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Rise of the Dark Fae #1
The Winter Sacrifice
I never should’ve accepted the job offer. But after my previous employer fired me for punching a guy (don’t ask), my options were…lacking. I had no way of knowing that my new employers were dark Fae who wanted to sacrifice me and my best friend in a twisted, magical ritual. And as if that wasn’t scary enough, the guy who rescued me? The arrogant, impossibly sexy one I stupidly made out with? He’s my fated mate…and a Fae prince. Oh, and as it turns out, there may be a few nasty surprises lurking in my bloodline, too. Now, with the help of my not-so-charming prince, I need to figure out how to rescue my friend, evade a band of supernatural bounty hunters (long story), and stay out of the Fae war that’s waging all around us. How did this become my life? All I know for sure is that before this is all said and done, there will be bloodshed. All I can do is hope that it isn’t my blood…
338 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2020
558 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Marisa Claire
41 books83 followersMarisa Claire is a Torment Publishing author who writes snarky, Young Adult/New Adult fantasy and paranormal books about werewolves, shifters, dragons, magic, and more.
In her free time, Marisa loves to spend time with her dogs and family. She loves traveling and seeing the world. Marisa also enjoys hearing from her readers!
In her free time, Marisa loves to spend time with her dogs and family. She loves traveling and seeing the world. Marisa also enjoys hearing from her readers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
June 4, 2020
I feel like this book was the start of a train wreck that I won't be able to get off of till they drag my ass out on a stretcher... I started off really liking our FMC Brynn, snarky, distrusting, always starting some shit.. yea I jumped on board with her real quick. However, I have no idea what is going on plot wise here.. we really just don't get answers in this first book and then BAM this ending has us all tore up and tied in knots. Not going to lie.. not a fan of Torin.. hes not like hot, cocky, douche to me. Its more like just douche which is really rubbing both me as the reader and Brynn the FMC all kinds of wrong.
Brynn takes a glamorous job offer with her BFF, knowing its a bad idea, but doing it anyways and ends up as a participant in a list of sacrifices, attempting to escape she kidnaps a doucher fae prince who is also a straight up pain in the ass, and seems to somehow inexplicably be her mate. Her BFF, Nina is trapped though so its off on the yellow brick road to get her..
I'm just not sure where I'm at with my feels at this point. I'm definitely going to just have to bite the bullet and dive into book 2 here to see what is going down. I definitely recommend just going ahead and picking up book 1 and 2 of this. Going to throw up the middle of the road stars for now because I just can't seem to wholly form my opinion with so much missing from the bigger picture. Maybe in book 2 Torin will find some redeeming qualities... deep.. deep down. We will see.
Brynn takes a glamorous job offer with her BFF, knowing its a bad idea, but doing it anyways and ends up as a participant in a list of sacrifices, attempting to escape she kidnaps a doucher fae prince who is also a straight up pain in the ass, and seems to somehow inexplicably be her mate. Her BFF, Nina is trapped though so its off on the yellow brick road to get her..
I'm just not sure where I'm at with my feels at this point. I'm definitely going to just have to bite the bullet and dive into book 2 here to see what is going down. I definitely recommend just going ahead and picking up book 1 and 2 of this. Going to throw up the middle of the road stars for now because I just can't seem to wholly form my opinion with so much missing from the bigger picture. Maybe in book 2 Torin will find some redeeming qualities... deep.. deep down. We will see.
February 17, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. From the blurb, to the very first page until the end I was hooked. Brynn is a feisty girl who doesn't take crap from anyone, not even a hot prince. Once I started reading this book I could not put it down. I can't wait for the next one to come out because I need to know more.
September 20, 2020
DNF I just couldn't form any type of attachment to any of the characters. 🤷♀️
April 8, 2020
An action-packed beginning to a new series.
Brynn and her friend Nina just lost their last job. So, the job offer by the mysterious Aisling sounds to good to be true. And then, everything goes totally wrong and Brynn caught herself a sexy prisoner. It is just messed up that Torin is the winter court prince and Brynn busted the winter sacrifice through her abduction. Hence, the balance between the courts is disturbed and everyone is hunting the pair. Brynn is going to find more than she bargained for while Torin tries to stop a war.
Brynn is bad-ass and a loner. At first, she things Torin is part of a cukt and everything is a trick but then Torin shows her his ice-magic and brings her into. She is a great fighter and Torin doesn't stand a chance. Torin on the other side is a really spoiled brat. His redeeming part are the sweet moments but he ruins them right away. As a consequence, the story developes a real enemy-to-lovers dynamic very well done.
P.S. I hope it is bot going to be a reverse harem. There were two hints which might point to it. But really, Brynn is strong enough without a harem.
Brynn and her friend Nina just lost their last job. So, the job offer by the mysterious Aisling sounds to good to be true. And then, everything goes totally wrong and Brynn caught herself a sexy prisoner. It is just messed up that Torin is the winter court prince and Brynn busted the winter sacrifice through her abduction. Hence, the balance between the courts is disturbed and everyone is hunting the pair. Brynn is going to find more than she bargained for while Torin tries to stop a war.
Brynn is bad-ass and a loner. At first, she things Torin is part of a cukt and everything is a trick but then Torin shows her his ice-magic and brings her into. She is a great fighter and Torin doesn't stand a chance. Torin on the other side is a really spoiled brat. His redeeming part are the sweet moments but he ruins them right away. As a consequence, the story developes a real enemy-to-lovers dynamic very well done.
P.S. I hope it is bot going to be a reverse harem. There were two hints which might point to it. But really, Brynn is strong enough without a harem.
February 28, 2020
I enjoyed this first book from Marisa she's a new to me author and I enjoyed her style! It's well written and Greta character development!🥰😍
December 2, 2020
This was an exciting fae read. Well written it’s got great characters and is full of mythology and secrets and fae! Off to a slow start but still grabbed me , I am excited to see what happens next!
March 22, 2020
Started strong, ended weak.
This is more of 2.5 stars for me. I’ll start with pros and then cons.
Pros:
The beginning started out strong. I liked that Brynn was unapologetically her and the author stuck with that. Nina and Brynn’s friendship is always something I like to see. The dynamic with Torin to begin with was fine the first few chapters. I was invested to see what would happen with them... I was really excited in the beginning to finish this book.
Cons: spoiler land (minor)
Brynn is unapologetically her to the point of stupidity. I honestly did not like her as a person the more the story drug on. I get that she is not educated in the traditional sense, but she doesn’t even have street smarts. Her being brash to the point of being mean and stupid made me wish Torin would have just put a knife in her heart again and moved on. The story is too jumpy. Sometimes I had no idea how we got from A to B. Especially the part when they made it back to the glimmer. I felt like I was on an acid trip. I couldn’t even figure out where the bad/ good guys came from and how they got back. Brynn and Torin’s relationship is so bad to the point I don’t want them to be fated mates. There is zero connection or attempt to build the foundation of what could later be a relationship. I’m glad that it’s not insta love, but it’s also not even slow burning love. Beating up your future partner or acting like you’re better than the other is not my idea of a good relationship. Why couldn’t Torin have straight up told Brynn his theory about her at the end of the book? It makes no sense to be secretive about that. The castle part was also cringe worthy... superficial pretty bad guys who act the part (and are of course the better fighters) vs. what equates to the house elves of Hogwarts... even down to the bad clothing.
I won’t be moving on to the next book. It’s an interesting premise that needs more... and maybe a completely different personality for Brynn.
This is more of 2.5 stars for me. I’ll start with pros and then cons.
Pros:
The beginning started out strong. I liked that Brynn was unapologetically her and the author stuck with that. Nina and Brynn’s friendship is always something I like to see. The dynamic with Torin to begin with was fine the first few chapters. I was invested to see what would happen with them... I was really excited in the beginning to finish this book.
Cons: spoiler land (minor)
Brynn is unapologetically her to the point of stupidity. I honestly did not like her as a person the more the story drug on. I get that she is not educated in the traditional sense, but she doesn’t even have street smarts. Her being brash to the point of being mean and stupid made me wish Torin would have just put a knife in her heart again and moved on. The story is too jumpy. Sometimes I had no idea how we got from A to B. Especially the part when they made it back to the glimmer. I felt like I was on an acid trip. I couldn’t even figure out where the bad/ good guys came from and how they got back. Brynn and Torin’s relationship is so bad to the point I don’t want them to be fated mates. There is zero connection or attempt to build the foundation of what could later be a relationship. I’m glad that it’s not insta love, but it’s also not even slow burning love. Beating up your future partner or acting like you’re better than the other is not my idea of a good relationship. Why couldn’t Torin have straight up told Brynn his theory about her at the end of the book? It makes no sense to be secretive about that. The castle part was also cringe worthy... superficial pretty bad guys who act the part (and are of course the better fighters) vs. what equates to the house elves of Hogwarts... even down to the bad clothing.
I won’t be moving on to the next book. It’s an interesting premise that needs more... and maybe a completely different personality for Brynn.
March 31, 2020
This might be 1.5 stars rather than just one. That said it isn't a great book. Let's start with the small Pros: Brynn and Nina are friends and I was happy to see good relationships there. The premise of the book was good.
Cons: Legitamatly everything else. Brynn is a bitch, she also stupid, irritating and brash. She's not brash in a good way she's brash in a dumb way. She treats Torin terribly and I just hoped at some point she would die and we would move on. Their first interaction made me want to strangle her. She's not a sane person in any of that, and at some point, I get it that she is mad about Nina being still at the party Torin very clearly helped her and she.....does what she does. She explains it away that he's the only one she can take her anger out on but, HE. SAVED. HER. LIFE! (I'm resisting the urge to swear) She's dumb and dear lord.
Nina is dumb, and while I appreciate that both her and Brynn are poor neither of them really has any street smarts. How they are both still living being the way they are is beyond me. I just actively hate both women in the story. I only really liked Torin and that is just sad.
Cons: Legitamatly everything else. Brynn is a bitch, she also stupid, irritating and brash. She's not brash in a good way she's brash in a dumb way. She treats Torin terribly and I just hoped at some point she would die and we would move on. Their first interaction made me want to strangle her. She's not a sane person in any of that, and at some point, I get it that she is mad about Nina being still at the party Torin very clearly helped her and she.....does what she does. She explains it away that he's the only one she can take her anger out on but, HE. SAVED. HER. LIFE! (I'm resisting the urge to swear) She's dumb and dear lord.
Nina is dumb, and while I appreciate that both her and Brynn are poor neither of them really has any street smarts. How they are both still living being the way they are is beyond me. I just actively hate both women in the story. I only really liked Torin and that is just sad.
September 21, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Marisa Claire; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2020
This is book one of the Rise of the Dark Fae series and starts with two friends, Brynn and Nina, who are roommates, best friends and also work together in a bit of a dive of a bar in New Orleans. They struggle to pay their bills and so need the job, but not all the hassle from the grabby and drunken men in the bar. After having to defend Nina from a man in the bar and getting physical with him, her stupid boss sacks her and Nina walks out with her. They are both offered a job by a good looking woman in the street, with a legitimate catering company and although Brynn has her misgivings, they take the job. This unfortunately ends up with them in some weird celebration with some Dark Fae, who get all the servers, Nina and Brynn included, there as sacrifices for their Winter Solstice. Brynn isn’t quite taken in as Nina and all the other women and fights back and is saved by the man she shared a snog with out in the garden area.
It turns out he is a Winter Fae prince and disappearing with Brynn means warriors are sent to kill him and battles have begun with the other Fae factions, with an invasion of the Summer Fae palace searching for him! The prince wants to return to the Glimmer, as he calls his realm, immediately, whereas Brynn wants to search the mansion the party was held at for Nina. A cast iron skillet and a pair of handcuffs from her friend’s toys by her bed, leave the prince weakened and in her custody, so he has to do as she wishes! But now, there are other Fae bounty hunters searching for them both, as the sacrifices didn’t go ahead as arranged and the balance between the Fae factions has been broken and may cause a war if nothing is done quickly to sort it.
Brynn gets a shock about her own past and her possible future as the prince’s fated mate, which neither of them wants. She is totally focussed on getting Nina out of there and back to their old lives, but will soon find out, that will never be able to happen! Brynn gets a sudden introduction to Fae life, Fae Royalty and even magic, which is hard enough to make sense of, never mind having a huge draw towards the prince, who she has problems trusting or even liking most of the time. Her only friend is all that matters to Brynn and she doesn’t stop to think about all the other women being sacrificed, nor the pain and suffering she is making the prince endure. She is single minded with her focus, but may have to change her ways, with the bombshell that is dropped on her at the end of the story! A prince who blows hot and cold when dealing with Brynn and her one aim leaves her uncaring about his pain or feelings. A mixed and sometimes confusing back and forth on the attraction between the two of them and an introduction to magic and the fae. Much more still to come, if Brynn steps up to her actual hidden past and forges a path to a new life in the future. I look forward to seeing what she decides upon. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
It turns out he is a Winter Fae prince and disappearing with Brynn means warriors are sent to kill him and battles have begun with the other Fae factions, with an invasion of the Summer Fae palace searching for him! The prince wants to return to the Glimmer, as he calls his realm, immediately, whereas Brynn wants to search the mansion the party was held at for Nina. A cast iron skillet and a pair of handcuffs from her friend’s toys by her bed, leave the prince weakened and in her custody, so he has to do as she wishes! But now, there are other Fae bounty hunters searching for them both, as the sacrifices didn’t go ahead as arranged and the balance between the Fae factions has been broken and may cause a war if nothing is done quickly to sort it.
Brynn gets a shock about her own past and her possible future as the prince’s fated mate, which neither of them wants. She is totally focussed on getting Nina out of there and back to their old lives, but will soon find out, that will never be able to happen! Brynn gets a sudden introduction to Fae life, Fae Royalty and even magic, which is hard enough to make sense of, never mind having a huge draw towards the prince, who she has problems trusting or even liking most of the time. Her only friend is all that matters to Brynn and she doesn’t stop to think about all the other women being sacrificed, nor the pain and suffering she is making the prince endure. She is single minded with her focus, but may have to change her ways, with the bombshell that is dropped on her at the end of the story! A prince who blows hot and cold when dealing with Brynn and her one aim leaves her uncaring about his pain or feelings. A mixed and sometimes confusing back and forth on the attraction between the two of them and an introduction to magic and the fae. Much more still to come, if Brynn steps up to her actual hidden past and forges a path to a new life in the future. I look forward to seeing what she decides upon. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
February 24, 2020
Over all -- I thought this book was entertaining and I liked it enough to finish it. Although I finished it -- I did have a few problems with this book. First, I found the main character Brynn to be very abrasive and because of that she annoyed me greatly. Secondly, she went back and forth between complaining about things and apologizing for things that were out of her control or not really her fault. Thirdly -- Yes, she really wasn't in a good place and yes she had a specific goal in mind -- something that she needed to fix. She was just such a negative character most of the time and characters like that annoy me. Finally, most of the males in this book were stereotypical alpha douchebag males and the prince had little to no personality.
With that being said I did enjoy parts of this. I really liked Brynn and Nina's friendship in the beginning of the book. The fact that they were so different and got along as well as they did was refreshing. I liked the way the author described and set up scenes. Also, the overall plot was interesting and I enjoyed the twist near the end. I enjoyed the last 15-20% of the book much more than I did the first 80-85%. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens next. I am hoping for more character development because I felt like that was a little lacking in this first book.
So overall -- not an amazing read but not a terrible read either. Slightly better than okay in my books but smart enough and entertaining enough to see what happens next!
I received a free ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With that being said I did enjoy parts of this. I really liked Brynn and Nina's friendship in the beginning of the book. The fact that they were so different and got along as well as they did was refreshing. I liked the way the author described and set up scenes. Also, the overall plot was interesting and I enjoyed the twist near the end. I enjoyed the last 15-20% of the book much more than I did the first 80-85%. I am looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens next. I am hoping for more character development because I felt like that was a little lacking in this first book.
So overall -- not an amazing read but not a terrible read either. Slightly better than okay in my books but smart enough and entertaining enough to see what happens next!
I received a free ARC copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 4, 2020
I just discovered a new favorite author. Very few authors pull off the trickiness, the omissions without actual lying, that Fae are supposedly famous for. Their secrecy and motivations should always be guesswork for a human, since politics is the only thing that seems to keep immortals from boredom and lassitude.
Brynn, the main character, is selfish and objectionable. Even her fated mate, Torin, agrees. While I don't like to read about a main character who is not empathic and heroic, Brynn is perfect for the Fae: she entertains them with unexpected actions. She is able to fight off the attraction. She cannot trust them, even if they state a truth.
After Brynn takes down an abusive drunk at her job, she gets fired. A beautiful woman sees the brutality and offers a job as an attendant at a posh party. Well, that should spark some distrust in itself. Why would any rich lady want a bouncer at what I expect is an upscale business meet-and-greet? My guess, still to be determined, is that Brynn was supposed to be the gift they would regret.
Torin loves a chase, so he finds Brynn hiding out in the garden, but she is not what he expected. Worse for him, their first kiss attaches him to her, instead of the other way around. Not understanding the ramifications, Brynn takes him hostage to rescue her friend and stand-in family, Nina...who I really want to become an MC herself.
The spoiler is: Brynn is not human, so her scrappiness are spoiled at the end. Book 2 looks to be more like superwoman discovers her political jo-jo, and that is not what attracts me. I love underdogs.
The writing is SOOOOO good, though....
Brynn, the main character, is selfish and objectionable. Even her fated mate, Torin, agrees. While I don't like to read about a main character who is not empathic and heroic, Brynn is perfect for the Fae: she entertains them with unexpected actions. She is able to fight off the attraction. She cannot trust them, even if they state a truth.
After Brynn takes down an abusive drunk at her job, she gets fired. A beautiful woman sees the brutality and offers a job as an attendant at a posh party. Well, that should spark some distrust in itself. Why would any rich lady want a bouncer at what I expect is an upscale business meet-and-greet? My guess, still to be determined, is that Brynn was supposed to be the gift they would regret.
Torin loves a chase, so he finds Brynn hiding out in the garden, but she is not what he expected. Worse for him, their first kiss attaches him to her, instead of the other way around. Not understanding the ramifications, Brynn takes him hostage to rescue her friend and stand-in family, Nina...who I really want to become an MC herself.
The spoiler is: Brynn is not human, so her scrappiness are spoiled at the end. Book 2 looks to be more like superwoman discovers her political jo-jo, and that is not what attracts me. I love underdogs.
The writing is SOOOOO good, though....
March 11, 2020
I've really love Marisa Claire's academy of shifters series so when I got an email asking if I wanted to read an ARC of her next adult series I jumped on it!
Our story opens with Brynn, a women in her early 20s that works(and lives) with her best friend Nina as a bartender/bouncer. A beautiful woman one day spots Brynn beating up some jerks and offers her a job at a party, she refuses but this not the last time she sees this mysterious woman. Eventually after losing her job, she and Nina take the woman up on her offer and work the party. The party leads to Brynn bound to Torin, one of the Fae, and her traveling to the Glimmer to save Nina.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story, I do wish it was longer but that just left me holding out for the next book! One aspect I didn't enjoy was how Torin acted with Brynn, don't get me wrong I love me a good banter but certain words where used and he was just a patronizing douche at times. Litterally not too much different than Brynn's jerk boss, which she even points out, but still somehow I'm supposed to find Torin dreamy? No thanks. He has potential but one major act later on doesn't make up for his earlier behavior. That being said I loved Brynn and Nina!! I would read a whole series on just their best friend adventures!
If you enjoy stories of the Fae, supernatural stories, and/or Marisa Claire's other works check this out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Our story opens with Brynn, a women in her early 20s that works(and lives) with her best friend Nina as a bartender/bouncer. A beautiful woman one day spots Brynn beating up some jerks and offers her a job at a party, she refuses but this not the last time she sees this mysterious woman. Eventually after losing her job, she and Nina take the woman up on her offer and work the party. The party leads to Brynn bound to Torin, one of the Fae, and her traveling to the Glimmer to save Nina.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story, I do wish it was longer but that just left me holding out for the next book! One aspect I didn't enjoy was how Torin acted with Brynn, don't get me wrong I love me a good banter but certain words where used and he was just a patronizing douche at times. Litterally not too much different than Brynn's jerk boss, which she even points out, but still somehow I'm supposed to find Torin dreamy? No thanks. He has potential but one major act later on doesn't make up for his earlier behavior. That being said I loved Brynn and Nina!! I would read a whole series on just their best friend adventures!
If you enjoy stories of the Fae, supernatural stories, and/or Marisa Claire's other works check this out!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2020
Brynn is feisty. She takes no !@#$ from anyone & has no problems using her fists to protect those around her. After one such altercation behind the bar where she works she's approached by a woman offering her a position to work for her as part of an elite catering company. She turns her down without a second thought. When she gets fired & her best friend quits with her, she gives in to her friend & calls to accept the position for both of them. Her first night on the job & she has a feeling something isn't right. She steps out for a bit of fresh air only to meet a deliciously sexy male named Torin & oh the kiss they share. She goes back in & the boss is there offering them champagne to help them celebrate the sacrifice. Brynn realizes the champagne is drugged & when she realizes she can't save her best friend, she runs to escape herself. Torin helps her escape only to find himself in handcuffs. As they are on their way to try to rescue her friend, he learns that he's been branded a traitor by kidnapping one of the winter sacrifice girls or has been kidnapped by the Summer Court. She doesn't want to believe he's an actual Fae prince, but she doesn't have much choice as things continue to happen around her.
I enjoyed this book & was able to read it in one day. I can't wait to find out what happens next for Brynn & Torin as this story ends with a cliffhanger..
I enjoyed this book & was able to read it in one day. I can't wait to find out what happens next for Brynn & Torin as this story ends with a cliffhanger..
April 15, 2020
I’m glad that I gave this book a chance, because 95% of it was really good.
I loved Brynn’s witty personality and how she quickly stepped in when somebody needed help.
Her chemistry with Torin was 🔥🔥🔥
Their witty banter was perfect - probably my favorite part of the book.
The writing in this book was surprisingly clever and well done. I say surprisingly, because I think that the book description is kind of horrible. It’s confusing and corny and feels “been there done that”. I’m glad that I ended up ignoring the description and just gave this book a chance, because I was addicted to the story in only a few pages. The writing was smart and pacing spot on.
I can’t give this book 5 stars because of the last 5% of the story. I won’t spoil what happens, but I will say that I was disappointed. This book was on its way to being one of my top 3 Urban Fantasy Fae books, when the big reveal happened and left a super bad taste in my mouth. This book had quite a bit of originality going for it, and then the big cliffhanger at the end ended up being lame. It was just too “typical” in my opinion and kind of corny.
I’m not sure if or when I’ll read the next book in this series. I really love the characters and want to know what happens next, but I hate the cliffhanger that’s going to setup book 2. It’s too big to ignore unfortunately.
I loved Brynn’s witty personality and how she quickly stepped in when somebody needed help.
Her chemistry with Torin was 🔥🔥🔥
Their witty banter was perfect - probably my favorite part of the book.
The writing in this book was surprisingly clever and well done. I say surprisingly, because I think that the book description is kind of horrible. It’s confusing and corny and feels “been there done that”. I’m glad that I ended up ignoring the description and just gave this book a chance, because I was addicted to the story in only a few pages. The writing was smart and pacing spot on.
I can’t give this book 5 stars because of the last 5% of the story. I won’t spoil what happens, but I will say that I was disappointed. This book was on its way to being one of my top 3 Urban Fantasy Fae books, when the big reveal happened and left a super bad taste in my mouth. This book had quite a bit of originality going for it, and then the big cliffhanger at the end ended up being lame. It was just too “typical” in my opinion and kind of corny.
I’m not sure if or when I’ll read the next book in this series. I really love the characters and want to know what happens next, but I hate the cliffhanger that’s going to setup book 2. It’s too big to ignore unfortunately.
September 18, 2020
When Brynn is fired from her bartender/server job for protecting her best friend Nina, who walks out with her, a mysterious woman offers them a catering job at the Winter Court. Because Nina wants to take the job so badly, Brynn gives into her and disregards her uneasy feelings about the job. Turns out things happen to make Brynn have to escape only to find her Best Friend Nina is caught. They were supposed to be a part of a sacrifice for the Winter Court. A mysterious man who she had made out with when she arrived there comes to her rescue and helps her escape. The Winter Court then sends out hunters to kill them both. So is the premise of the storyline, which I lliked. But Brynn's personality, caustic and abrasive and abusive did not sit well with me, nor did the prince's personality and the sterotypical portrayal of males. I survived an abusive relationship and reading it in this book brought me up short. However, I did finish the book right to the cliff hanger. I would have love read the storyline without so much causticness. The snarky is fine, the abuse is not. Hopefully in the next book, Brynn and Prince Torin tone it down some. Sarcasm is funny, snarky comments are funny, abusive ones are not. I received an ARC of this book, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
September 18, 2020
Brynn, not a very likeable heroine, is fired from her job and her friend Nina quits in moral support. This leads to them accepting a job from Aisling, a mysterious woman who hosts elite events. After being drugged Brynn manages to escape, before being kidnapped, with help from Torin whom she previously met moments before and made out with. Brynn then holds Torin hostage demanding he take her to his realm to save her friend from being sacrificed, after finally believing his tale of Fae. Will Brynn manage to save her friend Nina? She finds it hard to believe what Torin is telling her but she has little choice but to try.
I found it very hard to like Brynn, she comes across as petulant, abusive, irrational (I could go on) but the storyline held promise and the other characters were likeable enough to relate to. There were certain scenes where I thought it could be a bad comedy. A lot of the scenes were pretty breathtaking, if you can picture them.
Perseverance is definitely key here because if you do manage to read to the end you will find it worthwhile.
I have since read the whole series and Brynn has manys layers and become more likeable as you go on. Different but enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I found it very hard to like Brynn, she comes across as petulant, abusive, irrational (I could go on) but the storyline held promise and the other characters were likeable enough to relate to. There were certain scenes where I thought it could be a bad comedy. A lot of the scenes were pretty breathtaking, if you can picture them.
Perseverance is definitely key here because if you do manage to read to the end you will find it worthwhile.
I have since read the whole series and Brynn has manys layers and become more likeable as you go on. Different but enjoyable series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2020
Brynn has always been a tad rough around the edges. She doesn't suffer fools, which makes her job at this seedy bar more difficult. It wasn't her fault the bouncers never did their jobs, thus ending in her decking the gropers. So begins a typical night for her. What she didn't expect was to her both herself and her BFF/roomie Nina fired! And so the craziness begins when moments after the firing an eerily beautiful and elegant woman offers them a job during their winter ball. Alarms went off in her head, but they needed the money and Nina (ever the romantic) desperately wanted to go. They'd both regret this decision by night end. Upon arriving Brynn just knew something was off. She didn't feel well, and every instinct within was rebelling. What on earth was going on! Add in a handsome stranger who suddenly comes to her aid and odd things beginning to gotten, she wonders if Narnia could be real. Crazy assassins, fae, political intrigue and at the center is one sassy female out for blood and determined to save her only friend. This is a genius start to this new series. After that cliffhanger I truly and gleefully look forward to the follow up. I have a feeling that Brynn will make sure people don't forget her, and will strike down people who deserve it!
February 29, 2020
Brynm was raised as a survivalist until her parents deaths, which prepared her for the Foster Care system as a teenager. As an adult she is a closed off, but a fiercely independent person. Both her and her friend/roommate Nina work together as bartenders. One night after being fired from an altercation at the bar they’re approached by a mysterious woman for a job. They hesitantly take it. At the winter solstice event, Brynn meets a man who’m she’s instantly attracted to. After a quick makeout with said man, she returns to her station for work. Both girls are drugged and requested to sign a contract....to be sacrifices for The Winter Court. Brynn attempts to escape and is rescued by the mysterious man, who turns out to be the Prince of the Winter Court. Torin and Brynn embark on mission to free Nina from the fae, and keep the balance between the Fae Courts. They endure having to fight off fae hunters and their attraction for each other. The book ends in a wild cliffhanger, but keeps your interest to find out what happens next for Prince Torin Brynn, and the fate of the fae courts as well as humanity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2020
Brynn isn't probably the type you'd associate with, or befriend her. With her trust issues, she is mostly snarky and attracts more trouble than is worth. Though losing her job and running out of money forces her to accept a catering job for a snobbish party - and it leads her spiraling down headfirst into the world of magic, fae, and ritual sacrifices. Now he trust issues can show full on - in the world of deception and power games, whom should she trust to save her only friend?
Even though I had doubts after the opening chapters I would get pulled into the story, I devoured it. With each new twist, the story escalates, tangling the fates of the main characters and wrapping them in secrets and mystery. The very human heroine stands in stark contrast to the glamorous and treacherous world of the Fae courts, with their deadly beauty and even deadlier politics. However, the bond between Brynn and the prince of the Winter court, Torin, brings a lot of amusement, entertainment, and chemistry into the story. Watching their banters, snarky comments, and irritation on both sides made me want to facepalm myself on occasion, but it also grew me more fond of them. I would definitely love to see what will Brynn do now, in the light of the latest discoveries.
Even though I had doubts after the opening chapters I would get pulled into the story, I devoured it. With each new twist, the story escalates, tangling the fates of the main characters and wrapping them in secrets and mystery. The very human heroine stands in stark contrast to the glamorous and treacherous world of the Fae courts, with their deadly beauty and even deadlier politics. However, the bond between Brynn and the prince of the Winter court, Torin, brings a lot of amusement, entertainment, and chemistry into the story. Watching their banters, snarky comments, and irritation on both sides made me want to facepalm myself on occasion, but it also grew me more fond of them. I would definitely love to see what will Brynn do now, in the light of the latest discoveries.
August 17, 2020
Wasn't bad but just felt too rushed and short and would've been better if there was some suspense leading up to the stuff that happened as well as more time getting to know the characters and for them to develop.
It was all just very quick and everything from the catering fae part onwards was too rushed but before that I enjoyed and was good, we started to get to know the mc and Nina and about their lives and friendship and everything was moving at a steady pace but then bam the book was over and I wasn't suprised or on the edge of my seat.
Such a cool premise though and has potential, maybe the next books slow down and we get more development on a whole.
I did like the mc and her bf Nina though they were both interesting characters and I was enjoying their friendship and their personalities. I also thought Tarin was a good character and had/has potential as well as their relationship could've been epic if it didn't all feel so rushed, but I guess their relationship didn't feel rushed really and was slowly developing. I also though Genevieve was a cool character and would love to get more of her and get badassary, also see where her relationship with them all goes and get to know more about her!
It was all just very quick and everything from the catering fae part onwards was too rushed but before that I enjoyed and was good, we started to get to know the mc and Nina and about their lives and friendship and everything was moving at a steady pace but then bam the book was over and I wasn't suprised or on the edge of my seat.
Such a cool premise though and has potential, maybe the next books slow down and we get more development on a whole.
I did like the mc and her bf Nina though they were both interesting characters and I was enjoying their friendship and their personalities. I also thought Tarin was a good character and had/has potential as well as their relationship could've been epic if it didn't all feel so rushed, but I guess their relationship didn't feel rushed really and was slowly developing. I also though Genevieve was a cool character and would love to get more of her and get badassary, also see where her relationship with them all goes and get to know more about her!
February 24, 2020
Marisa Claire has created a world and a bad kicking ass protagonist that feels as easy and believing as each breath you take. Emotions run high throughout the whole book, from the moment Brynn defends her friend to the most memorising magic she never knew existed. Until she realises not is all at it seems, even the incandescent fae male who seems to take every breath away from her. However not is all as it seems and Brynn is not a soft touch. This is where Marisa Claire’s creative imagination continues as she steps up the storyline as concealment & distortion of the truth, betrayal & judgement is challenged. I don’t like leaving spoilers so I don’t want to reveal any hint of how the storyline pans out, as this is a book that deserves to be read and a great start to a new series. It has plenty of suspense & intrigue to keep you continually hooked throughout leaving me hoping that there is not Long until book.2. is released. Marisa Claire thank you for introducing me to your new world and a glimpse of your ingenuity. This was the first introduction to your writing and i will certainly be adding you to my list of authors to look out for.
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February 26, 2020Good start with potential to develop into something fun and unique...
Another unsuspecting human stumbles by chance into the world of the fae with all that it entails…The plot is a bit of Lost Academy by G. Bailey with a dash of Otherworld Academy by Jenna Wolfhart.
Spoiler
The heroine, Brynn, grew in foster care and really the only one she has been connecting to is her best friend Nina. After being fired/ resigning from their jobs in a bar, they get hired to cater for a party which turns out to be a fae one selecting a human sacrifices to create peace between the Summer and Winter Court. Naturally Brynn is not to impressed by this and with the first reluctant help of the Fae winter prince, she sets out to save her best friend.
The books is a nice slow burning read, nothing mind blowing and at times tend to be a bit verbose. The casting of the characters is a bit cliché but it is the first one in the series and maybe they are developing a bit more.
Overall decent start into a new series and will be watching out for the next one.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntary leaving this review
Another unsuspecting human stumbles by chance into the world of the fae with all that it entails…The plot is a bit of Lost Academy by G. Bailey with a dash of Otherworld Academy by Jenna Wolfhart.
Spoiler
The heroine, Brynn, grew in foster care and really the only one she has been connecting to is her best friend Nina. After being fired/ resigning from their jobs in a bar, they get hired to cater for a party which turns out to be a fae one selecting a human sacrifices to create peace between the Summer and Winter Court. Naturally Brynn is not to impressed by this and with the first reluctant help of the Fae winter prince, she sets out to save her best friend.
The books is a nice slow burning read, nothing mind blowing and at times tend to be a bit verbose. The casting of the characters is a bit cliché but it is the first one in the series and maybe they are developing a bit more.
Overall decent start into a new series and will be watching out for the next one.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntary leaving this review
February 27, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I will not discuss the plot too much in my review, to avoid spoilers for any potential readers. (Plus, the blurb does a pretty good job of this.)
My main points of note are that this was simultaneously unique and rather stereotypical/cliche. That makes no sense, I know, but that's how I felt. It's like it was trying a little too hard to be different, you know? I can't say I read very many books like this so I'm no expert in the genre, but still. That's just how it came across to me.
That being said, I did actually really enjoy reading it. It was easy to read, and it was pretty fun. There were moments I didn't see coming. I'm even considering getting the sequel.
One other criticism I do have, though, is that it felt a little amateurish at times. There were some typos that I noticed, but also some phrases or lines of dialogue that just felt off. While it was nothing major, I feel that little details like these can make a huge difference!
My rating is between 3.5 and 4 stars. I really did enjoy it, more than I ever would have expected. But there are definitely a few areas for improvement.
I will not discuss the plot too much in my review, to avoid spoilers for any potential readers. (Plus, the blurb does a pretty good job of this.)
My main points of note are that this was simultaneously unique and rather stereotypical/cliche. That makes no sense, I know, but that's how I felt. It's like it was trying a little too hard to be different, you know? I can't say I read very many books like this so I'm no expert in the genre, but still. That's just how it came across to me.
That being said, I did actually really enjoy reading it. It was easy to read, and it was pretty fun. There were moments I didn't see coming. I'm even considering getting the sequel.
One other criticism I do have, though, is that it felt a little amateurish at times. There were some typos that I noticed, but also some phrases or lines of dialogue that just felt off. While it was nothing major, I feel that little details like these can make a huge difference!
My rating is between 3.5 and 4 stars. I really did enjoy it, more than I ever would have expected. But there are definitely a few areas for improvement.
March 15, 2020
"Never kiss a Fae the first time you meet… you’ll always end up getting burned."
Brynn is a no-nonsense kinda lady ... put her behind the bar of essentially a dive bar in New Orleans and that could spell trouble.
The book starts with Brynn out behind the bar on a break, she sees a couple of "tough guys" trying to assault a young woman. Fight breaks out, little Brynn takes them both. Que creepy but gorgeous Ainsley and stoic but Hot companion? Bodyguard? Ainsley offers her a job, she says no thank you & goes about her night with besty Nina. Next night Nina is the one assaulted in the Bar, Brynn does what Brynn does and cracks him with the liquor bottle in her hand. Fast forward to the dick of a boss firing Brynn & Nina walking out as well. On their way home they "run into" Ainsley. She again offers them both jobs. Nina the hopeless romantic is determined to do it, Brynn reluctantly agrees and that is where everything gets interesting.
Dark Fae? Fated Mates? Read it to see how this well written book with a wonderful view of NOLA and a fun take on a well told story ends.
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy with the hopes I would read and review it.
Brynn is a no-nonsense kinda lady ... put her behind the bar of essentially a dive bar in New Orleans and that could spell trouble.
The book starts with Brynn out behind the bar on a break, she sees a couple of "tough guys" trying to assault a young woman. Fight breaks out, little Brynn takes them both. Que creepy but gorgeous Ainsley and stoic but Hot companion? Bodyguard? Ainsley offers her a job, she says no thank you & goes about her night with besty Nina. Next night Nina is the one assaulted in the Bar, Brynn does what Brynn does and cracks him with the liquor bottle in her hand. Fast forward to the dick of a boss firing Brynn & Nina walking out as well. On their way home they "run into" Ainsley. She again offers them both jobs. Nina the hopeless romantic is determined to do it, Brynn reluctantly agrees and that is where everything gets interesting.
Dark Fae? Fated Mates? Read it to see how this well written book with a wonderful view of NOLA and a fun take on a well told story ends.
I received this as an Advanced Reader Copy with the hopes I would read and review it.
February 20, 2020
Brynn lost her parents as a teenager, and foster care taught her to be a fighter. Brynn, and her best, only friend, Nina, work together in a bar in New Orleans. When Nina is manhandled by a customer, Brynn goes to her rescue, and they both lose their jobs. Brynn realizes immediately that the well paying job the inhumanly beautiful woman offers her, and Nina, is more than likely too good to be true. Turns out she is right, and it will be up to her, with her reluctant, and temporary fae ally to rescue her best friend from the fae who plan on sacrificing her.
Fascinating, and compelling characters. Brynn is sassy, snarky, and won't hesitate to stand up for herself, and her friends, Torin has his own agenda, but finds himself attracted to the human woman who has been nothing but trouble for him, and Nina a romantic who is maybe just a bit to trusting. I loved them. Exciting, action packed, with some magic, and unexpected twists in the plot. I thought this was a fantastic book.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Fascinating, and compelling characters. Brynn is sassy, snarky, and won't hesitate to stand up for herself, and her friends, Torin has his own agenda, but finds himself attracted to the human woman who has been nothing but trouble for him, and Nina a romantic who is maybe just a bit to trusting. I loved them. Exciting, action packed, with some magic, and unexpected twists in the plot. I thought this was a fantastic book.
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
February 25, 2020
ONE KNOCK-DOWN-DRAG-OUT TREAT!!!
Explosive! Marisa unleashes this spectacular approach with a kickass vengeance, riding the whipping winds, throwing this gem into a tailspin with a stupefying, block busting culmination. You hit it all with this baby, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping thrill ride, rushing through the escapades and wreaking havoc, blazing this bad boy together piece by piece. Add drama, turmoil, mounting suspense and dastardly situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging anarchy, you have one mind-blowing adventure. Twixt and twinned and put through the ringer, along with a slew of astonishing twists and thrilling turns, rolling with the current and breaking waves. The characters are complex and realistic with qualities and traits that transform into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that balance and blend smoothly. Remarkable job Marisa, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Explosive! Marisa unleashes this spectacular approach with a kickass vengeance, riding the whipping winds, throwing this gem into a tailspin with a stupefying, block busting culmination. You hit it all with this baby, action packed, hard hitting, pulse racing, heart pounding, adrenaline pumping, page flipping thrill ride, rushing through the escapades and wreaking havoc, blazing this bad boy together piece by piece. Add drama, turmoil, mounting suspense and dastardly situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging anarchy, you have one mind-blowing adventure. Twixt and twinned and put through the ringer, along with a slew of astonishing twists and thrilling turns, rolling with the current and breaking waves. The characters are complex and realistic with qualities and traits that transform into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions, as to give you a full understanding and realism that balance and blend smoothly. Remarkable job Marisa, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
March 31, 2020
Domestic Violence, anyone?
These two are so awful to each other. He's calling her a "bit+*" within 10 min or so of meeting her, then she's refusing to listen and knocks him over the head with an iron skillet, despite him just saving her.. It doesn't get better quickly, either. There's no conversation, no rationality at all; they're both constantly calling each other names or insulting each other for the next few chapters. They sound more like really badly behaved brother and sister than mates. Sure, she might not know but he definitely seemed to when he first met her.. And this is how he treats her? Verbally abusing her? Not that she's any better, so hateful a lot of the time it's hard to read. I tried, I really did. I almost stopped reading the first time he called her a name. I pushed through until 40% of the book, and I just couldn't take it anymore. As a survivor of domestic abuse, it's infuriating reading a book or watching a movie that makes light of abuse, even when it's only indirectly.
These two are so awful to each other. He's calling her a "bit+*" within 10 min or so of meeting her, then she's refusing to listen and knocks him over the head with an iron skillet, despite him just saving her.. It doesn't get better quickly, either. There's no conversation, no rationality at all; they're both constantly calling each other names or insulting each other for the next few chapters. They sound more like really badly behaved brother and sister than mates. Sure, she might not know but he definitely seemed to when he first met her.. And this is how he treats her? Verbally abusing her? Not that she's any better, so hateful a lot of the time it's hard to read. I tried, I really did. I almost stopped reading the first time he called her a name. I pushed through until 40% of the book, and I just couldn't take it anymore. As a survivor of domestic abuse, it's infuriating reading a book or watching a movie that makes light of abuse, even when it's only indirectly.
February 25, 2020
Brynn hates her job at a local bar but it pays her bills and she can keep and eye on her friend Nina. But she soon gets a job offer from a strange women who she thinks is creepy and up to know good she refuses the offer but when she gets fired from her job after rescuing her friend there both out of work and in need of job and guess who shows up creepy lady and things are going to get a whole lot creaper from there. Brynn gets a kiss from a stranger tries to save her friend from some crazies but in the end she ends up with Torin Prince of the winter court there more between them then bitter contempt and Brynns more then she seems. Write now there isn't allot of romance with the two main characters they fight constantly but hopeful as the story progresses later books will add more romance between Torin and Brynn.
I was allowed to receive and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to receive and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
March 1, 2020
Brynn and nina work at a bar and their boss is a jerk. After a woman is attacked outside brynn beats up two men and sends them on their way. A beautiful otherworldly woman with a sense of wrongness about her offers brynn a job that she turns down. After a bar patron pulls the top of ninas dress dowe, brynn hits him in the head with a bottle. She gets fired for protecting nina and nina quits. The next night, they see the woman again and decide to work for her. They show up to the ball being catered by the woman and brynn has a really bad feeling about being there. This was a fabulous book. It was both exciting and nerve racking. It kept me on the edge of my seat trying to read ahead to see what will happen next. I finished this book in a few hours and I am anxiously waiting for the next one. What a thrilling beginning to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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