From Blood and Ash

Loved

This was one of those books that started out terribly, but began picking up the more you read. I almost dropped it, really. The first couple of chapters were so full of information, it was not only overwhelming for me, but boring. It felt rather awkward to read as a result, but the plot piqued my interest, so I continued. I guess it was every romance reader's dream to see Poppy and Hawke reunite after their first encounter ended so abruptly.

After that little scene, things began building up, not specifically in terms of their reunion, but of the world the author has built. It was really interesting to learn it all little by little. It got a little confusing for me along the way as the history of it all became clearer though. So many kings and queens, and the part they played that led up to this present moment. The author played a lot around fantastical beings we already knew about and created something original, and I felt that instead of it being pretentious, it was smart. A lot of unexpected moments.

The dynamic I love most between Poppy and Hawke is how much trust he has with her defense capabilities. Instead of being the man who protects her and tells her to keep out of danger all the time, he continues to let her live her life as she likes. And if she needs help, that's when he will come in to do just that, all for her. He's not some intolerable Prince Charming, and she's not a helpless maiden. Are they a Mary Sue and Gary Stu? Perhaps. But I still like them all the same.

Currently waiting in line for book two on my local library app. Looking forward to it! I live for the steam (hehe), the conversations and banter, the sweet romance, and the mysteries that are still unsolved. Most importantly, how would all this end?

Loved the dramatized audiobook version, it was so worth it!

Overall I was disappointed with this book considering the overwhelming reviews it’s received. The plot twists weren’t twisting. Unfortunately, I was able to predict the plot as early as the 20% through. The dialogue and inner dialogue throughout the story (especially as you near the end) also feels really repetitive. I started the second book but stopped 15% through. The next book just feels like a repetition of the dialogue and dynamics within this book.

Fun story but predictable and Poppy was just so naive it was annoying at times. The writing felt too repetitive in many places and simple - not sure I’ve read a book that mentions the word “britches/breeches” more than this one, lol. Story still sucks you in though and is fun - I went on to read sequels and enjoyed those more. Audio version is good.