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The Tarot Kings #3

King of Cups

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'King of Cups' is the third book in a new fated mates series based in a fantasy Venice and packed with shifters, sorcerers, and sizzling romance.

Nico D’Argento has a pirate problem in the Adriatic that is only getting worse. As a general in Venice's navy, he should be above petty vendettas, but the Pirate King has robbed one ship too many, and now Nico is out for blood.

Sophia Osara wants what any Pirate King wants, to roam the seas, get a pile of booty, and harass the navy any chance she gets. She wants one prize above all, to capture Nico D'Argento and ransom the arrogant bastard back to the Republic for a premium price.

Both get more than what they bargain for when Sophia captures Nico's ship and the naval captain causes her men to mutiny.

Manacled to your worst enemy is bad enough, but when they uncover a plot for new warships powered by magic, they'll have to put their vendetta aside to stop their common enemy from bringing the Republic to its knees.

Please note, 'The Tarot Kings' is a shared world but they can be read as stand alones. They are all HEA adult fantasy romance books, containing sex scenes, violence and swearing.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 13, 2023

127 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Amy Kuivalainen

50 books432 followers
Amy is a best-selling author of fantasy, paranormal, and romance novels. After realizing she wasn't fit for academia, she channelled her passion for ancient history, magic, and mythology into her storytelling. With Amy's books, you can always expect adventure, mystery, and sizzling romance.

For those wondering, her Finnish surname is pronounced 'Quiver-lay-nen.'

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5 stars
151 (39%)
4 stars
156 (41%)
3 stars
60 (15%)
2 stars
11 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Kerry.
657 reviews22 followers
October 8, 2024
Not as good as the first two in the series, for me, just aggressively meh. I noticed quite a few grammatical errors in the kindle version that jumped out at me, which was just a minor irritant, but I wouldn't have minded so much if the story was better. I also kinda hated that he called her a sea rat the whole time, not a cute endearment at all. But that's just me!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
185 reviews9 followers
August 12, 2025
2.4 Stars
Disclaimer: Please remember that these are my opinions and if you feel differently, that’s okay. Thanks!

Notes: POV = Third person, focus alternating between Sophia and Nico
Overall: This book was a mess of rushed romance, broken world rules, and a main character who somehow got less likable the more we saw her. It tried to manufacture emotional tension, but the characters barely knew each other, barely communicated, and didn’t earn anything the book tried to give them. The magic system contradicted itself, the plot jumped through hoops for no reason, and the King of Cups symbolism was nowhere to be found. Easily the weakest of the three so far.

Main Characters: Sophia Osara (FMC) is completely unlikable. From her selfish actions to her misplaced blame and refusal to take responsibility, there is zero reason to root for her. She acts like a victim while being the aggressor and constantly makes irrational choices without consequence. Commander Nicolo D'Argento (MMC) is frustrating in the opposite way. He’s meant to be strong, commanding, and emotionally complex, but he comes off as naive and weirdly obsessed with someone who has shown no redeeming qualities. He praises her constantly while she actively tries to betray him. The balance between them never exists.

Side Characters: Zahir immediately liking Sophia was way out of character and made zero sense. Stella, Dom, and Ezra were mostly background noise. This I am devastated by because Stella and Dom were such a strong start and great first book yet we barely see them now; they would probably have made this book WAY better. Zahir’s underutilization was disappointing considering his role in the last book.

Plot/Story: Timeline inconsistencies and plot holes killed any tension. The romance arc was compressed into “about a day and a half” despite the story insisting on it being longer. She tried to sell Nico for PARTS, was caught, got made a prisoner, and yet was immediately treated with trust, freedom, and praise. Her repeated escape attempts, refusal to help, and self-righteous behavior were never challenged in any meaningful way. Meanwhile, the magical logic is bent beyond belief. She opens enchanted cuffs she shouldn’t be able to, the snakes are doing the emotional heavy lifting, and the big bads are barely present.

Romance: Lust out of nowhere. Respect and love are completely unearned. They have no real conversations, no moments of vulnerability, and absolutely no development. Nico is constantly giving Sophia credit she hasn’t earned, claiming she’s charming, strong, persuasive, or likable — but nothing in her behavior backs it up. The “you’re my everything” energy shows up in scenes where they’ve exchanged five lines of dialogue. Sex within 24 hours of attempted murder. Not romantic. Their bond comes from their snakes telling them they’re mates, not anything they build or realize together. I could actually rant about how bad this sham of a romance is but then this review would be it’s very own novel.

General: The writing constantly tells instead of shows. Tarot symbolism was absent, again. For a book titled King of Cups, there was no exploration of emotional depth, restraint, or introspection. The emotional tone was empty. Every serious moment felt rushed or disconnected. This book leaned hard into fantasy romance tropes without earning any of them. A disappointing entry that relied on plot convenience and forced chemistry over character-driven storytelling.

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Profile Image for Momo.
359 reviews150 followers
November 7, 2023
This book is everything you want from a Pirate Romance.
🏴‍☠️ Lots of action
🏴‍☠️ Fights, ship battles and magic
🏴‍☠️ Forced Proximity
🏴‍☠️ Witty FMC Pirate
🏴‍☠️ Only one horse
🏴‍☠️ Only one bed
🏴‍☠️ MMC Chasing FMC
🏴‍☠️ Lots of banter
🏴‍☠️ All mixed with magic, shifter and fated mates romance

I swear every book Amy writes is better than its predecessors. Nico and Sophia are so fun to read about, their chemistry, their attraction, their banter, and my favorite, how they communicate. I loved the chase, the witty banter, and of course, seeing the other couples and characters from the previous books. It's amazing how Amy fits a pirate story into her world, with magic and technology.

The writing as always spectacular, but the spice in this one was my favorite, especially when Sophia ran 😈. The world plot is progressing so much now and I love it. This can be read as a standalone but reading the other books gives a far better experience. I cannot wait for the next book, Arkon and the Wolf Mage. I think those two will literally explode.

Can I just say, I also want double of my weight in gold now. 🤣 And wear a long shirt with long boots all the time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Profile Image for Em.
275 reviews11 followers
Read
December 23, 2023
I loved this book! I adore how the world just keeps getting more intricate and bigger with every one.

Nico is obsessed with dealing with the pirate king. He needs to stop them from controlling the coast. He finally catches their ship and finds that Sofia is the pirate king, oh and they’re MATES! Regardless, he’s determined to hand her over/bring her back to Venice for information and makes a deal. Sofia hates Venice and all it stands for and she definitely isn’t letting the commander get the better of her… Cue hilarity, awkward situations, teasing , banter for DAYS leading to escape attempts and some explosive smexy times!

This is absolutely gold and I totally recommend it!

I loved the teasers we get for (hopefully!) Akron’s book next….
Profile Image for Victoria.
159 reviews
December 4, 2023
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 (bonus)
🌶🌶🌶/4

Welcome back to the magical Venice of dreams as we follow Nico, a general and sea beast shifter as he hunts down his nemesis: the Pirate King.

Nico is part of the foundation of Venice, the sea beast shifters have a connection to the sea goddess protecting Venice and have always been around to protect the city. Now as the head of the most powerful sea beast family and a member of the city council, not to mention a general in the Navy, it's his duty to track down the Pirate King that has been taunting our beloved Venetians for months. If only Nico had known he would be walking into the chase of his life.

This book has everything: Italian swagger, swashbuckling pirates, shifters, magic, sea battles, a badass pirate king (or should we say queen?), and chemistry so hot it's throwing off sparks. Nico has spent his life being seen and respected only for his power and family influence. Sophia has spent her life making a name for herself and making her own power. She's the first to really put him in his place and keep him on his toes, not to mention the first to NOT care about his money and family name. Her willingness to meet him at every turn (with both wit and sass) is intoxicating and provides some amazing banter, and of course leads to some steamy scenes as well.

A wonderful third installment in this ongoing venetian series, now we all get to wait for book 4 to see what is in store for the Grand Sorcerer and his nemesis the White Wolf.
Profile Image for Kylee.
473 reviews3 followers
Read
November 25, 2023
DNF - beginning chapter 8 - 25%

Definitely me, not the book.
I really enjoyed the previous 2 books but read them a while ago. I finished a series I enjoyed then jumped into this book, this book totally different vibe to what I just read and I think that's impacting my ability to get into it.
So I'm shelving for now but will definitely come back to it, may even read books 1 & 2 again so can read as series in one hit.
Profile Image for Pandora.
63 reviews
November 28, 2023
Meh...Not vicious enough

Loved the first book. The second book not as much. This book is readable but I'm having difficulty buying into it. The Commander of the royal fleet verses the Pirate King who turns out to be a woman, it sounds like a great battle of wills but the characters just seem to say "Okay" and go happily along. Call it charisma if you want but there isn't much charming. I only made it halfway through the book before I gave up waving the truce flag.
Profile Image for Avelynia Kersh.
297 reviews2 followers
December 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolved the story between Nico and Sophia! Sophia is the dangerous Pirate King and Nico is head a member of the Republic but also the commander of the Reitia that is hunting down the Pirate King. There’s forced proximity due to them being chained together and having to travel back to Venice together. The steam was great and feels explosive every time. So good!!!!
Profile Image for Lexi Ballard.
75 reviews
September 11, 2024
Just remember this is a fast-paced series and you'll enjoy this immensely.
I appreciated how the characters didn't change personalities, because sometimes in fated-mates they do. But no, they stayed true to themselves for the most part.
Also, massive plot twist!!
Can't wait for the 4th installment.
Profile Image for Alyssa Welt.
52 reviews4 followers
October 16, 2023
Amy.... how do you do this to me?! I'm OBSESSED with this seafaring masterpiece! The long anticipated King of Pirates faces off with Nico. I was super lucky to get an ARC of this book, and I can promise you, you won't want to miss this one!
Pirates, adventure, shifters, and of course sexy time.
Profile Image for Mor.
63 reviews
November 15, 2023
A Pirate's Life for Me

Amy has done it again. Nico coming out of his shell in this one had me swooning. The banter between him and Sophia was perfection. One bed, who did this to you, primal play, pirates! I loved this book and am already ready for the next one!
Profile Image for Candace P..
1,102 reviews8 followers
November 18, 2023
Nico and Sophia

I am really enjoying this series and where things are going. I can't wait for the next book!

Nico and Sophia were so much fun to read about! I loved the domineering Nico and that Sophia was such an independent person she didn't let him boss her around!
93 reviews
November 21, 2023
wow

Nico and Sophia felt kind of quick but I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers-fated mates trope so it’s a non issue. The suspense of the plot is driving me nuts! Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Maddy Max.
1,525 reviews59 followers
December 28, 2023
(3,5)

While the first book of the series, King of Swords, will stay my favorite, I have to admit that I really liked King of Cups. Nico and Sophia were great and entertaining, and I loved them!
Next up, we are FINALLY getting Arkon and the Wolf Mage's story, and I'm so excited!
Profile Image for April.
3,186 reviews14 followers
May 26, 2024
A serpent and a pirate

The battle between the Republic and the Varangians continue. Nico is called upon to find the Pirate King.
Sophia hates Nico until she doesn't.
Content warnings: excessive use of the f*** word. Sex and violence.
279 reviews
November 21, 2023
I loved this book so much! And do we wanna talk about that pet name?!?!? It made me laugh so much.
Now I need the next book ASAP
947 reviews3 followers
November 30, 2023
King of cups

This all about finding a mate and working together to save the innocent and finding a future great reading this story
Profile Image for Heather.
1,197 reviews
February 25, 2024
3.5 stars. Lots of boning, well written, fun, but the characters are either mean to each other or make stupid decisions.
Profile Image for Hold-my-beer.
620 reviews17 followers
April 22, 2024
It was ok. Nothing was particularly bad or off putting about this story, Nico was your typical perfection of a hero and Sophia was your typical sNArKy & fEiStY heroine.
Profile Image for Veronika B.
298 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2024
I read all the new and unfinished books, including those by Alessa Thorn and Amy Kuivalainen, during my holidays because they are short and sexy. This is one of them.
In King of Cups, we return to the magical world of Venice of Dreams as we follow Nico, a general and sea beast shifter, as he hunts down his nemesis: the Pirate King.

Nico is the foundation of Venice. The sea beast shifters have a connection to the sea goddess, and they have always been there to protect the city. As the head of the most powerful sea beast family and a member of the city council, not to mention a general in the Navy, he is duty-bound to track down the Pirate King who has been taunting our beloved Venetians for months.

Nico has spent his life being seen and respected for one reason and one reason only: his power and family influence. Sophia has spent her life carving out a name for herself and amassing power. She's the first to really put him in his place and keep him on his toes. She's also the first to show she doesn't care about his money and family name. Her willingness to meet him at every turn (with both wit and sass) is intoxicating and provides some amazing banter, and of course leads to some steamy scenes as well.

Ultimately, it was an enjoyable read, but nothing more. This mating thing was too fast. I didn't understand what happened in the story. Nevertheless, we got more and more information about the war and what happens with the magical prisoners.

I disliked the characters because they are annoying. I’m giving it three stars and will continue the series, because I need to find out more about the Wolf Mage, as well as what is truly going on with the Varangians and war mages.

Profile Image for Jessisfullybooked.
184 reviews19 followers
December 9, 2023
Nico and The Pirate King's story has official been dubbed as a new favourite. How Amy continues to top other couples in this series blows my mind 👏

Shifters, mates and shenanigans... oh my!!
The banter, situations and appearances of our favourite Venician magicians deliver a star studded romantasy read. I honestly read this novella(plus a few more pages) in one sitting and it was PURE JOY.

Whatever they put in the water needs to be bottled. Because this is the ultimate!
Bravo!
Profile Image for Jessisfullybooked.
184 reviews19 followers
November 14, 2023
Nico and The Pirate King's story has official been dubbed as a new favourite. How Amy continues to top other couples in this series blows my mind 👏

Shifters, mates and shenanigans... oh my!!
The banter, situations and appearances of our favourite Venician magicians deliver a star studded romantasy read. I honestly read this novella(plus a few more pages) in one sitting and it was PURE JOY.

Whatever they put in the water needs to be bottled. Because this is the ultimate!
Bravo!

Profile Image for Nil.
88 reviews
November 3, 2024
High Seas Shenanigans

Another great addition to the Tarot Kings series. Nico seems to have lost all his military prowess when he finally sets sail to tangle with the Pirate King. Amy has created such a fun & spicy tale here. Nico meets his nemesis & sparks fly. All our favorite characters from the previous books drop by too. If you like enemies to lovers, forced proximity, one bed, magic, mayhem, fates mates & swashbuckling sexy times this is perfect for you.
Profile Image for Monica.
86 reviews
February 8, 2024
Two feral, seafaring hotties collide and absolute chaos ensues. I love this world and the magic of both our full cast of characters and Venice. The enemies-to-lovers trope is always a favorite of mine, and Amy consistently aces it with angst, tension, and the swoon-worthy romance.

Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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