Broken Dove

** spoiler alert ** just finished re-reading this book and . . . i’m changing my ratings from 4 to 2 (i was a generous naive kid back then), though i really enjoyed the magical world miss kristen wrote. i just can’t deal with the fact that dax forced cerci to sleep with him. he flat out raped her and i find it alarming that everyone seems to be okay with that. yes, it has been explained in the book that it was dax and his world’s way to claim a woman. but, still, rape is rape.

This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance Broken Dove is the fourth installment in the "Fantasyland" series by Kristen Ashley. Whew .,....this was a LONG book but a satisfying romance that curled my toes from beginning to end. I think this is the longest book I have read from this author but I had a blast. I switched from listening and reading this one, and BOTH versions are superb. The narrator chosen for this was fantastic, so if you love audiobooks, definitely check this one out, I promise you won't be disappointed. There is so much to pack here and so many things I love and some things I struggled with at times. Our story starts off, with our heroine Madeline (Maddie) who in our universe, is on the run from her husband who is abusive, controlling, and a drug dealer and a powerful man. And for years she has been on her own, trying to find her own peace. But now he has found her again. But right when she thinks all is lost for her, a man who looks somewhat like her husband but isn't.....with a sword and cape comes in and saves her and whisks her away to his parallel world of magic, mystery and danger. Apollo lost his wife (a look alike of Maddie) and she left behind two children he has been raising on his own. When he hears that his late wife's twin from the other world's life is in danger, he does everything he can to save her and bring her to his world to protect her. Apollo isn't exactly sure what his plans are concerning Maddie, only knowing he has this driving need to protect her. Their relationship starts out rocky, but both Maddie and Apollo find common ground, and a love so strong no force can break their bond. But they will be both tested, but along the way they build a family of love, unity and courage... WHOZAH!! This book completely blew me away in many ways and I have to say I was really hoping I could give this a five star, but unfortunately, I am unable to do so. The first third of the book was a bit slow at times, which does happen with some of these fantasy books from Ashley. I am not sure if its just me, but I seem to struggle getting into them for some reason and I LOVE fantasy so its odd. But oh well, I still fall in love with these stories and "Broken Dove" is no different. I truly adored seeing Apollo and Maddie find their path in this book and it definitely had many rocky moments especially in the beginning. This book is a roller coaster though and takes the reader on quite an adventure. Some time ago, a man filled with sorrow handed me a bag filled with hope. Those stones were in that bag. He knew, as I knew and now you know, even as he paid for the chance to have it again that love is priceless, love is worth every battle fought, every wound endured. He knew, as you now know, ma colombe, that love is everything. Both Apollo and Maddie are such strong-willed characters and so its natural for those type of personalities to clash. They are also complete opposites from each other and so different and so we see them trying to work through their differences and that is what made their relationship truly sing in so many ways. We see them not only struggle in their relationship but also build something with Apollo's two children. Its definitely not an easy road for either of them, but they find their ways to work through the challenges that come their way and conquer them. Love like you build with Miss Madeleine is as she is. It is not of this world. Not of her world. It is beyond the worlds. It is beyond anything Overall I found "Broken Dove" to be a stellar ride of a romance, that gives the reader a heartfelt tale of epic adventure, barrels of laughs and delights and a sensual love story to keep you enthralled!!

3.5 stars

Okay Honey. I only read this book because the 3rd book teased actual story. And it was so disappointing and again problematic. But I figured out a way to enjoy this book series more. I just don't read the words "Honey" and "okay" anymore. Hot scenes are suddenly less cringe, characters don't sound stupid anymore. And by the Gods I don't understand why every female MC of this series sound the same. Utterly the same. It's not cute, it's annoying. Those are supposedly women in their 30th talking like teenagers. I just don't want to read an "Okay Honey" ever again. The idea and world building behind this series has so much potential.. and is absolutely destroyed by flat story and annoying character. Only because a guy is hot doesn't make him being abusive okay. This book kinda touched on that topic, after the unacceptable rape fiasco from the 2nd book. But still how dominant, demanding guys are portrayed is not ok. I don't mind dominant, I mind abusive. It's not sexy and cute, it's abuse. I am hate reading this series and don't know why I bothered. And I will not touch the last one. The story conclusion of this book left me utterly disappointed. And the sex wasn't even that good, so much teasing about more spicy stuff and nothing happens.