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The Curse and the Crown #1
Shadows of Winter
Kaylina wants to prove herself to her family by opening a successful meadery, but on her first day in the capital, she runs headlong into the powerful royal ranger, Lord Vlerion. He’s aloof, sexy, dangerous, and… he accuses her of being a spy.
To remove suspicion from her name, Kaylina must work with him to stop the real danger to the crown.
But she soon learns that Vlerion suffers from a curse. When he experiences strong emotions, he turns into a deadly beast who can’t tell friend from foe.
Irking him would be a bad idea. Developing feelings for him would be even worse. Unfortunately, as Kaylina spends more time with Vlerion, she struggles with both.
If she can’t keep from rousing the beast, she won’t clear her name, fulfill her dream, or even survive the week.
~
Shadows of Winter is the first in a romantic fantasy series perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and enemies-to-lovers stories.
To remove suspicion from her name, Kaylina must work with him to stop the real danger to the crown.
But she soon learns that Vlerion suffers from a curse. When he experiences strong emotions, he turns into a deadly beast who can’t tell friend from foe.
Irking him would be a bad idea. Developing feelings for him would be even worse. Unfortunately, as Kaylina spends more time with Vlerion, she struggles with both.
If she can’t keep from rousing the beast, she won’t clear her name, fulfill her dream, or even survive the week.
~
Shadows of Winter is the first in a romantic fantasy series perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and enemies-to-lovers stories.
386 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2024
About the author
Lindsay Buroker
185 books5,802 followersI'm a full-time indie fantasy and science fiction author. When I'm not writing, I'm ferrying my dogs to hiking trails for adventures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 15, 2024
This book made me curious enough that I want to continue reading the next book. It was not wonderful, but it was entertaining. Very silly heroine, though. I guess that is part of the entertainment.
June 10, 2024
Kaylina only wants to open a meadery, a honey infused wine, with food served as well. Her brother tagged along when she left home determined to be independent and on her own after her boyfriend rejects her. She gets wrapped up in a cursed castle, a cursed man and a determined revolt by the commoners, but she's fallen for the ranger and she has no choice but to help stop the rebellion and she's beset by the other side who think she is either with them or against them. She just wants her little restaurant.
It's a wonderful story and I can't wait for the next installment.
It's a wonderful story and I can't wait for the next installment.
June 25, 2024
I think Buroker might be my new favorite author. This one was so fun. I like how she writes characters that are unique and believable. The magic was interesting and compelling. Really looking forward to the next book; hopefully the wait's not too long!
June 3, 2024
I really like the way Lindsay Buroker writes, it's fun and intriguing and made me want to read the next one and then the next one. So that's the way to go, Lindsay!
And yes, the characters are quite the same, but not, and that's why I liked it.
And yes, the characters are quite the same, but not, and that's why I liked it.
December 10, 2024
Overal series: 4 stars.
Series review: I would say, overall, all the books in this series were 4 stars. My favourite books were books 1 and 3, though. So what made this series so good…
The MCs were just the best. They were funny and engaging. No inta anything. It’s a slower burn with a lot of sexual tension. And the banter was just exquisite. Honestly, their dialogue, as well as the secondary character interactions, was just really funny and entertaining.
The overall story line isn’t the most in depth or well fleshed out. All that is pretty superficial but that’s not what we are here for. We are here for entertainment, adventure, and a love story.
If you really want, you could pick this story apart and tbh the ending was super predictable but again, this series should be read for fun. And the author definitely delivers on that end.
Series review: I would say, overall, all the books in this series were 4 stars. My favourite books were books 1 and 3, though. So what made this series so good…
The MCs were just the best. They were funny and engaging. No inta anything. It’s a slower burn with a lot of sexual tension. And the banter was just exquisite. Honestly, their dialogue, as well as the secondary character interactions, was just really funny and entertaining.
The overall story line isn’t the most in depth or well fleshed out. All that is pretty superficial but that’s not what we are here for. We are here for entertainment, adventure, and a love story.
If you really want, you could pick this story apart and tbh the ending was super predictable but again, this series should be read for fun. And the author definitely delivers on that end.
July 5, 2024
Lindsay Buroker is quickly becoming a one click author for me. Anxiously awaiting the next book
June 26, 2024
That was different to what I imagined it would be, after reading a LOT of Lyndsay’s other work.
I enjoyed the twists and humour and hope to meet Kaylana’s Grandma who appears to be a force of nature without appearing in book one
I enjoyed the twists and humour and hope to meet Kaylana’s Grandma who appears to be a force of nature without appearing in book one
June 27, 2024
A quick read with some humor and a fun story. Nothing super captivating but will probably read book two.
July 2, 2024
I didn't think I was going to enjoy this book but the more I read the more I got into it. It was very intriguing and I am very curious to see how book 2 plays out. I sure hope they resolve the issue with Kaylina being able to prove her Innocence. And getting rid of the curse so Vlerion and Kaylina can be together. I'm curious to see if she becomes a ranger or a mead maker or a meadmaker ranger. Lol. I love a book that can make me feel all my emotions and this one makes me laugh, makes me sad, makes me sooooo mad several times, but its endearing at moments too. I hope book 2 is just as captivating.
June 14, 2024
3.5 stars
September 21, 2024
Kaylin strikes off from home, determined to find freedom, to find her future, and to make a name for herself. She has her grandmother’s mead recipes and a starter kit to get her going. She knows she’ll need to find work as a kitchen maid to get enough coin to set up a meadery, but she’s willing. Her younger brother, Frayer, follows and catches her. He’s a chef, an excellent one. He’s also an accountant and even better, has his savings. Together these two are going to conquer the world.
Funny how, when you’re busy making plans for world domination, the world has its own plans, and they usually include laughing at you.
Kaylin meets Vlerian, who is “My Lord Vlerian,” and a member of the local rangers; law enforcement. She and her brother Fray are suspected of killing a noble on the site of an old castle that is oh-so-perfect for a meadery and inn.
This is the first book in a new fantasy romance from Lindsay Buroker. While it contains the terrific worldbuilding you’d expect, and the banter we all need from a Buroker book, it also has a tenderness to it. Lindsay whips the plot around and it’s not long before there are daggers flying, both literal and figurative.
Funny how, when you’re busy making plans for world domination, the world has its own plans, and they usually include laughing at you.
Kaylin meets Vlerian, who is “My Lord Vlerian,” and a member of the local rangers; law enforcement. She and her brother Fray are suspected of killing a noble on the site of an old castle that is oh-so-perfect for a meadery and inn.
This is the first book in a new fantasy romance from Lindsay Buroker. While it contains the terrific worldbuilding you’d expect, and the banter we all need from a Buroker book, it also has a tenderness to it. Lindsay whips the plot around and it’s not long before there are daggers flying, both literal and figurative.
July 14, 2024
I am so impressed with Lindsay Buroker's newest series, "The Curse and the Crown!"
This is a very creative, engaging and energetic tale full of mystery, hidden motivations, and yet to be revealed secrets that will chart not only the characters' futures but the future of all the beings in the lush world Lindsay has created. If you want evolving, intricate character development, a world with deep culture and history to explore, and masterful word-paintings of each and every scene, these are great books to pick up.
I loved this first book so much I re-read it 5 extra times waiting for book 2 to be released, which fortunately for me, happened yesterday in my Patreon membership with her! I'm already on the 2nd full reading of the 2nd book! I don't normally immediately re-read my books. I wait a while! With these two, I've just wanted to immediately re-immerse into this fascinating world she created.
Lindsay is an amazing talent. She is very well worth following for all of her work!
This is a very creative, engaging and energetic tale full of mystery, hidden motivations, and yet to be revealed secrets that will chart not only the characters' futures but the future of all the beings in the lush world Lindsay has created. If you want evolving, intricate character development, a world with deep culture and history to explore, and masterful word-paintings of each and every scene, these are great books to pick up.
I loved this first book so much I re-read it 5 extra times waiting for book 2 to be released, which fortunately for me, happened yesterday in my Patreon membership with her! I'm already on the 2nd full reading of the 2nd book! I don't normally immediately re-read my books. I wait a while! With these two, I've just wanted to immediately re-immerse into this fascinating world she created.
Lindsay is an amazing talent. She is very well worth following for all of her work!
November 4, 2024
It took a while for me to get into this one. It felt very YA in the beginning and the main character, Kaylin demonstrated many TSTL characteristics. As the story progressed, some of that improved but the strange happenings in the "castle" and the immediate pull of Kaylin into the Rangers training felt fragmented to me. It was like jumping from venue to venue with little continuity in the story. The curses - multiple - may be related but never seemed to make a lot of sense. Also, numerous references to Kaylin's previous boyfriend commenting on her not being natural were never explained for some reason. Quite a few storylines to unpack. Figuring out how Kaylin returns to the city is one. Personally, I almost feel like the romance part is distracting from the storyline, I'd prefer that it be toned down for a while. I haven't decided about Book 2. Probably later, now that I know what the story entails.
December 1, 2024
Wanting to start her own Meadery, Kaylina leaves her island home along with her younger brother Freyvar, she has travelled to the capital city where she hopes to open a Meadery that also serves food. While looking at a haunted castle to rent they are stopped by the Rangers, a sort of peace keepers. Accused of being a spy, Kaylina is interrogated by Vlerian, a very unemotional ranger.
After it is determined she is telling the truth, they are allowed to rent the castle and get ready to start her business with the hopes that she might learn something about the group of rebels. Meanwhile she is trying to figure out if she’s attracted to Vlerian and what he thinks about her.
There is a lot in intrigue in this book as nothing is really what it seems like. Like most of Lindsay Burokers books, there is action, suspense, great characters and fabulous interactions that can be quite humourous.
This is a quick, easy, great read. Looking forward to the next book.
After it is determined she is telling the truth, they are allowed to rent the castle and get ready to start her business with the hopes that she might learn something about the group of rebels. Meanwhile she is trying to figure out if she’s attracted to Vlerian and what he thinks about her.
There is a lot in intrigue in this book as nothing is really what it seems like. Like most of Lindsay Burokers books, there is action, suspense, great characters and fabulous interactions that can be quite humourous.
This is a quick, easy, great read. Looking forward to the next book.
December 8, 2024
Book one of the Curse and the Crown series follows Kaylina who, along with her younger brother, has moved from the tropical south to the frozen north capital city of her country to open a meadery. Things do not go as planned. She ends up being suspected as a rebel and spends time as a prisoner and later a trainee of the elite Rangers who protect the Kingdom. The ranger Vlerion is tasked with training her, and also has a druid curse that removed his bloodline from the throne a long time ago. Additionally, Kaylina and her brother rent a cursed castle to start their business, the taybarri that the Rangers ride are strongly drawn to Kaylina and her honey. In the end of this book, Kaylina has been accused of attempting to poison the queen,which she of course did not do. I’m looking forward to the next books in the series. I love this author’s writing style.
October 29, 2024
Kaylina Korbian runs away from home to move to the capital city and open a meadery like her parents. She’s grateful when her brother joins her new venture. They run afoul of Lord Vlerion, a Royal Ranger who warns them that their chosen site is a cursed castle. But is it magic that’s causing mischief, or rebels who are plotting against the crown? When a competitor tries to frame her for an assassination attempt, Kaylina relies on her alliance with the taciturn nobleman to keep her safe. That is, until she discovers his dark secret that could get them all killed. Snarky dialogue, engaging characters, believable world building and ongoing action ensure that readers will be eagerly reaching for the next installment.
September 13, 2024
4.5 stars. I liked this book and decided to read it because of the good and not so reviews. Everyone has an opinion. 🤷♀️ But you can’t compare to other authors because they are all different as are all stories. Some are more light hearted and some very dark. This story has both. There are chuckles because of no filter on our MH and her modern day language at times. I could see in my mind the sea the eerie castle and the township.
I like the animal attraction and the creepy castle and suitor. There were a couple of things brought in that were a little odd and just dumped in. 🙄
But I think it is worth the time to read.
I like the animal attraction and the creepy castle and suitor. There were a couple of things brought in that were a little odd and just dumped in. 🙄
But I think it is worth the time to read.
August 5, 2024
Shadows of Winter is a fun fast-paced fantasy adventure romance. Our heroin in string willed like most of Lindsay Burokers female leads and our hero has a tortured past and secrets.
There wasn't anything that stood out as amazing in the story, but it hits all the right marks. There is no on page spicy scenes, but there is quite a bit of innuendo. So a warning if that's not your thing.
Overall I enjoyed the read and look forward to book two.
There wasn't anything that stood out as amazing in the story, but it hits all the right marks. There is no on page spicy scenes, but there is quite a bit of innuendo. So a warning if that's not your thing.
Overall I enjoyed the read and look forward to book two.
December 8, 2024
3.75 stars
I found the story interesting and will read the next to see how it continues.
I found the FMC a bit dense at times but spunky. The MMC was nothing new but still fun to read. some of the side characters seemed much more interesting . On the flip side I found the queen rather dull and flat.
I found the story interesting and will read the next to see how it continues.
I found the FMC a bit dense at times but spunky. The MMC was nothing new but still fun to read. some of the side characters seemed much more interesting . On the flip side I found the queen rather dull and flat.
May 31, 2024
This was so much fun to read. I really wanted to give 5 stars but the coordinates ending really upsets me. I know there will be a book 2 but I am here all curious and wanting to know why the evil plant changed colour! Anyway I can't wait for the next book!
August 23, 2024
Excellent read, as expected from this author! Lots of humor served with the adventure and suspense of the storyline.
I see most of the reviews have delved a bit into the plot, so I will just say … “I highly recommend!”
I see most of the reviews have delved a bit into the plot, so I will just say … “I highly recommend!”
September 26, 2024
The book aroused my curiosity but was not entirely surprising. I wanted more tense moments between the two main characters, but the romance was cold and uninteresting. I want to read the next book, but I feel hesitant for fear that I will find the same romance repeated throughout the second book.
October 25, 2024
It's absolutely awesome. The characters and storyline are fantastic. The romance and action have a wonderful balance. Exactly what's needed when it comes to perfection. It's not a sloppy sap romance or too much drama. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book
November 3, 2024
3.5
Didn't love it. Didn't hate it. Solid enjoyment but not overly impressed by the plot development. It had odd, jarring plot points and twists that never quite materialized into anything. I enjoyed the dynamic between the lead characters. Not sure if I want to read the sequel.
Didn't love it. Didn't hate it. Solid enjoyment but not overly impressed by the plot development. It had odd, jarring plot points and twists that never quite materialized into anything. I enjoyed the dynamic between the lead characters. Not sure if I want to read the sequel.
May 30, 2024
Such a great author and another wonderful world she has written for us. Highly recommend!!!
June 3, 2024
A good first installment in a series I will keep reading. Lindsay Buroker is one of my favorite authors and she delivers again - adventure, romance, intrigue, and a fascinating world.
Shelved as 'dnf'
December 5, 2024Dnf 13%
The book just isn't pulling me in. The characters are in dire straits but keep talking in quips.
The book just isn't pulling me in. The characters are in dire straits but keep talking in quips.
December 10, 2024
I kept chuckling through the book. The FMCs sarcasm was damn good but I wanted so much more between her and vlerion😭🥵
December 16, 2024
Ehhhhhhhh
August 30, 2024
A fun story full of the banter, food, small business owners, flirting, and magic animal shenanigans I’ve come to love Buroker for. And like many of her other books, I really could have done without the relentless barrage of SA threats throughout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews