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Hearts of Valentia #1
Tempered Hearts
The war against corrupted monsters from the Void may have ended, but much remains broken in Valentia, including its reluctant monarch. To save the kingdom from the destruction of civil war, Darius Marillion had to sacrifice his heart, agreeing to a marriage of convenience over one of love.
Lady Arden Tanarian was born to wealth, bred to be a fine wife to a high lord. Despite her mother's best efforts, however, her passion for the decidedly unladylike fields of chemistry and elvish culture marks her as a different breed of woman. Though she's always been able to see the bright side of things, Arden's hopes for her life with the dashing, but sullen prince crumble around her in learning where his heart truly lies.
Dubbed The Light of Valentia, Arden has a mystifying effect on the world around her. She inspires something in people— including Darius— that he thought he'd never feel again: Hope.
Bonds of the heart forged in battle are strong, but time changes much. When the flames of war fade to low embers, peace in a kingdom can reveal love in the most unexpected places.
Lady Arden Tanarian was born to wealth, bred to be a fine wife to a high lord. Despite her mother's best efforts, however, her passion for the decidedly unladylike fields of chemistry and elvish culture marks her as a different breed of woman. Though she's always been able to see the bright side of things, Arden's hopes for her life with the dashing, but sullen prince crumble around her in learning where his heart truly lies.
Dubbed The Light of Valentia, Arden has a mystifying effect on the world around her. She inspires something in people— including Darius— that he thought he'd never feel again: Hope.
Bonds of the heart forged in battle are strong, but time changes much. When the flames of war fade to low embers, peace in a kingdom can reveal love in the most unexpected places.
356 pages, Paperback
First published August 3, 2016
About the author
S.A. Huchton
14 books20 followersTitles published as S.A. Huchton contain material only suitable for adults.
Titles published as Starla Huchton are suitable for ages 13 and up.
Titles published as Starla Huchton are suitable for ages 13 and up.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 19, 2020
Being an angst-hooch isn't always easy - looking for books that really deliver on the angst is a crap shoot... some books nail it and some miss the mark. Sadly for the most part this one was the latter for me. The truly frustrating bit is that this book has loads of potential, as does the author. But, the heroine is a little too Mary-Sue, and this is from someone who loves a Mary-Sue! Arden, the h, is a little too perfect, the scenes were all those around her see her light, are charmed by her, love her instantaneously, all those scenes just seem a little ridiculous. More so, these washed out plot points don't allow for much character growth.
And then there is the source of the angst - the OW drama, my favorite! The hero is in love with a former lover, but they could not be together because of his assent to the throne. He spends much of the book lamenting his lost relationship, which I normally slurp up with a straw, but when our couple finally meet the OW in their travels, the meeting in many ways is anti-climatic. So again, potential but not fully realized.
All that being said, there were parts that spoke to creative world-building, I liked that the hero was a nice guy who just couldn't get over a past relationship, and there were some decent elements of adventure. So 2.5 stars rounded to 3
And then there is the source of the angst - the OW drama, my favorite! The hero is in love with a former lover, but they could not be together because of his assent to the throne. He spends much of the book lamenting his lost relationship, which I normally slurp up with a straw, but when our couple finally meet the OW in their travels, the meeting in many ways is anti-climatic. So again, potential but not fully realized.
All that being said, there were parts that spoke to creative world-building, I liked that the hero was a nice guy who just couldn't get over a past relationship, and there were some decent elements of adventure. So 2.5 stars rounded to 3
March 14, 2017
Arranged marriages, dragons, mages, dwarves and elves oh my!
Well at least that was my initial mood going into this. There were hints at past herioc deeds by the brave Darius and intricate chemistry findings by the intelligent Arden throughout the beginning of the story. You can imagine the excitement I felt in my wait to see them in action. So, I waited for the action... and waited.
I take complete responsibility here. Maybe I didn't read the description correctly but I was not expecting this to tip the scale so heavily on romance. Don't get me wrong, the writing was well done, as it always is from this author, just not what I'd anticipated.
So, I resigned myself to the fact that I was indeed reading a romance. I'm all for a good one on occasion but boy was the burn slow! Expectations and counsel on said expectations along with the strongest willed, most honorable H I've seen in some time made the main tension of the story seem more complicated than it was. While I liked the H/h well enough, I think I would have enjoyed this much more had there been more action. The foundation for this land the authors created could have really left room for more fantasy elements.
Well at least that was my initial mood going into this. There were hints at past herioc deeds by the brave Darius and intricate chemistry findings by the intelligent Arden throughout the beginning of the story. You can imagine the excitement I felt in my wait to see them in action. So, I waited for the action... and waited.
I take complete responsibility here. Maybe I didn't read the description correctly but I was not expecting this to tip the scale so heavily on romance. Don't get me wrong, the writing was well done, as it always is from this author, just not what I'd anticipated.
So, I resigned myself to the fact that I was indeed reading a romance. I'm all for a good one on occasion but boy was the burn slow! Expectations and counsel on said expectations along with the strongest willed, most honorable H I've seen in some time made the main tension of the story seem more complicated than it was. While I liked the H/h well enough, I think I would have enjoyed this much more had there been more action. The foundation for this land the authors created could have really left room for more fantasy elements.
May 13, 2020
The books where the ML initially loves someone other than the FL is a favourite of mine. It's not for everyone and most often than not it can fall flat if not done right. It's difficult. You need to be able to make the ML fall in love with the FL without making it look fickle and at the same time give the FL a strong character of her own so that it does not come across as if she is just a mere substitute.
In that aspect I loved this book. Arden had such a strong personality, you couldn't miss it if you tried. She stood her ground, wasn't afraid to speak out and moved forward with what she wanted. Yes, there were times when she was anxious and nervous about what she was doing but who wouldn't be Darius's honesty was also refreshing, as was his willingness to give this relationship a try. Yes, he liked someone else but he knew Arden was not at fault and therefore his attitude towards her from the very beginning was something I really enjoyed. There are so many books where the ML is horrible to the FL but Darius made mistakes, accepted it and made efforts to make up for them. I loved it. Their interactions with each other and the displays of affection was heart melting.
The world of elves, dwarves and humans. It roped me in. That element of adventure and fantasy. The interactions with the side characters was also something I enjoyed so I would definitely recommend giving this book a try.
The reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because of two little things. There is a problem within the book that Darius and Arden must resolve, it's in the solving of this problem that I think things could have been done slightly better. For some, that is proof of true love but personally I would have liked to have seen them work together to solve this problem as proof of their rule together in the future. Another thing was the world itself. I wasn't familiar with this world and there were multiple times I was confused of whether this was in fact the first book in the series because I felt like I was missing the basic understanding of this world that had been created. A glossary at the end or a description in the beginning would have helped a lot but at the end it doesn't detract from the story itself.
I would recommend this book on the basis of Darius and Arden themselves. The fantasy world is a much loved bonus :)
In that aspect I loved this book. Arden had such a strong personality, you couldn't miss it if you tried. She stood her ground, wasn't afraid to speak out and moved forward with what she wanted. Yes, there were times when she was anxious and nervous about what she was doing but who wouldn't be Darius's honesty was also refreshing, as was his willingness to give this relationship a try. Yes, he liked someone else but he knew Arden was not at fault and therefore his attitude towards her from the very beginning was something I really enjoyed. There are so many books where the ML is horrible to the FL but Darius made mistakes, accepted it and made efforts to make up for them. I loved it. Their interactions with each other and the displays of affection was heart melting.
The world of elves, dwarves and humans. It roped me in. That element of adventure and fantasy. The interactions with the side characters was also something I enjoyed so I would definitely recommend giving this book a try.
The reason I am giving 4 stars instead of 5 stars is because of two little things. There is a problem within the book that Darius and Arden must resolve, it's in the solving of this problem that I think things could have been done slightly better. For some, that is proof of true love but personally I would have liked to have seen them work together to solve this problem as proof of their rule together in the future. Another thing was the world itself. I wasn't familiar with this world and there were multiple times I was confused of whether this was in fact the first book in the series because I felt like I was missing the basic understanding of this world that had been created. A glossary at the end or a description in the beginning would have helped a lot but at the end it doesn't detract from the story itself.
I would recommend this book on the basis of Darius and Arden themselves. The fantasy world is a much loved bonus :)
September 3, 2022
i did not enjoy that
and honestly a “romance” book where main dude spends the first 80% of the book wanting someone else really isn’t my thing in the first place
and honestly a “romance” book where main dude spends the first 80% of the book wanting someone else really isn’t my thing in the first place
April 6, 2022
Stupendo! Leggerò anche il secondo!
September 4, 2016
The draw of the story for me was what next will bring Arden and Darius closer, as they near their betrothal date or on their trip. What will we learn of the attractive Darius's past? And Arden's? What next will Arden suggest to aid friends and country? Or what will Arden do next to catch Darius's eye? I was entertained each time something came up, and hoped with all my heart they could find their way together.
Outstanding. Wow. I'm amazed at how in-tuned Starla is with people's emotions and actions. I could see and feel Darius's growth in caring and love as it happens, step by step, through the book. I'm mesmerized at the impeccable timing of his thoughts as we go on this journey with Darius and Arden.
****FULL REVIEW****
Arden is on her way to meet her husband to be, and is beyond nervous. She's betrothed to Crown Prince Darius, and yet blindly happy about it. She knows she can help the kingdom, and Darius seems the kind of mind to let her help. Arden only hopes that she could have love with her marriage.
Darius is not thrilled about marrying someone he never met. Especially after sending 'her' away, the one person he feels made him act and become the hero and man he is now. His heart needs mending, and he's not sure he will love again. He understands he needs a wife and queen for his kingdom, and when his eyes are opened, he sees that she's of a brilliant mind and can help in the areas he's not as strong.
Arden and Darius are good people. They have kind hearts and bright souls, the perfect king and queen to rule a broken land. They enter into their relationship knowing this is for the kingdom, but Arden holds out hope for love, too.
Arden is smart and beautiful. Her mother may not want her talking of the items of state that she does, lab experiments on metals, or even cooking in the kitchen but she has a mind for it all. Arden has wonderful ideas that will help the kingdom that's trying to rebuild. In trying to get to know her fiancee Arden shows her worth in knowledge and ideas to Darius. Darius. He's a good man inside. When he sees Arden is smart and knows things that most ladies skim passed, he takes her advice. I have a huge amount of respect for Darius. He's honest with Arden from the beginning, even gives her an option out of the arranged marriage. Darius never takes advantage of Arden emotionally or physically. Also, Darius is one to stick to his word. He doesn't go back on what he's said or promised.
Darius and Arden both have strengths that are opposite each other, and makes them a wonderful partnership to learn and work out problems.
I felt for Arden through this book. I wanted her to be loved as she should be, too. Yet I understand Darius's heart and reasoning. I also see Darius not letting go of what he can't have because of his rank and letting his heart feel with Arden. He is aware of it too. Darius has moments with Arden but he stops himself. He'll fall for her, he has to!
This story is a romance set in a fantasy setting. It feels character driven more than world driven as we spend lots of time with our couple learning about them and their feelings then venture out into the world. Our couple come together and struggle through their own thoughts and lives to find their way together. The setting is a fantasy world with elves, dwarves, and magic. We visit these different cultures as we go, finding there is trouble and danger in their lives and in the kingdom. Darius and Arden are determined to help save lives, something they can work together at.
The draw of the story for me was what next will bring Arden and Darius closer, as they near their betrothal date or on their trip. What will we learn of the attractive Darius's past? And Arden's? What next will Arden suggest to aid friends and country? Or what will Arden do next to catch Darius's eye? I was entertained each time something came up, and hoped with all my heart they could find their way together.
Outstanding. Wow. I'm amazed at how in-tuned Starla is with people's emotions and actions. I could see and feel Darius's growth in caring and love as it happens, step by step, through the book. I'm mesmerized at the impeccable timing of his thoughts as we go on this journey with Darius and Arden.
Outstanding. Wow. I'm amazed at how in-tuned Starla is with people's emotions and actions. I could see and feel Darius's growth in caring and love as it happens, step by step, through the book. I'm mesmerized at the impeccable timing of his thoughts as we go on this journey with Darius and Arden.
****FULL REVIEW****
Arden is on her way to meet her husband to be, and is beyond nervous. She's betrothed to Crown Prince Darius, and yet blindly happy about it. She knows she can help the kingdom, and Darius seems the kind of mind to let her help. Arden only hopes that she could have love with her marriage.
Darius is not thrilled about marrying someone he never met. Especially after sending 'her' away, the one person he feels made him act and become the hero and man he is now. His heart needs mending, and he's not sure he will love again. He understands he needs a wife and queen for his kingdom, and when his eyes are opened, he sees that she's of a brilliant mind and can help in the areas he's not as strong.
Arden and Darius are good people. They have kind hearts and bright souls, the perfect king and queen to rule a broken land. They enter into their relationship knowing this is for the kingdom, but Arden holds out hope for love, too.
Arden is smart and beautiful. Her mother may not want her talking of the items of state that she does, lab experiments on metals, or even cooking in the kitchen but she has a mind for it all. Arden has wonderful ideas that will help the kingdom that's trying to rebuild. In trying to get to know her fiancee Arden shows her worth in knowledge and ideas to Darius. Darius. He's a good man inside. When he sees Arden is smart and knows things that most ladies skim passed, he takes her advice. I have a huge amount of respect for Darius. He's honest with Arden from the beginning, even gives her an option out of the arranged marriage. Darius never takes advantage of Arden emotionally or physically. Also, Darius is one to stick to his word. He doesn't go back on what he's said or promised.
Darius and Arden both have strengths that are opposite each other, and makes them a wonderful partnership to learn and work out problems.
I felt for Arden through this book. I wanted her to be loved as she should be, too. Yet I understand Darius's heart and reasoning. I also see Darius not letting go of what he can't have because of his rank and letting his heart feel with Arden. He is aware of it too. Darius has moments with Arden but he stops himself. He'll fall for her, he has to!
This story is a romance set in a fantasy setting. It feels character driven more than world driven as we spend lots of time with our couple learning about them and their feelings then venture out into the world. Our couple come together and struggle through their own thoughts and lives to find their way together. The setting is a fantasy world with elves, dwarves, and magic. We visit these different cultures as we go, finding there is trouble and danger in their lives and in the kingdom. Darius and Arden are determined to help save lives, something they can work together at.
The draw of the story for me was what next will bring Arden and Darius closer, as they near their betrothal date or on their trip. What will we learn of the attractive Darius's past? And Arden's? What next will Arden suggest to aid friends and country? Or what will Arden do next to catch Darius's eye? I was entertained each time something came up, and hoped with all my heart they could find their way together.
Outstanding. Wow. I'm amazed at how in-tuned Starla is with people's emotions and actions. I could see and feel Darius's growth in caring and love as it happens, step by step, through the book. I'm mesmerized at the impeccable timing of his thoughts as we go on this journey with Darius and Arden.
September 19, 2017
Darius, the crown prince, is in an arranged marriage to Arden. Arden is kind and compassionate, but Darius has already given away his heart. In this political match, Arden tries her best to win over Darius. She has an effect on all those around her, but cannot seem to find the way to Darius’s heart.
Again, Huchton nails the dialogue and the speeches. This book feels like a good quality fantasy book with realistic yet easy to understand dialogue. This is a hard fantasy book that everyone, even readers who aren’t typically fantasy readers (like me) will enjoy.
Both the story and the plot were solid. They weren’t predictable, but they made sense. Huchton writes a character driven story and since her characters are perfectly defined, realistic, and interesting the story is also well defined, realistic and interesting.
What really keeps me picking up book after book by Huchton are the characters and their relationships with each other. But mostly the characters. Huchton writes the female main character I’ve always wanted. Strong but flawed, like any good protagonist! I love how much I get into the characters’ heads.
Again, Huchton nails the dialogue and the speeches. This book feels like a good quality fantasy book with realistic yet easy to understand dialogue. This is a hard fantasy book that everyone, even readers who aren’t typically fantasy readers (like me) will enjoy.
Both the story and the plot were solid. They weren’t predictable, but they made sense. Huchton writes a character driven story and since her characters are perfectly defined, realistic, and interesting the story is also well defined, realistic and interesting.
What really keeps me picking up book after book by Huchton are the characters and their relationships with each other. But mostly the characters. Huchton writes the female main character I’ve always wanted. Strong but flawed, like any good protagonist! I love how much I get into the characters’ heads.
November 28, 2016
Wonderful
Wow. That should be sufficient in describing what I think of this story. It is a wonderful love story, with amazing character and relationship development. The world building is great too!
Though I do think it would have been fun or interesting to see them doing some of the things they are good at...like Arden and Chemistry...anyway, me likey!
Wow. That should be sufficient in describing what I think of this story. It is a wonderful love story, with amazing character and relationship development. The world building is great too!
Though I do think it would have been fun or interesting to see them doing some of the things they are good at...like Arden and Chemistry...anyway, me likey!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews