A Heart of Ice (Araneae Nation, #0.5)

by Hailey Edwards

**This short story was originally published as part of the Love Is... Anthology**

Reine knows marriage isn’t about love. It’s about making the best bargain you can with what you have and then living with the consequences. Wedding vows are alliances given voice, and I do is on the tip of her tongue.

Ennis is a man on a mission to woo the future Araneidae maven, whether she wants him or not. Her clan is wealthy, prosperous and in dire need of the one thing his people have to offer—protection. But one look at her and all thought of his obligations vanish. He’ll court Reine, but he wants the feisty heiress all to himself.

Forced to entertain offers from her bevy of suitors, Reine is torn between duty to her people and loyalty to herself. Ennis is the man she wants, but is he the future paladin her fragile clan needs? She can choose to lead with her head or, for once, she can follow her heart.

• ISBN10: 1500411736
• ISBN13: 9781500411732
• Publish Date: 11 September 2014
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 68
• Language: English

Reviews

I adore this series. I originally picked up the first book, A Hint of Frost back in 2013 when it was free on Amazon. At the time the books were being published by Samhain which had put out a number of winners and had started to become my go to for must buy books. It had a cool cover, the blurb sounded interesting and it was free - it was an all round winner.

And then I read it. And I was very impressed. It was brilliant. The world building in incredible, the romance is adorable and the action is intense. There's an overarching mystery throughout the entire series which is riveting and comes to a fantastic conclusion. Each book focuses on a different couple but builds upon the mystery with characters and places slotting altogether.

My favourite book of the series would have to be A Feast of Souls - because I LOVE Vaughn! - but all the books are amazing. Hailey Edwards is a very talented writer who knows how to deliver great fantasy.


A Heart of Ice

A Heart of Ice is a novella which gives us a glimpse of Lourdes' parents; Reine and Ennis and how they meet. Although it could standalone; it doesn't delve into the world building like A Hint of Frost does so it's much more enjoyable to read after reading the first book. Plus once you have, you'll understand why it's so awesome to read about Isolde. I liked Reine and Ennis and they seem like a decent match. My favourite part though was Reine with her poisoned ring. Stabbing the other guy was a nice touch. Nice little insight into the characters.