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Perilous Courts #3
Prince and Pawn
One night of bliss could unravel a kingdom.
Be obedient. Be grateful. As the neglected illegitimate son of a powerful family, Corin is expected to follow his magic-gifted brother to the palace as a servant. He’s unwilling but resigned—and allows himself one night of distraction in a stranger’s arms.
Corin never knew pleasure and pain could be so exhilarating. So comforting. Corin only regrets he’ll never again see the anonymous man who ruined him for anyone else.
Until the next morning, when Corin meets his brother’s new arranged fiancé.
Prince Audric doesn’t want a loveless political betrothal, but he’ll do anything for his kingdom. His last night of freedom is a rare indulgence—and a terrible mistake. Corin is sweet, beautiful, and sees Audric like nobody else does.
He’s also Audric’s fiancé’s younger brother. Audric’s arranged betrothal might be a relationship in name only, but he can’t touch Corin again.
Constant proximity hurts when they can’t be together. But avoidance is impossible when Corin might be the key to unraveling the conspiracy behind Audric’s betrothal—
And when Corin keeps fainting into Audric’s arms.
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
Be obedient. Be grateful. As the neglected illegitimate son of a powerful family, Corin is expected to follow his magic-gifted brother to the palace as a servant. He’s unwilling but resigned—and allows himself one night of distraction in a stranger’s arms.
Corin never knew pleasure and pain could be so exhilarating. So comforting. Corin only regrets he’ll never again see the anonymous man who ruined him for anyone else.
Until the next morning, when Corin meets his brother’s new arranged fiancé.
Prince Audric doesn’t want a loveless political betrothal, but he’ll do anything for his kingdom. His last night of freedom is a rare indulgence—and a terrible mistake. Corin is sweet, beautiful, and sees Audric like nobody else does.
He’s also Audric’s fiancé’s younger brother. Audric’s arranged betrothal might be a relationship in name only, but he can’t touch Corin again.
Constant proximity hurts when they can’t be together. But avoidance is impossible when Corin might be the key to unraveling the conspiracy behind Audric’s betrothal—
And when Corin keeps fainting into Audric’s arms.
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 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 278 reviews
September 3, 2024
Very delicious.
Another perfect lightly told fantasy story that is amusing and beautiful. I love the narrative style so much. The magic is enchanting. The relationship between Corin and Audric is intense. A bit tragic, but so yummy.
Someone should have told me that Corin is a little pain whore, then I might have read this sooner.
He had expected to tolerate the pain. Hoped it wouldn’t be too bad. He never expected the sharp pleasure thrilling through his veins. It hurts. Corin doesn’t dislike it. He might even love it. 😳🖤😳
Notwithstanding, of course, filled with plot and amusing dialogue.
“You were a virgin,” Audric repeats. “And I fucked you until you cried.”
“Mm, you did.” Corin bites his lip on what looks like a smile, embarrassment giving way to mirth. He starts down the stairs, taking each step carefully. “I’m too hungry for this. I’m going to eat while you have your crisis.” 💞😂💞
Another perfect lightly told fantasy story that is amusing and beautiful. I love the narrative style so much. The magic is enchanting. The relationship between Corin and Audric is intense. A bit tragic, but so yummy.
Someone should have told me that Corin is a little pain whore, then I might have read this sooner.
He had expected to tolerate the pain. Hoped it wouldn’t be too bad. He never expected the sharp pleasure thrilling through his veins. It hurts. Corin doesn’t dislike it. He might even love it. 😳🖤😳
Notwithstanding, of course, filled with plot and amusing dialogue.
“You were a virgin,” Audric repeats. “And I fucked you until you cried.”
“Mm, you did.” Corin bites his lip on what looks like a smile, embarrassment giving way to mirth. He starts down the stairs, taking each step carefully. “I’m too hungry for this. I’m going to eat while you have your crisis.” 💞😂💞
Shelved as 'dnf'
January 28, 2023Dnf at 35%
The power imbalance and the way Corin was repeatedly treated made me want to smash walls with my fist.
The power imbalance and the way Corin was repeatedly treated made me want to smash walls with my fist.
January 31, 2023
"Prince and Pawn" was an absolutely wonderful book, and once again, I'm in awe of Tavia Lark's skills at writing a book that seems to have been precisely tailored to all my tastes, my favourite tropes and my preferences.
Audric and Corin's romance stole my heart: although Bellamy and Rakos will probably remain my absolute favourites, these two had me in a chokehold from start to finish. This book was both an emotional rollercoaster, full of angst and bitterness and sweet, sweet pining, and a wonderfully romantic, gloriously kinky one. The chemistry between the two protagonists was truly palpable, from their very first, very explosive meeting. I loved them together, so damn much, but also individually they're unforgettable protagonists.
Audric was a huge surprise, and I LIVED for his more base and possessive side; he's also unexpectedly, and quietly, funny and so damn swoony. Seriously, where does one find an Audric? *cries*
Corin was equally surprising, and equally lovable: I loved being in his thoughts and I loved how, slowly but surely, he gained more and more confidence.
I also found him so relatable: his struggles with his health were so realistic and I really felt close to him. Once again, I really have to applaud Tavia Lark for this: I really appreciated seeing a character who, like Bellamy before him, struggles with a chronic illness, and constantly feels like his body has betrayed him in some way. Because yeah, same. I felt really close with both of them.
Audric and Corin's romance was truly one of a kind, and I adored their dynamic so damn much. Audric was SO devoted to Corin, and I seriously thought I would die of cuteness: I loved how helplessly whipped he was for his tiny lover, and I LOVED how he'd be quite happy to set the world on fire for him.
And their dynamic in bed? Absolutely priceless (and so damn hot). The kink portrayal was fantastic and I feel like I need a dozen more kinky fantasy books to make up for my book hangover now.
I'm so so so curious about the next arc in this series! We've met the next book's protagonists (and I'm already crazy about them), but I'm sooooo hoping Lucien and Emile will have their own shot at being protagonists and finding love with a Draskoran (since we're moving there for the next arc). Lucien's so hilarious, and Emile's iconic: I'd sell some of my vital organs for them.
Anyway, regardless, I'm sure I'll devour whatever Tavia Lark will write next.
Audric and Corin's romance stole my heart: although Bellamy and Rakos will probably remain my absolute favourites, these two had me in a chokehold from start to finish. This book was both an emotional rollercoaster, full of angst and bitterness and sweet, sweet pining, and a wonderfully romantic, gloriously kinky one. The chemistry between the two protagonists was truly palpable, from their very first, very explosive meeting. I loved them together, so damn much, but also individually they're unforgettable protagonists.
Audric was a huge surprise, and I LIVED for his more base and possessive side; he's also unexpectedly, and quietly, funny and so damn swoony. Seriously, where does one find an Audric? *cries*
Corin was equally surprising, and equally lovable: I loved being in his thoughts and I loved how, slowly but surely, he gained more and more confidence.
I also found him so relatable: his struggles with his health were so realistic and I really felt close to him. Once again, I really have to applaud Tavia Lark for this: I really appreciated seeing a character who, like Bellamy before him, struggles with a chronic illness, and constantly feels like his body has betrayed him in some way. Because yeah, same. I felt really close with both of them.
Audric and Corin's romance was truly one of a kind, and I adored their dynamic so damn much. Audric was SO devoted to Corin, and I seriously thought I would die of cuteness: I loved how helplessly whipped he was for his tiny lover, and I LOVED how he'd be quite happy to set the world on fire for him.
And their dynamic in bed? Absolutely priceless (and so damn hot). The kink portrayal was fantastic and I feel like I need a dozen more kinky fantasy books to make up for my book hangover now.
I'm so so so curious about the next arc in this series! We've met the next book's protagonists (and I'm already crazy about them), but I'm sooooo hoping Lucien and Emile will have their own shot at being protagonists and finding love with a Draskoran (since we're moving there for the next arc). Lucien's so hilarious, and Emile's iconic: I'd sell some of my vital organs for them.
Anyway, regardless, I'm sure I'll devour whatever Tavia Lark will write next.
February 2, 2023
3.5 stars
Unfortunately, unlike Tavia Lark's Radiance series, where the third book is *chef's kiss* , the third installment of Perilous Courts, doesn't end with a high note for me. My favorite is still Julien and Whisper's story (book #1). I even prefer Bellamy's story (book #2) than this one.
I feel that Corin is a bit of "prince in distress" kind of situation. I am also a bit confused about his power (). And I don't really buy the pain kink in this one, somehow.
So yes, Julien and Whisper are still the best. BUT I have high hopes for the next books, especially if Lark decides to FINALLY write a story about Emile or Lucien. Those two look like fun characters.
Unfortunately, unlike Tavia Lark's Radiance series, where the third book is *chef's kiss* , the third installment of Perilous Courts, doesn't end with a high note for me. My favorite is still Julien and Whisper's story (book #1). I even prefer Bellamy's story (book #2) than this one.
I feel that Corin is a bit of "prince in distress" kind of situation. I am also a bit confused about his power (). And I don't really buy the pain kink in this one, somehow.
So yes, Julien and Whisper are still the best. BUT I have high hopes for the next books, especially if Lark decides to FINALLY write a story about Emile or Lucien. Those two look like fun characters.
January 23, 2023
The good
+ Their first meeting
+ Sneaky fellcat kittens
+ Audric letting Corin know he wants him, but leaving the choice up to Corin
+ Audric always listening to what Corin says, and following every verbal cue
+ Corin making friends
+ The absolutely brutal annihilation of the bad guy
+ The moment where Audric managed to completely stun Julien
+ A lot of brotherly love between Audric, Julien and Bellamy
+
+ Their mutual trust, and the way Corin's unwavering trust manifested
+
+ Caretaking! Aftercare!
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o And here I thought Audric was the boring brother. Turns out I was just as fooled as Julien was
o The number of characters is ever increasing, and I'm losing track of who we're supposed to like, dislike, trust and distrust
o I was sometimes missing a reason why Audric likes Corin so much. He's a caretaker and loves Corin unconditionally, but do they have similar hobbies? Can they spend extended amounts of time together without getting bored? It sometimes felt like their connection consists solely of sexual chemistry and mutual trust
The bad
- Corin hardly
-
Quotes
x "There's no need to court me, Audric. I'm already yours."
I loved seeing Audric relaxing around Corin, and Corin's confidence blooming under Audric's care. I also loved the mischievous fellcat kittens, and the brotherly love. Apparently, we already met one main character for a future book, but I have two characters whose story I want to read! But well, with the next three books probably containing more dragon content, I think we can guess who it's going to be... I'm excited! Also, I would totally recommend this book and the series as a whole.
+ Their first meeting
+ Sneaky fellcat kittens
+ Audric letting Corin know he wants him, but leaving the choice up to Corin
+ Audric always listening to what Corin says, and following every verbal cue
+ Corin making friends
+ The absolutely brutal annihilation of the bad guy
+ The moment where Audric managed to completely stun Julien
+ A lot of brotherly love between Audric, Julien and Bellamy
+
+ Their mutual trust, and the way Corin's unwavering trust manifested
+
+ Caretaking! Aftercare!
The neutral
o I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. My review remains honest and unbiased
o And here I thought Audric was the boring brother. Turns out I was just as fooled as Julien was
o The number of characters is ever increasing, and I'm losing track of who we're supposed to like, dislike, trust and distrust
o I was sometimes missing a reason why Audric likes Corin so much. He's a caretaker and loves Corin unconditionally, but do they have similar hobbies? Can they spend extended amounts of time together without getting bored? It sometimes felt like their connection consists solely of sexual chemistry and mutual trust
The bad
- Corin hardly
-
Quotes
x "There's no need to court me, Audric. I'm already yours."
I loved seeing Audric relaxing around Corin, and Corin's confidence blooming under Audric's care. I also loved the mischievous fellcat kittens, and the brotherly love. Apparently, we already met one main character for a future book, but I have two characters whose story I want to read! But well, with the next three books probably containing more dragon content, I think we can guess who it's going to be... I'm excited! Also, I would totally recommend this book and the series as a whole.
August 19, 2023
“Can you stand at a king’s side through calm and chaos ? Peace and war? With his life at stake, or yours?”
Tercera parte y última del primer arco de la saga “Perilous courts”.
Sinceramente he de comentar que sí me ha gustado, pero al mismo tiempo de las obras leídas esta la que menos me ha gustado. Me explico: el argumento está bien, está interesante. Sin embargo, lo que menos me ha gustado es la química de los personajes: funcionan como pareja, pero al mismo tiempo, siento que me faltaba algo y no me sentía del todo cómoda. A pesar de ello, me lo estoy pasando bien con esta saga y seguiré leyendo a la autora.
“I don’t need to be useful to be worthy as a person. To belong somewhere.”
Tercera parte y última del primer arco de la saga “Perilous courts”.
Sinceramente he de comentar que sí me ha gustado, pero al mismo tiempo de las obras leídas esta la que menos me ha gustado. Me explico: el argumento está bien, está interesante. Sin embargo, lo que menos me ha gustado es la química de los personajes: funcionan como pareja, pero al mismo tiempo, siento que me faltaba algo y no me sentía del todo cómoda. A pesar de ello, me lo estoy pasando bien con esta saga y seguiré leyendo a la autora.
“I don’t need to be useful to be worthy as a person. To belong somewhere.”
May 13, 2024
You would think one was intrigued with Court life. But no! It's the magic wielding cats.
April 29, 2023
I would give this book a negative star rating if I could as it literally infuriated me.
So imagine you are invested in a multibook series where there are 3 brothers who are also princes, and each book features a different brother and how they find their HEA despite all kinds of romance-standard obstacles.
The overall setting is fantasy, and there are fun touches like telepathic great cats, teleporting ferrets, and ferocious and loyal dragons.
Each book features an unlikely/star-crossed lovers kind of path. In book #1, we had the middle brother, who is a bit of a manwhore but ends up settling down with his love interest. In book #2, the youngest (and virgin) prince is involved in an "on the run with another man and neither knows the true identities" storyline. They end up with a HEA despite being from opposing sides of an ongoing power struggle.
In these two books, the sex, while certainly explicit, does not involve any kind of kink, extraneous apparatus, or BDSM.
Then we get to book #3, this book. This. Book. The thumbnail for the book on Goodreads is this:
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
I don't know about others, but I don't routinely think of outright S & M when I read "hurt/comfort". Not BDSM, mind you, but pure S & M. As in this description of S & M:
sadomasochism, also called S&M, SM, or S/M, deriving pleasure, often of a sexual nature, from the infliction of physical or psychological pain on another person or on oneself or both. The term is a portmanteau of sadism—deriving pleasure from inflicting pain—and masochism—deriving pleasure in receiving pain.
(per the Encyclopedia Brittanica website https://www.britannica.com/topic/sado...)
To paraphrase, I didn't expect the Spanish Inquistion of sex, but that's what I got. We had stuff like this in the first part of the book, regarding when the MC's first meet/interact:
Corin is gorgeous, with nearly feminine, ethereal beauty.
Audric imagines holding his narrow bones far too tightly.
“You are remarkable,” Adrien (sic) says. Corin suspects mockery despite the wonder in Adrien’s (sic) eyes. “Nobody ever reads me that well. Right now, I want two things more than anything else. I want to make you feel good.” His eyes darken. “And I want to hurt you.” (Adrien is an aka for Audric at this point in the story, so Audric and Adrien are actually the same person)
Corin doesn’t want much. He presses his forehead against the table, shamelessly hiding as he whispers, “Don’t stop if I cry.” Adrien (again, actually Audric) full-body shivers against him. ��I can promise that.”
And it gets worse from there. These consensual encounters routinely include damaging the subordinate partner's body to the point of inflicting visible and at least temporarily debilitating damage. This includes penetration without adequate preparation or lubrication. The subordinate partner has to hide the damage when in public.
So now add in that the subordinate character is a virgin and is also in a constant state of mental distress to the degree that the concept of thinking he is capable of giving rational consent is a complete joke. The dominant partner is large, physically fit, socially important, wealthy, etc. The subordinate is small, fragile, prone to feeling ill, constantly wading in a morass of self-loathing, socially powerless, and, best of all, has been emotionally and (in a manner of speaking) abused by a vicious family.
I know there are people who are OK with S & M and I honestly didn't want to have to write a treatise on how much I personally abhor the very concept of S & M and inflict my personal opinion on others, but guess what? I didn't have any idea that was hiding behind the cover of this book, a book that is #3 in a series that has previously had not a hint of any kind of role play/domination-subjugation/kink/BDSM whatsoever. The author took a complete left turn in this book and I am astonished (I'm surprised the publisher didn't insist on better disclosure in the marketing.) Quick tip: this could all have been avoided had there been some sort of series overview/disclosure tacked onto book #1 and all books following that stated that at some point characters would be practicing S & M. If I had seen that, I could simply bypass the whole series by choice. Instead, I invested in the first two (enjoyable) books and then got hit by a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I would implore this author, and all authors, to realize that not everyone classifies S & M under "hurt/comfort" in a mm romance, and not every reader is OK with the (clearly) subordinate partner "willingly" undergoing all kinds of terrible pain in the pursuit of happiness (which seems to be an ugly trend in the fantasy I've read recently). I've had way too much formal training on consent and abuse, and how some people can and do contort the meaning behind "consent" to justify harmful behavior, to ever be OK with this kind of thing, and quite frankly, I wish I had been forewarned so I could simply take a pass.
I like this series. I really like book #1 and #2. The rest of the series sounds intriguing. I simply can't figure out why book #3 went in a completely different direction towards sexual scenarios I would prefer to never have read about. It truly felt like some kind of hideous ambush.
Cannot recommend this book unless the reader is totally OK with explicit S & M. Cannot recommend the series either without stating the same conditions.
So imagine you are invested in a multibook series where there are 3 brothers who are also princes, and each book features a different brother and how they find their HEA despite all kinds of romance-standard obstacles.
The overall setting is fantasy, and there are fun touches like telepathic great cats, teleporting ferrets, and ferocious and loyal dragons.
Each book features an unlikely/star-crossed lovers kind of path. In book #1, we had the middle brother, who is a bit of a manwhore but ends up settling down with his love interest. In book #2, the youngest (and virgin) prince is involved in an "on the run with another man and neither knows the true identities" storyline. They end up with a HEA despite being from opposing sides of an ongoing power struggle.
In these two books, the sex, while certainly explicit, does not involve any kind of kink, extraneous apparatus, or BDSM.
Then we get to book #3, this book. This. Book. The thumbnail for the book on Goodreads is this:
Prince and Pawn is a high fantasy gay romance with hurt/comfort, forbidden pining, inappropriate use of vines, and more magic tigers. The Perilous Courts series is best read in order, but each book follows a different prince and his Happily Ever After.
I don't know about others, but I don't routinely think of outright S & M when I read "hurt/comfort". Not BDSM, mind you, but pure S & M. As in this description of S & M:
sadomasochism, also called S&M, SM, or S/M, deriving pleasure, often of a sexual nature, from the infliction of physical or psychological pain on another person or on oneself or both. The term is a portmanteau of sadism—deriving pleasure from inflicting pain—and masochism—deriving pleasure in receiving pain.
(per the Encyclopedia Brittanica website https://www.britannica.com/topic/sado...)
To paraphrase, I didn't expect the Spanish Inquistion of sex, but that's what I got. We had stuff like this in the first part of the book, regarding when the MC's first meet/interact:
Corin is gorgeous, with nearly feminine, ethereal beauty.
Audric imagines holding his narrow bones far too tightly.
“You are remarkable,” Adrien (sic) says. Corin suspects mockery despite the wonder in Adrien’s (sic) eyes. “Nobody ever reads me that well. Right now, I want two things more than anything else. I want to make you feel good.” His eyes darken. “And I want to hurt you.” (Adrien is an aka for Audric at this point in the story, so Audric and Adrien are actually the same person)
Corin doesn’t want much. He presses his forehead against the table, shamelessly hiding as he whispers, “Don’t stop if I cry.” Adrien (again, actually Audric) full-body shivers against him. ��I can promise that.”
And it gets worse from there. These consensual encounters routinely include damaging the subordinate partner's body to the point of inflicting visible and at least temporarily debilitating damage. This includes penetration without adequate preparation or lubrication. The subordinate partner has to hide the damage when in public.
So now add in that the subordinate character is a virgin and is also in a constant state of mental distress to the degree that the concept of thinking he is capable of giving rational consent is a complete joke. The dominant partner is large, physically fit, socially important, wealthy, etc. The subordinate is small, fragile, prone to feeling ill, constantly wading in a morass of self-loathing, socially powerless, and, best of all, has been emotionally and (in a manner of speaking) abused by a vicious family.
I know there are people who are OK with S & M and I honestly didn't want to have to write a treatise on how much I personally abhor the very concept of S & M and inflict my personal opinion on others, but guess what? I didn't have any idea that was hiding behind the cover of this book, a book that is #3 in a series that has previously had not a hint of any kind of role play/domination-subjugation/kink/BDSM whatsoever. The author took a complete left turn in this book and I am astonished (I'm surprised the publisher didn't insist on better disclosure in the marketing.) Quick tip: this could all have been avoided had there been some sort of series overview/disclosure tacked onto book #1 and all books following that stated that at some point characters would be practicing S & M. If I had seen that, I could simply bypass the whole series by choice. Instead, I invested in the first two (enjoyable) books and then got hit by a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I would implore this author, and all authors, to realize that not everyone classifies S & M under "hurt/comfort" in a mm romance, and not every reader is OK with the (clearly) subordinate partner "willingly" undergoing all kinds of terrible pain in the pursuit of happiness (which seems to be an ugly trend in the fantasy I've read recently). I've had way too much formal training on consent and abuse, and how some people can and do contort the meaning behind "consent" to justify harmful behavior, to ever be OK with this kind of thing, and quite frankly, I wish I had been forewarned so I could simply take a pass.
I like this series. I really like book #1 and #2. The rest of the series sounds intriguing. I simply can't figure out why book #3 went in a completely different direction towards sexual scenarios I would prefer to never have read about. It truly felt like some kind of hideous ambush.
Cannot recommend this book unless the reader is totally OK with explicit S & M. Cannot recommend the series either without stating the same conditions.
February 15, 2023
4.25 stars
I loooooove this series. I love how there is no real relationship angst. And that there are bad guys getting in the way, but it is never too nerve wracking or frustrating.
There is posessiveness, magic, sweetness. Lots of things to like.
I loooooove this series. I love how there is no real relationship angst. And that there are bad guys getting in the way, but it is never too nerve wracking or frustrating.
There is posessiveness, magic, sweetness. Lots of things to like.
August 24, 2023
Sadly this one was my least favourite so far from the series. Couldn't connect to the characters and hard skipped on the smut.
May 14, 2024
Started strong but quickly became quite the bore
Generous 3 stars for the pain kink
Generous 3 stars for the pain kink
February 13, 2023
I loved previous books from this author but not a fan of this one at all. Not bad per se, but supremely bland.
The plot was extremely predictable and the characters were boring as well.Meaningful character flaws? What are those??
As a result of the boring characters, the romance was disappointing as well.
I was not a fan of the kink aspect either, and I feel like that particular aspect served only to (imo unsuccessfully) spice up an otherwise completely bland story and similarly bland characters.
Very disappointed, since I usually enjoy this author's books a lot, but I'm hoping this was just a dud, and that the next one will be better!
The plot was extremely predictable and the characters were boring as well.
As a result of the boring characters, the romance was disappointing as well.
I was not a fan of the kink aspect either, and I feel like that particular aspect served only to (imo unsuccessfully) spice up an otherwise completely bland story and similarly bland characters.
Very disappointed, since I usually enjoy this author's books a lot, but I'm hoping this was just a dud, and that the next one will be better!
Read
January 28, 2023DNF @ 9%. No rating given.
“I want to make you feel good. And I want to hurt you.”
“How do you know I wouldn’t like that too? The part where you hurt me?”
I absolutely loathe a pain kink in books. I cannot get through it. I also do not do well with BDSM. Pretty clear from the get go this is not gonna be the book for me.
“I want to make you feel good. And I want to hurt you.”
“How do you know I wouldn’t like that too? The part where you hurt me?”
I absolutely loathe a pain kink in books. I cannot get through it. I also do not do well with BDSM. Pretty clear from the get go this is not gonna be the book for me.
January 27, 2023
I was super excited for this book based on the premise, but it was even better than I’d imagined. I loved how much Audric had hidden behind his “boring,” duty-bound exterior—so much that even his brothers didn’t know about him. His initial meeting with Corin allowed them both to see each other as individuals, not the roles they’d both been saddled with since birth, and the honesty of that first connection made me believe in the immediate strength of their attachment.
Julien and Bellamy had great roles to play in the story, and I love how this book further developed the brothers’ relationships. I also liked seeing more of their mothers, and how Audric’s role as the eldest brother gave him a different perspective. I’m glad Audric’s book came third, because so much of his story arc was about how much he needed someone to see him for who he really is, and after seeing him through his brothers’ eyes in the previous books, even the reader “met” him here with preconceived notions. This helped to emphasize just how different, and rare, it would be for Audric to meet someone the way he met Corin. His strong feelings for Corin after such a short time made a lot of sense to me because of this. Likewise, Audric’s unwavering trust and respect for Corin really stood out, and I could see why Corin would have a hard time moving on.
As much as I loved Audric and Corin, the fellcubs might have stolen the book for me. They were just such perfect cats—so many of Hiro’s lines were things I’ve imagined my own cats wish they could say to me. I loved seeing which characters fell for their con artistry, especially characters who were otherwise clever or cynical. No one can resist a kitten in need of rescue!
My only quibble is that a lot of background characters have been introduced since the start of the series, and I had trouble remembering who was aligned with whom at some points. I wish there had been a few more contextual reminders in this book for some of the political players. But that’s a minor complaint, and there was never a point where I didn’t know what was going on in the story.
I really loved this book and it might be my favorite so far in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
Julien and Bellamy had great roles to play in the story, and I love how this book further developed the brothers’ relationships. I also liked seeing more of their mothers, and how Audric’s role as the eldest brother gave him a different perspective. I’m glad Audric’s book came third, because so much of his story arc was about how much he needed someone to see him for who he really is, and after seeing him through his brothers’ eyes in the previous books, even the reader “met” him here with preconceived notions. This helped to emphasize just how different, and rare, it would be for Audric to meet someone the way he met Corin. His strong feelings for Corin after such a short time made a lot of sense to me because of this. Likewise, Audric’s unwavering trust and respect for Corin really stood out, and I could see why Corin would have a hard time moving on.
As much as I loved Audric and Corin, the fellcubs might have stolen the book for me. They were just such perfect cats—so many of Hiro’s lines were things I’ve imagined my own cats wish they could say to me. I loved seeing which characters fell for their con artistry, especially characters who were otherwise clever or cynical. No one can resist a kitten in need of rescue!
My only quibble is that a lot of background characters have been introduced since the start of the series, and I had trouble remembering who was aligned with whom at some points. I wish there had been a few more contextual reminders in this book for some of the political players. But that’s a minor complaint, and there was never a point where I didn’t know what was going on in the story.
I really loved this book and it might be my favorite so far in the series.
I received an ARC in exchange for my review.
March 4, 2024
Reread March 2024:
Corin you sweet baby 😭❤️
Original Review, February 2023:
I feel like this series was written for me, I’m so obsessed with it.
I don’t even know what to say. My pure enjoyment is through the roof. I loved how we went into this book with only Julian and Bellamy’s impressions of Audric because who he truly is is such a delightful surprise. I loved how Audric and Corin met, I loved how their story progressed from there. I loved how obsessed Audric was with Corin, and how much Corin fed off it. Their chemistry was wonderful and the whole plot was a blast.
There was the perfect amount of humour, and Julian and Bellamy appeared just the right amount too. I love how supportive the brothers all are of each other. I love the teasing over their choices of spouses. I loved when Julian discovered Audric and Corin’s kink because it was just such a real life reaction that it was lovely.
I really love how the romance wasn’t overpowered by the plot, and honestly all of Corin was wonderful. I found the power differential between Audric and Corin handled wonderfully, almost as well as it was between Julian and Whisper. What perfect matches!
I can not wait for the rest of this series!!
Corin you sweet baby 😭❤️
Original Review, February 2023:
I feel like this series was written for me, I’m so obsessed with it.
I don’t even know what to say. My pure enjoyment is through the roof. I loved how we went into this book with only Julian and Bellamy’s impressions of Audric because who he truly is is such a delightful surprise. I loved how Audric and Corin met, I loved how their story progressed from there. I loved how obsessed Audric was with Corin, and how much Corin fed off it. Their chemistry was wonderful and the whole plot was a blast.
There was the perfect amount of humour, and Julian and Bellamy appeared just the right amount too. I love how supportive the brothers all are of each other. I love the teasing over their choices of spouses. I loved when Julian discovered Audric and Corin’s kink because it was just such a real life reaction that it was lovely.
I really love how the romance wasn’t overpowered by the plot, and honestly all of Corin was wonderful. I found the power differential between Audric and Corin handled wonderfully, almost as well as it was between Julian and Whisper. What perfect matches!
I can not wait for the rest of this series!!
March 7, 2023
Oof this just wasn't for me 🙈 But I will keep going through the series though because I definitely enjoy TL's writing style. This was a case of "couldn't connect with the characters or the sexy times". So, onwards to the next in the series when it drops, as I do love me a delicious bodyguard trope so hopefully I will find the next couple's story more engaging than this one✌🏼
April 26, 2024
Ok, so I really enjoyed this one. I thought it was a lot of fun. The romance is super sweet and adorable. The spice is super intense. I'm not kink-shaming anyone, to each their own and everyone was consensual and all that so it's good. However, there was just this one time in the book that Audric was thinking about how the more he loves Corin the more he wants to hurt him. Ok, that was a little, 'what now?' I mean, pain isn't a personal kink of mine so maybe that's why I'm having a hard time with this, but it feels like that sort of thinking might be a bit toxic.
Other than that, I found Corin to be adorable. He reminds me a lot of Bellamy, who I also thought was adorable. I loved the new fellcat cubs. So adorable. I will never not love the talking animals found in this series. I hope they have at least an equivalent in the next 3 books as well.
Other than that, I found Corin to be adorable. He reminds me a lot of Bellamy, who I also thought was adorable. I loved the new fellcat cubs. So adorable. I will never not love the talking animals found in this series. I hope they have at least an equivalent in the next 3 books as well.
September 10, 2024
This one was the best! I seem to think that about every audio I listen to in this series....but seriously. The best!!
🌿💚🌳🍃🌈⚡☀️💙💛
🌿💚🌳🍃🌈⚡☀️💙💛
February 2, 2023
Prince and Pawn was a delightful surprise. I wasn't really expecting that aspect in the relationship between Corin and Audric, but somehow Tavia Lark made it work. I loved the relationship between the two leads and how it developed. I enjoyed their first meeting and how Audric always listed to Corin. It was wonderful to see the brotherly love between Audric, Julien and Bellamy as they interacted. The fellcat kittens were adorable and was probably one of the highlights in this story.
It's a bit sad that Corin wasn't given much time to use his magic but hopefully in the coming books we get to see a glimpse of it.
Despite some of the heavier topics that this story tackled, overall it felt sweet and romantic.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
It's a bit sad that Corin wasn't given much time to use his magic but hopefully in the coming books we get to see a glimpse of it.
Despite some of the heavier topics that this story tackled, overall it felt sweet and romantic.
This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
May 29, 2023
This book didn't sit right with me, while I do enjoy BDSM in books, here it just felt wrong.
One part of the couple is described as very feminine, frail and as having "bird like bones", he's also 19 and a virgin at the beginning of the book. This character is submissive.
The other part is 25, big, masculine and strong. He's a sadist and dominant and also has a lot of social power over his submissive partner.
The whole deal with the feminine frail submissive vs the strong manly dominat just doesn't sit right with me, also the age gap and power imbalance really isn't it.
While all sex scenes are consensual, the whole setup just really reminds me of all those yaoi mangas that fetishize gay men and were written by straight women for straight women.
It's not as bad as those, but the whole relationship dynamic and especially the "feminine" and "frail" descriptors just made me very uncomfortable.
One part of the couple is described as very feminine, frail and as having "bird like bones", he's also 19 and a virgin at the beginning of the book. This character is submissive.
The other part is 25, big, masculine and strong. He's a sadist and dominant and also has a lot of social power over his submissive partner.
The whole deal with the feminine frail submissive vs the strong manly dominat just doesn't sit right with me, also the age gap and power imbalance really isn't it.
While all sex scenes are consensual, the whole setup just really reminds me of all those yaoi mangas that fetishize gay men and were written by straight women for straight women.
It's not as bad as those, but the whole relationship dynamic and especially the "feminine" and "frail" descriptors just made me very uncomfortable.
January 29, 2023
I enjoyed this one! I've been enjoying this series overall, and though I think this is my least favorite so far, I did still quite enjoy it. I appreciate the sort of complicated relationship the princes have with their mother the Queen, which is allowed to have some nuance, and I enjoyed getting to know Audric a bit better, though he did feel a little bland. I think the BDSM stuff was maybe supposed to spice it up a bit, and while I do enjoy kink, it felt a little out of place here, and I wasn't totally sold on it as a dynamic. I liked the characters and the plot etc. well enough, but everything felt just a little off from what I think I'd have preferred.
February 10, 2023
I unfortunately couldn't get through this one. The BDSM dynamics wouldn't have bothered me if there wasn't such an age gap. Given that one protagonist is a teenager (19) and looked upon as innocent, sweet, and delicate, It felt too much like grooming. I was too uncomfortable to read this one.
Read
July 4, 2023DNF
the power imbalance and the way that Corin, one of the protagonist was portrayed irked me lot and made it so weird for me .
the power imbalance and the way that Corin, one of the protagonist was portrayed irked me lot and made it so weird for me .
February 6, 2023
Gahhh sooo disappointing. I really liked the plot and romance in first two books but this one was a complete dud. The insta love and the sadistic sex was painful to read. I actually skipped the sex scene. Their we no character build or reason why they fell in love. 😭 i was cringing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2023
Really am enjoying the overarching plotline unfolding and the world building in this series!
Out of the three books read in this series, this one was my least favorite, but still very entertaining.
I loved:
- The fellcats! The animal additions to each book are excellent. They feel like main characters and I love the shenanigans they get into.
- Having their first encounter be where they didn't know who the other was, and how they had that moment of connection together. It was really nice getting into Audric's POV for once, and seeing that he's not a perfect prince like his brothers assume he is.
- Creative uses for vines, loved that magical addition
- I am so invested in the plot, and loved seeing the previous brothers and their partners making slight appearances to help continue the plot. I love how strong and supportive their familial unit is.
I didn't love:
- Compared to the slower and gradual buildup and lots of on page moments together both before and after getting together, this felt really rushed at the end. There's a time jump and boom they have their HEA. Would have loved to see more on page time of their romance after they were together?
- The audiobook when sped up at all pronounces Corin as Corn, and I couldn't stop loling at Corn (this is a me problem)
- I would have loved to see more on page time of Corn getting more experience and understanding of his magic, and also seeing more of his and Audric's magic working together and how it makes life.
Overall, this one felt a bit like the ending was rushed and wrapped up a bit too quick. Still loving the series, but this one might be my least favorite of the series so far.
Out of the three books read in this series, this one was my least favorite, but still very entertaining.
I loved:
- The fellcats! The animal additions to each book are excellent. They feel like main characters and I love the shenanigans they get into.
- Having their first encounter be where they didn't know who the other was, and how they had that moment of connection together. It was really nice getting into Audric's POV for once, and seeing that he's not a perfect prince like his brothers assume he is.
- Creative uses for vines, loved that magical addition
- I am so invested in the plot, and loved seeing the previous brothers and their partners making slight appearances to help continue the plot. I love how strong and supportive their familial unit is.
I didn't love:
- Compared to the slower and gradual buildup and lots of on page moments together both before and after getting together, this felt really rushed at the end. There's a time jump and boom they have their HEA. Would have loved to see more on page time of their romance after they were together?
- The audiobook when sped up at all pronounces Corin as Corn, and I couldn't stop loling at Corn (this is a me problem)
- I would have loved to see more on page time of Corn getting more experience and understanding of his magic, and also seeing more of his and Audric's magic working together and how it makes life.
Overall, this one felt a bit like the ending was rushed and wrapped up a bit too quick. Still loving the series, but this one might be my least favorite of the series so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2023
This high fantasy series is just fantastic. As soon as it was released I forgot about everything else I had on my Kindle and jumped on this, but work gets in the way so I'm slow.
I loved being back with House Sandry in Sandrelle, Silaise. All the gang is here, Prince Julien and Whisper, Prince Bellamy and his dragon rider, Rakos Tem, even Bastard the blinkmink pops in, and the fellcats are a delight, sneaky little fellcubs included. Here, the duty-bound and serious brother, Prince Audric, finds love and has the happiest of endings with Corin.
The sex is well and truly on the sado-masochistic side and I loved, loved, loved it. There is a delicious possessiveness that I enjoy in a darker tale, or a fantasy or both present. Prince Audric and Corin work, their chemistry flowed for me. Corin understands Audric and Audric feels protective of and dark around Corin, and Corin is here for it. Lark continues to build not only a fantastic world but characters who pop.
Now all of Queen Margot and her consort's sons are taken care of, the series is moving to Draskora next and I'm looking forward to a walk on the Draskoran side. However, I'm waiting patiently for House Pellerin's contrary and irreverent Emile to be front and centre stage.
Blog review-
I loved being back with House Sandry in Sandrelle, Silaise. All the gang is here, Prince Julien and Whisper, Prince Bellamy and his dragon rider, Rakos Tem, even Bastard the blinkmink pops in, and the fellcats are a delight, sneaky little fellcubs included. Here, the duty-bound and serious brother, Prince Audric, finds love and has the happiest of endings with Corin.
The sex is well and truly on the sado-masochistic side and I loved, loved, loved it. There is a delicious possessiveness that I enjoy in a darker tale, or a fantasy or both present. Prince Audric and Corin work, their chemistry flowed for me. Corin understands Audric and Audric feels protective of and dark around Corin, and Corin is here for it. Lark continues to build not only a fantastic world but characters who pop.
Now all of Queen Margot and her consort's sons are taken care of, the series is moving to Draskora next and I'm looking forward to a walk on the Draskoran side. However, I'm waiting patiently for House Pellerin's contrary and irreverent Emile to be front and centre stage.
Blog review-
January 29, 2023
The best book yet! Tavia Lark really knocked this one out of the park. So much of this super worked for me. Audric is so considerate and kind, and Corin is such a great counterpoint for Audric. Their romance is perhaps a little insta-lust-y, but that’s exactly how I like my romances, and I think the book pulls it off well and doesn’t make it too over the top.
The main plot line was great as well. I honestly spent one day reading this, only breaking as absolutely needed because I couldn’t tear myself away for too long. (Thus how I found myself in a laundromat, reading plant bondage with people closer to me than I might have liked, lol.)
(Also, omg the plant bondage.)
I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and though you might *technically* be able to read them in whatever order you want, I do recommend starting with the first book. That being said, if you want to start here, I ain’t gonna fight you.
The main plot line was great as well. I honestly spent one day reading this, only breaking as absolutely needed because I couldn’t tear myself away for too long. (Thus how I found myself in a laundromat, reading plant bondage with people closer to me than I might have liked, lol.)
(Also, omg the plant bondage.)
I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and though you might *technically* be able to read them in whatever order you want, I do recommend starting with the first book. That being said, if you want to start here, I ain’t gonna fight you.
December 21, 2023
Okay, I’m half convinced Tavia wrote this for me:
-pain kink
-praise
-size difference
-age gap
-fiancés brother
-royal romance
-broken boy
I’m sure there were more but I feel like it’s unnecessary to even mention them. I was obsessed with this right away and so sad when it was over!
-pain kink
-praise
-size difference
-age gap
-fiancés brother
-royal romance
-broken boy
I’m sure there were more but I feel like it’s unnecessary to even mention them. I was obsessed with this right away and so sad when it was over!
November 1, 2022
Books 1 and 2 were both amazing fantastical romantic romps I will read again. Looking forward to book 3 in Jan 2023.
Low star sniper is just being mean.
Low star sniper is just being mean.
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