Well for starters, I loved this story and it built onto the last one very nicely BUT I have to admit I was getting a bit sick of so much "non-violence" I was starting to feel like it was propaganda.

See, I read for entertainment and NOT enlightenment, if I want to get preached to I will go to a church or something. I do not want to see it in books I read for entertainment. If there is some evil slime who deserves to die, I want him dead. Is that too much to ask?

Another thing I tend to dislike is the same evil character in each book, this is going to get old in a hurry.

All that aside it WAS a great story, I loved the main couple and I loved the secondary characters which is where many novels fall flat but this one has a bevy of characters to enjoy.

Bottom Line: A great story, the WAY overdone lack of violence and a bit of "something good in everyone" which was used in one of the poorest turnarounds I have seen in years and if the story had not been so good I would have subtracted another star. but since it WAS a great story I give it 4 Stars and can't wait for the next one.

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

So I Married a Sorcerer by Kerrelyn Sparks
Book Two of The Embraced series
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: August 29, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from NetGalley

Summary (from Goodreads):

Growing up on the Isle of Moon, Brigitta knows nothing of her past, except that she is Embraced: born with powers that forced her into hiding. Everything changes when she learns she’s a princess, hidden away from her villainous half-brother who now rules the kingdom. But he knows about Brigitta, and he’ll do anything to get her back. Unless a certain roguish pirate has anything to say about it…

Rupert is both an infamous pirate and a sorcerer with the power to harness the wind. He’s been waiting nineteen years for revenge—and he needs Brigitta to get it. What begins as a kidnapping of the fiery beauty turns into a fierce attraction. But can he win the captive princess’s heart?

What I Liked:

So far, this series has been a delight. I can't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a fantasy/paranormal romance novel! I mean, I'm sure I've read fun ones in the past, but somehow, this series seems to stick out to me. I adored How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days, and I am happy to say that I loved this companion sequel just as much!

This book follows Brigitta, one of the five orphans at the convent on the Isle of Moon. Luciana is now a queen, living with her husband the king and pregnant with twins. The other three girls, including Brigitta, are on the way to visit Luciana and Leo, when their ship is taken over by the military. As it would turn out, Brigitta is a hidden princess, and her half-brother (a king) wants her to to come back to the kingdom. Brigitta hands herself over to pirates (who were lying in wait) in order to save her friends and in order to be safe from her half-brother's military. The pirates are commanded by Rupert, a wind sorcerer who is bent on getting revenge on Gunther (Brigitta's half-brother). Brigitta is now Rupert's captive, but Rupert finds that he doesn't want to use her for his vengeful means. Brigitta knows she should despise the pirate, but the rogue is not as dastardly as his pirate's reputation would make him out to be. There is something more to Rupert, something beyond his pirate lifestyle and Embraced abilities. Rupert is hiding something that could change his and Brigitta's lives forever.

The best way to describe this book is fun and romantic. It has such a light tone to it, and it's also so sweet and occasionally steamy. There were many times when I chuckled out loud, and sighed, and smiled. This is a romance novel that you don't have to be in the mood to read. It is drama-free, angst-free, etc. Such an enjoyable read!

Brigitta is the type of heroine that I would love to be friends with, in real life. I can see parts of myself in her, so I relate to and understand her (even though obviously we have such different lives, ha!). She is kind, selfless, and sweet, and innocent in many ways. But she is also fierce and loyal and determined. She isn't totally strong-willed and kickbutt and gutsy like many of the heroines we see in romance today. I respect those heroines, but I love this different type of heroine. The kind that is sweet and innocent, but also strong and assertive in her own way.

And then there is Rupert, who is a perfect foil to Brigitta. He is tall, handsome, muscular, commanding, and simply put, big. He has a presence and an air of leadership about him. He is secretive and reveals little about himself, but he is very selfless and chivalrous. He does kidnap Brigitta but he lets her go pretty quickly - in a sense. She doesn't leave him even when he tells her that it is her choice, partly because he can protect her, partly because she was already interested in him.

The romance is so sweet and swoony! You might think, Stockholm Syndrome much??? But that is not present in this story. Brigitta isn't quite held against her will - okay, she is, but she isn't. It's hard to explain. Rupert gives her the choice to go but she leans who he is, and she decides to fight with - and for - him. I love the progression of the romance! They have instant chemistry from the start, and there are some seriously steamy moments between them as the story goes on. I liked seeing Brigitta break down Rupert's walls and I liked seeing him let her in. These two are so sweet together, and they get along so perfectly. A balanced pair, not without their faults.

We get to see a lot of the characters from the previous book, especially Brody! Brody is the coolest messenger/friend. I like how he watched over Brigitta and also gave Rupert a chance. I loved seeing the tiny cameos of Luciana, Leo, and the new presence of their twins. Too bad we don't get to know the twins' names though. We also get to see the other three orphan girls, and we get a peek into their futures. I can't wait to read their books!

Some of the new characters that I loved were Stefan, the captain of Rupert's ship, and Sister Fallyn, who wasn't technically new because she is a nun at the Isle of Moon. But the two of them have their own romance going on, which is hilarious and adorable. It was fun to see the captain and the nun skirt around each other and still fall for each other.

This book has a fairly fast pace, though it isn't overwhelmingly so. I appreciated the quick pace and the constant change of events. All of the action was exciting and interesting. You will never be bored if you pick up this book! Heck, I feel like rereading it already. It's not just a romance novel. The plot surrounding the story - Brigitta's impending meeting of her evil brother, her brother's plans for her, Rupert's plan for saving her, etc. - is just as engrossing as the unfolding romance.

All in all, this book was so fun and wonderful. My heart is happy and full. I hope the rest of the series continues to be this lovely to experience!

What I Did Not Like:

I can't think of anything specific, other than I wanted more sexy times between Rupert and Brigitta! There were only two sexy times (and one wasn't actually sex?) and hey, this is a full-length novel. Let them get it on! Don't get me, wrong the tension building up to things was really well-written. But the one sexy time happened towards the end. There needed to be one or two more!

Anyway that's not a deal-breaker. The chemistry is hot, so I wanted more, but that's okay!

Would I Recommend It:

If you like adult paranormal romance, or adult fantasy romance, or simple adult romance in general, definitely try this series. How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days was excellent, and this new book was just as great. I love the pairings - sweet girls and sexy, commanding men. I know the trope isn't for everyone but I love it!

Rating:

4 stars. I can't wait to read Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon! Dragons are my favorite! There are some dragons in this book, so maybe one of them will be important in the next book. It could not come soon enough!

Loved, loved, loved this book. Every page was such a fantastic read I couldn't put the book down!

Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

4.75 Hearts As with the first in the series this story has a bit of everything. It has a historic romance feel and yet feels like a modern day story too. It has paranormal including a sorcerer and dragons. It has pirates and damsels in distress. If you want it this story probably has it.

I love the sisters in this series. It shows that sisters are more than blood. And each sister has their own special gift, in this story it is Brigitta who can find lost things by touching the owner and can also feel others emotions.

Rupert has secrets and needs to keep them hidden but that is hard to do with Brigitta around.

I could go on about this story/series but it is such a great read I suggest reading it yourself. But you do need to read the first before reading this one. It really is not a stand alone.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Dragons, shifters, pirates - oh my! If you love magic and medieval stories you will enjoy this series. Five "sisters" were raised in a convent because they were embraced, born on the night when the two moons embrace, and abandoned by their families. Each of them has a special power or magical ability. Luciana, a seer, can predict what the future holds for her sisters by looking at the special stones. Brigitta, a finder through touch, can see your memories and locate hidden items or people. This is Brigitta's story as she discovers her family, their terrible deeds and the identity of the man who will be her husband. It's an incredibly exciting and magical story that can be read on it's own independent from the others. I'm looking forward to more from the sisters and their adventures. I received an early copy from Netgalley and have written this review voluntarily.

Brigitta has been brought up on the Isle of the Moons with a group of other orphaned girls. They are all "Embraced" that means they have a special power. This has in the past has meant a death sentence. One of the girls recently married and became a queen, and is about to give birth. Now all her adopted sisters are traveling to see her. Unfortunately someone has discovered Brigitta's real identity and that puts all of them in danger.
Rupert is a pirate and a wind sorcerer. He has been raiding the ships of a particular king for years. His goal is vengeance for the murder of his family. Only his most trusted men know his true identity. If he can capture Brigitta he can ransom her and destroy her brother.
This is a lovely long book with action all the way through. We get magic, political intrigue and romance. A hero with very unusual powers that are more dangerous than we might expect. A heroine who nobody can hide anything from, but is incredibly innocent. Some of the secondary characters, especially the nun and the shifter are lots of fun, and bring us more than a few giggles. I have read both books in the series so far, but you could read this on it's own. I'm really looking forward to reading the rest. I loved every page.

5 - "Don't ever leave me..." Stars!

We return to the world of Aerthlan, and all its magic with the second book in Kerrelyn Sparks The Embraced series. I didn’t think she would be able to top the first book, but So I Married a Sorcerer was even better.

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I definitely think this is a series that needs to be read in order and not as standalones. So much happened in the first book, that gave you the introductions to many of the characters in this story that you lose a huge amount of background if you don’t read them in order. This book was an absolute thrill a minute from its beginning, and I absolutely adored every damn page of it.

This man might believe all his secrets were safe, but he couldn’t hide them from her...

The chemistry between Pirate Rupert and Brigitta was palpable from the time of her kidnapping and only got stronger between them as they both found out more about the other. Both of them are not who everyone initially takes them to be, and again the author weaves the revelations into the story so that everything is gradually unveiled as the bigger picture plays out.

"I notice everything about you..."

This is a long book by today’s standards, and I think one of the biggest compliments I can pay it is to say it didn’t feel long, I got lost in the story, the characters and the world that the author has created to such an extent, I hated that it had to come to an end.

Only a fool would lust after the enemy.

The secondary characters make this book as good as it is, Brody is back in the thick of it and Sister Fallyn had me in fits of giggles at points. The multiple POVs give you the story from many different views as well, I just loved, loved, loved it.

"Don’t you know when you’re being ravished?"

I know I shouldn’t with my life away, but March 2018 cannot come soon enough for me. Eight Simple Rules for Dating a Dragon gives us Gwenmore’s story, and I cannot wait to get my hands on it.!

ARC generously provided via Netgalley, and it was a pleasure to provide the above honest review in exchange.

So I Married a Sorcerer is book two in The Embraced series by Kerrelyn Sparks. Even though it’s on my list of books to read, I have not read the first book in this series yet. Even though this is labeled a stand alone, I admit that in the beginning, I struggled a bit with understanding all of the details of this world. Kerrelyn has taken great pains and constructed a very detailed setting. In time, I found my way and thoroughly enjoyed this book. There was so much more to these main characters than what you saw on the surface and I enjoyed peeling back each layer as the book progressed.

Brigitta was raised by nuns on the Isle of Moon along with her adopted sisters. She knows nothing of her life before she came to be there. Brigitta is embraced. This means that she was born on the night of the eclipse of their two moons, something that happens twice a year. Whatever babies are born on this night are blessed with some sort of special ability or power.

Brigitta and her sisters are on their first voyage away from the island to visit their sister, Luciana. But their ship is stopped by pirates. Not just any pirates but the infamous Rupert, a pirate known to have the ability to harness the wind, a Wind Sorcerer. But the only person aboard the ship that Rupert is interested in is Brigitta.

Brigitta and her sisters like to predict their futures with the magical telling stones. Hers has predicted that she would be pursued by seven suitors, and that there is to be a tall, handsome stranger in her future. There is no way Rupert could be that tall handsome stranger, could he?

Rupert is a pirate, yes, but he is a good pirate. He only steals gold from one person, the evil King Gunther, who just happens to be the brother of Brigitta. He was sure she would be just as bad as her brother. But the more he got to know her, the more he began to doubt this. Is it possible that she is innocent? That she knew nothing of her brother? That she is as kind and pure as she seems? But Rupert has a tragic past full of secrets. Secrets that he can reveal to no one. Especially the beautiful Brigitta. He must remind himself the most important lesson he learned growing up, trust no-one.

This book was fun at times, a little bit sexy, some sweet moments, and some pretty intense moments as well. I also loved that there were sort of two love stories happening here. Sister Fallyn is sent along with Brigitta to protect her when she is taken by Rupert. She was hilarious. Along the way she has some pretty shocking developments uncovered as well.

This book was actually pretty long! But the story kept moving and I was never bored. A lot happens and I loved the way it all worked in the end. There are a lot of fans of this series already so I know you will all love this second book. If you are interested in it and haven’t read the first book, I do recommend reading it first. I think it would help with the overall enjoyment and make it easier to fall into this fabulous world this author has created.

Kerrelyn Sparks is fantastic at world building and that continues in this novel.

Brigitta has the ability to know others are hiding something and to ferret out their secrets. Rupert is a pirate with the ability to control the wind...and a big secret.

The fun and drama Ms. Sparks is known for was evident throughout this book. I found it hard to stop at one chapter because I needed to know what would happen next. I mean, PIRATES!

Can't wait for the next book!

So I Married a Sorcerer by Kerrelyn Sparks

It's one of those "overly dramatic stories" (a direct quote about the heroine's written stories) that makes this an outstanding adventure.
I absolutely loved this fantasy, pirate, lost-kingdom romance.

This is the 2nd in The Embraced series and it's best read after the 1st.
In this book, Rupert the pirate, is actually a prince determined to win back his throne by honorable means. Kind of. He is an honorable man. He wants the best for the lands and it's people. And he will use his Embraced magic to help him even while it prevents his enemies from being hurt.
The heroine was brought up in a convent where her Embraced powers didn't make her a target for death. When she leaves the convent to visit her adopted sister, she is kidnapped by pirate Rupert where yes, they fall in love.

Brigitta and Rupert are overly dramatic and wonderfully entertaining.
Fallon and Stefan's instant attraction made me laugh out loud a couple of times.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to gift.

So I Married a Sorcerer is a fabulous addition to The Embraced series. Brigitta may be innocent but she isn’t ignorant and while being kidnapped may be frightening she will be nothing less than her bravest self and survive. The pirate Rupert may be a sorcerer but the fair Brigitta, daughter of the man who killed his parents and stole his throne, is the one stealing his heart.
This story is a fun romp ala The Princess Bride with moments of fun, fear and most of all love true love. I heartily recommend.

I loved the first book of this series and could not wait to read this one. And it did not disappoint! The characters are great, and the story always interesting. There's humor, action, perfect guys, and dragons....what more could you want?

I really did love Rupert. I thought he and Brigitta made a great couple despite being so different from each other. But that's probably why they brought out more in the other. Rupert is pirate that can control the wind and has a legitimate grudge against one of the Kings. Brigitta ends up being the sister of that king, but despite everything, Rupert finds it impossible to use her as a means to an end as his feelings for her grow. Brigitta is definitely innocent in so many ways, but that makes for some humorous situations. And even finding herself pretty much kidnapped by him, she can't help but fall for Rupert a little more every day. When she finds out who he really is and what happened to him and his family, she refuses to allow him to hide her away. She wants to be part of his plans to take back was is his and together they will get close to the enemy and hope they don't fail.

Brody is around for a lot this book and it's a good thing too. Not only does he help a lot with the situation with Rupert and Brigitta, but kingdoms will become allies because he can shift and now fly carrying word so much faster. I really like Brody and hope by the end he finds some way to lift his curse.

I am surprise with who ends up with a dragon next, but I am so looking forward to reading more.

So I Married a Sorcerer is a fun, fanciful read.

As the second book in The Embraced series starts, we find Brigitta, a magic user traveling on a ship with her adopted sisters from the Isle of the Moon to visit Luciana (The sister who found her perfect guy in How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days.

While on route the ship is overtaken by “pirates”, taking Brigitta and one of the nuns with him.

There is mistaken intentions and identities, strong romantic tension and plenty of misunderstandings to make Brigitta and Rupert’s story quite a rocky romance…well it is on a ship and all…

Sparks created the perfect pair to battle hard and fall harder! Highly enjoyable and entertaining read, with heart plenty of heart and antics to keep the story flowing.

I received this ARC copy of So I Married a Sorcerer from St. Martin's Press. This is my honest and voluntary review. This book is set for publication Aug 29, 2017.

My rating: 4 stars
Written by: Kerrelyn Sparks
Series: The Embraced (Book 2)
Mass Market Paperback: 496 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: August 29, 2017
ISBN-10: 1250108233
ISBN-13: 978-1250108234
Genre: Romantic Fantasy

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Reviewed for:
http://tometender.blogspot.com
Don't Miss the BOOK TOUR 8/22/2017

A great YA read suited to anyone. Second of a series but does well alone. Just enough at the end of the book to make you want to read the next in series.

I really liked this second installment to this series. Sparks is an amazing writer who always keeps you entertained. I can't wait to read what's next. All the characters are well rounded to make the story come alive.

4.5 stars

Another exciting and entertaining tale in the Embraced series! This story picks up shortly after the end of the previous book (How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days). Brigitta and remaining "sisters" have left the Isle of Moon and are traveling to visit their sister Luciana and her husband Leo. Brigitta and her "sisters" are all embraced and each have been abandoned on the Isle of Moon by their families - the embraced are feared by the people of Aerthlon, if exposed it would mean certain death. But now that Luciana and Leo are ruling the kingdom of Eberon and are both embraced, their home is a safe haven. However, fate has other plans for Brigitta, who like all the other girls has no knowledge of her life/family before coming to the Isle of Moon. On the way to Eberon, Brigitta learns the truth of her past - she is Princess Brigitta, her half-brother Gunther is King of Tourin and he wants her back.

During the standoff with the Tourinian Navy, the pirate Rupert swoops in and kidnaps Brigitta, he has a vendetta against her brother and will not rest until he sees him destroyed - he plans to hold Brigitta for ransom. But when they meet and she touches him, Brigitta is overcome and faints - Brigitta's gift is the ability to find lost/hidden items and this includes memories, so when she touched Rupert, she was overwhelmed by grief, pain and loss. She is determined to learn Rupert's secrets and when she does, she wants to right the wrongs of the past.

Rupert is also embraced and he has the power to control the wind. His sole mission in life is to avenge his family and destroy King Gunther. Rupert's father was King of Tourin and Gunther's father proposed an alliance between the families, Prince Ulfric would be betrothed to Brigitta. On the way home from the ceremony, Rupert's father was ambushed and killed, troops were then sent to his home to kill his mother and younger brother. Rupert was saved by a family retainer and has spent the last 19 years plotting his revenge. Brigitta is a dilemma he doesn't need, but when he learns her brother's true plans for her, he cannot return her to him.

Gunther needs an heir, so he has concocted a plan, he will host a completion and the winner will get to father his heir - that is why he needs Brigitta. And that is exactly why Rupert doesn't want to turn her over to him.

Everything starts to fall into place for Brigitta, who Rupert is, what her family has done and what she has to do to make it right. She tells Rupert that she will help him regain his throne, she convinces him to return her to Gunther and enter the competition himself. Although he doesn't want to have Brigitta anywhere near Gunther, he realizes that her plan has merit and when Leo and Luciana agree to help, it seems like Rupert might finally see his plan succeed.

This book is brimming with action, adventure, pirates, shifters, magic, dragons and secrets. It is well written, flows perfectly, it has some steamy love scenes, excellent secondary characters (Sister Fallyn - OMG - She is priceless!), cameos from Luciana and Leo, nail biting moments and finally a very well deserved HEA.

It is the second book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. The only reason I gave this book 4.5 stars instead of 5 is because it is billed as a Historical Paranormal/Fantasy Romance, but the dialogue is definitely not historical, but in all honesty, it didn't really diminish my enjoyment of the story.

Ms. Sparks is truly a rare gem in a treasure trove of many worlds of words.
She does it again with Brigitta and Rupert's story. The banter and tension between these two create such a climatic relationship one can't help but feel connected to them that you can't stop reading. I admit Brigitta's tale wasn't one of most anticipated as she wasn't one of my favorites from the beginning but she fully redeemed herself by the end of this story. Rupert just had my heart from the start. Now I can't wait to what's next for the sisters and how Brodie plans to thwart the Chameleon!
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to review this!

This book has a feeling of young adult fiction. Well-written, but it turned out not to be my thing. I kept picturing Fabio with his hair blowing in the sea wind and found myself snickering at times. However, even with that, it is a good book. It's very much a fantasy story and those are always good!

A multifaceted, refreshing paranormal love story. Brigitta is a bold, kind and brave girl, who isn't who she's always thought she was. Rupert is a fascinating, domineering hero with a soft spot that Brigitta fills quite nicely. The trials and challenges these two face both separately and together make this a paranormal romance that defies the mundane.
Sparks' imagination comes through throughout the plot, and all loose ends are tied up by the end. There's a slight discrepancy between the formal and casual speech of the characters from the beginning to the end, but that also shows their human side and growing familiarity. The characters, both main and supporting are intriguing and lend to enrich the story. I definitely recommend this for your paranormal shelf, and can't wait to read the other sisters' stories.