Rhapsodic

The Bargainer Series, Book 1

By: Laura Thalassa

Narrated by: Chelsea Stephens

Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear. Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want … at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects. But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment.

Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more. For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken. If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one.

©2016, 2021, 2022 Laura Thalassa (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

Not what I was expecting from reviews

Idk… this book was not for me. I don’t like how the chapters are flipped between present and past for some reason it confused me while listening to the audio…. The story also was not spicy at all… so if you are looking for that, I would move on. It was very tense and I was kept waiting… slow burn. But then the fire was ehh…..

Story itself was interesting but I honestly wouldn’t recommend this.

Interesting

Very different than I usually read. Reels you in … & makes you want more. Ready for the next one!

Reminded me of ACOTAR, well told!

Loved the story, loved the pacing and the reader did awesome! Really brought me back to ACOTAR as it shares similar story telling elements, but it was a new story and I can’t wait to read the second.

Enchanting

I picked this up on a whim and I’m glad I did. I enjoyed the main leads very much and the tension was build up was very enjoyable.

Let’s Make a Deal!

I throughly enjoyed this book. I felt the ending was a bit rushed and missed the depth of the beginning. I looked forward to seeing where the series will lead us.

Fun read

This was fun, a bit dark and spicy but nothing over the top. Felt a little convoluted at times but still enjoyable.

fae king love

to feel so protected by your soulmate must make one feel invincible, and for that soulmate to be a fae king....

I'm not much of a fantasy reader, but there wasn't much world building so I didn't feel lost, ever. I can't wait for the rest of the series!

Set aside time for this one - worth it

This was very well written, the tapestry painted with the word precisely chosen made for an enjoyable experience that might make you miss a few precious hours of sleep.
Characters well developed and wonderful.
Might need a trigger warning for sexual assault survivors, but the story had enough suspense moments coupled with a very strong main character making it carry you through nicely.

great story line

i love fantasy and this hit all the buttons. strong female characters just add to how amazing this book is.

Rhapsodic

The narrator did a good job of telling this book. Was able to get into the story and get lost into it.