Delle Jacobs

Wow, for a free book; I was not expecting much, but this was really engaging. Great characters, world building, and plot twists. I enjoyed it very much! Even the editing was good, only a couple of dodgy bits over all. Well done.

If you think the plot of arranged marriage has been overly done in Regency romance, think again. The Mudlark is an unusual take on a classic idea. Tristan and Izzy (short for Isolde...classic twist on the lovers of Arthurian legend)are the victims in their fathers' plan to force a marriage between them. As their fathers, who have been best friends for years, admit: the two were made for each other. However, Tristan and Izzy do not agree. They are quite as cunning as their fathers, though, so show more they join forces to trick their fathers and indeed, the entire ton, into believing they are willing to marry when instead, they will escape with their chosen partners to Gretna Green for a quick double wedding. As expected, fate plays its own card when Tristan and Izzy fall in love on the way to meet their "true loves." Fortunately, the other couple have had a similar experience, and the culmination of this story is delightfully romantic and utterly joyous.

What sets this novel apart from other arranged marriage stories is the depth of the characters. Izzy is not beautiful like every other heroine seems to be, and Tristan is not the classically charming rake. These are not the typical characters you expect in a Regency piece, and that's what makes it so interesting. At its heart, this is a tender, gentle, and sweet love story. However, there are other facets to the story as well. Tristan is a soldier who battles demons and injuries daily, and his initial dislike of Izzy is a major conflict in the story. Watching him overcome these obstacles and grow to care for Izzy is what will keep you reading page after page. I could not put this story down. The characters are so well-drawn that you will remember them long after you've turned the last page. show less

Fire Dance begins with Alain and his knights storming Fyren's castle. Fyren lies on his death bed, a victim of poisoning by his daughter, Melisande. She knows of his evil deeds more than anyone and has killed him to protect his people. Although she fears Lord Alain (for she knows King Rufus has commanded him to kill Fyren and marry Melisande), she knows he cannot be as cruel a master as Fyren. However, she has deep secrets which cause her to fear for her very life if she marries the handsome show more lord. As she cannot escape the castle walls, she has only one option: taking her mother's name, she must disguise herself as a servant and literally hide under Alain's very nose. Meanwhile, while Alain is searching for his intended bride, he finds himself in a struggle against his feelings for Edyt, the beautiful and mysterious servant girl. Along with his search for Melisdande, Alain must battle insurgents in the area and prepare the way for a visit from King Rufus. Just as he's beginning to suspect who his fair bride may be, comes information that threatens Alain, Melisande, and everyone in the kingdom.

This is a book that cannot be judged by its cover. It is a complex story with a mystery, adventure, and a sweet romance. Alain is a knight in shining armor who wins Melisande through offering comfort and patience, not by force. As a character, Melisande grows in the book. At the beginning, she is a somber, fearful, and self-deprecating girl. By the end, she has faced her demons and is courageous, strong, and self-assured. That development, along with delightful minor characters and a heart-pounding assortment of battle scenes create a story that is hard to put down. It caught my interest at the beginning and held it until the very end. Speaking of the ending, it does not disappoint. show less

Leonie is born part fae but has grown not knowing her parents or the full power she is capable of. She hid secretly the magic she used or she would be called a witch and burned. Sparks between her and Philippe le Peregrine are strong but they both have reasons to deny each other. Especially Philippe reasons which has to do with his first wife’s death.

Faerie has a nice mixture of fantasy and romance. Since I am not a fan of romance I have to say I would love to read a sequel to this book. show more Sometimes books with romance can be sickly hokie. The magic was in the romance and faerie powers. The love scenes were not forced but felt just right and the heat between Leonie and Philippe very believable.

There was some info or lack of about the bad guys and or evil that was after Leonie and Phillippe. It made me feel that maybe this might get made into a series that would explain more of Leonie’s parents history.

I have to say I am surprised at how much I loved this. I am starting to find that with many indie books. I was caught by the beauty of the cover and I see the author has many books that look just as interesting. show less