Reviews tagging 'Alcohol'

The Veiled Kingdom by Holly Renee

8 reviews

kristanjenkins's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75


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barbarianmissy's review against another edition

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I feel as though all feminism left the author’s body while writing this story. 

I was really excited to read this book, cause I love me a lil romatasy, but the story lacked plot, action, and even an actual love story in my opinion. The beginning was a bit of a tease cause it amped up the story to seem like it was going to be really good, but by the end, it simply sucked major butt. 

I felt like the author took all the romantasy tropes and fit them into this book rather than focusing on a unique plotline and an actual STORY. Seriously, we had: Enemies to lovers, “who did this to you”, jealousy, one bed, and of course, a FMC constantly being called small, weak, and frail training to be a warrior for some goddamned reason???? 

The two main characters made no sense together and they lacked a lot of depth. They fell in lust, not love. The possessiveness of the MMC was really unappealing and I really didn’t like the way he treated her like she was literally an object. I also didn’t like the way she was totally happy to be treated that way by him. Neither of them really had any personality that was redeemable in my opinion. Their entire storyline was about smut and possession and I just don’t jive well with that. 

This book was a prime example of an author sacrificing their own plot lines for more and more smut - which, by the end, was actually getting boring and repetitive. 

I understand how this book could be somebody’s cup of tea, but it sure as hell wasn’t mine.

As you may be able to tell, I was not a fan. Dunno if I’ll read the next one. I might, just cause it’s quite small and I wanna reach my reading goal for the year lol 

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booklifeisthelife's review against another edition

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adventurous dark sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

This was a fast, engaging read. It was spicy and slightly dark. Parts made me annoyed but there was logic to it so at least it wasn't because of bad writing. The ending pissed me off though, grr. 

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mariahlynnpeck's review against another edition

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adventurous dark lighthearted tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The story line is pretty good and I can’t wait to see how it continues into the second book especially the way it leaves you hanging. Some of the spicy scenes were not my fav but other than that I really enjoyed this book. It’s a super fast and easy read.

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ashboutiette's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


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paperbacksandsnacks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I finished this book, immediately tried to download and start reading the second and got my heartbroken when I realised it’s not out until July. Excuse me, miss Holly Renee but I cannot simply wait. That cliffhanger?! I am screamingggg. 

Dacre and his dirty talk deserve an award. I was blushing. I need to look up some fanart of this man when I’m done writing this review (no, I won’t take questions as to why at this time) and frankly I hope it’s everything I’m dreaming of. The jealousy, the possession? Run and read it right now. 

The world building was subtle, and therefore not overwhelming which is kind of refreshing for a fantasy read. I am intrigued to see where the story itself goes especially with how it ended. But the characters were sublime. Pacing was fast. I read this book in one sitting it was so addictive! The hype for this didn’t let me down. 

I have a lot of questions and can’t wait to see how they’re answered. I’m already buzzing to see where the next book goes and be reunited with all these characters. 

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theheelerbooklife's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was my first Holly Renee book, but I'm already a fan and have another one of her works on my Kindle.

The chemistry between Nyra and Dacre is captivating, and I got hooked on their story from the start. Their relationship starts as an enemies-to-lovers trope, and their denial of their chemistry adds to the tension. The witty banter between them is also spot-on.

This romantasy novel is a perfect blend of spice and magic. While it leans heavily towards the romance side, I appreciated its magical elements, such as the intriguing magical tithe, the developing magic system, and the rebellion.

I was also pleased that the smut element never overshadowed the plot. The balance between the two was delightful.

The ending left me craving for the sequel that's coming out this summer. I can't wait to read it!

If you're a fan of romantasy, then The Veiled Kingdom is a must-read. You can get the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition or read it on Kindle Unlimited. Don't miss out on this fantastic book!

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sienasummerrreads's review against another edition

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adventurous dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

"I have been starved, Nyra. Until you.”

This follows Nyra who is on the run from the wicked king and cruelty she was handed in the palace in Marmoris Kingdom. After managing to escape she is now in the firing line of the rebels who live in the Hidden City that the King can not find. It's either be killed by the rebels or hide among the shadows to protect herself at all costs but everything changes when she meets the ruthless commander's son named Dacre. 

This was a fantastic start to a series. The characters and world were easy to follow and understand. The enemies-to-lovers element was delicious as the tension and challenging each other was so much fun. Dacre is tough, fearless and dominant as a leader, as one would have to be in his position. Under all the hard layers you can see a little light but it didn't crack in this book. I can't wait to see his development in the next book. Love Nyra she may be weak but I find her a strong and brave force who is just trying to live. Even the side characters and storylines I loved. 
With a side character, I love I have a pressing question that has been on my mind who did Wren take to their room?! Who is Wren seeing?! I'm nosy I need answers. 😂 Did I miss this?! 

Overall fantastic start to a new series looking forward to the next book in July! 

If you love: 

🔹Adult Fantasy Romance 
🔹Enemies To Lovers 
🔹Forbidden 
🔹One Bed 
🔹Secret Identity
🔹Fantastic Tension and Spice

Genre/Type: Fantasy Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 283 
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶
Series or Stand Alone: First Book In The Veiled Kingdom Series 
Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Forbidden, One Bed, Secret Identity, Found Family, Slow Burn, Magic System, Princess, Healers, Possessive MMC, Jealousy, Lies, Tension, Angst, Scars, Who Did That To You, Mine, Cliffhanger, Alcohol, Violence, Cursing, Sexual Content, Praise and Dirty Talk 
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫 

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
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