If you are looking for a paranormal romance with enemies to lovers, forced marriage, fated mates, an alpha male and a virgin ... don't miss this series. Will thirty days be enough to win the battle or will virtue win out and bring down a general?

Taliyah was raised knowing her place and purpose. Will she be able to fight and win what she has been training for? When she discovers that the connection between her and Roc is something she might not be able to get rid of what will she do? Roc is conflicted and determined to overcome his past, and stay true to his mission.

The chemistry between them is off the charts, the book is an inferno hot read, and the story just keeps you turning each page to find out what happens.

Tease. Taunt. Torture. Who will win and who will fall?

Gena Showalter: announces new series
Me: *giggles in giddy fangirl*

When I saw the new series announcement from Gena, I’m pretty sure I spent hours stalking any and all information on it. Then I spent months, and I mean MONTHS, stalking for the book. The level of anticipation was high, people!

The Warlord is a brand new book in Gena’s Rise of The Warlords series but it’s also an overarching series from her Lords of The Underworld. If you recall the harpy sisters from that The Darkest Surrender? We get Taliyah Skyhawk’s story in this one and man was it delicious.

If there’s one thing that I love about Gena’s books, it’s her fierce heroines. And Taya was all of those things and more. With a bloodline that’s a deadly secret, Taliyah grew up with one goal in life; becoming Harpy General. Leading a deadly army of female harpies is all she wants and she’ll sacrifice anything, including staying a virgin to do it. I know, right?! Plot twist.

Roc is the deadly leader of the Astra Planeta, a fierce army of ancient warriors feared in every realm. His task? To sacrifice a virgin bride to ensure his army receives a mystical blessing. If he fails, they’re cursed to utter defeat for 500 years. And Roc would do anything for his warriors.

First of all, the antagonism and hate lust between these two? *chefs kiss* SO GOOD. Roc is all broody, grumpy, and warlordy. And Taya is sassy, hilarious, and always game to press every button he has and a few he didn’t even know he has. And this reader? Gobbled it right up.

I should probably apologize for my tardiness, and I will, just as soon as I’m sorry. As your men are proving with their nineinch salutes, I’m totally worth the wait. Well, he’s giving me ten.” She winked at Silver. “Bravo, sir.”
As always the world building was enticing, vivid, and full of new characters I can’t wait to read more about. Including a cameo by my beloved Hades. Well not really a cameo, more of a mention. But I’ll take any morsel when it coms to this man. But I digress again.

I loved this book and this new slew of warrior characters. Move over lords, there’s new tortured and brooding warlords. And I’m not one to pick favorites here, but I’m saying I’m dying for the next book! If this one is anything to judge the series by, we’re in for one heck of a ride and I’m already braced for it.

If you’re looking for a steamy PNR with plenty of chemistry, banter, and all of the action with incredible characters that you won’t be able to get enough of, READ THIS.

Was not able to read the entirety of the book and cannot give an accurate or overall rating/review . As a librarian for a big library system, we most likely have a copy of this item. I will look forward to reading it in future since I am sure I will.

I am glad we finally got to see Taliyah's story. At first it seemed like Hades was her HEA, but Ms. Showalter explained that away very quickly at the beginning of the story. I was very disinclined to like Roc at the beginning but he definitely grew on me as the story progressed. Taliyah was a perfect match with him.
I can't wait to see where this series goes with plenty of new characters to write about.

I loved reading this book! We've seen most of the Skyhawks fall in love, mostly with Lords, but there have been some who haven't. So I really enjoyed this start of the spin off series with a family that we've spent a lot of time with before!

It is a little hard to wrap my mind around how all these worlds are connected. It just seems so big, you know? And so many layers! We did learn about the Astra Planeta, and their processes, and how they're close to leveling up to the next power, but yeah, still a touch confusing!

I loved how these two were in a battle of wills. They both were thinking that the other would cave, and playing a high game stakes of chicken, basically, and it was pretty hilarious! I loved their interactions, because the chemistry between them is pretty intense!

They both have their own plans for what they want to happen. And in the end, when all the secrets are out, and he knows her parentage, and her choices have some interesting results, and yeah, just really enjoyed that ending! Can't wait to see where book 2 goes!

Loved reading this book, and I can't wait to continue the series!

Absolutely brilliant! Loved this new series and couldn't put it down! Another winner for Gena! Can't wait for the next one. Absolutely addicted!

The Warlord (Rise of the Warlords #1). By Gena Showalter. 2021. HQN Books. (ARC eBook).

The Warlord has a great slow-burn romance woven with action and intriguing worldbuilding as it twines Showalter’s Lords of the Underworld’s bloodthirsty harpies and Harpina with the new Astra Planeta warlords. The harpies have never been a favorite of mine, but I found the Astra Planeta and their intense leader, Aloroc “Roc” Phaethon really interesting; and the sharp-taloned and -tongued Taliyah Skyhawk met him equally on every front. Can’t wait to read further.

I hardly ever do paranormal/supernatural type books and it is even more rare for me to rate them so high. And lately, I'm extra stingy with my stars.

Warlord is a MUST READ!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Taya and Roc were so fucking perfect! I loved the push and pull between them. The tension, both in and out of the bedroom, was fire. Their chemistry off the charts! These two were so damn sexy and fun.

The best part of this read, for me anyway, was Taya. I LOVED that Showalter didn't write her as a doormat. She wasn't TSTL like most heroines are, especially lately. She was so damn kick ass. Feisty. Independent. Bold. Shrewd. Fun. And best of all, she didn't take Roc's shit. Our girl gave back as good as she got, and then some. Everything about Taya has made her one of my most favorite characters.

Don't get me wrong, Roc was hot as fuck. And he pressed all my buttons, but Taya-she STOLE the show! I had a serious girl crush going.

I can't wait for book 2 in the series. I think I know who it's going to be and I'm there for it!! I really hope she puts R&B together!

Until then, I'm off to devour her backlog, starting with her Lords of the Underworld, since she mentions them and their mates in this one.

The Warlord by Gena Showalter is the First book in the Rise of the Warlords Series. This is the story of Taliyah Skyhawk and Alaroc 'Roc' Phaethon. Their story is filled with danger and of course overcoming blocks in their path. I am of course a fan of Ms. Showalter's writing like so many others, so this was a must read for me. I will be looking for more books from her.

The Warlord is the first book in the Rise of the Warlords series by Gena Showalter, which is set in the same world as the Lords of the Underworld series (with some character carry over). Newcomers will be able to enjoy the read, but longtime fans of Showalter will enjoy seeming some past favorites pop up.

For centuries, Taliyah Skyhawk has prepared to become Harpy General, leader of the deadliest female army in existence. One of the requirements? Remain a virgin. But, for a chance to save her people, she must wed the fearless leader of the Astra Planeta, Alaroc Phaethon. The time has come for Roc to sacrifice another virgin bride to his god. There has never been a woman alluring enough to tempt him from his path. No warrioress powerful enough to overcome his incredible strength. No enchantress desirable enough to make him burn beyond reason. Until now. With the clock ticking, war between husband and wife ignites. Except Taliyah never expected the merciless king to challenge the future she once envisioned. She certainly never anticipated the thrill of their battles turning into games. The problem is, only one spouse can survive.

The Warlord is a solid paranormal romance. I liked returning to the world created by Showalter- it has been awhile since I read the her work. I enjoyed the characters and the mixture of witty banter, heat, and trying to find a solution for the problems at hand. I think it was all woven together very well. There are secrets about heritage, powers, and how things could play out. There is a great set up for the books to follow, and part of that is how well done the secondary characters were fleshed out- and the larger story arch was introduced. I am very interested to see how the Astra move forward- and how the crazy extended family might play a role in the future. I also like that we get the voices of both Roc and Taliyah, so we know the plans and emotions behind the choices made. The only problem I found will hopefully be fixed in formatting of the final version, because in the ARC I had there was no break of differentiation between the two points of view. One sentence would be Taliyah, the next Roc, and sometimes it took me a moment to catch up with the change.

The Warlord is a must read for fans of the author. Newcomers might not enjoy it as much, but the mixture of snark, heat, and danger is nearly perfect.

Gina Showalter introduces the Warlord who must wed a virgin and not touch her for the thirty days until he sacrifices her to ensure blessing for himself and his troops. However Taliyah Skyhawk, about to become a Harpy General who is his chosen is also the daughter and granddaughter of gods; she is his destined woman so he will be cursed if he sacrifices her. The battle between the two is on; who will win? Paranormal romance with a twist.

I really miss PNR like this. This hit the spot. This story makes me want to re-read her Lords of the Underworld just to stay in one of her worlds a bit longer.

This book is hot. H-O-T hot. Like sexy sexy sexy hot. If you’ve read her Lord of the Underworld series, you’ll know about the harpies. If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat because the harpies are freaking awesome! They’re deadly, sexy, and mouthy. I loved them all. You also get a couple of cameos from some of the Lords, which is fun. And you get a story that you can’t put down.

Taliyah has been groomed since birth to become the fiercest general of all the harpies. So when the Astra Planeta invade her land and take her people hostage demanding the fiercest warrior to be his bride, naturally Tailyah pipes up. Alaroc (Roc) is ready to ascend. For him, for his people, that means they are at the point of their lives where if they have sacrificed enough, they can ascend to a higher level and finally have peace from all the warring. The problem? Taliyah doesn’t really feel like being sacrificed.

So Taliyah sets her sights on annoying Roc and freeing her harpies…but there’s more going on to the whole situation, and she’s far more involved that either she or Roc ever imagined. There are gods involved who give cryptic information because of course they do! But what I really enjoyed was how Taliyah’s mind worked. She was very figure it out and take care of it. She was smart, didn’t take failure as an option, and did it all while being amazing. She absolutely earned Roc’s respect very quickly. But when the gods meddled and spilled some secrets he went a little crazy…and she proved her awesomeness over and over. His grand gesture has her smiling, but I would have loved more.

Guys, this book is sexy. So sexy. Roc wants a virgin sacrifice, but doesn’t need her to be one. Taliyah is supposed to be a virgin to be general seeing as she’ll give her body to her people…you can probably see where I’m going with this. They push each other as far as possible and it’s glorious. I loved how so much of their relationship is teasing and learning about each other. I loved the Greek gods being part of this..Chaos, Hades, Erebus…especially Hades.

This is typical Gena Showalter immortals in the sense that if you’ve read her before, you’ll know what you’re in for. You’re in for a sexy and epic ride with huge plot twists, even huger battles, and happily ever after. I’m really excited for the next book, because there are a lot of warriors who don’t have their happily ever afters yet, and I for one feel like they really could use a good HEA.

***Review copy courtesy of the publisher HQN via Netgalley

This writer never disappoints!! The book is packed full of a dark and sexy man and they lady he love, definitely recommend!!!!!

A fantastic story that got me hooked. I loved the book so much that I ended up buying 2 copies. One for me and one for my mother .

I do highly recommend this.

This happens to be one readers wanted and now has been written. Taliyah who has been wanting to be Harpy General for a long time. A requirement is to stay a virgin. She also could save her people by marrying Roc. He though must sacrifice a virgin bride which by this time has a big smell for me. When they cross paths things will be turned upside down and sideways. How can either accomplish their goals? Turning the pages is exactly what this author gets us readers to do so we can see if things can get right, our kind of right.

This unique marriage of convenience romance will leave you in tears when a vicious warlord must wed and sacrifice a virgin in order to save his men. The only problem is his chosen bride is as vicious, if not more than he is and not going down without a fight. Jam-packed with action, suspense, intrigue, laughter, and of course romance, this epic battle of the wills will keep you laughing and cheering till the very end.

Whew! This was a steamy book from start to finish. I read this book in one long sitting because I couldn't get enough!

Tayliah is a harpy who has spent her whole life training to became a General, which involves completing challenging tasks, as well as never taking a consort. When the warlord Roc invades the harpy's realm, she will stop at nothing to free the others from his grips, and earn her way to the top. For his own interest, Roc seeks to take a bride and sacrifice her thirty days after their wedding to their god, in order to earn a weapon and favour against his enemy. Securing Tayliah has his bride was easy, but resisting the pull toward her is a whole other challenge.

I really enjoyed this book, and the entire premise. While I generally enjoy paranormal or other-wordly romance sparingly, I enjoyed the story and was able to follow the world building pretty easily. Tayliah is sassy, full of mouthy spirit, with a quick wit. Contrasted with Roc's limit patience and very obvious buttons to push, the chemistry between the pair was addictive.

The tension and build up through out the book was very effective, and made for a very steamy romance. Even if you are not a fan of paranormal romance, it has the potential to be appealing for a wide audience.

This is such a satisfying start to a new series! I really enjoyed the early Lords of the Underworld books, but I started to get a little lost towards the end of the series as they traversed alternate realms with different timelines. The Warlord is set within the same universe, but it reads completely fine as a stand alone.

I loved that this was purely Taliyah and Roc's story without the interruption of other POVs or conflicts. However, the emphasis on viriginity in both Astra Planeta and Harpy lore was a bit uncomfortable and I really could've done without Roc checking Taliyah for her viriginity (especially since it's nonconsensual), but I've been wishing all of Showalter's books were more sex positive/inclusive.

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for my ARC to review.

When gods get involved with mortals, even if they are supernatural, nothing good comes of it. Kicking off a new series set in the Lords of the Underworld series, Ms. Showalter lures me back into this magical world of mystical beings. Taliyah Skyhawk is a Harpy and a secondary character that pops in occasionally in the original series. I would lovingly label her a weapon of mass destruction. She is the BAMF I would love to have as a friend or sister. Her loyalty and can-do attitude are off the charts. I am so glad she is getting her own story.

I must confess, the tagline for this story - "30 Days to wed a virgin. 30 Days to sacrifice her. 30 nights to resist temptation." is what caught my eye. It kind of reminds me of a famous monologue from Prince Humperdinck in the Princess Bride. Enticed with the catchy 3 sentences, I dive into this story of mayhem, sexual heat, vengeance, betrayal and romance. The romance part was kind of iffy at times because Taliyah aka Tal is hard on a male's ego. Did I mention a metal chastity belt and chains? I digress.

I absolutely loved the snarky attitude of Tal and how she combats Alaroc. Tal takes the hot crazy matrix to a whole new level and Alaroc aka Roc is ill prepared for it. Tal's tendency to kill first and ask questions later is equally balanced by her ridiculous sense of mischief and seduction skills. It does help that one of her best friends is an Oracle who helps Tal prepare for the curveballs of life.

This story is full of action with momentary pauses for a heated cock teasing session to drive Roc wild and possibly insane. I am talking about the worst case of blue balls ever. Tal is a naughty minx who uses all the tools in her arsenal to keep Roc off balance and wondering what kind of mess he has signed up for. Usually I don't like such constant drama conflict, but Ms. Showalter does it all in a cheeky and loving manner. There is no real malice intent. I am not sure how she did it, but I ended up rooting for Tal. #teamtal all the way!

The conflict in this story seems impossible to resolve. I half feared that Ms. Showalter painted herself into a corner and required a deus ex machina to fix it. O ye of little faith. The ending is perfectly delightful. I love it. This paranormal romance is recommended to readers who adore BAMF female protagonist and the strong male it takes to match them.

I loved this book ! It's a great start to a new Rise of the Warlords series from Gena Showalter.

This story was fantastic with amazing characters, loads of action, stunning depth of emotion, and wonderful humor. It was so easy to read with such a strong story that pulled me in from the very first page and kept me on the edge right up until the end. Another thing .... being as this new series seems to be set in the LOTU world and I loved getting to briefly catch up with a few of my favorite characters from that series which happens to be an all time favorite of mine.

Talilah and Roc began as enemies trapped in a hopeless situation. Their relationship revolved around a big secret that Talihah had carried for her entire life, twists and turns followed, and many surprises were revealed along the way. Would time run out before they figured out a way to stay together and save everyone ?

I loved the way this story flowed. It had me so engaged that I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book !