Member Reviews
This book has such a pretty cover and has been on my TBR for years. Well, I finally decided to read it. I think I would have liked this book had I read it a few years ago. I feel like my taste in this type of plot/storyline has changed, and this one wasn't for me at the moment. However, if I would have read it when I was younger, I could definitely see myself enjoying this story more than what I did. This gave me JLA vibes in a way, which I love. I think if the plot sounds interesting to you, you'll probably like it more than I did. Again, I think I just read this one several years too late.
I can’t say enough how cute this book was. I really had no idea what was going to happen next. The villains and heroes were morally grey and the world building was very different from a lot of other fantasy novels. I loved all the places the characters travelled and felt like I was living all of their emotions. Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was interesting. I enjoyed Caiden and Lily together, they were cute.
But i did feel that Dagan was just there for drama and it annoyed me.
This enchanting story weaves a mundane world with a world of magic and the paranormal seamlessly. I never wanted to put this book down, and devoured it so quickly.
The world building was spot on. Painting detail after detail before my eyes as I read the story. There is clarity in every description from the world to the characters and to the actions that occur.
Caiden and Lily's relationship was truly enjoyable to read about, and I was entranced from page one to learn more about them. I love that their relationship starts off as being one of friendship before he disappears and when he comes back into her life there is a flaming hot chemistry that boils between them that at first they still try to fight but inevitable dropping their resistance and falling head first into a romance together that could shift the tides of the paranormal world for the better.
They are both far more than meets the eye, and so is Raysa and Dagan. These four characters were all well done with character arcs that I absolutely loved. This story toes the line between young adult and new adult without truly falling into either category, but I don't think that hinders the story at all. It allows for a bit of a heavier story line without a lot of curse words and no explicit scenes.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this novel.
I LOVE THIS BOOK. It was made for me.
First of all, it’s a standalone. Amazing. No waiting around anxiously to see what happens.
The fantasy world and ideas in this book are something I’ve never read before. Also amazing.
Finally, FINALLY the “dark, bad boy” doesn’t get the girl! There was a hint at a possible love triangle, but it didn’t take off, which is another thing I hugely appreciate.
Lily and Caiden’s relationship has twists and turns but their love for each other is always obvious(to the reader).
The only thing is, I wish there had been more to this book! Just a longer book with certain plot lines being more fleshed out.
I hope that someday we will be getting books for Raysa and Dagan
Anyway, I am welcoming this book to my favorites shelf!
*thank you to TLC Press and Tara Gallina for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*
When Lily's best friend, Caiden, disappears into a cloud of shimmering gold dust, she begins to think she must be starting to suffer from the same hallucinations as her dad. Three months later, Caiden returns and seemingly has an explanation for it all. But how can she trust someone she was falling in love with, who then fled as soon as she tried to voice her feelings? Especially when he starts telling her unbelievable stories of other realms, immortal beings, and mystical prophecies? In only a matter of days, everything she thinks she knows is turned on its head, leaving her no choice but to trust Caiden, even though he seems to be hiding something from her.
The world that Tara Gallina has created in Enchanted Kisses is so beautiful. The way she managed to take lore that we've heard of before and transform it into something new is really refreshing. The plotline will leave readers questioning what's going to happen until the very end, with revelations and twists at every step. The way she writes will also really evoke a lot of emotion from readers. Some of the conflicts Lily faces will hit readers hard, drawing out gut-wrenching feelings.
Something that might irk readers is some of Lily's inner monologue. She mentions more than once that she's "fairy sized" or some other iteration of being short and comparing herself to everyone else around her in height. Or the number of times she talks about herself in a deprecating manner. Sometimes it seems as though she says these things in an attempt to get someone else to compliment her. On top of that, she doesn't seem to have much of a backbone. She lets every person in her life walk all over her. Even the ones she hardly knows. Because of this, she runs headfirst into conflicts that could have been avoided. It makes it kind of hard to like her as a character.
Overall, I rate Enchanted Kisses 3.5 out of 5 stars. The storyline is truly unique, with so many intriguing and creative elements. But a protagonist that's a little insufferable and doesn't lead the story can make an incredible plot feel lackluster.
That said, I think the storytelling, the plotline, and the mythology surrounding it all is beautiful. It's also a perfect in-between level of romance. It's not strictly YA appropriate, but it's not explicit enough to be an adult/new adult book. So it would be an incredible read for someone looking for contemporary high fantasy with more mature themes than your average young adult novel.
'Enchanted Kisses':4⭐
(Unpaid Review: thank you to @taragallina, @netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review.)
This was the first book I read by this author but will surely not be the last! Absolutely enchanting, super enjoyable mcs and the romance between Lily and Caiden: 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Congratulations, Tara! Your writing is one of the most beautiful ones I have had the pleasure to read and meet. Can't wait to read more of you! Also, the cover is spotless for this story!
I received this in exchange for an honest review from Netgalley.
The overall story was enjoyable and I liked the premise, the magic and the enchantment that the author put into it. Lily was an interesting character and I like that you get to see her grow and change throughout the book.
I did struggle a bit with the book though as I feel like some of it was either too simply written or too. ..chaotic but in a rather strange way. The beginning when his brother keeps showing up and keeps having opportunities alone with her is rather frustrating.
Overall though, I did enjoy it and would recommend it to fantasy lovers.
Great book, but nothing that really made it stand out to much, and not something that I would go back to read over and over. This was a book that I would forget once I started reading other ones, with a plot that does stand out but not enough for it to be one of my personal favorites. Overall being just a forgettable book
I loved this book so much and am so glad I picked it up as for me this is one of those wonderful reads I simply couldn't put down. Full of twists and turns and a captivating relationship between Lily and Caiden which had me hoping they get happy ending. This was my first read from this author but it certainly won't be my last as I can't wait to discover more of their books. I would highly recommend giving it a go.
This was a cute and quick read. The world building was decent and the author laid down just enough of the groundwork of the Sentries and their hierarchy and overall simple. Where the story thrives is with Lilly and Caiden's complicated relationship. There was a lot of mixed emotions and skepticism sprinkled with some spicy flirting and heartfelt moments.
This was a really nice fantasy read! I could've definitely done with a bit more depth and explanation for the realm and the King, Queen, Sentries, etc but I felt like just enough info was given to provide background and context!
I loved how the issue with Lily's father was resolved, and can I just say.....I NEED THE OTHER BROTHER'S BOOK ASAP. I won't say any names because I don't want to give spoilers, but he totally needs a story too and a happy ending.
Good world building, intense and memorable characters, angst (lots of it), and a satisfying ending!