Dragons and Aces: an enemies to lovers romantasy

Dragons and Aces is the first book in the Dragons and Aces series by J.G. Gates. In the kingdom of Maethalia, Essaphine “Essa” is the queen’s daughter but the lowest ranked of the Skrathan, the elite dragon riders who defend their kingdom. Essa has a chance to become the leader of the Skrathan. No one believes she can win because she only has one arm. Soon a brash, handsome stranger washes up on shore claiming to be Kit Rowley, a reporter. Kit offers to train her in ways of flying and it becomes clear to Essa that Kit is more than he seems. What she doesn’t know is that he is really Charlie, the famed Silver Wraith, and flying ace. While she doesn’t trust him, he is the only one who believes in her. As the attraction between Essa and Charlie is too strong. Will Essa win the challenge and claim her prize? Or will her desire for Charlie ruin her and the entire kingdom? 

I found Dragon and Aces from a Facebook ad. I was intrigued as the author stated that he wrote the story for his wife and I recently have been reading a few romantasy books, so I decided to take a chance. Essa and Charlie are from enemy countries with a long history of animosity. I enjoyed Essa as a strong willed woman who wasn’t going to let her disability hold her back and I loved that Charlie saw that fire as her chance to win. I did not like the constant narrative from the other characters that Essa couldn’t do it because she’s not “whole,” However, I did like that their constant reminders and doubts fueled Essa’s desire to prove them wrong. I also liked the mix of modern technological elements with the mythical creatures. Overall, I enjoyed the story as it was a different take on the romantsy genre. There was political intrigue and suspense as well. If you enjoy romantasy stories, you might enjoy Dragons and Aces. 

Dragons and Aces is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Burn the Kingdom Down: one woman seeks revenge and discovers twists she never expected

Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thorley is an enemies to lovers romantasy with intrigue and action. Rowenna Harrack, the crown princess of Tashir, left her homeland as the bride to the prince of Vanzador. One year later, she is dead and her sister, Indira, is demanded as her replacement for the prince. Indira only agrees to figure out the truth behind her sister’s death, convinced it was no accident, and take revenge on those responsible. It’s a simple plan to play nice and gather the necessary intel to avenge her sister and free herself and her country from the iron grip of Vanzador. However, when she arrives, nothing is as it seems or as terrible as Rowenna described in her letters home. As Indira develops friendly terms with her maid, a courtier and even grows closer to her new husband, Prince Alaric, she is unsure who or what to believe. She learns that everyone has secrets, even deadly ones.

Burn the Kingdom Down promised to be “action-packed” with romance that would leave readers “breathless” and “betrayals” that would rip their hearts out. It is an interesting premise and the opening chapter certainly grabs your attention. However, the story gets confusing from there. The enemies part of enemies to lovers was done well. The animosity between Indira and Alaric was excellent. The lovers part was a bit more unbelievable and sudden, given their intense animosity. Indira herself was a bit annoying as she refused to see that what she knew about the situation wasn’t what she thought it was. I liked the magic system in this story. Overall, it was an interesting story with lots of action. Though I wasn’t breathless at the romance or my heart wasn’t ripped out by the betrayals. I feel teen readers might enjoy this story more. If you enjoy romantasy stories, you may enjoy this one. I recommend Burn the Kingdom Down. 

Burn the Kingdom Down is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Metal Slinger: a romantasy with action, magic and adventure

Metal Slinger is the first book in the Fire and Metal series by Rachel Schneider. With no memory of her origins, Brynn grew up among the Alaha. Even though she’s not one of them, she has been training to be a guard. The chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta is one every young guard looks forward to; however, Brynn does not count on breaking a century long peace treaty. One encounter with an enemy soldier threatens everything including what Brynn believes about herself and the people she thought she knew. Her loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the enemy soldier reveals her true identity and his mission to return her to her true home. Now she is in a fight for her life as she learns a whole new world of magic and fate with questions of loyalty, love and betrayal. 

With the second book in this series releasing in June this year, I was given the chance to read Metal Slinger. I usually do not reach for a romantasy book; however, I do enjoy a good fantasy book and a good romance book, so I decided to give this romantasy book a chance. The beginning of this story was a bit slow as the author built the world around these characters. However, when Brynn leaves the Alaha people and enters a world she knows nothing about, the story picks up speed. As the story went along and I thought I knew where the story was going to go, the last quarter left my jaw on the floor. It does end with a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see how this story continues in book 2. If you enjoy romantasy books, I recommend Metal Slinger. 

Metal Slinger is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook