I’ve read Ice Planet Barbarians and I loved it and this book did not disappoint either!!!
One thing that I always look forward to when reading books is the world building. This book had great world building. This book moves at a fast pace and sometimes that ruins the story but not in this book. I really enjoyed it and wish that there was another book:)

Listen, I LOVE Ruby Dixon. I made the public library I work at order all the Ice Planet Barbarians books, and her romantic fantasy is just as good, usually. But this one just didn't quite hit the mark for me. The overall idea and plot is interesting and good, and the writing is great (it always is with Ruby Dixon), but this just felt a little...messy. I went in to it expecting a little bit of Rapunzel, a little bit of Beauty and the Beast. Everything just moves a little too fast, in terms of the romance, but the spice was good. I love an inexperienced MMC. I didn't really understand the logistics of the tower, and this book is loooong. But it's Ruby Dixon, and so I did eat it up with a spoon.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
This was my first Ruby Dixon novel, and soon after beginning I looked into her and discovered she's the queen of monster romance. Diving in I wasn't sure what to expect as an avid fantasy reader I thought I was prepared...woops.
Candra moves into the tower in place of her now deceased younger sister to play the role of sacrificial royal for an unhappy goddess, while there she discovers how incredibly spoiled she has been as a princess. When she begins to depend on the Fellian "monster" locked in the tower with her, they soon fall in love.
But as we know, not all is well in love and war. Candra and Nemeth are put to the test time after time throughout the novel. With a few twists and turns to keep you guessing, this was a fast paced read that kept me turning the pages.

***Spoilers***
The unplanned pregnancy trope is really not my favourite, and I found predictable from the emphasis on the blood curse and tea with the herb. But for those who like those turns of events, I'm sure it would've made the story that much more appealing.

Steamy!! Spicy!! A Monster Romance that is a must to read! I loved it. I couldn't stop reading this book. It was so smutty and good! Right up there with Ruby Dixons Barbarian series! I can't wait to read more from her. One the the Queens of Monster Smut!!
I just reviewed Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon. #BoundtotheShadowPrince #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

I was not sure what to expect when I started this book. I have never read "creature" romances before but I was surprised with how much I enjoyed this one. I will be looking more into this genre to see what it has to offer!

I absolutely love Ruby Dixon’s style of writing. I also really loved the plot line of the books and I genuinely felt the anxieties of the main character when it came to her living situation and struggles with it. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but this book was just missing something for me that the others I’ve read had. The miscommunication trope also was used very heavily and it seemed to be the main reason for their relationship issues the entire book with not a lot of variation from that.

This book, like all of Ruby Dixon's books, was fantastic. I enjoyed reading every part of this story. The characters and world are detailed enough to start another long series. I loved how she was able to span such a long period of time and the way she introduced twists as they came. I was so connected to this book that after finishing, I wanted to keep reading to find out what happens in the world afterward.

The romance, as always, was phenomenal. There is a push-pull relationship and forced proximity. Candra and Nemeth play off of each other really well. I like how they are able to share stories from their different backgrounds to find similarities and differences.

Love love love; will read again.

WOW.
This was a masterpiece of intrigue, passion, and growth. Candra was such a selfish woman at the beginning of the book, but had fair reasons to be the way she was. Her court was awful and chronic illness took most of her choices away from her. Nemeth had his reasons to be who he was as well.
This is the slowest burn I’ve seen from Ruby Dixon, and it fit the overarching plot so well. The forced proximity and enemies to lovers tropes fit in organically. It was high stakes and packed with difficult choices that both characters had to make. I LOVE being surprised by plot twists, and there were several that caught me off guard.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Spice: 4.5/5

SOME TRIGGERS ARE SPOILERS

Triggers: starvation, severe illness, murder, genocide, war, poison, SA (MC, limited description, groping), SA (off page, side character), slavery, pregnancy, captivity, murder of child (off page), gore, violence, pet death

Bound to the Shadow Prince
By: Ruby Dixon
Princess Candra is imprisoned in an isolated tower for seven years with only Nemeth, a magnetic yet fearsome winged warrior, for company. Though initially terrified of him, Candra feels an undeniable, forbidden attraction. Trapped together in tight quarters, tensions mount between them for better or worse. This steamy adult monster romance explores their enemies-to-lovers relationship unfolding against the backdrop of greater kingdom wars and betrayals.
Tropes:
✨Fantasy
✨Monster Romance
✨Forced Proximity
✨Forbidden Romance
✨Enemies to Friends to Lovers
✨Injury Trope
✨He takes care of her when she’s sick
✨My Mate
✨Lies and betrayal
✨Enemy Kingdoms
Spicy Chapters:
17, 18, 20, 26, 27, 29, 30, 33, 34, 36, 41, 46, 55
Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

💭Thoughts:
This is the first book that I have read by Ruby Dixon. I have heard fantastic things about her most popular series, “Ice Planet Barbarians,” which is on my TBR. I enjoyed this book; it was steamy and had enough world-building to visualize where the characters were.
Feedback/Constructive Criticism:
If you are writing a book set in a historical/fantasy period, make sure your characters are using words, phrases, and sayings that fit the time period. I have a hard time looking past that when I am trying to get lost in a book.
The ending felt rushed. I saw where the plot was going, and the ending made sense. But it could have used another 25-50 pages worth of conflict resolution.

*This Book was provided as an ARC through Netgalley*

It's neither B&B nor Rapunzel but steals elements from both for a basically soft erotica concoction that has some plot somewhere. Not for me!

Thank you netgalley and publishers for allowing me to give my opinion on this book.

I'm a suckered for a great enemies to lovers, forced proximity and touch her and dye vibes.

I really enjoyed this read. Two different characters coming together for their benefit resulting in great banter to become lovers.

This fantasy monster romance was amazing. It is an enemy to lovers. I loved the development of the mc’s and personal growth they both had. It was a human bratty princess with a blood curse and a rival bat like prince sent to a tower for 7yrs to appease the Gods. Well nothing turned out right so when they left the tower into a world or turmoil and strife their journey began again. With magic and war it was a challenge to get the two races to to work together. It was a great read.

Over this was a fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed the overall plot! The world was really thought out, their was history, magic, tales of the past and it all played an important part in the over arching plot.

Things I liked:
-FMC was stubborn and hard headed
-FMC had no idea how to take care of herself
-Forced Proximity- locked in a tower
-The whole story didn't take place in the tower. ( There was an after the tower plot line)
-MMC has bat wings
-MMC is very caring

Things that I did like:
-The length- felt long and some parts moved slow

Prince Nemeth of the First House of Darkfell and Princess Candromeda Vestalin.
Two very different species.
Two very different individuals must come together and live in a tower for 7 years together.
Locked away for 7 years to appease the Gods.

The whole plot and premise of the story is exactly why I decided to read this book. I love a good strangers to lovers, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, different species, different customs - trope of a book.
The fact that these two individuals must spend seven years in a tower with no windows, no modern technology, I wanted to see how a book of almost 600 pages was going to go.
And I have to say that I absolutely love this book.

Princess Candra ended up being the ultimate sacrifice from her family. She’s never quite felt worthy as she is stuck with a blood curse, and it also makes her sterile. A princess who cannot bear an heir is an easy sacrifice, especially one as promiscuous and mouthy as Candra.

“He’s a polite monk of a Fellian who just happens to be trapped in a tower with a princess of loose morals who really, wants to ride his cock.”

Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Size Difference
Forced Proximity
Wings, Horns, and Tails.
She’s Mine vibes
Battles, Betrayals, Secrets, Half Truth’s, and Plot Twists
HEA


This was one huge adventure.
I felt like the story flowed really well, and it kept me interested even being almost 600 pages long.
I do wish there was more in the aftermath of everything and in the epilogue.
The ending did feel a bit rushed.
I don’t know if this is a standalone, but I’m really hoping that we see more in this world . 🦇🖤

CW: pregnancy, sexual assault (implied, off page), death of a child (off page), murder, plague, probably more I can't remember

Overall, this book was ridiculous and delightful. I've recently started reading more fantasy/shifter/monster romance and this one seemed like it might be good, so I hit that request button on NetGalley. Not gonna lie, the first couple chapters were really rough as the writing quality was... pretty bad. I don't know if that quality just really improves or if my brain sort of pushed past it, but around the time Candra gets to the tower, I was pretty immersed. Some of the twists I predicted right from the beginning, but a bunch of others took me by surprise. The book is on the longer side, partially because there is a *lot* of sexy scenes. It takes a while to get there, but once it does, Candra and Nemeth have a field day with it. I've only read a couple monster romances so far, so I can't really say how it compares, but I felt it was generally well done. Don't expect, like, deep commentary on the world or a beautiful plot arc, but it truly fulfills the job of a sexy monster romance!

Ruby Dixon is absolutely one of my favorite authors, and Bound to the Shadow Prince was no exception to that. I loved this story from the beginning, and couldn't wait until I got to the next chapter.

We follow Candra, a princess who has lived her entire life dealing with a sickness and being pampered in every aspect, knowing that there was no expectation of her at all, however, when the royal family hears of the death of her sister, she is thrown into the sacrificial position that her sister was supposed to fulfill - being locked up in the tower for seven years with a Fellian known as Nemeth, who is an enemy of her people, and whom she has been trained to believe is evil and unworthy, and must be 'dealt with in any way necessary' to ensure that their people continue to flourish.
Spoiler alert!!
I loved Nemeth so much, and his 'knot' was a beautiful and fun twist! Candra and Nemeth formed a beautiful relationship, and you cannot help but fall in love with both of them and root for them to be successful in their journey, from the beginning all the way through.

I'm so excited to have received this arc, and cannot wait to read the next amazing Ruby release! 5++++++++ stars!

In this captivating read, the author masterfully weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Through a blend of richly developed characters and a meticulously crafted plot, the book offers a unique exploration of its central themes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the story's depth and complexity. The narrative is paced perfectly, balancing moments of intense action with thoughtful reflection, ensuring that readers are hooked from the first page to the last. The author's ability to evoke emotion and create a vivid, immersive world is truly remarkable, making this book a must-read for anyone looking for an exceptional literary experience.

Beyond its compelling storyline, the book stands out for its insightful commentary on the human condition, weaving philosophical questions into the fabric of its narrative. The author's skillful use of language not only enriches the text but also elevates the reader's experience, offering new perspectives on familiar themes. Whether it's the intricate dynamics of relationships, the exploration of identity, or the confrontation with ethical dilemmas, this book tackles complex issues with sensitivity and intelligence. It's a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the nuances of life, making it a valuable addition to any book lover's collection. Regardless of genre, this is a work that resonates on multiple levels, affirming the enduring impact of well-crafted literature.

Oh.My.Goodness. Talk about enemies to lovers, amirite? Candra and Nemeth are on opposite sides of a very old divide and they're forced to spend seven years together in a tower with only one another for company and I CAN'T HANDLE HOW MUCH I LOVED THESE TWO TOGETHER.

Frankly, Candra is a hot mess when she first gets sent to the tower. She's a little shallow (not her fault, simply a product of her upbringing and being the "useless, cursed" sister), she can barely take care of herself, and she's woefully unprepared for everything. Literally everything. She's also kind of convinced Nemeth is very much a bad guy and it takes a while before she gets over that.

As for Nemeth, he might look like a monster to Candra (at first, at least), but he's a good person through and through. He helps her when she becomes ill because it's the right thing to do and slowly the two of them begin to lean on one another as the weeks and months tick away. When the unthinkable happens and they're forced to leave the tower or starve to death, he's willing to sacrifice himself again and again if it means she'll be safe.

War, political intrigue, a cozy tower (although maybe it isn't cozy all the time), two people stumbling their way into a relationship, a knot or two that leads to some VERY good times, danger, sibling rivalries of epic proportions, a scholarly Fellian who risks everything for the woman he's grown to love, and a princess who learns that she's not nearly as useless as she's been told. MAN, I liked these two and this world and everything going on here. *thumbs up*

Bound to the Shadow Prince is a steamy romance novel that probably should come with a warning. May be addictive and highly sexual. The story follows Candra who comes across as spoiled being offered up to the gods in the way of giving up her life for seven years. She encounters Nemeth, who must also give up his life for seven years, and a budding romance starts. The question is not of if the romance will happen but if the romance will last with all the trials they encounter. I found this book to be very steamy (lots of spicy scenes), which I normally don't mind but just about every chapter had a mention about being horny or wanting sex. Added to that, I felt towards the end, things were rushed to come to a conclusion. I enjoyed the difference elements and scenarios the characters were put in, but once we were nearing the end, things happened very quickly. I sympathized a lot with Nemeth as I readily loved his character and rooted for him when even Candra had doubts. I would have loved to have gotten a peak into his point of view as not everything is always what it seems. Give this book a try. You will be hooked. even if you put it down for a few days, you end up coming right back to reading it.

This was a long read, which was what I was looking for. This is my first book from Ruby Dixon and now I want to read many more! The spice and plot were both phenomenal and the slow burn in the beginning had me wanting more (in a good way)!