What do you think?
Rate this book
Shards of Sevia #3
Love Costs
She's Tur. He's Sevian. She's stuck in a refugee camp. He's working for the people who put her there. With three years of war and a fifteen-foot fence between them, finding happiness together seems impossible. But Radoslav can't get the girl with the pink hair--or her missing cat--out of his mind.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2020
15 people want to read
About the author
E.B. Roshan
13 books88 followersE.B. Roshan has enjoyed a nomadic lifestyle for several years, living in the Middle East, Asia and various parts of the U.S. She is now temporarily settled in Pennsylvania with her husband and three children.
To learn more about E.B. Roshan and her books, visit: https://shardsofsevia.wordpress.com
To learn more about E.B. Roshan and her books, visit: https://shardsofsevia.wordpress.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 24, 2023
Good romance story first two were my favourites but this was enjoyable
January 4, 2024
4 stars. The books in this series are intertwined, with Boris & Anna’s stories being books 1 & 4, Preen’s being 2 & 5, and Radoslav & Dunya’s being 3 & 6. It makes for revisiting characters many times in different times and through different POVs.
I particularly liked meeting Radoslav again. After his dramatic exit in book 1, I was curious what happened to him. He’s such a sensitive, overthinking boy who cares so deeply, and I grew very fond of him. I was really happy to see Dunya again too! She’s fascinating, and I loved seeing her mellow out. And of course the baby is super cute—and Rado’s coworker + the American soldiers were nice fellows. It’s also nice to see Anna and her family again.
We’re back at the refugee camp this time, and Rado’s position as interpreter for the U.S. Army is quite interesting. It’s also a marriage of convenience where Rado makes impulsive and not-awesome decisions, but it all works out in the end, which made me very happy.
I don’t remember much more of specifics about this book, but I do remember I really liked it. Next to Preen’s story, it’s definitely my favourite. And I really liked the themes + message.
A Favourite Quote: Over the past four years of war he'd wasted so many chances, so much time, watching action movies he'd seen a dozen times and sipping tea as weak as water. He'd been so focused on regretting his one big mistake, he'd let himself be buried under a mountain of little ones.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “…you don't even know that girl's name."
"Yes, I do. It's Dunya."
"You move quickly," Taylor said, laughing again.
"She's lost everything. Finding her cat isn't so hard."
"What about when she leaves? Andrews asked. "If all goes well, she and her family will be accepted into the refugee placement program in a couple of months. Then it's off to Germany, or Austria, or wherever the European League decides to send them."
"I don't know," said Radoslav. "I haven't thought it so far ahead."
Taylor nodded. "Clearly."
*Content list to come upon reread. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
I particularly liked meeting Radoslav again. After his dramatic exit in book 1, I was curious what happened to him. He’s such a sensitive, overthinking boy who cares so deeply, and I grew very fond of him. I was really happy to see Dunya again too! She’s fascinating, and I loved seeing her mellow out. And of course the baby is super cute—and Rado’s coworker + the American soldiers were nice fellows. It’s also nice to see Anna and her family again.
We’re back at the refugee camp this time, and Rado’s position as interpreter for the U.S. Army is quite interesting. It’s also a marriage of convenience where Rado makes impulsive and not-awesome decisions, but it all works out in the end, which made me very happy.
I don’t remember much more of specifics about this book, but I do remember I really liked it. Next to Preen’s story, it’s definitely my favourite. And I really liked the themes + message.
A Favourite Quote: Over the past four years of war he'd wasted so many chances, so much time, watching action movies he'd seen a dozen times and sipping tea as weak as water. He'd been so focused on regretting his one big mistake, he'd let himself be buried under a mountain of little ones.
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “…you don't even know that girl's name."
"Yes, I do. It's Dunya."
"You move quickly," Taylor said, laughing again.
"She's lost everything. Finding her cat isn't so hard."
"What about when she leaves? Andrews asked. "If all goes well, she and her family will be accepted into the refugee placement program in a couple of months. Then it's off to Germany, or Austria, or wherever the European League decides to send them."
"I don't know," said Radoslav. "I haven't thought it so far ahead."
Taylor nodded. "Clearly."
*Content list to come upon reread. I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
October 16, 2021
As a Book Reviewer, I received a free ebook copy of Love Costs by E. B. Roshan. Love Costs is Book Three in Ms. Roshan’s The Shards of Sevia Series and this is my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor any review.
Love Costs takes place in Sevia. Radoslav, the brother of Anna from previous books in the series, is working as an interpreter, after some of the Tur people surrendered to the government and are placed in Camp Peace. These people were promised that they would be relocated somewhere in Europe.
Dunya and her brother, along with an orphaned baby Dunya has taken into her care, are staying in Camp Peace. One day, Radoslav sees Dunya through the fence. She has pink hair and a shiny smile that catches his attention. In a conversation with her, she expresses concern for her missing cat.
Radoslav, his heart torn by the situation that Dunya is in because of the ongoing fighting in their country, decides he wants to do something to make her smile again. So he goes back to her neighborhood, which is a dangerous place for Sevian people, and Radoslav is Sevian. He wants to find her cat for her.
Once again, E. B. Roshan constructs a story with interesting characters facing dangers and difficult decisions in a war-torn country.
Radoslav, because I remember him from a previous book in The Shards of Sevia Series, was definitely a character of interest to me. A character I cared about and wanted to see find some happiness.
Although this story was engaging, I felt as though it lacked the depth and suspense of the other books in The Shards of Sevia Series. The story was definitely worth reading, and I don’t know if it’s because I actually read this book out of order, but I didn’t find the danger as suspenseful in this book or the characters in the story to have the depth the characters in the other books in the series had.
However, it’s still a well written book and it’s important to the series and I still recommend that readers who like suspenseful stories, stories of different countries and cultures, and stories of life struggles read this book. And if you’ve read the first two books in The Shards of Sevia, don’t skip this one.
I give Love Costs (Book Three in The Shards of Sevia Series) by E. B. Roshan 4 stars.
Love Costs takes place in Sevia. Radoslav, the brother of Anna from previous books in the series, is working as an interpreter, after some of the Tur people surrendered to the government and are placed in Camp Peace. These people were promised that they would be relocated somewhere in Europe.
Dunya and her brother, along with an orphaned baby Dunya has taken into her care, are staying in Camp Peace. One day, Radoslav sees Dunya through the fence. She has pink hair and a shiny smile that catches his attention. In a conversation with her, she expresses concern for her missing cat.
Radoslav, his heart torn by the situation that Dunya is in because of the ongoing fighting in their country, decides he wants to do something to make her smile again. So he goes back to her neighborhood, which is a dangerous place for Sevian people, and Radoslav is Sevian. He wants to find her cat for her.
Once again, E. B. Roshan constructs a story with interesting characters facing dangers and difficult decisions in a war-torn country.
Radoslav, because I remember him from a previous book in The Shards of Sevia Series, was definitely a character of interest to me. A character I cared about and wanted to see find some happiness.
Although this story was engaging, I felt as though it lacked the depth and suspense of the other books in The Shards of Sevia Series. The story was definitely worth reading, and I don’t know if it’s because I actually read this book out of order, but I didn’t find the danger as suspenseful in this book or the characters in the story to have the depth the characters in the other books in the series had.
However, it’s still a well written book and it’s important to the series and I still recommend that readers who like suspenseful stories, stories of different countries and cultures, and stories of life struggles read this book. And if you’ve read the first two books in The Shards of Sevia, don’t skip this one.
I give Love Costs (Book Three in The Shards of Sevia Series) by E. B. Roshan 4 stars.
December 13, 2020
The book is a good romantic suspense read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.
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.
Read
June 27, 2024Author Content Rating
Violence: minor injuries briefly described, discussion of war and genocide
Sexual Content: sex trafficking is alluded to
Language: none
Other: smoking, alcohol use, brief mention of suicide
Violence: minor injuries briefly described, discussion of war and genocide
Sexual Content: sex trafficking is alluded to
Language: none
Other: smoking, alcohol use, brief mention of suicide
December 19, 2020
Want to read the full review? Read on: www.onreviewbysara.com
Posted: December 18, 2020 at 8PM
I was lucky enough to read this book after the author reached out to me. I hope the prospective reader will read this review fully before making any prejudgments on the book. I will give the book my thoughts. These thoughts are completely my own and not swayed in any way by anyone else’s reviews or opinions.
Radoslav cannot get the girl with the pink hair out of his mind. Her missing cat thrust them into the same world. The war-torn country that had him working with the people that put her into that refugee camp to begin with. With the want for happiness and a fifteen-foot fence in their way, the world around them seems bleak. Maybe a chance at happiness isn’t as far away as she thinks. The person that she least expects to help her may actually be her savior.
My Rating: This book was definitely hard for me to rate. I found this book to be quick and enjoyable, but I was left with wanting more build to the story. I did like Radoslav and Dunya, but I found their relationship dynamic lacking in some ways. I was hoping that they would choose their paths wisely and be able to make it out together. It was hard to get into an instant love style story that had me waiting. I love romantic suspense stories. This book is right up my alley. I struggle to read books that have no suspense in them. I want to be kept on my toes. This book did that for me. Overall, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. While I did enjoy the suspense and romance, I couldn’t get past how quick it ended. I absolutely think you should read this book if you want a little more spice in your reading. If you love romances that are real world based, this is your story.
I hope this review helps you in making your next book choice. Happy reading!
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
E.B. Roshan
Posted: December 18, 2020 at 8PM
I was lucky enough to read this book after the author reached out to me. I hope the prospective reader will read this review fully before making any prejudgments on the book. I will give the book my thoughts. These thoughts are completely my own and not swayed in any way by anyone else’s reviews or opinions.
Radoslav cannot get the girl with the pink hair out of his mind. Her missing cat thrust them into the same world. The war-torn country that had him working with the people that put her into that refugee camp to begin with. With the want for happiness and a fifteen-foot fence in their way, the world around them seems bleak. Maybe a chance at happiness isn’t as far away as she thinks. The person that she least expects to help her may actually be her savior.
My Rating: This book was definitely hard for me to rate. I found this book to be quick and enjoyable, but I was left with wanting more build to the story. I did like Radoslav and Dunya, but I found their relationship dynamic lacking in some ways. I was hoping that they would choose their paths wisely and be able to make it out together. It was hard to get into an instant love style story that had me waiting. I love romantic suspense stories. This book is right up my alley. I struggle to read books that have no suspense in them. I want to be kept on my toes. This book did that for me. Overall, I give this book 3 out of 5 stars. While I did enjoy the suspense and romance, I couldn’t get past how quick it ended. I absolutely think you should read this book if you want a little more spice in your reading. If you love romances that are real world based, this is your story.
I hope this review helps you in making your next book choice. Happy reading!
DISCLAIMER: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
E.B. Roshan
December 20, 2021
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this book so much since Christian romance is not a genre I normally read, but I loved it from the first page!
The characters were delightful! Radoslav was my favorite. I loved his meekness and his compassion for others, though that’s not what I would have imagined he was like from my first impression. I also admired his quiet, steady faith in God. I liked Dunya too—her friendliness, her courage, and her strength in the face of such loss. And Vova made me laugh! I loved his easygoing, funny personality.
I especially liked the dynamics between Radoslav and his family. It was so refreshing to see such a functional, close-knit family. And since I’m a cat lover, it was really fun to see a cat featured in the story!
The author pulled off the romance between Radoslav and Dunya pretty well, although it did feel rushed sometimes. I would have appreciated a little more development of their relationship, but the book just wasn’t long enough for that. I liked that there was more to the plot than just the goal of “getting” the other person. It wasn’t easy for them to build a relationship. It wasn’t love at first sight. It was a marriage of necessity, and they had a lot of issues to work through. They had to learn to love and trust each other over time.
As for plot, the book hooked me right from the beginning, raising a lot of questions that made me keep reading. I got a sense of the atmosphere, setting, and conflict almost right away. I really enjoyed learning about the different political and people groups, especially the Turs. Their plight was realistically and touchingly portrayed, and I sympathized with them from page one.
The pacing was well done. There wasn’t a boring moment! I did feel like the ending was a little abrupt and worked out a little too conveniently though. It struck me as kind of strange that Radoslav just accepted Dunya’s confession near the end with almost no reaction. I would have thought he would act a little more hurt and betrayed since he had been trying to help her by marrying her. But besides that, the rest of the book was well-written.
The author also did a great job with the worldbuilding. Even though I hadn’t read the first two books in the series, the author did a great job giving just enough information so that I didn’t feel lost, but also without info-dumping. I really enjoyed learning about the country of Sevia and especially the Tur culture. I especially found the tattooing aspect of their culture intriguing. I can't wait to find out more about Sevia in her other books!
I liked how the author handled the themes of love and sacrifice. As Radoslav says, “The best love costs the most.” Their love was costly. It definitely wasn’t easy, but it was worth it in the end.
I also appreciated how E.B. Roshan approached Radoslav’s faith. It was definitely present, but not in an overbearing or preachy way. He lived out what he believed. And although Dunya’s conversion was implied at the end, the author didn’t go into a lot of detail on it.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. It was easy to read and flowed smoothly. I also appreciated her attention to detail. There weren’t any awkward sentence constructions (which really bother me!) and almost no grammar mistakes. Her descriptions were also well-written. They were short, but striking and original.
Content: There is some language (d*** and h*** are used a few times), and one of the main characters smokes. There is also mild kissing.
All in all, this is a wonderful little read if you're looking for fast-paced action and memorable characters! I would recommend this book for ages 15+.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
The characters were delightful! Radoslav was my favorite. I loved his meekness and his compassion for others, though that’s not what I would have imagined he was like from my first impression. I also admired his quiet, steady faith in God. I liked Dunya too—her friendliness, her courage, and her strength in the face of such loss. And Vova made me laugh! I loved his easygoing, funny personality.
I especially liked the dynamics between Radoslav and his family. It was so refreshing to see such a functional, close-knit family. And since I’m a cat lover, it was really fun to see a cat featured in the story!
The author pulled off the romance between Radoslav and Dunya pretty well, although it did feel rushed sometimes. I would have appreciated a little more development of their relationship, but the book just wasn’t long enough for that. I liked that there was more to the plot than just the goal of “getting” the other person. It wasn’t easy for them to build a relationship. It wasn’t love at first sight. It was a marriage of necessity, and they had a lot of issues to work through. They had to learn to love and trust each other over time.
As for plot, the book hooked me right from the beginning, raising a lot of questions that made me keep reading. I got a sense of the atmosphere, setting, and conflict almost right away. I really enjoyed learning about the different political and people groups, especially the Turs. Their plight was realistically and touchingly portrayed, and I sympathized with them from page one.
The pacing was well done. There wasn’t a boring moment! I did feel like the ending was a little abrupt and worked out a little too conveniently though. It struck me as kind of strange that Radoslav just accepted Dunya’s confession near the end with almost no reaction. I would have thought he would act a little more hurt and betrayed since he had been trying to help her by marrying her. But besides that, the rest of the book was well-written.
The author also did a great job with the worldbuilding. Even though I hadn’t read the first two books in the series, the author did a great job giving just enough information so that I didn’t feel lost, but also without info-dumping. I really enjoyed learning about the country of Sevia and especially the Tur culture. I especially found the tattooing aspect of their culture intriguing. I can't wait to find out more about Sevia in her other books!
I liked how the author handled the themes of love and sacrifice. As Radoslav says, “The best love costs the most.” Their love was costly. It definitely wasn’t easy, but it was worth it in the end.
I also appreciated how E.B. Roshan approached Radoslav’s faith. It was definitely present, but not in an overbearing or preachy way. He lived out what he believed. And although Dunya’s conversion was implied at the end, the author didn’t go into a lot of detail on it.
I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. It was easy to read and flowed smoothly. I also appreciated her attention to detail. There weren’t any awkward sentence constructions (which really bother me!) and almost no grammar mistakes. Her descriptions were also well-written. They were short, but striking and original.
Content: There is some language (d*** and h*** are used a few times), and one of the main characters smokes. There is also mild kissing.
All in all, this is a wonderful little read if you're looking for fast-paced action and memorable characters! I would recommend this book for ages 15+.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
July 19, 2025
My favorite in the series so far!! I love her characters and how real they are. I want a whole series just about these two!
November 12, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. Roshan did an amazing job at creating a world that is not unrealistic. There were a lot of historical parallels throughout this romantic story. I found myself continuously turning the page to see what happened next. If you like romances that reflect real-world problems and have touches of religion thrown in, then this book is for you. For the full review click here: https://likelystory.blog/2020/11/07/r...
September 30, 2022
She's Tur. He's Sevian.
While working as an interpreter for a war-torn Sevia, Radoslav discovers a man, his sister, and a baby. All are supposed to be taken to a refugee camp. When Dunya asks "Rado" to find her lost cat, he agrees. But Coco has other plans. Just like the rest of the war-torn country.
Meanwhile, Rado falls hard for this pink-haired girl with an unknown background and an even more uncertain future. But Rado places his hope in the Great Peace-giver. When things go south in “Camp Peace,” Rado hatches a rescue plan that may hurt his family. But it could cost Dunya what’s left of hers. Will hope win out over hate?
Reading prior books in the series will be helpful in grasping the broader context within which Love Costs takes place. But it’s not mandatory. You can read this installment as a stand-alone. It picks up where Roshan’s prior novels in the series leave off. (We’re soon reintroduced to Wrong Place characters Anna Belko and Boris Merkovich.)
This story digs in quick and reads fast. Chapters are fairly short, usually eight to ten pages. Creative and imaginative, this faith-flavored story includes vivid descriptions, credible dialogue, and excellent world building.
Love Costs is not quite as strong as its predecessor, Wrong Place, Right Time. I would've liked to have seen a bit more character development and a plot that's a little more full-bodied. But it’s still a quick, enjoyable read. A good fit for YA audiences or anyone who enjoys a lively, uplifting story.
While working as an interpreter for a war-torn Sevia, Radoslav discovers a man, his sister, and a baby. All are supposed to be taken to a refugee camp. When Dunya asks "Rado" to find her lost cat, he agrees. But Coco has other plans. Just like the rest of the war-torn country.
Meanwhile, Rado falls hard for this pink-haired girl with an unknown background and an even more uncertain future. But Rado places his hope in the Great Peace-giver. When things go south in “Camp Peace,” Rado hatches a rescue plan that may hurt his family. But it could cost Dunya what’s left of hers. Will hope win out over hate?
Reading prior books in the series will be helpful in grasping the broader context within which Love Costs takes place. But it’s not mandatory. You can read this installment as a stand-alone. It picks up where Roshan’s prior novels in the series leave off. (We’re soon reintroduced to Wrong Place characters Anna Belko and Boris Merkovich.)
This story digs in quick and reads fast. Chapters are fairly short, usually eight to ten pages. Creative and imaginative, this faith-flavored story includes vivid descriptions, credible dialogue, and excellent world building.
Love Costs is not quite as strong as its predecessor, Wrong Place, Right Time. I would've liked to have seen a bit more character development and a plot that's a little more full-bodied. But it’s still a quick, enjoyable read. A good fit for YA audiences or anyone who enjoys a lively, uplifting story.
March 24, 2021
This is the 2nd book I've read written by E.B. Roshan; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
This is the third book in the Shards of Sevia Series; Tur is in the refugee camp; Sevian works there and can’t get her off his mind.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the Shards of Sevia Series; Tur is in the refugee camp; Sevian works there and can’t get her off his mind.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2025
This was probably my favorite in the series so far, since I always like marriage-of-convenience stories. Radoslav and Dunya were excellent characters, and the setting was intriguing. I'm impressed at how Roshan manages to follow the lives of individual characters and weave separate books' plotlines throughout her series while maintaining a cohesive effect.
January 20, 2026
4.5 stars
This was the hardest book to bond with the characters, for me. But by halfway through I was fully invested in this uneven romance and daring leading lady. The story is rough, being in a war camp, but the story has a lovely message of faith in the midst of the chaos.
This was the hardest book to bond with the characters, for me. But by halfway through I was fully invested in this uneven romance and daring leading lady. The story is rough, being in a war camp, but the story has a lovely message of faith in the midst of the chaos.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews