The Unseelie King's Rebel

Realm of Dragons and Fae #2

by Alisha Klapheke

This cozy fantasy romance about a Unseelie Fae king and a human priestess will keep you turning pages into the night…  Bronwyn is desperate to escape. After four years trapped in a temple watching the world pass her by and suffering at the hand of her cruel House Mother, she is willing to risk entering the Seelie Fae forest and whatever monsters lie within to experience the wondrous realm beyond the Veil. At least, she thinks she’s up to the challenge until she’s face-to-face with the silver-eyed, claw-fingered king of the Unseelie. And he has a bargain for her. King Toren must return home to his people. But he needs a willing soul to invite him past the temple wards so he can reach a forgotten portal. So when a human female with absolutely no worldly knowledge comes tumbling into his life, it’s almost too easy. Or, it would be, if she weren’t watched day and night. And if the stakes of losing weren’t quite so high. This dangerous alliance might just be the only way out for both of them, if it doesn’t get them killed first.  ***This book is upper YA/NA and includes mature situations. The romance includes mild spice on the page.  The Unseelie King's Rebel, a fantasy romance standalone set in the Realm of Dragons and Fae world, is perfect for fans of Tessonja Odette's Entangled with Fae series and Elise Kova's Married to Magic series. If you like cozy fantasy (albeit with some fantasy violence and a bit higher stakes), romantic fantasy, dragons, Fae, and happily ever after endings, you'll love The Unseelie King's Rebel. Start reading today and enter a lush world of magic… Download now!

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Dragons, Fiction

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 11, 2023

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Alisha Klapheke strives to write fantasy romance inspired by history and informed by her travel worldwide.

*Get a Deluxe Collector's Edition of Dragons Rising with faux leather, sprayed edges, and gold foil today https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...

Reviews

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww, I just loved this book!!!! It is a standalone but set in a familiar awesome world. What should have been a place of retreat, a place of peace and love is anything but that for Bronwyn. Instead, it's a place that metes out harsh punishment for any small infraction. The harshness of what she's exposed to in the temple, gosh, the bullying she's subjected to, leaps off the pages, evoking such sympathy from me. But just like in the song Hotel California, "you can check in any time you like, but you can never leave" so, essentially, Bronwyn is trapped....Even though she's caught in a prison of her own making, I love how she has this spark, this rebellious streak and a certainty that she will get out of her predicament. Although, she didn't quite imagine it would be like, well, like it turned out to be. But for me as a reader, I was hooting in delight at the events.


Toren is so misunderstood in Bronwyn's world, he's an Unseelie but trapped in Seelie, not a good place to be, with no means of getting home. And even worse, his magic is being depleted the longer he's away from his Realm. A chance meeting between Toren and Bronwyn sparks hope for both of them, for him because she can help find the portal to get him home, she because she wants to escape her prison. If only it was so simple...one can of worms exposes another even bigger can of worms, prejudice, bias, power all have a part in this wonderful read.


The warmth of the characters is an Alisha trait, each one. I love how real they are, I love the banter and the humour, I love the hope and the sense of right and most of all, I love how Ms Klapheke's portrayal of friendship, of love, of loyalty trumps all else. Emotions, heartache, action, mystery, awesome dialogue and more, together with a splendid plot, can only equate to a magnificent read. Which it is. Which I thoroughly enjoyed. Which I recommend wholeheartedly!

[Aizlynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is recommended for readers 18+ due to adult content.

This is a really fantastic addition to The Realm of Dragons and Fae. The world building between the Temple and the Unseelie Kingdom is so rich. All the little details really make it come alive. The romance between Bronwyn and Toren is down right sensual. Though there is so much attraction between the two, it also feels like the connection is more than just physical. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this sexy king and his priestess.

[Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another captivating story from Alisha Klapheke! I absolutely love the characters (no surprise there.. she always has the BEST characters)! This book was a bit spicier than I normally read (but it's not at all compared to a lot that I've heard people talk about, haha), and it's very tastefully done without taking away from the story or becoming the sole focus of the book, so I didn't really mind. I absolutely loved the way she combined two very different and unique worlds in such a neat way. It was really cool to draw similarities between this and the first standalone book in this series (The Fae King's Assassin), too! They had a same general feel and flow, but it was definitely different enough to be a fantastic second book in the series. With the relatively low stakes, it also has cozy vibes, which is perfect for me right now!

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unseelie King’s Rebel

Possessive Hero ✔️
Fierce Heroine ✔️
Unique Magic ✔️
Sweet Romance ✔️
Fast-Paced ✔️

Loved it! I enjoyed the characters and loved the journey they shared together. I also enjoyed Bronwyn’s own personal growth to truly discover herself and of course finding love along the way as well.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The relationship was entirely insta-love. The male lead was prepared to burn the world and not care for the consequences after two 5 minute conversations of little substance.

This read like a draft. There were several times where a conversation was mentioned that never happened. Or a piece of information was referenced that was not given. Either the author cut out some conversations or forgot entirely what the characters had said to each other.

All that being said it wasn't bad, it was cute and an okay time.

[kay reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 🌟

Thank you for this cringe fest.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great fantasy world and story

4.25 stars

I was really impressed with this one. The fantasy world was interesting and very intricate. I felt like I was very immersed into the story and the characters. I loved exploring this world and wanting to know more and more. It wasn’t confusing or overall complicated, and I just enjoyed being in this world.

I really like the plot. It was very fast paced. There was plenty of action. There was some mystery and intrigue going on. It was just a good story with Brownyn escaping from her impressive temple and into this new world that was full of freedom all the while in the presence of a dragon.

As for the romance, I did feel it was too insta lovey, but I did like Toren and Brownyn together. They had great connection. The sensual steamy between these two were something else. I did believe by the end that they were truly mates.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like rogues, this is the book for you. I loved the by play between the two main characters, and that Bronwyn was willing to do whatever it took, to escape her life. The idea of bridging the gulf between different races, revenge vs mercy, and working out misunderstandings was also explored. Very satisfying. Note that this has mature content due to mild swearing, and love scenes. Definitely not YA. I received a free copy of this book, with no obligation.

[Kelly Stepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completely devoured this book and Toren is my new favorite book boyfriend! This story has it all, rune dance magic, a brave, yet rebellious heroine, and a swoontastic, flirty hero. The side characters were also wonderfully developed and the villain unexpected. If you love standalone romantic fae fantasy reads, this is a must!

[gio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually liked this a lot. The two characters were great together and the story was interesting.

[Sal · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars.

I think what managed to get me through this was knowing it was relatively short and a standalone. Had this been an ongoing series I might have struggled. It was an odd concept and sometimes I couldn't really visualise what I was reading. So a lot of the time I felt disassociated I suppose.

But I will say that I really did like the refreshing wholesome air that surrounded Toren and Bronwyn ever since their first meeting. Despite having a very common, typical personality type, they were still remarkably likeable to read about. I didn't expect the niceties and civil conversations, especially with a fae story that centered on the Unseelie. Usually the darker type of fae.

It did fall pretty flat by the end with a less than anticlimactic end and tie up of loose ends. The romance was sweet but not enough to carry this story higher on the ratings.

[Lisalou247 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can’t put my finger in the authors writing style, it’s a bit weird but also interesting. The steam was there and then it wasn’t?! The mc is definitely hot and I like his smug attitude. Can’t remember much more since it’s been a while since I’ve read it and only reviewing now so I might have to go back someday ;)

[Melinda Cater]

This was my first book by Klapheke that wasn’t part of the Kingdoms of Lore series (which I absolutely adored btw!)! And as always, with a new series, I was excited to discover how this new series would show case Klapheke’s writing style. Would it be similar to The Kingdoms of Lore? Would it develop and showcase new and interesting aspects and depths? And what I found was EXCEPTIONALLY MAGNIFICENT!

My first thoughts were “woooaaahhh! Klapheke went a little darker…a little deeper…a little less whimsical…with this book… And I’m definitely digging it!” And then the farther into the story I got the more Klapheke was able to pull back the petals, let in ray after glorious ray of sunlight, and ultimately unveil the absolutely entrancing new world that she has created. There was darkness…there was torturously evil...there was betrayal and doubts…but there was also whimsy, true love, found family, and so many more beautiful aspects that there is NO WAY I can list them all.

Bronwyn joined the Temple of the Star Goddess at the age of 15 to escape the clutches of a cheating betrothed. Thinking that it would be her safe haven and her saving grace. However, the Temple was more a prison and the current House Mother more a sinner than a saint. And as the years strip away, Bronwyn finds herself longing for another type of freedom, one where she can wash away the ruins of chastity from her body and the memories of physical and mental abuse from her mind. Desperate times soon lead to desperate measures and Bronwyn soon finds herself behind the veil and swept into a an unexpected but not unwanted plan to help the Unseelie King escape the Seelie and human realm and return to and retake his Unseelie Kingdom. Could this devastatingly handsome but beautifully scary Unseelie King be the answer to her prayers? You will just have to experience this ABSOLUTELY ENTRANCING story for yourself!

Okay, I should mention that Klapheke took this story to steamier and spicier depths. There was several steamy situations and one on the page sex scene, but it was all written perfectly and definitely added to the overall experience and development of Bronwyn and Toren’s relationship and the book, itself.

There were a lot of fantasticly written characters in this book! SO MANY! I really really enjoyed Bronwyn and Toren and their sweet but steamy romance. I also really enjoyed Flok, who was that loyal, dependable, found family of a friend that Toren could always count on. But….and this was weird for me…I also really enjoyed the House Mother. Ok, enjoyed is not the word! Appreciated…I appreciated what her evil and torturous ways brought to the story and thought her character and the way Klapheke wrote her really brought it depth. It was SOOOOOOOO well done.

So, if you love a dusky tale that starts out dark as night but awakens into sunlight and hope, where the characters steal the show, the magic is interesting and beyond creative, the Unseelie King isn’t the villain and the Temple hides the most devastating type of monsters, where there is whimsy and darkness and steam and they are all married together in utter perfection, then you simply MUST read The Unseelie Kings Rebel!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alisha Klapheke has written another superb fae fantasy in the Realm of Dragons and Fae series. The Unseelie King's Rebel has mischief, adventure, magic, and the sweetest romance that I couldn't help but be caught up in.


Bronwyn is a kind soul filled with life and dreaming of adventure. She has a brave and inquisitive nature. She is also wicked smart and able to perceive things easily. Bronwyn has this soft, light-hearted quality. She was just so honest and open that I couldn't help but like her.


It's obvious that Toren and Bronwyn are mates, they fit each other perfectly. From the very beginning, he was enamored with her as she was fascinated with him. The many layers of Toren. He gives off that Damon Salvatore vibes, you know, swagger for days, beyond sexy and dangerous as hell. He treats his girl like she is everything (the hair washing scene) and would burn the world for her. It's sexy as hell. Then there are moments where Toren is just adorable, sauve, and just plain sweet. I'm claiming him. He's mine.


Seeing things from the Unseelie (high fae) side of things was interesting. The Unseelies are not as bad as the Seelies suspect them to be, the Seelie do seem fairly quick to rush judgment. Unseelie seemed freer, less stuffy. The best way to describe it, the Seelies are sit-down formal dinner types while the Unseelies are like family dinners, lively and with lots of hands. I think both sides have their pros and cons, they just need to better understand each other which might happen because Alisha hinted at something major and it was a fairly clear hint.


I loved the story, and the drama on both sides of the veil. Bron was trapped in The Temple of the Star Goddess where Bron was an acolyte. The house mother (the head "B" in charge) took things to the dark side with manipulation, abuse, threats, torture, and gods knows what else. The woman was evil she even had followers, giving the temple cult vibes. Then in the Realm of Night (which is beautiful and deadly but what else do you expect from the fae), things are complicated with shady politics, deadly rumors and enemies, and deadly fae creatures everywhere. Things were never dull.


The Unseelie King's Rebel was an amazing read. The romance was sweet with Bronwyn and Toren having no issues between them. The magic was interesting with the introduction of a unique type of runic magic and the magic of the Unseelie realm. The last few chapters of Rebel were utterly fantastic. The ball, the drama, and a few wonderful surprises. The Unseelie King's Rebel made my heart happy. I'm absolutely loving this series.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Unseelie King’s Rebel we’re introduced to Bronwyn, a 19-year old acolyte of the Star Goddess. She joined the temple services back when she was 15 after a failed marriage attempt left her wanting to hide away from relationships. But as time went on, the temple became a place of torture rather than the solace she was looking for. Now her drive to see the world is taking her outside of her comfort zone as she seeks new ways to try and escape. Bronwyn is also discovering that she has an innate power and ability that she was never aware of. This is part of the reason she’s treating so terribly by the Temple Mother and watched more closely than the other acolytes.

This fantasy romance includes lots of elements I love including a confident shifter Fae king that she befriends and falls for. But the story seemed a little slow for how much background was being presented. This is the second book of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read the other one, so it’s possible that some of the supporting details I felt were missing from this one, actually appeared in the other book. However, the world that Alisha creates was wonderful to explore and left me intrigued to learn even more about this world. Specifically the history of the Star Goddess and the times of old when she was alive.

Bronwyn’s character seemed a little too simple minded in her outlook on the world considering her own experiences, but part of that whimsical nature of hers made her fun to explore. She just always seemed a little too doe-eyed for my taste and never really felt concerned about her own safety. Toren on the other hand, the Unseelie Fae King, was a lot more interesting! True to his character traits of being a little on the rough side and blatantly honest in everything he says, he was a joy in this story.

Their adventure takes them from the human realm into the Unseelie realm and Alisha does an amazing job of describing the differences between then, allowing your mind to wander and envision the magical world they travel to. Filled with plenty of mystery and attraction, I really enjoyed this one!

[Cody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not gonna lie, I purchased this book because of it’s beautiful cover lol. Yes, I fall for the cover first. The Unseely King’s Rebel is a very short stand alone book set in a world that spreads over three books (so far). This book had so much potential to be a great book. The storyline, the plot and the characters were really good. However it was sooooooooo short and felt really rushed. It almost felt like the first manuscript you’d submit to a publisher to show what the story is going to be. I really didn’t understand why Alisha kept on rushing through the book when she could have expanded on her details to give the reader a satisfactory reading experience.

The world building was fuzzy and minimal at best. The author sometimes randomly went into details about food and games, so it felt kind of weird. The Seelie court and the Unseelie court could have been explained further and the treaty between the Seelie and the humans and why Unseelie was excluded from that treaty. While the character concepts were great, they were two dimensional and mediocre when put into words.

Bronwyn was portrayed good as she was supposed to be a naive sheltered young woman who has been raised as an acolyte in a secluded temple dedicated to Star Goddess. Author tried to inject some character development into Bronwyn once she got away from the temple but I can’t say I was impressed.

Toren was a great disappointment for me. He was the ruler of the most feared and ruthless kingdom in fae realms. He was supposed to exude power, cunning and brutality which would come along with the title of Unseelie King. However he read as an immature young boy who was infatuated with a human woman who couldn’t control his own kingdom and could get easy be trapped in another kingdom.

Their romance was so rushed just like everything else in this book was. Within a week’s time, at least from what I could glean, they were in love.

I was really disappointed in this book because it had so much potential but fell flat.

[Caitlyn (delightful.reading) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was super excited to start this. I love cozy fantasy and romantic fantasy. Plus, Alisha Klapheke's book covers are gorgeous.

But, I didn't like this as much as I thought I was. On paper, this should've been the perfect book for me: an alliance to lovers arc with a fantasy background for fans of Tessonja Odette's Entangled with Fae series and Elise Kova's Married to Magic series. (I adore the Entangled with Fae series and tend to enjoy the Married to Magic series). It's a little disappointing that I didn't really like The Unseelie King's Rebel.

My first problem is Bronwyn's POV is first person; while Toren's POV is third person. I noticed this in the first chapter from Toren's POV and instantly began to distrust him. Because of the third person POV, his chapters felt less open than Bronwyn's first person.

Additionally, the pacing of this novel felt off to me. The conflict resolution at the end of the novel felt kind of like a speed-run. I think the main conflict was solved in 10 pages? It might've helped had I been more familiar with characters from The Fae King's Assassin, but I assumed that I would be ok because TUKR is a standalone.

Unfortunately, I really didn't love the main couple either, which is a problem in a romantic fantasy. I just didn't vibe with them, and didn't buy into their romantic chemistry.

I will add that this was my first Alisha Klapheke book. So maybe her writing style isn't for me?

*note: I received an eARC of this book because I helped with a BOMM Release Week Tour.*

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bronwen is an acolyte in the temple of the star goddess where she had gone after her parents were killed thinking this would be a safe place for her but as it turned out she was treated very badly by the head of the temple, and she felt no devotion at all but was bored out of her wits. She sought diversion by venturing to the woods, and got punished for it, but whilst there she came across an unseelie fae, with silver eyes and talons, and who could transform into a dragon. Of course at the time she was scared and she ran, however the challenge was too exciting for her and she ventured yet again hoping to meet up with Toren who in the meantime was quite enamoured by this human woman. He had become trapped on this side of the veil when the drumstones had been closed off by the seelie King and needed Bronwen’s help if he was ever to return to his own fae realm. I love this enemies to lovers romance, the fact that Bronwen was so courageous to face such brutality at the hands of the house mother, as well as facing and complying with an unseelie fae in order to escape to freedom. I love that Ms. Klapheke writes not only such a beautiful romantic novel with so many thrilling highs and lows in the story, but that she also paints as though using a whole palette of colours when describing the fae woods and the realm of the unseelie court thus bringing these to life for us the readers. This is a beautifully depicted tale from all aspects and I highly recommend to all readers who enjoy a fae and human forbidden love, enjoy a standalone novel full of humour, dragons and a touch of heat.

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a Rebel

Happy release day Alisha Klapheke

I have been very privileged to snag an ARC of The Unseelie King's Rebel and I'm leaving my review voluntarily.

I loved this book as I have loved all her books before and whilst this is a Standalone set in the same world as The Fae King's Assassin, it totally feels like a comfy step back into the familiar, with a splash of exciting new.

Bronwyn is not your typical Sacred Sister much to interested in books and it quite often makes her late, which is a total no no. The new House Mother is nothing like the loving and caring woman who took her in 4 years ago when her life was a mess but now she's stuck here. Bronwyn dreams of a life of wonder and travel to strange new places but with no hopes of escape she must try and endure her awful living conditions.

Whilst dreaming of adventure she decides to sneak out to the Fae forest just outside the Temple (also a big no no). She finds herself coming face to face with the dreaded Unseelie King who has found himself stuck on the wrong side of a closed door back to the Realm of Night. Bronwyn should be running for her life but he doesn't seem all that bad.

Token the Unseelie King is in need of Bronwyn's help to locate an ancient list portal to take him home. He may also be enthralled by her and wishes to know more about this beautiful Rebel. Who may possibly have an ancient form of magic that shows when she dances.

Can't tell you anymore I'll spoil all the fun and you really should read this brilliant spicy (in all the right places) and ever so slightly wicked book. It's out now go and get it xx.

[The Midnight Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

——SWEET BUT NOT SUFFICIENT.


CHARACTERS :

Bronwyn is a unique young priestess with mysterious powers unknown to even herself. I liked her courageous personality and curious mind. Other than that? She was just cute.

I can say the same for Toren, the unseelie king who could turn into a dragon with help of his fae powers. He was the typical tough looking but actually a cinnamon. It’s disappointing that we never actually got to see him the king tho.

ROMANCE :

The romance was very insta I did not buy they’re immediate connection even after they had they’re sweet moments, because their chemistry lacked depth or intensity. The budding relationship did have potential, but it wasn’t fully explored or developed to satisfy me, who’s seeking a more robust romantic connection.

🌶️ : 0/5

REVIEW :

2 stars —The brevity and standalone nature helped me endure this read. The plotline was wasn’t fully fleshed out. However, the wholesome dynamic between Toren and Bronwyn captivated me. Despite their common personalities, they remained remarkably likable. The unexpected niceties and civil conversations defied the usual darker portrayal of the Unseelie. Regrettably, the story's conclusion fell flat, lacking in excitement and resolution. While the romance was sweet, it wasn't sufficient to elevate the story's rating.

RECOMMENDATION :

👎

[Lottie1996 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I ate this book up in one sitting (just like book 1 👀) and immediately dived straight into book 3 because honestly, I can’t get enough of this world 😍

📖 The Story
Bronwyn has spent four years trapped in a temple under the cruel rule of her House Mother, longing for freedom. Desperate to escape, she risks stepping into the Seelie Fae forest… only to find herself face-to-face with Toren, the silver-eyed, claw-fingered King of the Unseelie 👑. He has a bargain for her… one that could set them both free, or destroy them entirely.

💭 My Thoughts
This can be read as a standalone, but it does feature characters and world-building from book 1, so I definitely recommend starting at the beginning to get the full magical experience ✨

I adored our MCs in this one, the banter, the humour, and the romance had me hooked from the very first page. And while I’m usually a slow-burn girlie, sometimes I live for the quick insta-love fire 😮‍💨🔥 and these two delivered exactly that!

Alisha Klapheke just has this way of making you fall in love with her characters every. single. time. They feel so real, and I loved every second of being in their world.

Final thought? Enchanting, addictive, and full of banter + swoony romance. This series has my whole heart 🖤

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story lives up to the cover.

Okay first off this cover!!! 🤩

Anyway on to the story…loved it!

I read book one, The Fae King’s Assassin and loved the world so of course I was here on release day for the next book. This can be read without book one but it does have the main characters show up and are referenced throughout so in case you don’t want spoilers read book one first.

This one was a young female acolyte and the Unseelie King who’s trapped on the wrong side of the drumstones (portal between worlds).

A story of acceptance and seeing past a society’s prejudice to the person beneath.

A m/f fantasy romance with fae, magic, creatures, court dynamics and healing. This had two of my favorite tropes, hurt/comfort and a bath scene. Plus the found family and camaraderie that I have fallen in love with in Alisha’s writing.

Dual pov’s -told in 1st person for Bronwyn and told in 3rd for Toren’s pov

Characters-
Toren - Unseelie king, dragon shifter
Bronwyn - female human acolyte and rune dancer
Side characters I loved, Flok, Sir Cat and Defran

Steam- kissing and touch, one steamy bedroom scene at the end

[Gayreth Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous standalone book set in the Realm of Dragons and Fae Seelie world. Meet Bronwyn, A human sacred sister of the Star Goddess Temple and Toren the Unseelie Fae King and dragon shifter. Strange circumstances throw the two together and they must flee the human world through a portal to the Unseelie dark world. There the two will become close. Bronwyn will learn to use her Rune Dancer magic and Toren will have to prove he is the real King to his people.... The author does a wonderful job of putting you in this fantasy world and sharing the adventure! I enjoyed the plot and the pace. Here you find dangerous situations, court intrigue, portals, magic, friendship, love and humorous banter. Following the characters during their incredible journey has been magical. This is a wonderful and rich fantasy story! (I was so pleased to read this ARC. This book will be available in just a few days. Watch for it).

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alisha Klapheke is one of my favourite authors and I know I can always expect a great story and wonderful characters from her! And this book is no exception. It’s set in the same world as The Fae King’s Assassin but you can read it as a standalone easily. Bronwyn and Toren are both trapped, not together, and not in the same way, but trapped nonetheless. It just so happens that maybe they can help each other and even fall in love along the way. I really liked both of them, and the chemistry between them was excellent! There is a little bit of on page spice, so it’s not quite as clean as some of this author’s earlier books, but it’s also the way her books have been moving lately and I definitely don’t mind! I also enjoyed the side characters and the plot site kept me reading! There’s darkness and evil but also some humour and goodness and it’s just all around a great story!

I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ I quite liked this book and how it made the distinct message that there are good and bad individuals everywhere. Bronwyn is an abused temple dancer willing to take the risk to help the unseelie king return to his realm… as long as she can go with him. Turns out she’s valuable to the temple because she’s the last rune dancer. Her bravery and refusal to give up made her a really interesting character. I think her magic is really cool as well. I also liked how Toren quickly turned touch her and die. I thought it was great that he recognized the head guard’s love for her and wanted to reassure him that Bronwyn was safe.

The chemistry was great, I liked the return of the previous characters and how the world building has continued for this series of standalones.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
This is an easy breezy, quick read! Sure it could have been stretched out a little and would have gained some more depth, but looking at the pages and keeping in mind this is a standalone (albeit part of a series), you simply cannot expect more. This was exactly what I was looking for. A feel good read, that’s truly good but doesn’t ask for a deeper (multiple book) commitment.
The main characters were lovable, the romance came about quickly, but a lovely suspense is build for more between Bronwyn and Toren and the book had a lot of story despite the shortness. Would definitely recommend this read if you are looking for a sweet little break („little“ because you’ll want to read this immediately and continuously throughout the night 😅)

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love visiting this incredible world. The author does such an amazing job with the world building that you feel as though you are actually there, journeying alongside these incredible characters. This was Bronwyn and Toran's story and it was such a great story and I loved watching them grow closer as they both tried to escape for their freedom in different ways. Bronwyn is a loveable character , a little naive but fun to be around whereas Toran is brave, cunning and strong and together they just fit. It’s an exciting and enthralling read that I do warn you, once you start this you will not be able to put this down.

[The Lusty Literarians · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a fast, easy, and forgettable read. The pacing was fast which I appreciated. I also liked that they FINALLY had some spice at the very end of the book. One thing that did throw me however, was the alternating POVs. The FMC was 1st person and the MMC was 3rd person. I didn't even catch it until approx the 60% mark. But once I did I found it incredibly distracting.

[TuesdaysFox · Rating 1 out of 5]

You might wonder why I read this book after I read the first in this world and really didn't enjoy it.

I have a problem you see, a sickness. If something is downloaded onto my Kindle then I have to read it. HAVE to. I downloaded the first one and was so confident in the dragon, fae, and assassin vibe that I downloaded the second. More fool me.

Sweet little naïve characters. Again, no real-world building, plot or characters. They just meet and then suddenly Toren can't live without her? It's so wholesome and childish and then sexual. Which all together is quite jarring, I'll tell you that for no money whatsoever.

It's over now, I've done it, my Kindle can rest easy.

[Amanda Ammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE THESE CHARACTERS!
They stole my heart. So quirky and perfect.
The story was an easy and peaceful read. It just had that “everything will be okay” energy that made my heart a little lighter.

That being said it wasn’t super well written. There were a lot of moments that could have been fleshed out to make the story set right. (I.e. the end, when our old friends show up. They just flip flop sides with no explanation?)

Essentially, this story could have used double the pages to truly address everything she added into the plot.