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Perilous Courts #4
Prince and Bodyguard
Cuddling with your bodyguard is normal—right?
Vana Dire can’t show weakness if he wants to survive the Draskoran court. The only man he can be vulnerable with is Daromir—Vana’s magic-bound bodyguard. The binding lets them share each other’s pain, and Vana depends on Daromir’s comfort as much as his services as a guard. Vana could never risk their friendship.
Even if he craves far more than Daromir’s loyalty.
Daromir Azri sees a side of Vana nobody else sees. Behind closed doors, the cold, elegant prince is kindhearted. Vulnerable. He needs Daromir. If Daromir’s devotion sometimes feels like something else? Daromir must be mistaken. His duty comes first, and he’ll do anything to protect Vana—including one thing he’s never done
He’s keeping a secret.
Then their magic bond changes, and suddenly Vana and Daromir don’t just share pain anymore. Each shared sensation pushes their friendship to the breaking point, just when Vana and Daromir need each other most. They’re facing a mysterious ambassador, a chaos-stirring prince, the consequences of past schemes—
And an assassin seeking Vana’s life.
Prince and Bodyguard is a gay fantasy romance with pining, hurt/comfort, and codependent cuddling. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, and Prince and Bodyguard begins a new three-book arc about the princes of Draskora.
Vana Dire can’t show weakness if he wants to survive the Draskoran court. The only man he can be vulnerable with is Daromir—Vana’s magic-bound bodyguard. The binding lets them share each other’s pain, and Vana depends on Daromir’s comfort as much as his services as a guard. Vana could never risk their friendship.
Even if he craves far more than Daromir’s loyalty.
Daromir Azri sees a side of Vana nobody else sees. Behind closed doors, the cold, elegant prince is kindhearted. Vulnerable. He needs Daromir. If Daromir’s devotion sometimes feels like something else? Daromir must be mistaken. His duty comes first, and he’ll do anything to protect Vana—including one thing he’s never done
He’s keeping a secret.
Then their magic bond changes, and suddenly Vana and Daromir don’t just share pain anymore. Each shared sensation pushes their friendship to the breaking point, just when Vana and Daromir need each other most. They’re facing a mysterious ambassador, a chaos-stirring prince, the consequences of past schemes—
And an assassin seeking Vana’s life.
Prince and Bodyguard is a gay fantasy romance with pining, hurt/comfort, and codependent cuddling. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, and Prince and Bodyguard begins a new three-book arc about the princes of Draskora.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2023
About the author
Tavia Lark
26 books570 followersTavia Lark writes m/m fantasy romance and erotica. Her favorite romance tropes include hurt/comfort, sharing a bed, and enemies to lovers. She writes from a sunny little apartment with the constant "help" of her fluffy cat. He just really likes typing, okay.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
January 16, 2024
✨there's just something soothing, and immersive, and satisfying about Tavia Lark's world building. for me, it's a marvelous blend of elemental fantasy all working together in such a way that it has me feeling like i'm coming home/settling in to the familiar without it being oppressive and overwhelming and hard to parse. this is smart enough to keep me interested and silly enough to keep me lighthearted and my reading experience carefree.✨
✨so basically i've determined after this installment that this whole series just works for me and i could not be happier to have discovered it.✨
💖i mean what's not to love? in this book, there are magical beasts such as Stanza, the dreamhawk, and a sassy fellcat, on top of dragons.🐦⬛🐯🐲
💓💗💞💗💘💗AND the MCs are each other's allies first before anything else, and every sentence is basically dedicated to showing how much they're ride or die for each other. ❤️🔥💗💕💗💖💗
📖💓there's nothing obscure or anything complicated. just good ol' loving and the doubts that come from wanting your best friend but not wanting to fuck up your lifetime of friendship, comfort and solidarity.💌💓
🌄🏔️🐉the political intrigue is light and manageable and tbh i've forgotten most of the what's what across this series as it's been a while, but bless whatever i need to get from beginning to end of this one in the here and now is enough. so far i'm unbothered as each book is self-contained and knows what it's about and therefore i do too and that's really all that matters. 🌅🏞️
🐦⬛i loved Vana (for obvious reasons lol) and i loved Daro (for sexy reasons lol).❤️🔥 also loyalty is sexy.💓 and just the fact that Daro was 16 when he chucked his life to protect a soft crying boy who had lost his tether to the only home he'd ever known my gawd hi i'm still crying at how abandoned this lil babe would have felt😭 but the trials of displacement led Vana to finding true love and security and belonging with Daro...and Daro towards a soul-defining sense of purpose and a sacredness to his bond of love for Vana.🥹✨ I MEAN, THAT'S BEYOND BEAUTIFUL AND I WILL DEVOUR THESE KINDS OF LOVE STORIES FOREVER!💗
💖✨this was wonderful and i enjoyed Vana and Daro immensely. not every installment/love story from this series is gonna 100% hit, but the ones that do feel like everything i could want in a fantasy romance to come home to. so it's always great to have more to look forward to from an ongoing series, and Tavia Lark is one of the most talented writers out there who I can trust to deliver the most dreamy satisfying happily ever afters i could ever imagine🥰✨
✨so basically i've determined after this installment that this whole series just works for me and i could not be happier to have discovered it.✨
💖i mean what's not to love? in this book, there are magical beasts such as Stanza, the dreamhawk, and a sassy fellcat, on top of dragons.🐦⬛🐯🐲
💓💗💞💗💘💗AND the MCs are each other's allies first before anything else, and every sentence is basically dedicated to showing how much they're ride or die for each other. ❤️🔥💗💕💗💖💗
📖💓there's nothing obscure or anything complicated. just good ol' loving and the doubts that come from wanting your best friend but not wanting to fuck up your lifetime of friendship, comfort and solidarity.💌💓
🌄🏔️🐉the political intrigue is light and manageable and tbh i've forgotten most of the what's what across this series as it's been a while, but bless whatever i need to get from beginning to end of this one in the here and now is enough. so far i'm unbothered as each book is self-contained and knows what it's about and therefore i do too and that's really all that matters. 🌅🏞️
🐦⬛i loved Vana (for obvious reasons lol) and i loved Daro (for sexy reasons lol).❤️🔥 also loyalty is sexy.💓 and just the fact that Daro was 16 when he chucked his life to protect a soft crying boy who had lost his tether to the only home he'd ever known my gawd hi i'm still crying at how abandoned this lil babe would have felt😭 but the trials of displacement led Vana to finding true love and security and belonging with Daro...and Daro towards a soul-defining sense of purpose and a sacredness to his bond of love for Vana.🥹✨ I MEAN, THAT'S BEYOND BEAUTIFUL AND I WILL DEVOUR THESE KINDS OF LOVE STORIES FOREVER!💗
💖✨this was wonderful and i enjoyed Vana and Daro immensely. not every installment/love story from this series is gonna 100% hit, but the ones that do feel like everything i could want in a fantasy romance to come home to. so it's always great to have more to look forward to from an ongoing series, and Tavia Lark is one of the most talented writers out there who I can trust to deliver the most dreamy satisfying happily ever afters i could ever imagine🥰✨
March 29, 2024
God, I freaking adored this. "Prince and Bodyguard" is the best-friends-to-lovers, protector/protectee, hurt-him-and-i'll-kill-you, oblivious-and-delicious-pining-from-up-close, romance of my dreams.
I knew Vana and Daromir's story was going to wreck me from the very first moment they appeared in Bellamy's story, and Tavia Lark did not disappoint: I loved this book with my whole soul.
It was heart-wrenching and emotional and funny, romantic and sweet and sexy, and its two leads stole my heart.
And their relationship stole my soul: Daromir with his ruthless and single-minded devotion, Vana with his helpless pining and adoration; gah, those two seriously loved each other, even when they were in their oblivious-pining stage, and seeing their journey to a well-deserved HEA was absolutely priceless. Their bloodbond was seriously something special: not precisely ethical, maybe, but we're in Draskora where everything, from its traditions to its court and people, is decidedly harsh and violent, so yeah... I'm damned curious to see how Tavia Lark will handle the next moral "hot topic" (aka grails) of this fantasy world: I seriously cannot wait to see what will happen, and I already love Marek to bits as well.
Anyway, the tone of this new arc of the "Perilous Courts" series is quite different from the first three books: slightly darker and tougher, more politically charged (and more twisted!), but still absolutely fascinating.
The only thing I could have wished for was a better relationship between the Dire brothers: unrealistic, I know, but the Sandry's wonderful bond has left me spoiled for a good ol' found family. Regardless, I found their interactions very fascinating and the constant political backstabbing was entertaining (and sad and heartbreaking too). I still have hope they'll one day be proper brothers, maybe after their horrible father dies a horrible death.
Anyway, I loved Marek, and Kazia's so damn intriguing: I'm not sure I like him yet, but I have the feeling he has some hidden depths and hurts that will make his story equally wonderful.
Tavia Lark is the hurt/comfort queen of the MM fantasy genre and this book delivers on all fronts: my heart was in my throat for the whole emotional ride. I cannot wait for the next installment.
I knew Vana and Daromir's story was going to wreck me from the very first moment they appeared in Bellamy's story, and Tavia Lark did not disappoint: I loved this book with my whole soul.
It was heart-wrenching and emotional and funny, romantic and sweet and sexy, and its two leads stole my heart.
And their relationship stole my soul: Daromir with his ruthless and single-minded devotion, Vana with his helpless pining and adoration; gah, those two seriously loved each other, even when they were in their oblivious-pining stage, and seeing their journey to a well-deserved HEA was absolutely priceless. Their bloodbond was seriously something special: not precisely ethical, maybe, but we're in Draskora where everything, from its traditions to its court and people, is decidedly harsh and violent, so yeah... I'm damned curious to see how Tavia Lark will handle the next moral "hot topic" (aka grails) of this fantasy world: I seriously cannot wait to see what will happen, and I already love Marek to bits as well.
Anyway, the tone of this new arc of the "Perilous Courts" series is quite different from the first three books: slightly darker and tougher, more politically charged (and more twisted!), but still absolutely fascinating.
The only thing I could have wished for was a better relationship between the Dire brothers: unrealistic, I know, but the Sandry's wonderful bond has left me spoiled for a good ol' found family. Regardless, I found their interactions very fascinating and the constant political backstabbing was entertaining (and sad and heartbreaking too). I still have hope they'll one day be proper brothers, maybe after their horrible father dies a horrible death.
Anyway, I loved Marek, and Kazia's so damn intriguing: I'm not sure I like him yet, but I have the feeling he has some hidden depths and hurts that will make his story equally wonderful.
Tavia Lark is the hurt/comfort queen of the MM fantasy genre and this book delivers on all fronts: my heart was in my throat for the whole emotional ride. I cannot wait for the next installment.
June 14, 2023
Overall, this is a wonderful addition to the Perilous Courts series and I think fans of the previous books will love this one, too. It had all of the elements I've come to expect in a Tavia Lark book, in particular that the fantasy elements aren't overshadowed by the romance, or vice versa.
My only complaint is that I don’t think 230ish pages was enough to really deliver on everything promised by the blurb. Vana and Daromir are fantastic characters and I loved them together, but I wanted more time with them in the “platonic” friends stage because it would have added more emotional weight to their eventual realization of their feelings. Making the magic bond pain-only at first was a great twist, but this is another area that could have been explored more, especially as the bond started to change. (Though I’ll admit that “magic bond” is one of my absolute favorite tropes so I think I’d always want more, no matter how much the author wrote about it.)
Lark has done a great job fleshing out the politics and magic of this world throughout the series, and I enjoyed the way this book built on what’s come before. I feel like the 200-250 page limit that Lark usually works with just isn’t enough to fit all of her great ideas and characters and hope she’ll consider making the remaining books in this series longer, because I’m 100% positive that this book and some of the others would be just as fun and compelling at twice the length.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
My only complaint is that I don’t think 230ish pages was enough to really deliver on everything promised by the blurb. Vana and Daromir are fantastic characters and I loved them together, but I wanted more time with them in the “platonic” friends stage because it would have added more emotional weight to their eventual realization of their feelings. Making the magic bond pain-only at first was a great twist, but this is another area that could have been explored more, especially as the bond started to change. (Though I’ll admit that “magic bond” is one of my absolute favorite tropes so I think I’d always want more, no matter how much the author wrote about it.)
Lark has done a great job fleshing out the politics and magic of this world throughout the series, and I enjoyed the way this book built on what’s come before. I feel like the 200-250 page limit that Lark usually works with just isn’t enough to fit all of her great ideas and characters and hope she’ll consider making the remaining books in this series longer, because I’m 100% positive that this book and some of the others would be just as fun and compelling at twice the length.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
August 29, 2023
nice cover🤌.
March 5, 2024
4.5 Stars
Look, this author’s writing just works for me okay? The books aren’t perfect but they’re perfect for me and when my only complaint is that I want more, I think that’s pretty damn deserving of a high rating.
I inhaled this like air. Friends-to-lovers is not my favourite, but Vara and Daromir’s romance is so freakin’ beautiful. This is a quieter book than the first three, but I actually appreciated the slow down so we could really enjoy the pining and then payoff of these two.
I am assuming this book set up the plot for the next two and I’m really excited to see the political drama unfold more.
Vara and Daro have a blood bond that allows each of them to feel what the other is feeling. This could’ve resulted in much better sex scenes and that’s my only complaint. It was used to the best of this author’s capabilities, but honestly I think Lark should write longer books to fit her imagination into them. Including the sex scenes 😂.
Look, this author’s writing just works for me okay? The books aren’t perfect but they’re perfect for me and when my only complaint is that I want more, I think that’s pretty damn deserving of a high rating.
I inhaled this like air. Friends-to-lovers is not my favourite, but Vara and Daromir’s romance is so freakin’ beautiful. This is a quieter book than the first three, but I actually appreciated the slow down so we could really enjoy the pining and then payoff of these two.
I am assuming this book set up the plot for the next two and I’m really excited to see the political drama unfold more.
Vara and Daro have a blood bond that allows each of them to feel what the other is feeling. This could’ve resulted in much better sex scenes and that’s my only complaint. It was used to the best of this author’s capabilities, but honestly I think Lark should write longer books to fit her imagination into them. Including the sex scenes 😂.
August 21, 2023
“I’ll follow you to Draskora and anywhere else you travel until my final breath”.
Cuarta entrega y primera parte del segundo arco de Perilous Courts. No sabía que necesitaba esta historia hasta que lo he leído.
Tampoco quiero añadir más a la historia de lo que ya he dicho en las anteriores reseñas. Solo diré que siento que es el mejor libro que ha escrito la autora hasta la fecha, además, me ha gustado también la relación entre los personajes. Se coloca entre mis favoritos siguiéndole el segundo.
Necesito el siguiente, aunque temo que no sea tan bueno.
“Happy crying”.
Cuarta entrega y primera parte del segundo arco de Perilous Courts. No sabía que necesitaba esta historia hasta que lo he leído.
Tampoco quiero añadir más a la historia de lo que ya he dicho en las anteriores reseñas. Solo diré que siento que es el mejor libro que ha escrito la autora hasta la fecha, además, me ha gustado también la relación entre los personajes. Se coloca entre mis favoritos siguiéndole el segundo.
Necesito el siguiente, aunque temo que no sea tan bueno.
“Happy crying”.
May 9, 2024
This was such a sweet, enjoyable, addictive read!! Watching the relationship between our mmcs fully develop and come to completion was so gorgeous and had me kicking my feet and giggling, this was the friends-to-lovers, hurt/comfort, mutual-pining book to end all books. The main couple were soooo codependent and attached to one another and I LOVED it, getting both their perspectives really made my day, they were both so absolutely and completely obsessed. I was in the mood for bodyguard romance, and this hit the spot!!!
January 21, 2024
The good
+ Forehead kisses
+ Vana getting tucked in by Daromir
+ Daromir making plans for a whole day of cuddling to settle themselves
+ The trust between them
+ Codependent cuddling
+ The way Daromir used the new properties of their bond
+ Daromir standing up for himself when Vana crossed his limit
+ Daromir's deal with the fellcat
+ Vana going slightly overboard with the magic when saving Daromir
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Okay let's be real here, the baddie was super obvious and it's pretty painful that Daromir didn't realize what was happening until it was too late
The bad
- The overarching plot confused me a lot. I dutifully read all previous books but I just didn't retain enough information to remember what happened between Vana and Rakos. A short summary of the story until now or more hints in the book would've been greatly appreciated
- Vana was very focused on himself. Every decision he made was made in order to protect himself, but he hardly ever took Daromir's needs or happiness into account
- There was, obviously, a severe power imbalance between them. This was not addressed as much as it should have been, even though Daromir was very much at a disadvantage regarding decisions made about their future
Quotes
The politics and what was happening there went right over my head, but I did enjoy the deep bond between Daromir and Vana. Codependent cuddling is the best. I'm not completely sold on the next two princes yet, but I'll read those books anyway. I hope they'll positively surprise me. I would recommend this book if you've enjoyed the first three in the series, but in my opinion this one is the weakest yet. Still enjoyable, regardless.
+ Forehead kisses
+ Vana getting tucked in by Daromir
+ Daromir making plans for a whole day of cuddling to settle themselves
+ The trust between them
+ Codependent cuddling
+ The way Daromir used the new properties of their bond
+ Daromir standing up for himself when Vana crossed his limit
+ Daromir's deal with the fellcat
+ Vana going slightly overboard with the magic when saving Daromir
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o Okay let's be real here, the baddie was super obvious and it's pretty painful that Daromir didn't realize what was happening until it was too late
The bad
- The overarching plot confused me a lot. I dutifully read all previous books but I just didn't retain enough information to remember what happened between Vana and Rakos. A short summary of the story until now or more hints in the book would've been greatly appreciated
- Vana was very focused on himself. Every decision he made was made in order to protect himself, but he hardly ever took Daromir's needs or happiness into account
- There was, obviously, a severe power imbalance between them. This was not addressed as much as it should have been, even though Daromir was very much at a disadvantage regarding decisions made about their future
Quotes
Even if they did disappear, what would they do for a living?
Will they have to become farmers or wandering minstrels? Fuck, no. Those are terrible ideas.
The politics and what was happening there went right over my head, but I did enjoy the deep bond between Daromir and Vana. Codependent cuddling is the best. I'm not completely sold on the next two princes yet, but I'll read those books anyway. I hope they'll positively surprise me. I would recommend this book if you've enjoyed the first three in the series, but in my opinion this one is the weakest yet. Still enjoyable, regardless.
June 15, 2023
noooooo 🫠
dnf 60%. I tried but I couldn’t hold on. I loved the first three of this series and was really excited for this one. It took me forever to get into the story, my brain kind of shuts down with all the made up names and places, but when I finally did there wasn’t anything keeping me interested. The plot was okay but the romance was flat and made no sense. I saw another person on here sum it up perfectly with “emotional cheating”.
14 years… then out of nowhere they are in love… what..
I like how they met but then all the sudden it’s 14 years later and we miss the entire development of their relationship. Then one day they randomly kiss and tell each other ily. What… and the bond was suppose to be this co-dependent/romantic thing but honestly it was confusing. I just didn’t feel the chemistry or connection. It was like being dumped in the middle of a story
I won’t give up on series though, still loved this fantasy world.
dnf 60%. I tried but I couldn’t hold on. I loved the first three of this series and was really excited for this one. It took me forever to get into the story, my brain kind of shuts down with all the made up names and places, but when I finally did there wasn’t anything keeping me interested. The plot was okay but the romance was flat and made no sense. I saw another person on here sum it up perfectly with “emotional cheating”.
14 years… then out of nowhere they are in love… what..
I like how they met but then all the sudden it’s 14 years later and we miss the entire development of their relationship. Then one day they randomly kiss and tell each other ily. What… and the bond was suppose to be this co-dependent/romantic thing but honestly it was confusing. I just didn’t feel the chemistry or connection. It was like being dumped in the middle of a story
I won’t give up on series though, still loved this fantasy world.
June 25, 2024
Which is worst...an indifferent parent or a monstrous one
April 22, 2024
My favorite in the series. 😍
March 28, 2024
Bored
June 21, 2023
3.5 stars
Prince and Bodyguard is the first book of the next 3-books arc of Tavia Lark's Perilous Courts series. This time, focusing on three Princes of Draskora. First book features Prince Vana Dire and his bloodbound bodyguard, Daromir, whom also appeared in Prince in Disguise (when Vana and Daromir kidnapped Rakos Tem).
Vana and Daromir had share bond that first all about sharing pain. Until it changes (when Vana also feels Daromir's pleasure). In between, these two actually are in love with one another, but neither person EVER acknowledge it clearly. Vana because, well, Daromir is his employee basically, and Daromir thinks his feeling is what ALL guards are feeling about their wards.
For me, this is a little bit too SWEET. The conflict is basically about these two won't TALK about FEELINGS 🤐. And while Vana was interesting in that Bellamy's book (because he seemed to be manipulative bastard) ... in this one, he just felt too... uhm... much of a martyr? Like, I'm taking all these pain and sacrifice because I don't want to lose Daromir... He became less appealing once I knew his story *imagine that!*
In fact, I'm more intrigued with Kazia, the younger brat prince of Draskora!!
Yeah, yeah, there's attempt of assasinations also happening but at the same time, the identity of the assassin is a bit too obvious for me.
But Lark's writing is still great! I'm all in for the next two books, of course!
Prince and Bodyguard is the first book of the next 3-books arc of Tavia Lark's Perilous Courts series. This time, focusing on three Princes of Draskora. First book features Prince Vana Dire and his bloodbound bodyguard, Daromir, whom also appeared in Prince in Disguise (when Vana and Daromir kidnapped Rakos Tem).
Vana and Daromir had share bond that first all about sharing pain. Until it changes (when Vana also feels Daromir's pleasure). In between, these two actually are in love with one another, but neither person EVER acknowledge it clearly. Vana because, well, Daromir is his employee basically, and Daromir thinks his feeling is what ALL guards are feeling about their wards.
For me, this is a little bit too SWEET. The conflict is basically about these two won't TALK about FEELINGS 🤐. And while Vana was interesting in that Bellamy's book (because he seemed to be manipulative bastard) ... in this one, he just felt too... uhm... much of a martyr? Like, I'm taking all these pain and sacrifice because I don't want to lose Daromir... He became less appealing once I knew his story *imagine that!*
In fact, I'm more intrigued with Kazia, the younger brat prince of Draskora!!
Yeah, yeah, there's attempt of assasinations also happening but at the same time, the identity of the assassin is a bit too obvious for me.
But Lark's writing is still great! I'm all in for the next two books, of course!
May 2, 2024
I have been loving this series, but this one fell really flat for me and I struggled to finish. I could not, for the life of me, figure out what past events they were discussing, despite only reading the first three books a couple of months ago. Really, more context was needed for the entire thing. And since I couldn't place these two in the world I couldn't care about their plights.
I'm fine with authors not wanting to rehash previous novels in every new installment, but the lack of reference here was absurd.
I'm fine with authors not wanting to rehash previous novels in every new installment, but the lack of reference here was absurd.
May 26, 2024
This is the 4th book in the Perilous Courts series and the first book from the Draskorian princes. Following Prince Vana and his bodyguard. This book had a lot of angst in the first half of the book. Not complaining lol, just saying. I really enjoyed it, just as the previous three and I'm excited to see our next couple in book 5.
November 7, 2023
edit 11/6/23: i finished this just to read the next one bc i didn’t wanna miss any info. i still think this book should be arrested for being criminally boring despite having such an interesting premise….onto book 2🫡
original 6/15/23: DNF @ 73%…..tell me why my first thought after they got together and their first time fucking was “wow this was more interesting when they were friends pining for each other”💀💀💀💀 ugh i’m so mad bc the concept ??????? fucking beautiful, show-stopping, amazing, chef’s kiss!!!!!! the execution ??????? so fucking lacking i want to scream!!!!!!!!!!! this could’ve been oscar goddamn worthy but instead all motivation to finish has been wiped out at 73%…….a TRAGEDY😔 i mean come on bodyguard/prince romance with a bloodbond that changes from only feeling each other’s pain to now also feeling each other’s pleasure and u have the nerve to bore me!!??? sacrilege!!!!!!! maybe i will finish at a later time bc i’ll probably still b tuning in for book 2 and 3
original 6/15/23: DNF @ 73%…..tell me why my first thought after they got together and their first time fucking was “wow this was more interesting when they were friends pining for each other”💀💀💀💀 ugh i’m so mad bc the concept ??????? fucking beautiful, show-stopping, amazing, chef’s kiss!!!!!! the execution ??????? so fucking lacking i want to scream!!!!!!!!!!! this could’ve been oscar goddamn worthy but instead all motivation to finish has been wiped out at 73%…….a TRAGEDY😔 i mean come on bodyguard/prince romance with a bloodbond that changes from only feeling each other’s pain to now also feeling each other’s pleasure and u have the nerve to bore me!!??? sacrilege!!!!!!! maybe i will finish at a later time bc i’ll probably still b tuning in for book 2 and 3
June 18, 2023
3.5 stars. In this half of the Perilous Courts series, we leave Silaise and now get to experience Draskora, the dragon kingdom that was painted as quite sinister in the previous books. Our MCs are Vana, an adopted prince and Daromir, his magically bonded bodyguard. They spend almost half of their lives in each other's company before realizing that the feelings they have for each other are more than platonic. Their relationship has very hurt/comfort vibes, as Vana's head is a mess and he can't show an ounce of weakness at court, so Daromir's devotion is the only thing that keeps him sane. The romance was touching, but like a bit saccharine and not nearly as sexy or exciting as I was hoping. Parts of the book dragged for me because Vana was actually kind of a bummer. But that said, Lark is a great writer and the world-building remains excellent, so I look forward to the rest of the series.
June 15, 2023
Another great instalment in the series.
This did have quite a bit going on (Daro even thinks as much at one point). I think it could have used a little less plot or a few more pages.
Also, my favourite character wasn’t Vana or Daro, by Kazia (I can’t help it, I like the stabby ones). I would have liked a little more of him being a shit… but I guess I’ll get to see more of him later.
This did have quite a bit going on (Daro even thinks as much at one point). I think it could have used a little less plot or a few more pages.
Also, my favourite character wasn’t Vana or Daro, by Kazia (I can’t help it, I like the stabby ones). I would have liked a little more of him being a shit… but I guess I’ll get to see more of him later.
September 20, 2024
This is another totally captivating installment.
I loved the audio and this is such an unconditional love- can't loose the silly smile.
Those two!!!
Already started #5 and loving it so far.
I loved the audio and this is such an unconditional love- can't loose the silly smile.
Those two!!!
Already started #5 and loving it so far.
October 17, 2023
«—I love you beyond reason —Vana says, as if he shares Daromir’s thoughts too—. You’re so gorgeous and perfect and wonderful and mine.»
«—Te amo más allá de la razón —dice Vana, como si también compartira los pensamientos de Daromir—. Eres tan hermoso y perfecto y maravilloso y mío.»
«—Te amo más allá de la razón —dice Vana, como si también compartira los pensamientos de Daromir—. Eres tan hermoso y perfecto y maravilloso y mío.»
June 16, 2023
3.5 rounded down
Enjoyable update to the series, and interesting to see the Draskorian side of things, though not my favorite of the books. I liked the characters, but the switch to lovers didn't quite feel smooth to me and the conclusion was missing a little something. But I did enjoy reading and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
Enjoyable update to the series, and interesting to see the Draskorian side of things, though not my favorite of the books. I liked the characters, but the switch to lovers didn't quite feel smooth to me and the conclusion was missing a little something. But I did enjoy reading and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
August 17, 2024
Audio reread: The John Solo & Kirt Graves' narration on this series continues to be great.
Loved it, maybe these narrations will cure my slump? Fingers crossed.
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Prince & his bodyguard/best friend who's a bit of an obliviot in terms of understanding feelings. Yes, every bloodguard thinks that their ward is the most beautiful person on the planet. Totally normal.
This had such a strong start, great relationship development and showcasing of how each lead was so enamored with the other. Unfortunately, the ending felt way too rushed and there were so many things that could have used more information on.
Their bond turning from pain to pain & pleasure - can we get more information on as to why? Could we have more than just a scene or two of them 'testing out' the pleasure elements? The ending felt a bit lower stakes, and I'm happy for them and their HFN but it didn't feel too satisfying compared to the dark and sinister breadcrumbs of their kingdom only for a clean and swift end. There's also a severe lack of animals in this compared to the first three books. The dream falcon didn't really have any character, and the fellcat minor appearance I wanted so much more from!
I'm just a bit unsatisfied with this one, and it pains me to say so! Still a 4-star read, but it could have been a million stars, ya know?
Loved it, maybe these narrations will cure my slump? Fingers crossed.
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Prince & his bodyguard/best friend who's a bit of an obliviot in terms of understanding feelings. Yes, every bloodguard thinks that their ward is the most beautiful person on the planet. Totally normal.
This had such a strong start, great relationship development and showcasing of how each lead was so enamored with the other. Unfortunately, the ending felt way too rushed and there were so many things that could have used more information on.
Their bond turning from pain to pain & pleasure - can we get more information on as to why? Could we have more than just a scene or two of them 'testing out' the pleasure elements? The ending felt a bit lower stakes, and I'm happy for them and their HFN but it didn't feel too satisfying compared to the dark and sinister breadcrumbs of their kingdom only for a clean and swift end. There's also a severe lack of animals in this compared to the first three books. The dream falcon didn't really have any character, and the fellcat minor appearance I wanted so much more from!
I'm just a bit unsatisfied with this one, and it pains me to say so! Still a 4-star read, but it could have been a million stars, ya know?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2023
This was a nice surprise.
I was aware of this series for a while now, but i tried to read the first book and it didn't grab on. (not sure why, i liked the characters and the writing is typical for this type of books - decent, a little over exaggerated with good story pace but questionable dialogs at times)
But the premise of this one intrigued me - the bloodbond and sharing pain was such a nice hook that i just open the Prologue and didn't stop reading until i finished.
I was expecting pure romance plot but was pleasantly surprised that there was decent story outside of it, now im even interested in revisiting the whole series just so i can get to know the worldbuilding better.
The characters were likable, the cold Prince and his unmovable Knight/Bodyguard, their bond and closeness was beautify depicted, Im excited to see where the story goes from here.
I was aware of this series for a while now, but i tried to read the first book and it didn't grab on. (not sure why, i liked the characters and the writing is typical for this type of books - decent, a little over exaggerated with good story pace but questionable dialogs at times)
But the premise of this one intrigued me - the bloodbond and sharing pain was such a nice hook that i just open the Prologue and didn't stop reading until i finished.
I was expecting pure romance plot but was pleasantly surprised that there was decent story outside of it, now im even interested in revisiting the whole series just so i can get to know the worldbuilding better.
The characters were likable, the cold Prince and his unmovable Knight/Bodyguard, their bond and closeness was beautify depicted, Im excited to see where the story goes from here.
June 15, 2023
4 stars
This was cute and had nice forehead kisses and caretaking but I do not remember nearly enough of the previous books to follow the intricacies of the political gambit parts. I also expected the series about the House Dire princes in the evil land of blood magic and dragons and whatnot to be darker but this was as light-hearted and neatly wrapped up as the previous series. Which is fine but a bit more evil angsty grit would be great! Of course, as always, it's a very readable and sweet book. Even if I couldn't remember who any of these people were lol.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was cute and had nice forehead kisses and caretaking but I do not remember nearly enough of the previous books to follow the intricacies of the political gambit parts. I also expected the series about the House Dire princes in the evil land of blood magic and dragons and whatnot to be darker but this was as light-hearted and neatly wrapped up as the previous series. Which is fine but a bit more evil angsty grit would be great! Of course, as always, it's a very readable and sweet book. Even if I couldn't remember who any of these people were lol.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 23, 2023
While this was good, it was doomed to not be a favorite for me even though the bloodguard connection was well done. I had a little trouble with how it ended, but more trouble with how long some things go on. There is just no pleasing me sometimes.
June 23, 2023
There was nothing wrong with the book. I expected to be more engaged but I wasn’t.
July 1, 2023
3.5 stars
Read
February 10, 2024It's ok? I don't understand what it is
April 13, 2024
4.5 stars I love them. Gave me to same thrill as reading book 1
Shelved as 'dnf'
March 5, 2024For me the strong point of this series was never the plot but the romance. This book focused too much on the plot though, and it was all so boring.
The mcs' relationship sounded appealing from the epilogue, their meeting was amazing ❣️. But then their chemistry was nonexistent and they fell in love before we got to see much of them together, despite their apparent very intimate connection of 14 years.
I loved Kazia though, his character's promising enough that I'll likely give a go to his book.
The mcs' relationship sounded appealing from the epilogue, their meeting was amazing ❣️. But then their chemistry was nonexistent and they fell in love before we got to see much of them together, despite their apparent very intimate connection of 14 years.
I loved Kazia though, his character's promising enough that I'll likely give a go to his book.
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