How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks
Series: Embraced by Magic #1 / The Embraced #4
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: February 25, 2020
Date Read: February 18, 2020
Length: 336 pages
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
★★★★☆
Raised in isolation on the magic-shrouded Isle of the Moon, five girls became five sisters. Now women, they are ready to claim their places in the world—and perhaps change it forever . . .
FLAME AND FORTUNE
Sorcha knew the mission was dangerous. Leaving the safe grounds of her brother’s kingdom and parlaying with the elves across their border . . . well, treachery seemed at least as likely as true peace. But to support her sister, Sorcha would brave far more than the underhanded ways of the elves. Or so she thought, before she was taken hostage.
Of course, her captors didn’t count on her particular abilities—or on the help of the Woodsman, the mysterious thief who made his home in the forest. He saw the battle from the trees, saw the soldier attacking against incredible odds to save a comrade—and then saw the valiant fighter revealed as Princess Sorcha of Norveshka. He can’t tell if he wants to kidnap her or kiss her. But despite Sorcha’s stubbornness, his inconvenient honor, and a rebellion on the cusp of full war, something burns between them that neither can let go . . .
I had a great time with this book! I am a big fan of the Embraced series by Kerrelyn Sparks. It has been a while since a new book was released due to a change in publisher. The series also has a new name, Embraced by Magic, but it is a continuation of the previous series and I am sure that the name change has everything to do with having a new publisher. I couldn’t wait to dive back into this world and follow the path of one of the sisters. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
This book tells Sorcha’s story and occurs shortly after the events of the previous book. It has been two years since I read that book so I didn’t remember a lot of details about the previous books but everything is explained within this story so I had no trouble settling in. I do believe that this book could work as a stand-alone for readers new to the series.
Sorcha’s brother, Silas, and his wife, Gwennore, take a group to meet with her mother but it turns out to be a trap. Most escape back to their kingdom but Sorcha and Alexsi are left behind and taken captive. Alexsi is injured so Sorcha decides to break them out but receives unexpected help from the Woodsman. The Woodsman and his crew go to great lengths to keep Sorcha and Alexsi safe even though things are dangerous at times.
I loved these characters. The Woodsman’s abilities were incredibly interesting. I loved how he seemed capable of handling any situation without any trouble. He was such a kind man that really tried to do good wherever he could. Sorcha was equally amazing. She is tough and looks out for others. She is willing to risk everything for those that she cares about. I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this book as well. Alexsi plays an important role and it was fun to watch him grow over the course of the story.
I liked the Woodsman and Sorcha together. I thought that they had great chemistry from the start which seemed to grow over the course of the story. I liked that they were honest with each other. I thought that the scenes with Alexsi and Sorcha together were very well done and I had a great time watching them fall in love.
I would recommend this book to others. It was a fun romance that featured great characters and a wonderful fantasy world. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
Book #1 – How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days – My Review
Book #2 – So I Married a Sorcerer – My Review
Book #3 – Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon – My Review
Book #4 – How to Love Your Elf – Available February 25, 2020!
About the AuthorKerrelyn Sparks is best known (so far) for the Love at Stake series, which has hit as high as number 5 on the New York Times bestseller list and 22 on USA Today. Kerrelyn lives with her family in the Greater Houston area of Texas.
A very misleading title for the story, have to say it's consistent with what she's doing so far
Oh, actually all of these titles fit the books perfectly. It is not misleading at all 🙂
What an awesome title though.
I really enjoyed this also. I wouldn't start here as the longer story arc carries through the series but I love this series. Fantastic review.
Anne – Books of My Heart
I can't wait to read this. It would be my first time reading Kerrelyn Sparks.
The title of this one caught my attention and it sounds pretty fun. I've never read Kerrelyn Sparks but I definitely want to try this one!
Great review you have here. I simply adored this one, such a fun book and wasn't the Woodsman such a fabulous hero? This series has been incredible. It sucks that this author had such a trial with the publisher and even though technically its considered part of this new series I still consider it all part of the original series. lol I am such a rebel
Looks like a good one.
This looks fun. 🙂
I had totally missed where these take place
I have book #1, but haven't read yet. The cover change kinda throws it off though.
It's a new publisher for this book so I wasn't surprised by the change in the cover design.
I've seen this mentioned quite a bit around the blogosphere. Happy to see you loved it. ?✨
I know this is kind of random but I really like the name Sorcha.
Sparks is hit or miss for me, but sounds like you're enjoying this series. I'm glad it was picked up by another publisher and is continuing.