Raised in isolation on the magic-shrouded Isle of the Moon, five girls became five sisters. Now women, they are ready to claim their places in the world—and perhaps change it forever . . . FLAME AND FORTUNE Sorcha knew the mission was dangerous. Leaving the safe grounds of her brother’s kingdom and parlaying with the elves across their border . . . well, treachery seemed at least as likely as … their border . . . well, treachery seemed at least as likely as true peace. But to support her sister, Sorcha would brave far more than the underhanded ways of the elves. Or so she thought, before she was taken hostage.
Of course, her captors didn’t count on her particular abilities—or on the help of the Woodsman, the mysterious thief who made his home in the forest. He saw the battle from the trees, saw the soldier attacking against incredible odds to save a comrade—and then saw the valiant fighter revealed as Princess Sorcha of Norveshka. He can’t tell if he wants to kidnap her or kiss her. But despite Sorcha’s stubbornness, his inconvenient honor, and a rebellion on the cusp of full war, something burns between them that neither can let go . . .
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There’s a touch of my favorite Robin Hood story paralleled in How to Love Your Elf, and I really enjoyed how Ms. Sparks took that storytelling theme and bumped it up a notch with significant daring-do and a long-awaited romance for Sorcha, the heroine.
The story opens with the heroine learning how to defend herself. Her character isn’t one who is comfortable with violence but learning to protect herself is very important. She has a skill like her sisters but there’s a huge difference that I didn’t expect. Her gift is relatively ignored but by choice. She had a scare when she was a kid and I can certainly understand her extreme hesitancy to utilize her gift. I was actually pretty frustrated by that in the beginning of the story but as time went on, I saw the author develop a different kind of strength for the heroine. It comes from Sorcha’s heart and when it came for her time in the spotlight, I liked the author’s choice.
If you have been following the series, you understand the meaning of the stones. Sorcha was thrown for a bit because they said one thing but her heart told her another. What does she do? You’ll have to read it to find out but I figured out the secret much earlier than the heroine.
There is just the right amount of suspense when the heroine is in jeopardy. The bad guys are what I come to expect and are written effectively and convincingly. More is learned about the Circle of Five and my favorite character to despise, The Chameleon, made an appearance. The plot thickens.
The secondary cast of characters supported the hero and heroine but I didn’t find them distracting. That means that I consider How to Love Your Elf as a possible standalone read. There are references to the previous stories because they are Sorcha’s sisters, but the focus of this novel is Sorcha and The Woodsman.
The scenes when the hero and heroine finally enjoy the release of all that pent-up passion for each other were well written and enjoyable.
What happened to the evil queen was something I did not expect. However, the ritual for one of the characters totally makes what happened more believable. What happens for the ritual, the why of it and the history completely fascinated me. I was impressed with its originality.
All in all, How to Love Your Elf is a really good read. It’s fun, absolutely entertaining and a great addition to the series. It has a wonderful happy ever after too. What is also has is foreshadowing for the next book in the series. Maeve has grown up during the telling of her sisters’ previous adventures and romances and it looks like she’s ready for her turn. Ms. Sparks has set it up perfectly because there is no way I want to miss her story, especially since I suspect my favorite dog character is going to finally come out of the background and into the spotlight. I can’t wait!
I am a fan of this author from way back. I love when a new book comes out, and I dived right into this one. I remember Sorcha from another series (this is sort of a book in that series), and I liked her in that series. I’m still on the fence about how I feel about her in this one (more on that in a minute). This book still has the great writing I’ve come to expect from this author, and I loved the plot. The characters were all good too, but for some reason, Sorcha just annoyed me in parts of this book. She would at times seem independent, but then be obsessed over the Woodsman and ruin that. However, this didn’t detract too much from the book, and I still enjoyed it. I would read the other books in the series to get a better feel, though, for this one. Recommend.
I had a great time with this book! I am a big fan of the Embraced series by Kerrelyn Sparks. It has been a while since a new book was released due to a change in publisher. The series also has a new name, Embraced by Magic, but it is a continuation of the previous series and I am sure that the name change has everything to do with having a new publisher. I couldn’t wait to dive back into this world and follow the path of one of the sisters. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
This book tells Sorcha’s story and occurs shortly after the events of the previous book. It has been two years since I read that book so I didn’t remember a lot of details about the previous books but everything is explained within this story so I had no trouble settling in. I do believe that this book could work as a stand-alone for readers new to the series.
Sorcha’s brother, Silas, and his wife, Gwennore, take a group to meet with her mother but it turns out to be a trap. Most escape back to their kingdom but Sorcha and Alexsi are left behind and taken captive. Alexsi is injured so Sorcha decides to break them out but receives unexpected help from the Woodsman. The Woodsman and his crew go to great lengths to keep Sorcha and Alexsi safe even though things are dangerous at times.
I loved these characters. The Woodsman’s abilities were incredibly interesting. I loved how he seemed capable of handling any situation without any trouble. He was such a kind man that really tried to do good wherever he could. Sorcha was equally amazing. She is tough and looks out for others. She is willing to risk everything for those that she cares about. I really enjoyed the secondary characters in this book as well. Alexsi plays an important role and it was fun to watch him grow over the course of the story.
I liked the Woodsman and Sorcha together. I thought that they had great chemistry from the start which seemed to grow over the course of the story. I liked that they were honest with each other. I thought that the scenes with Alexsi and Sorcha together were very well done and I had a great time watching them fall in love.
I would recommend this book to others. It was a fun romance that featured great characters and a wonderful fantasy world. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Kensington Books via NetGalley.
I have never read this author before so I had no idea what to expect! The title drew me in and I just had to read it! I did notice that a lot of characters are from previous books but I did not feel like I had to read them first. I could follow their story as a standalone and just take the information I was given and run with it. An exciting world with great characters that hooked me from the first page. A princess afraid to love because when she does and someone she loves is in trouble her feelings cripple her. A thief with a heart of gold and a secret so deep few know it. A war that had gone on for too long and an evil that may just destroy them all if their not vigilant. It’s funny and endearing. Exciting and action pact. Happily ever after guaranteed! I do however want to go back and read the rest since it does have a storyline that continues on to the next one that I feel like I must follow to its conclusion!
This was an entertaining, well-written book. This is the story of Sorcha, who is “Embraced” – gifted with a magical power. The story moved quickly and kept my interest throughout. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.
On the world of Aerthlan there are five kingdoms. Two times a year one of the world’s two moons eclipses the other. Children born during the eclipse are gifted with various types of magic. These children are called the Embraced. The Embraced are sometimes feared and persecuted. For their safety and various other reasons five such embraced are sent to the Isle of Moon. They declare themselves sisters, Luciana, Brigitta, Gwennore, Sorcha and Maeve. Luciana’s story can be found in the book How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days (Book #1), Brigitta’s story in So I Married A Sorcerer (Book #2) and Gwennore’s story in Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon (Book #3).
Sorcha and her sisters have gotten together for the wedding of their sister Gwennore. Their Game of Stones has predicted the mates of sisters Luciana, Brigitta and Gwennore. Now it’s Sorcha’s turn to pick three stones. Her stones are the number five and the colors white and lavender. The sisters surmise the number five refers to the evil Circle of Five who have been trying to take over Aerthlan. Sorcha wants to disagree with her sisters about the meaning of the colored stones because the color white probably stands for the white-blonde hair of the elves and the lavender for the common eye color of the elves. Well the stones are wrong this time. They have to be. Sorcha has no interntion of falling for an arrogant elf. But then she accompanies Queen Gwennore and King Silas to the border of the Elf kingdon of Woodwyn where she is captured by the Elven army. Fortunately for Sorcha the mysterious Woodsman is watching and later sneaks into the Elven camp and rescues her. Who is this Woodsman? Can Sorcha trust him? The Woodsman promises to keep her safe and return her to her friends and family. But will he?
The Woodsman has a great secret. His plans for the realm of Woodwyn are coming close to fruition. He really has no time for beautiful Sorcha but there’s something about her that really attracts him. The more time they spend together the more attracted he becomes. And he believes that Sorch is attracted to him too. He must keep her safe. His plans must go through.
How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks is the continuation of her Embraced series. The series name (for the first three books) changed from The Embraced to Embraced by Magic due to a change in publishers. I am so glad Kensington picked up this series as I have loved the previous books and it’s great that readers get to have the rest of the stories. This book is just as much fun to read as the previous ones. Sorcha and the Woodsman who, yes, is an elf are such a fun couple. Their back and forth adds levity to to the story. There’s plenty of action and heroic as well as evil deeds to keep readers turning the pages. Fans of Fantasy Romance will love this story.
This might sound silly, but How To Love Your Elf reminded me so much of The Witcher meets Robin Hood or maybe its more like The Witcher meets Lords of The Rings. Either way it was very enjoyable! This is a phenomenal new series that is downright intriguing, imaginative, descriptive, and so very fresh and unique. I loved how the story was written. The characters were interesting and had amazing abilities and the plot and storyline was fascinating. I honestly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the next one!
Its not too often I find a new book in a brand new series from an author I have followed for a long time that captured my attention the way this one did. Everything about it is original and amazing and is worth reading again and again! This is an unforgettable new book!
How To Love Your Elf gets a UNFORGETTABLE FIVE SHOW STOPPING STARS!
I’m enjoying the heck outta this series! I love all the sisters and their mates. This is Sorcha’s book. She starts out a little timid but is commanding an army and a kingdom by the end of the book. And I love the Woodsman…who you just know is someone other than who he claims. He and Sorcha are just fabulous together.
This book kept me entertained from the first page until the last. I wanted to keep reading until I was done (who needs sleep? LOL) This is (technically) the fourth book in the Embraced series but it’s listed as book 1 since it has a different publisher than the first 3 books.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
How to Love Your Elf is a spin-off from the Embraced series. While you could start this book off as a standalone, I would actually recommend reading that series first. You will understand so much more about this world, as well as learn who most of these side characters are. I think I might not have enjoyed this one as much if I hand’t read the previous series first. The more I know about the characters the faster I become invested.
Sorcha and The Woodsman (you don’t learn his real name until the end) were pretty entertaining together. They did lack a bit of heat compared to the other sisters books, but the overall their banter kept me entertained. It made the denial into their attraction fun to read. I also enjoyed the full cast of side characters and you get introduced to that are a part of the Woodsman’s part of the world. That dang chameleon is still causing problems everyone. I’m sure we will see him still reeking havoc in the next book of the series.
Book four in the Embraced series and yet strangely the series title has changed !
Reading order is
How to tame a beast in seven days
So I married a Sorcerer
Eight simple rules for dating a dragon
Obviously a change of publisher might account for this. I can only say I enjoyed this fun fantasy with more than a touch of romance. I look forward to the next book
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Oh, how I love this story! Action, adventure, romance, love. What’s not to love. I devoured How to Love Your Elf in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down. Sorcha and the Woodsman were adorable together. Loved their interactions and banter. So cute and fun. Their chemistry was great. It was just a very fun and enjoyable story to read. But there was a moment that totally made me cried so be warned. Seriously a great read. I absolutely love this series.
*I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book*
Fantasy, romance, intrigue, danger, and romance rolled up into a neat package. Kerrelyn Sparks is a master of combining all my favorite things into a great book. I marvel at her wonderful imagination that ends up giving us this amazing series. Luciana, Brigitta, and Gwennore are now queens, married to their true loves. Now it is Sorcha’s turn. Only she refuses to love, love is painful. Furthermore, when the sisters played the Game of Stones for her the colors lavender and white were shown. If the stones are true for her as they were for her sisters, it would mean Sorcha’s true love is an elf with lavender eyes and white hair. The problem is that Sorcha’s really does not like elves, except for Gwennora, her sister who is only half elf. Unfortunately, for her she is captured by the elf army, but is saved by the elf renegade known as the Woodman. Now she is stuck in elf country, surrounded by them. What can she do now to get out of this situation? And just what or who is the Woodman and why can he talk to the Sacred trees? Just why is she so attracted to him? Yes, he has lavender eyes, but his hair is all wrong! This is the fourth book in the Embraced series. All the books in the series are outstanding reads. They deserve to be read from book one through the series, plus they will make more sense to the reader. Only one book more left (SOB!). I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is the first book on a new series it was a fun read. Fast moving and wonderful characters. Had a bit of everything in it a fun romance between the two main characters action and adventure all in all a good read look forward to the next
The Circle of Five are still running amok but now that her sisters are settling down with their mates, Sorcha is feeling more and more like the odd one out. They only seem to think about mates, babies and marrying her off to some chinless wonder! That is not for Sorcha! She wants adventure and to be in amongst the danger, not having tea and crumpets. She is no Queen-in-waiting.
But someone has it out for Sorcha’s brother and they figure out that to get to him they need his wife, one of Sorcha’s adopted sisters. But things go a bit awry with their plan and they end up with Sorcha and a certain dragon-shifter. But before she can use her control of fire to bust them out, she is aided by the elusive Woodsman. He seems to have his own beef with this particular clutch of Elves.
The Woodsman is like Robin Hood on steroids! He can talk to trees and, let’s face it, he is super easy on the eyes. But he also has a gentle soul, he hates seeing his people oppressed and hates injustice. But can he enlist Sorcha into his plan?
Great read and I loved all the nods to Robin Hood (my very first book boyfriend!). I cannot wait to see what we put Maeve and Brodie through next!
Boring, very unbelievable,
Let start off with this wonderful title. I just love it. It really draws the eye to this book. If you hadn’t yet read any of the books yet you’d think about it after this title.
I’m so happy that we finally got another book in this series. Or I should say The Embraced series. That’s the series that started it all. When the author changed publishers she also changed the name of the series. It is now Embraced by Magic. Only a little change but one none the less.
I was really worried we’d never get Sorcha’s story and I’m so happy that here it is. In the prior books, I really liked her. She really stood out to me. She wasn’t always as likable in her story. It was hard to put my finger on why. I think it was just the way the author wrote her. I enjoyed the woodsmen he shined for me
I liked their relationship for the most part. I got why Sorcha held her independence so close to herself. When you are left on your own at such a young age with no one but your “sisters” to be there for you it molds a person and their thinking.
There are many parts of this story that I really enjoyed and I am glad that I read it but I’m not so sure it’s my favorite of the two series. I don’t feel it was as well written as the other books. Usually, with a Sparks book, I find more humor and fun in them while the suspense is happing. Something I really enjoyed about her. I just didn’t find that here.
I’m not saying that I couldn’t read the book because I could. It just felt different for this author. Unfortunately, I can’t give it more than 3 stars. It’s good, but not great. I would also check out the other series first before reading this one. It will help you get to know Sorcha and her sisters.
Even though I was a little disappointed I will be reading the next book in the series with hopes it’s more to my liking. You do learn the woodsman’s name at the end of the book but I decided not to share it with you in my book info because I think it’s fun to learn it on your own.
Sorcha travels with her sisters to the border of elf territory for a meeting. She knows it’s probably a trap but refuses to let her sister go alone. It was a trap and she was taken hostage. The elves don’t know about her fire abilities though and she is eventually able to get free, with a little help from the Woodsman.
This book started a little slow for me and I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go. It quickly picked up once the hero and heroine meet. I liked Sorcha. She was sassy, stubborn, and not afraid to kick a man in the balls. The Woodsman was tall, handsome, and secretive. This book totally had a Robin Hood and Maid Marion vibe going for it and I quite enjoyed it.
Overall, I can’t wait to see what is going to happen with the next sister, Maeve, and between the Circle of Five. Also I need to know what happened to Brody.
*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.*
4 stars
Good story but a little confusing until almost the end, unless you’ve read the others then you won’t be lost. I really don’t know what to write. Sorcha is on of the Embraced and was raised with four other girls in a convent on the Isle of Moons. Sorcha can sort of control fire and finds out her mate is an elf. The Woodsman is like Robinhood, he also can talk to the trees and control things made of wood. When Sorcha is captured after dressing as a soldier, The Woodsman rescues her and another man. They don’t get along at first but once they really get to know the other, then the Woodsman will do whatever it takes to keep Sorcha safe.
Action, dragons, elves, and evil characters. I enjoyed it once I got into it.
* Voluntarily read and reviewed this for NetGalley *