LJ can literally do no wrong! You guys are not ready for Roark! He takes the whole strong, silent type to a whole new level. He is everything we could hope for and more in a broody soldier/guard. The tension, the chemistry, just everything between him and Lyra is perfection. Not only are the MCs amazing, but the side characters have so much depth and bring so much to the storyline.

From the moment Lyra Bien’s quiet life is shattered by the arrival of Roark Ashwood, this book grips you and refuses to let go. This enthralling fantasy delivers everything a reader could hope for—high stakes, deep secrets, a fierce heroine, and a slow-burning romance that smolders with intensity.

Lyra is a heroine to root for: courageous, intelligent, and willing to risk everything to protect those she loves. Her journey from a hidden talent to the King’s feared melder is laced with tension and heartbreak, making every step feel earned. And then there’s Roark—the silent, enigmatic warrior whose reputation as a killer masks a far more complex reality. Their chemistry crackles on the page, their reluctant alliance evolving into something deeper as they face the sinister forces at play.

Beyond the romance, the novel shines with its richly woven world and suspenseful twists. Every revelation pulls you deeper into Lyra’s struggle for freedom, leading to a thrilling climax that will leave you breathless. Fans of gripping fantasy, forbidden magic, and slow-burn romance will devour this book in one sitting.

If you’re looking for a story with heart-pounding action, dark intrigue, and an unforgettable love story, this book is an absolute must-read!

LJ can literally do no wrong! You guys are not ready for Roark! He takes the whole strong, silent type to a whole new level. He is everything we could hope for and more in a broody soldier/guard. The tension, the chemistry, just everything between him and Lyra is perfection. Not only are the MCs amazing, but the side characters have so much depth and bring so much to the storyline.

The magic system itself truly is so unique and unlike anything I've read before. It had my interests piqued from the start. The plot twists and overall anticpation for what's to come were so intense and had me holding my breath in so many instances. I will literally rave about this book to anyone and everyone. I desperately need the next book because the bomb of a cliffhanger she leaves us with is just unfair.

♾️⭐️

LJ can truly do no wrong. I've read countless of her books and they never cease to amaze me with the worldbuilding, intricate magic and swoon-worthy romance. Roark- A DREAM. It was so unique to have a mute MMC who uses sign language and other methods of communication and it was done beautifully in my opinion and made their connection all the more special.
I love how outspoken and bada$$ Lyra (our FMC) is and she was such a balance to Roark in so many ways. The tension, yearning and chemistry between the two was perfection. The story was action-packed and I was hooked the entire time.
The imagery was perfect and I felt truly immersed in the story, as I always do with LJ's worlds.
The ending? I need more!!
Huge thank you to Berkley for the e-ARC!

What an amazing story! I am a huge fan of LJ’s work, and getting lost in this new world was so much fun. The magic was so interesting and unique - I can’t wait to dive more into it in the next book. I loved the tension between Lyra and Roark - it was a slow burn, but did it ever ignite! The last 25% had me on the edge of my seat, the twists were so well executed! Some I picked up on clues for, others were a total shock (in the best way). This was a fantastic read!

Thank you to LJ Andrews and Berkley for the advanced reading copy, thoughts and review are my own.

“Break me, I no longer care, as long as it is you who wields the destruction.”

Another masterpiece by LJ Andrews👏🏼

I didn’t think it would get better than the Ever Seas, however I am always so surprised at how captivating her stories are.
The level of depth she brings to her characters, even when they can’t speak is mind blowing.

The devotion, the yearning, the found family, the wickedness. All done so perfectly!

I don’t know how else to describe Broken Souls and Bones besides - Incredible.

Plot - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Details - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice - 🌶️🌶️

I love this author! She always knows how to keep you reading.

Enemies to lovers? Say less! The best part is he signs and doesn’t speak, so when he realizes she knows how to communicate with him, *swoon*

YES! Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! One of the best romantic fantasies I've read lately. The characters are wonderful... especially Roark. He is such a unique character on his own. I LOVE how the author incorporated "sign language/hand speak" into the story. Good tension, banter and forced proximity between main characters. Great job LJ Andrews! I can't wait to see how this story progresses in the next book!

This was so addicting!

Will be adding Roark Ashwood to the Aragorn coded shadow daddy mmc roster tyyyyyy

Lyra is a sheltered young girl with a hidden past who is reluctantly exposed as the next great magic user for the kingdom. The princes’ lethal & silent guard is assigned to protect her from those who would seek to have her killed and upend the king’s plans to exploit her power.

It is extremely satisfying to me when an author’s writing perfectly matches the tone of a high stakes plot! The nods to Viking culture/Norse mythology interwoven into this world made this such an atmospheric & immersive reading experience, I ended up reading in only two sittings. For a first book in a new series, I was not anticipating feeling so endeared to these characters but LJ Andrews did a phenomenal job of making me feel invested into every single one! I’m so curious to see how everything will pick up in the next book because this ending was BRUTAL!

One really special element I want to mention is the way in which the mmc communicates. This mmc is mute from a previous injury so uses a variance of sign language to speak and I found this to be such a beautifully inclusive addition to the fantasy genre.

I would like to see more development between the leads as a unit in the next installment as some parts of their dynamic seemed hastened over after their initial coupling.

Read if you like:
— Vikings
— Norse mythology
— Reluctant allies to lovers
— Slow burn
— Broody but soft mmc
— Unique magic system
— Found family
— Betrayals

Where do I even begin with this one! I am thoroughly unwell! LJ Andrews has done it, once again, with this fanFREAKINGtastic story! I am in awe of the magnificent words she writes and the vividly detailed worlds she continues to create. Broken Souls and Bones does not disappoint in the least. Every book gets better and better; and I’m going to have to go out a limb and say this is now my favorite book LJ has written.

This book sucked me in, hook line and sinker, from the very first sentence. It’s fast paced and exciting and teeming with the most incredible magic and brilliantly crafted storytelling. This incredible Romantasy is filled with Vikings, Norse lore, unique magic the most amazing found family, a fierce FMC and a broody swoon worthy MMC.

Every single character is so masterfully crafted with incredible depth. Lyra, the FMC, is quite strong and unabashedly outspoken, while also fiercely loyal and protective of her “family” and loved ones. She doesn’t just confirm and accept her lot in life. She plows headfirst into figuring out what she needs to do. Roark, our beloved MMC, is broody yet so lovable. His silence speaks volumes. I find it inspiring that LJ Andrews chose to create such a strong non verbal character. His hand speak is incredibly unique and unlike anything else I have ever read. The devotion and yearning between the two of them is done so perfectly!

If you love Viking/Norse lore, enemies to lovers with delicious slow burn tension and angst, a bodyguard/ward dynamic, forced proximity, burn the world for her and a hunt at “fates mates” then you will 1000% fall head over heels in love with this book.

I want to give a huge Thank you to Berkeley Publishing, NetGalley and LJ Andrews for the absolute honor and delight of reading this advanced copy.

excuse me this was amazing?! i was absolutely enraptured from beginning to end and stayed up til 2 am finishing it. this is the kind of fantasy world i’ve been missing lately with just enough romance for the lover girl in me to be satisfied and it didn’t take away from the story! (i also didn’t expect it to be a bit steamy 🫣) love love loved!!!

Broken Souls and Bones review
Firstly, wanted to thank Berkeley, Netgally, and LJ Andrews for the opportunity to ARC read this book.

Second, oh my god. I really enjoyed this book. From Lyra discovering the intricacies of her craft, to learning more and more about Roark, everything just flowed super naturally and kept me hooked. I cannot do slow paced books. I just can’t, I don’t think I have it in me. That being said, the pacing of this book was utter perfection. Like with any book LJ writes, I quite literally could not put it down.

I loved the diversity of our characters. Writing a character who does not speak verbally and has his own language of sign is not something that is usually done well, but LJ conveyed everything beautifully. I also loved how the ever revolving theme of souls came full circle at the end.

Speaking of the end, that ending?!?! I’m usually fairly decent guessing the plot/twists in books, but this one had be pretty well in the dark until the end just like everyone else. I can’t wait to see where we go for the next book, because that ending set us up for a whole new adventure for Lyra and Roark.

Overall rating 5⭐️
Spice rating- 3 🌶️
Bonus spice points for close proximity, character tension, and communication style 😏🥵🪭

One thing that LJ Andrews does so well is write such interesting and intricate worlds! While the bone and blood mending was a little confusing I did find this world easy to understand.

I loved the sign language rep and thought it was so cool how Roark and Thane created their own signs and way to communicate.

The slow burn was definitely slow but it worked for this story. Overall I thought the story was good and am happy I got to read it!

Once again, I am in awe of another book of LJ's.

The world that she has created is incredible. Just enough to keep you intrigued in book 1, but room for so much expansion. I want to get my hands on a map of the world so badly!!

The magic was very unique. Blood, bone, and soul magic! Some of it did get a little gruesome, but nothing too outrageous.

The forced proximity between Lyra and Roark had me swooning and kept my eyes glued to the screen. I did not want to put this book down ever. And after following LJ on social media and seeing her sneak peeks at this book, I thought I would expire at Roark's first "tap tap tap" IYKYK.

She also has an absolutely fantastic way of crafting side characters that you just adore! Every single person that Lyra surrounded herself with just added more to the story.

I know book 1 hasn't even published yet and I'm already in desperate need of any crumbs for book 2!

Read if you love:
-Vikings
-Unique bone magic
-Sign language rep
-Forced proximity
-Banter
-Found family

Thank you to Berkeley, the author, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date:2/7/25, Release date: 4/29/25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
🌶️🌶️ 1/2

I have a new world to be lost in…
 
Set in viking territory, a divided kingdom fights for control of the crafts: bone, blood, and soul. And all of them want the rare melder, one who can use all three.

Lyra Bien has been in hiding since childhood, hiding herself so that those in power cannot use her; however, she is found by Roark, the royal sentry, after being betrayed. Roark appears to despise Lyra for her craft and Lyra feels the same as he forces her away from her home, along with other crafters in her village. Lyra is fiercely protective of her own and knows how to use a blade.

Once in place as the king’s melder, Roark is placed as her 24/7 personal protection. As Roark and Lyra spend more time together, there appears to be a connection we can’t quite place. Roark is mute and uses sign language, which Lyra is quick to pick up. Vague memories they share, but from different vantage points.

As they navigate her magic and his purpose while navigating suspicions and betrayals, they grow closer and closer until its time for decisions to be made and loyalties to be declared. 

I love Roark and Lyra (sigh). The use of sign language here is an amazing dynamic. It’s not only a reflection of his tragic childhood, but also a demonstration of connection. How he taps her cheek to say “mine” or spells words against her spine that are just for the two of them. LJ wrote the development of their relationship so wonderfully, nothing felt skipped or rushed for me.

I also love the magic system in this world, giving new twists on the crafts: the cost of their use, the lore behind their existence, how the kingdoms feel towards each one. All of it is interesting and feels like still more is to be uncovered.

The Found Family theme was strong and I loved what each character brought to the story. LJ does a great job of developing the characters: histories, evolving relationships, & remaining mysteries.

While I found myself a little lost during the world-building and initial introduction of the magic, most of it came together for me. It was a little disappointing to get so far in a book and still not have a clear picture on who a certain group is. That being said, that could be a “me” problem so I’ll likely do a re-read soon so I can see if I can fill in those gaps.

This is book one in a series so of course we don’t end with everything wrapped up in a nice bow BUT…another thing I love about LJ is that her books don’t rely on crazy cliffhangers, but rather take a To Be Continued approach. It’s nice to have a natural pause in the story that leaves us wanting more.

This book is an amazing addition to the LJ Andrews lineup and I will help do my part to keep this on all of your radars so you read it when it releases on April 29th !

🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🩶 Fierce FMC
🗡️ Fated Mates
🩶 Found Family
🗡️ Forced Proximity
🩶 Slow Burn
🗡️ Banter

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Themes: enemies to lovers, found family, sign language rep, unique magic system. Forced proximity, touch her and 💀 , dual POV </b><br>
<b>* Thank you Ace publishing, NetGalley and LJ Andrews for the ARC copy. All thoughts are my own</b><br>

Lyra is an amazing female main character who knows where her heart lies. The start of her character arc is amazing and I can’t wait to see where is goes.
Roark is a stoic man who believes loyalty is the most important thing. I believe his arc will really make Roark look into himself and try to find who is and will shake his foundations.
Together, are truly are enemies who turn lovers. The banter between the two is amazing and is felt even when sign language is use.
The smut is extremity well written and helps to aide the relationship between the two. It also helps to aide and support the plot rather then be the entire plot.
The way the sign language is written allows us to feel the emotions similar to spoken word.
The side characters are well written and very easy to love. Creating a strong bond between the characters and the reader. <br>
Once again, I’m left utterly speechless, starting into the abyss when I finished this book. And I mean this is the most amazing way. I cried, laughed and dropped my jaw in shock.
LJ Andrews has yet again created such a beautifully crafted world, with a unique magic system, and unique characters. She continues to prove why her romantasys set my standard.
<i> Broken Souls and Bones </i> is an amazing start to a new series. I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.

The slow burn! This might be LJ's best book yet! I savoured this one ~ I love the broody Shadow Daddy and I absolutely love enemies-to-lovers and villain gets the girl ... this story has BOTH!

LJ has done it gain bringing yet another badass sassy FMC, a fiercely feral MMC, multidimensional side characters, a unique magic system... I could go on for a while! Secrets, lies and betrayal all lie within the pages of this amazing world built on the bones of Norse mythology and folklore inspiration. Witty banter was not overplayed and blended seemlessly into conversation.

That ending actually snuck up on me. There were zero, and I mean ZERO clues that it would happen! And then, it was over. WHAT? Book 2 needs to happen SO FAST! Please and thank you!


Thank you Berkley Publishing House | Ace and LJ Andrews for giving me the opportunity to read this book early! It was a tremendous read. This review will be posted to Goodreads, Fable, Story graph, Indigo and Amazon closer to the release date.

⚔️ This one is about Lyra Bien, an unassuming woman who lost her entire family at a young age. Lyra lives in a village far away from the King’s stronghold of Stonegate, by design. She possesses a rare form of magic, called bone melding, that the king would exploit if he were to find out about her existence. The only outward signs of her magic are silver scars in her eyes. Lyra manages to remain hidden until one day, when Roark Ashwood, the silent sentry to the king, comes to her village and forces her and several other magic users to leave for the King’s fortress. Lyra detests Roark, until she begins to get acquainted with him. The more she learns, the more fascinating he becomes, and she learns to speak sign language with her hands so that she can communicate with him more easily. But dark forces are standing against Lyra and Roark.

⚔️ Well, LJ Andrews has done it again, she made a whole new world with a found family of side characters to love. I really enjoy immersing myself in the worlds that LJ creates, they are so rich and detailed with an all new magic system and a broad world that starts small for the reader and then gradually expands as the story continues. LJ’s worlds have women who are just as badass as the men, even without necessarily being skilled with a blade. They start off with sass and gumption and then slowly gain skills and confidence until they can hold their own in any situation and become the queens they were meant to be. Every time I finish one of her books I sit for a while in stunned silence and then reach for another. In this case we will have to wait a little while for the next book so I’ll be in the Broken Kingdoms or the Ever Seas if you need me.

Where do I even begin? This book is so freaking good! Every book I read from LJ Andrews just keeps getting better and better. She is becoming one of my favorite authors.

This is a Romantasy filled with Vikings, Magic and a swoon worthy MMC. I loved the use of magic in the book, how does one come up with something so cool? I absolutely adored Lyra and Rourke! The way that their bond grows throughout the book just makes me melt! And that ending?! I was hanging on the edge of my seat!

“I would fall before the darkness, face the shadow, if only to prove I could stand before my fear.”

Broke Souls and Bones was such a fun and unique read! A truly captivating story of unlikely and forbidden love. LJ delivers on another epic fantasy world! I’m excited to see more of the Stonegate series.