A Touch of Stone and Snow

I really wish I could've loved this as much as book one, but there just wasn't enough romance here for me!

<b> <i>2020 Ripped Bodice Summer Bingo: ‪Villain’s Love Story</i> </b><br /><br />A review: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/reviews/a-touch-of-stone-and-snow-by-milla-vane/">https://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/r...</a><br /><br />***<br /><br />First impressions:<br /><br />Extremely annoyed right now because I neither have the time nor energy to glom Meljean Brook’s backlist (Brook is a PNR pseudonym for Vane). Woe is me. <br /><br />FYI, this works as a stand-alone if you haven’t read book 1 (I have not read book 1).<br /><br /><b>Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.</b>

<b> 3.5 Stars</b><br /><br /><b>Overall Opinion: </b>This was a good addition to the series. While I think you could probably follow along if you haven’t read the first book, <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/46021762.A_Heart_of_Blood_and_Ashes__A_Gathering_of_Dragons___1_" title="A Heart of Blood and Ashes (A Gathering of Dragons, #1) by Milla Vane" rel="noopener">A Heart of Blood and Ashes</a>, I wouldn’t recommend it. I think the lands, people, and Gods would be easier to understand if you had that as a back story. I loved their love! I loved the pain I felt for them when circumstances make it hard for them to be together. I just wanted much more of it! Once they give in to their love it seems to go to the back burner to all the suspense and world drama. Which I get! But I loved their connection so much that I was super greedy for it. I struggled the most with the pacing. It took a while for me to get into it and I even had checked the overall length at one point because I was shocked that I was barely 30% in and figured it had to be super long — but it wasn’t. It felt slow and since it’s been a while since I read the first book I was constantly trying to remember if I knew these characters. The ending also was lackluster, but again — I understand why it was the way it was for the sake of the series. But! I’m looking forward to the rest of the series and I enjoyed it overall.<br /><br /><b>Brief Summary of the Storyline: </b> This is Lizzan and Aerax’s story. They’ve been each other’s closest ally for years but this story starts after Lizzan has been exiled from her home with Aerax pushing her away. Their world is falling apart, literally, as the ‘Destroyer’ has returned and is pure evil. Different lands start uniting to go against the Destroyer and Lizzan and Aerax reunite amongst this quest. There are some dark forces against them, some truths revealed, a few sexy times, and some suspenseful scenes...and they get a HFN ending.<br /><br /><b>Point Of View (POV):</b> This alternated between focusing on Lizzan and Aerax in 3rd person narrative.<br /><br /><b>Overall Pace of Story: </b> My biggest issue. Not the best. I never skimmed though.<br /><br /><b>Instalove:</b> No, they were already in love when this story begins<br /><br /><b>H (Hero) rating:</b> 5 stars. Aerax. I loved him! I loved how he cared for the h and how he had a strong character despite all the wrongs that had been done to him.<br /><br /><b>h (heroine) rating:</b> 4.5 stars. Lizzan. I really liked her. I appreciated her strength, her loyalty, and how caring she was for others.<br /><br /><b>Sadness level: </b>Low/moderate. I geared up a few times but I never needed tissues.<br /><br /><b>Push/Pull:</b> Yes <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="42cfa9b9-f5b5-43e2-bc8b-c1bdce9bf19c" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="42cfa9b9-f5b5-43e2-bc8b-c1bdce9bf19c"> They both push away at times and I’d say that the H is the main pursuer of the relationship.</label><br /><br /><b>Heat level:</b> Good. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story. They are both virgins and there is kind of a slow burn type feel to it.<br /><br /><b>Descriptive sex:</b> Yes<br /><br /><b>OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama:</b> Not at all! <br /><br /><b>Sex scene with OW or OM:</b> No<br /><br /><b>Cheating: </b> No<br /><br /><b>Separation:</b> Yes <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="92c32438-ea5c-4bfb-8054-6ad24677f444" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="92c32438-ea5c-4bfb-8054-6ad24677f444">This starts when they have been separated, but neither of them had other partners during this time. </label><br /><br /><b>Possible Triggers: </b>Yes <input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="edd7a14f-a1bc-4911-be03-3f7ef276c5eb" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="edd7a14f-a1bc-4911-be03-3f7ef276c5eb">Violence/murder (on page) and mentions of previous abuse (H - off page and not descriptive)</label><br /><br /><b>Closure: </b> This ends in a good place with them as a couple but with still a lot looming for them in regards to their world. I would call this a HFN ending.<br /><br /><b>Safety:</b> This one should be <u>Safe</u> for most safety gang readers<br /><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="c269af20-a939-424b-8e88-76267f280721" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="c269af20-a939-424b-8e88-76267f280721"><br />- <b>Does Not</b> have cheating<br />- <b>Does Not</b> have a descriptive sex scene with OW/OM<br />- <b> Does</b> have both the h and H pushing away<br />- <b> Does</b> have a separation between the h and H<br />- <b> Does Not</b> have abuse by mcs<br />- <b>Does Not</b> have a HEA ending</label>

What can I say? I will pledge my sword to Milla Vane forever!<br /><br />This book has everything I could ever hope for. aHoBaA was hard to top but A Touch of Stone and Snow managed it quite easily. This series has truly been a revelation. Excellent world building with vividly drawn characters and a romance that broke my heart in its beauty. <br /><br />This will be hard to top but I have a feeling Milla Vane will be able to do it in the next book. Again. <br /><br /><br /><i>ARC provided by Berkley for an honest review</i>

First things first... the hero of this book has a pet snow cat, aka A SABER TOOTH TIGER. Do I really need to say more? <br />Okay, okay, I will. I feel like with this book, this series is really hitting its stride. The political intrigue is intriguing! The magical and mythical elements are interesting! The romances are targeted right at your feels! It's just a super solid fantasy romance series, though I will say, I tend to enjoy the fantasy elements of this a little more than the romance elements. Personally, I tend to like slightly less angst for my romances, and this series seems to be on the angstier end of things than the Iron Seas series was. That said-- this was a second chance romance that worked a lot better for me than that trope usually does because it was so clear from the hero's POV that he was utterly gone on the heroine... so I knew the reasoning behind the Big Misunderstanding was going to be good. It was, and I found the resolution of that part of the story very satisfying.<br />All in all- can't wait for the next one! Things are really heating up and the Destroyer is still coming!

I can't get enough of Milla Vane's fantasy stories. This one had a great blend of such unique fantasy elements and a steamy, and sweet romance. Also I want a cat like Caeb ?

I definitely liked this more than book one but not more than the prequel (which you should read after book one, by the way). But there are definitely still parts I had to slog through. Thankfully this installment is significantly shorter than book one (almost six hundred pages vs just shy of four) but.. it still felt very long, particularly in the beginning.<br /><br />I'm not sure I really liked either of the main characters, which is sad as I really liked book one's heroine, but unlike the hero in book one, at least no one annoyed me in this one. I think I struggled, mostly in the beginning, because there was just so much time bouncing between past events and current that it was hard to hold onto who they were now. And also likely not helped by just feeling a little lost and without any certain footing in said beginning. The middle to almost climax was definitely the highlight for me, both fast paced and interesting, but the actual big conflict seemed.. well, dumb. And over before I even realized. It resolved so quickly it actually took me a few pages to realize it was over and they hadn't just paused for an interlude.<br /><br />That said, what helped me feel better about this one was, while I acknowledged and appreciated the worldbuilding Vane put in, from day on, this was the first time I felt proper understanding of some of the mythology. I don't know if it was poorly explained or we just weren't meant to know the whole picture up until now (or I'm dumb) but.. I'm diggin' it. I'm on board. And I like what has been set up for book three, too. Of course, now that I'm caught up I have to wait like everyone else but.. oh well.<br /><br />Not quite sure this is going to be a series I would go out of my way to recommend but I definitely wouldn't talk you out of it if you're already interested in diving in.<br /><br />----<br /><br />This review can also be found at <a href="https://atakefromtwocities.home.blog/2021/03/21/a-touch-of-stone-and-snow-by-milla-vane/" rel="nofollow noopener">A Take From Two Cities</a>.

This review was originally posted on<a href="http://addictedtoromance.org/book-review-a-touch-of-stone-and-snow-by-milla-vane/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> Addicted To Romance</a><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1551095556i/27115635._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><br><br>In The Touch of Stone and Snow we have a story that continues in the gritty world of Milla Vane of the Gathering of Dragons series. After reading the first book "A Heart of Blood and Ashes" I have been so intrigued by this style of fantasy and quite frankly I adore epic fantasy and so happy to see more authors writing in this genre. Its definitely one we need more books in. And I have been highly impressed with Milla Vane to be honest. I just love how she developed this story and I will say that I couldn't seem to get enough of this book and it turned out so different than I expected and most especially the romance turned a road I never expected and I was all in for it. <br><br><br><br>The Touch of Stone and Snow is a story that begins with a love story of two people....Lizzan and Aerax. Lizzan and Aerax were once best friends who turned into lovers, but then in a battle that Lizzan led, all of her men were killed and she was held to blame as the only survivor and she was cast out of Koth, her family living in disgrace and losing the man she loved and the only home she had ever known. Lizzan now works as a protector to lead innocent people through the dangers of bandits, and those touched by the 'destroyer'. Aerax has never stopped loving Lizzan, and will never tell her the full story but he and his pet snow cat (a saber tooth tiger) feel the loss of Lizzan in their lives. But while on the trail sent on a mission....Aerax finds her and even though there is a tension he feels more complete with her near. As Aerax and Lizzan work together and reconnect they will also have to face a danger, one they won't be ready for and it will take the both of them to destroy it and reach the HEA they so richly deserve....<br><br><br><br>I have to say that A Touch of Stone and Snow was such a endearing read. I just fell so hard for Aerax and Lizzan. Now I will say that Lizzan isn't your average heroine and not normally my cup of tea since I do have a hard time relating with such alpha females, but boy I adored her. Because even though she has such a tough exterior, she also possesses this sweetness and charming vulnerability I wanted to see more of. Now Aerax ...*sigh* he was delicious in every way. I love that even though he made his own share of mistakes, he owns up to them and isn't afraid to go after what he really wants. He has such a protective side but also appreciates Lizzan for the woman she is and supports her in every way and I found that so sexy. I was expecting so much ANGST in this book and I was pleased to see that it didn't turn out the way I expected or last as long as I was ready for which had my heart pleased. I don't care too much for angst to be throughout the whole story so to see it resolved more earlier on was quite refreshing. <br><br><br><br>Now as a plot line this story kicks booty let me tell y'all. Because wowzers, will she never cease to surprise me in that? Because I just couldn't get enough of seeing how she just pulls you into this suspense filled story. Both Aerax and Lizzan and their group have to battle off some enemies and the intensity in some of these scenes definitely keeps one on edge all the way through. Especially in the later half of the story, that is where it really picks up speed. The first half the focus tends to be the romance between Aerax and in the second half they are pushed to the test in saving the lives of their people. I found the style of seeing the growth of the story to be one that feeds your attention in the right manner. <br><br><br><br>A side note I ADORED Aerax having a pet saber tooth tiger, so so cool!! And quite frankly the bond between the three of them was adorable and I couldn't seem to get enough of it. <br><br><br><br>Overall I found A Touch of Stone and Snow to be a fantastic addition to the series that embodies thrilling adventure, the beauty of finding love again and good conquering evil ----an edgy, keep you on your toes read that will leave you eager for the next one. <br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1596679925i/29922377.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1596679925i/29922376._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1561506897i/27726693._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><br><br><br><div> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1547991528i/26946364._SX540_.png" alt="" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </div><br><br><br><a href="http://addictedtoromance.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"> <img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1499527757i/23242699.jpg" alt=" photo Addicted To Romance Reviews 2_zpsplp8m0tb.png" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"> </a>

<img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1595274467i/29846801.jpg" width="400" height="550" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><br><b><i>“Our path leads to the crystal palace. So on we go, to glorious battle, where my name will become legend.”</i> And where he would never, ever let her go.<br><br><i>“If I have to become a monster to save you, that is what I will do.”</i></b><br><br>A Touch of Stone and Snow by Milla Vane is the second book in A Gathering of Dragons, one of the best fantasy series we’ve read in a long time. Every single book is EPIC and so intricately woven into a mammoth story. It’s not often it takes us a week to read just one book, however, Milla Vane is literally the queen of fleshing out her storyline and her characters. Because of the continuing quest to defeat a common mythical enemy, we HIGHLY recommend reading in order, especially if you love barbaric and erotic fantasy romance as much as we do. This series speaks straight to our fantasy book-loving hearts. Intense, mysterious, harrowing, dramatic, action-filled and super passionate. This series is everything and the way in which it is written, SUPERB! We cannot even begin to adequately pay homage to this incredible series and Author.<br><br><b> <i>“I must sacrifice myself while performing a feat so incredible that my name will reach their ears, and no longer will my family bear my shame.”<br><br>“If you leave me I will come for you. Wherever you go, I will find you, and we will be together again.”</i> </b><br><br>We first heard of The Destroyer in A Heart of Blood and Ashes, which was Ran Maddek and Queen Yvenne story, and his impending arrival to slay and defeat the realms is causing terror. Factions of warrior men and women not fleeing but rather instigating an uprising, whilst the rest seek refuge and protection from the mythical Gods. The world-building in this series by Milla Vane continues to astound us, this Author is outstanding! Honestly, if we could give her a standing ovation in person we would. It’s mesmerizing, addictive, flawless and compelling, the scenery easily conjured up in our minds from the vivid and eerily evocative writing.<br><br><b> <i>“Always you would stop and listen to those who were alone, for you knew that is what they often needed the most – for someone to see them, to listen to them. And I have always loved that about you.”<br><br>“It matters not how quick or slow the days are. No matter what happens in the battle ahead, and even if every day afterward is spent with you, never will there be enough of them.”</i> </b><br><br>Lizzan, currently in exile, is on a personal quest to battle and clear her family’s name from the shame she has brought upon them. She’s a fighter with a heart that’s bigger than can be comprehended. We knew there was something incredibly special about her from the start, and we championed her till the end despite our worry over her wanting to die a hero. Whilst on her path she’s also running from the man she loves, Aerax, the troubled bastard prince of Koth, she grew to love with all her heart. The warrior monster of a man who owns her heart and now owns ours. Not only is this series a treat fantasy-wise, which would be amazing as a Netflix series, in A Touch of Stone and Snow the second chance romance is compelling, beautiful and incredibly passionate. The tension and the chemistry was scorching. The battle, the twists and the mythical aspect, enticing. This series is a masterpiece of epic proportions!<br><br><b> <i>“You ease the pain in my heart, Aerax.”<br>“Given a choice no other purpose would I have.”</i> </b><br><br><br><b>Available to purchase below<br><a href="https://amzn.to/39fhC47" rel="nofollow noopener">Amazon US</a><br><a href="https://amzn.to/3fJIqfh" rel="nofollow noopener">Amazon UK</a></b><br><br><b>Come and say hi, at:</b><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1552004656i/27170373._SX540_.png" height="150" alt="description" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><br><b>✲ <a href="http://totallybookedblog.com/" rel="nofollow noopener">TotallyBookedBlog</a><br>✲ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/totallybookedblog/%20" rel="nofollow noopener">TBB on Facebook</a><br>✲ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/the_real_totallybookedblog/" rel="nofollow noopener">TBB on Instagram</a><br>✲ <a href="https://twitter.com/TotallyBooked1%20&lt;/b&gt;" rel="nofollow noopener">TBB on Twitter</a><br>✲ <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/totallybookedb/" rel="nofollow noopener">TBB on Pinterest</a><br></b>

Well it wasn't horrible but it wasn't great either. I read this because of a rave review I read on a blog site that I usually trust. But the story was slow and the plot and characters generally underwhelming. Truthfully, I was bored. This was a romantic fantasy. The fantasy was not riveting. The elements of the story are all over the place. I can't see a clearly thought out magic structure for example. The romance part was totally lame. The hero and heroine were apart for reasons, the heroine had become a drunk mercenary (in a super short time) but the minute they meet up again it's all better! Absolutely no conflict between them at all. Let's save the world together. And to top off this sundae of mediocrity the author still insists on using the awkward sentence structure which is meant to make me think this is a grand epic fantasy but in reality just makes me pissed every time she sticks it in.<br /><br /><i>Perhaps the goddess could not even hear them from the island, but no chances would Lizzan take. She prayed fiercely until Caeb licked her face, and then no more time could they waste.</i><br /><br />I read the first one to get to this one which I had read the glowing review for. This one wasn't nearly as good as that one. I mostly liked that story except for the stupid writing style. But I don't think I will go on with the series.