Wicked Heir

by Gwen Alyson

Saoirse, Princess of the Irish Fae, has a choice to go through with the arranged marriage to the handsome Crown Prince of the Northern Fae or spend her immortal life in the Matron House. The choice is simple enough—until she learns the prince is related to the one fae she never wanted to see again and is threatening to ruin any guaranteed happiness in her potential marriage. Saoirse is ready to risk it all and escape into the night when the prince offers her something even better. Freedom.
Emrys, Crown Prince of the Northern Fae, may have bargained away his opportunity for happiness, but he's determined to prove that staying with him could grant Saoirse as much freedom as leaving. He offers patience, loyalty, and friends and family who care deeply for her. Attraction and chemistry spark between them, and Emrys is given a chance to show Saoirse just exactly how willing he is to make her happy.
However, a gods-gifted secret everyone but Saoirse is aware of might just disrupt the new life she’s made with Emrys. Especially when that secret falls into the hands of the wrong person.

Genres: Fantasy

451 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2023

About the author

Gwen Alyson has been writing romance stories since she got her first crush on a boy in middle school. She works as a marketing analyst by day and writes fantasy stories about love and adventure by night. She lives in Southern California with her six cats and enjoys their company while she consumes her favorite romances. When she isn't working, writing, or reading, Gwen enjoys time with friends and planning her next Caribbean cruise vacation.

Reviews

[Selene]

This book may have had one of the best character developments I’ve read this year. It expertly shows the effect trauma and neglect as a child can have well into adulthood. In the beginning you can she how badly her self worth is affected and how easily abusive people can try and manipulate and sow self doubt into her. This is sadly sometimes a very true mirror for real life. It was enjoyable to watch Saoirse grow from that, in a loving, nurturing environment. Emrys is her safe space and I loved how patient and loving he was with her. They are such a cute cozy couple. This does end on a mild cliff hanger but it’s more the type that has you waiting patiently for what will happen next than the anxiety hair falling out type.

[delfina]

Main character so fucking dense wanted to end her

My proudest dnf ever

[Lauren Dentler]

Summary: Wicked Heir follows Saoirse, the young Irish Fae Princess who enters and marriage arrangement with the charming Emrys, Crown Prince to the Northern Fae to avoid spending the rest of her life at the Matron House. Unfortunately the union is complicated by the appearance of, Kieran, a former lover with malicious intent who is determined to destroy their happiness. Wicked Heir is a heartfelt story of found family, overcoming fear, and celebration of what it feels like to find a true home.

Wicked Heir is a beautifully written story that I found myself reading late into the night absolutely fascinated by the characters on the page. The journey Saoirse goes on is dynamic as she learns her power and is given the space to grow and develop in her own power. Saoirse is surrounded by a cast of characters who represent home, giving her a found family where she is safe to find her own space in the world. The Dukes and Duchesses quickly became some of my favorite characters in the book and I really found myself attached to Cyprian and Isolde throughout the story. Isolde's chaotic nature felt extremely familiar to me, but all the characters felt real, honest, and dynamic making the story come alive on the page.

Wicked Heir is dual POV following both Emrys and Saoirse within the story giving a perspective many romance readers yearn for. Emrys is self assured, but always emotionally available to the reader making him a complex hero when he second guesses himself or the advice others give him. Emrys is cheeky and fun as a hero and I can see so many women falling head over heels in love with him.

Overall, I loved this book and I can't wait to see where the author will take the story next. It definitely falls into the adult category so be aware there are some steamy/spicy scenes in it but it's a wonderful love story and you will find yourself falling in love with the characters along the way. If you are looking for a historical fantasy with a heavy dose of romance I highly recommend this book!

[Vanessa]

I really liked it, especially the mixture out of romance fantasy and kinda political. But all in all the gmc not really likeable and I dislike books that plot because of a misunderstanding or a lie or missing information. The ending with her feeling from the house ans no consequences at all..? Nevertheless the chemistry is really catchy as well as Emrys... So please, write the next book so I can die in peace knowing how it all ends