I hated seeing Sparks' last series, "Love at Stake," end so I was happy to see the start of a new series. Kerrelyn Sparks has once again created a paranormal world that immediately sucks you in as if it were reality. Often times the first novel in a new series spends so much time creating the background that the story itself is forgotten. That is not the case in this novel. In this instance the world building and story line were intimately connected as we learned what being "embraced" meant and the fact that both the hero and the heroine were "embraced." These are children born under the twin moons that usually have some type of "gift" and are always feared by the general population. Fortunately, Sparks has already set the stage for future novels with Lucinda's adopted sisters who are also "embraced."

3.75 stars

How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days is my first Kerrelyn Sparks's book, that also happens to be a start of a new Embraced series. It is a mashed of fantasy, historical and paranormal romance with a dollop of humour; an array of witty characters; and appealing plot. The story got me chuckling and teary-eyed; sometime wanting to smack a character or two upside the head.

Set in a world called Aerthlan where the Embraced - or people born with supernatural ability - were sentenced to death, parents of Embraced child kept their offspring safe by secretly sent them away to the Isle of Moon. Luciana, the heroine of this story, was one of such child. She grew up never knowing she had family in the kingdom of Eberon until his father came to fetch her.

Leofric was the king's nephew, also his Lord Protector of the Realm and the thorn in the king's side. Leo was an Embraced with ability to absorb lightning, which made him not only a lethal adversary in battle, but also dangerous in a way that nobody could touch him without ending up dead. When his uncle asked him to marry Duke of Duke of Vindalyn, he suspected the king was up to no good.

This book was truly a treat, I was entertained by the banter between characters (Nevis - Leo's best friend - was a hoot, Luciana's innocent wide-eye shock could be hilarious), even Luciana's irritating twin ghost. That being said, despite their added ability and plain intelligence of Leo, Luciana, and their trusted allies, it's a bit of a let down the bad guy always one step ahead of them.

Also, it's sort of anticlimactic how - after the whole evil king the story had been going on - this first entry to the series ended. In a nutshell, the first half filled mostly with the wait and see; then on the next half we saw the characters sprinted from melee to another.

Of course, that's not to say I don't like the book. Au contraire, even with all the issues I relayed earlier, somehow this tale hit just the right spot. I say it's a good sign for me to read this author's backlist in the future, the way I was so engrossed I could forgive whatever snag I felt! :)


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Ms spark wrote a wonderful story of adventure and romance I can't wait for the next book in series.

This is a super amazing first book in a new series from Kerrelyn Sparks. The Embraced series is set in a magical world that is populated by extraordinary characters with supernatural powers. I was completely captivated by this book and hanging on every word.

I loved Leo and Luciana. Their relationship was complicated by secrets and at times impossible obstacles. They were more alike than either of them realized at first. For most of the story Luciana was pretending to be her murdered twin while Leo kept trying to piece the puzzle together. I couldn't help but fall in love with Leo. He knew there was something off about Luciana but he didn't make a big deal out of it and figured most of it out before she even told him the truth. He cared enough to wait for her to confess because he wanted her to love him. This guy had endured so much but he never let it make him bitter. Just lonely. He was the most wonderful anguished hero and I absolutely adored him.

This first chapter in the series was loaded with romance, mystery, humor, and royal intrigue. The characters, and by that I mean all of them, were so interesting. The storytelling was rich and promising even more great stories to come.

I loved this book ! I'm really excited about the new series and can't wait to see how the next prediction comes true.

How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days by Kerrelyn Sparks
This first book in a new series was the first book I've read by this author but it certainly will not be my last. Sparks weaves a fantastic tale of magic and love. It caught my attention from the beginning and held it until the very end. I like a good fantasy book to mix into my reading list as long as it can be done well, it may even become one of my favorite books in my lineup.
Thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

The land is divided into two kingdoms that either worship the sun or two moons. Twice a year the two moons eclipse and children born on these nights have supernatural powers. This is the first book in a new series and it is a great start. It is a fast read and I was hooked from the start. Luciano and Lord Leo are great together. I look forward to reading future books in this new series. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Wow. What a different style for her but it was terrific. I couldn't put it down. She is truly a phenomenal fantasy writer. I love everything she's written. Can't wait for the next book.

How to Tame a Beast in Seven days by Kerrelyn Sparks is a new series. Ana was living in a convent her whole life. She has her sister who were also left there. Until one day her real farther shows up. Ana finds out she has a twin who died and she must take her place. To marry Leo who is know as the beast. Leo can't touch anyone or he might kill them. Someone is trying to kill them both. Ana falls in love but can she touch her new husband?! Twist and turns action, adventure and love! Great new series with world building. Enjoyable plot and new world. Highly recommend and can't wait for more by this author!

So glad Kerrelyn Sparks is back with a new series!!

Luciana has been hidden away her entire life because of her magical powers, believing herself to be an orphan. That is until her father arrives and gives her the choice to remain on the island she was hidden on or return with him and marry Lord Leofric, the Beast of Benwick.

Leo has magical powers himself: he power to harness lightning. This power makes him dangerous and he hasn't been touched since he was a child. He is thrilled to be marrying beautiful Luciana, even if their marriage can never be real. Can he and Luciana ever have a real marriage and deal with those that wish them harm?

I am not new to Ms. Sparks' writing as I read (almost) all of her Love at Stake series. I was not surprised at all by the intricate world building that goes on in the story. She is fantastic at establishing a setting that you feel could maybe really happen. I was quite delighted to find this was something of a historical (although the language is very modern) because the cover made me think this was more of a contemporary.

As I said, the language is very modern but I wasn't upset by that in the least because this wasn't a Regency historical, it wasn't even set on Earth. I saw no reason for Ms. Sparks not to use modern speech if that's how she wanted the people of this world to speak.

I loved Leo and Luciana. She was just strong enough and she was just sweet enough for them to really complement each other. I enjoyed watching them grow as a couple and the anticipation for their love scene was certainly worth it!

A lot happened in the week this is set in. Some conflicts seemed solved pretty hurriedly but this didn't detract from the story at all, for me. Since this is the first book in a brand new series we did get a lot of information in a short period of time but, again, this doesn't detract from the story.

My only complaint would be the accents at the beginning of the book (I used to be a sucker for Scottish accents in books but I feel they've been overused) but those go away once the story really gets going and they're few and far between after.

I've already ordered a copy of this title and can't wait for the next in the series!!

As one of the Embraced—one born with magical powers—the beautiful, innocent Luciana escaped certain death after her father hid her away on the Isle of Moon. Now, nineteen years later, her father has returned with a frightening request. He will be executed unless Luciana returns to the mainland and marries a man feared throughout the land: a terrifying brute known as the Beast.

Luciana accepts her fate and agrees to wed the Beast—Lord Leo—in order to save her father. Soon she learns that her betrothed is also one of the Embraced. With the ability to wield lightning, Leo’s immense power strikes fear into the hearts of men. . .and his mere touch can put an end to a woman’s life. But Luciana cannot deny the passion that burns between them. How can she resist the man who scorches her soul and makes her feel intoxicated with desire—even if surrendering to him could destroy them both?

This really should have been titled "How to Tame a Beast in Two Days" because it didn't take seven days nor did it seem like it. Seriously, there was no build up between the characters and no real romance that I felt. The good thing is...It's my opinion and everyone has one and die-hard fans may truly love this book. I, for one...just couldn't. I love Kerrelyn Sparks and read all her novels but this book really didn't feel "KS" to me. It was well-written grammar-wise but I just couldn't get into it. I kept reading other books in between. If I start doing that with a book - it doesn't end well! Will I pick up her next one? Definitely!! Because I don't think that you can judge an author by one book. You just don't. It's like judging a person by their one outfit. It's wrong and against some readers creed or something. LOL. So if you love Kerrelyn, you'll probably make a voodoo doll with my name on it and burn it in effigy. I'm okay with that because I try to be honest with my reviews and not blow smoke up your butt. It's your money and I try and save you that and time. Wait for her next one which I'm sure will be awesomeness personified!

I was given a copy of this ARC from the publisher on Netgalley for a honest review. All of the above comments are my express opinions and no one else's.

Summary

Being born as an Embraced, is a death sentence to any who are born gifted. Luciana always thought that she was an orphan along with the other women who are like her own sisters. They share a close bond. Luciana and the other women live on a island nunnery. Part of a kingdom seperate from the others. She is shocked when she learns that she has a father and needs her help. She learns that she was a twin and her sister died and will need to marry a stranger known as the “beast” in order to save her fathers life from the kings wrath. But she will have to act like her sister and forget being Luciana and what she has always known to believe. So she leaves the only home and family she has ever known to be someone she isn’t, and to marry a man known as the “beast” But upon meeting this tall and handsome beast she is drawn to him. Leo also known as the Beast of Benwick, has been feared for most of his life. Where when he was five years old was struck by lightning and his body was changed and hasn’t been able to touch or hold anyone sine his touch can harm or even kill. He starts to realize that she is powerfully gifted but will she be strong and able enough to survive his touch
Plot and Story Line

How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days is the first book of a new series by one of my favorite authors Kerrelyn Sparks. Now granted, this book was so unique different and not what I was expecting. She has kinda switched genres from vampires and shape shifters to a whole different realm of fantasy where dragons exist and being magically gifted is a death sentence by the king. And boy did I fall madly in love with this book very quickly. The first impression I had about this book was the bond that these girls have with each other. We have five women that were born in a unique time that made them Embraced and they are each gifted. Our heroine of the story Luciana (such a gorgeous name) has the ability to see certain moments in the future as well as see and interact with ghosts. She finds out her true heritage and so she returns home with her father planning on marrying a man she has never met. Now Luciana having been raised in a convent has no clue what to expect from a marriage with him. There aren’t any men there and has never interacted with them. So she is pretty innocent at times but is intelligent and kind. I loved Luciana so very much. Now we have our hero. He is quite the character. He is pretty tough, not a man you want to cross but also has some close friendships and has some extreme power inside him. I love how protective he is yet he is starved for any physical touch. The world that Kerrelyn Sparks has created a world of ghosts, dragons, magic and I was drawn completely into it. Sparks has surprised me with this book and her plans for this series has me super super excited!!
The Cover

I honestly don’t mind anything about this cover….I do love those pecs and abs….yep I wouldn’t mind keeping him.
Overall View

How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days is part of a uniquely crafted romance that is stunning in detail, thrills and chills, captivating characters that endears the reader…not a book you will want to to put down. STUNNING!!

A new series from this author and I'm happily onboard. A land divided into kingdoms that either worship the sun or the two moons with the moons eclipsing twice a year with magical results. Trouble is those children born on those magical nights are filled with supernatural powers that are both feared and envied. These children are called the Embaced and Luciana just happens to be one of them. Luciana has grown up hidden away believing herself an orphan but her world is shattered when a man claiming to be her father shows up and wants her to travel to court with him to meet her intended husband ! Luciana has a kind heart and agrees but her intended is also Embraced and his electric touch has earned him the title Beast of Benwick with even the King wanting him dead!
For Leo growing up Embraced has earned him a fearsome reputation but more heartbreaking is his inability to touch anyone without causing them harm and even death. Yet he's steadfast in his loyalty to the country he helps protect and his compassion towards innocents extends to the most unfortunate woman who has been chosen as his bride. Trouble is there's something odd going on and it's clear his intended is hiding something but what exactly is it?
A new series always has a lot to set up but happily the romance wasn't hindered by that too much here. It was fun seeing the two sides of Leo as he's this big, tough, almost impossible to kill Lord Protector but there's such a caring more gentle side to him and the author plays a blinder when right from the start she injects humour into his interactions with his friends. Luciana too was a very likeable heroine and as a reader we know she carries secrets that make things incredibly difficult for her at times. Perhaps she's a bit too nice but this is fantasy with a light , delicate touch , plus the baddies are really nasty so it balances out quite nicely.
I really did enjoy this story and as the plot all happens so quickly it was easy to be drawn in although as it raced to the end a twist suddenly appeared. Clearly Luciana isn't the only Embraced female and the author sets up quite nicely for more in this series but I suspect a certain someone resembling a pirate will have my fellow readers keen to find out what happens next.
This voluntary take is of an advance reader arc from Netgalley and is my honest opinion

Really liked this book. Interesting concept with the Embraced, and of course with the 5 young women and kingdoms, that sets up quite a long series. A win-win for everyone.
I thought the storyline flowed well, from Luciana meeting her father and taking her dead sisters place, to her meeting Leo. Her gift came in quite handy. I loved Brody and can't wait to hear more of his story. Throwing in the shapeshifter who conveniently killed everyone that could have impeded Leo to be king. I thought that was a really cheap way, after reading alllll those pages, to end the story. And then to have the shapeshifter escape!!! Anyway, I can't wait to read the next book. Good read.

Ms. Sparks has written another truly unique and wonderful paranormal romance. Hooked from the start. Enjoyed the plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Leo and Luciana are interesting characters and I am glad they got their HEA. I look forward to the next installment of this series.

What an exciting new series! I have loved Kerrelyn Sparks' Love At Stake series, but the last few books didn't do it for me. Her earlier books were the best. But when I heard about this book, the first in a brand new series, I was beyond excited. This exceeded my expectations and makes me eager to read the next book.

Luciana lives on the Isle of Moon, hidden away since birth and believing herself an orphan. She's content with her lot in life until one evening, when a Duke comes calling and is introduced as her father. Soon she is whisked away to the mainland, acting as her recently-deceased twin sister, preparing to take her place in a royally decreed marriage in order to save her father's life. Her betrothed, known as the Beast of Benwick, is feared by all, for it is said he killed his mother and anyone who touches him dies a painful death. But what Luciana finds is a brave, lonely man instead of a beast, and his touch is what she longs for the most.

I loved Luciana and Leofric (the Beast's real name)! Luciana is a strong heroine, who embarks on a quest to a land ruled by a king who would destroy her if he learned who she really is. She stands up to others, doesn't mind getting her hands dirty, and treats servants with respect and dignity. Leo is, of course, enthralled from the start, both by her beauty and her character, but he is stricken that he will never be able to touch her. It was wonderful reading about their budding romance and how Luciana stood up for Leo when others would try to hurt him. It was very much a Beauty and the Beast sort of fairy tale in a way, because the Beast really isn't a beast at all, and the Beauty is a woman whose beauty is matched by her big heart.

I can't wait to read more books in this series! Luciana's orphan "sisters" are going to be so much fun to read about. The next book is about Brigitta, and the taste you get at the end of the book of her story helps me to know it is well worth the wait.

I really enjoyed this first book of the series. There was a great chemistry and match up with the H and h, the story pulled together perfectly. I did expect just a bit more romance wink-wink, but in no way was the book lacking, I just expected a little more steamy scenes

a good read, I liked

I did not request this book. I was only checking out the details and now it is on my shelf....

Great read. Excellent change of pace in the paranormal genre with and a historical romantic suspense. I loved this romance.

Luciana's life was in danger before she was born but her parents figured out a way to keep her safe, or so they think. She has been raised an orphan in the convent on Isle of Moon. She has gifts that have to be kept secret. She's Embraced.

Leo is called a beast. He is leader of an army and has thwarted death many times over but being ordered to marry Tatiana is too much. How can he do that when he hasn't been able to touch anyone since he was five? He's Embraced. Is gift more of a gift or curse?

Tatiana is a selfish, spoiled woman who is ready for the royal part of being married but not so overjoyed at the groom. After all, he's call a beast for a reason. She is also Embraced.

When Tatiana and her father are making their way to court they both become ill. He travels to Isle of Moon trying to save her, but it's too late. Once there he meets with the daughter he hasn't seen since birth. Tatiana is angry though, she's dead. And she was looking forward to her gowns. And the fun. She decides to hand around Luciana a while.

When Luciana hears the terrible position her father is in she decides to help but she has a lot of work to do and a lot of secrets to keep. She wants answers to her questions and most importantly, she is afraid her vision might come true.

This is a wonderful story, the characters are well described and thought out and you'll find yourself becoming immersed fairly quickly. A great book for an opener into a new series. I gave this a four star because it took me a little to get into the book, but not too long.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.