One touch, one spark, two lives forever changed.Pine and Azure. The war between the two kingdoms lasted far too long. Peace was finally established, but the survivors would never forget who fought on the front lines. Oliver Sage had a reputation for being a ruthless knight. He’d seen enough death to last a lifetime and worked on putting the past behind him, although not all would let him forget.… him forget.
Addison was the only daughter of King and Queen Azure. With three brothers, she knew she’d always be protected, but she also wanted to learn how to take care of herself. She was strong, had a good heart, and wanted to be treated as an equal. Magical abilities ran in her family, and she had one no one knew of.
Oliver had given his heart to one princess, until the night he dreamed of another. Addison was the last woman he should desire, especially given who she was. However, what if she wanted him as well? They’d hated each other their entire lives, but suddenly couldn’t resist the desire which built between them. There were also those who didn’t think they should be together. Forbidden romance could only stay hidden for so long in the dark depths of the Pine Forest.
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I had this filed under “Fantasy” but I’m not sure it qualifies. The Pine Forest is the second book in the Iridescent series, and I quickly discovered the books are not stand alone but should be read in order. I was hoping for dragons, gallant knights, magical beings, all in a medieval type setting. What I got was dragons, gallant knights, and magical beings in what could have passed as a contemporary setting. Everyone dresses pretty much how they would today, including bras and lingerie. Each person inside the castle has their own house away from the main building where the kings live; kitchens and indoor plumbing are mentioned, but oddly, no electricity. It is a weird mix of contemporary & stereotypical fantasy stuff.
The major characters are well developed, I can’t say anything about the secondary characters, which were probably more fully developed in the first book. The plot was interesting enough: Princess from foreign kingdom and king’s personal bodyguard seem to be fated to love each other, even though they can barely stand the sight of one another.
In my opinion, this book, and perhaps the entire series, reads more like a romance novel than a Fantasy novel. It’s okay, but I’m not inclined to get the first book or finish the series.
Entertaining and fun! Sweet and steamy! Cool world building; interesting magical world! Love the whole being in each other’s dreams premise for the romance, and the bit of enemies to lovers scenario. Great chemistry between Addison and Oliver. Love book 1 and this one was great too! I’d recommend reading book 1 before this one, but it’s not completely necessary. Excited to read more from this author!
This is the second book in The Iridescent Realm, a Fantasy Romance. This is one of my favorite Fantasy Romance Series! I highly recommend you to listen to the Series in order. I love these Series with characters intertwined. Addison and Oliver’s story is as great as the first book in the Series. They share a strong chemistry. The storyline is intriguing, and captivating. The cast of supporting characters is great! Sarah Puckett and Max Reids did a fantastic job with the narration. I love Sarah Puckett’s voice, and even more when she read fantasy romance! Max Reids has a beautiful voice, very pleasant to listen to. I enjoyed it, and I highly recommend this Series! Michelle Dare never disappoints! Looking forward to listen to the next installment in the Series, Elliott’s story! #AudiobookObsession
Audio Review:
The Pine Forest (The Iridescent Realm, Book 2) is a fantasy romance that begins the story of Addison and Oliver which began in the epilogue of book one. This author has created a fascinating realm with intriguing characters. With magic swirling around through the pages, a rivalry between two kingdoms, characters banter, and plot twists seeping through the pages. I’m looking forward to listening to the final book in the series.
Narrator Max Reids performance felt a bit stale for me. Sarah Puckett is the Queen of narrating books. Her performance was perfect.
Audiobook Obsession
The Pine Forest by Michelle Dare is a fantasy romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Sarah Puckett and Max Reids.
This is the second book in The Iridescent Realm series. Each book follows a different couple but I would highly recommend reading them in order since the story continues where the last book left off.
I really enjoyed the second book more than the first one in the series. I liked that Oliver and Addison love story wasn’t insta-love like the first book. I can’t wait for the third book in the series The Fuchsia Lakes to be released on audible to get Elliott and Karis love story.
Sarah and Max did a great job on the narration. They really brought the story to life.
AudiobookObsession
AudiobookObsessionReviewer
This is a hate to Love story that took
me on an enjoyable journey.
Its quite a intense and intriguing read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book via Booksprout.
After reading the first book in the series, “Azure Kingdom,” I hated Oliver’s character. So, I wasn’t sure how I would like this one, but the author pleasantly surprised me and I ended up rooting for Oliver and Addison to get their HEA!
I’m really enjoying this series and going to Book 3 now.
I loved the world created by Michelle Dare in the Azure Kingdom and was so happy to see her revisit the characters of Azure and Pine in The Pine Forest. Oliver had been promised the Pine princess but she fell in love with another, an Azure prince. However while attending the wedding of the princess of his heart, he lays a steadying hand on Addison Azure, a touch that changes both their lives. Like Luke and Ali, the couple begins to dream of each other. While the kingdoms are no longer at war there are many who cannot forgive the acts of the warrior Oliver.
The story of their journey to their HEA is beautiful and at times heartbreaking. I love the characters in this series, they have become like old friends and their struggles give them depth. As always with Ms. Dare’s books the writing is tight and well-paced. Her words are chosen well and flow off the page into the reader’s imagination. There are a few surprises in the story which drive the story forward and the plot flows well. The end of the book point to the next book in the series and it will be fun to see how the might will fall.
If like me you were panting after The Azure Kingdom searching for your next hit…you will be ecstatic.
Oliver Sage is the jilted, not even lover. He simply got his hopes up for too long over a woman who clearly isn’t his. Sigh, who else felt the need to help him through that? (Hands up)
Everyone loves the underdog. Well, Oliver maybe the strongest knight in Pine but he’s still the underdog.
A chance touch leaves Oliver unhinged and his world twisted into something new. Old prejudices and newer hates are hard to justify with his new burning desire.
See just how far he’s willing to chase his dreams.
Experience the haunting desire.
Meet some new people.
Go ahead, take a walk on the Pine side…
(lame joke aside) The Pine Forest is a fun new tale in an intriguing world. Leave all your prejudices and expectations at the door. Otherwise you’d just embarrass yourself.
The tentative treaty between Azure and Pine go into full effect with the marriage of Luke Azure and Ali Pine, but tension still runs rampant between members of both armies and kingdoms. It is hard to change your beliefs over night and even harder to accept change. Oliver Sage and Addi Azure are two stuborn set on their ways to accept there might be more between them than just old hate, but secret meetings in dreams change their perception of family, duty and love. I read a review for the previous book that said the writting is borderline childish, but that is not true. It is an easy to read light book with some angst to keep the plot going, if you want to get away to another realm for a few hours this book is for you, if you want to contemplate the woes of life you’re better off reading Ulysses, I am particularly greatful for books like this after weeks full of real life problems, then I can just get away for a little while and believe love can be found in the most unexpected of ways.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
From enemies to lovers, Addison and Oliver had a rough journey to get there. With the kingdoms trying to accept them and the jealous ex lovers, they finally get their happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It is a fresh, different and capivating, extremely creative story as it ties all together for an entertaining read.
This book was so wonderful. I loved reading it and could not stop once I start it. It was intense and intriguing. I love the world this author created. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.
Book two of The Iridescent Realm series and I enjoyed reading. The story Oliver Sage and Addison Azure the only daughter of King and Queen Azure kept me turning pages. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and I also bought it.
Book 2 in the ‘Iridescent Realm’ series and I am enjoying it. This book is well written; the storyline is amazing, and there is a great pace from scene to scene. The chemistry between the characters is instant and potent. Once I started reading I could not stop until the end – and I was left wanting more. I look forward to the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
OH Ms Michelle Dare, you have nailed it out of the ballpark with this one. The way I was able to connect with the characters in this story and feel the flow of the story. Dare has a brilliant way of writing attention to detail as well as describe such an engrossing story. I felt like I was living the world that she has created.
The tension and passion between Pine and Azure is huge still. Add Oliver, who was nursing a broken heart, and Addison who never expected him, you have heightened emotion and passion that leaves you utterly breathless. I felt like these two were made for each other. From the dreams to being together in person, their chemistry was off the charts! The side stories of these two’s journey was perfectly intertwined and flowed amazingly.
Overall, this series has to be one of my favorite fantasy ones. I am left with images of dragons and knights and swords and the damsel. It makes me want to live in this world that Dare has created and fly away on my own dragon! And that epilogue! OH MAN! Bring it on! I am super excited for what is to come!
5 Sage Stars!!!
When I finished The Azure Kingdom I couldn’t wait to jump into the next book. I was excited to learn it was going to be Oliver and Addison’s story.
Oliver Sage was promised Kine Pine’s daughter Allison hand in marriage. Even though she wasn’t around Oliver had thought of their lives together. Then, she showed up one day and met and fell in love with Lucas Azure. He enemy. After an altercation and change in leadership over the Pine kingdom there was a seize fire fire between the Azure and Pine kingdoms. Against his better judgment and everything he wanted Oliver watched Allison marry Lucas Azure.
Just when Oliver thought things couldn’t get worse he saw Addison the Princess of the Azure kingdom. When Addison trips and Oliver catches her from falling both of their lives are changed.
Addison is the princess of the Azure kingdom and has three brothers. She knows no matter who she dates it won’t be easy. When the knight Sage stops her from falling something happens. She’s hated him and his kingdom for as long as she can remember. But, her dad king Azure and Allison’s brother Reid, the new king to Pine kingdom, they’re moving forward.
Both Oliver and Addison never thought the kingdoms could move forward. Until one night they were in each other dream. Addison knew it was possible from her brother. But, this was more. They could interact with each other. Both shocked and pissed off at first. But, then it changed friendly until their feelings grew more.
As much as Oliver and Addison felt about each other they chose to keep their feelings towards each other a secret. They’re not sure how the people of their kingdoms will feel about it. Addison’s not sure how her family ESP her brothers will react to it. Oliver knows his king/best friend Reid will be fine with it. But, he’ll do whatever Addison wants.
I absolutely loved this book! A little more so then the first book. And, there is only one reason why. It was told in multiple POV! I wanted in Lucas’s head. I was ecstatic to see I got Oliver’s.
There was nothing I disliked about this book. Oliver and Addison’s was complete opposite of Lucas and Alison’s. This was an enemy to lovers relationship. They def had more to prove to each other than anyone else. The way Michelle wrote their story was beautiful.
Oliver is your typical bad ass knight. One who fights to protect his people and king. He also wants to love and be loved in return.
Addison may be the princess. But, she’s never acted like one. She’s definitely one of the guys. Addison has a soft side for animals and loved it. I love how Addison worries about everyone else’s feelings over her own. She’s a true princess.
I am super excited for Elliot’s story and the introduction of a new kingdom. This series is so much fun. Michelle can legit go anywhere and do anything with it. Even though I am looking forward to all these other kingdoms being introduced, I’m hoping Reid gets his told. Between dealing with his father, now a new king and being single. Michelle give that man a HEA. I can’t wait for the next book.