this book had me hooked: The mystery of caraval, the man, the myth, the legend behind it. A mysterious salior, the crazy sister who wanted more from life, and the quiet heroine who wanted her own life.
Seriously who the fuck is this guy who has a freaking magic caraval? [image]
This book's concept was so unique i couldn't help but be enthralled. The myths and legends behind Master Legend and how he got his caraval gave me goosebumps:
“Perfomances blending fantasy with reality in a way the world had never witnessed. But she also warned that wishes come with costs, and the more he performed, the more he would transform into whatever roles he played. If he acted the part of villain, he’d become one in truth.”
[image]
I mean how can you read that and not wanna read the book?!?!? Fantasy becomes reality for the brief time you are in his world. And once you enter it...you can't leave.. *ghosts ooooing and aaaaing*
So the book begins with Scarlett writing several letters to Master Legend hoping for a ticket to see the mystical Caraval. He only replies when she sends one last letter asking him NOT to come.
Her sister Tella drugs her and tricks her into going to the Caraval. I both love and hate the sister for doing that.... but in an ironic twist Tella gets KIDNAPPED by legend. So Scarlett is stuck with the hot and mysterious Julian trying to figure what the fuck is happening. Playing a game without knowing the rules? Dear god i'm in love [image][image]
So many twists and turns. Don't underestimate ANY character in this book. Even the sailor turns out to be so much more.
“How do you know that?” Scarlett asked. Julian flashed a wicked smile. “I know because I’ve played before.” He pushed away from the fountain.
[image]
Scarlett also learns to be more than just the quiet responsible sister.
“Legend laughed and wrapped both hands around her waist. “I didn’t invite you here to watch, precious.” His mouth moved closer to hers, as if he was about to kiss her. “I want you to play the game,” he whispered. Then he threw her off the balcony.”
[image]
No more sitting around waiting pass her by, she must participate. We share Scarlett's confusion on what all this world means and what are the rules and where to go. To be honest a part of myself wished she had been more of a ruthless vicious character that truly got everything out of Caraval but Scarlett was how any one of us would react in that situation.
And then we learn the entire freaking thing was (view spoiler)[JUST A PLOT BY THE SISTER BECAUSE TELLA AND LEGEND HAVE BEEN MAILING EACH OTHER FOR FUCKING YEARS PLOTTING!!(hide spoiler)] [image]
So that was fucking insane and totally messed up my brain.
We thought the tickets came because of Scarlett's letter but really it was all about(view spoiler)[ Tella (hide spoiler)] and her letter “Dear Master Legend, I believe you are a liar, a blackguard, and a villain, and I would very much like your help.”
I came into this book with zero expectations but still felt a little disappointed in Scarlett's ending while being stupidly excited for Tella's beginning. This book was just so unlike anything I've ever read, you are convinced its going on way then it turns right around....more
l “You know, it’s annoying when you’re thoughtful and I’m geared up to be pissed at you,” I snapped, the unsettled look went out of Frey’s eyes andl “You know, it’s annoying when you’re thoughtful and I’m geared up to be pissed at you,” I snapped, the unsettled look went out of Frey’s eyes and he grinned.”
***
“And it is a measure of a man, any man, be he married to a pub wench or a princess, how he cares for his bride. I am a Drakkar, my measure is different than any man’s and there are many facets to that but one of them explains why I turn away without a thought from those whose lifeblood seeps into the snow, those who moved with intent to harm my bride and I won’t think of them, ever. I will only turn my mind to how I can best care for my bride and that now includes undermining any threat that may loom for you and I vow to you, my princess, if it means my own life, this will not happen.”
***
“You can’t help it that you’re great in bed.” He did a slow blink at my words but I kept talking. “Well, I guess you could. If you wanted to be bad in bed, you could do that, I suppose. Though I’d ask you don’t start doing that now.” “Finnie –” “Because that would suck, for me.” “Finnie –” “And I didn’t try to poison anyone so I don’t think I should be punished.”
***
“His eyes held mine as his mouth murmured, “She waits for me at windows and buys me dragons. There are reasons we walk this earth, I’m coming to realize mine”
***
“Oh God. Oh shit. Oh God. Now I knew why Sjofn played me. She was a lesbian and wanted nothing to do with a man who was more man than any man maybe on two worlds! Oh shit! Oh God! Oh shit! “Uh –” I started not having that first clue what to say.”
***
“I was sucking in breath and I pulled back a bit to wheeze, hand pressed into my chest (like that would help) and then I forced out, “Penelo… Pen… the cat… my cat…” I pulled in a deep breath the pushed out, “I know… this is going… to sound… nuts… but I think… my cat… is possessed.” “Finnie, take a breath and calm yourself.”“I can’t calm myself when my ginger cat is possessed by a murderer!” I shrieked and I swear, I swear to God, Frey looked like he was trying really hard not to laugh before he spoke again and I knew he was trying hard to quell his laughter when his voice trembled with it.“Wife, as you know,” his face got closer to mine, “women can understand cats, deer, rabbits, mice, small birds and other such animals.”
***
“She is soft. She is sweet. She smiles often, talks more and never has anything to say that isn’t interesting. She teases and she jokes and she is good at both. She is an excellent cook and has a strong spirit. People fall easily into her life and like being there. And she enjoys living, immensely, and does not hide it.”
*** “Go, navigate your ship, my handsome husband. I have poking around to do and important papers and instruments to misplace.”...more
There are few things I FUCKING LOVE MORE than reading about two adversaries FORCED to become allies for some higher goal.
[image]
Saving the assassin NThere are few things I FUCKING LOVE MORE than reading about two adversaries FORCED to become allies for some higher goal.
[image]
Saving the assassin Nanji's life binds him and Ananna together so Naji HAS TO protect her. The awkward teamwork! The reluctant bonding! Yelling at each other while fighting people! An odd pair but they were great
”Well, look who’s on my front porch,” he said, speaking Empire with this odd hissing accent. “A murderer and a cross-dressing pirate.”
I know i've emphasized my taste for independent and courageous heroines So here's my reaction when I read the summary: a freaking PIRATE heroine? A curse? Several impossible tasks with an underlying Arabic mythology? An ASSASSIN who wants to kill her? [image][image]
Both characters are equally KICKASS ~one being a legendary blood magic assassin while the other is an adventurous sword-fighting pirate princess!
"You know, that pissed me off. We'd traveled half around the world to get to him, and there were monsters chasing us and Naji's curse was impossible to break, and here he was cracking jokes about our professions.”
So, as you may have noticed, with her humor and her knife, Ananna won a place in my favorite heroines OF ALL TIMESSSS [image]
She was so feisty and felt so real. She knew how to fight, rule a ship, and basic survival stuff like construct shelters.
"Um... I'm sorry?" I waited for a few minutes, watching him. Then I asked, "Are you going to kill me or what?"
Then Naji the famous assassin- Mysterious, reckless, kinda grumpy, and attitude of an actual assassin (not some sissy-pretender). The moment he sat down, sullenly complaining about Ananna saving his life I loved him
"She moved like water, graceful and soft and lovely. Every part of me wanted to stick out my foot and trip her, just to see her stumble.”
[image]
Now the cons...... *frowny face* For a book that travels across seas, towns, deserts, swamps, then a mystical "Isles of the Sky" you'd think the author would explain what the heck is happening in the world.
So theres some magic but you don't know anything about the magic. Theres villages and cities but nothing about the laws and ruling system. Our main character is a pirate and the entirety of the pirate's ways & traditions were summarized into a single sentence:
"There are three ways of bettering yourself in the Pirates' Confederation, Mama told me once: murder, mutiny, and marriage."
[image]
Thats nice and all BUT HOW ABOUT SOME WORLD BUILDING!
It literally starts with Ananna running away. It was THE MOST emotionless scene I have ever read. How does Ananna feel about leaving her parents? Their desire to just marry her off for a "pirate alliance"? Nothing. She simply runs away. [image]
But thats not okay so the ditched fiancé pirate sends an assassin after her...? This is where the book picks up because in a bizarre twist she ends up saving the assassin's life [image]
”Two weeks in the desert all on account of some assassin who doesn’t know how to look out for snakes.” “If you hadn’t killed that snake,” Naji said calmly, “I would have killed you.” “Oh, shut up.”
Great characters, decent action-pace, and the world seemed interesting~ I just wanted to learn more about it. Expectations for book two rising. Highly Recommend [image]...more
Loading...
