ARC Read - Thank you Netgalley!
Tropes - Viking vibes, unique magic system, slowest of slow burn, enemies to lovers.
Lyra has no memories of her past childhood before she turned up in a new village, with no family. Knowing that she was different by the silver scars in her eyes, she learned to hide who she was. Lyra is a rare being known as a melder.
A magic user able to tap into all three of the magics ( soul, blood and bone).Therefore highly sought after by people of power in order to serve them and their purposes. After she is discovered by the royals sentry - Roark - she is forced to leave home to go serve the king. Roark is tasked with her protection. But the mysterious sentry has a history of his own.
It's honestly too complex to explain into details all the little intricacies of the story line and plot - and I wouldn't spoil it for you anyways! Great story, I found the flow of the story and world building a little disjointed, it was hard to initially get into, but once I was in, I was committed. It's just a lot of info thrown at you and l've been in a slump, so it was a little heavy. I loved the unique language representation for Roarke and how that was written into the story. Also, this cover is downright beautiful.

LJ Andrews strikes again with an incredible story that I couldn’t put down.
No dull moments here! From the very first chapter, the story captivates and maintains your interest. The world-building is exceptional—you feel completely immersed in the world Andrews has created. The bone magic, souls magic, and blood magic systems are fascinating, with vivid descriptions that bring them to life. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, and the ending... wow, just wow.
LJ’s characters are impossible not to love. They are deeply relatable, each with their own depth and baggage. Even the side characters have rich backstories. Roark’s inability to speak adds a unique layer to his relationships. The banter is delightful, the secrets intriguing, and the spicy scenes evoke all the feels. You can truly feel the emotion, angst, and tension. The dynamic between Roark, Thane, and Emi is particularly compelling and heartwarming.

ohmyGAWD this book was so amazing. Nobody does romantasy world building like LJ Andrews. I was obsessed with Lyra and Roark right from the beginning.

Lyra is a melder who has been hiding from power-hungry kings and feuding kingdoms her entire life. When she is brought to the king in Stonegate against her will, she's guarded by Roark Ashwood, the prince's sworn guard and assassin. To protect her family and loved ones, Lyra becomes the king's melder. She has no choice but to learn to use her magic. As she learns more about her craft and histories of the kingdoms, Lyra finds that things are not always what they seem – or what she was taught.

I have repeatedly said I love every LJ Andrews book more than last, and this one was no exception. The magic, power dynamics, and kingdom structures are complex, and at the beginning, they were a bit dense for me to follow. But the details become clearer as the reader learns more about the world alongside Lyra.

I highly, highly recommend this one for spicy romantasy fans. If you like enemies to lovers, villain gets the girl, morally grey characters, this one is for you.

Thank you so much to LJ, Netgalley, and Berkeley for providing me with an e-galley of this amazing book.

Holy guacamole! I called it and I called it again. I freaking love this book, it’s fantastic. I cannot wait for everyone else to get to read it! I am seriously so in love with Roark and Lyra. Thane, Yrsa, Emi, and Kael are amazing side characters. The plot is so so good, and interesting and ugh this book is everything!! LJ is such an incredible writer and I’m so honored to have gotten to ARC read this, and be prepared to hear me rave about this for FOREVER! I cannot wait to see where the rest of the series takes us but I know it won’t disappoint. “Tap, tap, tap.” it’s not quite licking but it’s still mine, I’m claiming Roark forever. You seriously do not want to wait to read this book, go preorder now!

I’m completely obsessed with this book!!. From the moment I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. This book is pure magic—rich in tension, danger, and a slow-burn romance that had me on the edge!

Lyra Bien was supposed to live a quiet life, but when Roark Ashwood, the prince’s silent guard, enters her world, everything changes. Roark is mysterious, intense, and silent—he communicates through his hands in such a powerful way that I could feel every emotion. There’s so much tension between him and Lyra, and watching their relationship grow was everything I wanted in a romantasy!

Lyra’s forced into a dangerous position as the King’s melder, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. But what really grabbed me was the way Roark and Lyra became allies—and the way their bond grew deeper and more consuming as they fought together. The chemistry between them? Unmatched.

The way she builds these characters and their world is genius. I’m not exaggerating when I say this book swept me away. The romance, the magic, the stakes—it’s all so brilliantly done. And the twist? Didn’t see it coming.

This is my all time, no one does it better romantasy one click auto buy author forever!!

Okay first off, I LOVE that the MMC, Roark, used "hand speak" (a type of sign language). I don't think I've ever read a fantasy book in which the MC couldn't speak and yet was revered, respected, feared, and a warrior! His inability to speak did not hold him back AT ALL and I LOVED that 😍
What i didn't love at first was how judgemental and prejudiced he was towards the kind of people the FMC was. They didn't ASK to be born with powers that made others uncomfortable. Lyra had a lot to deal with and Roark's inability to empathize didn't help matters. But that was part of his character arc and deep down he did care, his conscious would get to him 🤭
That being said, Lyra and Roark were TRUE enemies to lovers! While Roark felt drawn to her from the beginning, it wasn't instant. They grew to know each other, read each other, understand each other and by the end I just loved them together 🥰
She was a light to his dark world and he also taught her a lot! The way he was protective of her even against orders....sigh 🫠😍
The magic was different from anything I've read before, but wasn't difficult to grasp. The plot was good, the characters were relatable, the world was interesting, I can't wait to see where it all goes!
While some things were easy to predict, LJ still surprised me at the end! This book kept throwing things at me that made my jaw drop 😲🤯 Love when that happens😂
100% recommend! So good!
I will now start tap, tap, tapping to claim things 😏 iykyk hehe

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

4.5 stars

Me: I need to stop starting series that aren't finished
Also me: Okay, but LJ has a new book on Netgalley...

The noise I let out in the car when I received the email I was approved for this ARC had my husband asking if I was okay lol. Was it a little weird to not be in the Broken Kingdoms world? Yes. Was the new world built well? Also yes. The second half of this book flew by.

The magic system was cool and I loved the found family of characters. Tbh all the characters were written well, including the ones I didn't like. The slow burn and spice were done perfectly.

The twists were good as well. I thought I had one of them figured out but I was surprised with being wrong later. Mostly the only thing I didn't like is that this one isn't even out yet and after that ending, I would like the second one now please.

I can’t lie, this one disappointed me. It felt like someone else wrote it. There is so much going on here. It wasn’t cohesive to me.
I really liked the magic system once I got the grasp of it. I like the characters mostly I just didn’t really get attached to them like normal. I loveeeee a good Viking story, but this fell a little flat. I will still be reading book two whenever it comes because I want to know how this all plays out. I love LJ so much, so I’ll never quit her, but this one just didn’t hit the spot.

Thank you to Berkley, NetGalley, and LJ Andrews for an advanced copy of this book!

Broken Souls and Bones is a new world for LJ Andrews, and it did not disappoint. I loved the uniqueness of the magic system: using and manipulating blood, souls, and bones. I love the way LJ described the magic and the beautiful brutality in it.

Our FMC, Lyra, is destined for more than the quiet life she enjoys and is suddenly thrust into a world of power as a tool to be used by the king, all because of her coveted magic. Roark is tasked with keeping her safe. Yes, the body guard romance is alive and well. Roark is from the enemy kingdom, who wants to eliminate Lyra's kind. Naturally these two have a strange draw to one another. And honestly, this piece was done so well. It felt fresh and new, and I wasn't entirely sure how it would all play out.

There's so much mystery in this book, and I can see how we'll get so much more as the series progresses. There's a point where puzzle pieces start coming together, and it was so satisfying to watch it unfold. I can't wait for more from this world. I would definitely recommend if you like morally grey characters, vikings, unique magic, fated mates, and found family.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for this digital ARC of "Broken Souls and Bones" by LJ Andrews!

Let me start by saying, LJ is a top author for me. Her ability to craft intricate and unique magic systems and worlds will never cease to amaze me. This story sets itself apart from the authors other series, while still having the elements of her writing we know and love.

Roark, our brooding MMC that we just have to love and Lyra, a spit fire FMC that's ready to keep him on his toes. I loved the way Andrews weaves moments and scenes from their pasts into the present. Roark and Lyra's dynamic was a bit reminiscent of Kase and Malin from The Broken Kingdoms series for me. And they're my all-time fav couple, SO! I love Lyra and Roark :).

I loved how Andrews carves out moments for us to connect and fall for all of the supporting characters as well. It makes you feel like you're a part of the story.

What to expect:
-> enemies to lovers
-> bodyguard
-> forced proximity
-> morally grey MMC
-> badass FMC
-> fated mates

The only reason this isn't five stars is because I was left with a few questions/some confusion around certain aspects of the story. I think that confusion would likely all get cleared up as the series continues!

Thank you so much to LJ Andrews, NetGalley, Ace and Berkley for this ARC! 🫶🏻

GUYS. I stand on what I preach to everyone: anything that LJ touches turns to gold. Everything she writes comes to live and takes you on a whirlwind of an adventure. She keeps you guessing and makes you think and question even yourself while reading and I LOVE when an author is challenging like that with their writing.

Let’s start off with saying: every book I read- I love to write down my theories I develop along the way. Some of them have evidence and facts backing them up and some of them I think “hmmm, what could really shock us as readers” because I feel like we are trained to expect the unexpected 🤪 well, I had a nice little checklist and Y’ALL. Every single one was right!!! There’s no explaining the satisfaction and amount of giddiness I had at that.

This book was absolute perfection. It had me totally immersed. I’ve been a huge fan of LJ for almost a year now and I was so excited to hear how she was exploring a new world and even more so when she got picked up by a publisher for it! It’s been so exciting to be a member of her street team and I feel so honored to have been able to read this ARC.

Lyra and Roark were absolutely perfect and everything that I hoped they would be. I was completely obsessed with them from the beginning. I loved that there was sign language representation in this book! I’ve only read one book before where the MMC used sign language and it’s always refreshing to see that representation - which I think LJ wrote beautifully.

Roark was so swoon worthy. I don’t think I’ve met a single man that LJ has written that I DIDN’T love and Roark was definitely up there in my favorites (don’t worry, Daddy Kase is still holding the number one spot forever and always hehehe)

Lyra was simply stunning. I loved getting to know her and who she was as a person. She’s so incredibly strong, a fighter, but she still has such a good heart and a drive to do the right thing.

I also adored Kael, Emi and Thane!! I simply can’t wait for the next book - especially after that ending!!

This was so freaking good! I have been in a book slump and this just healed everything. I’ve read several from this author before but this one is definitely my favorite.

Lj Andrews does it again!

Broken Souls and Bones…. Chefs kiss!💋

The execution of the plot…and oh the twist and turns. And the banter…done so well…how she manages to do the best witty and swoon worthy banter with a mute MMC….blew my mind! 🤯

Hands down a great Romantasy!!! And that plot twist!! I need the next book like yesterday.

The Viking era with a wonderful craft (magic) system. I couldn’t put this down.

There is diversity in these characters, LQBTQIA+, and fellow warriors empowering the females around them. Found family, with a twist of betrayal.

All in all, should definitely be on your TBR.

I don’t even know where to begin. I was literally screaming at the last few pages. This is a stunning Norse inspired romantasy set in a unique world with magic based in blood and bones.

LJ Andrews is some sort of romantasy magician. I’ll admit, the beginning was a little slow. I was almost afraid it would follow the typical romantasy formula. NOPE!! This book was amazing. You think you have it figured out, but you really don’t - which, in my humble opinion, are signs of a fantastic story.

Lyra Bien is a melder, someone who holds immense magical power in a world where magical power is sparse and coveted. She hides her identity as a melder by hiding the scars in her eyes, or at least she does until she is found by Prince Thane’s Sentry, Roark Ashwood. She is to be the King’s melder. She must fight to find a way to free herself and her friends all the while battling new and unseen forces.

The world building is immaculate. The character-building is extensive. I was crying for characters before I even hit the halfway mark of the book. LJ Andrews does the found family trope right- slowly and with lots of angst. There was so much yearning between lovers. The banter between all of the characters had me laughing out loud. All the twists and turns of the last 10% of the book had me shirking all my responsibilities just so I could find out what happens next.

I cannot thank Berkley enough for the advanced egalley. I will be screaming about this book for years to come. I hope I don’t have to wait for the second book long after this one releases in April.

This book, while staying true to LJ's love of Vikings, was unlike any other book of hers that I have read. The story plot was so unique and the characters... oh my gosh I am in love with them. Wonderfully written and developed. Its been over a week since I finished this book and I am still thinking about it daily. As soon as I finished, I was already wanting to reread.

This book has
-unique bone and soul magic
-Vikings
-royalty
-enemies to lovers
-found family
-sign language rep (beautifully written)
-slow burn
-mystery
-touch her and die
-dual POV
-hidden identity
-morally grey characters

It is all just yummy, okay?


Thank you LJ Andrews and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy and allowing me to provide an honest review.

The novel centers around Lyra Bien, a young woman whose life is entirely upended when Roark Ashwood, the prince’s enigmatic guard and rumored assassin, drags her into the treacherous folds of royal intrigue and destiny. From the very beginning, Lyra’s struggle to maintain her quiet life in the shadow of the magic-obsessed king will captivate you.
The silver scars in her eyes serve as a haunting reminder of her hidden abilities, and when her best friend’s life hangs in the balance, Lyra is thrust into the spotlight as the king's next melder—an honor that simultaneously betrays her to a fate that hangs mercilessly over her head. Andrews does a remarkable job of crafting a protagonist who is both relatable and fierce, and Lyra’s determination to navigate her newfound abilities sets the tone for a gripping adventure.
One of the standout elements of "Broken Souls and Bones" is the complex relationship between Lyra and Roark. Initially perceived as the silent and brooding enforcer of the crown, Roark embodies the quintessential tortured hero trope. As Lyra learns more about his past and the layers of his character unfold, their dynamic becomes rich and multifaceted. The tension between them is palpable, blending elements of rivalry, trust, and undeniable attraction, making their relationship one of the novel’s most engaging aspects.
Overall, Broken Souls and Bones is a compelling and beautifully written novel that combines magic, romance, and adventure with finesse. Andrews has crafted a riveting tale that speaks to the heart, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy and lovers of character-driven narratives. Whether you’re drawn in by the allure of magic, the thrill of forbidden romance, or the complexity of friendship against a backdrop of danger, this book offers something for everyone.

I am in love. This was everything I hoped it would be. The magic system was unique and very interesting. There was tension with true enemies to lovers which I was here for! This story had me turning pages late into the night because I just had to know what happened next. These characters jump right off the pages. I felt connected and my emotions were all over the place with this read. I have loved LJ Andrews writing and this was no exception. I’m obsessed and need book 2 immediately.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for this ARC! I absolutely loved this! When I heard LJ Andrews was writing a whole new fantasy world with vikings, magic and romance, I immediately added this to be TBR! And it did not disappoint!

Our FMC is Lyra and she is a servant in Jarl's household, just trying to avoid attention. She has a powerful and rare magic, melding, that she doesn't fully understand but knows that if the power hungry King finds out, her life will change. Enter our MMC, Roark. A tragedy when he was younger took his voice and now he works as the prince's guard and has been tasked with finding the melder and bring them to the King. His search brings him to Lyra's village and while he finds that he is drawn to her, he still brings her to the king. As Lyra learns more about her power, not everything is as it seems in the castle.

Like I mentioned before, I loved this! The worlding building was awesome, such a rich world that is being developed! I loved the magic system and the different types of 'Crafts'. I loved the tension between Lyra and Roark! So good! And the secondary characters! I love this found family that is happening. And the ending! So many feelings and questions. I can't wait for the next one in the series! Broken Souls and Bones comes out April 29th, 2025!

LJ Andrews has this magic about her writing that just absolutely sucks you in and holds you captive even long after the books had ended.
This book was incredible. I'm big on character development and LJ delivered! Lyra was a phenomenal FMC that I liked from her first moments and loved her by her last. She was strong and courageous but also had a vulnerable side that shattered my heart in certain moments. Roark... Silent, broody, possessive and perfect Roark. -sighs dreamily- You don't read many a book about a mute MMC and I may have had some reservations on how well it could be done but wow! A perfect example of the magic LJ delivers in her books!
I want to tell you every little thing about this book because it is THAT good but you really need to read this book without me spoiling it. Just know that everything comes together in the end in a way that has me beyond excited and "Broken Soul" is the perfect term to describe the wait for book 2!
THIS IS A MUST READ.

Lyra Bein lives a quiet and sheltered life. She is trying to remain unnoticed by the magic obsessed king. One night, her town is invaded by Roark Ashwood, the guard of the Kings son Prince Thane with nickname Death Bringer. Lyra is forced to reveal her mender abilities in order to save her best friend. The King takes Lyra as his own personal melder and uses her to infuse bones into the guardsman to make a strong and unbeatable army. The rival clan seems to attack every time Lyra melds and this forces the King to appoint Roark as her own private guard. Their time together only enhances their attraction to the each other. Their romance is forbidden, but their connection continues to grow stronger. Soon they are faced with many harsh truths and must make the ultimate choice for their destiny.

Really enjoyed this book! Lyra is the FMC who has a strong moral compass and always does what is right for those she loves. Roark is a strong MMC. He comes across as gruff and rough, but has many endearing qualities under that rough exterior. He may be a killer and protector for the royal family, but with his sights set on Lyra, will his loyalty to the crown waiver?
Many plot twists, layers to characters, enemies to lovers, Viking romance, and found family. Fans of Fate Inked in Blood will want to check this one out in April!

On Sale Date - April 29th, 2025

Thank you NetGalley and Ace/Berkley for a copy of the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.