Between Realms

Fae Hearted #1

by Yve Vale

FAE HEARTED SERIES — A PREQUEL TO SHADOWCRAFT ACADEMY A human servant with a secret. A tempting deal with an Elven prince. Three elves willing to break all the rules for her… As an indentured servant summoned to the Elven court, I fear my rule-breaking ways have been discovered. When I arrive at the castle, the powerful and handsome Elven prince makes me a deal for my freedom.
Let him explore my human body... in any way he desires.
But our coupling is forbidden.
Prince Eldrin’s two tempting advisors warn me that the Elven King would rather see me in the ground than in his son’s bed.
So now, thanks to the prince’s keen attention, I’m a prime target for those who want humans to disappear from the realm.
I need to escape my growing affections for these three males before my heart is broken, or I meet my end. Do I dare leave my Elven keepers behind to brave the mortal realm alone?

Genres: Reverse Harem, Fae, Fantasy, Romance, Forced Proximity, Magic, Royalty

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 14, 2020

About the author

Yve Vale is a why choose/RH romance author. She writes about strong females and magical males existing in fantasy and paranormal worlds.
She is a lover and a fighter. This is why her books feature a fair amount of action, both in romantic endeavors and in battle.

List of Current and Upcoming Titles:


Shadowcraft Academy: A Paranormal Dark Academy Why Choose Series (Completed)

Bewitching Her Monsters Series: A Paranormal Why Choose Series

Fae Hearted: A Fantasy Why Choose Series (Completed)

Shadow Myths: A Science Fantasy Standalone Series

Reviews

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️½
I want to be more than mere friends. I want to press my lips to the soft swell of her belly and explore her lower with my mouth.

Between Realms is a great first-in-series dark fantasy romance! Get ready to be pulled into the realm of Elfhame, where humans are kept as servants and objects of curiosity, a selfish prince is heir to the throne, and relations between the Fae and humans are forbidden.

The FMC, Wyn, is a departure from the strong FMCs Yve usually pens (this took some getting used to). Book one focuses on the disparity between the fae and humans living in their realm. Wyn is a total innocent. Sheltered and untouched, she is unprepared for life in the fae court. She is also troubled by negative self-talk that suffocates her true personality, but she contains the potential to unleash her inner strength in subsequent books.

I seriously disliked the prince. He repeatedly coerced and pushed Wyn’s boundaries, not even realizing the severity of his entitlement. He makes bargains with Wyn in a farce of free will – fear of death or banishment upon refusal does not equal a free choice. One scene in particular skewed my feelings about his character, making him the villain. He needs to show some serious growth to be redeemed.

Luckily, the other two MMCs, Oakes and Jaden, have their heads on straight, even if they stumble themselves. Jaden is the highlight character, the only one prepared to go against the prince to protect Wyn and offer her safety and love.

Slow burn with minimal spice. There are some first-time experiences – consensual and coerced (see above re: the prince).

This book left several loose threads and unanswered questions to be revisited and tied up in later books. It ends on a significant cliffhanger.

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
Tropes/Features: Dark elements, fae realm, mates, forbidden romance, innocent human FMC, spoiled prince, fae royalty, humans as servants and second-class citizens, obsession, virgin FMC, coercion
Narrator: Multiple 1st Person POV
Relationship Type: Why choose MFMM, slow burn, mild spice
Book Type/Ending: Book one of the Fae Hearted series, Cliffhanger
TW/CW: Available in author’s note and online

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying I absolutely love Yve Vale's work. Her work is always gripping and keeps you glued to it. This one is no different. I loved Wyn and her innocent personality. She is not naïve by any means but is innocent in certain ways. She has lead a life that is sheltered and sometimes it shows. But, you can also see her intelligence and feistiness coming through. I love how she starts her growth in this first book. Then we have the Prince, Oakes, and Jaden. These three together are dangerous. The Prince we learn quickly has a lot of growth that he needs to do but Oakes and Jaden are fabulous. They are the true definition of gentlemen. The story is extremely well written and developed. It will have you on the edge of the seat with anticipation as we journey alongside of Wyn and a human that are not part of the elite of society. There is action, drama and suspense throughout the story. It has some intense moments that will have cheering and yelling at these magnificent characters. Then we get to the ending of this book and lord does it have a major cliffhanger that has be absolutely excited to see where the story is going. I can not wait for the next book. A fantastic read that is absolutely a must read.

[Sylvia Pelletier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well yve has done it again by sucking me into the world of elfhame. Her characters are exquisite as per usual and they all make you feel for them. Wyn is a human foundling that has been living with the fae for the last 20 years as a servant. But one day she is summoned to the royal courts. She believes that she will be banished to the mortal realm. On her way there she's attacked and happens to meet Oakes, an Elve that's been sent to watch her by the prince, unknown to her. They travel together and when she gets to the court, she's requested by the prince to his chambers. Elvrin is a spoiled prince, but wyn makes him want to change. And then there's Jaden, the royal bodyguard. They all feel connected to wyn, but there's trouble about. It's taboo for humans and elves to be together,  but can they truly resist this bond they feel? There's twists and turns and in true yve fashion a major cliffhanger at the end. I can't wait to go back for more in the next story.

[heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do i begin? Oh yeah sleep whats that? I devoured yes devoured thos book in one whole go because by hades was it good and i need the next book like yesterday! Who am i kidding i need the whole series now because i want to read all books and forget about what sleep is haha.

So Wyn who is a human servent, or is she something more?
As she is summoned to court she will find heaps of struggles and new feelings emotions the works, ive found it amazing to read her struggle with all of those and then add not 1 nope not 2 but 3 super model good looking specimens of elven men and boom sexual tension so thick a knife wouldnt even be able to cut it.

The prince as i will keep refering to him as that since hes not out of the badlist yet but is slowly learning to be more of a person and not a spoilled brat is not one of my favorites but ive got hopes for him yet.

Jaden and Oakes are my cinnemon rolls and when i first read Oakes scent i laughed and weezed because eventho Rowan was fae i still laughed because he too has a pine scent! The only thing they dont have in common is being a terretorial fae/elven basterd.

This story truely captivated and enchanted me from the very first chapter and im more then ready to see what comes next.

Recommend 8.9/10

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great action packed fantasy read full of forbidden love, curses, mysteries and suspense. With an intriguing cast of human and fae, we follow Wyn a human girl raised as a servant and treated as an outcast. Summoned to the castle, Wyn must journey on her own to meet with the prince. Her journey is a perilous one where she is attacked and along the way makes a few friends or are they? It’s a great read that draws you in and has you hooked ready for the next book!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between Realms
Fae Hearted book one
Yve Vale
Stars:🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice: 🌶️
Cliffhanger
My review may contain spoilers
Read Trigger Warnings

Tropes:
V!rg!n heroine
Fobidden romance
RH

A human servant with a secret. A tempting deal with an Elven prince. Three elves willing to break all the rules for her…

Wynstelle (Wyn) is a human who was raised in the kingdom of faerie. As a youngling in the war she was found by a fae and kept to heal. She grows up as a servant in a world who hates humans. By the end of the book it is apparent Wyn is more than she seems to be.

Love interests:
Oakes: diplomat advisor
Jaden: security advisor
Prince Eldrin

The first “encounter” Wyn has with Eldrin is kinda cringeworthy but otherwise I really liked the storyline to this book and the characters. I can’t wait for book two to come out so I can hopefully get more spice and find out Wyns secrets. that cliffhanger has me on the edge!!

This is an arc review.

[Wade Lake · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast and fun read. I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I was WOWed. The story is a page-turner. The writing is smooth and imaginative. Wynstelle, the strong-spirted and somewhat innocent protagonist, isn't searching for love. Nonetheless, she steals the hearts of three masculine and chivalrous elves. I expected that. What I didn't expect was how quickly Wynstelle would win my heart as well--she's an incredibly likable character. But it's not all whimsy. After being summoned to meet the elf prince, Wynstelle must navigate a truly uncomfortable situation that I was not expecting. No spoilers, but the drama of it put me on the edge of my seat. I found myself genuinely nervous for her. Rarely does a story have me talking back to the pages, telling the characters, you better treat this woman right. This book did that. Thumbs up. I also want to mention that there are so many little interesting "bits" to this adult fairy tale: playful fairies, exotic and vivid colors, genuinely likable and sensual characters--as well as characters who are difficult to pin down on whether or not they should be trusted. There's a lot in this little book. It put a smile on my face.

[Lila · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

I feel like I must have read a different book than the rest of the reviewers. This book has all the ingredients for my favourite recipe: RH, fated mates, elves/fae, magic, FMC with some unknown power. But the execution was just…terrible.

The FMC is naive to the point of stupidity. The MMC’s as well for that matter (including the Prince and the “warrior”). The entire book is each of the main characters having copious internal dialogue “I think I love him/her, but he/she could never feel the same.” This is one big miscommunication trope on steroids. Nope, nuh uh, no thanks.

There are also a ton of loose ends and inconsistencies. For example, while the FMC is pretending to sleep, one of the MMC’s notices something and makes a comment IN HIS OWN HEAD in his POV, and from then onwards the FMC keeps referring to this. Even though she never heard it.

This ends on a massive cliffhanger, but honestly even that isn’t enough to hold my interest. I do not recommend this.

[Jessie Valencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginning of a series

Wonderful quick and enjoyable read. I am now waiting for the next book in the series because I want to know what happens next! Wyn is a shy but likable character that grows on you as the story goes on and as you see her character gain confidence. Oakes and Jaden are wonderfully written characters and definitely my favorites so far! Can’t wait to see what’s next for them.

[chesirern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between Realms (Book 1 of Fae Hearted) by Yve Vale is a reverse harem fantasy romance novel. This is the first novel I have read by this author but it won’t be the last. I absolutely loved this book. The world building was fabulous. There was so much to see and explore just in the short time spent in this novel. I wanted to crawl in the pages with the characters. The characters were great and the plot flowed right along with so much to build on. I did not want the book to end.
Wyn is a character that everyone can relate to and follow as she navigates the realm. Her three males are Prince Eldrin, and then his advisors Oakes and Jaden. I enjoyed meeting them and exploring their characters.
Truly this book is fantastic and I can not wait to delve into the rest of the books. If you love the fae and fantasy check this out!

[Lourene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humans and Fae mingling

I love how innocent Wyn is and that she is a human raised in the Fae realm. When Merlara, her keeper, receives a letter requesting that Wyn report to the castle, she sends her by herself. This proves how resilient this young woman is. She meets Oakes on her way there after being attacked by a Goul. A bear attacks the Goul, not her, and then Oakes appears and offers to escort her to the palace.
Wyn, having never left the forge before, finds herself attracted to Oakes, Eldrin, and Jaden. All elves she had been told were forbidden to her because she is human.
I loved the s€xual tension throughout the book and the ending with the cliffhanger. It will be interesting to find out what happens next in the upcoming book—well done, Yve.

[Misty Iputi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I started this book thinking ok I am going to read a couple chapters and go to bed but stayed up all night reading. I could not put it down. It was book from the beginning had adventures and continued till the end with a cliffhanger. This is one book that going to read again and again.

[Heather Bane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I enjoyed the storyline and characters. Both are interested and likable. I plan on reading book 2. I would recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yve Vale has gone full fantasy with Between Realms, the first book in her Fae Hearted series. I started out reading (and loving) Yve's Shadowcraft Academy series, Fae Hearted is that series' origin story and I am here for it.


Wynstelle "Wyn" is a pretty straightforward character. She's open and honest to a fault but she isn't stupid, in fact, Wyn is highly intelligent, probably due to her love of books, points to her. I love that in a world where she is considered less Wyn is still a good soul but with a little spunk. I just hate that it's been so ingrained in her (by the elves) to think less of herself for being human but with the help of the guys I know she will overcome that.


Now the guys are complicated. There are three, Jaden, Oakes, and Eldrin. Jaden was pretty much perfect, the quiet protective type but has a lighter personality than I expected and very passionate. He's my favorite. Oakes started off on a bad foot but he's really a sweetheart. He's a healer, caring, and has compassion. Then there's Eldrin. He started off on a really bad foot, thought I was gonna hate him but he grew over the story arc. I'm talking significant changes and I started to like him. Reading his chapters made me feel for him, I just hope he keeps improving.


The story was great, it's set in Elfhame (the faerie realm) and centered on the Elven kingdom. Apparently, stuff went down between the elves and humans and now there is a major prejudice against humans. Something is brewing, there are attacks and magic and a mysterious mage who knows more than she's letting on. Then there's the angst. This story had so much angst. The guys fall hard and acknowledge their feelings but no one has come out and said the direct words. There are good moments and moments of misunderstandings but Wyn and the guys keep being drawn back together. To mad there is so much standing in the way, besides themselves. There's society that has a problem with her being human, the court, the political conflict rising, and more. It was so good.


Between Realms ended way too soon. I'm dying for more. More drama, more romance, more mystery, more of all of it, especially after that ending. I should've seen it coming. I have no idea where Yve is gonna take the series but if you can't tell she already has me hooked.

[Sue Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this reverse harem story of a lass who pays for her rule breaking ways in ways she never thought about. Without giving anything away in this story, I must say it was one of the first reverse harem stories I've read and I'm definitely going to look for more. For a reader who has only ever read M/F romance stories this was a welcome introduction into the world of multiple partners. Bring on more, please.

[Heather Kruczek · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading one of Yve Vale's other series, I was craving another one of her books while I wait for her upcoming release. Between Realms, a fantasy why-choose romance, is the first in the Fae Hearted series. For those who have read the Shadowcraft Academy series or the Bewitching Monsters series, this book takes place in the same universe, but centuries prior as an origin story. This does end on one heck of a cliffhanger, and you'll be reaching for the second book as soon as you close this one. There is a little bit of spice, but it's clear this book's intent is to set up the "why-choose" group and most likely, the future books will have more steam. If you've read any of Yve Vale's other books, you know she provides the perfect mix of original plot and RH steam over the course of a series.

The FMC, Wyn, is such a gentle, sweet and strong character. I loved how she is kind to all she meets and delights in the little surprises in life. She's tough when she needs to be and resilient against her rough life. She knows her "place" in life in Elfhame is as a second-class human servant, which can occasionally be sad with her constant self-deprecation. Despite never having done anything to bring harm to any elves or other beings within the realm, her mere existence brings such ire to most elves. There is some violence against Wyn, so be sure to read the trigger warnings, which include abduction, dubcon, kidnapping, and physical assault. There is also an author's note that indicates Wyn will grow and not always put herself down, and I am excited to see that journey for her.

Each of the MMCs are all likeable in their own ways, even if the Prince is jealous, possessive and spoiled at times. However, you can see the growth in both Wyn and the Prince in each of their interactions as time goes on. All three are such cinnamon roll alphas (especially Jaden); even if I hadn't known this was a RH, I was rooting for each of them. Between Realms had me on the edge of my seat every time Wyn had a close moment with each elf. I was always waiting for something in their minds to snap into place and then they'd finally realize their feelings. Instead, I felt I was watching a constant pattern (by all of them) of "I love him/her, but there's no way it's reciprocated," despite all the actions that pointed otherwise. Looking forward to seeing if this little found family can finally figure out their emotions for one another and clearly communicate them. Wyn certainly has a rough journey ahead of her, as she fights her taboo feelings, her status, a short mortal life, and the war that is brewing on the horizon. She deserves her happily ever after with all three of her men in a world that doesn't want to wipe her existence off the map; a place where she can be free to love them and isn't continually wracked with fright that her brief human life will be snuffed out sooner than expected.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alyx Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Elfhame, there are hardly any humans since the huge war. Almost all Elves hate humans, even if they’ve never met one. Wynstelle (Wyn) is a human indentured servant who has spent her entire life in the Fae realm. Wyn was a foundling, a dying infant abandoned in the in-between, the area between the Mortal realm and the Fae realm. Raol, Merlara’s mate, found her and brought her back with him, though he died not long after. Merlara healed her. They kept her, (became her keepers) and raised her to be their servant and assistant in the forge. Wyn has never known another human, she’s never known affection or love, she barely understands emotions. Wyn has never left the very small town she was raised in. She has been raised to believe mortals are terrible, angry, abusive people. She believes she is inferior to Elves and that her sole purpose is to serve Elfhame.

But like so many of Vale’s fmc’s Wyn is smart, compassionate, kind, she has a quick wit and isn’t actually afraid to use it when she feels she’s in safe company. She’s also a bit of a rule breaker.

Oakes is the Prince’s adviser, Jaden is his strategist and protector, Price Eldrin is entitled and spoiled, also a bit out of touch with how his actions actually impact people. Fortunately, once he actually understand how his choices can affect others, he begins to make changes.

Between the Realms is the beginning of their story, Vale is so masterful at building up this brilliant world and characters that we get invest in, plus side characters that we quickly want to kill off, hmmm, no spoilers here. The dichotomy of this young innocent woman, surrounded by three older, experienced, worldly men who ALL want her, is actually hilarious. But that is another Vale trademark, keep us in suspense as to just how the romance is going to work out. And actually we don’t get to find out in the first installment, we’ll have to wait for book two. That doesn’t mean you should not pick this up, you should, it is absolutely a divine read!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I loved this book!! But I have not read the Shadowcraft Academy series (yet) so am viewing this as a standalone series. This book does end on a cliffhanger though, so if it is not your thing, make sure to wait until the series is completed. You’ll want to read it straight through – you won’t be able to stop yourself!

Wyn is a human raised in the elf kingdom, Elfhame. Isolated by her Elven guardian for her own protection, she has had minimal contact with those outside of her immediate village but is well aware of the prejudice and danger to humans since the end of the war. However, that can’t prevent her from responding to a summons from Ryven’s Court to journey alone to the castle. A journey that has her meeting an elf, Oakes who learns firsthand the treatment that humans must endure and protect themselves against, even if illegally. It is only when she arrives at the castle that she learns of his true identity and why she was summoned to the palace. Something that she feels she cannot refuse.
The trio of men, Prince Eldrin, Oakes and Jaden are the elves which she has contact with at the castle and those that she begins to slowly develop relationships with, each one of a different nature. Despite being a true innocent and with little contact with the royal court, even she can see the problems arising with her continued contact with the prince. The men also have growing feelings for her but have not considered that the three together might be the best option. And before they can, circumstances may have taken any decisions away.

This is a slow burn, world building novel. There are some s3xy scenes, with one near the start of the story. However, the remainder is generally a buildup of what is to come with good character growth of all the main characters. Like I mentioned this does end on a cliffhanger and definitely does not answer all my questions, so book 2 is immediately on my next to read list!.

[Kreela · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m not frightened of you. If I turn out to be wrong, try not to hold it against me.”

For what I considered an easy read, the dialogue was surprisingly smart sometimes. As a human in the Fae realm, Wynstelle grew up working in a forge for a woman who had saved her life. But Wyn was officially an adult, and she was summoned to the Court to determine her fate: most likely, banishment to a world she did not know.

Along her travels she met an elf named Oakes, who promised to guide her through the capital. Once at her hearing, she also met two others: Prince Eldin and Jaden. The prince was immediately intrigued by her [insta-lust] and asked her to let him explore her body. My eyes rolled. As a virgin, Wyn should have been a little more expressive about feeling trapped into a sex-for-favor situation. I felt queasy about that, even if she was willing.

Don’t worry, the story was not about sex or rape, even if they are mentioned. The three elves may not have interested me as book boyfriends, but they were sweet. They recognized Wyn as special somehow. And she did show some indications that she was not a normal human. Pixies loved her. Animals protected her. Ghouls wanted to kill her.

Why would ghouls want to kill her? Why did Elves discriminate so much against humans? These questions lead to the next novel.

The theme interested me, especially after 4 years of racial confrontations and campaigns against illegal immigration. Wyn essentially had a green card, and was dealing with strong anti-human sentiments. She may have been naive and helpless in a new situation, but she proved capable of defending herself near the end.

I received an advanced review copy and my thoughts are my own.

[Emmi (bookish_redpanda) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice level: 🌶️.5

Between Realms definitely serves as a great opening book to this new series from Vale. Check TWs/CWs prior to reading.

You have Wyn, a human living in an Elven world, who has been summoned to the Royal Castle for a seating with the King. The world is beautifully set up, in terms of races, characters and locations. Of laws pertaining to humans and elves, and the background of this "great war".

With the journey to the capital, Wyn meets Oakes, a secretive elf who travels along with her, aiding her during some harrowing situations, alongside Jaden, another very secretive elf. Then, arriving at the castle, she has an audience with Prince Eldrin, where a deal is struck.

Now, I loved this book. The set up is amazing, and there's so much pushed into what was a quick read. However, I feel that we never truly got to the reason that Wyn was summoned - unless it's buried so deep within the talks of her deal with the Prince, that I didn't really process it. Also, the initial meeting with the Prince just felt... off. Through exposition and explanation it does make sense why the characters acted in the way they did, but at the same time, it just felt weird.

I enjoyed that Wyn was a very innocent character who doesn't know the ways of the world, having been brought up in a very sheltered way - I'm glad she never lost that inexperience.

This however did set up a lot of unanswered questions - which I really hope get answered in the next book - as it was constantly being teased at. I definitely feel there is more to why Wyn was brought to the Elven realm, but that will hopefully unravel soon. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Danielle Albertine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this - the premise is great, I like the characters, the world and the lore. I also appreciated the time spent building the foundation for the relationships, although the story took a long time to get through minimal plot.

I did feel there was repetition to some of the sentiments - the FMC continues to believe she isn’t ‘worthy’. While I totally get she is considered to be a 2nd class citizen by Elven society, it is made very clear that her (future) harem definitely don’t ascribe to that, and instead value her. This leads to the next irritation - she has to leave. Again, I can appreciate the sentiment, I just don’t need to hear it over and over.

That said, I did genuinely enjoy the book and will be reading the next book for sure.

POV: Multi-POV
Spice: 1.5/5
Burn: Glacial
Series / standalone? Part of the Fae Hearted series, which follows the same characters
Shared universe? Part of but precedes the Shadowcraft universe

Favourite quotes:
“If you’d like, I can bring you something more thrilling. Perhaps a list of all the ways to watch paint dry?”

“Why is it so adorable that she blushes at the thought of battering my t*sticles? Goddess, I’d take a shot to the sack to win her.”

“You told me to be brutal.” I smirk. “No, I said brutally honest.” “Oh, is there a difference?” I crinkle my eyes in an exaggerated wince.”

Triggers: One instance of coercion near the beginning; xenophobia; some violence

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay Read

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Yve Vale for the opportunity to read your book. This was an alright read. This is the first book of the Fae Hearted series. It is also a reverse harem story. In this book, we meet Wynstelle, a human living with Fae in Elfhame, working as a servant to her keeper, Meralla. She is summoned to the Ryven Castle, where she meets Oakes, Jordan, and Prince Eldrin. I thought the story was good. I did feel like there could have been more about Wynstelle’s past that could have made the story more engaging. However, I thought it was a good start to a new RH series. I thought Wynstelle was a good character. I am a fan of strong, snarky, and more fierce heroines, so it was interesting to read a character like her. She was more submissive and innocent. I wish I could have had a better connection to her as a character, but I think she lacks some character development. Also, I liked Oakes and Jordan. I needed some time to warm up to Princess Eldrin, but I thought he was another good character. Their relationship was good, but I wished to see more interactions with all four of them together. I thought the ending was okay. I am not a fan of cliffhanger, but I am curious about how the next book will turn out. I am looking forward to continuing book 2 of this series. Overall, an okay read.

[Danyelle La Pookette · Rating 5 out of 5]

** Cliffhanger Warning! ** I love this book! It's a fun, action-packed, angsty, fantasy, forbidden love, reverse harem romance with three male elves and one female human. This book is the first in a prequel series for the Shadow craft Academy series, so I will have to read that series when this o e ends. There's an interesting realm - Elfhame - of faeries, ghouls, and who knows what else where our heroine has grown up as an indentured slave. That sounds bleak, but Wynstelle has a positive attitude, some fighting skills, and an affinity for bears and the little folk.

There's a back story to this back story! (Will there be a pre-prequel?) A war between the humans and the fae has caused a lot of elves to hate humans, so Wynstelle is an unwitting target for political intrigue and vicious ghoul attacks. But wait, there's more! Curses, mysteries, romance, secrets, and steam galore!

I love Wyn - aka Wynstelle - she's a sweet, smart character who's naivety lets the reader learn about her world(s) at her speed. The males are Prince Eldrin, and his advisors, Oakes and Jaden. While the guys are a bit irritating because of a failure to communicate, I liked seeing them fall for Wyn. Eldrin is trying to be a better elf. Oakes and Jaden want to help and protect Wyn. I want to see how the group gets their stuff together in the next book.

Some typos, but nothing too distracting. I'm excited for book two!

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wynstelle is a human ward of an elf bladesmith in the elf realm. She rarely leaves her work except to train herself with swords in secret for fun until she is summoned to the King's castle for an unknown reason. On the journey she runs into monsters trying to attack her but is saved by a kind elf even though there is plenty of elf ire for her being a human in their lands. She makes it to the castle and has to figure out whether to stay and risk the drama of being favored by the prince, go back to her servant life, or try her way in the human realm for the first time.

There are a lot of unanswered questions and as book one of four I understand that but it didn't feel like a complete story in this book. I like the characters but the push and pull and the will they won't they became a bit tired and repetitive with them constantly rushing across a room to grab her face and stand close and then leave dramatically without resolving anything. It's a slow burn, which for a virgin includes a tiny bit of spicy experimenting and a few kisses. Will definitely be looking for the next book to see what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney Saba · Rating 1 out of 5]

The characters are so submissive, even the elves who are over 100 years old. The FMC is too naive and innocent for me to like. The story was okay in the beginning and when she meets the Prince, but it went downhill from there.

The FMC is also very self-deprecating, with doubts, seeing herself as so less-than and inferior and unworthy of literally everything, thinking the worst in people and in herself. I was tired of it.

Why was she contacted by the kingdom? Why did the Prince want her? I have many questions about "why" and none of them were answered.

There's insta-lust and insta-love. Like, declaring love in inner monologues way too early for no reason at all. The absolute worst. Not to mention betraying body syndrome. And the FMC knows nothing about sex or how it works or even what an orgasm is. There's naive, and then there's this kind of naive.

Idk if I'm going to continue with this series. It's boring and everything I mentioned above are strikes against the series. I understand this is a prequel to other series, but if the others are anything like this, I believe this author isn't for me.

Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.

[Ally Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not expecting how invested I got into this story! It took me a bit to get into it, but once I was, I couldn't put it down!

Wyn has lived her entire life among elves. Taken in as a sickly child and cured, she has been essentially an endentured servant. Her keeper has been as kind as allowed, but being a mortal among them, she's been an outcast. When summons arrive to present herself before the court and plead her case to remain, she journeys to meet the prince. Along her journey, she endures attacks and meets some very interesting men along the way.

I really ended up liking Wyn she's been sheltered in a sense, so she is naive. She makes a bargain she doesn't really know. The prince I didn't really care for him at first. He was entitled and didn't really seem to understand that. Yes, ppl made bargains with him because he's the freaking prince. He did end up trying to be better. His 2 advisors I did like because they were all in on making sure Wyn was safe.

I'll definitely be continuing the series, and I'm so glad I picked this up.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was unsure about this book at first because I don’t normally care for reading spin-offs or especially prequel spin-offs, but Yve Vale is such a good author that I quickly got over my reservations. I had a lot of fun reading this book, and poor Wyn definitely has some struggles about how Elfhame treats her as a second class citizen, being human, and also how she views herself. I’m still unsure about how I feel about her Keeper (don’t know if I trust her), and I’m hoping to learn more about that in the next sure. The cliffhanger was really mean cause now I have to wait to find out how she deals with the new situation. I’m dying to see her relationships with the 3 elves develop more and one of them needs to be direct about their feelings and intentions holy crap. A lot of dancing around the subject and Wyn has no idea how any of them REALLY feel, past a fleeting fancy. I really can’t wait for the next book.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a gripping series opener and I have to say that the author did a fab job sucking me in for a one-sit reading experience ;) Wynstelle, or Wyn as she prefers to be called, was a human foundling in Elfhame and has been a servant for her whole life. Suddenly, she's been summoned to an audience before royalty and she's beyond afraid of what this could mean. Along the way, she has quite the adventure, and quite the journey with Oakes, an elf she meets. She meets a royal bodyguard in court, Jaden, and has to put up with what starts off as a terrible situation with Prince Eldrin. They all seem to have a connection to this unassuming gal and I'm dying to know how that's going to get sorted out. There are so many layers and details in this slow burn romance that I couldn't put it down. I will say that I expect Wyn to be waaay more than she seems but the cliffy has me hanging on by my fingernails to see how her journey will continue to unfold...if she survives ;D

[Elisabeth Copeland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This why choose romance is set in the world of the Fae. Wyn, FMC, is human and a second-class citizen, is being summoned to the royal court. She must leave her Keeper who she has been with since a foundling 20 years ago. She is terrified she is being banished to the mortal realm.

On her journey she meets Oakes, who withholds information he was sent by the prince, and Jaden, a royal bodyguard. Upon her arrival, she meets the prince, Elvrin. All three fae feel attracted and connected to Wyn.

This is the first time I have read this author and loved her ability to world build and to create individual relationships between Wyn and Oakes, Wyn and Jaden, and Wyn and Elvrin. The dialogue kept the story moving and showcased each character’s personality.

This story has twists and turns and does end on a cliffhanger. I definitely will read the next installment just to see what happens.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful fantasy romance!

I really enjoyed Between Realms. Wynstelle (Wyn) is a human changling that was left as a sickly child and taken by the Fae to heal. Now she still lives with her Keeper, Merlara, and works in the Forge making weapons. When she is summoned to go to the Ryven Court where the King is. Being told to travel alone, she runs into trouble but is helped out by Oakes. He helps her get to the castle but fails to tell her exactly who he is.

She finds out that the Prince Eldrin summoned her since he wanted to find out what it would be like to be with a human… not knowing that she is untouched. Wyn finds that she is quite attracted to Eldrin, Oakes and also Jaden. She knows that she shouldn’t be at the castle, but the prince doesn’t want her to leave yet.

Until the issue becomes forced by others!

That ending.. wow! I can’t wait to find out what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.