Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
So I Married A Sorcerer by Kerrelyn Sparks Series: The Embraced #2
Published by St. Martin's Press on August 29,2017
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 448
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Libro.fm
Growing up on the Isle of Moon, Brigitta knows nothing of her past, except that she is Embraced: born with powers that forced her into hiding. Everything changes when she learns she’s a princess, hidden away from her villainous half-brother who now rules the kingdom. But he knows about Brigitta, and he’ll do anything to get her back. Unless a certain roguish pirate has anything to say about it…
Rupert is both an infamous pirate and a sorcerer with the power to harness the wind. He’s been waiting nineteen years for revenge—and he needs Brigitta to get it. What begins as a kidnapping of the fiery beauty turns into a fierce attraction. But can he win the captive princess’s heart?
To think I used to say I didn’t like fantasy, especially historical fantasy. Of course, The Embraced series is not your typical historical fantasy, because it is also paranormal romance. I was sent the original book, How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days by the publisher. What a happy surprise it was! I stalked the next, So I Married A Sorcerer for months! Then I was nervous to read it, because what if it wasn’t as good?
Have no fear, it’s great! The fascinating world with its kingdoms and the Embraced people continues to expand. It all starts with the sisters who were raised in the convent, who continue to learn more about why they were there. I love these characters and this classic good versus evil. The evil characters are a bit cliche, being horribly bad. The good characters are more realistic and we come to know them better. They are kind and compassionate; they fight within to make the best choices, for others rather than just themselves.
Everyone struggles with their past as this is not an easy time period to live. The paranormal parts and magic are, of course, fiction and a bit fluffy. The relationships are more of a focus than the battles. Those relationships and the feelings of the people are realistic enough.
The stellar world-building, the characters’ relationships of all types, not just the romance would keep me reading, but the icing is the humor. Also for the historical setting, these are strong women who are brave and smart, which is what I want. I’ll definitely be tracking Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon projected for next March.
Giggle-worthy quote:
With a shrug, Jeffrey stuffed his hands into his pockets. “The nun said they were going to be ravished.”
“What?” The captain said to the boy.
Jeffrey’s eyes widened. “What does it mean?”
Landers gritted his teeth. “Never mind about that for now.”
The boy’s shoulders slumped as he muttered, “That’s what they told me, too.”
About Kerrelyn Sparks
Kerrelyn Sparks’ first paranormal romance, How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, zoomed out of the bat cave so fast it became Borders bestselling debut romance of 2005. Each book in the Love at Stake series has become a USAToday bestseller. When the fourth book, The Undead Next Door, landed on the New York Times bestseller list, even the Undead sat up and took notice, which made Kerrelyn a bit nervous. She lives in the Greater Houston area with her husband, children, and a house full of garlic. So far, there are no vampires in her family. Werewolves are another matter entirely.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- Anne: 2017 New Release Challenge
Thank’s for the review. I’m liking this new series. It’s unique and fun. I enjoyed this novel too. ^_^
Thank you! It is different and fun. It’s historical and yet has unusual and interesting magic.
I need to get around to reading the first book!
yes. I was surprised how much I really enjoyed it.
I’m so anxious to get to the first book. I just picked it up the other day but haven’t gotten the chance to start it. I am not typically a historical reader, but I have heard such great things about this series and Kerrelyn Sparks in general, I can’t wait to read it!
If you like Urban fantasy or PNR you will probably like this. I was surprised how much I did. I’ve really enjoyed them all. The humor in them really adds to the fun.
oh. I just loved this book as well. So dang good. And you are right, the humor was the icing on the cake. I loved that quote you shared, it makes me want to do a re read now. The world building though, has been wonderful. I can’t wait to get my hands on book three. Great review.
Thank you! I try to focus on feelings and characters rather than spoil or repeat the blurb points in my reviews. I was so surprised at how much I really love this series. It’s just enough different (world-building); the characters are strong, not whiny; and the humor is a big plus!