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Tales of Fate #3
A Warrior's Heart
Malik
I’ve watched over Troy his whole life. But I no longer see him as the boy he used to be. He’s strong, brave… beautiful. Being a warrior is all I’ve known for so long. Yet with him, I find myself wanting more.
He makes me feel alive again.
When King Triton sends me on a mission to find a powerful legendary weapon, I know it will be dangerous. The human king wants a war with my people, and if this weapon falls into his hands it could mean our destruction. Failure is not an option.
I must put aside my feelings for Troy no matter how much I crave him. Love has no place in my world. Not when danger follows me wherever I go.
Troy
Malik is stern, overprotective, and stubborn. He still sees me as the young, scared boy he used to protect, but I want him to see me as the man I’ve become. When he sets out on a quest to the surface world, I leave the protection of our underwater kingdom and go with him.
Trust is hard for me. Intimacy is harder. But Malik makes me feel safe. Treasured. In his arms, my broken pieces begin to mend.
However, tension between the land and sea heightens and war seems inevitable. It’s up to us to save not only our kingdom, but each other.
A Warrior’s Heart is Book 3 in the Tales of Fate series and must be read in order. This is an age gap, hurt/comfort fantasy romance with mermen, pirates, underwater fun, and a wicked king or two. HEA guaranteed.
I’ve watched over Troy his whole life. But I no longer see him as the boy he used to be. He’s strong, brave… beautiful. Being a warrior is all I’ve known for so long. Yet with him, I find myself wanting more.
He makes me feel alive again.
When King Triton sends me on a mission to find a powerful legendary weapon, I know it will be dangerous. The human king wants a war with my people, and if this weapon falls into his hands it could mean our destruction. Failure is not an option.
I must put aside my feelings for Troy no matter how much I crave him. Love has no place in my world. Not when danger follows me wherever I go.
Troy
Malik is stern, overprotective, and stubborn. He still sees me as the young, scared boy he used to protect, but I want him to see me as the man I’ve become. When he sets out on a quest to the surface world, I leave the protection of our underwater kingdom and go with him.
Trust is hard for me. Intimacy is harder. But Malik makes me feel safe. Treasured. In his arms, my broken pieces begin to mend.
However, tension between the land and sea heightens and war seems inevitable. It’s up to us to save not only our kingdom, but each other.
A Warrior’s Heart is Book 3 in the Tales of Fate series and must be read in order. This is an age gap, hurt/comfort fantasy romance with mermen, pirates, underwater fun, and a wicked king or two. HEA guaranteed.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2021
40 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Jaclyn Osborn
50 books1,787 followersAs an avid reader and coffee addict, Jaclyn Osborn can always be found with either a book in her hand or one being written on her laptop. The men in her stories mean the world to her, and she's thankful for each day she's able to do this as a career.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
She writes M/M romance across all genres and worlds, including contemporary, historical, fantasy, and paranormal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 13, 2022
5 Stars
I should begin by stating that Osborn’s Tales of Fate series is one of my personal favourites, as far as M/M romances featuring fantasy-adventure themes are concerned. And this third installment?... it turned out to be my absolute favourite of the series to date!
Picking up several years after the high-stakes events that took place in The Nymph Prince, this third book sees new romantic leads—but long-time series favourites—mermen Malik and Troy FINALLY come together while on a harrowing quest for King Triton, to retrieve a long-hidden and powerful weapon that will surely change the tide in the inevitable war between the merfolk and the humans.
As far as seafaring adventures go, this one was right up there. A lot of the story was set on a ship or below the waves themselves, and I thought the vivid scene setting and larger world-building was positively breathtaking. The stakes were even higher than stories past—which I honestly wasn’t sure could be managed—and the pacing of the plot, weaving the slow-intensifying quest with the development of the love stories (plural) was written to perfection, keeping my attention rapt throughout both the quieter moments and the high-action moments.
By bringing back (and heavily featuring) all the series lead couples and endearing side-characters of note, while also introducing a few wonderful new additions to the group, Osborn took the story and the romances to a whole new level. Pirates and mermen, assassins and warriors, and all manner of royalty above and below the sea, this fantasy-adventure had it all in spades. Honestly, I’d be hard pressed to name a character I didn’t find fascinating—and that goes for the “bad guys” too.
For me, this is one of those series that continually pushes to be better and brighter with each subsequent story. My expectations were high going in, no doubt, but blessedly, all my hopes and wishes for Malik and Troy’s book were exceeded. I simply adored these two characters and the way their story played out.
A Warrior's Heart easily takes the place of my favourite book of March—hell, it’s probably (currently) in top spot for my favourite book of 2021, I loved it that much. I truly urge my M/M fantasy loving friends to give this series a shot, because as you get more and more invested in these characters and this gorgeous world, you’ll surely be glad you gave it a chance.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
I should begin by stating that Osborn’s Tales of Fate series is one of my personal favourites, as far as M/M romances featuring fantasy-adventure themes are concerned. And this third installment?... it turned out to be my absolute favourite of the series to date!
Picking up several years after the high-stakes events that took place in The Nymph Prince, this third book sees new romantic leads—but long-time series favourites—mermen Malik and Troy FINALLY come together while on a harrowing quest for King Triton, to retrieve a long-hidden and powerful weapon that will surely change the tide in the inevitable war between the merfolk and the humans.
As far as seafaring adventures go, this one was right up there. A lot of the story was set on a ship or below the waves themselves, and I thought the vivid scene setting and larger world-building was positively breathtaking. The stakes were even higher than stories past—which I honestly wasn’t sure could be managed—and the pacing of the plot, weaving the slow-intensifying quest with the development of the love stories (plural) was written to perfection, keeping my attention rapt throughout both the quieter moments and the high-action moments.
By bringing back (and heavily featuring) all the series lead couples and endearing side-characters of note, while also introducing a few wonderful new additions to the group, Osborn took the story and the romances to a whole new level. Pirates and mermen, assassins and warriors, and all manner of royalty above and below the sea, this fantasy-adventure had it all in spades. Honestly, I’d be hard pressed to name a character I didn’t find fascinating—and that goes for the “bad guys” too.
For me, this is one of those series that continually pushes to be better and brighter with each subsequent story. My expectations were high going in, no doubt, but blessedly, all my hopes and wishes for Malik and Troy’s book were exceeded. I simply adored these two characters and the way their story played out.
A Warrior's Heart easily takes the place of my favourite book of March—hell, it’s probably (currently) in top spot for my favourite book of 2021, I loved it that much. I truly urge my M/M fantasy loving friends to give this series a shot, because as you get more and more invested in these characters and this gorgeous world, you’ll surely be glad you gave it a chance.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! <3
February 24, 2022
This book is more of a quest/adventure than a romance.
Malik and Troy stop dancing around their attraction, but not before Malik pushes Troy away time and time again.
The previous MCs, especially Lorcan, are a big part of the plot, so don't even think about reading this one as a standalone.
It took me a while to get through this book, but once I hit chapter 20 I couldn't put it down.
Book 1 is still my favorite of the series, but I'm fascinated with this fantasy world Osborn has created and am waiting for book 4 with bated breath.
Malik and Troy stop dancing around their attraction, but not before Malik pushes Troy away time and time again.
The previous MCs, especially Lorcan, are a big part of the plot, so don't even think about reading this one as a standalone.
It took me a while to get through this book, but once I hit chapter 20 I couldn't put it down.
Book 1 is still my favorite of the series, but I'm fascinated with this fantasy world Osborn has created and am waiting for book 4 with bated breath.
May 11, 2022
The best of the three.
Troy was good and so sweet and their relationship so well built it made me swoon.
Can t wait for the next one
Troy was good and so sweet and their relationship so well built it made me swoon.
Can t wait for the next one
May 21, 2021
This was a fantastic addition to this series. I loved seeing a softer side to Malik and having all the previous couples and characters work together.
This author sure does know how to surprise you and keep you guessing throughout the book, it was one of my favorites in the series!
I liked knowing we're going to be able to read another book in this series especially knowing its going to be the human king. 🙀
That book is going to take some care and creativity in order to get her readers to like the human king, hope she's up for the challenge. 😁
I know I can't wait to read it!!!
This author sure does know how to surprise you and keep you guessing throughout the book, it was one of my favorites in the series!
I liked knowing we're going to be able to read another book in this series especially knowing its going to be the human king. 🙀
That book is going to take some care and creativity in order to get her readers to like the human king, hope she's up for the challenge. 😁
I know I can't wait to read it!!!
April 5, 2021
Does anybody know when book 4 will be released? 🤔
love love love these books 💛
love love love these books 💛
March 8, 2021
I absolutely love and adore this fantasy world Jaclyn has created. I mean who doesn’t love pirates, mages, and mermen.
This is Malik and Troy’s story and I could not put it down. I was taken from Avalontis under the sea to a ship on the sea. We met them in book 2 as Malik is Prince Lorcans guard and Troy is his best friend.
Both men are living with fears from their past. Malik with a fear of loving again and Troy with fear from what happened in the past. As walls around their hearts start to crumble and they start give their love a chance, their relationship changes and flourishes. I can’t even explain what such a teddy bear Malik is even though he is this tough protector. Everything he does is thoughtful and caring. I asked Jaclyn if she could find me a Malik in real life. LOL. Troy is sassy, fun, but also loves hard.
Their love is sweet and tender. Join in on their love and adventure while they join in with Kellan, Fletch, and some new characters I fell deeply in love with on an adventure to save Avalontis.
I can’t wait for more in this series.
This is Malik and Troy’s story and I could not put it down. I was taken from Avalontis under the sea to a ship on the sea. We met them in book 2 as Malik is Prince Lorcans guard and Troy is his best friend.
Both men are living with fears from their past. Malik with a fear of loving again and Troy with fear from what happened in the past. As walls around their hearts start to crumble and they start give their love a chance, their relationship changes and flourishes. I can’t even explain what such a teddy bear Malik is even though he is this tough protector. Everything he does is thoughtful and caring. I asked Jaclyn if she could find me a Malik in real life. LOL. Troy is sassy, fun, but also loves hard.
Their love is sweet and tender. Join in on their love and adventure while they join in with Kellan, Fletch, and some new characters I fell deeply in love with on an adventure to save Avalontis.
I can’t wait for more in this series.
July 7, 2021
4,25/5
J'attendais la suite de cette saga avec grande impatience ! Du coup, même je me souvenais quand même assez bien des deux premiers tomes lus il y a maintenant deux ans, j'ai préféré faire une relecture pour m’immerger complètement dans l'univers de Jaclyn Osborn !
Cette fois, ce troisième tome nous offre l'histoire de Malik, le grand guerrier, bras droit du Roi Triton. Malik est envoyé en mission afin de récupérer une arme puissante et doit également retrouver le prince Lorcan. Il va être accompagné de Troy, le meilleur ami du Prince, et accessoirement amoureux de lui depuis longtemps.
Malik, c'est un puissant guerrier, il a prouvé plus d'une fois sa valeur. C'est aussi un homme triste et seul, qui a perdu son amant il y a bien longtemps. Depuis sa naissance, il a veillé sur Lorcan, qu'il considère comme son fils, même s'il n'est pas le géniteur. Troy ayant toujours été dans l'ombre de Lorcan, il a toujours été proche du jeune homme également. Jeune homme qu'il commençait à voir d'un autre angle, mais se refusait tout désir. La différence d'âge est bien là, mais elle se voit très peu, étant donné que ces créatures ne vieillissent pas comme les humains.
J'ai vraiment aimé leur romance, ce n'est ni trop lent, ni trop rapide, mais juste ce qu'il fallait ! Il y a tellement de tendresse et de respect entre eux.
Troy est un homme qui porte des cicatrices, il n'a jamais été touché par qui que ce soit, excepté peut-être son meilleur ami. Pourtant, il va se sentir rassuré auprès de Malik, et j'ai vraiment aimé la prévenance et délicatesse de ce dernier face aux démons de Troy. Et puis, ce petit Troy est bien plus fort qu'il ne le croit et va vraiment le démontrer ici pour sauver les gens qu'il aime.
A côté de tout ça, j'ai beaucoup aimé l'intrigue de fond. Tout est bien mené, avec de l'action, des rebondissements. Les personnages détestables le sont toujours autant... D'ailleurs niveau personnages secondaires, mention spéciale au Roi James ! Sans dévoiler quoique ce soit, j'ai hâte de découvrir ce qui se cache derrière ce caractère bien spécial dans le prochain tome annoncé par l'auteur ! J'ai été plus que ravie de revoir aussi les autres personnages qui ne font pas qu'apparaître ici et ont vraiment leurs rôles dans cette intrigue ^^ Par contre, j'ai eu trop peu de Kellan et Fletcher...
J'adore me plonger dans cette saga, elle me déconnecte de la réalité. J'aime cet univers et tous ses personnages, j'ai hâte de les retrouver dans la suite, qui, j'espère, ne tardera pas trop ^^
J'attendais la suite de cette saga avec grande impatience ! Du coup, même je me souvenais quand même assez bien des deux premiers tomes lus il y a maintenant deux ans, j'ai préféré faire une relecture pour m’immerger complètement dans l'univers de Jaclyn Osborn !
Cette fois, ce troisième tome nous offre l'histoire de Malik, le grand guerrier, bras droit du Roi Triton. Malik est envoyé en mission afin de récupérer une arme puissante et doit également retrouver le prince Lorcan. Il va être accompagné de Troy, le meilleur ami du Prince, et accessoirement amoureux de lui depuis longtemps.
Malik, c'est un puissant guerrier, il a prouvé plus d'une fois sa valeur. C'est aussi un homme triste et seul, qui a perdu son amant il y a bien longtemps. Depuis sa naissance, il a veillé sur Lorcan, qu'il considère comme son fils, même s'il n'est pas le géniteur. Troy ayant toujours été dans l'ombre de Lorcan, il a toujours été proche du jeune homme également. Jeune homme qu'il commençait à voir d'un autre angle, mais se refusait tout désir. La différence d'âge est bien là, mais elle se voit très peu, étant donné que ces créatures ne vieillissent pas comme les humains.
J'ai vraiment aimé leur romance, ce n'est ni trop lent, ni trop rapide, mais juste ce qu'il fallait ! Il y a tellement de tendresse et de respect entre eux.
Troy est un homme qui porte des cicatrices, il n'a jamais été touché par qui que ce soit, excepté peut-être son meilleur ami. Pourtant, il va se sentir rassuré auprès de Malik, et j'ai vraiment aimé la prévenance et délicatesse de ce dernier face aux démons de Troy. Et puis, ce petit Troy est bien plus fort qu'il ne le croit et va vraiment le démontrer ici pour sauver les gens qu'il aime.
A côté de tout ça, j'ai beaucoup aimé l'intrigue de fond. Tout est bien mené, avec de l'action, des rebondissements. Les personnages détestables le sont toujours autant... D'ailleurs niveau personnages secondaires, mention spéciale au Roi James ! Sans dévoiler quoique ce soit, j'ai hâte de découvrir ce qui se cache derrière ce caractère bien spécial dans le prochain tome annoncé par l'auteur ! J'ai été plus que ravie de revoir aussi les autres personnages qui ne font pas qu'apparaître ici et ont vraiment leurs rôles dans cette intrigue ^^ Par contre, j'ai eu trop peu de Kellan et Fletcher...
J'adore me plonger dans cette saga, elle me déconnecte de la réalité. J'aime cet univers et tous ses personnages, j'ai hâte de les retrouver dans la suite, qui, j'espère, ne tardera pas trop ^^
April 6, 2021
My favorite in the series
I loved Malik and Troy and their story - an exceptionally well done age gap romance with organic transition to lovers. The book has it all: tenderness, healing, sexual awakening, a chance to love again, size difference between MCs with smaller guy being strong on his own, love that trusts and overcomes all obstacles. Plus, true friendship, loyalty, adventures, and magical world that further expands in this installment. I'm totally intrigued by elves.
As usual for this series secondary characters are prominent and fleshed out. I would read a book about any of them.
James is next - looking forward!
I loved Malik and Troy and their story - an exceptionally well done age gap romance with organic transition to lovers. The book has it all: tenderness, healing, sexual awakening, a chance to love again, size difference between MCs with smaller guy being strong on his own, love that trusts and overcomes all obstacles. Plus, true friendship, loyalty, adventures, and magical world that further expands in this installment. I'm totally intrigued by elves.
As usual for this series secondary characters are prominent and fleshed out. I would read a book about any of them.
James is next - looking forward!
March 11, 2021
Another great book in this series. I have each in a different way and each had all the feels. I have gradually like each couple a bit better, but Lorcan and Alek may still in the top, as I loved all the scenes they were in during Malik and Troy's story. Malik and Troy I have loved from meeting them and so I knew their story would be just as good. I loved how Malik was with Troy, how he cradled him when he needed it, and never discounted how he may be feeling. I also loved how Troy was always so sure about what he wanted/needed and he was happy with how their relationship progressed. The storyline was soo good as well and I was happy to see the other characters/couples present during the story. I liked all the side stories as well. So much happens in this book, and it flows so well, I found myself wanting even more. I am happy there are going to be more books and I look forward to seeing who King James ends up taking a liking to and shares his feelings.
March 15, 2021
I love it
I love Jaclyn Osborns books they r so good. Tales of fate series is my second favorite series from her I think her best work would have to be Spartan Tale. Even though it’s a tragedy story it’s still her best work. I fell in love with kellan and Fletcher in the first book then Lorcan and Alek in the second and been waiting for Troy and Malik in this one. I don’t know how to feel about the next one I really don’t like king James but maybe I might.
Best quote that won me in this book was
“You wish for the truth?” Malik leaned down and rested his cheek on the side of my head. “Then hear this. I do not want anyone’s hands on you but mine. I do not want you to crave another’s touch or desire their arms around you like mine are around you right now.” My heart fluttered. “You don’t have to worry about that. I want only you. I crave no other.”
I love Jaclyn Osborns books they r so good. Tales of fate series is my second favorite series from her I think her best work would have to be Spartan Tale. Even though it’s a tragedy story it’s still her best work. I fell in love with kellan and Fletcher in the first book then Lorcan and Alek in the second and been waiting for Troy and Malik in this one. I don’t know how to feel about the next one I really don’t like king James but maybe I might.
Best quote that won me in this book was
“You wish for the truth?” Malik leaned down and rested his cheek on the side of my head. “Then hear this. I do not want anyone’s hands on you but mine. I do not want you to crave another’s touch or desire their arms around you like mine are around you right now.” My heart fluttered. “You don’t have to worry about that. I want only you. I crave no other.”
March 11, 2021
I loved Troy & Malik’s story. So full of thrill, suspense, friendship and family. I had a big cry at a certain part and got mad saying” no, this cannot happen.” I was afraid to turn the page, eek, but I eventually did and my heart was racing for awhile. Such a good emotional ride, loved it! I loved Troy and Malik, they so belonged together. My heart went out to them both and I cried for for them both. It was great to catch up with the characters from the previous books, it made me smile. I love when recurring characters come back. A wonderful fantasy book with a Merefolk love story, passion, dualing and sailing to find a hidden object. A Must Read but you have to read the first two books in order to catch up to this one!
March 12, 2021
Epic!
I absolutely love this series, and I’m so happy the author decided to write a third book.
Jaclyn Osborn is a wordsmith. She has a remarkable way of drawing you into the story. It’s as if you’re right there with the characters, breathing the same air, feeling the same feelings, and in this case, swimming right alongside them.
Malik and Troy were endearing characters, and it was so nice to see past characters having a cameo in this story.
This book won't soon be forgotten.
I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely love this series, and I’m so happy the author decided to write a third book.
Jaclyn Osborn is a wordsmith. She has a remarkable way of drawing you into the story. It’s as if you’re right there with the characters, breathing the same air, feeling the same feelings, and in this case, swimming right alongside them.
Malik and Troy were endearing characters, and it was so nice to see past characters having a cameo in this story.
This book won't soon be forgotten.
I can’t wait for the next book!
March 15, 2021
4.5 stars
I love this series. And I love that with this book we got to meet old friends and new lovers, it was a smooth and easy combination where one didn’t seem to over power the other.
Although this was a story about Malik and Troy’s romance, it was really a deep plot driven adventure of war and Lorcan’s journey to be the prince he needed to be for his people. And again the balance was beautiful, the plot did not take away from the romance and vice-versa.
My only minor dislike for this romance was the push pull romance, but honestly that seems to be this authors forte to I should just get used to it.
I love this series. And I love that with this book we got to meet old friends and new lovers, it was a smooth and easy combination where one didn’t seem to over power the other.
Although this was a story about Malik and Troy’s romance, it was really a deep plot driven adventure of war and Lorcan’s journey to be the prince he needed to be for his people. And again the balance was beautiful, the plot did not take away from the romance and vice-versa.
My only minor dislike for this romance was the push pull romance, but honestly that seems to be this authors forte to I should just get used to it.
March 4, 2021
****** 4.5 fishy stars ******
There are a few authors, whose books I one-click, sight unseen, without reading a blurb or even seeing the cover. Jaclyn is on that list, and with good reason. I was absolutely elated to have won an ARC copy of A Warrior's Heart, because I loved the first two and was so very excited to see Troy and Malik get their story. (Warning: you should read those before these, as the stories are a continuation of each other).
I was not disappointed!
Both Troy and Malik have experienced Trauma and grief in different forms. Malik lost a spouse and Troy suffered sexual abuse. I was so happy (especially with Troy) that the subject was handled as delicately as it was. It wasn't ignored or passed over as a plot device. It was an important part of his story and personality, defining the way he interacted with the world, but not defining him. He was so much more, and I'm so glad we got to see that. We saw Malik overcome his fear of being hurt again, and saw Troy shine. He was the star of this story and I loved every bit of it.
Jaclyn's writing is, as always, absolutely enchanting. She paints vivid pictures of the worlds she imagines and they seem like places you've been. I feel like I've been on the shores of Emerald Cove and touched the fine sand, and felt the sun on my face. The characters are equally fleshed out, even the secondary characters (Reif, Neureus, etc.), but especially the villains. Ezra, for all his faults, was someone you can understand. You see how his life shaped him and can easily identify how it all led to this; putting him side-by-side with Lorcan, his half-brother, the differences becoming even more glaring and easy to understand.
I loved seeing past characters like Fletcher and Kellan show up, and everything not be fantastic (Troy's reluctance and mistrust of Kellan for instance) felt organic, and once again speaks volumes of Jaclyn's capacity to make all these characters feel like real people with motivations and desires, fears and faults.
Once again, I was transported to a world of brilliant colours and fishy scales. I laughed, I sighed, I cried, I raged. This book took me on a journey, and what a wonderful journey it was.
There are a few authors, whose books I one-click, sight unseen, without reading a blurb or even seeing the cover. Jaclyn is on that list, and with good reason. I was absolutely elated to have won an ARC copy of A Warrior's Heart, because I loved the first two and was so very excited to see Troy and Malik get their story. (Warning: you should read those before these, as the stories are a continuation of each other).
I was not disappointed!
Both Troy and Malik have experienced Trauma and grief in different forms. Malik lost a spouse and Troy suffered sexual abuse. I was so happy (especially with Troy) that the subject was handled as delicately as it was. It wasn't ignored or passed over as a plot device. It was an important part of his story and personality, defining the way he interacted with the world, but not defining him. He was so much more, and I'm so glad we got to see that. We saw Malik overcome his fear of being hurt again, and saw Troy shine. He was the star of this story and I loved every bit of it.
Jaclyn's writing is, as always, absolutely enchanting. She paints vivid pictures of the worlds she imagines and they seem like places you've been. I feel like I've been on the shores of Emerald Cove and touched the fine sand, and felt the sun on my face. The characters are equally fleshed out, even the secondary characters (Reif, Neureus, etc.), but especially the villains. Ezra, for all his faults, was someone you can understand. You see how his life shaped him and can easily identify how it all led to this; putting him side-by-side with Lorcan, his half-brother, the differences becoming even more glaring and easy to understand.
I loved seeing past characters like Fletcher and Kellan show up, and everything not be fantastic (Troy's reluctance and mistrust of Kellan for instance) felt organic, and once again speaks volumes of Jaclyn's capacity to make all these characters feel like real people with motivations and desires, fears and faults.
Once again, I was transported to a world of brilliant colours and fishy scales. I laughed, I sighed, I cried, I raged. This book took me on a journey, and what a wonderful journey it was.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2021
A Warrior's Heart is Book 3 of the Tales of Fate series and should be read in order because familiar friends, evil foes, and dastardly kings pop up again. Malik and Troy finally get their hard fought, hard won, and angsty love story in this book and there's just so much raw emotion packed in! My heart was literally in my throat the whole time and this is a real doozy. This story picks up 4 years after Lorcan and Alek's HEA in The Nymph Prince and old friend are reunited to find a lost trident that will defeat the evil lurking around their kingdom. Foes lurk everywhere and Lorcan's evil brother, Ezra, shows up again and terrorizes Malik and Troy. Jaclyn Osborn did it again...she made me cry, ripped my heart apart and put it back together...and left me craving more in this series. I'm so excited to see what she has in store for Book 4 and hopefully, there will be more than 4 books in this series :) Wonderful book and so glad Malik and Troy got their HEA! **There is some on-page past sexual assault that's mentioned so read the author's note for trigger warnings.**
March 9, 2021
Waiting for book 4!
Already waiting for the next one. I'm in love with this series I couldn't ask for more. Thank you .
Already waiting for the next one. I'm in love with this series I couldn't ask for more. Thank you .
March 16, 2021
3.75
Okay I really enjoyed this for the most part, but I would be lying if I said Malik and Troy were my favorite part of it. Honestly, the last conflict seemed to be resolved too easily and it didn't sit right with me. Plus there were just so many interesting side romances and heartbreaks that demanded my attention more, especially between Nereus and Shar. My god can we please please PLEASE get a little novella of this story but from their point of view??
Okay I really enjoyed this for the most part, but I would be lying if I said Malik and Troy were my favorite part of it. Honestly, the last conflict seemed to be resolved too easily and it didn't sit right with me. Plus there were just so many interesting side romances and heartbreaks that demanded my attention more, especially between Nereus and Shar. My god can we please please PLEASE get a little novella of this story but from their point of view??
February 13, 2022
yeah no this relationship is creepy I read this because you have to to get the conclusion of the story started in book 2. I already didn’t really like the two main love interests as main characters but when you constantly say shit like he picked me up just like he did when I was a literal fucking child it’s just straight up fucking creepy. I don’t mind age gap relationships but if you’re the bodyguard of the mc’s best friend since they were little kids that’s just a little too much.
Also Lorcan’s have nymph powers are too overpowering and I get why the author didn’t have him use his voice of persuasion or whatever you wanna call it, but for him to not even consider using his voice on the smaller convoy of soldiers made me mad. You could’ve even said that his bad brother (forgot his name) gave the soldiers something so it wouldn’t work, but no he just lets his best friend sacrifice himself without even thinking about using those powers. In the previous book I could accept him not using his voice in the battle because they were going against mages but when here they were up against humans & Lorcan already had used his voice on multiple sirens simultaneously a chapter or two before.
I was also racking my brain why I didn’t really enjoy this depiction of mermaids and I’ve come to the realisation that is just that they live under a fucking dome. The interesting thing about mermaids is kinda the fact that they have the entire ocean to roam in freely, but here they live under a dome and not even in the water. It’s basically a human city just under a dome at the bottom of the ocean. I get that not having the dome would’ve made the story in the last book a bit harder to pull off since Alek was a human but you could’ve just said they have a seaweed that gives you the ability to breathe under water. The mermaids in this felt more like humans that could turn into mermaids when it was convenient for the plot or just to fuck in merform.
Also I know this is incredibly hard to pull off but why does mermaid stuff always only have one city under the water? If humans have multiple settlements and cities on land in your story I fail to see how having merfolk only have one underwater city is realistic. I know the author hinted at sirens and other creatures living in different places but they seem to live in smaller pods and not in cities. But even still only one underwater city for the merfolks? I don’t buy it.
Glad I read this so I got to the conclusion of the story set up in the second book but I can’t say I really enjoyed the relationship in this third book. I also don’t think I will read the next book about king james and I also don’t understand how anyone that read the last two books would want a book about the “reformed” human king that is trying his “best” but still left Lusca rotting in his dungeons until Troy reminded him that he should maybe release him if he wants to be better...
Also Lorcan’s have nymph powers are too overpowering and I get why the author didn’t have him use his voice of persuasion or whatever you wanna call it, but for him to not even consider using his voice on the smaller convoy of soldiers made me mad. You could’ve even said that his bad brother (forgot his name) gave the soldiers something so it wouldn’t work, but no he just lets his best friend sacrifice himself without even thinking about using those powers. In the previous book I could accept him not using his voice in the battle because they were going against mages but when here they were up against humans & Lorcan already had used his voice on multiple sirens simultaneously a chapter or two before.
I was also racking my brain why I didn’t really enjoy this depiction of mermaids and I’ve come to the realisation that is just that they live under a fucking dome. The interesting thing about mermaids is kinda the fact that they have the entire ocean to roam in freely, but here they live under a dome and not even in the water. It’s basically a human city just under a dome at the bottom of the ocean. I get that not having the dome would’ve made the story in the last book a bit harder to pull off since Alek was a human but you could’ve just said they have a seaweed that gives you the ability to breathe under water. The mermaids in this felt more like humans that could turn into mermaids when it was convenient for the plot or just to fuck in merform.
Also I know this is incredibly hard to pull off but why does mermaid stuff always only have one city under the water? If humans have multiple settlements and cities on land in your story I fail to see how having merfolk only have one underwater city is realistic. I know the author hinted at sirens and other creatures living in different places but they seem to live in smaller pods and not in cities. But even still only one underwater city for the merfolks? I don’t buy it.
Glad I read this so I got to the conclusion of the story set up in the second book but I can’t say I really enjoyed the relationship in this third book. I also don’t think I will read the next book about king james and I also don’t understand how anyone that read the last two books would want a book about the “reformed” human king that is trying his “best” but still left Lusca rotting in his dungeons until Troy reminded him that he should maybe release him if he wants to be better...
December 3, 2022
"Do you remember our first kiss? My heart started beating again that day." I reached forward and touched where his hand rested on the curve of the bow. "If I am to die, your face is the last thing I wish to see."
it says a lot that while i wasn’t as invested in the romance as i had hoped, this book still has the highest rating in the series so far because it was so incredibly brilliant. there’s so much action, so much deceit and torture, and even more heart than i could’ve ever anticipated. this book has a huge cast of characters, including fletcher & kellen from book one, and i loved it so much because it made this story even more epic and even more tense because there was so much at stake.
witnessing lorcan and his ties to his people under the sea, even beyond his pov, was such a striking thing as we saw it through the eyes of his best friend who calls this kingdom home and then his personal guard, who gives his life for the people of the sea. both troy & malik are so loyal in their own ways and have also faced a detrimental loss in their pasts, and so while i wasn’t as taken with their romance as i was for these two side characters who were part of the mix (nereus & shar...such romantic icons), i still found myself smiling in moments when this pair slowly lowered more & more of their defenses with each other and opened themselves up to a love that sweeps the tides.
there’s a huge shift in the story by the end with yet another twist that i really should have seen coming, but the author’s way of storytelling is just so compelling to me that i find myself completely immersed in her tale before noticing the bigger picture that it’s shaping itself into. i’m really curious for what comes next as the reveal of the next main lead really does shake things up in this series, and i’m excited for all the court politics and action that’s sure to come in a series full of magic & a bloody history between humans & mythical beings alike.
the author includes some content warnings in her note at the beginning which is listed as follows:
references to past sexual abuse (not on page), descriptions of blood & violence, and physical & psychological torture
it says a lot that while i wasn’t as invested in the romance as i had hoped, this book still has the highest rating in the series so far because it was so incredibly brilliant. there’s so much action, so much deceit and torture, and even more heart than i could’ve ever anticipated. this book has a huge cast of characters, including fletcher & kellen from book one, and i loved it so much because it made this story even more epic and even more tense because there was so much at stake.
witnessing lorcan and his ties to his people under the sea, even beyond his pov, was such a striking thing as we saw it through the eyes of his best friend who calls this kingdom home and then his personal guard, who gives his life for the people of the sea. both troy & malik are so loyal in their own ways and have also faced a detrimental loss in their pasts, and so while i wasn’t as taken with their romance as i was for these two side characters who were part of the mix (nereus & shar...such romantic icons), i still found myself smiling in moments when this pair slowly lowered more & more of their defenses with each other and opened themselves up to a love that sweeps the tides.
there’s a huge shift in the story by the end with yet another twist that i really should have seen coming, but the author’s way of storytelling is just so compelling to me that i find myself completely immersed in her tale before noticing the bigger picture that it’s shaping itself into. i’m really curious for what comes next as the reveal of the next main lead really does shake things up in this series, and i’m excited for all the court politics and action that’s sure to come in a series full of magic & a bloody history between humans & mythical beings alike.
the author includes some content warnings in her note at the beginning which is listed as follows:
references to past sexual abuse (not on page), descriptions of blood & violence, and physical & psychological torture
May 5, 2021
The best of the series so far. I loved the sassy Troy, loved that he is not only a traumatised boy that will hide in the corner. The boy has b*lls😁
A bit weird their relation though .. Troy and Malik. I say weird cause basically Malik took care of him since Troy was a boy and his parents passed away. More or less he was a father to him and now he turned into his lover. Ok, this is something we knew from the previous book also, nothing new.
Really beautiful story and the series is getting better and better.
I'm surprised that James is next on the list. I hoped for Ervin or Reif. But I guess this means more books to come 😉
I'm also very intrigued about Triton.
5*
A bit weird their relation though .. Troy and Malik. I say weird cause basically Malik took care of him since Troy was a boy and his parents passed away. More or less he was a father to him and now he turned into his lover. Ok, this is something we knew from the previous book also, nothing new.
Really beautiful story and the series is getting better and better.
I'm surprised that James is next on the list. I hoped for Ervin or Reif. But I guess this means more books to come 😉
I'm also very intrigued about Triton.
5*
March 31, 2021
A roller coaster ride to a happy ending
This book was quite the ride and I loved every minute of it! I thought the author did a wonderful job of creating a suspenseful adventure and blending it with a sweet romance. Shar and Nereus were just too funny together. I wasn't sure I was going to like Troy and Malik but I think the story bright them together beautifully. It will be interesting to see the next book and how the author makes a really despicable character more likeable.
This book was quite the ride and I loved every minute of it! I thought the author did a wonderful job of creating a suspenseful adventure and blending it with a sweet romance. Shar and Nereus were just too funny together. I wasn't sure I was going to like Troy and Malik but I think the story bright them together beautifully. It will be interesting to see the next book and how the author makes a really despicable character more likeable.
April 6, 2021
This was an enjoyable addition to a magical series. The world building, lore, and mystery is top notch. Just when I think I know how things are going to play out, Jaclyn Osborn throws a curve ball. But the romance in the story fell a little flat for me.
We learn that Malik and Troy are pining for each other in The Nymph Prince but there was a lack of transition from the pining to the relationship. It went from nothing to all in real quick and it felt out of place with the high stacks adventure of the book. There was a lack of balance between the risks of the mission and the tender romance. Not to mention the fact that these two spent a decent portion of the story separated which just kinda threw off the romance for me.
Troy demands to go on this mission with Malik. The mission reunites all the characters from the previous books and it was a fun, playful little reunion. I missed Flether's story telling and how Alek positively loves boat life. After the mission gets underway and tensions rise, this will they or won't they aspect just didn't fit he narrative of the story. Will Malik finally kiss Troy or won't he...and after they finally give in everything felt rushed before they are forced to separate.
Eventually they reunite but honestly at this point, I was less invested in if Troy and Malik were going to get an HEA and way more invested in how the war was going to play out. The whole Ezra, Triton, Lorcan drama was so enticing. The ending leaving me with lingering questions that I really want answered.
Yet, I don't know if I will continue on with the series. King James for the majority of the series has been a horrid character and I saw that the next book is supposed to be his. I believe in redemption arcs but also some characters are past redemption and one of the scenes during the battle put King James on my past redemption list.
We learn that Malik and Troy are pining for each other in The Nymph Prince but there was a lack of transition from the pining to the relationship. It went from nothing to all in real quick and it felt out of place with the high stacks adventure of the book. There was a lack of balance between the risks of the mission and the tender romance. Not to mention the fact that these two spent a decent portion of the story separated which just kinda threw off the romance for me.
Troy demands to go on this mission with Malik. The mission reunites all the characters from the previous books and it was a fun, playful little reunion. I missed Flether's story telling and how Alek positively loves boat life. After the mission gets underway and tensions rise, this will they or won't they aspect just didn't fit he narrative of the story. Will Malik finally kiss Troy or won't he...and after they finally give in everything felt rushed before they are forced to separate.
Eventually they reunite but honestly at this point, I was less invested in if Troy and Malik were going to get an HEA and way more invested in how the war was going to play out. The whole Ezra, Triton, Lorcan drama was so enticing. The ending leaving me with lingering questions that I really want answered.
Yet, I don't know if I will continue on with the series. King James for the majority of the series has been a horrid character and I saw that the next book is supposed to be his. I believe in redemption arcs but also some characters are past redemption and one of the scenes during the battle put King James on my past redemption list.
May 18, 2023
So friggin’ GOOD.
While the mechanics and the inconsistencies were meh in this book for the first time since I found this author, it was phenomenal. I love the storytelling and character development this author brings to the pages. The whole book comes alive and stays rich throughout. There’s never a lull. My heart broke for everyone in this book, even the bad guys. Everyone has been dealt the short end of the stick in this series, much like the Sons of the Fallen one. But, even when your heart is being ripped out, it doesn’t have that ridiculous level of relationship angst you typically find in books with heavy plots. I find that I’m gravitating more and more towards books that don’t throw love in a blender, but rather show characters in a more realistic sense as far as that goes. There can be angst and hard stuff and deep and heavy things, too. But the relationship being clear and stable while everything else falls to pieces is nice. It gives them a stronger HEA in my opinion, because it shows that they are TOGETHER. You really get to see them be each other’s support and the way they fit and make their life together work. I am so hype that this isn’t just a trilogy. I’m currently without stable internet while they fix my router, so this review is a jumble while I have a connection, but I’m doing my best! 4/5, only because of the mechanics. The story is a 5/5!
While the mechanics and the inconsistencies were meh in this book for the first time since I found this author, it was phenomenal. I love the storytelling and character development this author brings to the pages. The whole book comes alive and stays rich throughout. There’s never a lull. My heart broke for everyone in this book, even the bad guys. Everyone has been dealt the short end of the stick in this series, much like the Sons of the Fallen one. But, even when your heart is being ripped out, it doesn’t have that ridiculous level of relationship angst you typically find in books with heavy plots. I find that I’m gravitating more and more towards books that don’t throw love in a blender, but rather show characters in a more realistic sense as far as that goes. There can be angst and hard stuff and deep and heavy things, too. But the relationship being clear and stable while everything else falls to pieces is nice. It gives them a stronger HEA in my opinion, because it shows that they are TOGETHER. You really get to see them be each other’s support and the way they fit and make their life together work. I am so hype that this isn’t just a trilogy. I’m currently without stable internet while they fix my router, so this review is a jumble while I have a connection, but I’m doing my best! 4/5, only because of the mechanics. The story is a 5/5!
May 31, 2021
I got this as an ARC I don't even know how long ago. Why has it taken me so long to finish it? Because I KNEW it would hit me in the feels hard, and I was not emotionally ready for it LOL
I have loved this series. I have cried endless tears because if you know about Aleks in book two, then you know. I have waited for Troy to get his book since the first time he opened his pretty little mouth. I also knew, it was gonna be a tough one to read. Troy is sweet and scarred, as is Malik. Of course they were perfect together. So many awful thing happen in this book, but they are also quite necessary.
So if I love them all so much, why is it not a 5 star read? I love the author, I do, but there may just be a tad bit too much Aquaman for me in this book. Also, Troy went weeks and weeks of torture, and I felt like his way back to ... normal .... was too fast, too easy. It was glossed over and perhaps I simply needed more.
Of course, now I need to know about Reif and King James and even freaking Triton because WOW.
I have loved this series. I have cried endless tears because if you know about Aleks in book two, then you know. I have waited for Troy to get his book since the first time he opened his pretty little mouth. I also knew, it was gonna be a tough one to read. Troy is sweet and scarred, as is Malik. Of course they were perfect together. So many awful thing happen in this book, but they are also quite necessary.
So if I love them all so much, why is it not a 5 star read? I love the author, I do, but there may just be a tad bit too much Aquaman for me in this book. Also, Troy went weeks and weeks of torture, and I felt like his way back to ... normal .... was too fast, too easy. It was glossed over and perhaps I simply needed more.
Of course, now I need to know about Reif and King James and even freaking Triton because WOW.
May 3, 2021
Love this series!
The feeling that the books in this series are part of ancient tales continues in this book! I feel like I am reading the continuation of The Odyssey, only with modern language and more gay characters. Looking forward to the next one!
The feeling that the books in this series are part of ancient tales continues in this book! I feel like I am reading the continuation of The Odyssey, only with modern language and more gay characters. Looking forward to the next one!
June 2, 2021
“It’s not lust that you feel for him.” Reif leaned against the cupboard. “If it were, you would’ve already fucked him senseless. No. I believe it’s love you feel. And love, my friend, is beautiful.” ❤️
Loyalty, Bravery, Love, War, every emotion is written very beautifully
Worth of time 💃
Loyalty, Bravery, Love, War, every emotion is written very beautifully
Worth of time 💃
May 12, 2022
Loved
The thing I really love about this story was Troy's growth..at the beginning of the story you could tell that he was still young minded but by the he had really grown I so enjoy this series and can't wait for book 4!!
The thing I really love about this story was Troy's growth..at the beginning of the story you could tell that he was still young minded but by the he had really grown I so enjoy this series and can't wait for book 4!!
February 25, 2022
Love it
I do adore this universe, and hope there's is more to come. We will see, I know. Thank you for your hard work.
I do adore this universe, and hope there's is more to come. We will see, I know. Thank you for your hard work.
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