This book was excellent! Looking for a fierce female character, that’s exactly what you’ll get here. Althea has approximately 3 years to live and wants to become a legendary warrior. The problem, women are forbidden to carry or even access weapons. She must prove herself. Along for the ride, the most brutal and notorious warrior of them all. After returning from a long solitary mission, Wilder starts as Althea’s chaperone to appeal to the king. He is the perfect broody, secretive reluctant love interest. There is an undeniable attraction between the two of them. The romance plays a side role to this story, more important are the other friendships/found family that form. The training is brutal with cruel leaders and competing trainees. There were some good twists and more mysteries to be unraveled. I look forward the continuing this series.
The narrators both did an excellent job of portraying the characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for a copy of the audiobook. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

I really enjoyed this audiobook! The narration was great and easy to listen t0. The storyline had me invested and rooting for Thea. I enjoyed the chemistry between her and Hawthorn. I can’t wait to read the next book and see what happens next!

once again, this wasn’t bad at all! while yes, those characters were still the typical romantasy characters, they didn’t lean TOO much into those cliches. I especially like Thea, our MC: she is ambitious and unashamed of it, she works hard and fails and was overall a great character, in my opinion. Wilder was fine too, yes like every other MMC but the author didn’t spend too much time telling us how masculine and big he was. However what the hell was that first spicy scene? No because i’m pretty sure banging against a tree is the least comfortable thing you can imagine and it was very ridiculous, especially on audio. now THAT book is a slow burn since they’re not even together by the end of that first installment (i’m very glad, you gotta keep a girl on the edge of her seat). ngl, nothing really happens in the first 70%, it’s quite slow but it wasn’t boring either and if you liked a certain dragon rider book, i think you could enjoy this one, it has a similar element of military training, etc, etc. anyway my rambling is over. 4⭐️

If you like new age books this is the perfect book. For me personally it’s to focused on the romance. The story is interesting but detectable from the beginning. I probably won’t continue the series but there are definitely some intriguing parts.

Okay after reading back to back books by Scheurer, I can safely say she’s a new fantasy author fav for me. I LOVED this book. It’s truly a combo of everything I love. The world building is unique but not intense to the point where I ever felt confused. The characters are great individually and together, they felt very real and raw. It’s quick paced and action packed with a cliffhanger that literally has me itching to pick up book 2 immediately. Now let’s get specific, Althea makes for the perfect fmc. She is determined, tough, and loving while also being vulnerable and soft at times. What she wants and is up against is basically impossible. Wilder is powerful and broody with the sort of heart and outlook you just want to crack because you know he’s been through a lot. The side characters are fantastic. I have a soft spot for Kipp and Malik and I really hope they continue to be in the series. We get a slow burn hate to love, found family, action for days, pain and betrayal, all in a kingdom that is under threat. And the writing, it’s so good. It flows so well and has so many strong quotes and points that I really wish I slowed down to annotate. Fantastic, just fantastic!

Also since I have also read Slaying the Shadow Prince, which is set in the same world but focuses on two different main characters, I’m really glad I read it first. I feel like it gave me so much insight into Wilder and the past as well as to the world and the danger it’s in.

Such an gripping story! Really sucks you right into the world of Thezmarr. I loved the store between Althea and Wilder, of course, but also Altheas bonds with her sister and friends. Loved that it was told in dual perspectives so we could hear Wilders POV as well. If I could change one thing, it would just be to have more Wilder chapters. I would recommend this book to anyone, and I cant wait to read the next one!

This was such an enjoyable audiobook! The narrator did a great job with all of the voices and the entire story was so engaging. Set in a world where women are forbidden from ever holding a weapon, Althea Zoltaire wants nothing more than to become a warrior of legend. It has everything you could ask for in a romantasy: a heroine fated for death, a dark and swoony romantic interest, and a shadowy evil looming over everything. Would absolutely recommend to anyone who enjoys romantic fantasy!

Holy WOW! This book! I'm at a loss for words here.... I'm going to place this right up in my top 3 favorites of the year! I literally couldn't put this book down! The world building was rich and well thought out. The characters were amazing! Thea and Wilder were the best any enemies to lovers trope could ask for. Even the side characters made you fall in love with them! And a plot that has you saying "just one more chapter" until the very end!

Wow! This was incredible!! I loved so much about this. The found family trope was incredible. I absolutely loved the dog 🥺 the strength of the FMC just astounded me! Her arc was so well done. The chemistry between her and the MMC was also really well done! They annoyed each other but also complimented each other well. I also loved Malik’s (sp) character. There’s definitely so much to love about this book and I cannot wait to listen to book 2!!! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to listen to this in exchange for my honest review!

Althea wants nothing more than to leave her mark as a warrior legend, with the dark prophecy she was gives as a child looming closely behind her. Time is her enemy.

Her dreams clash with the harsh truth that women are forbidden to wield blades. That is until she pleads her case, and is granted the same grueling training as the other want-to-be protectors of Thezmarr.

We also watch her slow developing relationship with the infuriating and powerful Wilder Hawthorne. She begins to melt his icy disposition and they’re at a constant battle of desire vs. duty.

I truly love when an author puts a lot of focus on side characters as she did for Kip, Cal & Wren. It makes for a much more well rounded story when you’re emotionally attached to several people!

Perfect ending that makes you want to immediately dive into book 2!

Huge thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the lovely author Helen Scheuerer for the arc 🖤

Blood & Steel is my favourite romantasy book of the year! I loved everything about it - the characters, the sisters, the found family, the romance and action! A perfect recipe of troupes!
Dax has to be one of my favourite animal companions and needs a special mention!
I can’t wait for more Wilder *swoons* I feel we only got snippets of him and this really kept me wanting more. I read this book before and also now have got to experience the audio. The narrators fit to the characters so well! It is always great to have the different narrators for the POVs as this intensifies the experience. Thank you to the NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an Audio-ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

Embarking on a journey within the pages of 'Blood & Steel' felt like stepping into a world where dreams clash with harsh realities. Althea Zoltaire, determined to break societal norms, fights against the ticking clock to achieve her aspirations of becoming a warrior legend in a world where women are forbidden to wield blades. The narrative unfolds gradually, weaving a tale of sparring, camaraderie, and the looming threat of darkness.

The slow-burn romance between Thea and Wilder adds depth to the story, their evolving dynamic amidst the challenges they face is gripping. The supporting characters, Kip and Cal, add humor and warmth into the narrative, crafting a delightful friendship that envelops Thea as she navigates her trials.

While categorized as fantasy, 'Blood & Steel' leans more towards romance, offering a lighter fantasy experience without extensive political intrigue or overwhelming world-building. This aspect makes it an excellent entry point for those new to the fantasy genre or seeking a break from intricate settings. However, occasional quirks in the audiobook narration, like Thea's intermittent southern accent, slightly distract from the otherwise engaging storytelling.

Overall, 'Blood & Steel' is a captivating journey into a world where determination, found friendships, and the pursuit of dreams prevail. It’s a fun, entertaining story with a compelling blend of fantasy and romance that will appeal to those seeking a lighter fantasy read.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ☆ ☆ (3.5/5)
Spicy Level: 🌶🌶☆☆☆ (2/5)

Note: This review is based on an Advanced Readers Copy audiobook provided by Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, and Helen Scheuerer. Thank you to those for allowing me to listen to this fun story!

A big "THANK YOU!" to Helen Scheuerer, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an eARC of this audiobook!

Finding a fantasy series that immerses you so thoroughly in the story you get lost is my ultimate goal as a reader. I listened to this 15 hour audio book in less than a day. I was so immersed in Thea and Wilder's story that I kept this book running while I worked, walked the dog, cooked, and did chores around the house. When it ended, I immediately had to see if book 2 was ready and now January 9th can't come soon enough!

I have to admit - I was skeptical about this book. It got off to a slow start for me and took me an hour or so to really get into, but I knew I had to keep going because the book's description roped me in. Once I got going and got used to the narrators, there was no looking back!

The whole premise of the book ensnared me - Thea is 24 and is fated to die at 27. She wants to be a warrior, but due to a prophecy it is against the law for women to wield swords. Thea gets caught with a dagger one day and has to go plead her case before the king to see if he'll allow her train to become a guardian. Of course, the person who caught her with a dagger is none other than a tall, dark, handsome, and super grumpy man who hates her, but sets us up for a wonderful enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance plot as he has to escort her to the capital to plead her case before the king.

Things I loved:

The characters!: I really enjoyed getting to know the characters in this novel. Not only is Thea relatable in that she wants to leave her mark on the world before she falls victim to her fate, but her band of misfit friends are absolutely adorable and funny. (There is one scene when Thea is eavesdropping on her friends that did break my heart a little, but Helen fixed it... so do not fear!) The villain in the story curdled my blood every time he was brought up - and if that isn't great writing, I don't know what is.

The World Building!: I also absolutely loved the world building. Fantasy world building is hard, but I felt like Helen did a great job building the world from where the story takes place, out. She familiarized us with the basics of the kingdom and the realm, but didn't go overboard with explanations about what can or cannot happen with magic and what lies on the other side of the veil. It leaves a lot of possibility to bring other fantasy/magical elements into the series instead of creating limits on what is believable to happen within this world as the series continues.

The Side Plots! (and the overarching plot in general): I also thought Helen did a great job incorporating small side plots into the overarching plot. I almost died from laughter at the Laughing Fox scene and honestly hope we get to see more of Kip's antics there.

A few things that I thought could use some work:

Pacing - there were moments when I felt like the events were dragging out over weeks/months and only a day or so had passed. The stab wound scenes for example - no one is recovering and getting back on the sparring field that quickly!

Wilder's scenes - I know we all love a good "Guy's point-of-view" scene, but these were scattered too far apart. I feel like if an author is going to incorporate these scenes, they need to be done a bit more frequently than was done in this book. I would often forget that we even saw Wilder's perspective until it would pop up in a random chapter. If we're going to keep going down the path with his POV, we need more of it sprinkled in.

Overall, I did truly enjoy this book and can't wait for the next book in the series to come out! 4 out of 5 stars!

Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer
Genre: fantasy romance
Format: audiobook
Length: 14 hours and 53 minutes
Narrators: Mollie Stark and Sebastian Grove
Series: The Legends of Thezmarr: Book One
Moods: adventurous, emotional, and tense
Pacing: Medium

Read this if you enjoy:
🫠WHO DID THIS TO YOU
🔥Slow Burn
📜Prophecy
🥰Found Family

Big thank you to NetGalley, Helen Scheuerer, and Dreamscape Media for an advanced listening copy of this book. All thoughts/opinions are completely my own.

Say hello to my new fantasy obsession. It’s got all the things that I love in a good romantasy story! The banter and chemistry just really worked for me. I always struggle with the first book in a series just because there is so much world building and my brain processes things rather slowly. But I'm so excited to dive into book two which is thankfully already out!

My biggest complaint about this book was that I didn't really vibe well with the male narrator.

Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer is the first book in The Legends of Thezmarr series, an epic romantic fantasy. This is a book for adults only as it contains explicit content. Tropes include enemies to lovers (well, more like reluctant/forbidden lovers since they really weren’t enemies for long), found family and who-touched-you.

The Lovely: There is so much to love in this book - the characters (and their growth), the plot, the spice and the world. Probably my favorite were the characters - especially the main character (she’s no wallflower!) and her romantic interest. But, the other non-main characters were fleshed out as well. The spice was written in a way that it seemed believable to the characters relationship at the time and there was tension leading up to the spicy scenes. I even loved how the monsters were written - dark, almost ethereal, but deadly.

Audiobook Qualities: This audiobook was dual narrated by Mollie Stark and Sebastian Grove. I loved the female narrator, especially for how she portrayed Thea and her sister. Her narration of the MMC and the other male characters was ok, but not as distinct or as deep as I would have expected. I loved loved Sebastian’s narration of Wilder - it was perfect.

Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 spicy flames

Recommendation: I received an advance listening copy for free from NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This audiobook quickly drew me in and I couldn’t turn it off. I did listen to it on 1.25x speed (my usual). Having now listened to This audiobook and the Slaying the Shadow Prince audiobook in a different order than how I originally read them, I can say that this book can easily be read before OR after Slaying the Shadow Prince. But, both need to be read before Vows and a ruins, the second book in the series. I loved the audiobook format of this, especially as a re-read. This book is a definite 100 percent recommend.

Thank you so much to Net Galley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with a free copy of “Blood and Steel (Legends of Thezmar #1)” by Helen Scheurer in exchange for an honest review. All of the following opinions are formulated on my own. Any quotes in this review should be cross-referenced with the final copy for any possible edits.

Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Audiobook Narrator Rating: 5 out 5 stars

My review: Blood & Steel was an amazing start to a new series by Helen Scheurer. It is so incredibly written without missing out on any details. We watch the author craft a story leaving bits and pieces pointing to answers we get later in the story. All of these characters are so loveable, but also incredibly flawed in the best way. I truly cannot wait to see more of Wren, Cal, Thea, Malik, the dog and Kipp in the next book!


<b> Notable Themes, Elements, and Tropes: </b>
- Soldiers
- Hidden Identities
- Magic & Alchemy
- Endangered Kingdom
- Only one horse
- Ill-Fated Love
- Body Wramth to Stay Alive

Very predictable. Damaged past MC and FMC 'whose not like other girls'
It was very obvious where this was going.

These types of books are my happy place. FMC who wants to kick some butt and will do anything to see her goals fulfilled. Then there’s a hot MMC who she can’t have, but really wants, chuck in some magic, quests and trials and you’ve got me hook, line and sinker.

I liked Althea as the FMC and her little group of friends she found. The chapters from Hawthorne’s POV were quite short, so I would have loved to get a bit more of his story. Hopefully in the next instalment, which I will be keeping an eye out for.

Thanks to #NetGallery and the publisher. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Format: Audio
POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ /5
Age suggestion: 18+

Thea racing against her looming death makes her so determined to prove herself and make her mark on the world. The slow burn of love makes her goals even harder to prove she is worthy of being a protector of the realms. All the ups and downs she has and all the fighting to prove herself among the narrow minded men makes this book a real page turner. Then she discovers she has magic and does not know how to use is. That is one of the best cliff hangers I could ask for. I can not wait until book 2 to continue Thea’s story.

Woah Readers, I LOVED this book! I was enthralled by the seamless worldbuilding, engaging storyline, and the variety of lovable characters (except !!! Helen Scheuerer wrote an amazing well paced, easy to read, action packed romantasy!

Thea is such a sassy, fierce and determined heroine. I loved her growth throughout the book and I cheered for every one of her victories, I mean GIRL POWER in this completely male-run world!!! AHHH Wilder Hawthorne has been added to my book boyfriend list!! At first he’s such a broody jerk but then Thea’s personality chips away his steel armor and he cannot stop from wanting her to achieve her goals and fighting beside her. Their chemistry from dislike to reluctant allies to lovers' slow burn was utterly entertaining.

The found family aspect with Cal and Kip had my heart so happy. This trio was fire from the beginning!! Omg the last 20% of the book, so much happens and I am left with some many questions. It ends in a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what the next part and how the journey unfolds.

I had the pleasure of getting the ARC Audiobook, which was amazing. Mollie Stark was absolutely perfect!!! I loved all the different ranges she did for the different characters and the way she put emotion into the scenes! Sebastian Grove did good for the MMC, he has the broody voice down.