Book Review: How to Love Your Elf (Embraced by Magic #1) by Kerrelyn Sparks

Rating: 4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Rom-Com

Review:

When Sorcha and her friend, Aleksi get kidnapped by elves, a.k.a “arrogant, two-faced bastards” in an ambush meant for her sister, she’s determined to escape and save the both of them. Then a mysterious stranger called the Woodsman shows up in the nick of time to help them escape. Before she knows it, Sorcha’s embroiled in elf politics and falling for the Woodsman.

Side-note – Although this appears to be book 1 in a new series, it’s actually a continuation of the series before it called, Embraced. But all the books in these two series can also be read as stand-alones as the author’s segue is easy to follow.

This was my first book by Kerrelyn Sparks so I didn’t really know what to expect going in. But from the first page, the author’s writing drew me in and I was invested in the world she had created and its happenings. The main characters were unique with the side-characters adding much value and comic relief.

Sorcha was easy to like but I have to say it’s the Woodsman I liked more. I found myself with stars in my eyes, devouring every new information about him. I love how Sorcha baffled and exasperated him, making him lose that tranquil zen state of his. And I found myself laughing out loud at so many of their interactions, especially that hilarious picnic scene that I won’t be forgetting for a long, long time.

The additional budding romance of two of the side-characters was quite endearing. I enjoyed this book a lot and Kerrelyn Sparks’ writing left me in smiles long after I turned the last page.

Synopsis: Raised in isolation on the magic-shrouded Isle of the Moon, five girls became five sisters. Now women, they are ready to claim their places in the world—and perhaps change it forever . . . FLAME AND FORTUNE Sorcha knew the mission was dangerous. Leaving the safe grounds of her brother’s kingdom and parlaying with the elves across their border . . . well, treachery seemed at least as likely as true peace. But to support her sister, Sorcha would brave far more than the underhanded ways of the elves. Or so she thought, before she was taken hostage. Of course, her captors didn’t count on her particular abilities—or on the help of the Woodsman, the mysterious thief who made his home in the forest. He saw the battle from the trees, saw the soldier attacking against incredible odds to save a comrade—and then saw the valiant fighter revealed as Princess Sorcha of Norveshka. He can’t tell if he wants to kidnap her or kiss her. But despite Sorcha’s stubbornness, his inconvenient honor, and a rebellion on the cusp of full war, something burns between them that neither can let go . . .