The North Wind (The Four Winds Book 1)

Every so often I stumble across a fantasy romance with delicious prose. Loved the use of language in how this story was written.Story set in a world that models more of ancient greek mythology. Main female character swaps with her sister and takes her place as the "sacrificial" bride for the Frost King (North Wind). This is an event that happens every few decades, and no one knows what happens to the brides, save to assume the worst.We learn more about the Frost King and his world through her eyes. The story plays out initial enemies, her determined to kill him and escape (despite him being a god). But it mellows into a slow burn romance and eventually... enemies to lovers. There were definitely beauty and the beast themes, with nice little twists from the usual retelling tropes.I loved that the main characters were flawed but insightful. Lots of steam towards the end. Maturity in the female character only came towards the end, and even then the consistency was shaky. That was my only pet peeve about this book...the way 'headstrong, stubborn but strong' female lead came across was quite annoying. As it often means brash, rude behaviour with other characters enabling this. It can be very frustrating when slow burns means character growth takes a few steps backwards or is just too slow. Parts of the plots were inconsistent, but you can't help but fall in love with the main MC, despite his flaws as well, he was patient towards the FMC. The world was interesting, and some characters were introduced to set up for the next book in the series.I enjoyed that this book was a true fantasy romance, and though I don't like the characters in the next book, I look forward to the rest of the series.

I really enjoyed this book but was a bit shocked by what felt like a very sudden turn into a graphic romance storyline about 3/4 of the way through. I also found it a bit long and in places using repetitive phrases. It probably could be edited down by around 20%. The ending was a bit abrupt too and I’m not sure I really understand how everything just went on as if the situation was irrelevant. It needed more explanation.

Thoroughly enjoyed this, enemies to lovers where they truly do seem to really dislike each other. Good world building that I'm looking forward to seeing more of in future books. This is a standalone but is going to be part of an interconnected series and this book has already introduced the character the next book will be about, who is interesting enough that I'll be picking that up too.I liked a lot about this book, it was nice to read a flawed fix who doesn't end up co soldering that she's the problem (I seem to have read a lot like that) but gains strength not penance from the circumstances.The relationship was so slow burn, but not in a frustrating way and it made the pay off all the sweeter for it.For a standalone I feel like this covered a lot and managed to feel like a bigger story than the size of he book would suggest

I saw this book mentioned a couple if times on TikTok and it sat on my TBR for awhile until a night where a storm hit and The North Wind felt like an entirely appropriate title to read.If you're looking for a slow burn, enemies to lovers with ultimately good but truly flawed characters that will make you laugh, cry and warm your heart, then this is the book for you. There is graphic *spice* and heartmelting romance but you have to really wait for it!Pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I'm even willing to overlook the fact I didn't feel everything was explained, knowing that there is another book following the story of one of the characters in this!

I came across this book completely by accident and I am so happy I did. I love the story and how it unfolded.

I liked this book. It was a bit of a slow burn but it moved at a pace entirely appropriate to the story. It’s major flaw - the plot holes. So often with this genre, authors simply don’t bother addressing any inconvenient gaps in the plot. I need explanations! I won’t give anything away but I was dissatisfied with the ending, it felt really rushed in comparison to the pace of the rest. Nonetheless, the story was interesting and I enjoyed it.

I didn't expect such a well written and substantial story, as I've never read anything from this author before.The prose was beautiful and the story ,well paced.The FMC behaved ridiculously at times however, that did not distract from a well told tale.Whilst very much a slow burn, the steamy parts were 🔥There were a number of instances where I threw down my kindle ( in a "I can't handle this").This book will make you feel things - I think that's probably the sign of a well told tale.I do hate giving any book 5 stars, and I also dislike giving reviews.Take it as a positive sign that in this case, I've done both 👍

Lovely slow burn romance. Read it in one sitting. Reminded me a lot of Pestilence by Laura Thalassa, which I also loved. Steamy scenes were spot on, and we have the only one bed trope, loved it!