**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net** 

Forged in Stone is the first book in a new series, The Forged Chronicles by Alyssa Rose Ivy. I jump at any book Alyssa Rose Ivy writes. I just love her and I pretty much know that I will get a good story with all of her books. That being said, I still normally do my due diligence with review requests. But when Alyssa Rose Ivy emailed me asking if I wanted an ARC of Forged in Stone I just said yes. And yes before you freak out, I did really enjoy the book. (duh.) But I had no idea what it would be about when I started reading it. None at all. So I am going to give you my initial blank slate impressions/embarrassing realizations.

Forged in Stone starts off feeling very contemporary romance. So I started to slip into my new adult contemporary comfort zone, and then things started feeling a little fantasy/paranormal. Oh boy was I intrigued. But wait, the confessions don't stop there. Because then things started to feel a little fantasy/paranormal and a little familiar. The first book I ever read by Alyssa Rose Ivy was Beckoning Light way back in 2011, which was part of the afterglow trilogy. I really liked it and the world that opened up behind that garden gate, but I didn't finish the series. (I have no idea why and I must rectified that soon.) BUT I soon realized that The Forged Chronicles is set in the same world as the afterglow trilogy! It is about 10 years down the road and deals with one of the characters- James, that I don't really remember too much about from Beckoning Light. So moral of this very long story. I can't believe that I had no idea 1) this was a fantasy/paranormal and 2) it was a spin off series of the Afterglow Series. But know you do know those things from my embarrassing little blunder.

Forged in Stone is a really nice fantasy/paranormal, that had a very romantic feel to it. I loved James, and even though he was a bit cheesy at points, he can pull it off oh so well. His connection with Ainsley was lovely. And watching her fight him at every step really amused me. The pull that they feel towards each other is fully explained throughout the course of the story and I have to admit it was my favorite aspect. I can't wait to read books 2 and 3 in the Afterglow trilogy so I can get more background on their world and the essence. But you do not have to read that series to enjoy this one. Alyssa Rose Ivy always does a great job giving enough context and background with her stories so readers are not lost.

Forged in Stone is great for fans of fantasy/ paranormal romances. This one felt really sweet and romantic, but the end was like a kick in the gut that I was not expecting at all. I was feeling all lovey dovey and mushy towards the characters and then the twist at the end hinted at a much darker second book. I can't wait! Another great series by Alyssa Rose Ivy. If you have not had the pleasure of reading Alyssa's books yet, you need to.

 This review was originally posted on Book Briefs