Elle Madison

If it’s been awhile since you read the previous books, I would highly recommend reread them before you read this or at the very least, read enough reviews to refresh your memory.
I saw some reviewers saying that they wished there was a sixth book to better expand upon the very ending (I won’t say what due to spoilers) but I think this book did very well in pacing the event while also wrapping up loose ends.
Also, I’m kinda shocked that there were any merfolk left considering how much death there was and seemed to be on a regular basis.

Genre: fairytale retelling, fantasy romance
Age: new adult
Series/Standalone: fifth book of a series that must be read in order
Tropes: fated mates
Content: lots and lots of death and murder, kissing, closed door/fade-to-black between married couples
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars… (mere)

If you're like me and love yourself a good fairy tale retelling, then you will be a fan of this brilliantly written story!

Set in a place of harsh frost and snow, we get a beautifully re-imagined "Beauty and the Beast" story like none I've ever read before.
Zaina is married off to the King of Jokirsh, Einar. This man is pictured by everyone as a cruel, ice-hearted beast. And while Zaina believes what she has been told about her new husband, she also discovers new sides of him, things she didn't expect. The king has his secrets, but so has his new wife.

Zaina is a wonderful main heroine, even if she doesn't see herself as one. Through her heritage we get a look into another culture which I hope will be explored more in books to follow.
I love the banter we get between Zaina and Einar. While they both definitely start off with disliking each other, they still get attracted to the other.
Zaina's story, which is revealed bit by bit, is heart-wrenching and had me in tears. But Einar also has seen his fair share of pain and loss. To see these two characters slowly find a way into each others hearts is such a wonderful, magical story.
The book is well written, with a fantastic world building which makes me want to see more of it! Huge horses and wolves, dragons and most of all Zaina's chalynx have me craving for a closer look into this world and how it came to be. Luckily this is book one of a new series, so we will be able to dive in deeper.

But beware! Beware the cliffhanger!!!
I mean it, this book ends with a rather cruel cliffhanger. I'm glad I already bought the second one. 😆

So, if you love fairy tale retellings with a unique twist, go and check this book out! I'm sure you won't be disappointed. 😉

I got a free eArc for an honest review via booksirens.… (mere)

Despite a lack of world building and a weak plot, I must say “Winter's Captive” was a lot of fun and I adored the front cover. Charlotte (Charlie) was a strong female protagonist who did some growing up throughout the novel. Even though she was a princess, and was more a nuisance than a help, she was determined to find her betrothed and her journey opened her eyes to the poverty her people were suffering. She was also stubborn, compassionate and had a sense of humour. The other main characters, Logan, Finn and Isla, were all likeable and the dialogue between them often made me smile, especially Charlie and Logan.

The book certainly finished on a cliffhanger but I had my suspicions about where the authors were headed so wasn't really surprised by the epilogue. A light, easy read that didn't require too much brain power.… (mere)