I’m giving it 4.5!

The other .5 I think is my fault or my stupid brain, only because the magic confused me a bit and I could quite grasp it.

Did I absolutely LOVE our FMC? YES!
Was I tingling throughout? Duh.

How LJ can make us fall in love with a man who doesn’t even speak is true god da*n talent people.

Also! Her ability to make us fall in love with the side characters!! Thane is my new favorite human and I will ship him forever and ever.. and ever!

Thank you SO MUCH Berkeley and NetGalley for my eARC!

Firstly, I should have known….I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN!!!! These Cliffhangers!! Secondly, I love ALL of LJ Andrew’s books but I feel like this series is going to become my favorite. The magic system is unlike anything I’ve ever read and the building of the world as you move through the book was like watching a movie unfold right before my eyes. For me, it’s hard to fully identify with the FMCs but Lyra was written beautifully. Strong willed, witty, fragile, strong…just the full embodiment of everything I love in an FMC. Now, look….I'm not saying I’m a mentally stable human so…the whole Rorak feeding fingers to the man who touches her, YES TO ALL!! This book hooked me in at the prologue and by the end, I was so emotionally attached to every single character!! Love love love and I can not wait to see where this new series is going to go!!

♾️ 6 ⭐️
2 🌶️

😮😮😮
🫣🫣🫣
🫠🫠🫠

Wha… what on Gods green earth.. How-w-www does LJ Andrews come up with these ideas?! 👏🏻 🔥

Fan-fricken-fastic. Wow. Where do I even start. Ok well let’s start with the amazing portrayal of sign language as the language for the MMC and how even though he doesn’t “speak” all the ways LJ conveyed his language. Thru touch, parchment, spelling of the words on her back, “hand speak”. Never for a moment did you wonder what Roark was thinking or saying. His broody, mysterious, smoooooth, charismatic & protective af character was so well done.

The magic in this new series is phenomenal; bone, blood & soul magic.

I had the absolute pleasure of reading this eARC and I think it’s going to forever be on my mind as one of the greatest books LJ has written. Up there with The Ever King. Releases April 29, 2025 and I’m going be screaming about it until and even after then. This is a must read!! Viking, magic, “mine”, tension, passion, he will do ANYTHING for her.

Thank you NetGalley, LJ Andrews and Berkley Publishing for this eARC. The hangover is going to be so real with this.

Words cannot adequately describe how much I love this book and LJ Andrews brilliant mind.

If you are a fan of Fantasy Romance with Viking roots, Magic, Captor/Captive, Forced Proximity, Broody MMC, Secret Identity, Found Family and so much more this book is for you!

I do not want to give too much away about this story but Roark is going to be everyone’s new favorite book boyfriend. The fierce possessiveness that this Sentry feels for Lyra even when he dislikes her craft is undeniable. Roark is a man of no words, due to an injury he can no longer talk and communicates by a hand speak language but he speaks volumes. With plenty of swoonworthy moments between him and Lyra.

Lyra finds Roark to be a conundrum when times he is rough with her but other times she senses the feelings in his unspoken words. However, there is a deep connection between them that she cannot deny. While she has been in hiding for most of her life that she remembers, trying to forget she has a craft, she quickly becomes a force to be reckoned with after trying to be unseen for so long.

The found family throughout this story is absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed the banter between Prince Thane and Roark so much as they have become like brothers and Lyra has her own found brother in Kael. While Emi plays a big role as well, helping Lyra adjust and acclimate her to her new role.

Family is a big focus in this story and Lyra will stop at nothing to protect those she cares for and Roark will burn everything to the ground to keep Lyra safe. The pacing and build up throughout is great and when truths start clicking into place Lyra has to figure out what to do quickly. Truths come to light that have her questioning everything she knows and I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens next.

Firstly, LJ Andrews NEVER fails to disappoint ….
Once again a stellar showing !

This book ensnared me from the beginning with the depth of these characters! Lyra, our FMC, from the very beginning her story what she has to overcome and leading into what hurdles she continues to encounter. Then sweet Kael the protective loyal golden retriever cinnamon roll. Emi, who surprised me with a few twists in her story not gonna lie I like her reminds me of myself. Thane absolutely surprised me love him and hope to see more of him in book 2 doing what I NEED him to do (once you read you’ll know too). Beyond all that though is ROARKE, our MMC who has major shadow zaddy vibes all the favorite tropes are there and while he may not say much what he does say is captivating or hilarious.

Also prepare yourselves that ending good lawd with a hanger, I sincerely hope that as I am typing this right now, LJ is in her den working on book 2 cause I needed it yesterday!

Overall this was a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and once the spice got spicing it was 🌶️🌶️ 1/2 almost 3 but not quite though so,e of the things ROARKE “said”….hawt!

If you’re a fan of any of LJ’s other works like Ever King my personal fav then you are sure to love this !

This is everything I love in an LJ Andrews book - luscious world-building, action, adventure, and steamy romance.

LJ Andrews is an auto-buy author for me for good reason. The worlds she weaves together are second to none, and this one was no exception. The magic is so unique, I've never read anything like it. She utilized elements of Norse mythology with soul magic and bone magic to create a magic system different from the rest.

One of my favorite elements is the disability representation we see in the male main character Roark. He has no voice and expresses himself with sign language. Disability rep is near and dear to my heart so I always love to see this.

If you love:
- Unique magic systems
- Morally grey male main characters with secrets
- Foreshadowing and Easter eggs
- Action and adventure
- Steamy romance

You will eat this up! I loved this book and I cannot wait for book 2!

Romantasy with enemies to lover and vikings vibes? YES!! PLEASE!! A Fabulous story!!!.... I expect nothing less from the mind of LJ Andrews. If she writes it, I will read it. This book has a unique and imaginative magic system along with an engaging story line, one that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole ride. There's tension, mystery, emotional turmoil, plot twists and turns leaving you gasping and wanting/needing more. Highly recommend this book! I would not be surprised to see on on a best seller list when it releases.

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

This was such an enthralling read! It had everything I love in a fantasy read; enemies to lovers, tragic backstories, in depth magic systems, and so much more. The characters were so well done, and I’ve obviously become attached, especially to Lyra, Roarke, Thane, Kael, and Emi. Can’t wait for the series to continue.

Excellent read. Great descriptive language and prose . The characters were well developed and plot well thought out.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️5 Stars

Viking vibes or nothing!! I loved this one! Magic, a tyrant king, a forbidden love, and VIKINGS all the yes!!

Lyra our FMC does everything in her power to not be noticed and keep her gift of magic unseen. One day the kings men and assassin come to her small village and her gift is revealed. She’s hauled away to be the kings pet and do as he bids. She’s closely watched by our MMC, the kings dark assassin, Roark. She's the light to his dark but does his dark want to be conquered?

This has every trope I love in it. It’s fast paced and action packed but also has this undertone of mystery. The magical elements in this are sooooo cool! I just love the way L.J. writes in general, it puts me directly into the story! I was lucky enough to be given this arc from Berkeley Pub and L.J. I cannot say thank you enough! Read this book you guys!!!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

What an absolute page turner!

Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews is an absolute epic read! The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed flawlessly, with tension, passion, and unforgettable character development. From the start, I was pulled into a world of danger, mystery, and heart-stopping moments. The world-building is rich, and the stakes are high, making every choice feel significant.

The romance is intense and slow-burn, with incredible chemistry that kept me hooked. Watching the characters evolve from enemies to lovers was incredibly rewarding, and their connection felt real and earned. This book is a thrilling ride from start to finish, and I absolutely loved every moment of it! Absolutely recommend! 10 stars!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes:
* Enemies to lovers
* Morally gray
* Slow burn
* Touch her and d!e
* Found family
* Mysterious past
* Magic
* Vikings
* Disability representation - non-verbal MMC who uses sign language

I was lucky enough to receive a digital ARC of Broken Souls and Bones from LJ Andrews and Berkley Publishing Group/Ace. LJ has cemented herself as a goddess of world- and character-building with this new title. The book begins with a lot of details about the world, lore, and political dealings which can feel a little overwhelming. But as the book progresses she continually reminds the reader of the details needed in the context of the story, so you’ll never feel lost.

The characters…:chef’s kiss: There is always depth to LJ’s characters, and it’s especially evident in Broken Souls and Bones. The MMC is non-verbal, yet strong, respected, and a great communicator in his own way. The FMC stands up for the people she cares about and doesn’t bow to her fear, even when she’s uncertain of her past and the strength she may or may not possess. As always, LJ’s supporting characters are endearing, supportive, and an unexpected, rag-tag group of found family. Of course, there are twists, mysterious pasts that can’t be remembered, and traitors—all keeping us on the edge of the comfy chairs in our book-nooks.

A true enemies-to-lovers story, the MMC is steamy and the magnetic force between him and the FMC is too strong to fight. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but don’t you worry—it gets there. The MMC would delight just as much in worshipping the ground his FMC walks on as he would in tort*ring any man who dares lay a finger on her disrespectfully, just as we all demand in our favorite romantasy plots. Morally gray is INDEED my favorite color and shadow daddies are my favorite, so I’m here for it.

The book does end on a cliffy, so strap in. My only complaint is that since I was privileged enough to read this ARC before the release date, I have a painfully long wait to continue Roark and Lyra’s story in book two.

This is my first book by this author and I liked it. This is an epic fantasy with Norse mythology and I was sold with the Viking villain mmc. The world-building was done so well and it was dark and gritty and I felt like I was in the Viking world. The fmc is hiding from the king and the mmc Roark raids her village, finds her hiding her magic, and takes her to the prince. The fmc becomes the King's melder and is trying to find a way to run away and escape so she gets closer to Roak and get out information from him.

I enjoyed the mmc, he is the perfect dark and brooding mmc that I love in Romanatasies. He's a shadow daddy also so that's a plus. The romance is a slow burn, as the fmc gets to know him more she realizes that he isn't what she thought he was. It's enemies to lovers since he gave her to the king and there is some steam later in the book. I would recommend this to lovers of the reluctant allies plot trying to uncover secrets in a romantasy. Thank you Ace for this arc for an honest review.

Read if you like:
- Norse mythology romanatsy
- Vikings
- Slow burn
- Reluctant allies
- Fated mates
- Morally grey mmc
- Magic
- Forced proximity

Lyra Bien lives a quiet life, content to hide her unique magic from the power hungry king that would use her unique gift for his gain. Roark Ashwood is the silent sentry tasked to find and deliver her to the king. As their worlds collide, they find themselves torn between hatred and undeniable pull to one another that could bring a whole kingdom to it's knees. They soon realize there are forgotten secrets that could be the key to it all, but will they be discovered before it's too late?

LJ Andrews is the queen of romantasy as far as I'm concerned. She brings the characters to life in such a way that it's impossible not to visualize the story playing out like a movie. The magic system is wonderful and unique, and presented in such a way that it's engaging, yet easy to comprehend even if you're not a huge fantasy reader. As always with her stories, the found family is a huge part of the story and is so wonderfully put together. Each character has their own gifts and quirks and wins a piece of your heart before you know it. My only regret is as an ARC reader, it's just that much longer wait until I get the next book!

I was so excited to receive this ARC! LJ Andrews became one of my favorite authors this year when I read the Broken Kingdoms and Ever Seas series. Once again, LJ does dark Viking fantasy romance like no other! She has a way of completely immersing me in the world and the story; I grow to love every single character and never want it to end. Every single book is she writes is so emotional and captivating, especially this one!

Lyra and Roark might be my new favorite book couple. I seriously don’t know how LJ writes such amazing couples, but I am absolutely obsessed. Roark had me giggling and kicking my feet, and I haven’t been so absolutely in love with an MMC in a long time. He is EVERYTHING. I am also a sucker for forgotten/secret pasts 👀

The world building, plot, and writing are all amazing. As the book progressed, I realized that there was more lurking beneath the surface and a mystery was slowly unraveling. The twists took me by total surprise, and I could NOT put this book down. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, and I know I’ll be chasing the feelings it gave me for awhile.

I have been a hardcore fan of LJ Andrews since almost the beginning. I started reading her Broken Kingdoms books 4 years ago and have gobbled up everything she has ever written. She has created a forever reader in me and I will stand by her books for the rest of my days.

Like her Broken Kingdoms and Ever King series, Broken Souls and Bones follows the Norse/Viking lore and history.. Andrews knows the lore well after all these books she's written and it comes across in this book as well. It follows Lyra (a melder who has been in hiding) and Roark (the Prince's Sentry and dark assassin). Lyra has a magic that is coveted by the King but despised by others (including Roark) and had been hiding in a village for decades. She is found out and brought to the King to be his melder and make his army the most powerful. In the process, she bonds with her captor (Roark) and his friends and is torn between this world and her "mirror world" where a mystery shadow has her intrigued.

The book goes from one action scene to another and I never knew exactly what to expect. Because I've read so many of LJ's other books, this book was a tiny bit predictable. HOWEVER - the twist ending of who the bad guy/gal is was SHOCKING and I did not see it coming at all. If you like interesting magic systems, Norse/Viking lore, enemes-to-lovers, and a snarky FMC, you're going to love this book. I can't believe I have to wait so long for the sequel.

Tropes:
- burn everything for her
- touch her and díe
- enemies-to-lovers
- forbidden romance
- found family
- lost memories
- cliffhanger!
- interesting magic

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to netgalley and Berkeley publishing for this digital arc from L.J Andrews book. It has been a true honor to receive this and I’m happy to give my honest review!

Everything was absolutely creative and if you love enemies to lovers and anything that has to with Viking era this book is definitely for you!
Sometimes there’s to much world-building that authors use in their book but honestly this was by far the perfect amount!

I loved the twist and turns! That is the best part of every book in my opinion.
The MMC was so feral that you will fall in love just like I did!

Just be ready for the cliff hanger it will have you wanting more!!

Again thank you thank you thank you! It has been a dream come true.

I literally slammed my kindle shut and gasped when I finished!

The world building was so wonderfully done. I felt immersed in the world of craft magic and all of the court politics. I was quick to fall in love with not only the main characters but the side characters as well. LJ Andrews is the queen of Morally Grey, Obsessive MMCs and BA, Strong-willed FMCs. Y’all are going to go feral for Roark and Lyra! I felt my heart swoon every time Roark gave us a little smirk.

I’m desperate for the next book and need to know what will happen!

Absolutely loved every aspect of this book. The magic, the angst, the betrayals. Love love love!

Lyra is probably one of my favorite FMC’s that has been created by LJ Andrew’s and how she developed Roark makes my heart so happy!

Cannot wait to see where this goes.

LJ Andrews has done it again. I could not put this book down once I started.

Her ability to build characters and build a world that you feel fully immersed in are phenomenal.

You get:

Morally grey
Slowish burn
Enemies to lovers
Touch her and 💀
Possession
Fantastic banter
Unique magic system
and so much more

I absolutely can not wait for more of this series.