LJ Andrews is one of my all time favorite Romantasy authors, so I was very excited to read this new series. As expected, it was an amazing read. I was hooked as soon as it started and couldn't put it down. Her skill with building a world and characters you can easily fall in love with is the reason why I will always recommend her work to everyone, and this book is no different. There is so much detail in this story that just sucks you into the world, and leave you craving book 2. I can't wait to see what happens to our cast of characters and see what happens next in their story!

This is the first book of the a new series by LJ Andrews. It is a different world from her Broken Kingdoms / Ever Series and I LOVED IT! Once again, LJ takes us into a world of magic and Vikings.

Lyra is a girl from a small town who doesn’t really remember her past. She wants to stay with her brother and live a simple life. Roark is the strong, silent type. No really. He is mute and speaks a type of sign language. He is the personal guard, and best friend, of the Prince.

I really enjoyed the all the new characters LJ has introduced. The relationship and dynamic between the MCs is amazing, as well as the relationships between Lyra and her brother, and Roark and the Prince. The story is captivating and, of course, the world building is phenomenal as always. Now, you may get lost in the new magic system as it is different from LJ’s other book. Don’t worry! It is well described (and very interesting). Like always, I had to read a little slower to make sure I understood what was happening. But it is fascinating!

Spice. Is there spice? There is a little. Like most first books in a romantasy, there is some heat between the characters, but I do love the natural build up to the spice. This couple is a bit of a slow build, but I think it will get a little spicer as we get further into this world. This book is filled with magic, found family, secrets and fate!

Another home run by LJ Andrews! Lyra is trying to live a quiet, simple life, far away from the kingdom's capital. The king is obsessed with collecting every magic wielder for his own use, and as a melder, Lyra is highly sought after by the king. She feels she is succeeding in hiding away from the king until Roark Ashwood marches into her village and immediately uncovers her. The choice is simple, cooperate and come to the capital, or watch those you love suffer. Her plan is to go along until escape becomes possible, but when suspicious and sinister things begin to happen around them, Lyra learns that the cold, stoic Roark may be her closest ally and the only one who can save her from the darkness all around her.

I adore a slow burn, and this book gave me exactly what I wanted. Their banter is witty and fit the attitudes of their characters. I did like the dual POVs but was still blown away with the secrets. I had no idea they still held onto until the end, even from the reader. Roark can not speak and uses a form of hand signs that represent the ASL community. Roark is 100% my new book boyfriend! My only warning is the ending is a cliffhanger... but a mind-blowing, absolutely perfect, throw my book cause I need more ASAP cliffhanger. I CANNOT wait for book two! Add this to your TBR now, you can thank me later.

Broken Souls and Bones (ARC REVIEW)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off, I want to say a huge thank you to LJ and her team for allowing me to be a member of her street team. This is the 4th book I've read of hers, and she has quickly become one of my favorite authors. 2025 is going to be a LJ heavy year, as I fully intend to devour her 9-book Broken Kingdoms series as well.

Onto BSAB- this book is incredible. I adored the world building, and the unique magic systems at play. The magic system was unlike anything else I've read. I absolutely fell head over heels for the characters. I would honestly read an individual story about each and every one. This story also kept me guessing until the very end. I need book 2 😅

Tropes:
-Found family
-Soul mates
-Enemies(ish) to lovers
-He falls first (and harder)
-Touch her and die
-He's soft only for her
-Sign Language/Speech impaired representation

Broken Souls and Bones will be out in the world April 29th 🖤 I highly recommend this one!

#bookreviews #ljandrews #wickeddarlings #arcreview #booktok #bookstagram #2025reads #beautifulbooks #fantasyromance

Broken Souls And Bones immediately pulled me in and held my attention. It’s full of banter, magic, suspense, and intrigue. The world building is artfully done and makes it easy to imagine slipping into this world of fantasy. Not only is there fantastic chemistry between the two main characters, but the interactions between supporting characters is just as good! If you love a good story filled with Vikings and magic, you’ll enjoy this book.

It’s the story of Lyra & Roark. Lyra is a young girl, who has spent her entire life in hiding because of the rare melding magic in her blood. Lyra is the last of her kind; both feared and hated for something she never asked for. Roark, a Draven by birth, is the silent and brooding Sentry for the Prince of Stonegate. When he was tossed out of his own clan, unable to speak and left for dead, Roark found a home and purpose amongst those who should be his enemies.

When the fates turn, Lyra finds her hiding days are over and nothing will ever be the same. Brought from the safety of Skalfirth into the King’s service in Stonegate, Lyra has no choice but to endure Roark’s constant presence. Detest him as she may, Roark may be the only one to protect Lyra from those who want her dead. Because “fate or something crueler had always been there” forging their paths together.

Tropes in this book include:
Slow Burn 🔥
Enemies to Lovers
Found Family
Morally Grey Characters
Touch Her & ☠️
Fated Mates/Soul Bonding
Non Speaking MMC/Sign Language Rep

Really enjoyed this story. I kind of guessed a couple of the details that are revealed near the end but I wasn't upset by them. Looking forward to the next book(s) in this series.

Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews (Release date April 29, 2025)

It’s no secret how much I adore LJ Andrews and the worlds she creates. I’m not even remotely joking when I say she is an IMMEDIATE auto buy author. Needless to say when I was asked if I wanted a physical ARC I did not keep my chill. No regrets. This book was PHENOMENAL, the world building, the magic system, the depth of both side and main characters, the lore, the politics, the banter, the romance, and the spice 👀 The hands and mind on this man, yes the HANDS AND MIND. In true LJ fashion I was reeling by the end and needed a minute to calm down properly. I’ll share my annotations publication day

LJ Andrews I wanna lick your brain, respectfully.

5/5🦝🦝🦝🦝🦝
3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️

What you can find:
- Viking/Nordic Themes
- Unique Magic System
- Forced Proximity
- Sign Language Rep
- Touch her and Die
- Enemies to Lovers
- Banter
- He’s her Body Guard
- Side Characters I would Die for
- Your heart in your butt
- Your figurative balls being held captive by this book

Muddle Summary:

She’s been on the run her entire life for the curse with in her eyes. A marking, a damnation. The silver sliver through her eye marked her as lost melder, yet she was not just any melder. She was the lost melder that everyone had searched for before. Specifically from the raids that claimed so many lives from so many kingdoms. She doesn’t remember how she escaped, only that she did. She did however remember the screams in her dreams. This is why she was taught to blend it, to stay hidden and to become unnoticeable. All was well until what was thought to be a routine visit of the Kings Stav to their Earldom, turned into a battle of wills. The question was whose will would win? Would her will to stay hidden or would the will of the Death Bringer, the Kings Sentry, to reveal her as the lost melder win out?

Broken Souls and Bones by Tik Toc sensation LJ Andrews transports you to the Viking Era with it’s imaginative storyline full of twists and turns, magic, tension, and mystery. Lyra Bien was kidnapped as a small child and sent to live hidden in a small out of the way town. Lyra knows she has to hide her silver eyes but she isn’t sure why until the King sends the Prince’s silent guard and rumored killer for the crown, Roark Ashwood, to find her. The power hungry king immediately claims her as the “melder” and she is revered and feared in equal measure because of the magic she can perform. What Lyra learns is nothing is as it seems and using this new power is a death sentence for her but the King will not let her stop as her powers strengthen his army. She needs to save herself and her friends but how?

If you are a fan of romantasy and the enemies to lovers trope with magic fueled by blood, soul and bone – known here as the craft- this is the story for you. It had a unique and imaginative storyline with well developed characters, including the side characters that really move this plot forward. But that ending though….. WOW, didn’t see that coming, The story wraps up all of the loose ends but then blindsides us with additional questions that are screaming for a sequel.

Thank you to @authorljandrews @berkleypub and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC for an honest review.

LJ Andrews never lets me down. This story was so unique I truly could not predict what was going to happen next at each turn. I did find the magic system to be a bit confusing which led to a little confusion during some of the conflicts but that might just be a me problem. I also thought the beginning was a tad slow but once it finally picked up it was full speed ahead until the end.

The romance is pretty insta love-y which I don’t hate but wanted to call out. I found it really interesting how the author wrote the MMC as a non-speaking character and really enjoyed that aspect of the book. The plot twist at the end was INSANE in the best way. So out of the box my jaw was on the floor.

I’m definitely looking forward to reading the next one and think this one is worth the read!

I am in awe of this story, the world building was fantastic! There was a lot going on and created a depth to build on, but I did find myself having to slow down to keep some of the details organized. I found myself cheering on the characters and loving them so much. Such a great fantasy romance!

If you are a fan of Vikings and enemies/dislike to lovers, then you are going to love this book. I am so incredibly thankful to Netgalley for letting me ARC read this book! Since reading The Ever series, LJ Andrews has become one of my top authors, and after reading this book, I can honestly say she is my absolute favorite author. LJ has the most beautiful writing style that is so easy to read and it just hooks you from the very beginning. I know this book isn't even out yet, but I NEED book 2 immediately!!

The plot was perfect and honestly had me hooked. The twists and turns genuinely had my jaw on the ground, especially at the end!!! Simply incredible. The last 15 percent had me gasping and just in total shock with the reveals and the twists. I honestly did NOT expect any of that to happen.

The characters have my ENTIRE heart.... I would die for all of them. Each one of them is so well developed, and the side characters have such interesting and different personalities it's perfect.
Lyra was such a fun FMC and i really really liked her character development throughout the book and just getting to know her was so much fun. Her character is incredibly complex and just so much to know but it also just makes you relate and love her so much more.
Then we have Roark who is incredible..... He definitely surprised me in this book and i just love how LJ writes her MMC's. That man would do absolutely everything for Lyra and he just treats her so well.
Prince Thane was honestly hilarious, and I loved how much of his character revolved around his loyalty to his friends and family. Emi was such an interesting character, and I didn't know just how important she would actually become, but I definitely think she is my favorite side character.
Then we have Kael, who was such a sweetheart and honestly the perfect brother to Lyra.

Thanks for the e-arc, netgalley and Berkley publishing group!

Release date April 29th!

Riveting, treacherous, layered storytelling, makes this a fantastic world to dive into. LJ has done it again with creating a world that feels like coming home. I easily connected to the storytelling of the world and all characters feelings. I enjoy an interesting cast of characters to really build out the world in my mind. Our FMC and MMC did still steal the show. The little bits of knowledge that we gain really feels like such a natural progression of getting to know someone. I love the addition of nonverbal language. Lyra and Roark have given us a fantastic beginning to this story… now just to see where they will go.

What a wild ride and story. I absolutely loved this it just has all the perfect elements that I personally like. The prologue with the flashback and then fast forward to meeting Lyra. Also a double POV? My absolute favorite. Roark was an amazing male main character and the secrecy was the perfect amount, not too secret and with the hints for you to assume but also not super easy to guess. Of course the end revelation to me wasn’t a surprise, a bit obvious but it made the conflict even higher stakes for me.

I loved the magic system/powers in the story, they were unique and still powerful on their own. How it ties to their folklore and from there goes the major plot. I also enjoyed how it was complex but not too complex to lose interest.

The characters were also amazing. I think Thane is my favorite and I hope we get to see more of him. I love how tied together Roark and Lyra are, can’t wait to see where this one goes. And I love the friendships Emi brings to their group. Overall an amazing read for 2025.

Tropes & highlights

-bodyguard romance
-sign language rep
-necromancy
-fated/bonded souls
-dream/nightmare walking
-hidden identity
-found family
-memory loss

This might be Andrews’ best work yet. This is a new, traditionally published series and is not connected to The Broken Kingdoms or The Ever Seas series, so if you haven’t read those yet, you can jump right into this without risk of spoilers or missing critical content.

The world-building is wonderfully executed and the magic system is unlike any I have read before. Lyra is captured by the king’s sentry and forced to wield her magic or risk the lives of her loved ones. As she begins to unravel her past and acclimate to her new environment, she begins to realize that things are not as they seem. The court politics play a major role in this story. There are a lot of secrets to uncover here and the unraveling of so many layers was so much fun to read.

I love the sign language rep here. I have only seen that in the Witch Walker series before and it was well executed, in my opinion. The memory loss trope plays an important part in this story, and while I normally am not a big fan of that trope, I appreciated that two of the main characters are suffering from the effects. This trope normally bothers me because it’s almost always the female character and she’s hindered at every step due to being the only one who doesn’t know whatever it is she can’t remember. In this case, neither main character remembers their childhood and as a result, none of the people around them know anything about it either. All the main players involved begin learning about the hidden information at almost* the same time.

I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the sequel!


Thank you L.J. Andrews and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing an ARC of this wonderful story with me. I practically begged for an eARC of this and I immediately ordered a physical copy for my book trophy collection.

I discovered L.J. Andrews midway through 2024 and promptly devoured about 12 books in her backlist. I was eagerly anticipating an upcoming release in the Ever series when I heard that Berkley had signed Ms. Andrews to a contract and the book I was looking forward to would be delayed, but that there would also be a new series releasing and soon. So, I set out to acquire the first book in the new series as quickly as possible.

Broken Souls and Bones is the first book in the Stonegate series and introduces Lyra Bien, a young woman hiding out in a small village keeping the truth of her identity masked behind the disguise of an unassuming servant. She has nothing but shadowed memories of her childhood and one fateful, violent night, but she is in fact the lost melder, taken from her home as a small girl, and thought to be dead all these years. Melders are both revered by the crown and feared by the populace because their magic is so powerful and frightening.

Her greatest foe, and the one who travels to retrieve her, is the prince’s silent guard, Roark Ashwood. Himself an enigma, his voice violently taken before he was dumped at the gates of his enemy as a young man, he is now the protector of the prince and the person who takes on dangerous assignments for the king. Tasked with retrieving Lyra he will do whatever he must, even do bloody things to those she loves to force her hand in revealing her identity.

I really enjoyed the new world that this author has built. The magics wielded, political intrigues, and histories that seem to be slowly revealing themselves as the overall plot arc unfolds are fascinating. Admittedly, after the bloody reveal and Lyra being forced back to the royal city, I felt like the pacing slowed down a bit as she learns about her magic’s power and readers were able to get to know her, Roark and so many of the other secondary characters. Who I’ve become obsessed with. This author has a talent for creating characters that I can’t help but care about. Not just main characters, but everyone who surrounds them. Their found family and chosen friends. I find myself on edge of my seat hoping they also have love, and safety, and good things.

She also has a gift for crafting morally gray main characters, who may not seem to fit together at first, but who are drawn together, nonetheless. Lyra and Roark are both messy, with messy feelings, and complicated backstories. I mean, this is fantasy romance, everything is messy in romantasy. Roark doesn’t speak, but he communicates with his hands and Lyra quickly learns his sign language. This is definitely a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance so be prepared for the buildup and tension. There is open door, spicy love scenes which will make romance fans happy. But there is also a cliffhanger of sorts at the end, which will make romance fans grit their teeth. I think readers will be surprised at the ending and then bemoan the fact that they will most certainly have to wait awhile for book two.

All in all, this was a fabulous start to a new series and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Final grade- A

Omg omg omg!! I devoured this book so freaking amazing!!! The cliffhanger! Ahhhh! It’s going to be a long worthwhile wait for book two!

As always with LJs stories, every single character brought something to the story! It always feels like every side character is a main character! Her world building is phenomenal and this magic form is unlike anything else.

This is a new fresh fantasy plot that felt like nothing else out there. With slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, found family, a silent mmc yet the tension and banter were top notch!!

110% you need to add broken souls and bones to the top of your TBR

Rating: 3.5🌟
Spice: 2🌶️

Tropes/Themes:
- Adult fantasy romance
- Vikings
- FMC w/ mysterious past
- Hidden identities
- Unique magic & lore
- Morally grey characters
- Bodyguard
- Training scenes
- MMC uses a signed language
- “Touch her & die”
- One horse
- Found family
- Forced proximity

Overall, I enjoyed this book. However, I found the world, lore, and magic system difficult to grasp. I’m still somewhat confused on how or why Lyra and the “shadow figure” communicate, and the significance of this character, especially given the big reveal at the end.

I also didn’t understand the significance of Lyra’s importance to the Dravens and why they were after her? IDK, maybe I missed this somehow when it was explained?

The plot was interesting and action-packed. However, I did find a fair bit of the middle slow paced, and slightly repetitive.

The romance was medium-burn, not quite insta-love, but I also felt it was somewhat under-developed. There is a popular spoilerly trope that defines Lyra and Roark’s relationship, and I figured it out pretty early on (during the initial flashback/prologue at the beginning). However, I do love them both as characters, and am excited to see how their relationship develops in the second book, especially given the ending for this book!

As always, the author has a way of writing her characters where you fall in love and root for them all! Not only did I love learning about Lyra and Roark, but I loved all the side/supporting characters as well, especially a certain Prince!

Again, I did overall enjoy this book, and am looking forward to the sequel. I think I need to do a re-read (at least of the last few chapters), to fully understand everything. But seems like this is a ‘me’ problem, as it seems like most ARC readers didn’t have any issues so far with what I have struggled to comprehend! 😅

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing/Ace Books and the author for the e-ARC! 💕

I tried to pace myself with this book because I knew how good it would be, and I also knew I would have to wait for a long time for another book. But it got to a point where it was so good my “couple chapters” at a time plan flew out the window. Next thing I know it 2:45am, and Ive read the last sentence in the book. This is often how Lj Andrews books go regardless. I shouldve known I couldnt stretch a book of hers out. It was a foolish thing to do. I’ve been reading her books since like before released 3/4 in the broken kingdoms, and I always get lost in her books. As with all her books it is a complex Romantasy. Her worlds are built so beautifully, and the magic systems are so uniquely original. I was so excited to start something new from this author, I had no idea what to expect. This completely exceeded any expectations I had, and was soooooo cool. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book, the way to romance builds, the banter, and god the feelings you feel! Just so good.

This is an addictive Fantasy Romance. The Romance in this book is a slow burn, and enemies to lovers. The book does have spice, with some spicy language. The spice is descriptive. The book moves at quick pace following Lyra as her secret has been discovered as she is forced to save her best friends life. Lyra is taken to stonegate against her will by Roark, and the kings stav. Roark is her new shadow, and ally to ensure her safety, and cooperation. As they work together something more grows between them other than animosity. After a dark truth is revealed Lyra has to make a choice who she will stand by. This is a fast past, suspenseful, action packed, fantasy romance that have you wanting more even as you finish the last word. You will soon learn reading this book just wont be enough, and will be anxiously awaiting for the next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

LJ Andrews knows how to write a Viking romance! I absolutely loved the Nordic dark viking romantasy vibes of this book. I thought this was a really good start to a new series and look forward to seeing where the author takes this story.

My absolute favorite part of this entire book was the MMC and the use of sign language. The handsome silent type is my new favorite type of book boyfriend. When Roark tapes Lyra 3 times and signs "Mine" that was it for me! I LOVED these two main characters.

This book has some great tropes. Read this if you love:

-Enemies-to-lovers
-Lost memories
-Disability rep- Mutism/sign language
-Touch her and 💀
-Powerful FMC
-Forced proximity
-Open door spice but not overwhelming
-Bodyguard
-Interesting magic system

This is the perfect book for anyone looking for a new Viking Romantasy series to get into this year!

𝙏𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.

Gods, where do I even begin?! This book sent me straight to Salur—and I mean that in the best way possible. L.J. Andrews has cemented her place as one of my favorite authors, and I’d read her grocery list at this point.

Lyra Bien has spent her life in hiding, keeping out of the King’s reach and masking the silver scars in her eyes that mark her as the next melder. But when the ruthless Sentry of Stonegate, Roark Ashwood, captures her, she’s forced to hone her craft to satisfy the King's demands to safeguard her chosen family. When outside threats attack, Lyra realizes protecting those she loves, her home—and her heart—will be much more difficult than she's ever imagined.

Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers fans are going to ADORE Lyra and Roark's relationship! Their journey from complete animosity to fierce possessiveness and passion for one another had me hard-pressed to come up for air while reading. Lyra was such an awesome FMC too! Unwaveringly loyal and protective, she is the best complement to Roark's silent, deadly demeanor. Their sarcastic quips to one another made the situation so believable and the inclusion of "hand speak", or sign language, for Roark to communicate adds such a beautifully intimate layer to their connection. Lyra’s determination to learn the language was so incredibly sweet too. Tap. Tap. Tap. (iykyk). Also, the whole idea of 𝘴𝘫𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘴 or "soulmates" had my heart doing little happy flips!

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬.

“𝙆𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?” 𝙃𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚.

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚.

The villains and political intrigue are so well done, highlighting the lengths power-hungry royalty will go to and the sacrifices made by those trapped within their system. Prince Thane, with his kindness and endless humor, quickly became a standout alongside Lyra and Roark for me. (Love, love love him with Roark and Emi, omgoodness what a trio!)

As for the plot twists? While I guessed one (props to the excellent foreshadowing), the others left me REELING—and DESPERATE for book two. ::Cries in impatience::

Broken Souls and Bones turned an intricate Nordic-inspired world, lovable characters, and a dark but exciting magic system into something I couldn't get enough of. The three magics—Soul, Blood, and Bone craft—are as fascinating as they are dangerous, with the risks to their users adding an edge to the narrative between Lyra and those around her. If you love unique magic systems combined with solid Norse Viking vibes and a deeply character-driven plot with steamy romance, this one definitely deserves a spot on your TBR.

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚. 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨.

Of two things I'm certain:
1. I’ll buy every edition of this book.
2. I’ll be counting down the days until book two.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and L.J. Andrews for this incredible ARC!

What I loved:
⚔️ Norse Mythology
🦴 Vikings x Bone Magic
😮‍💨 Enemies to Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🤟 Sign Language Rep
🔗 Bonded Souls
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
✨ Unique Magic System
💀 Touch Her and Die
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Rep
🙈 Hidden Identity