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Heavy is the Crown

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A dragon of flame. A dragon of death. And a princess on the run. Three months together from a bargain struck. Three months attempting to deny fate and the growing pull between them. Ava DeaemoniumLeft home to escape a predetermined life as the princess of Hell. She never bargained for being taken by Alexi Helvig. But she can’t regret it because it brought her to them. The people who she is destined to be with. Her mates. The clock is ticking as an apocalyptic future draws near. All of Gothic Grove is running out of time as her past catches up to her.Shadow RosewoodHas always known what type of dragon he is. Dangerous to those around him. Unworthy of love. Meeting Drago long ago was bad enough. But now he has a little hellion to contend with that is determined to make him face his demons. Now he is faced with three months of living with them both. Three months to continue to fight the drive to mate with them. Three months of just trying to survive while keeping his dragon on a leash. But the longer he is with them, the more he is forgetting just why he keeps denying himself.Drago CadanceHas run Gothic Grove’s Eufori trade ever since he managed to get rid of his stepfather. Shadow’s father. His mate's father. The mate who he’s watched spiral into a self-destructive pit for as long as he’s known him. Meanwhile, his other mate refuses to complete the bond until all three are together. Pushed to his limit he makes a desperate deal. Three months living with him. Three months to make them see they are better together than apart. And if they run? Well, his dragon does love the chase.Heavy is the Crown is book two in the Gothic Grove series and must be read in order. Content This book contains s*xual scenes, dr*g use, mental illness, some k*nk and other potentially triggering content for readers. This is intended for 18+ and is a dark, paranormal romance. Please see the author's IG for full TW or within the book.

434 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 22, 2024

18 people are currently reading
272 people want to read

About the author

JA George

6 books33 followers
JA is a paranormal romance author who lives in the moody PNW. She loves a good cup of coffee on a rainy day. Spooky is a way of life in her household. She lives with her partner, two little wee monsters, and three furry beasts.

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5 stars
41 (60%)
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20 (29%)
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5 (7%)
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2 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,902 reviews749 followers
March 21, 2024
“I’m a grown woman. Princess of Hell. I will not run from imaginary ghosts.”

WE ARE BACK into the world of Gothic Grove. This time around we follow Ava, Shadow and Drago, who were side characters in the first book, and now they got their own story.

Even though each book (so far) follows different pairings, you should still read them in order because otherwise the plot might not make total sense. Characters from book one make cameos in this one too, so it would be better if you already met them beforehand.

Much like book one, this one is a bit heavy on the mental health aspect, maybe even more so. We see all three main characters struggling, but poor Shadow struggled the most, I feel so bad for him.

We get PoVs from all of them, and I like that most of the book focused on just the three of them, before adding the other characters' PoVs back in.

The book is split into three parts, the first covering events before Gothic Grove which was much needed!! Now we finally know why everyone was so awkward at the start.

Part two picks up immediately after Gothic Grove, and part three just continues the story from part two with no time skips.

Now that last part was the MOST stressful part of the book. You can feel it coming near the end of part two, but you really aren't ready for what's to come. The closer and closer I got to the end, the higher my anxiety spiked and then chapter 46 did me in. THAT WAS SO CRUEL! AND FOR WHAT??

The epilogue helped...kinda. I'm still not over it.

I had soo much fun reading this though, despite the stress. It was a super fast read yet again. I love how smooth J. A. George's writing is, and how much Shadow, Drago and Ava developed from the start of the series until now. I'll be seated for book three, I wonder who the main characters will be there *cough*Kallen please *cough.

*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Erin.
187 reviews18 followers
March 25, 2024
The way I was bawling because I could relate during the first 20%.

Then panting and squirming for the next 60%.

THEN. Going through ALL the emotions in the last 20%.

This has been my favorite read so far this year. Shadow, Drago and Ava’s story coming to life was the most beautiful thing I’ve read. I am a big fan of “why choose” and this just solidified why I love it.

You can clearly see how much energy, emotion and love JA put into this story. It shows through and through. I am in awe of her skill and in love with her ability to paint this world and these characters so beautifully.

Also… The ending 🫠🫠🫠
Profile Image for Celeste Fleetwood.
124 reviews14 followers
March 30, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

✨ Two dragon shifters and Hell’s princess
✨ FMM - everyone is a switch and fated mates
✨ Mental health rep

This is book 2 in the Gothic Grove series. The book is split into three parts: Part 1 takes place before the events of Gothic Grove, Part 2 takes place immediately after Gothic Grove, and Part 3 will tear you to shreds.

If you haven’t read Gothic Grove, go read it immediately and then comes back. There you’ll be introduced to Ava, Drago, and Shadow and the here you’ll see every ounce of their struggles and how they fit together perfectly. Of the two dragons, Drago is my guy but my desire to protect Shadow is endless (he does plenty of stupid things to push them away but he’s worth the wait). Ava is such a badass and loves so deeply but here we get to see how much it hurts her not to be with her mates and how she will do anything to protect them.

I’m not typically a why choose person. I’ve read it plenty and enjoyed it but it’s not something I reach for. But here it is so very necessary, the story wouldn’t be complete or nearly as good without all three of them. The spice is excellent, and I love how they seamlessly and naturally switch roles between partners. The plot is tight and the writing is top notch. This series is such a must read, I will never stop recommending it.

Finally, seers are so annoying. How is trying to fix everything alone the best way over working together to find the answer? But as I write this I acknowledge that I would probably do the same, embrace my controlling tendencies to try to save the only people I love, and maybe that’s why it’s so irritating.

“I care about a small group of people...Keeping this city safe for them is all that matters. Hell is not my problem. That’s yours. You are, after all, the king.” ~ Ciaran (this is why he’s my favorite, this man has such burn the world to the ground for a few people Scorpio vibes)

✨ Thank you for allowing me the privilege of Beta and ARC reading for you! And I’m so so sorry this review is a wee bit late. I can’t wait for Kallen’s story, and I loved seeing Ciaran and Astrea again!
Profile Image for Elvira.
66 reviews11 followers
April 8, 2024
Miss Ma’am, put her whole heart and soul into this book and it shows! Getting to see Ava, Shadow and Drago in a whole new light while also continuing the story started with Gothic Grove, is nothing short of amazing! J.A George really delivered with this one! I love getting to see how each character evolves within this book and how they struggled to get there. Each character has a role to play and emotional impacts on readers. I enjoyed going through all the emotions with each character, watching them grow and change. This is the perfect continuation of Gothic grove and I can not wait to see how the story continues!!!
Profile Image for Castalia_xxvii.
34 reviews1 follower
November 9, 2024
I fell hard for Shadow and Ava in Gothic Grove and was very intrigued by Drago so I was beyond excited to start this book. It did not disappoint. I loved getting to learn their back story and how their complicated relationship came to be. Shadow struggles so much and his trauma responses were so well written. I still found his choices frustrating (as we do when we love people who have faced struggle) but it was so clear why he made the choices he did and as a reader I found myself able to be so much more empathetic to him.

The author is very clear that Shadow represents herself and I’m assuming that’s why she was able to so clearly share his story. But in saying that I definitely do not want to minimize her talent in being able to articulate this so well. I know most people could not have expressed this as clearly just because they lived it.

I enjoyed this whole story immensely. The way the MCs shifted from the last book but the story continuity remained was excellent. I loved the twists in the story and how I couldn’t guess where everything was going. I also really enjoyed all the spice 🌶️🔥🌶️🔥🌶️. Writing a throuple could get tricky to keep all three even and not let one slip into side-piece territory, but that was not a problem at all in this book. While their individual relationships with each other are all quite different, their love and attraction for all of their partners is quite equal.

I’m excited to read the next novella to fill in Kallen’s story, but I’m going to be waiting on pins and needles for the continuation of the story in the next book!
Profile Image for Nirav.
106 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2024
I was really struggling to finish a book, has been in a reading slump, but this book got me out of it! Not that the other books I’m currently reading are not good enough.. but this book was something that I desperately needed right now!

I’m so glad to have been able to read the ARC for this, the story didn’t go where I expected it to at all! But the direction it took was so satisfying! I can’t point out a single flaw in this book! I need to mention this that if you have already read the first part you know this, but if you haven’t, the second part follows a different main POV, something that really makes it feel even more fresh and exciting!

This book, just like the first one, does not waste any time trying to pretend. There are no bounds to hold it back. It’s high on spice, high on darkness and combined with the masterful writing, its just perfect!

The eerie and Gothic vibes of Gothic Grove that continue here are extreamly familiar. Although it does get much darker than book 1, it all makes sense in the overall narrative. There are a ton of characters too, who get their moments to shine and be memorable.

Creating such powerful beings who can level a city in a thought is a complex thing, having multiple such beings hold themselves against one another is a skill on a completely different level! It’s just amazing!! 

Along with all that, the topics of mental health and emotional chaos seemed to have been handled with utmost consideration and care. 

This book is a masterpiece and I can’t wait to see the expansion of this series and where else the characters go from here!
Profile Image for HeadCanonHeadCase.
1,244 reviews9 followers
March 15, 2024
This book blew me away. I was so excited to receive dive into Ava, Shadow, and Drago's story when I received this ARC. Little did I know that I wouldn't be able to put it down and would be left breathless. Heavy is the Crown is a wonderful blend of emotions and action that expands the world of Gothic Grove.

Ava escaped from a life she didn't want in Hell and ran straight into trouble. While imprisoned, she meets Shadow, her mate. He helps get her out and takes her to his step-brother Drago to heal, who is also her mate. Drago has known Shadow is his mate for years, and struggles at first to accept Ava, but soon learns he can't live without her. Or Shadow. But as darkness threatens tear their world apart, they must fight for Gothic Grove, and each other.

J.A. George writes so beautifully. I felt so much for these characters through her words. "You are a good person AND have some darkness" left me wanting to hug the characters so we could cry together.

And that ending! I did NOT see it coming. No spoilers but I'm still thinking about it. J.A. George is building an epic series with Gothic Grove and I can't wait to see where it goes next.
Profile Image for Adrianna.
242 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2024
I loved this book, maybe even more than Gothic Grove (which I really loved!) There is plenty of spice, and it had me in the feels the entire time I was reading. Honestly, it's lingering too. My heart literally aches for these characters and the things they've endured.

I love the multi POV. It's necessary that we see the story from different characters view points. I also love the handwritten notes at the beginning of each chapter. They are such a fun touch.

I love fated mates and this is the first time I've read it this way. I've read several books where the fated mate fights the bond because they want to be sure the feelings are really their own, but this book has a completely different take on fated mates.

Some themes you'll find in this book:
Shifters (dragons)
Fated mates
MMF (poly relationship ⚔️)
Pierced 🍆
Witches
Other supernatural creatures
🌶🌶🌶

This didn't leave off at a massive cliffhanger, but I have so many questions left and I am excited for the next book in this series.

*Check the TW as there are some darker themes explored in this book.*

Thank you so much to the author for a chance to read this book!
Profile Image for Jordanna Darling.
13 reviews
April 13, 2024
Simply put, I am blown away by Heavy is the Crown. JA George continues to represent mental health in a very raw and real way with her characters. I knew I loved Shadow in Gothic Grove, but after reading HITC I just want to cuddle him and give him all the love. Getting to know Drago and Ava more in depth was such a joy to read and the character development in this book is very well thought out and well written.

On the technical side of the review, JA George has really grown in her writing. Gothic Grove was well written, but the growth she has shown as an author and how well she was able to enable me to paint even better scenes in my mind in this book has been such a treat to be a part of. The feeling of this book was different for me and that could be because I could relate to the main characters on a deeper level in HITC. I really wasn't sure if I would love HITC as much as Gothic Grove, but I ended up loving it even more and it is all because of the way JA George wrote Shadow.
Profile Image for Rosie :).
292 reviews11 followers
March 22, 2024
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟♾️
🔥🔥🔥.5

This book is everything!
I knew from meeting the characters in book 1 it would be. This world is captivating. The writing perfection.
Holy shit the ending! I can not WAIT for the rest of the series!
I knew it would be 5🌟 after the first few chapters. I absolutely loved the way the book was split up and the use of the timelines as well as getting to see Astrea and some other new characters.
I felt ALL THE FEELINGS.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The scarred tortured hero’s are the ones for me.
Fantastic and sensitive coverage of mental health.
Brilliant portrayal of the ultimate protector.
Amazingly strong and fierce FMC.

-Fated mates
-Romantasy
-Dragon shifters
-Witches
-Touch them and ☠️
-MH rep
-MMF
-2nd book. Must read 1st.
Profile Image for Bee.
257 reviews28 followers
January 15, 2025
Sweet Darling Shadow

This was beautiful but it hurt. We continue the story now following Shadow, Drago, and Ava through their beginnings, their relationships, and their futures. Poor, sweet Shadow is fighting just to breathe most days. His struggle with inadequacy and trauma really hit home and broke my heart for him.
Ava’s courage and strength was as inspiring as it was heartbreaking. She is so selfless and quickly became one of my favorite characters.
Dragon is doing his best to keep them all together, balancing his love for Shadow with their tumultuous past and keeping Ava afloat.
The traumas all three characters face are staggering and only they can help mend each other.
Profile Image for Adrienne.
24 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2024
If you loved GG then you will go BONKERS for HITC :) Ava, Drago and Shadow...these three have the ultimate fated mates story. JA's character building and relationship dynamic is wonderfully written as well as their individual character arcs. I love Shadow so so much, but Drago...Drago is my man. Ava is the ultimate BA FMC that I'm not only a little jealous of but my heart breaks for her. For all of them. This book had me reeling and I honestly tried to slowed down so it wouldn't end but let's be real, that didn't work! It's impressive how JA wrote multiple POVs, a three person relationship, all the side character involvement, just...all of it. Definitely one of my top reads this year!
Profile Image for Morgan Hill.
33 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2024
this is definitely 18+ check triggers as always.

jac has this way of making you connect with her characters and fall so in love with them and their story. after reading book one i was practically foaming from the mouth for book two and it didn’t disappoint. you get a more in depth explanation of the relationship between shadow, drago and ava. not only that you get a inside look of shadow and all his “shadows”. you get this beautifully dark love story with struggles and yummy spice. i hold a special place in my heart for shadow and this book just connects me further with him.

enough rambling, simply read this masterpiece from jac’s beautiful mind. astounding.
Profile Image for Rachel.
200 reviews4 followers
April 7, 2024
Well I am absolutely wrecked. This book is heavy but an absolute need. I love Shadow he was my favorite in Gothic Grove so getting a book from his and his mates POV has been a delicious delight. It took me personally a while to get into the head space to read this one only because I was not in a healthy place mentally myself and this book hits some heavy topics hard. I cannot wait for the next one to see what happens! There is heavy mental health content and for someone who deals with it daily, it is a good read to see how others can deal in similar situations. I love these characters and I cried a whole bunch! Must read Gothic Grove first! And man what a cliffhanger of an ending!!!
Profile Image for Elise Martin.
24 reviews
April 10, 2024
Good gods did this book deliver! After the first one I felt I had a connection with Shadow. Let’s just say I was right! He spoke to me in ways I don’t think anyone will understand except for JA George. He is my mind body and soul!

I loved how this books gives you a back story into the MCs. That way you have a better idea of what they went through. It also gives you a better grasp on other characters in the story. And can I just say I KNEW IT!!!!

And the spicy in this book is great. I will 100% recommend this to anyone that will listen. I love a good dark romance but with some paranormal makes it over the top.
Profile Image for Patty.
84 reviews3 followers
April 13, 2024
Y'all, holy shit! This book just shot straight up to one of my top reads of 2024! I couldn't put it down and smashed through part 1 in a single day! The backstory on all three MC's was deliciously angsty, the smut was fucking top tier, the mental health rep done so well, and the way the storytelling just sucked me in from start to finish was otherworldly! The real clincher for me was how deeply I felt for the characters, they all had me in my feels We also learn a ton more about the politics of Gothic Grove & Hell, get cameos from our MC's from book 1 and glimpses of new characters. I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for book 3! 😍😍
Profile Image for Stephanie P.
218 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2024
I was so excited to read Heavy is the Crown! I really enjoyed Gothic Grove and all the characters so I was so excited to see that Shadow was getting his story told!

I mean a dragon shifter mate? And why choose?! Those are already some of my favorite story elements! I couldn’t believe what happened in this story! And the ending had me mind blown!

Will there be a book 3?! If there is I wouldn’t be surprised! This book was nonstop drama and action! Definitely deserving of 5 stars!
Profile Image for Elijah (little wicked book box).
65 reviews2 followers
March 22, 2024
Shadow is everything and must be protected at all cost.


I adored this book and this whole series. I am usually pretty hesitant when it comes to books with poly relationships, but this author wrote the dynamic in such a beautiful way that I could never imagine their relationship working outside of the 3 of them.

This book is fast paced, smutty right off the bat, emotional, creative, and full of all the paranormal things you could ask for.

Love love love love!
60 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2024
THIS. BOOK. We get to learn more about characters from the first book and to say I fell even more in love with them is an understatement. The trauma, the tension, the spice… I’m not an angsty person but this was all SO well done, I seriously had a hard time putting it down. The relationship dynamic between Drago, Shadow and Ava had me simultaneously squealing and sobbing throughout the whole book. And the ending - just… be ready for anything. So ready for book 3!
Profile Image for Becky Mansur.
490 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2025
good building story

Book 2 in the series. These are definitely not standalone books, so I wouldn’t start reading them unless you’re looking to read an entire series. I felt like this one was good, but not as good as the first. I felt like we were missing parts of the story. Like what was going on with Kallen, who people were, etc. I will give keep reading to see if we get more info in the next book.
Profile Image for Becca.
162 reviews7 followers
March 22, 2024
I’ve been mega excited for this book and boy, it didn’t disappoint! This world JA has written is going to be with me forever, I just can’t get enough. The characters have so much depth and are beautifully written. Add the brilliant storyline and together makes they make a magical read you won’t forget. I loved every moment reading Ava, Shadow, and Drago’s story, the ending has left me shocked! I NEED the next book asap!!😲
Profile Image for Melissa Barr.
659 reviews13 followers
March 31, 2024
4.5 stars

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this.

I knew after book 1 I was going to love Shadow, Drago, and Ava and the dynamic between the 3 of them. I just felt like the end of this was rushed and I need the three of them to be okay. I still had a fantastic time with this and cannot wait for more from this world!
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,274 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2024
Second book in the Gothic Grove series and it did not disappoint. It’s dark and spicy and there is so much going on. Shadow was still battling his demons. Just when you think things will calm down Ava runs away and the book ends on a cliffhanger.

JA George is an indie author that actually knows how to write and I’m looking forward to book 3.
Profile Image for Kristen Moore.
Author 4 books80 followers
March 19, 2024
Had the honor of beta reading this and truly loved it. Such an emotional journey and the spice...WHEW GIRL.

Make sure to pick up Gothic Grove first then dive into Heavy is the Crown for some serious heat and raw mental health rep
Profile Image for Leila.
2 reviews
April 12, 2024
SHADOW 😭 Reading Shadow’s journey was beautiful. The writing style, and character development was *chefs kiss*. This is a fairly quick read, so if you’re in need of a good weekend book or vacation read, bring this along you won’t be disappointed!
Profile Image for Serena .
288 reviews8 followers
March 17, 2024
The rawness of the book is devastatingly beautiful
Profile Image for Joy Bradford-Abram.
74 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2024
This series is great! It’s heavy, dark, and deals with lots of trauma, but I like how the characters are real and raw. The spicy factor is high as well. 🥵
Profile Image for Samantha (Booktiamo).
474 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2024
4.5⭐️
This book!!! I'm really struggling for words because the mental health rep was so good! The depth of Shadows' emotions and the authenticity of his struggles really resonated. The dynamics between Ava, Shadow, and Drago added another layer of depth to the story, and I was fully invested in their journey.
Jac has written a truly wonderful world, and I can not wait to explore more of it!
Profile Image for Tara.
260 reviews8 followers
April 12, 2024
Absolute masterpiece!

The way you captured these characters souls is incredible. the connection between Drago, Shadow and Ava was beautiful, traumatic and spicy as hell

Watching them fight their demons and any obstacle in their way and come out on top was fantastic to see

This is definitely darker than book 1, gothic grove. It surpassed any and every expectation I had going into this story
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