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Monsters of Faery #3
Claimed by the Flame of Faery
I meant to slay the dragon—not save him.All my life, I've known what it means to be a human in Faery, and I've always fought back. But when my father attacks a half-dragon duke - and fails - I make the only bargain I can think my life for my his.I expect to be treated like a slave, but my new master keeps me in luxury. There's no escape from the beautiful, deadly fae duke—and I'm determined to use my position to help the other mortals in Faery.But the more I learn about him, the more I want to know. He's fascinating. Passionate. Every time he touches me, I want to beg him to never stop. There's far more to the Flame of Faery than I ever expected.His secrets bind him like thorned vines. His enemies lurk in the shadows. They know how to deal with a dragon... but they don't know how to deal with me.If I save him, my debt is paid. But I'm starting to fear that I'll never want to leave..."Claimed by the Flame of Faery" is a complete novel inspired by Beauty and the Beast. This enemies-to-lovers romance plays with the power dynamics between its spitfire couple and has a guaranteed happily-ever-after. For a full list of content warnings, please see mallorydunlin.com/catalog.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2023
518 people are currently reading
2967 people want to read
About the author
Mallory Dunlin
16 books416 followersMallory Dunlin is a certified monster lover who cut her reader eyeteeth on fantasy epics. She combines her reading passions into writing romantasy novels with powerful women and traumatized, dangerous, non-human male leads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
June 27, 2024
FINALLY a heroine who gets a UTI after days of nonstop fucking (this is important to me ok shut up)
June 18, 2024
i’m not usually a monster romance girlie but something about mallory dunlin’s books… they’re just so well written, i love them!! her romance never lets me down.
this book did not disappoint - it had the slowburn enemies to lovers vibes that I was praying for, and the characters were so strong and loveable. i loveeee mallory’s sex positive fmcs, and how slowly and realistically the relationships between protagonists develop, and this book had both those traits. and as always, i adored the whole “we’re some form of soul mates but not sure what - could be soul nemeses, we shall see” concept - it’s so interesting and leads to such a fascinating story!!
i lowkey didn’t know what was happening plot wise in this book sometimes, but that was on me for reading it welllll into the night, when all my brain cells had disappeared. but i just couldn’t put it down!!! i had so much fun nonetheless, and as strong as the plot was, i was really there for the romance (and the monster smut). and my lord, this one was smutty… i loved it, absolutely ate up those scenes.
so obsessed with this author’s books!! can’t wait to see what she writes next!
this book did not disappoint - it had the slowburn enemies to lovers vibes that I was praying for, and the characters were so strong and loveable. i loveeee mallory’s sex positive fmcs, and how slowly and realistically the relationships between protagonists develop, and this book had both those traits. and as always, i adored the whole “we’re some form of soul mates but not sure what - could be soul nemeses, we shall see” concept - it’s so interesting and leads to such a fascinating story!!
i lowkey didn’t know what was happening plot wise in this book sometimes, but that was on me for reading it welllll into the night, when all my brain cells had disappeared. but i just couldn’t put it down!!! i had so much fun nonetheless, and as strong as the plot was, i was really there for the romance (and the monster smut). and my lord, this one was smutty… i loved it, absolutely ate up those scenes.
so obsessed with this author’s books!! can’t wait to see what she writes next!
October 27, 2023
3.5 round up
I had a mixed opinion of this book. On one hand, I was amused. I enjoyed spending time with the characters. I liked them, and I liked that Dunlin presented us with a male lead that gleefully broke a lot of the expected male characteristics. On the other, I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two, and I didn’t particularly believe that Varistan would have avoided telling her the big secret as long as he did when he was given every incentive to do so. In fact, it was a solution to the one impediment that Bells kept saying was the reason she wouldn’t be with him. Further, when the secret came out, and she was predictably hurt by it, I do not feel like Varistan made anywhere near enough reparations. It felt very much like he shrugged and then just stood around and waited for her to get over her hurt. It was not enough for me by a long shot.
All in all, however, I liked this a lot and will be looking for more of Dunlin’s work.
I had a mixed opinion of this book. On one hand, I was amused. I enjoyed spending time with the characters. I liked them, and I liked that Dunlin presented us with a male lead that gleefully broke a lot of the expected male characteristics. On the other, I didn’t really feel the chemistry between the two, and I didn’t particularly believe that Varistan would have avoided telling her the big secret as long as he did when he was given every incentive to do so. In fact, it was a solution to the one impediment that Bells kept saying was the reason she wouldn’t be with him. Further, when the secret came out, and she was predictably hurt by it, I do not feel like Varistan made anywhere near enough reparations. It felt very much like he shrugged and then just stood around and waited for her to get over her hurt. It was not enough for me by a long shot.
All in all, however, I liked this a lot and will be looking for more of Dunlin’s work.
July 14, 2024
Came for the smut and stayed for the writing, the immersive world building and I loved the character dynamics. I’m deducting some points because the conflict towards the end of the book didn’t feel developed enough and failed to serve its purpose as a cathartic turning point. It already felt like both MCs were coming to a point of acceptance of their changing reality, which would’ve been just as beautiful if it had occurred naturally. 4.7/5
March 9, 2024
This book is definitely a chonkers but I just loved the world and main characters so much. Varis has to be one of my favorite male leads I've ever read.
I kind of can't imagine why this series doesn't have more attention.
I kind of can't imagine why this series doesn't have more attention.
October 19, 2023
This is one excellently written book! It's rare to find an author with this much skill when any and every one can publish so easily nowadays. She writes SO good! The world building is excellent! I was hooked immediately and cared about the characters and what all was happening. The humor and snark was spot on that I even caught myself laughing a few times. There is some really sweet romantic scenes and some very steamy scenes. 🔥 🔥
I love that it's a standalone, because they are rare to find books that are really standalone reads. There is more books from this world and I will definitely be finding the rest of her them and reading them. I hope that they show the same writing skill. If so, her books will be put on my to-buy immediately list.
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC from the author but this review is my own thoughts and opinions.
If you enjoy stories about the fae, romance, some sexy scenes with lots of humor, give this a try. You will love this! Enjoy!
I love that it's a standalone, because they are rare to find books that are really standalone reads. There is more books from this world and I will definitely be finding the rest of her them and reading them. I hope that they show the same writing skill. If so, her books will be put on my to-buy immediately list.
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC from the author but this review is my own thoughts and opinions.
If you enjoy stories about the fae, romance, some sexy scenes with lots of humor, give this a try. You will love this! Enjoy!
September 12, 2025
Bells was such a badass; full of fire and willing to do anything to change things for the better. She had to be schooled in what would actually make things change, but was willing to make adjustments to her expectations. Varis was vain, snooty, and self conscious at the same time. They were banter center, thought it veered into argument sometimes. Bells was terrible at being submissive in any way shape or form and Varis was possessive enough that she could get away with it. Their burn was slow and messy AF, but it worked for them. Varis’ grovel was good too.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: violence including between MCs during forced duel, battle, gore, death, possession, power differential, enslavement/indenture, grief from death of friends, past abusive partner, poor body image, classism, speciesism, mention of infidelity (not by MCs), toxic parents and parent figure, gladiatorial fight, brief fall, emesis, addiction, past parent death
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: violence including between MCs during forced duel, battle, gore, death, possession, power differential, enslavement/indenture, grief from death of friends, past abusive partner, poor body image, classism, speciesism, mention of infidelity (not by MCs), toxic parents and parent figure, gladiatorial fight, brief fall, emesis, addiction, past parent death
July 23, 2024
Something about the writing in this book made it tedious for me… every page felt like five. I didn’t care about the world or the political plot at all. I mostly liked Varis and Bells together, but I didn’t love the unsurprising “twist” and the drama that came out of it. Two stars for draconic inclinations.
March 5, 2025
The thorough descriptions of his two dragon c*cks were downright beautiful; they almost had me shed a tear.
December 2, 2023
I loved the political intrigue and Varistan’s innocence. He was so touch starved but some of his reactions seemed over the limit. I wasn’t too fond of Bells manipulation of him at times or his submissiveness. The plot twist. . . The reader could’ve picked up on it easily, I wondered it throughout the book but it made Varistan appear cruel and manipulative. He had no good reason for secrecy.
I strongly disliked the overuse of the word “croon”. And honestly there didn’t seem to be much difference between Varis and Ayre. I hope all the male characters aren’t copies of each other. I wanted both to have a little more backbone to match their age.
I strongly disliked the overuse of the word “croon”. And honestly there didn’t seem to be much difference between Varis and Ayre. I hope all the male characters aren’t copies of each other. I wanted both to have a little more backbone to match their age.
August 1, 2024
3.5 stars
I’m not really sure how to feel about this book. I enjoyed the setting, banter, and interesting characters. I thought Varis was a complex kind of MMC. He initially comes off as carefree, charming and a flirt but he’s actually quite vulnerable and damaged. Bells was a little less interesting to me but still a strong and independent FMC.
The spice was pretty steamy - I’m just not a huge fan of male subs. It didn’t take over every sex scene though. Maybe Varis is more of a switch? He was more dominate in the beginning but that pretty much disappeared by the end and Bells is calling him her “good little slut.” Just my personal preference! I liked his dragon anatomy though (🍆🍆) 😏 The draconic instincts were pretty good, too!
The pacing seemed really slow. I felt like this was a 500-some page book vs 380 pages.
**spoilers below** ⬇️
The soulmate reveal left me a little confused and I didn’t like this version of grovel. Bells makes Varis her bondservant as punishment for withholding that information from her and idk, I felt uncomfortable with the role reversal.
Overall, I did enjoy it but I didn’t love it. Did she ever see her father again? I don’t remember now.
I’m not really sure how to feel about this book. I enjoyed the setting, banter, and interesting characters. I thought Varis was a complex kind of MMC. He initially comes off as carefree, charming and a flirt but he’s actually quite vulnerable and damaged. Bells was a little less interesting to me but still a strong and independent FMC.
The spice was pretty steamy - I’m just not a huge fan of male subs. It didn’t take over every sex scene though. Maybe Varis is more of a switch? He was more dominate in the beginning but that pretty much disappeared by the end and Bells is calling him her “good little slut.” Just my personal preference! I liked his dragon anatomy though (🍆🍆) 😏 The draconic instincts were pretty good, too!
The pacing seemed really slow. I felt like this was a 500-some page book vs 380 pages.
**spoilers below** ⬇️
The soulmate reveal left me a little confused and I didn’t like this version of grovel. Bells makes Varis her bondservant as punishment for withholding that information from her and idk, I felt uncomfortable with the role reversal.
Overall, I did enjoy it but I didn’t love it. Did she ever see her father again? I don’t remember now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
4.85 stars
Once again, a set of MCs that I really enjoyed. I was a bit worried since I did not enjoy the last book, but this one bounced back for me. I really like how all the characters in these books are vaguely tied together, but nothing is missed if you have not read them all. Def a Brauty and the Beast retelling. I'm curious to see what the next provides.
Once again, a set of MCs that I really enjoyed. I was a bit worried since I did not enjoy the last book, but this one bounced back for me. I really like how all the characters in these books are vaguely tied together, but nothing is missed if you have not read them all. Def a Brauty and the Beast retelling. I'm curious to see what the next provides.
September 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐ (rounded up)
I think this is my favourite in the series so far, but it did have some drawbacks.
I was all in on this book until the big secret reveal. For one, it was obvious anyway, and for two, I couldn't understand the reasoning behind it.
And then Bells' form of revenge/punishment after that was something I absolutely hated. It wasn't a choice I was looking for or enjoyed, and it honestly made no sense whatsoever. There was also practically zero grovelling, zero heartbreak. So much build up for it just to peter out.
Having said that, I loved Varis. I love his charisma and flirtation, but also his vulnerable and insecure side. I did like Bells a lot too but there wasn't all that much about her outside of her relationship with Varis.
Loved the sub aspect which was a nice change and of course also... 🍆🍆 👀
There were parts of this book that kept going over my head and I had to keep going back and reread certain paragraphs, but I really enjoyed the plot and couldn't put this book down.
Immediately starting the next one!
I think this is my favourite in the series so far, but it did have some drawbacks.
I was all in on this book until the big secret reveal. For one, it was obvious anyway, and for two, I couldn't understand the reasoning behind it.
And then Bells' form of revenge/punishment after that was something I absolutely hated. It wasn't a choice I was looking for or enjoyed, and it honestly made no sense whatsoever. There was also practically zero grovelling, zero heartbreak. So much build up for it just to peter out.
Having said that, I loved Varis. I love his charisma and flirtation, but also his vulnerable and insecure side. I did like Bells a lot too but there wasn't all that much about her outside of her relationship with Varis.
Loved the sub aspect which was a nice change and of course also... 🍆🍆 👀
There were parts of this book that kept going over my head and I had to keep going back and reread certain paragraphs, but I really enjoyed the plot and couldn't put this book down.
Immediately starting the next one!
January 6, 2025
Man I’m not sure what I think of this. Thought about DNFing like 3x in the first 15%, and then it sort of came together and drew me in. Bells and Varis were an interesting dynamic and parts of this relationship kept me reading page after page. There were points though that the writing was a bit confusing and it was hard to piece together what was happening. The “twist” also seemed a bit anticlimactic and sort of fizzled out.
I’m not sure I would read this again but can’t deny that I couldn’t put this down, 3.5 🌟
I’m not sure I would read this again but can’t deny that I couldn’t put this down, 3.5 🌟
October 7, 2024
I started with this one bc I saw this mmc listed in a Reddit thread about being very … enthusiastic …. partners… who can’t contain how badly they want the fmc, like are shaking to have them and can’t believe they’re so lucky
It was so so good and I may go back and read the first book in the series now
It was so so good and I may go back and read the first book in the series now
March 2, 2025
I'm so conflicted about this one. I really wanted to love this with all my heart, and the premise was very promising. The issue? I'm not a native English speaker, and even if I've read my fair share of books in English, this was a really hard read. I found myself lost so many times, I understood almost nothing of the first few chapters. Sometimes the sentences were so long and with a such complicated structure I had to reread several times and still don't understand it. Not to mention the hundreds of words I needed to translate. It was really distracting from the story.
Varis was awesome, I loved so much how needy, whiny he is. ADORE IT honestly. The spice was so different from the usual and I loved it even more. I also liked Bells character, she's a pretty good FMC.
Besides all that, I didn't care about the plot, Bells' intentions were confusing at first, and then everything evolved to just boring. I did not care about Maestrizen and the whole treat thing. Who the fuck is Alpha and why are they relevant at all? Then we get to the end and there's a war? A war I still don't care about and skipped. Maybe it was because of how hard it was to read this book or maybe it was simply too plain and boring.
It really hurts me I can't give this a greater rating and I would love to read more MMCs from this author but if I have to go through another dull plot and exhausting writing I might die.
Pd: I still hope to dream about needy whimpery whiny Varis, I loved him so much
-K
Varis was awesome, I loved so much how needy, whiny he is. ADORE IT honestly. The spice was so different from the usual and I loved it even more. I also liked Bells character, she's a pretty good FMC.
Besides all that, I didn't care about the plot, Bells' intentions were confusing at first, and then everything evolved to just boring. I did not care about Maestrizen and the whole treat thing. Who the fuck is Alpha and why are they relevant at all? Then we get to the end and there's a war? A war I still don't care about and skipped. Maybe it was because of how hard it was to read this book or maybe it was simply too plain and boring.
It really hurts me I can't give this a greater rating and I would love to read more MMCs from this author but if I have to go through another dull plot and exhausting writing I might die.
Pd: I still hope to dream about needy whimpery whiny Varis, I loved him so much
-K
February 6, 2024
I feel a little left out on this one, because this book has a lot of elements that are right up my alley. M-Sub is not something I dislike, though it's not in my particular sweet-spot. What I actively dislike, though? Turning a strong character into a woobie in order to garner sympathy for someone who did some bad things. I also dislike "bratty" subs of any type. So I really enjoyed the first half or so of this book. I liked that we had a very strong, kind of asshole character who was submissive in bed. Then he turned into a stuttering woobie who is just so misunderstood. His assertiveness in every other aspect of his life completely disappeared.
And I'm not trying to kink-shame here. I get why people like woobies. I considered giving it a higher rating, because (again) this seems like a just-not-for-me sort of romance. But I'm keeping it here, because of the bait and switch. For half of the book, I thought we were going to get a glorious dynamic of an assertive, possessive, strongly confident character who wanted to be thoroughly dominated in the bedroom. And what I got was a guy who needed her to literally hold his hand under the table during a trade negotiation.
And I'm not trying to kink-shame here. I get why people like woobies. I considered giving it a higher rating, because (again) this seems like a just-not-for-me sort of romance. But I'm keeping it here, because of the bait and switch. For half of the book, I thought we were going to get a glorious dynamic of an assertive, possessive, strongly confident character who wanted to be thoroughly dominated in the bedroom. And what I got was a guy who needed her to literally hold his hand under the table during a trade negotiation.
February 27, 2024
Just finished the latest book in the series and I'm still absolutely blown away!
This one takes a slightly different turn, introducing us to Bells, a human born in Faery and living in the underground of the Raven Court. Her journey intertwines with Vasterian, the Duke of Nyx Strangae, a fae with captivating dragon features.
Bound by fate, their story unravels in a captivating tale of love and sacrifice. I couldn't put it down and ended up sacrificing sleep to finish it. If you're into strong, dominant female leads and complex, touch-starved fae characters, this book is an absolute must-read!
This one takes a slightly different turn, introducing us to Bells, a human born in Faery and living in the underground of the Raven Court. Her journey intertwines with Vasterian, the Duke of Nyx Strangae, a fae with captivating dragon features.
Bound by fate, their story unravels in a captivating tale of love and sacrifice. I couldn't put it down and ended up sacrificing sleep to finish it. If you're into strong, dominant female leads and complex, touch-starved fae characters, this book is an absolute must-read!
November 10, 2024
This was really cute story about accidentally falling in love with a dragonman. Also, double-dongs utilized well here.👍 It's about time someone honored the dongs.
October 20, 2023
4.5/5 ⭐
3/5 🔥
This my second book of Mallory's, and I was honored to write a review for the ARC she provided.
In order to save her father's life after attacking the wrong fae, Bells sells herself as a body servant to the human-hating Flame of Faery, Varistan, a stunning fae duke cursed with a draconic body.
Bells finds herself quickly falling for the charismatic and flirtatious Duke, though his hatred for humans and patronage of the fighting pits keeps her from fully surrendering. His elitist stance is actually a facade, having been tormented by his own family, lovers, and lords. He is devoted to his people, and other fae royals have used that to their advantage.
Once Bells learns Varis's true nature, the two quickly become a formidable pair, utilizing Varis's penchant for formalities and Bells' forward thinking to drive the duchy into success.
This doesn't come without it's setback and the duchy is attacked, and Varus must decide between his people and his lover.
---------------
Mallory has such a way with words, and truly knows how to create complex characters you can help but like. Her words are poetic and romantic, with some humor and sexiness thrown in for good measure.
This book is a *bit* of a slow burn, getting spicy just before 50%, but does not lack in variety or quality of spice. I'm prettu sure I actually shivered.
My only complaint is that I found the history and creation of the courts to be a little too confusing. Fae magic is apparently super convoluted, so I felt a little out of my depth at points. Similarly, the language was occasionally on the formal side, and I had to re-read sentences occasionally to pick up on their meaning.
I have every intention of reading the other Monsters of Faery book, since In the Claws of the Fae Prince is the only one I haven't read!
3/5 🔥
This my second book of Mallory's, and I was honored to write a review for the ARC she provided.
In order to save her father's life after attacking the wrong fae, Bells sells herself as a body servant to the human-hating Flame of Faery, Varistan, a stunning fae duke cursed with a draconic body.
Bells finds herself quickly falling for the charismatic and flirtatious Duke, though his hatred for humans and patronage of the fighting pits keeps her from fully surrendering. His elitist stance is actually a facade, having been tormented by his own family, lovers, and lords. He is devoted to his people, and other fae royals have used that to their advantage.
Once Bells learns Varis's true nature, the two quickly become a formidable pair, utilizing Varis's penchant for formalities and Bells' forward thinking to drive the duchy into success.
This doesn't come without it's setback and the duchy is attacked, and Varus must decide between his people and his lover.
---------------
Mallory has such a way with words, and truly knows how to create complex characters you can help but like. Her words are poetic and romantic, with some humor and sexiness thrown in for good measure.
This book is a *bit* of a slow burn, getting spicy just before 50%, but does not lack in variety or quality of spice. I'm prettu sure I actually shivered.
My only complaint is that I found the history and creation of the courts to be a little too confusing. Fae magic is apparently super convoluted, so I felt a little out of my depth at points. Similarly, the language was occasionally on the formal side, and I had to re-read sentences occasionally to pick up on their meaning.
I have every intention of reading the other Monsters of Faery book, since In the Claws of the Fae Prince is the only one I haven't read!
June 8, 2024
I devoured this book. Love a strong heroine and touch starved hero. So fun
July 10, 2025
This was a really good book. Loved the characters, fun story, just enough spice and I didn't want it to end. I can't wait to read the next one.
November 10, 2025
3.5–rough start but by the end I was hooked
November 27, 2025
I really liked it. I love their dynamic. Big fan of Varis. Big fan of Bells
May 27, 2025
(3.5 stars)
Honestly I’ve read a lot worse
Honestly I’ve read a lot worse
February 23, 2025
Steam: 5/5 - The slowest of burns. Barely anything but tension until about 60%. Once it picks up though, it doesn't slow down. Creative, passionate, and hot af.
Both MCs were quite switchy and I loved it. Fresh and complex.
Romance: 5/5 - Beautiful evolutions through enemies, friends, lovers and practically all the way back around again. And omg, I literally cried more than once at the heart aching tenderness. Perfect romance.
Characters: 5/5 - Fabulously flawed and redeemed. I loved both of their arcs and the side characters were well done.
Plot: 4.75/5 - I started to feel bogged down right before the damn broke at 60% and almost DNF right afterwards. I felt like the romance had moved from realistically and satisfyingly paced for the environment, to "omg, fucking kiss already! You've both grown, it's time!"
Then the actual sex was somewhat forced situationally and while it was hot, it was kind of a wtf moment. We've worked so hard to get here and then it's a smidge (the smidgiest) bit dub-con. It didn't need to be that way cuz it was way past time to go ahead and bone already.
I had actually DNFed already in my head and then just didn't read for like 2 months because I was so let down or something? I finally got over it and was opening my kindle to DL a new book when I couldn't help but read the next sentence in this book, already open.
I was instantly re-hooked and blew threw the rest of the book, staying up way past my bed time.
I'm so so so glad it got me for one last chance because the situation was totally worked through in a way that added to the story, and I learned a lesson about being judgemental and wrong 😄
This is absolutely a new favorite and I am beyond excited to dig into this author's catalog.
I suspected that a couple of briefly mentioned characters might have their own books, but wasn't sure because this one was so complete and stood firmly on its own. It's the third in a series!
The world was so rich and I'm glad there's more of it!
Continuing with series/author: duh
Both MCs were quite switchy and I loved it. Fresh and complex.
Romance: 5/5 - Beautiful evolutions through enemies, friends, lovers and practically all the way back around again. And omg, I literally cried more than once at the heart aching tenderness. Perfect romance.
Characters: 5/5 - Fabulously flawed and redeemed. I loved both of their arcs and the side characters were well done.
Plot: 4.75/5 - I started to feel bogged down right before the damn broke at 60% and almost DNF right afterwards. I felt like the romance had moved from realistically and satisfyingly paced for the environment, to "omg, fucking kiss already! You've both grown, it's time!"
Then the actual sex was somewhat forced situationally and while it was hot, it was kind of a wtf moment. We've worked so hard to get here and then it's a smidge (the smidgiest) bit dub-con. It didn't need to be that way cuz it was way past time to go ahead and bone already.
I had actually DNFed already in my head and then just didn't read for like 2 months because I was so let down or something? I finally got over it and was opening my kindle to DL a new book when I couldn't help but read the next sentence in this book, already open.
I was instantly re-hooked and blew threw the rest of the book, staying up way past my bed time.
I'm so so so glad it got me for one last chance because the situation was totally worked through in a way that added to the story, and I learned a lesson about being judgemental and wrong 😄
This is absolutely a new favorite and I am beyond excited to dig into this author's catalog.
I suspected that a couple of briefly mentioned characters might have their own books, but wasn't sure because this one was so complete and stood firmly on its own. It's the third in a series!
The world was so rich and I'm glad there's more of it!
Continuing with series/author: duh
March 4, 2024
Completely unputdownable! As a lover of Beauty and the Beast retellings this book is by far the best one I have EVER read! And it was also the best book I have read in years, hands down!! Super pleasant surprise when I initially picked this up to scratch a comfort trope itch.
It truly has everything I look for in fantasy and monster romance. This book has rich world building, a compelling plot, robust and complex characters, PERFECTION on pacing, actually meaningful character growth and development throughout, and is packed with absolutely delightful spice with unique anatomy!
I cannot even begin to describe how addictive this book was! I was super invested from start to finish. I normally struggle to finish slow burn romances for being too dang slow. NOT HERE! The whole story kept me hooked. Bells and Varis' romance weaving together slowly but meaningfully throughout was so satisfying!
*Mild Spoilers*
I loved how supportive Bells and Varis were of each other! It's so refreshing and rewarding to see genuine maturity and growth between characters that doesn't end up being a rushed "all is forgiven" resolution or empty promises/gestures. The multi-faceted disability/accessibility representation throughout was compelling, respectful, and felt super natural!
Lastly, I just want to say that this is the first book I've read by Mallory Dunlin, and I'm so looking forward to reading more! I picked this up because I'm a sucker for a good Beauty and the Beast retelling, I didn't even realize until the end that this is the third book in this series! It strongly stands on its own, and while there are references to the previous books and characters I didn't feel at any point that it took me out of the story or that I was missing anything.
It truly has everything I look for in fantasy and monster romance. This book has rich world building, a compelling plot, robust and complex characters, PERFECTION on pacing, actually meaningful character growth and development throughout, and is packed with absolutely delightful spice with unique anatomy!
I cannot even begin to describe how addictive this book was! I was super invested from start to finish. I normally struggle to finish slow burn romances for being too dang slow. NOT HERE! The whole story kept me hooked. Bells and Varis' romance weaving together slowly but meaningfully throughout was so satisfying!
*Mild Spoilers*
I loved how supportive Bells and Varis were of each other! It's so refreshing and rewarding to see genuine maturity and growth between characters that doesn't end up being a rushed "all is forgiven" resolution or empty promises/gestures. The multi-faceted disability/accessibility representation throughout was compelling, respectful, and felt super natural!
Lastly, I just want to say that this is the first book I've read by Mallory Dunlin, and I'm so looking forward to reading more! I picked this up because I'm a sucker for a good Beauty and the Beast retelling, I didn't even realize until the end that this is the third book in this series! It strongly stands on its own, and while there are references to the previous books and characters I didn't feel at any point that it took me out of the story or that I was missing anything.
August 7, 2024
I did not expect to fall so deeply in love with Isabela and the half dragon Duke when I stumbled upon “Claimed by the Fae of Faery”. Immediately, the setting of a fae world that had to steal humans to curb the fae wild magic was enthralling. From the fighting pits to the Duchy, this story winds its way into your heart as gracefully as the relationship between Bells and Varis blooms into something grand, beautiful, and raw.
I did find myself sometimes confused about the hierarchy of the fae and the difference between the Courts and why they were that way, but those questions never detracted too much from the main story(I think I may have missed a few things as everything else was explained in great and informative detail).I felt there were some loose ends that were never tied (where did that first bad man go—and why did he never really appear again even in vengeance?). But I think I was just expecting there to be more consequences when they came from a different direction than the obvious.
Overall, I found the story arch to be compelling and the ending was something I did not expect, and yet it felt completely natural. The smut was spectacular and informed the story and never felt unnecessary or unearned. I won’t ever look at dragons the same way.
The writing alone kept me reaching for my iPad throughout the day to read just another few pages between work. My favorite line in the novel was “Even in the darkest days, I'd never seen him look like that—a man lost in the Tangle, harried by wolves.”
I did not have any expectations going into this, but I am very glad I found my way to Mallory Dunlin, and I am very much looking forward to reading the other books set in this world.
I did find myself sometimes confused about the hierarchy of the fae and the difference between the Courts and why they were that way, but those questions never detracted too much from the main story(I think I may have missed a few things as everything else was explained in great and informative detail).I felt there were some loose ends that were never tied (where did that first bad man go—and why did he never really appear again even in vengeance?). But I think I was just expecting there to be more consequences when they came from a different direction than the obvious.
Overall, I found the story arch to be compelling and the ending was something I did not expect, and yet it felt completely natural. The smut was spectacular and informed the story and never felt unnecessary or unearned. I won’t ever look at dragons the same way.
The writing alone kept me reaching for my iPad throughout the day to read just another few pages between work. My favorite line in the novel was “Even in the darkest days, I'd never seen him look like that—a man lost in the Tangle, harried by wolves.”
I did not have any expectations going into this, but I am very glad I found my way to Mallory Dunlin, and I am very much looking forward to reading the other books set in this world.
December 27, 2024
This series just hits right every time!
Varistan was a character I didn’t see enough of in last books to be curious about him but his character design made me immediately excited he got his own book. From the start I had mixed feelings, he seemed self centered and kind of snooty. He made the impression of “I’m better than you and what are you going to do about it?” But as the story continued and we peeled back his layers I fell in love with him. The walls he built around himself for protection all made sense. He was touch starved and angry at the cards he had been dealt. And at the center of all his peacocking and charming words was someone who simply hated how he looked and wanted love above all else.
Been there.
I freaking loved how confident Isabela was. She dove head first into everything and the fact that she was an actual fighter was amazing. She handled politics of the court like an expert from the very beginning and it was so cool to read. I loved how supportive she was of Varis after she learned more about him. The duel between her and Xilvaris was heartbreaking. I assumed that the information revealed would come out but I was not ready for her reaction. But it was entirely valid.
I have just loved every book in this series and normally I can nitpick and find something I didn’t like but not here. Not Mallory. I loved how physical he was and how he was so willing to bend to her desires. I’ll miss this couple for sure and I really hope I get to read it again.
Varistan was a character I didn’t see enough of in last books to be curious about him but his character design made me immediately excited he got his own book. From the start I had mixed feelings, he seemed self centered and kind of snooty. He made the impression of “I’m better than you and what are you going to do about it?” But as the story continued and we peeled back his layers I fell in love with him. The walls he built around himself for protection all made sense. He was touch starved and angry at the cards he had been dealt. And at the center of all his peacocking and charming words was someone who simply hated how he looked and wanted love above all else.
Been there.
I freaking loved how confident Isabela was. She dove head first into everything and the fact that she was an actual fighter was amazing. She handled politics of the court like an expert from the very beginning and it was so cool to read. I loved how supportive she was of Varis after she learned more about him. The duel between her and Xilvaris was heartbreaking. I assumed that the information revealed would come out but I was not ready for her reaction. But it was entirely valid.
I have just loved every book in this series and normally I can nitpick and find something I didn’t like but not here. Not Mallory. I loved how physical he was and how he was so willing to bend to her desires. I’ll miss this couple for sure and I really hope I get to read it again.
December 23, 2024
Another romantasy with beauty and the beast elements but darker.
Tropes. The term itself is kind of new for me - at least in the book community - because back then, these tropes were called tags and they were mostly used in fanfiction. If you wanted to find a fanfiction of your liking, your best bet was include at least ten different tags and boy did those delivered 🛐
However, I have recently noticed some authors cram trope after trope in order to reach a greater audience, which is completely fine, but sometimes the story and its execution get sidelined by these.
That's how I feel about this book and the story overall. I felt the writing was all over the place, which could also mean I just don't vibe with this author and that's perfectly valid. I just felt like the whole thing needed more structure because it was trying to accomplish too many things at once and it never fully delivered on anything.
Background characters were just there, I guess. None of them were interesting in the slightest. The plot twist I thought it was just kind of weird and what ensued because of it only made the pacing more tedious because it put a halt to the the relationship between the two main characters. Varys (mmc) was ok for the first half, I thought he was an interesting character up to a certain point but the more I read about him, the less interesting he was to me. And Bells (fmc), was just ok.
2.5 stars. Some portions of the book were pretty great
Tropes. The term itself is kind of new for me - at least in the book community - because back then, these tropes were called tags and they were mostly used in fanfiction. If you wanted to find a fanfiction of your liking, your best bet was include at least ten different tags and boy did those delivered 🛐
However, I have recently noticed some authors cram trope after trope in order to reach a greater audience, which is completely fine, but sometimes the story and its execution get sidelined by these.
That's how I feel about this book and the story overall. I felt the writing was all over the place, which could also mean I just don't vibe with this author and that's perfectly valid. I just felt like the whole thing needed more structure because it was trying to accomplish too many things at once and it never fully delivered on anything.
Background characters were just there, I guess. None of them were interesting in the slightest. The plot twist I thought it was just kind of weird and what ensued because of it only made the pacing more tedious because it put a halt to the the relationship between the two main characters. Varys (mmc) was ok for the first half, I thought he was an interesting character up to a certain point but the more I read about him, the less interesting he was to me. And Bells (fmc), was just ok.
2.5 stars. Some portions of the book were pretty great
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