A fantastic second book in the amazing Embraced series! Kerrelyn Sparks captured my heart and soul with her first novel in this exciting new series, and she has thoroughly enchanted me with this book as well. If you read the first book and were blown away, prepare to be blown away again - literally, as our hero's power is control over the wind. We still see our beloved characters from the first book, and we also meet engaging new ones, like Captain Stefan, who does his best to win the heart of our own Sister Fallyn. You may be wishing for multiple Happily-Ever-Afters by the end of the book.

Brigitta is soon to meet the man of her...stones. Telling Stones, that is. Predicted many times over by her sister, Luciana, Brigitta is to meet a tall and handsome stranger, while also fending off seven suitors vying for her hand in marriage. As if that's not alarming enough, she has been taken hostage by the most dreaded pirate on the seas, Rupert, the Wind Sorcerer. Along with Sister Fallyn, a nun from the Isle of Moon, she is being used as ransom against her newfound brother, Gunther, King of Tourin. None too pleased, Brigitta verbally spars with Rupert, hoping to find a way off his ship and back to her sisters. But Rupert's hatred for Gunther is blinding, and he has a secret, one that may change not only Brigitta's future, but that of her kingdom as well.

Both Brigitta and Rupert won over my heart early on, particularly because I guessed Rupert's secret long before Brigitta figured it out. I was bouncing up and down in my seat, just waiting for her to unmask him. Rupert's protective nature with Brigitta was evident almost immediately, and it was funny to watch him attempt (unsuccessfully) to play the dreaded pirate he most definitely was not. Every time he would try to scare Brigitta, she would saucily toss back a retort, and his scowl would turn into a grin. Their banter brought a smile to my face as well! Along with the romance between these two, we are lucky to see an unlikely romance blossom between two other characters - Sister Fallyn and Captain Stefan. Sister Fallyn was hysterical, constantly yelling about being ravished while obviously hiding a secret hope that Captain Stefan would be the one doing the ravishing. It brought a lot of comedic relief, especially when the book would get a bit dark while we learned more about Brigitta and Rupert's tragic past.

I can't tell you how delighted I am that we are looking at, at least, three more books in this series! I know Brody is not getting his book next, but I sincerely hope one of the sisters ends up with him. There's a story there, Kerrelyn! I hope we get to hear it.

4.5 Stars I enjoyed So I Married a Sorcerer. Magic, mayhem and romance this story has a bit of everything. The storyline and characters had me up until the early morning hours. I look forward to reading more and would recommend this book and series

Wow! Brigitta is just perfect for Rupert, There was of drama, action, and romance. I loved seeing all the sisters again and can't wait for the next book. Dragons..need I say more?

The Embraced is an interesting series. I didn't feel Brigitta was as strong a character as Lucianna though. She made silly decissions and didn't seam as confident as her "sister". I guess that's what makes it more believable because we all have our foibles. I'm quickly coming to love Brody and can't wait for more of his story. The Chameleon continues to be fleshed out more and I'm beginning to question his motivations more. He seems more than a simple take power villain.

If born on the night that the two moons overlap children receive magical powers but those who are jealous and fearful have declared the the Embraced should be put to death . Parents hide their Embraced children and one such is Brigitta who grew up with nuns and has no idea exactly who she is.
Rupert is a notorious pirate and self styled admiral of the fleet he commands but he's also considered by many to be a sorcerer as he can control the wind. Rupert is determined to avenge his family and in order to do that he needs the estranged sister of a despotic King. Capturing Brigitta is easy but letting her go might not be quite in Ruperts plans!
The setting for these books feels more like fantasy than paranormal although magical things can and do happen. Plus the author clearly has fun confounding her readers with titles to titivate their imagination. This is a sweet romance with a couple that are so obviously right for each other. I loved the somewhat overt comments that Rupert threw at Brigitta but she constantly surprises him as she doesn't cringe virginally away but steps up and pushes right back! Brigitta might be a sheltered little miss but Rupert has spent years hiding who he is and yet within a matter of days his secrets are laid bare.
There is a secondary romance in this book to add interest but if honest it was the latter half of the story that really had me sitting up and taking notice. Once away from the high seas and firmly on dry land Brigitta meets her brother who has plans for his little sister. Plans that don't include a pirate obviously but if there's a chance for Rupert to take down the king then he's more than up for the challenge or maybe that should be challengers?
Yes I liked being back in this world the author has created and its more a fun than a sexy read. That doesn't mean the romance isn't there no, it's just that we get to know the couple, share their courtship and relish the adventure they go on. We do meet characters from the previous book How To Tame A Beast In Seven Days and even more exciting is the fact that we meet magical creatures who surely will reappear in the next book . Romance, action on the high seas and a really entertaining plot so yes I happily recommend this book . Sit back and drift to a simpler time with heroes and villains and may the adventures continue!
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I am enjoying this series - not Kerrelyn Sparks' usual - but very entertaining! This second in the series did not disappoint and I'm looking forward to more of the sisters' stories!

Good story, just not my favorite I have read by this author and I am not quick sure. The story is very well written and I loved the plot, I just couldn't seem to connect to either Birgitta or Rupert, Birgittas innocence kind of irritated me.

I am loving this series and can not wait till the next release. Wonderful characters and story line.

Really enjoyed So I Married a Sorcerer.
Different intriguing paranormal romance.
Brigitta and Rupert are great together even through they started out as enemies.
Love the story line, full of drama,intrigue,suspense,drama,humor,pirates,shifters.
A magical urban fantasy with great romance and passion.Some of the characters from the first appears in this book also.
In all a great book,really enjoyed it.

So I Married a Sorcerer (The Embraced, #2) by Kerrelyn Sparks is the second book in the Embraced series. Brigitta is one of the embraced "sisters" and she is taken by the pirate Rupert.... He want to hate her for what her father did to his family...she sees his pain when she touches him....Brody is there to watch out for her as he did Luciana... It was fun to see all the "sisters" again. Kerrelyn kept me on my toes through the whole book.. I laughed and cried and enjoyed the story... Is Gwennore's story next? Will Brody get his own story...I hope so.

I love the way this author thinks and the stories she tells. They are out there and at the same time they are your love stories.

It's drawing time for Brigitta's telling stone future to come to pass and she isn't at all echoed.

This could be a coincidence or for real but she has this gut feeling that whatever it is it will be bad.

When a handsome stranger, a pirate, shows up it's feels like it begins right now.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book 2 in the Embraced series continued with the telling stone predicting what would befall sister Brigetta in her love life. These books are endearing to and fun to read with a few surprises and more predictions for books to come. Pirate Rupert was sexy, honorable, and kind. And did I mention sexy?

So I Married a Sorcerer is the second book in The Embrace series by Kerrelyn Sparks.

We are treated to a love story that takes place on the high seas and a bit on dry land. Theirs secretes, drama, past wrongs that need writing, action, and romance.

Rupert, my heart broke for him and everything he has been through. Brigitta, is scared of her fate and knows it’s coming for her. These two where perfect for each other.

The romance starts out as a pirate romance, but turns into our heroine battling for the man she loves, but also for what is right. It’s sweet and passionate. I enjoyed Rupert and Brigitta together and how well they complemented each other. We see how a past changes a person, but also how beautiful life can be when you find something worth keeping and fighting for. We are also treated to a little side romance better Stefan and Sister Fallyn. I loved this romance as well.

I will say I figured out who Rupert was at the very beginning, but it didn’t upset me that I knew.

Expect plenty of adventure, passion, and danger plus we get to go into dragon territory and get a sneak peak at who fate will match next.

Rated: 4 Stars

*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy provided by St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley with the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments and ratings are my own.

So I Married a Sorcerer is the second book in the Embraced series but also reads as a standalone if you didn't read book one. Nuns, pirates, and magic oh my!

Brigitta was abandoned as a baby because she was one of the Embraced, children born with magical gifts, she was raised in a convent with no memory of her past. When one of her sisters need her, Brigitta and her other sisters leave the safety of the convent to go to her sisters side. On the journey, the boat she was traveling on is surround by two opposing fleets. To save her sisters on board, Brigitta allows herself to be captured by the infamous pirate Rupert.

Living his life on the sea has made Rupert happy but what he desires most of all is the revenge which has been denied to him. When Rupert finds out who Brigitta is he sees her as a way to get the revenge that has been after for many years but he didn't count on falling in love with the daughter of the man who betrayed his family. When Brigitta's life is in danger will Rupert be able to follow his heart and save Brigitta or will Rupert finally get his revenge?

So I Married A Sorcerer is a delicious blend of action and adventure with a bit of romance thrown in. The world of the Embraced drew me in from page one and left me wanting more, I can't wait to read what else in story for all my favorite characters.

Reviewed by Crystal Blood of the GothicMoms Review Team

Once again things weren't what they seemed with the everyone. It's interesting how now 2 of these girls were born princesses, but not raised as them. It really made them down to earth, ready to fight for what is right and it turns out what is right are men that have been wronged.

It was crazy how wronged both Brigitta and Rupert had been. I loved how Rupert fought back, loved that he got back at the person who wronged him and his family, how then he used that to help those that should have been helped all along. Sure things between Brigitta and Rupert weren't great at first, but as their past came out they managed to become friends and then more. It was fun how they conspired together to win the contest. It sucked that Brigitta was taken in by a fake, causing the wrong person to win the contest. It was only due to the friends that Rupert made that he was able to get the girl, that with the friends he was able to take his place back where he belonged, along with the woman he loved and had been promised so long ago.

7/29/2017

So I Married a Sorcerer (Embraced #2) by Kerrelyn Sparks

5 Stars

Stupid title, great book

I would like to thank Kerrelyn Sparks, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Brigitta is on her way to visit the oldest of her adopted sisters when she’s kidnapped by pirates! Turns out she’s not simply a poor orphan—she’s the princess of Tourin, thought dead these twenty years. When she was a baby, her father took the kingdom by force and sent her away to a convent so she couldn’t be used against him. Now her brother, the current king, needs an heir, which he cannot produce himself, and so he is forced to acknowledge her existence and send for her so that he might use her as a “walking womb.” But the pirates get to her first.

The pirate Rupert steals only from King Gunther of Tourin as he bides his time until he can set his plan into motion and take back the kingdom that rightfully belongs to him. When he learns that the princess is not only alive, but that Gunther desperately needs her, Rupert sees a great opportunity to significantly lighten the king’s coffers. Except, he’s shocked to discover that the princess is nothing like the monsters who share her blood, and the more he gets to know her, the more he comes to care for her, the harder it is for him to hand her over to her awful brother. But he could never trust her—and so he can’t keep her.
____________

Spoilers

This was my first foray into the work of Kerrelyn Sparks, and I daresay it won’t be the last. I’ve seen her books around (I swear The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo was inescapable a few years ago), but, I’m ashamed to say, because of those stupid titles, I definitely judged the book by the cover—and was far from impressed. But I saw So I Married a Sorcerer on NetGalley and figured I could give Sparks a shot—since it was free.

And to my surprise, the contents didn’t reflect the stupid title at all. Well, there was a sorcerer, who did get married, but—you know what I mean. It was a matter of tone, and I expected a tired plot with undeveloped, reactionary characters who cared more about having sex than being responsible and honorable people. But no—not in this book.

Brigitta was a wonderful heroine, kind and sweet yet strong and determined. Not exceptional, perhaps not even all that memorable, but entertaining to follow through the duration of the book as she gained courage and a sense of identity. Her power as an Embraced was interesting, a combination of empathy and psychometry. A bit boring, perhaps, compared to everyone else’s, but it was integral to the plot and development of the characters, so I thought it was well-utilized.

Rupert, too, was a good hero, tortured and conflicted yet compassionate and honorable. He made more of an impression than Brigitta, mostly because his power to control the wind was AWESOME, but I still don’t think I’ll find myself revisiting him in future.

I didn’t 100% buy their falling in love. More like 99%. I’m not sure why; there was lots of internal dialogue, it wasn’t necessarily sudden. It was almost…like it had become an afterthought. Through the first half of the book, not much is happening besides them being on a ship, getting to know each other and weighing their options. Then while they’re on Rupert’s Island, there’s a plot shift; Brigitta jumps into the love grotto with both feet, but Rupert, while mostly on board, is still hesitant to take the plunge. But at the same time, his identity is revealed and the bigger plot moves forward, leaving the smaller falling-in-love plot behind…and not *quite* finished, in my opinion.

The pace was steady if not fast. As I allude above, the plot was pretty clearly divided—the first half at sea, falling in love, the second half in Tourin, defeating Gunther. Some readers might not like that, but it didn’t bother me.

If the whole stone-reading premonition game hadn’t been mentioned in the beginning, I’d have said the competition was rather shoe-horned in, but I think as it is it just needed to be mentioned sooner. What *was* shoe-horned in was the Chameleon. I really don’t think he was necessary to Brigitta and Rupert’s story, but I’m assuming he’s part of a bigger picture, a recurring antagonist throughout the series, so Sparks probably just wanted to keep his thread intact so he stays fresh in mind.

The biggest problem I had with this story was its ambiguous time period. For all intents and purposes, I believe it’s historical—medieval?—but there was a sense of modernism that I just couldn’t shake. The speech patterns and word choices didn’t seem completely suited to the setting, but what really threw me was Rupert’s predilection to use the word “crap.” Specifically, “holy crap.” Technically, as far as I can understand, the word “crap” has been around a long time, but I just can’t imagine it was ever more frequent or more casual that it is today. It’s not a word that I, personally, associate with the medieval time period, and it stuck out like a sore thumb.

But it’s Sparks’ story—her world from the ground up. English isn’t even a thing there, so maybe “crap” is more common. Whatevs.

Speaking of her world-building, I’m impressed. She’s not Rowling, but she didn’t do half-bad. She committed, and by the end, I was itching to study a map and go backpacking.

Overall, I’m very interested to see where this goes. I’ll check out the first book and watch for the third to become available. Oh, speaking of—you could read this as a stand-alone if you really wanted to, Sparks’ tells you what you need to know, but as soon as I read that Leo’s touch killed every woman except Luciana, I was like—yes, please.

noapologybookreviews.com

Another hit, as this is book 2 in a great new series by Kerrelyn Sparks. The first book introduced the reader to Leo and Luciana, and this one is the next "embraced" couple of Rupert and Brigitta. While traveling by ship to be present during the birth of Leo and Luciana's babies, the young girls and nuns are held up by a naval vessel that happens to be from Brigitta's brother, the unlawful king of Tourin. Before they could snatch Brigitta, a band of pirates, led by Rupert arrives, and kidnaps her instead. I don't want to give to much away, but this book was extremely hard to put down. I awoke last night, and ended up reading through to the end, it was that exciting. The competition, the spying, the fighting, the romance all work together to form a first rate story. I highly recommend this book, this series and this author. It is not necessary to read the first book"How to Take a Beast in Seven Days" but it is worth the read as well. Enjoy!

This book was so fantastic! I enjoyed being in this world again, and with almost a completely new cast of characters. Sure, some of our favorites make appearances, but this place in a different country/kingdom, we mostly have new characters. Which is nice, because we already know the one group, and now we get to know another!

Brigitta can find secrets, and Rupert can control the wind. Of course, they both have secrets-Brigitta didn't know hers, that she was the daughter of a king, and well, Rupert's whole life has basically been a secret. Because their families are connected and not in a good way!

In this book, we were introduced to another country in this world. We also visited another one, which will be good, given that the dragons are part of the 3rd book! The way that her brother treated her was extremely frustrating, but Brigitta was smart and had amazing friends and a sizzling romance, and was able to hold her own!

That ending was such a roller coaster ride! Things were looking bad, then good, and back and forth, then it was all resolved! That dratted chameleon causes a lot of trouble again, and he almost gets away with it. Good guys are victorious, however, and there's a really touching moment! Loved it!

Another amazing book, and I can't wait for the 3rd book, this series is just amazing!

This is the second volume in the Embraced series which began with How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (see my review here ). In this universe, some children born during the two moons eclipse have diverse powers, and they’re called the Embraced. In 4 of the 5 kingdoms theses children are often killed at birth or sent to the 5th kingdom to be hidden. Here we meet Brigitta, one of the five young women who grew up in a convent in the 5th kingdom believing to be orphans, who, on her way to attend the birthing of the heroine of the first volume, discovers she’s the half-sister of a king just before being kidnapped by a pirate.

Brigitta is once again a kind and attentive heroine, but she’s also got a lot of imagination and a longing to be the master of her destiny. Her power allows her to know when people hide something, and her curiosity pushes her to try and discover these secrets, which can bring her some problems.

Rupert the hero is thirsty for revenge (the heroine’s father killed all his family). He spends his time thinking that he’s attracted to Brigitta, that he wants her for himself, but that he can trust her because of her father’s crimes (because she’s surely in league with her family who abandoned her when she was 5 months old...). It takes time for him to finally change his mind, even if he wants to protect her long before trusting her.

Both are quickly attracted to each other in spite of their mutual distrust, but this time they have more time to analyse their feelings which is why I believed it more. There’s also a very cute secondary romance.

As for the secondary characters there is mainly Fallin, the nun escorting Brigitta, very attentive but a bit too much “idée fixe”; Stephan, who took care of Rupert when his parents died, a kind and honest man; Brody, the shifter already seen in the first volume, who has a very important role here that shows his shifting capacities; and Gunther, Brigitta’s half-brother and king, who is cruel, vicious, and miserly.

There are several scenes quite funny, and other that are repeated too often (the nun who’s repeating every other sentence that the pirates are going to ravish them, that becomes tedious after a moment, I was reminded of the mother bird in the Disney’s animated movie Alice in Wonderland who’s screeching “serpent! serpent!”) (to each its references lol). The various tests of the contest organized by Gunther give goosebumps while being interesting to read (unless I’m a bit of a weirdo lol).

I wasn’t as much charmed by this novel as I was by the previous one. It must be said that a big part of the story takes place on the pirate ship, and even if Rupert’s pirates are nice it’s probably what disturbed me in the end as I don’t really like pirates’ stories.

Just like in the first volume the end is quite fast, a bit rushed off, and I didn’t believe at all to the final turnaround of feelings from Brigitta’s half-brother, that doesn’t stick to the character at all. However I had a good reading time, and I can’t wait to learn the adventures awaiting the next of the sisters (next year).

So I Married A Sorcerer is the second book in the Embraced series. And first off I want to mention how GOOD this book was, just as good if not better than book one. We have our heroine, Brigitta, who grew up on a island,along with her other adopted sisters. Brigitta knows that her fate is destined with the number seven and that it will happen very soon. While traveling with her fellow sisters, to join Luciana in the birth of her child. What they didn't expect was a mysterious and dangerous man, an infamous pirate who needs Brigitta to get justice for the crimes done against himself and his family. Rupert has had to become a pirate out of necessity. And he isn't your average pirate leader either. He is also one of the "Embraced" and has special gifts especially when it comes to the wind. He is only looking to get what he deserves, and unfortunately that means putting an innocent woman at risk.

So I Married A Sorcerer is a brilliantly written installment in this new and exciting series. In this book however, we have a sexy love story that takes place on the sea and a bit on dry land. At first it begins as your hero the big bad wolfy pirate kidnapping the lovely heroine for his own "purposes". However there is a lot more to it than that. Brigitta's father slaughtered Rupert's family, the legitimate family to take over the kingdom. They have only reaped power and wealth from the people from this kingdom, and never give back. Rupert has plans to take over the throne again, and become the kind of ruler his people deserve and can respect and support. Now at first, Rupert is a very mysterious character that we see. And boy did I love the aire of mystery and intrigue that surround him. I never know what to expect from this character and these twists give back to the reader some ins and outs of a story that leaves you on edge and the dynamics of the story are never ending. I honestly had no clue that this story would go from a pirate romance and turn into our heroine battling for the man that she loves, but also for what is right. Once she learns the truth behind Rupert's past and what terrible acts her family have committed, she wants to right those wrongs even though she is very innocent.

The romance that is written here is sweet and poignant and still full of sturdiness and passion to add various levels of depths for any romance reader. What I really enjoyed about this pair, is how well they end up complimenting each other and how well they fight for each other. And boy do they fight for each other, in all the most important ways. We see the beautiful ways they connect on deep levels of intimacy and how they give back to each other constantly. And quite honestly I was feeling humbled when reading their love tale, seeing how honest and fresh and vibrant this was. You will be hanging onto every word, phrase, paragraph and chapter that you see them together.

We become introduced into some entertaining secondary characters that will make you laugh continually. Rupert's friends are simply entertaining and of course we get some fun bantering that leaves you smiling from beginning to end. So I Married A Sorcerer is not your typical historical fantasy that we have opened to us. This author has built up some wonderful world building and we get to learn some fun facts about this world that Kerrelyn Sparks has created and seeing these various lands become real and vividly portrayed in such a way that holds your attention and refuses to let go.

This isn't a story that is predictable, sane, dull and without excitement. Its the exact opposite of everything that you would expect, because this book takes so many twists and turns that you will barely be able to keep up. I advise readers to go into this story with a open mind, plenty of free time, and expect plenty of adventure, passion and some levels of danger and intrigue that will make your day go from average to "on top of the world" thrilling. Be ready for a story that is guaranteed to keep you on your toes in ways you can't imagine.....A ROMANTIC PEARL!!