Radiance

Wraith Kings, Volume 1

The prince of no value

Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined.

The noblewoman of no importance

Ildiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn't just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she's known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light.

Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart.

©2014 Denise Shaw (P)2015 Denise Shaw

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

The story takes place in the time of castles, kings, and queens.

To secure a political treaty between the humans and Kai (aliens), human Ildiko and alien Brishen enter into an arranged marriage. Hours before the marriage Ildiko goes to reflect in the gardens and Brishen does the same. They start talking and openly make fun of each others race and think each others race is ugly. They do not know each other is the bride and groom. At the alter their pleasantly surprised since they had already spoken openly about their feelings.

Since they think each other are ugly they both agree to wait on consummating the marriage. They leave that night to travel to Brishen's kingdom. Their relationship is an honest but slow burn. Halfway thru the book they make love for the first time. The Kai don't kiss because they have razor sharp teeth. So Ildiko shows Brishen how they can kiss without him causing her harm. Kissing becomes Brishen's favorite form of affection besides love making.

Brishen's mother, the Shadow Queen, is evil-to-the-core and craves power so she obviously causes problems.

I went thru an array of emotions from Fun to Smirks to Oh No She Didn't to Tears and finally Awe.

Between Grace Draven's writing and Gabrielle Baker's performance you can't help but fall in love with Brishen and Ildiko.

Absolutely worth a credit/$$

I don’t dig sweet - but I dug this

I like my fantasy dark, visceral, and action packed. I like my romance full of fireworks between alpha males and kick-ass females. The first eight hours were exactly the opposite, with no action save for a single, short battle and a story primarily focused on an arranged marriage between two good-hearted souls able to see past each other’s horrid looks. Ildiko is smart, clever, and kind, but no warrior; Breshen is a charming, gentle monster. Their story blossomed sweet and poetic, without any conflict or contrived misunderstandings. I should have hated this book. Yet, I was enthralled. The dialogue, chemistry, and sex were very well written and gave this non-sentimental listener all the feels.

The final hour of this book changes course into one of action, magic, and intrigue that was more my style. Then, the epilogue goes full-on Brothers Grimm and sets up the dark fantasy story that I will definitely dig... when I listen to book 2 in this duology.

True craftsmanship

I took a chance on a review for this book. This is a beautifully written book. Like watching a stunning sunset from start to finish. I highly recommend its worth your credit!

Beautiful Story!

it can get a little slow at times and a bit boring but its such a lovely story. A love that makes myself wish to find one day. I also may be one of the few who loved the voice actor Espically for The main character I think the voice suited her she did such a good job. 10/10 Would read again!

A very sweet love story

I did enjoy it although the book is a little bit more risqué than I prefer.