Amanda Lester

Not for everyone but worth it in the end

Revisado: 10-01-23

Unlike a lot of the reviews I’ve seen here, I’ve actually listened to this entire series. This first book is a LOT right from the get go. It helps greatly if you’re already familiar with her Fantasyland series since this is a spin-off from that, but you can get by without it, you just won’t be able to truly enjoy the ultimate coming together of the characters from both series in the end ;)

Anyway, the whole premise revolves around 4 “destined” couples who are essentially forced into arranged marriages in order to defeat some lurking Beast. Right out the gate rhere is a lot of rape, sexual assault, violence, and sexual content in general. This is NOT the book series for you if those things can make you uncomfortable. There were so many times I was absolutely stunned speechless, and not in a good way, with what some of these characters go through. Arranged marriages are not at all easy but to say these romances do NOT come easy is an understatement!

The first book is a lot of build up, and can be slow going. I can see how many would just nope right out of it. For me, I was pulled in by the phenomenal acting of the vocal performers. POVs are constantly being changed and each character has their own voice, though they only voice things when the chapter is in their character’s POV. This is definitely meant to be an audio experience and not just read in text.

While overall I did enjoy the series, it is clearly not without its flaws. Everything in this is a slow burn, but so worth it in the end, in my opinion. I especially became invested in Cassius and Elena’s relationship since they seemed to really have things stacked up against them. With Cassius growing up in the misogynistic patriarchy of Airen and Elena a proud warrior and witch from the all female Nadirii, to say they clash a lot is a gross understatement. By the end though, all the couples have managed to sort their differences and there is a happy ending.

So if you have the time, patience, and open-mind to give this series a chance, I think you might be surprised how invested you become.

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An Utter Delight

Revisado: 09-04-20

I was barely ten minutes into this audiobook when I knew it was going to be an excellent experience. I don’t know what to rave about more: the story or the narration. I got this on a whim during a 2-for-1 deal and it’s worth even a normal full credit. Mary Jane Wells manages to bring Tessa Dare’s sparkling writing vividly to life. Highly recommend giving this a listen if you’re looking for a good steamy romance that’s humorous, moving and delightful.

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What did I just listen to?

Revisado: 08-25-20

**WARNING: REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS**
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I think this is my least favorite of the Windham books thus far, and that’s saying something since I haven’t been impressed by this series at all so far.

Eve’s “indiscretion” was so horribly mishandled I’m utterly stunned that the author would handle rape like this. I don’t care if it’s the culture of the period, waiting until the last 5 minutes of the book to have the couple discuss what happened to her is just outrageous. Not to mention the fact that her whole family either knew or figured out what had happened and basically let Eve punish herself for 7 years.

Her parents and Lucas essentially manipulate her into marrying, even though they have arguably good intentions. The whole thing just boggles the mind. The “twist” with the cousin was painfully obvious and the whole fight over his niece was so unnecessarily complicated. This book could’ve been so much better if it hadn’t been so dragged out and the character interactions been handled better.

Not impressed. Not impressed at all. Sticking with this series because I’m so close to the end but definitely wouldn’t compare Burrowes’ Windhams with the likes of Julia Quinn’s Bridgertons or Tracey Anne Warren’s Byrons of Braebourne.

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So over the same frustrating heroines...

Revisado: 08-21-20

When I started reading this series I was able to slog through the tedious over abundance of details, extraneous POVs from side characters and unnecessary internal reflection because I rather enjoyed the Windham men. And I kept up after the third book because Sophie’s story was actually sweet. But boy am I over the martyr complexes of Burrowes’ heroines. Every single book it’s been the same thing. I want to love these stories, and overall they aren’t bad, I have become rather attached to Gayle, Val and Devlin, but the portrayal of female characters just feels insulting. Yes, women can be stubborn but to have all these female characters who keep holding onto important secrets and going so far as to make them seemingly insurmountable obstacles to their respective happy endings is just exhausting.

At least the narration wasn’t horrible. I’m not usually a fan of male narrators for these kinds of stories but this narrator does a good job of diversifying the different character voices, though his female voices are a little grating.

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Good story, not so great narration.

Revisado: 08-03-20

Nine books into this series and they choose now to change the narrator? I almost turned the book off, but with it being so short I forced myself to see it through since I wanted to know what happened. I wasn’t all that fond of the original narrator either but this Anne Flosnik was so much worse. She has a nice voice but something about her accent makes her pronunciations off and just made it hard to listen to her. Also, the fact that she kept calling Arbella Arabella was really frustrating given that Arbella is a well established character in the series.

I enjoy Eliza Knight’s writing and I loved getting to tie up some of the loose ends with Samuel’s story, but wish the narration stayed consistent.

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Needs less sex and more story

Revisado: 04-16-20

Seriously? Six books and it all ends without any really conclusion? I’m not averse to sex in my romances, in fact I usually enjoy them—when they’re included wisely. 4 of the 6 books felt more like 85% sex scenes and 15% story. It wasn’t until the last two that there was more story than sex and by that point the author apparently ran out of steam. Yes, it’s great that it’s sorta a happy ending but it totally ends with a “to be continued... someday, maybe” kind of feel.

The whole series overall was convoluted and eye roll inducing. Glad I didn’t waste any actual money on this series.

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Absolutely riveting from start to finish!

Revisado: 02-28-20

After reading the first book, I was absolutely dying to find out what happens next. From the moment I got the notification that the audio version had been released I immediately pounced on it. Wow, what a journey! I was on edge through the whole book, my stomach in knots and my heart aching for Lara. The audiobook narrators were amazing as well. They really brought the story and characters to life. This is definitely one series I’ll be going back to.

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My first Danielle Steel novel and it was awful

Revisado: 01-08-20

I honestly don’t understand how this woman is such a famous writer. We get so much time dedicated to the two dead end relationships but we’re supposed to believe she’s fallen in love with Freddie all in the last chapter? The POV is all over the place and too much time is spent on unimportant details. The only good part of this book was the narration. Definitely exchanging this for something better.

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