I really wanted to like this book but I just couldn't finish this book. I was just so darn bored that I gave up about 40% into the story and didn't care if I finished it or not.

I know a lot of people would like this one but it just wasn't for me I guess. Or maybe I am just not in the mood for this kind of book anymore.

How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks is a fun adventure in paranormal romance. I’m loving the characters and the setting in this series and I can’t wait for more. I can honestly say I’ve never been disappointed in anything Kerrelyn Sparks has ever written. I know I’m in for humor, fun and romance with a happy ending. Thanks to NetGalley and the author along with her publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of How to Love Your Elf!

How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks
4th book in the Embraced by Magic series. (Labeled as 1st because of a change in publishers.) Fantasy romance. Best read as part of the series but can stand alone for the romance. Some plot lines not completed because of the overall arc.

For those that read the first three, it won’t really be a surprise where this one is going. It’s a delightful journey that isn’t spoiled because you know a couple of things the heroine doesn’t. Elves, dragons, magic and romance. And talking oak trees.
A fast read with a bit of humor and a feisty heroine who doesn’t appreciate a bossy hero.

I’m looking forward to the next and final book in the series. Maeve and Brody, finally. Hopefully he will find someone to lift his curse!

Excerpt:
“Do you need more wine?” Father Kit asked.
“No,” the Woodsman said at the same time Sorcha said, “Yes!” With another silent groan, he turned toward Sorcha. “Will you stop drinking and tell me what’s wrong?”
She gave him an exasperated look. “How can you remain so calm when we’re doomed?”
He gritted his teeth. “We are not doomed.”
“Well, maybe you’re not, but I certainly am. You see . . .” She finished her half-full cup, then hiccupped. “I hate to admit this, but . . . I’m already attracted to you.”
His heart lurched. “Oh?” Wait, she hated to admit it?
Her shoulders slumped. “So, that’s why I’m doomed. The potion will work on me.”
Did she have to look so damned depressed about it? “Sorcha, nothing will happen. I promise you, I will not allow a potion to dictate what I think or feel.”
Her eyes widened as she sat up. “You’re right!” She made a fist. “You must fight this. Don’t you dare fall in love with me. And I promise, I will do my best never to love you.”
“Wonderful,” he grumbled, then turned to Father Kit. “I need more wine after all.”
With a grin, the priest handed them a full pitcher. The Woodsman filled their cups, but when Sorcha suddenly flinched beside him, he spilled some onto the wooden tray. “What is it now?” She leaned toward him, her green eyes dancing with excitement. “I just had an idea. Obviously, the full effect of the potion hasn’t hit us yet, so we might consider beating it to the punch.” “How?” He took a drink.
“We could have a quick affair.”
He sputtered wine all over himself. “What?”
“We could beat the love potion to the punch—”
“There is no punch.” He used a cloth napkin to dry off the wine that had run down his throat to his chest. Then he realized she was staring at the open neck of his shirt.
Her gaze slowly lifted to linger on his mouth; then she licked her lips. Dang[] now he did want to jump on her like a beast. “Sorcha, stop looking at me like that.”
Her eyes filled with horror. “Oh, no. I must have succumbed to the power of the potion.”
“No, you haven’t. You’ve been staring at my mouth since you first met me.”
Her face turned pink. “I can’t help it. You’re just so disgustingly handsome.”
“Was that a compliment?” he muttered.
She hiccupped. “It’s true. I find you terribly attractive.” Frowning, she picked up her cup. “Even though it makes no sense whatsoever.”
Excerpt from How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.

book 1 of a new fantasy series though really is it... I was so confused for the first bit of this book because it was about all these other characters who clearly had books before this one. Turns out it’s just a change of publisher and this book is a continuation of another series.

Another cute book in this series. I always enjoy these characters and their adventurous stories. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2020/02/29/how-to-love-your-elf-by-kerrelyn-sparks/)

My Rating: 4 stars

Library recommendation: Recommended for public library fantasy romance collections.

Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.


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Number of titles I have read by this author: 4

Love story speed: Insta-attraction; bordering on instalove

Relationship dynamics: The Pyrotechnic Princess (h) / The Folk Hero Wood Elf (H)

Physical descriptions: The heroine is of undetermined stature, with green eyes, long red hair and freckles. The hero is tall and muscular, with long, reddish-brown hair and lavender eyes.

Sexual content: A smidge; “on-screen” and explicit, with extremely cheesy sex talk.

Triggers: Survivor’s guilt; war violence

Grammar/Editing: The ARC I read had significant formatting issues, including run-together paragraphs, split words, etc.

Review: This is a fast-paced, fairly predictable novel set in a fantasy world that has been built book-by-book throughout the Embraced series, of which this is book 4. That being said, while it will help to have read the other books to get your bearings and to understand who each of the characters is, it’s not strictly necessary to have read the previous books to appreciate this one (I say this as someone who has read all of the previous books, but hasn’t read any of them in about two years).

This installment in the series features Sorcha and the Woodsman as the main characters. Sorcha is a very feisty, contrary woman and the Woodsman is a fantasy world Robin Hood. They meet after Sorcha is taken hostage by the villains, and their relationship develops incredibly quickly thereafter. While I normally don’t enjoy whirlwind romance stories, I found both of these characters very likable and I couldn’t help but root for their relationship to succeed. The supporting characters are a good mix of new and recurring from previous books. They were all well-enough developed, although it definitely felt like more could have been done, especially given the inclusion of a secondary romance. Similarly, the villains are a split between the new and the old. Their motivations are also fairly straight forward and, as I mentioned previously, there are no real surprises in the novel, although I appreciated some of the Python-esque homour that was included by the author (you’ll know it when you encounter it).

I’m very much looking forward to Brody and Maeve’s story in the next book.



Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

While this is listed as the first book in the series, it is actually the fourth in a different series. I understand that the author changed publishers and therefore had to rebrand the series but this will definitely confuse readers. Having read the other books in the series, I realized it was a continuation of the previous series. However, anyone picking this up thinking it will be a new series will be confused because this in my opinion is not a book that should be read as a stand alone novel. Especially because Kerrelyn Sparks does not spend lots of time rehashing what happened in previous books like some authors do. Which quite frankly can be annoying if you've read the other books. It truly helps to have read the other books in order, and I recommend them all, so that you can appreciate the evil force of the Circle of Five that is trying to take over the five kingdoms. This is a very involved fantasy with plenty of magic, mayhem, a few murders and of course romance. So having read the previous books, I can truly say that this was a great addition to the series and I'm looking forward to how the series will get wrapped up in the next book. I imagine it will be a true action packed romance. Plus I really want to see more of Brody!

I absolutely loved this book. Kerrelyn Sparks really has a way of telling a story. She has become one of my favorite authors. This series is so much fun to read. I can not wait for the 5th installment to come out. I love the romance she brings to the stories she writes. Thank you for sharing this with me.

If you enjoyed the series, The Embraced, then be prepared to return to that world in the new yet connected and continuing Embraced by Magic series that How to Love Your Elf begins. To be frank, if this is your first glimpse of this world I would start back at the beginning with How To Tame A Beast In Seven Days. As much as I enjoyed Sorcha and the Woodsman, this is very much a continuation of a world that already exists, so I cannot say that this one could easily be read on its own, it is part of the overall series in general.

I did enjoy How to Love Your Elf, even if there were some spots that felt “off” to me. The constant switching from old-world speak “Ye” to modern language “You” often took me out of the story – and frankly, that always affects how I view any book, even when I love most of what an author writes. The story itself is fast-paced with a definite touch of insta-love or insta-lust, and it was, for the most part, easy to fall back into a world I’d enjoyed in the previous books. The villains are most vile, the battle scenes detailed, and the bantering between Sorcha and her Woodsman were often giggle-worthy amusing for me. I liked this one, no, I didn’t love it but it does move the series forward and that did satisfy my need for more of this world.

I still believe that it would be hard to get the entire feel of this world by starting with How to Love Your Elf, even if it is the “first” story in a series under a new publisher. I’d go back to the beginning – but, that’s me, you do what feels right for you.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This is the 4th book in The Embraced series and the 1st book in the offshoot series of Embraced by Magic. So while this may be the 1st in the offshoot series you still need to read the Embraced series or you will be lost and not understand what is going on in this book. In this one we finally get Sorcha's story! I was always curious about her and her whole back story and I really liked this one. She is definitely headstrong and stubborn but she will fight for the people she loves. Even is she knows that she may get hurt in the process. The Woodsman is this mysterious robin hood type man-only an elf. And I was completely wanting to know exactly what his back story was-and loved how it came about! I liked the story itself but there seemed to be a lack of romance to it. Yes there was some but not what I am used to when it comes to this author. And parts of it were a little slow. On a whole though, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it kept me entertained. Of course now I really need to have Maeve's story because that little snippet at the end? Just made me want to read it even more!

❤️❤️ out of 5
I LOVE fantasy romance and there really is not enough out there- so when this was marketed as book 1 of a new fantasy series I was over the moon. Except that I was so confused for the first quarter of this book because it was about all these other characters who clearly had books before this one. Turns out it’s just a change of publisher and this book is a continuation of another series.

Our heroine gets caught in enemy territory after trying to help a fellow soldier out on the battlefield. A stranger known as The Woodsman helps her escape captivity to help her back to her lands. However, the call for each other on the way and impending war gets in the way of her return to her family.

Apart from the whole issue of being confused- the world building started making sense way too late in the book for me and I almost put it down several times. As for the characters- I liked the hero but the heroine seemed way too immature and their instalove relationship was barely believable. I think if you have read the other 3 books you would like this book but definitely do not start here.

K. Sparks.... A name that every household who loves to read should know her name. This book is 4th in Embraced series but can absolutely be read alone.
I have read every book by this author and let me tell you! This book will leave you breathless!
Paranormal romance at its best! You will laugh loud, engage in a wonderful story line, and crave for more!
The author has a talent for writing. Her creativity and unique plot will bring readers that would never even try paranormal genre! Her books are captivating!
Read more from her! The wonderful AT STAKE series and more of The EMBRACED series books and you will understand what I mean!
I can't wait for her next book!!!!

3.5 Rating

This was my first Fantasy Romance i’ve read that is centered around elves. I usually stick to vampire paranormal romance but it was nice to switch it up!

“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 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 . . .”

I liked that Sorcha was a fierce female lead and was not too afraid of anything except loving someone. I actually really liked the Woodsman and his Robin Hood type antics. Stealing from the rich and giving back to the poor. The Woodsman had special abilities as an “Embraced” and could talk to the tree’s and manipulate anything that was made out of wood. There was one part where Sorcha was making wood jokes and it had me laughing out loud! This would have been a 4 star but there were some parts of the book that felt rushed. Like they went into battle and it was over within a page or two! I wanted a little bit more! As well as a little bit more romance between Sorcha and the Woodsman. It was like one minute they were fighting their attraction and then the next Sorcha said she would wait for him as long as it takes. Overall though I did enjoy it!

How to Love Your Elf is part of Kerrelyn Spark’s the Embraced by Magic series or The Embraced Series. While this may read well for some on its own, most will enjoy it more if the series is read in order. Princess Sorcha has been a supporting and intriguing character in previous books, getting her own story now.

Fierce in battle with a strong stubborn personality, Sorcha’s vulnerabilities come to light in this close-up story. From a distance she seems to be confident and extremely likable. Perhaps she is but it s the Woodsman who steals the show. Bit of mystery with conflicting ideas and feelings, much of the plot deals with their slow rise and burning romance. Some danger, some humor and some romance, Kerrelyn Spark style.

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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.

Right in line with the other books in this universe, so predictable. Brooding male, fiesty female, that fall in love because they are the leads. Typical unearned instalove aided by fate/magic. It was light enough to be enjoyable, with enough conflict to keep me interested. It was also cool to read about how the elves live. Decent pacing with good setups for future stories. I will be reading the next book in the series.

Wow! Kerrelyn Sparks does it again! I love this series & I'm happy to see that she was able to get it finished via a new publisher. Ms Sparks has such an inventive, unique quality to her storytelling and her world of Aerthlan is fascinating and intriguing. I adore Sorcha and The Woodsman! Sorcha has all of the pluck and persistence that we've seen in earlier novels and she makes one heck of a fab heroine! A wonderful five star read by a fantastic author!
Can't wait for Maeve's book!

This book was amazing! I could not put it down! I love the type of fantasy that is involved and the back story. I will for sure be looking for more work by this author!

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.

When I requested this, I was really excited by the synopsis and the fact that I found a first book in a new series centering around elves. It's listed as Embraced by Magic #1, unfortunately that's deceptive. This book is actually the fourth in The Embraced series, which I haven't read. I quickly noticed after starting that this did not have a first book feel at all. Details of side characters and wordbuilding were explained briefly in the assumption that these facts are merely to refresh the reader's memory of what came before. Although this can be read as a standalone, be aware before you start that you will have some mild spoilers about previous couples when reading this as their stories are discussed.

Princess Sorcha is one of five girls who were raised as sisters on the Isle of the Moon. Because of the circumstances of their birth, they are all considered "Embraced" because of the powers they were gifted with. Sorcha's brother Silas Dravenko, is the new king of Norveshka, and one of the few dragon shifters in existence. Three of her sisters have found love already, Gwenmore with her brother Silas.

Sorcha has made a vow to herself that she will resist falling in love because she fears growing an attachment to anyone. She sees herself as weak, feeling helpless and scared when her sisters were in danger in the past. This was one of the main conflicts which I felt was a pretty flimsy one. It was a matter of one or two days after meeting the hero that Sorcha believed herself in love with him. The insta-love was a bit much for me in this case. Their feelings were too much, too fast, making me question everything between them. After two days together, and another day spent apart she's already decided that she's in love with him and she knows almost nothing about him, not even his name and true identity. She still refers to him by his outlaw nickname very late into the book, because his secret identity is deliberately kept from her.

Sorcha meets "The Woodsman" when her party is set up for an ambush in the forest. We're told that in the previous book, a treaty was formed between the Norveshki and the elves who have always been bitter enemies. Sorcha and her family are led into a trap, attacked, and she and dragon protector Aleksi are taken prisoner. The Woodsman is a Robin Hood type outlaw who stumbles upon the incident and reluctantly decides to lend a hand. He has the ability to converse with the magic trees of the forest. This is his biggest strength because the trees see and hear everything and they not only give him important information about people, but they can warn and protect him.

The Woodsman is immediately smitten with Sorcha but for various reasons he constantly struggles internally with his feelings. The timing is the most important deterrent. Ever since his father was murdered, he's been plotting revenge, and his plans are on the verge of coming to fruition. He's also uncomfortable with her power to create fire with a snap of her fingers. Oddly, he believes she could accidentally set fire to the Living Oaks which didn't make a whole lot of sense to me to be honest. Is it really possible to accidentally snap your fingers? Fortunately, neither of them have much willpower to resist their paltry objections as to why they shouldn't fall for each other. Before long, they've waved the white flag to their chemistry and are fully devoted, despite the power struggle with the mysterious Chameleon and the Circle of Five who plot to destroy them.

While the instant romance was not to my particular taste, it may not be an issue for others. The romance was cute, if a little cheesy at times, but I did enjoy the banter between the main characters. I think my reading experience may have been a little more enhanced if I had read the previous books in the series first, so those who have been faithfully following will likely find more to appreciate as well. Overall, not a bad read, but it lacked the butterflies in the stomach romantic tension I hope to find. On the positive side, this was a fast read, and a simple fantasy if that's what you're searching for.