Rhapsodic (The Bargainer Book 1)

This book kept me interested and wanting more. It did seem a little like ACOMF but that's just fine with me because I loved those books as well. I wish there would have been a little more details about the characters. I will definitely keep reading this series!

Yesterday, around 11pm, right when my head hit the pillow and I should have been considering sleep instead of starting a new book, i decided to give the sample a shot.

Fell in love, read the entire thing and now I have to face a day of work with no sleep behind me. Oh boy.

A really captivating world. Unlike most books with flashbacks these were done so seamlessly as to make reading the story effortless. I throughly enjoyed reading this book. Des and Callie's story makes my heart so full and all I want for them is a happy every after! The author is able to pull me into her world and I've become so attached to the characters.

Rhapsodic (The Bargainer #1) by Laura Thalassa
4.5 stars!!!

“‘Bargainer, I would like to make a deal.’”

I am not a huge paranormal reader, I leave that side of the blog to my mum, but sometimes I get the itch that I need to scratch. I love a paranormal read with the best of them and when one of my trusted reader friends recommended this one, I had to dive in. Laura Thalassa is a new to me author and she will not be a stranger. I fell in love with this authors voice, she charmed me like the siren in the story she was telling and this was one of those books that I couldn’t put down.

“Seven years is a long time to wait, especially for someone like me. A word of caution: I’m not leaving again.”

Callypso Lillis is a siren and in the world of the supernatural they are a rare commodity. Now a bounty hunter of sorts Callypso uses her gift to extract the truth from the unscrupulous and even the evilest of hearts are not immune to her charms. Through flashbacks to her past though the reader soon learns that her life was not always so charmed. As a child, Callypso went through a lot, culminating in a night that will haunt her forever, a night so horrific that she had no choice but to call on the services of “The Bargainer.”

“I am the scariest thing out here. And if anything tries to touch you, they will reckon with me.”

“The Bargainer” is the King of the Night, a man with insane powers and who never does anything for free, you call The Bargainer, you owe and The Bargainer always collects. Callypso should have been frightened of him and yet he showed her compassion, The Bargainer went above and beyond and so the unlikeliest of friendships was born. Callypso called on The Bargainer a lot and for every call she was rewarded with another bead to her bracelet and at the last count she owed The Bargainer a lot...until one night he just disappeared. Callie is now older and wiser and seven years later, The Bargainer has come to collect.

“A fairy doesn’t show his wings to his betrothed…A fairy shows them to his soulmate.”

I have to say I loved everything about this book, the relationship between Callie and The Bargainer was extremely well written, totally captivating and utterly believable. The friendship built between these two when Callie was a teenager was beautiful to read and it is this base that makes their relationship in the present all the more rewarding for the reader. Those past chapters meant so much to this story and whereas sometimes I find time jumps irritating, I found myself itching for these chapters just as much as the present.

“I didn’t fall for Des because he was handsome, or because he knew my secrets, but because he stuck around when I was least lovable. Because he was a man who didn’t try to take anything from me even when I lay next to him, but instead gave me peace and comfort. Because each one of those nights he saved me all over again, even if it was from myself.”

The paranormal story surrounding these two was extremely well written and totally engaging. The air of mystery, suspense and intrigue was prevalent and all my thoughts were of course…. wrong. I was appreciative that the author did not rush this story and I more than appreciated the extra length to give this story the heart that it deserved. I was captivated from the very beginning, drawn inexplicably to our Lord of the Night and all his charms. I was glad that the relationship between “The Bargainer” and Callie was at the forefront, this was a great foundation to what I can fast see becoming a highly addictive series. With these two a formidable team and the Politia and the other worlds desperate to keep them apart I can see more battles on this couples horizon. Bring on A Strange Hymn…I definitely need this sooner rather than later. A fantastic first book in what I hope will be a longgggggg series.

“I’ll be at your side,” I promise, “till darkness dies.”

“Rhapsodic” is a paranormal/romance/fantasy. I enjoyed and loved reading the first book of the trilogy. It was full of surprises and was written in good pace. It was not rushed nor dull it was great. I loved the way the writer could flash back memories from history to current time. Without confusing the reader. This helped tremendously when understanding the scenes between the bargainer and the siren Callypso. It was indeed nicely done.
The story involves Callypso, who needs help due to a tragedy that occurred in her life. The only person she knew best to call for help was the bargainer. He is a man that you call for favors and he makes things happen. But everything comes with a price, and when he is ready to collect, one must be ready to pay. The only thing is that Callypso, he has yet to collect, he has not asked for nothing in return but has given her a bracelet of black beads of IOUs for the favors she has received.
The bargainer who is he really? What does the King of the Night want from her? Could it be that he is ready to finally love her and she him?
There is also danger lurking in the Fae world, will the King be able to stop the evil that is terrifying his kingdom, or will he lose his people including Callypso in the process?
I am now waiting patiently for the next series of the book, which is set to come out in May 2017.

Despite this being labeled as fantasy I believe this story is more of a romance although there was excellent representation of modern magical creatures.

There are some very minor typos but I don’t think many people will even notice. Also, I would have liked to have seen an ending that was not so predictable.

However, I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading other books by this author. The author Laura Thalassa does a great job telling two stories (why the bargainer left and what is Callie’s fate). Both stories are told from the point of the main character Callie (a Siren) who does not see her own fate and therefore makes decision based on this. Although I don’t normally read romances, I enjoyed turning the as the author developed the two main characters in this story. There is some sex however, it very sexy and well written and did not feel like it was sleazy or cheap. There is also some violence (rape and murder) but from my view it part of the story and not over done.

Great book and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good story.

I love the worlds that Laura spins. The main characters are well thought out and have depth that other writers often don't delve into. This story is creative. It is hard to put a good book down just to sleep :).
The author did a good job weaving the story together, weaving the past and present. Which is often confusing to the point that the story line is so back and forth that it loses the reader.
The love story is definitely well thought out, it's nice when the leads have a distinct connection and the humor and dialogue between them heightens that connection. Great character development as well.
I love to read romance for the romance and not for the super smolder erotica that detracts from the book. I usually just skip it anyway, as I enjoy the story and the romance between characters and not how descriptive the sex scenes can get. As for the book, the author did amazing!

I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this book, even started right back over to read again. The concept of the story and plot were truly unique (and I read a lot). It draws out every element of emotion and while not a comedy book, the humor had me in stitches. The lead characters Des and 'Cherub' have about one of the best 'book chemistry' I've come across in a long long time. By the end I wish I had an armful of beads as well. Looking forward to more of this series as this book made it to my top 20 favorites and I've read many hundreds of books. Not many books have made me want to start all over and reread it again because I enjoyed and loved it so much. Kudos to the author Laura Thalassa because it's a huge compliment when you make me want to jump right back into the story because I wasn't ready to leave these amazing characters.

Better than I expected. Story jumps back and forth between past and present but is clearly written and easy to follow. Paranormal plot doesn't make unexplained or unreasonable leaps. I liked that the magic was totally woven in but wasn't jarring and wasn't used to "fix" any plot missteps. Overall good but wish the mystery would have been solved in this book instead of bleeding over to a second.

Although this wasn't entirely original, it was very entertaining- just not enough for me to warrant buying the sequel. I did love the Fallen World trilogy by this author though, and this one does have the same strong writing & similar tough/resilient female main character.
The plot maybe just wasn't my jam, I'll admit I did one-click this baby on a whim.
Either way, the characters had great chemistry, there was a dollop of diversity, & it went by quickly.
Anyone that was into True Blood, Harry Potter, Supernatural, or Twilight (before they knew any better) would enjoy this. However anyone with delicate triggers might want to hang back. Chances are if you're reading this, you're already feeling it. Even the mildly curious (like me) will walk away satisfied.

I have been holding off on buying this book. After thoroughly enjoying the Queen series, I was enthusiastic to read another from this author. Why hold off?? The promise of yet another cliffhanger with no finite date set for the second release. As far as we know, it could be another year... with that being said I was dreading it. BUT where the end of the story left an open ended invitation to continue and not a "holy hell I'm going to scratch my eyes out, how can you do this to me" drop off, I'm okay with the wait. Completely worth it! Buy it, enjoy it, patiently await the next installment!

One of my top reads for the year. Would definitely recommend, and plan on reading again!

What I liked: Everything. The writing was done well, and the characters had me hooked from the beginning, with their backstories as well as their personalities. The whole premise was thought out and executed well. The romance was not the insta-love like you find a lot in this genre, an actual relationship was built between the heroine and the Bargainer.

What I didn't like: Nothing, this is one of those books I feel like people will either love or hate, and I definitely loved it. I just didn't know the second one wasn't out yet, and this one does kind of end in a cliff hanger. Some people are bothered by it but it doesn't bother me as much.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Fallen World series, and read this book with the hope I would enjoy it as well. I wasn't disappointed. It has a very different feel, but is also very hard to put down. No spoilers, but I'll say I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the complexity of the world created in this series. I'd recommend it highly, though I suspect it will appeal more to female readers (not that that's a bad thing.)

What would have given it 5 stars: There were a few minor editing mistakes. Also, the ending summed up rather abruptly. The book had the feel of an introduction. I hope the plot, characters and fictional world continue to unfold. For my tastes, a little more complexity would make it perfect.

Holy mackerel, this book is awesome! I loved, loved Callie. Her heart and her heartbreak. The slow blossoming of love and the gentle healing of a painful past. She is both fragile and strong, brave and afraid. The contradictions create tension, and the relationship that develops between her and the Bargainer is both intense and sweet. His character is also extremely well crafted, and any scene he was in was one of my favorites. If you loved A Court of Thorns & Roses or a Court of Mists & Fury, you will love this book, too. I can hardly wait to see where the author takes this story and its characters!

This was a good book. Funny, touching, thrilling at times, with just the right dose of romance. The writing is good, the pacing is steady, and the characters believable.

With one exception. Temper Darling.

At first I thought it was just a one-book quirk, but I recently purchased “The Unearthly” and ran into the same issue with Oliver. Thalassa doesn’t seem to know how to write black women or gay men. I say “men” specifically because she had no problem writing a queer woman in Rhapsodic. I’ll focus on Oliver in my Unearthly review, so let’s get to Temper.

When she’s first introduced, she seems interesting—mysterious abilities, a funny name, and I thought she might actually be a protagonist in one of Thalassa’s other series—

--until she began to talk, and it became clear that she’s a caricature. She’s the “black best friend” who says b***** (hi the store) every other word and just seems to be there to support Callie. Callie, meanwhile, always seems to forget her until she needs her.

This kind of stereotype isn’t interesting. I really don’t like it. The book can be better than this—Thalassa is an excellent writer, so why include such an obvious stereotype?

Removing two stars for this. It would otherwise be a five star book. If Temper continues to be a stereotype in the next book, I will not be purchasing.

It was a good fantasy romance book; however, the way it was presented was a distraction, in my opinion. After reading several pages we either jump to the past in a flashback or back to present time. I’m sure there are readers who like that whiplash style of writing, I’m just not one of them. That being said, the story was a good read. There are good strong characters that blend well with the plot and the finish is rather good. Another point on the positive side is that this author doesn’t fill up the pages with countless sex scenes. There really is a good story being presented here.

I really really enjoyed this book. She writes exceptionally well. I felt it tug at my heart during sad parts and I was smiling at the good. Her character development is excellent. Des and Callie have real chemistry.

I normally do not like flashbacks, but the flash backs in this book are short and flow right along with the story. It helps depict how the characters develop.

The romance felt real. And there is no stupid love triangle! Finally a fantasy/ sci-fi novel that isn't based around two dudes wanting to pounce one girl.

One thing I really liked is how Callie's depression is shown during her teenage years. It doesn't just show her being a self loathing teenager who wants to cry in the mirror. Some books tend to do that.
Callie has real depression. Real trauma. But not only that, the way Des handles her, as a teenager, is a breath of fresh air from some other (will remain nameless) popular novels. You can tell he cares for her, but he never uses her immaturity (as a teen) or self doubt to manipulate her. Because he truly cares for her. He wants her to get better.

The story, besides the romance, is equally as captivating. The Otherworld is beautiful and I cannot wait to read more about this place. The kingdoms are so fascinating. I want to know more.

Issues: 1) the editor needs to learn how to umm edit. Its not the writers fault and I could usually tell what she was trying to say, but some grammar and wording was way off.
2) Callie's stereotypical sassy black girl friend. I just wanted more depth to this character rather than "guuuuurl youuu craaaay" She is supposed to be smart and powerful yet all she brings to the table is "Sup B**ch". Hopefully we see more of her and she is a stronger character.

All in all this was a great read that I recommend for anyone who likes fantasy and/or romance.

One of my top reads for the year. Would definitely recommend, and plan on reading again!

What I liked: Everything. The writing was done well, and the characters had me hooked from the beginning, with their backstories as well as their personalities. The whole premise was thought out and executed well. The romance was not the insta-love like you find a lot in this genre, an actual relationship was built between the heroine and the Bargainer.

What I didn't like: Nothing, this is one of those books I feel like people will either love or hate, and I definitely loved it. I just didn't know the second one wasn't out yet, and this one does kind of end in a cliff hanger. Some people are bothered by it but it doesn't bother me as much.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Fallen World series, and read this book with the hope I would enjoy it as well. I wasn't disappointed. It has a very different feel, but is also very hard to put down. No spoilers, but I'll say I enjoyed the depth of the characters and the complexity of the world created in this series. I'd recommend it highly, though I suspect it will appeal more to female readers (not that that's a bad thing.)

What would have given it 5 stars: There were a few minor editing mistakes. Also, the ending summed up rather abruptly. The book had the feel of an introduction. I hope the plot, characters and fictional world continue to unfold. For my tastes, a little more complexity would make it perfect.

Holy mackerel, this book is awesome! I loved, loved Callie. Her heart and her heartbreak. The slow blossoming of love and the gentle healing of a painful past. She is both fragile and strong, brave and afraid. The contradictions create tension, and the relationship that develops between her and the Bargainer is both intense and sweet. His character is also extremely well crafted, and any scene he was in was one of my favorites. If you loved A Court of Thorns & Roses or a Court of Mists & Fury, you will love this book, too. I can hardly wait to see where the author takes this story and its characters!

This was a good book. Funny, touching, thrilling at times, with just the right dose of romance. The writing is good, the pacing is steady, and the characters believable.

With one exception. Temper Darling.

At first I thought it was just a one-book quirk, but I recently purchased “The Unearthly” and ran into the same issue with Oliver. Thalassa doesn’t seem to know how to write black women or gay men. I say “men” specifically because she had no problem writing a queer woman in Rhapsodic. I’ll focus on Oliver in my Unearthly review, so let’s get to Temper.

When she’s first introduced, she seems interesting—mysterious abilities, a funny name, and I thought she might actually be a protagonist in one of Thalassa’s other series—

--until she began to talk, and it became clear that she’s a caricature. She’s the “black best friend” who says b***** (hi the store) every other word and just seems to be there to support Callie. Callie, meanwhile, always seems to forget her until she needs her.

This kind of stereotype isn’t interesting. I really don’t like it. The book can be better than this—Thalassa is an excellent writer, so why include such an obvious stereotype?

Removing two stars for this. It would otherwise be a five star book. If Temper continues to be a stereotype in the next book, I will not be purchasing.

It was a good fantasy romance book; however, the way it was presented was a distraction, in my opinion. After reading several pages we either jump to the past in a flashback or back to present time. I’m sure there are readers who like that whiplash style of writing, I’m just not one of them. That being said, the story was a good read. There are good strong characters that blend well with the plot and the finish is rather good. Another point on the positive side is that this author doesn’t fill up the pages with countless sex scenes. There really is a good story being presented here.

I really really enjoyed this book. She writes exceptionally well. I felt it tug at my heart during sad parts and I was smiling at the good. Her character development is excellent. Des and Callie have real chemistry.

I normally do not like flashbacks, but the flash backs in this book are short and flow right along with the story. It helps depict how the characters develop.

The romance felt real. And there is no stupid love triangle! Finally a fantasy/ sci-fi novel that isn't based around two dudes wanting to pounce one girl.

One thing I really liked is how Callie's depression is shown during her teenage years. It doesn't just show her being a self loathing teenager who wants to cry in the mirror. Some books tend to do that.
Callie has real depression. Real trauma. But not only that, the way Des handles her, as a teenager, is a breath of fresh air from some other (will remain nameless) popular novels. You can tell he cares for her, but he never uses her immaturity (as a teen) or self doubt to manipulate her. Because he truly cares for her. He wants her to get better.

The story, besides the romance, is equally as captivating. The Otherworld is beautiful and I cannot wait to read more about this place. The kingdoms are so fascinating. I want to know more.

Issues: 1) the editor needs to learn how to umm edit. Its not the writers fault and I could usually tell what she was trying to say, but some grammar and wording was way off.
2) Callie's stereotypical sassy black girl friend. I just wanted more depth to this character rather than "guuuuurl youuu craaaay" She is supposed to be smart and powerful yet all she brings to the table is "Sup B**ch". Hopefully we see more of her and she is a stronger character.

All in all this was a great read that I recommend for anyone who likes fantasy and/or romance.