Rhapsodic (The Bargainer #1)

Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

From bestselling indie author Laura Thalassa comes the newly revised and edited first book in her smash-hit dark fantasy romance between a siren and the "bargainer" she owes countless favors to.

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 Callie has been wearing a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she once received. Only death or repayment will fulfill her obligations.

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 Callie, he's never asked for repayment. Not until now. 

When Callie finds the Bargainer 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 admitting a truth—a single bead's worth—acknowledging the attraction between them. But the Bargainer is after more than just rekindling their connection. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one, and only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to her breast. 

For the Bargainer to save his people, he'll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. If she can forgive him.

Rhapsodic was a book I thoroughly enjoyed based on my personal preferences. The book had a solid foundation FILLED with potential, but unfortunately, it all fell short. And although Des wasn't the greatest love interest, and the book didn't make the most sense, I haven't stopped thinking about Rhapsodic.

1. I was very confused going into the first few pages of Rhapsodic. I was under the impression that this book was set in a sunny fae kingdom universe. Though the murder at the beginning was a great hook, and I didn't mind the modern setting.

2. This book needed a hell of a lot more world-building. How exactly does the supernatural world work? How does the fae realm work? Why is she so special, aren't there other sirens? What do the non-supernatural humans know?

3. Desmond Flynn (definitely a Rhysand character). You're telling me that the only name you could think of for a FAE KING was DESMOND?? (If im being honest, the name kinda fit him)

4. Callie and Des' relationship (in present time) was very confusing. Des comes back into her life and immediately kisses her, causing Callie to break up with her boyfriend. Then their romance continues. Did Callie not question why the guy who left her for seven years is now romantically interested in her? They weren't even a thing seven years ago!

5. The fantasy aspect was very interesting and should have had more influence in the book. However, I suspect that book two will go more in-depth into this.

6. I loved the "I'm flashing my wings because she's my soulmate" trope. Though I would have loved MORE from that.

7. WHY did he leave her for seven years??? I never really got it...

8. I've got to mention the ACOTAR similarity. Des = Rhys. Though Des kinda gave me Tamlin vibes... The book also had the same FEEL as ACOTAR, in terms of writing style and vibes.

9. I would have LOVED to see more side characters. Temper needed more screentime (the way her character was written felt a little weird). And the rescued warrior women had soooo much potential in the story.

10. The whole soulmates thing did not make sense. Des had potential but just. fell. short.

11. I don't love the whole second-chance-romance trope. Even though Now-Callie expresses how stupid Past-Callie was for racking up 322 favors with Des... Even 16-yr-old Past-Callie should have known better.

3.75 Stars