The Pine Outrider (Heroes of Melowynn #2)

Melowynn may be one of my secret happy places. When we get to travel back, it makes me quite happy and has a very calming effect. But if you are behind on your Melowynn adventures, please stop here. We met our Pine Outrider just before he was sent on his latest quest, which caused him to miss quite a bit, mainly that the main he has had his eyes on is now spoken for. Now, they never had a formal arrangement, nor could you argue a true encounter, but it always meant more to our hero, Beiro. His Pasil is now spoken for and with a diplomat no less. Beiro must find his own way with his newest quest, which may be one of his most important ones, to uncover a lost prince. He certainly does not expect it to include Asdren, someone who would not even make a top 100 ally list for Beiro, but he is a major asset to this quest. Now things are definitely bumpy, then more bumpy, but soon there is a smoother course and new confusing affections. Medium burn is the perfect way to describe these two, because they are both a bit headstrong, but once their walls come down and their differences do not seem so far apart, love has a way of creeping in. But this will not be an easy love nor an easy quest. Sometimes duty must be challenged by the heart as well as the forests. This was so, so good, and if you are loving this series, this is just another strong contender for favorites.

Druid Beiro Vahorn is called home to go on a different mission. When he returns, he finds the man he had affection for has fallen in love with another. He has no problem leaving on a quest to find a missing prince and avoiding his friend. The king has hired a group of four dwarves known as the Sable Legion to guide him through the underbelly of the Witherhorn Mountains. It turns out to be quite the task as they face many obstacles. Good thing Beiro can talk to beasts! Along the way, he and Asdren Grimmane, the leader, discover there is a pull between them that cannot be ignored. Asdren was quite the character. He had been a warrior and is now a mercenary. He finds many pet names for Beiro, much to Beiro’s chagrin. He along with his fellow dwarves have a different expressive viewpoint on intimacy. One phrase particularly appealing was their treats. Beiro found himself confused and often felt he was not good enough because Asdren was also focused on the money being earned. These two will have you smiling as the story progressed. There is much danger and lots of monsters to confront. Each page offers us something new and different. The Pine Outrider was amazing from beginning to end. There is another one coming soon and I know I am not alone in anxiously awaiting that book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is the latest book in the heroes of Melowynn series, and you really do want to read your what has come before. When Beiro returns to the capital at the King's request he discovers that the man he has been not so secretly in love with has found his other half. He is sent by the King to search with a band of dwarfs to search for his illigimate brother. The world building in this series is spectacular and the characters are funny and engaging. We get to meet a dragon in this book, may for scaly winged things I can't wait to see what will happen in this world next

Another book for Locey to amaze me with her world-building skills. All the details are phenomenal and easily pull the reader into the story with fantastical characters and beings. Also, Pine Outrider is another book that Locey shines in matching couples that probably shouldn’t be together because of their vast differences, but love overrules. She writes excellent grumpy characters, but recognizes that they need love too and finds someone that can see through them to their marshmallow center. I love watching all of this evolve. We travel the journey with a single POV through Beiro’s eyes, and I love his ability to converse with animals. Some of those conversations are pure gold. They capture the moment perfectly even though they’re not even complete sentences! And the surprise a little over half way in? I did not see that coming, but was completely delighted by. I find these kinds of stories harder to review because I don’t want to give plot points away. As a reader, you need to experience the story freshly and discover all the goodness on your own. I will say that if you’re familiar with Locey’s writing, you will not be disappointed by the wonderful characters, stunning details, and witty banter. If you’re new here, I would start at the beginning of this series to fully enjoy this epic quest.

Beiro is a experienced archer, hot and ready to get away from seeing the man he loves with another. He's sent on a mission to help find the lost Prince. Asdren is the hot dwarf that Beiro finds himself attracted to. And is matched up with to help find the Prince. A guardian if you will for a safe passage. Along the way their attraction ramps up. Should they do anything about it? Those traveling with them tell them to do something already, they are fooling no one. Many obstacles try to stop them from finding the Prince. Danger pretty much lurks around every corner. Many different worlds if you will all encased in what appears to be a mountain. Guards watch over the entrance. Let's just say that things happen, danger is afoot and magic is used, evil is revealed and a rescue MAY be needed. There is a special appearance that I thoroughly enjoyed but I am not going to give it away. I love when this surprise presents itself. Enjoy this story. I most certainly did. A little intrigue, smexy times, danger, magic, evil and love. What more can you ask for? Oh yeah..the surprise appearance I have told you about!