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Under the White Oak
The sole survivor of the elven attack on her hometown, Naela flees for the capital city of Krannol to start fresh. Employed as a handmaid to the human Princess Kira, Naela tries her best to find her place in the world. The fledgling peace between the elves and humans is solidified with a marriage alliance between the princess of Krannar and the prince of Fjorn. However, Princess Kira has given her heart to another and decides to pass off Naela in her place.
Naela finds that the prince of Fjorn is not what she expected. The elven city of Galvord welcomes her with open arms, but she can feel her new life slipping through her fingers as the deceptions are revealed.
Under the White Oak is a dual-point-of-view romance novel with fantasy elements and on-page steam. There is no cheating, no other woman drama, no cliff hanger, and a guaranteed HEA.
Naela finds that the prince of Fjorn is not what she expected. The elven city of Galvord welcomes her with open arms, but she can feel her new life slipping through her fingers as the deceptions are revealed.
Under the White Oak is a dual-point-of-view romance novel with fantasy elements and on-page steam. There is no cheating, no other woman drama, no cliff hanger, and a guaranteed HEA.
354 pages, ebook
Published May 21, 2023
6 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Moore
4 books14 followersI write fantasy romance stories with easy world building, a helping of spice, and strong FMCs who discover their own worth and save themselves. If you’re a fan of banter and character driven stories, check out some of my work.
When I’m not writing, you can find me playing video games, sketching, driving around aimlessly, or reading an unhealthy amount of romance novels.
You can find me on instagram and tiktok, @k.moore.author
When I’m not writing, you can find me playing video games, sketching, driving around aimlessly, or reading an unhealthy amount of romance novels.
You can find me on instagram and tiktok, @k.moore.author
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 26, 2024
WHAT'S 4+4?? ATE and that's what Kathryn Moore did when she wrote this spicy romantasy 😌
I flew through this book and finished it within a day. It was exactly what I needed!! It's advertised as light world-building, but that doesn't affect the quality at all. It's so so good!! I feel like if you're a fan of Holly Renee or Harper L. Woods you'll totally be into this!! It's in a series of interconnected standalones, best believe I'm reading the next book this week and anything else she writes in the future!
“𝙃𝙚𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪” 🥲
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✨ Baddie FMC
✨ Possessive MMC
✨ Light world building
✨ Found family
✨ Dual POV
I flew through this book and finished it within a day. It was exactly what I needed!! It's advertised as light world-building, but that doesn't affect the quality at all. It's so so good!! I feel like if you're a fan of Holly Renee or Harper L. Woods you'll totally be into this!! It's in a series of interconnected standalones, best believe I'm reading the next book this week and anything else she writes in the future!
“𝙃𝙚𝙮, 𝙮𝙤𝙪” 🥲
𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗻𝗷𝗼𝘆:
✨ Baddie FMC
✨ Possessive MMC
✨ Light world building
✨ Found family
✨ Dual POV
August 23, 2023
Have you ever found an author and just knew from that first book you read, that they were gonna become a favorite? Kathryn Moore has become that for me!
‘Under the White Oak’ is simply put nothing short of amazing! It checks all the boxes and then some, I couldn’t put it down as I stayed up til 2am immersed in the story.
This in a fantasy standalone romance. Five years have passed since Naela was the sole survivor in a vicious attack on her village by a single rogue elf. Her home and all she’s know is gone and she finds herself in servitude to the crown. Life between humans and elves has been quite for years, but soon Naela finds herself part of an arranged marriage to the elf Prince Orin.
I love the relationship between Naela and Prince Orin as well as the friendships that Naela builds. I didn’t want this book to end, I could have read 5 more books about the characters of this story.
‘Hey you’ 😍
- Badass FMC
- Hidden Identity
- MMC falls first
- Spicy 🥵
- Touch her and 💀
- Found Family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
‘Under the White Oak’ is simply put nothing short of amazing! It checks all the boxes and then some, I couldn’t put it down as I stayed up til 2am immersed in the story.
This in a fantasy standalone romance. Five years have passed since Naela was the sole survivor in a vicious attack on her village by a single rogue elf. Her home and all she’s know is gone and she finds herself in servitude to the crown. Life between humans and elves has been quite for years, but soon Naela finds herself part of an arranged marriage to the elf Prince Orin.
I love the relationship between Naela and Prince Orin as well as the friendships that Naela builds. I didn’t want this book to end, I could have read 5 more books about the characters of this story.
‘Hey you’ 😍
- Badass FMC
- Hidden Identity
- MMC falls first
- Spicy 🥵
- Touch her and 💀
- Found Family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
August 16, 2023
When I say I couldn’t put this book down, I mean it!! This book had me up at 2am needing to know what happened next! Outstanding debut novel !
UTWO is a romantasy novel about Naela, the lone survivor of the elven attack on her town. Naela finds work as a handmaid to princess Kira at the capital. To keep the peace, Kira must marry an elven prince. Kira, in love with someone else, secretly passes Naela off in her place.
The journey to a new land & new husband goes surprisingly better than Naela expects, until the facade slips & truths are revealed.
I laughed, I cried, & was genuinely enamored while reading. The author does a phenomenal job of using dual POV to tell the story of Naela & the Prince. The author conveys the peaks & the pits of the story’s journey with flair in her words that sparks true emotion and curiosity from the reader.
Each character has depth, backstory, the good the bad & the ugly. The author crafts the story so that you can’t help but fall in love with (almost) all the characters. Of course, there are always a few villains you will love to hate!
Add to your TBR if you like:
-Romantasy
-Strong Willed FMC
-Lovable Side Characters
-Forced/Arranged Marriage
-She’s Mine, Touch Her & Unalive Vibes
-Easy To Read Worldbuilding
Spice Rating 3.5/6
(I rate on amount and explicitness/ 6 being kiinky AF) This book had a good amount of spice that was hot!!!
I REALLY HOPE we will get another book with these characters, but fear not, if we don’t, this one DOES have a HEA 💜
July 15, 2024
Orin and Naela
I loved Orin and Naela's story and I really liked seeing his character open up more and more. All of the supporting characters in the book were amazing also!
I think my favorite part of the book (and series) is that it is a really good standalone fantasy that has a good balance of story and steamy parts. I really like that it isn't over the top on the world building, but still paints the picture of the world the author is creating!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I loved Orin and Naela's story and I really liked seeing his character open up more and more. All of the supporting characters in the book were amazing also!
I think my favorite part of the book (and series) is that it is a really good standalone fantasy that has a good balance of story and steamy parts. I really like that it isn't over the top on the world building, but still paints the picture of the world the author is creating!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!
September 18, 2023
If you’ve ever been intimidated to read a fantasy I would 100% suggest reading this one because the world building is easy to digest unlike others I’ve read.
This was my first book by Kathryn and I could not put it down! I was invested in the story as soon as we time jump to 5 years after Naela survived a gruesome attack that left her the lone survivor.
There was so many aspects I loved in this story; the secrets, found family, a possessive MMC, and revenge. I couldn’t help but instantly fall in love with Orin and the way he catered to his new wife immediately.
Also “Hey you” got me every single time 🥹❤️
This was my first book by Kathryn and I could not put it down! I was invested in the story as soon as we time jump to 5 years after Naela survived a gruesome attack that left her the lone survivor.
There was so many aspects I loved in this story; the secrets, found family, a possessive MMC, and revenge. I couldn’t help but instantly fall in love with Orin and the way he catered to his new wife immediately.
Also “Hey you” got me every single time 🥹❤️
September 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book gave me everything i love in a romantasy novel! Orin is a hot brooding mortally grey man that is possessive about what’s his 😏 Naela is a strong willed female main character that is dedicated to those she loves. Kathryn Moore creates a world that sucks you in and leaves you wanting to stay! We meet so many amazing characters and i wanna be friends with them all!
i can’t wait to see what else this author writes :)
This book gave me everything i love in a romantasy novel! Orin is a hot brooding mortally grey man that is possessive about what’s his 😏 Naela is a strong willed female main character that is dedicated to those she loves. Kathryn Moore creates a world that sucks you in and leaves you wanting to stay! We meet so many amazing characters and i wanna be friends with them all!
i can’t wait to see what else this author writes :)
August 8, 2023
I was in it for the smut and got sucked into the story. Exactly what I need in a summer read.
October 24, 2023
There should really be more to writing a book than an MMC having a big 🍆 and knowing where the c lit is (check out the author's videos) - but whatever else there is that makes a good book, you know, well rounded characters, an engaging plot, characters having individual voices, believable romance, you won't find it here.
This is a very juvenile story with stock characters and basic tropes. The dialogue is nonsensical and the characters forgettable.
This is a very juvenile story with stock characters and basic tropes. The dialogue is nonsensical and the characters forgettable.
August 3, 2025
4.5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
3/5 🌶️
August 20, 2024
Honestly, I absolutely loved this book for what it was. Is cozy fantasy erotica a thing? Cause if so, that’s what this is. It’s giving Holly Renee vibes. This is not plot heavy. It is definitely a romance and character driven with solid yet easy to follow world building and a fairly low stakes fantasy plot.
Think The Little Mermaid when Ariel has to make the Prince fall in love with her after she gives up her voice. But there’s fae, not mermaids. And it’s very spicy.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you like all of the above plus an arranged marriage to the enemy trope, a morally grey overly protective MMC, and forbidden romance, look no further.
Very quick, easy, and satisfying read for the right mood. It was exactly what I needed!
Think The Little Mermaid when Ariel has to make the Prince fall in love with her after she gives up her voice. But there’s fae, not mermaids. And it’s very spicy.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you like all of the above plus an arranged marriage to the enemy trope, a morally grey overly protective MMC, and forbidden romance, look no further.
Very quick, easy, and satisfying read for the right mood. It was exactly what I needed!
January 11, 2025
My tagged shelves may be spoilers
Absolutely loved this 2nd book of the Fjorn trilogy!!! While technically each book can be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading in order for best experience!! I loved fantasy books when I was younger but have found it difficult to back into them now that I'm reading again as an adult. This series is honestly perfect for those just getting into romantasy/fantasy or looking for a low world building setting. Also -- heavy spice:)
"Under the White Oak" is Orin and Naela's story. We met Orin in book 1 ("Under the Lion Star") as the tortured, emotionally distant, brother to King Leor. We also learned what he had gone through/done when he learned of their parents' death. This event is a big catalyst for book 2 and the author does a great job at reintroducing it at the beginning. I'm really glad we got to actually read the first-hand account of the event as we had small pieces of 2nd hand pov in the last book. Naela is introduced in this story, and early on there's a bit of "ooooh we are missing something right now" with her background. I loved the way the author slowly untied all the strings throughout.
I loved Orin and Naela's dynamic so much. Definitely a ying/yang pairing that really felt like soulmates. Naela brought calm to Orin's tortured mind, and he brought her a sense of belonging and family that she had always craved.
The hidden identity aspect with Naela and Orin's secret kept me on edge for when the other would find out about each. I really liked how both reveals were done. Orin's love, obsession, and possessiveness didn't falter at all even when her truths came out and it just made me love him even more! & Naela's strength, desire to help others, and perseverance to carve out her place in the world was so endearing and made me fall in love with her from page 1.
I'm really happy with how their HEA played out and even though I definitely yelled in the author's DMs on Instagram about the third-act breakup, it was done so well that I was captivated and emotionally invested!
On to book #3!!!!
Tropes/CW:
*romantasy -- low world building
*strangers to lovers
*hidden identity
*forced/arranged marriage
*different class/cultural structures
*inexperienced mc's
*emotionally tortured mmc
*opposites attract
*touch her & die
*mc runs away
*protective mmc
*spice!!!!!
*violence on page
*descriptive physical (non-sexual) abuse (not by mmc)
Absolutely loved this 2nd book of the Fjorn trilogy!!! While technically each book can be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend reading in order for best experience!! I loved fantasy books when I was younger but have found it difficult to back into them now that I'm reading again as an adult. This series is honestly perfect for those just getting into romantasy/fantasy or looking for a low world building setting. Also -- heavy spice:)
"Under the White Oak" is Orin and Naela's story. We met Orin in book 1 ("Under the Lion Star") as the tortured, emotionally distant, brother to King Leor. We also learned what he had gone through/done when he learned of their parents' death. This event is a big catalyst for book 2 and the author does a great job at reintroducing it at the beginning. I'm really glad we got to actually read the first-hand account of the event as we had small pieces of 2nd hand pov in the last book. Naela is introduced in this story, and early on there's a bit of "ooooh we are missing something right now" with her background. I loved the way the author slowly untied all the strings throughout.
I loved Orin and Naela's dynamic so much. Definitely a ying/yang pairing that really felt like soulmates. Naela brought calm to Orin's tortured mind, and he brought her a sense of belonging and family that she had always craved.
The hidden identity aspect with Naela and Orin's secret kept me on edge for when the other would find out about each. I really liked how both reveals were done. Orin's love, obsession, and possessiveness didn't falter at all even when her truths came out and it just made me love him even more! & Naela's strength, desire to help others, and perseverance to carve out her place in the world was so endearing and made me fall in love with her from page 1.
I'm really happy with how their HEA played out and even though I definitely yelled in the author's DMs on Instagram about the third-act breakup, it was done so well that I was captivated and emotionally invested!
On to book #3!!!!
Tropes/CW:
*romantasy -- low world building
*strangers to lovers
*hidden identity
*forced/arranged marriage
*different class/cultural structures
*inexperienced mc's
*emotionally tortured mmc
*opposites attract
*touch her & die
*mc runs away
*protective mmc
*spice!!!!!
*violence on page
*descriptive physical (non-sexual) abuse (not by mmc)
August 14, 2023
🩶🖤 Under the White Oak Review 🖤🩶
Thank you so much to Kathryn Moore for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Under the White Oak is a fantasy romance standalone. Five years ago, Naela was the sole survivor of a vicious attack on her town by the elves. Her home was lost and now she finds herself in servitude to the crown. Things between the elves and humans have been peaceful for years, but Naela can’t help but panic when she finds herself part of the trade deal with the elves and off to the elven lands…
This book was such an unexpected gem!! I loved this story so much! Naela was such a wonderful character - strong throughout the whole story, but I loved seeing her come into her own. Prince Orin was a wonderful match for her and I really enjoyed how their relationship evolved during the story. The world building was well done as well and I really enjoyed the different views of the human and elf’s kingdoms
Overall this was a solid 4 star read for me! This was a fun read and an awesome romantic fantasy read! Definitely be mindful of triggers as there are some darker themes in this book, especially if you’re sensitive to abuse and trauma. This book also packed some spicy scenes throughout the story, so overall three flames for spice!
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with strong characters, possessive men, “touch her and ☠️” vibes, arranged marriages and magical deception, then absolutely pick this one up!
Thank you so much to Kathryn Moore for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Under the White Oak is a fantasy romance standalone. Five years ago, Naela was the sole survivor of a vicious attack on her town by the elves. Her home was lost and now she finds herself in servitude to the crown. Things between the elves and humans have been peaceful for years, but Naela can’t help but panic when she finds herself part of the trade deal with the elves and off to the elven lands…
This book was such an unexpected gem!! I loved this story so much! Naela was such a wonderful character - strong throughout the whole story, but I loved seeing her come into her own. Prince Orin was a wonderful match for her and I really enjoyed how their relationship evolved during the story. The world building was well done as well and I really enjoyed the different views of the human and elf’s kingdoms
Overall this was a solid 4 star read for me! This was a fun read and an awesome romantic fantasy read! Definitely be mindful of triggers as there are some darker themes in this book, especially if you’re sensitive to abuse and trauma. This book also packed some spicy scenes throughout the story, so overall three flames for spice!
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with strong characters, possessive men, “touch her and ☠️” vibes, arranged marriages and magical deception, then absolutely pick this one up!
August 30, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5
Tropes: hidden identity, found family, Touch her and unal!ve, dirty talking MC, “Good Girl,” standalone
I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. We meet Naela the night her town is destroyed in an elven attack. After almost dying herself, and with no other path forward, Naela ends up working as a maid to the royal family. The tentative peace between elves and humans is at risk when the Princess is engaged to Prince Orin – also known as the Butcher Prince. When Naela finds herself disguised as the princess and sent to Prince Orin in her place – everything gets more complicated.
Naela knows that her secret won’t last forever but finds herself unwillingly falling for the mysterious Prince Orin. I loved watching her learn more about the elves and getting to know the true male behind the “Butcher Prince” title. Prince Orin is easily one of my favorite fictional men now. He’s dirty talking, strong, and has a dark past that he’s trying to reconcile with.
I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough for anyone who wants spice, romance, and a wonderful plot and characters.
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️.5
Tropes: hidden identity, found family, Touch her and unal!ve, dirty talking MC, “Good Girl,” standalone
I fell in love with this book from the very beginning. We meet Naela the night her town is destroyed in an elven attack. After almost dying herself, and with no other path forward, Naela ends up working as a maid to the royal family. The tentative peace between elves and humans is at risk when the Princess is engaged to Prince Orin – also known as the Butcher Prince. When Naela finds herself disguised as the princess and sent to Prince Orin in her place – everything gets more complicated.
Naela knows that her secret won’t last forever but finds herself unwillingly falling for the mysterious Prince Orin. I loved watching her learn more about the elves and getting to know the true male behind the “Butcher Prince” title. Prince Orin is easily one of my favorite fictional men now. He’s dirty talking, strong, and has a dark past that he’s trying to reconcile with.
I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough for anyone who wants spice, romance, and a wonderful plot and characters.
March 29, 2025
An arranged marriage with a huge twist? Say less. 😏 Naela never expected to be a princess, but when she’s swapped into a royal wedding, she’s thrust into a world of deception, elven magic, and one very broody prince. 👀🔥 Prince Orin is haunted by his past, battling inner demons that threaten to consume him. Naela never asked for this life, but she’s the only one who truly sees him. When trust is shattered, their undeniable connection is put to the ultimate test.
📖 This book delivers everything we love in a fantasy romance—slow-burn tension, sizzling chemistry, and a love story that refuses to fade.
✨Tropes You’ll Love:
✔️ Arranged marriage with a twist
✔️ “My wife” energy
✔️ Elven magic & hidden identities
✔️ Touch her and die level devotion
✔️ Found family & court intrigue
✔️ Angsty, broken trust—but love that never fades
📖 This book delivers everything we love in a fantasy romance—slow-burn tension, sizzling chemistry, and a love story that refuses to fade.
✨Tropes You’ll Love:
✔️ Arranged marriage with a twist
✔️ “My wife” energy
✔️ Elven magic & hidden identities
✔️ Touch her and die level devotion
✔️ Found family & court intrigue
✔️ Angsty, broken trust—but love that never fades
January 10, 2025
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
I loved this one so much 😭😭😭 this was my favorite of the Fjorn series so far and I read it in a day. I love Orin and Naela’s story! I’m a sucker for a morally grey, possessive, tortured soul MMC so of course I’m gonna love Orin. This one had more angst and heartache imo and I’m glad I read Leor’s book first bc otherwise I would have hated him more in this one 😅
More people need to read these! They’re just such good quick romance reads with spice and some magic ✨✨
3 🌶️
I loved this one so much 😭😭😭 this was my favorite of the Fjorn series so far and I read it in a day. I love Orin and Naela’s story! I’m a sucker for a morally grey, possessive, tortured soul MMC so of course I’m gonna love Orin. This one had more angst and heartache imo and I’m glad I read Leor’s book first bc otherwise I would have hated him more in this one 😅
More people need to read these! They’re just such good quick romance reads with spice and some magic ✨✨
December 25, 2024
4,75 ✨ I loved Orin already from book 1 and was really excited to read his story. I'm so used to reading really long books with drawn out descriptions of everything that happens. Because this book didn't have all the details about some big moments in the book, it's just shy from a 5 star read for me.
Still extremely entertaining and I just flew through the book 💎
Still extremely entertaining and I just flew through the book 💎
January 3, 2024
DNF. A weird mix between supposedly plot heavy fantasy with randomly sprinkled-in smut.
November 28, 2025
This was an easy to get into romantasy that checked a lot of boxes for me. I do wish the MMC was a little more evil … he was just too sweet for me
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews