I just want to start of by saying thank you for the chance to read this and give my honest review. After reading the first book in the series I was interested in seeing where the story would go. I loved the first couple but actually found myself liking this one more. The story managed to have various twists and turns. Things were kept interesting while still being a great read. If you are into elves, interconnected stories, slow burn, and strong female characters this is a great read

I have been provided with a review copy of The Broken Elf King from NetGalley for an impartial review. I just absolutely had so much fun getting to go along on these characters journey. I was just swept away and I just absolutely can’t get enough of this series or its wonderful characters. This author just has a way of drawing you in with her wonderful stories and you just can’t get enough of them. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

Thank you Bloom And Netgalley

I will admit I'm slowly falling more and more in love with this world. While the last dragon king wasn't my personal favorite. This one was a lot more up my alley.

“I haven’t heard him say that enough, and even though it was all for show I would never tire of it.”

“The Broken Elf King,” by Leia Stone

Kailani took a loan to save her aunt knowing she couldn’t pay it back. Now she must go to the Elf King’s land for a job to work off her debt. The Elf King makes her his personal assistant and she realizes how broken he actually is. He is searching for a wife or forfeit his throne; Kailani thinks it will be easy, but none are suitable for the king. She ends up proposing a fake marriage so the king can get what he wants, but he is only willing to do that with her.

I loved this book so much. It’s probably one of the best books I will read in 2024. The tension and friendship between the two main characters is perfect. I knew this was going to be a 5-star rating a couple chapters in the book, it was that good. Leia Stone’s books are all golden, and this one didn’t disappoint. 5 out of 5 stars, amazing.

-Servant X King
-Elves
-Humans
-Fake Relationship
-Magic
-Slow Burn

There was a lot to enjoy in The Broken Elf King. It had a couple of tropes I was really looking forward to exploring: namely marriage of convenience and fake dating to a king. I also liked that this was Book 2 in a series of stand-alones: it meant that I didn't have to read the first book in the series to grasp the admittedly light world-building.

I liked that the main character Kailani was smart and a bit sassy, and she didn't seem too entitled: she was happy to work in whatever job she was given, after she was taken by slavers for going into debt saving her aunt's life. She did end up being super special because she had not one but two incredibly rare magic powers, but these were not really explored in any way or brought anything of value to her characterisation. I also liked the love interest, the aforementioned 'broken' elf king Raife, and all the trauma he brought with him. He a bit hot and cold due to this, but I understood and appreciated his struggle according to his character. I liked the magic system around elfin healing, though there wasn't enough worldbuilding to really explain the other types of magic in the book, and they just kind of came out of nowhere with little explanation or development. The banter was light and enjoyable, and the romantic pair shared some vulnerable moments together that filled in some of their backstory.

However I felt that the entire novel was too fast-paced. I don't mean that the entire plot took one week, because it was spread out over a few months, but I mean that the actual events of the novel felt rushed through. There was little to no introspection or depth. Everything felt at a surface level only. The romantic pair were married less than halfway through the book, and yes this is a marriage of convenience so they do need to get married, but I felt that there was a distinct lack of feelings or introspection, or really anything below the surface. And while this break-neck pace of event - event - event - probably works for a lot of readers, I wanted it to slow down a bit and offer some characterisation, introspection, and plot development. I don't necessarily think that the book itself felt rushed by the author, I just feel like there was nothing beyond the surface.

Now this is in contrast to many books I read, especially by indie authors, where a whole lot of nothing happens and then the book ends on a cliffhanger designed to make readers impulse buy the next book. This book was packed so full of events and plot points and action that it didn't leave any time for romance or character growth. And like I said, this will work for some readers. To me, everything felt brief and skimmed over. There was so much to pack into so few pages that it felt like the characters were ricocheting from event to event with hardly any time spent on the page during the actual events making up the story. For example, Kailani and Raife visit an old friend of Raife's and the entire visit, which is supposed to be important to the plot, takes about 4 pages, including a fistfight.

I noted during reading that the book felt like a movie that has been adapted from a book series when it should have been a TV adaptation with 1 season per book. Like The Golden Compass film was condensed but His Dark Materials the TV show was expanded and better in every way. I also noted again, that this super-fast action-based book with little character development, romantic development, or introspection works fine for some people, but I just wanted more depth.

Overall there was nothing really wrong with Stone's writing and the book was highly readable and engaging, I just felt that her storytelling ability definitely focuses much more on action and less on reactions and the consequent character growth, and bringing any emotional depth and connection. This was sugary frosting without the actual cake. Fine for some people, but I personally would have liked a bit more balance.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
Decent romantasy pick.
Pros: world building, romantic tension,
Cons: problematic characters, pacing, insta love.

The Broken Elf King is the second book I’ve read the standalone Kings of Avalier series and I enjoyed it as much as the first book!

There’s something about this series that makes me not want to put the books down. The writing and plot is straightforward, and some parts make me chuckle at the cheesiness and ridiculousness/ dramatics, but I still find myself really wanting to find out what happens next, and caring about the characters life’s. I feel like the saying it’s so bad, it’s good, applies intensely to parts of this book!

Simple world building but full of lots of heart and tons of ✨vibes✨ (as I like to say), The Broken Elf King was a read-in-one sitting book that I thoroughly enjoyed!

Thank you to NetGalleu, Sourcebook, and Leia Stone for the arc to read. All thoughts are my own and I look forward to finding out what happens next!

Book #2 in the kings of Avalier and you better get ready to have your mind blown. Grab your popcorn and get comfortable cause this book is going to take you on an amazing.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

Actual review 2.5 stars

While it was easy enough to read there is virtually no world or character building. Alluded to spice but was a little insta lovey for my taste. Ending was also pretty abrupt.

Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for the opportunity to read this title in exchange for an honest review. The Broken Elf King was a fun read with a fast-paced plot and tension-filled, slow-burn romance. Kailani has been sold into slavery over a debt she cannot pay and goes to live in the Elf King's kingdom. Some of the plot elements seemed to fall into place a little too easily, but it didn't hinder my enjoyment of the story. I definitely recommend The Broken Elf King to romantasy lovers.

I still enjoy the writing and really admire the world-building, and I will definitely read the rest of this series (I really have to see the Evil Queen defeated...) but.

Oh, but.

There is a continued trend of putting other girls down ('How can anyone stand a girl with a laugh like THAT?').
There's seriously messed up advice given to the heroine by her aunt ('Just tell him you want to have sex with someone else if he keeps pushing you away, men need to feel like they're about to lose you to appreciate what they have').
There's a total lack of open communication (see above comment from aunt) which results in some drama that could have easily been solved if instead of calling Raife "broken" and thinking he needs to be healed by some true love, they would have sat down, adressed his trauma, and talked to each other. And maybe a therapist...
There's also the issue I had with Raife deciding in order to keep the heroine safe, he has her transported to a secret location where she is locked in (with a servant to talk to, but still. It's basically a prison) "for her own good". Which, again, could have been solved with an honest conversation.

As with the first book in this series, I really enjoyed the story, flaws and all, but I do think these issues should be addressed at some point. I feel like the men's POV at the end are just not (soon?) enough to give insight into why they acted the way they did.

This isn't one of those holy crap this is the best book ever but it's definitely a book that you'll re read several times over.

It's fun, witty, has an ✨️amazing✨️ slow burn, and really fantastic world building. You'll pretty much be hooked right from the get go so you better read this on a day you don't have plans. Definitely not very spicy but the tension more than makes up for it.

My only complaint, and what kept me from rating it five stars to be honest, was the fmc. She was just a little bit too damsel in distressy and I felt it was a bit over the top. It's not enough to keep you from having a very positive reading experience but it's enough that you'll probably notice it.

3.5⭐️

"I like quiet time, and you talk too much." "Well, it is a good thing I am not in the running to be your wife."

This was a fun and easy read that I really enjoyed! ‘The Broken Elf King’ follows Kailani, a half human half elf who was sold into slavery to save her aunt, and ends up being sent to the kingdom of the Elf King Raife, who is closed off due to a traumatic event from his childhood. For the success of the war, they agree to a fake marriage, but as they begin to learn about each other feelings start to develop.

I really enjoyed this book, the slow burn was good and I loved the character interactions, especially when Raife was being protective. I do wish that the book was longer though! I would have loved to be able to spend more time with the characters to learn more about them, but I was able to learn enough to understand their motivations and feelings for each other. I also wish I’d gotten to see more of the pair once they finally got together but I really liked the two together and felt they had some good chemistry.

More world building would have been great as well, but I did start with this book instead of the first so that could be my fault. I’m an looking forward to continuing with the series, starting with the Dragon King which I should have started with 👀 From my understanding each book in the four book series is a standalone romance however each book is involved in an overarching plot. Even though I started with the second book I felt like I could still grasp what was happening which was great. Spoilers for the first book are in this book but it didn’t impact the experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Bloom Books for providing me with an eARC in return for an honest review.

Leia Stone does it again with The Broken Elf King, and I am even more convinced that I love this Kings of Avalier series!!

Raife Lighthouse is the King of Elves. His council is requiring that he marry or be removed from the thrown.

Kailani Dulane is from Nightfall, and has been taken into slavery due to a debt she could not repay, and ends up becoming the assistant to the king. It is her job to help him find the right girl. Turns out, he refuses everyone and they end up in a fake marriage.

An enemy to friends to lovers fantasy, this book gave me all the feel good chills. My heart broke for Raife and the guilt he has carried for so many years since the Queen of Nightfall poisoned his entire family. He really has a hard time letting anyone in. My heart sang when he realized just how in love with Lani he was.

“You consume me….” 🥰

Beautifully written story of a strong woman who stands beside the one she loves.
I cannot wait for the next book!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Pub date: 06 Feb 2024

The second book in the Kings of Avalier series is here! This one is about a girl sold as a slave who is indebted due to not being able to afford the medication her aunt needs. Kailani is a smart, capable character that is not without her faults. The Elf King is likable. He's competent to lead. His people respect him. Very refreshing. Both of these strong characters with a love for their people and protecting those who need it was endearing.
I liked this book more than the first in this series. It is a short book at 288 pages. So it isn't deeply detailed though the lands are lush with brief descriptions. Entertaining, for those who like the fake dating trope. The magic is fun and interesting. I can't wait to read the remaining books.

I received this book from NetGalley for this review. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this per the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


Description
The second book in the addictive Kings of Avalier series by USA Today bestselling author Leia Stone sweeps readers away in a fantasy romance full of forbidden love and deadly magic.

In an effort to save her sick aunt, nineteen-year-old Kailani took out a loan she knew she would never be able to repay. Now, the only way she has any chance of paying it back is if she accepts a job as the Elf King's personal assistant. Rather than fulfilling her dream of studying medicine, she has no choice but to help the king find a wife so his council will fund his war against the bloodthirsty queen who killed his entire family.

The king is rich, alarmingly handsome, and brilliant, so Kailani assumes she will have no trouble finding him someone to marry. The only problem is that he rejects every potential wife she sends his way. The more time Kailani spends with the king, the more they develop a genuine connection, and the more painful it is to try and set him up with another woman. So when he proposes a fake marriage between the two of them, Kailani is powerless to deny him. She just has to figure out how to be his wife without falling in love with him for real.

Kailani is left battling her feelings for the king while she also learns a shocking truth about her own magic that puts her life in imminent danger. As an explosive war brews, Kailani must figure out how to protect her heart and her life.

Perfect for readers who love:

Romantic fantasy books for teens
Unputdownable & bingeworthy novels
Marriage of convenience
Fake dating
Holly Black, Sarah J. Maas, and Rebecca Yarros

The Broken Elf King by Leia Stone is a perfect book for a fantast romance fan book reader. This is my 2nd book from King of Avalier series.

✅ Marriage of convenient
✅ Elf/ half breed
✅ High sexual tension
✅ Tear jerker
✅ Suspense
✅ Heart breaking moments

The storyline are addicting and the book make me feels a lot of feeling. The characters development are great and the storyline are fast paced. I really loved Kailani character. She shows a lot of strength being a person who always been rejected by the king. Despite the rejection, she always stay to heal and help the king.

I'll definitely be looking forward to read the next book by Leia Stone.

𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝐵𝓇𝑜𝓀𝑒𝓃 𝐸𝓁𝒻 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝑔 - ʟᴇɪᴀ ꜱᴛᴏɴᴇ
5✨
After reading the first book in the Kings of Avalier series I was questioning weather
I wanted to worship it or burn it (definitely mentally stable I promise ish)
After this book there was no doubt about it, I loved it! Lani was the perfect mix of bookish and kick a man in the balls. She was witty and funny. Maybe a bit too careless when it came to save other people’s lives at the cost of her own, but hey that is what a real queen should do!
I am a sucker for the fake marriage trope, the “if I ignore my feelings they don’t exist” vibe, sure if it goes on for to long it’s just annoying, but in this series you know that in each book they will end up together, so I just sit back and enjoy the ride. Here is what you will get,
💜Fake marriage
💜Friends to Lovers
💜Magical world
💜War is coming
💜Fantasy

If you like the above, this book is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bloom Books and Leia Stone for this ARC💜 I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book is one of my guilty pleasures. It is very addicting and I loved it so much! The world building is great for people just getting into fantasy. I would highly recommend this book!

★ ★ ★ ★ //5

The Broke Elf King (Kings of Avalier #2)

I want to thank the author for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Do you love a book that:

✨Royalty
✨Strong FMC
✨Fake Marriage
✨Rags — Riches
✨Magic

THOUGHTS:

This book was a great read. When I received this, I went ahead and read #1 and this book was just as good. I thought that the characters were well developed, the world building was good and the storyline was there and well written. This book left on such a cliffhanger than I have to read book #3 now.

This book has just the perfect amount/sprinkle of romance, you have the wonderful fantasy that you look for in the authors books as well as action/adventure and magic. I definitely recommend reading book #1 before reading book #2 but this is a good one for the TBR.

The Broken Elf King was good. I loved it. It was such an enjoyable read packed with action, tension, sweet moments, angst, magic and wonderful characters. I'm so glad I decided to give the second book a try after not fully loving the first one. It was awesome. It had me fully invested from beginning to end. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book to see what happens next. I definitely recommend it.