{"id":64370,"date":"2022-04-20T08:00:49","date_gmt":"2022-04-20T12:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=64370"},"modified":"2022-04-20T09:07:38","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T13:07:38","slug":"blog-tour-excerpt-arc-review-gossamer-in-the-darkness-fantasyland-5-by-kristen-ashley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/?p=64370","title":{"rendered":"Blog Tour, Excerpt & ARC Review: Gossamer in the Darkness (Fantasyland, #5.5) by Kristen Ashley"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Gossamer in the Darkness, an all-new magical novella in the Fantasyland Series from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley and 1,001\u00a0Dark Nights, is available now!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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\u00a0Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Amazon Worldwide<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Blurb<\/strong><\/h4>\n

New York Times<\/i>\u00a0and\u00a0USA Today<\/i>\u00a0bestselling author Kristen Ashley brings a new story in her Fantasyland series\u2026<\/p>\n

Their engagement was set when they were children. Loren Copeland, the rich and handsome Marquess of Remington, would marry Maxine Dawes, the stunning daughter of the Count of Derryman. It\u2019s a power match. The perfect alliance for each house.<\/p>\n

However, the Count has been keeping secret a childhood injury that means Maxine can never marry. He\u2019s done this as he searches for a miracle so this marriage can take place. He needs the influence such an alliance would give him, and he\u2019ll stop at nothing to have it.<\/p>\n

The time has come. There could be no more excuses. No more delays. The marriage has to happen, or the contract will be broken.<\/p>\n

When all seems lost, the Count finds his miracle: There\u2019s a parallel universe where his daughter has a twin. He must find her, bring her to his world and force her to make the Marquess fall in love with her.<\/p>\n

And this, he does.<\/p>\n

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it\u2019s an introduction to an author\u2019s world. And for fans, it\u2019s a bonus book in the author\u2019s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**<\/em><\/p>\n

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Add to Goodreads<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Review<\/strong><\/h4>\n

4.5 stars!<\/b><\/p>\n

Like settling under a fluffy blanket, I picked this book up and snuggled right into the unique storytelling of Kristen Ashley and one of my favourite fantasy worlds for a gorgeous romance with all the feisty attitude that I love from her heroines, and an irresistible alpha hero that stole my heart.<\/p>\n

This novella is set within Ashley\u2019s Fantasyland<\/i> series, taking place years into the future, after the events of The Rising<\/i> series. It\u2019s helpful to know the Fantasyland<\/i> world before diving into this one, and there are also some wonderful cameos from both series, which will obviously mean more to those who have read all the books.<\/p>\n

Years ago, when they were children, Loren and Maxine were betrothed to be married. It was an advantageous match for Maxine\u2019s father who was greedy for the power and notoriety that would come from having his daughter marry into the aristocracy. So when his young daughter had an accident which left her disabled and \u201cunfit\u201d for marriage, he broke all the rules by finding a witch who can access a parallel universe (our world) to find his daughter\u2019s \u2018twin\u2019 and bring her back to his world to uphold the marriage bargain.<\/p>\n

And so, real-world Maxine is thrust into a whole new world that is a mix between a Disney movie and a renaissance fair. She\u2019s enamoured by its beauty, but it completely under the thumb of her ruthless \u2018father\u2019 who is holding the lives of her real-world mother, and fantasy-world twin against her unless she marries Loren, the Marquess of Remington.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a great set-up, made all the more awesome because Loren and Maxine (now going by the name Satrine to avoid confusion with her \u2018twin\u2019), are absolutely fantastic! Loren is pure KA alpha goodness \u2013 loyal, protective, kind brave, and a badass. He\u2019s a bit of a player, but from his first interaction with Satrine, he\u2019s fully committed, and determined to claim the wild young woman. Satrine is so much fun. She\u2019s taken to her new world brilliantly, though makes the odd slip in her language and behaviour which keeps things entertaining.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s an immediate attraction between them, and suddenly the whole arranged marriage thing isn\u2019t looking so bad! But Satrine has no idea what her place is in her new world, and whether she\u2019ll ever be able to get back to her own. And Loren is dealing with his own darkness \u2013 he\u2019s done bad things in his past, and doesn\u2019t want to bring that down on the bright ray of sunshine that is Satrine.<\/p>\n

They have a lot to figure out, and along the way they\u2019re getting to know each other and their feelings for each other grow, and it\u2019s absolutely beautiful to watch!<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t let me go.\u201d
\nHer lips parted.
\n\u201cMy hold is slipping, Satrine, don\u2019t let me go.\u201d
\n\u201cYour hold on what?\u201d
\n\u201cOn anything that is good in this world.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The romance is playful and fun, with a strong emotional element. Neither Loren nor Satrine hold back from each other, diving right in and enjoying everything that they\u2019re feeling, and it\u2019s romantic, flirty and super passionate, and they fall naturally, effortlessly in love.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you to my soul. It\u2019s like you\u2019re a part of me. I\u2019m scared as fuck of losing you,\u201d he whispered.
\nHer face grew tender. \u201cI can\u2019t tell the future, honey, but right now, I\u2019m right here.\u201d
\n\u201cCome to me,\u201d he ordered.
\n\u201cMeet in the middle?\u201d she offered.
\n\u201cFuck yes,\u201d he replied.<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

With all that they need to figure out between them, there is some drama, but it\u2019s short-lived, and this is a beautifully functional romance that completely swept me away.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou may think you\u2019re dark,\u201d I told him. \u201cAnd I\u2019m finding you are. Dark like this.\u201d I indicated the room with a sweep of my flute. \u201cEdged in gossamer and crystal. Lit with fire. A beautiful cocoon where I feel safe, truly safe, for the first time in my life.\u201d
\nHis voice was now thick, and that fire was burning into me from his eyes.
\n\u201cSweeting.\u201d
\nI leaned into him and whispered, \u201cso stay dark, my handsome man. I\u2019ll take you precisely as you come.\u201d<\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

There\u2019s a great cast of side characters that bring a lot to the story. Satrine\u2019s mother is fantastic, as is Loren\u2019s Dad and his friends. God, I\u2019d love more from this series!<\/p>\n

I loved this book. It\u2019s a great read with fantastic characters and a gorgeous romance. A must-read for fans of the Fantasyland<\/i> series.<\/p>\n

4.5 stars!<\/p>\n

An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.<\/i><\/p>\n

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Fantasyland<\/strong><\/h4>\n

\"Wildest<\/a>\u00a0 \"Golden<\/a>\u00a0 \"Fantastical<\/a>\u00a0 \"Broken<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\"Midnight \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Wildest Dreams (#1) <\/strong>(Frey & Finnie)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy: Kindle Ebook<\/a> | Paperback<\/a>\u00a0| Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

The Golden Dynasty (#2)<\/strong> (Lahn & Circe)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy: Kindle Ebook<\/a> | Paperback<\/a>\u00a0| Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Fantastical (#3)<\/strong> (Tor & Cora)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy: Kindle Ebook<\/a> | Paperback<\/a>\u00a0| Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Broken Dove (#4)<\/strong> (Apollo & Maddie)
\nReview<\/a>
\nBuy: Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a>\u00a0| Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Midnight Soul (#5)<\/strong> (Noc & Franka)
\nBuy:\u00a0 Kindle Ebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a>\u00a0| Audio<\/a><\/p>\n

Gossamer in the Darkness: A Fantasyland novella<\/strong>
\nBuy:\u00a0 Amazon\u00a0<\/a> |\u00a0 Paperback<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Excerpt<\/strong><\/h4>\n

She sat across from him at his breakfast table in the conservatory, the beams of the sun gilding her hair, her face aimed to the windows, watching the birds at their bath.<\/p>\n

He was dressed, but she was wrapped in his dressing gown. It was too big for her. But it was all they had for the now as he refused to button her into a gown she\u2019d worn just the day before. He\u2019d sent word to Corliss to have her maid, her apparel and her toilette directed to his townhome so she could face the day fresh, preparing to do so there.<\/p>\n

More importantly, this also meant he got to keep her longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop watching me,\u201d she told the window. \u201cIt\u2019s ridiculously romantic. I\u2019m melting in a puddle over here.\u201d<\/p>\n

He grinned at his coffee cup, his attention remaining on her over the rim as he took a sip.<\/p>\n

She turned in the midst of this, watched his actions, and her gaze heated yet again.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a walking, talking, eating, drinking-coffee, sex-god hero from a romance novel,\u201d she groused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love you think that, though I\u2019m perplexed as to why this seems to put you in a foul mood,\u201d he noted, returning his cup to its saucer.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t jump you over the table due to your injury, that\u2019s why,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n

He raised a brow. \u201cDid I not prove my creativity this morning?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bit where you were on your knees could have torn your stitches.\u201d<\/p>\n

The tone of her response communicated she was now being very serious.<\/p>\n

\u201cAgain, darling, I\u2019m fine,\u201d he said in the same tone.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow worried should I be about this bordello woman you\u2019ve angered?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n

And there it was.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shouldn\u2019t worry at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLoren\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

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About Kristen Ashley<\/strong><\/h4>\n

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Kristen Ashley is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty romance novels including the Rock Chick, Colorado Mountain, Dream Man, Chaos, Unfinished Hero, The \u2019Burg, Magdalene, Fantasyland, The Three, Ghost and Reincarnation, Moonlight and Motor Oil and Honey series along with several standalone novels. She\u2019s a hybrid author, publishing titles both independently and traditionally, her books have been translated in fourteen languages and she\u2019s sold over three million books.<\/p>\n

Kristen\u2019s novel, Law Man, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewer\u2019s Choice Award for best Romantic Suspense. Her independently published title Hold On was nominated for RT Book Reviews best Independent Contemporary Romance and her traditionally published title Breathe was nominated for best Contemporary Romance. Kristen\u2019s titles Motorcycle Man, The Will, Ride Steady (which won the Reader\u2019s Choice award from\u00a0Romance Reviews) and The Hookup all made the final rounds for Goodreads Choice\u00a0Awards in the Romance category.<\/p>\n

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Website<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0\u00a0Goodreads<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0\u00a0Bookbub<\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n
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For more great reads, check out our\u00a0Kristen Ashley Author Spotlight<\/a>!<\/strong><\/h4>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Gossamer in the Darkness, an all-new magical novella in the Fantasyland Series from New York Times bestselling author Kristen Ashley and 1,001\u00a0Dark Nights, is available now!   \u00a0Amazon\u00a0 |\u00a0 Amazon Worldwide\u00a0 |\u00a0 Paperback   […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":62414,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","yasr_overall_rating":4.5,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[522,9,29],"tags":[59,63,22,48],"class_list":["post-64370","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fantasy","category-romance","category-steamy","tag-arc","tag-fantasyland","tag-kristen-ashley","tag-review"],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Gossamer-in-the-Darkness.jpg?fit=200%2C300&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7gaNL-gKe","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64370","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=64370"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64370\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/62414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=64370"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=64370"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.escapistbookblog.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=64370"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}