I liked the world-building and I liked the characters but I just wasn’t into the book. I was always wondering how much longer until I was done. Maybe the next in the series will keep my attention. ( )

4.4 stars

This is a new author to me. I found myself pleasantly surprised at how well crafted this story was. I'm not normally a fan of fantasy type romance but this blurb drew me in. I'm glad I gave it a shot. Great world-building, interesting characters and a plausible storyline that really worked.

I'm normally a girl that likes the steamy times rather than fade to black but I put that aside for this story because it truly was well written. I will look for more from this series. ( )

I've had the Dokiri Brides series on my TBR for awhile now, so I was super happy to be able to listen to Hollen the Soulless early! And let me say, it did not disappoint and I will be reading the rest of the series, stat!

Shane East is an absolutely fantastic narrator. He performs each character's distinct voice quite well and his voice is really easy to listen to and get lost in making diving into the story that much easier.

As for the story itself, it was exactly what you'd expect and hope for after reading the synopsis. The way Hollen and Joselyn's relationship grew over the course of the story was great. Plenty of tension and romance woven into an intriguing plot! I definitely recommend giving this one a listen!

Thank you Podium Audio via NetGalley for the early copy to listen to and honestly review. ( )

Hollen the Soulless is Salig of Bedmeg of the Dokiri people. He is their leader and after a long wait he has finally claimed his bride. The only problem…. She doesn't want to be claimed. He and his people are the only thing keeping evil creatures from the Lowlanders, they only produce males so they kidnap their brides, mark them and commence wooing them. I loved Hollen, he's everything I love about a barbarian hero, committed, protective, patient, thoughtful, powerful and confident.

Joselyn Helena Elise Fury of House Fury is an only daughter. To save her house from her father's foolishness she must marry the man blackmailing her father. When she is kidnapped by a Hollen's wyvern, she knows she has to find a way to escape to save her House from destruction. Will her strong sense of duty prevent her from finding happiness? Will she sacrifice her happiness for a father who has never loved her?

Hollen's patience and care with Joselyn quickly has her at odds with herself, knowing she must do her duty but she's never been cared for so tenderly before. Hollen helps her heal from wounds she didn't realize she had.

Can I just say 'WOW!' I loved every moment. The backstory of the Dakiri, the wyverns and their people pulled me in and I loved the comparison between the Lowlanders and the Dakiri, who are the real savages?

Watching Joselyn under Hollen's care was epic romance. Their story isn't all roses, both Hollen and Joselyn face many trials and dire circumstances before they find their happiness, but it's worth every page to follow their story.

I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
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I absolutely loved this book.
It is well written, fantastic world building.
In the previous book we didn't get to see the land where the Dokiri people live but in this story we learn of their land, their culture and their customs.
The Hero is amazing.
He is sooo patient with the heroine.
Joselyn is set to marry to save her family's future and even though the suitor is a monster, she feels bound by duty to honour her father's wishes.
As a result she doesn't take to being stolen too kindly and although a very different character to the heroine in the last book she desperately tries to get home in her own way.
I loved seeing where they lived and it was hilarious when she gets to meet his family and her plots and schemes.

It is slow burn as she struggles to accept her situation.
Also although the theme of this book is stolen brides, there is no dubious consent or hints at rape, Dokiri men greatly respect their women so it's a safe read.
Any intimate scenes fade to black.
No cheating.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series with his brothers.

HEA.

Merged review:

I absolutely loved this book.
It is well written, fantastic world building.
In the previous book we didn't get to see the land where the Dokiri people live but in this story we learn of their land, their culture and their customs.
The Hero is amazing.
He is sooo patient with the heroine.
Joselyn is set to marry to save her family's future and even though the suitor is a monster, she feels bound by duty to honour her father's wishes.
As a result she doesn't take to being stolen too kindly and although a very different character to the heroine in the last book she desperately tries to get home in her own way.
I loved seeing where they lived and it was hilarious when she gets to meet his family and her plots and schemes.

It is slow burn as she struggles to accept her situation.
Also although the theme of this book is stolen brides, there is no dubious consent or hints at rape, Dokiri men greatly respect their women so it's a safe read.
Any intimate scenes fade to black.
No cheating.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series with his brothers.

HEA. ( )