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Court of Pain #1
Fool Me Once
The king of the Court of Love wants me dead, the queen wants me in her bed, and the prince… He wants the only piece of me I will never surrender.
They call me jester, dancer, trickster, lover.
I exist to entertain.
But behind my sideways smiles, my quick hands and magicians tricks, I trade in their lies, their secrets. I know their deepest desires, their wicked schemes. Their sins are my currency.
The Court of Love is a card castle, and I hold the card that’s about to bring it all down.
And they say I’m the fool…
*
Fool Me Once is a dark MM fantasy brimming with courtly spice, morally ambiguous anti-heroes, and a fool who plays them all.
This is a dark world with adult content. For triggers, please see the author's website.
They call me jester, dancer, trickster, lover.
I exist to entertain.
But behind my sideways smiles, my quick hands and magicians tricks, I trade in their lies, their secrets. I know their deepest desires, their wicked schemes. Their sins are my currency.
The Court of Love is a card castle, and I hold the card that’s about to bring it all down.
And they say I’m the fool…
*
Fool Me Once is a dark MM fantasy brimming with courtly spice, morally ambiguous anti-heroes, and a fool who plays them all.
This is a dark world with adult content. For triggers, please see the author's website.
Unknown Binding
First published March 3, 2023
366 people are currently reading
5000 people want to read
About the author
Ariana Nash
51 books2,241 followersBorn to wolves, Ariana Nash only ventures from the Cornish moors when the moon is fat and the night alive with myths and legends. She captures those myths in glass jars and returning home, weaves them into stories filled with forbidden desires, fantasy realms, and wicked delights.
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
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October 21, 2023(UPDATE to trigger warnings - see my website).
UPDATED COVERS!!
Enemies to lovers? ✔
Hate sex? ✔
Pin the hero to a wall with a knife at his throat? ✔
Villain lifts male lead's chin? ✔
Fight or fuck? ✔
Triggers that are too hot for Amazon's ban-bots? ✔
The best angsty bois? ✔
I hate him but touch him and you die? ✔
A bad guy that makes Joffrey look cute? ✔
A court jester who plays them all like fools? ✔
ALL THE FEELS? ✔
This one's gonna hurt, but I heard you guys like pain, so...
Click to listen to the Spotify Playlist here.
For triggers, see my website here.
Dark is subjective, but there is content in this book that is highly likely to be triggering for some, so please do take a look at the warnings if you're concerned.
UPDATED COVERS!!
Enemies to lovers? ✔
Hate sex? ✔
Pin the hero to a wall with a knife at his throat? ✔
Villain lifts male lead's chin? ✔
Fight or fuck? ✔
Triggers that are too hot for Amazon's ban-bots? ✔
The best angsty bois? ✔
I hate him but touch him and you die? ✔
A bad guy that makes Joffrey look cute? ✔
A court jester who plays them all like fools? ✔
ALL THE FEELS? ✔
This one's gonna hurt, but I heard you guys like pain, so...
Click to listen to the Spotify Playlist here.
For triggers, see my website here.
Dark is subjective, but there is content in this book that is highly likely to be triggering for some, so please do take a look at the warnings if you're concerned.
October 28, 2023
2.5/5
Oh man. I went from loving this book to wanting to throw my kindle out my window. I liked the beginning, but after that, the situation for the two main characters, instead of improving and going in a better direction, went literally as far away from it as possible. I know there will be the second book, but damn. I just wanted them to be together or something.
The book has a double point of view, Lark and the Prince of Love. Lark is the jester in the Court of Love, but that's just his cover because he's there for a reason. I don’t want to write spoilers here, but the the plot is basically a big lie. There’s a lot of secrets, lies and mysteries which momentarily made my head spin. If you are looking for a romance fantasy, well, I wouldn’t recommend it as the romance part is kinda lacking here. Everything in this book is against our two main characters to be together, so kinda frustrating. I hope the next book will be heavier on the romance part because I need them to be together. Happy together.
The whole setting of the world was really great. I liked that the world was divided into courts, Love, War, Pain, and Justice court. But, the political part was a mess.
I couldn’t understand the fact that the villain - the kind of the Pain court- killed and destroyed everyone and everything in his proximity, but they still didn’t killed him, even though they had a chance? More than once.
I’m still contemplating if I will read the next book, but I probably will. I need to see Lark and the Prince of Love together. Nice addition would be if everyone died and left them alone too.
Oh man. I went from loving this book to wanting to throw my kindle out my window. I liked the beginning, but after that, the situation for the two main characters, instead of improving and going in a better direction, went literally as far away from it as possible. I know there will be the second book, but damn. I just wanted them to be together or something.
The book has a double point of view, Lark and the Prince of Love. Lark is the jester in the Court of Love, but that's just his cover because he's there for a reason. I don’t want to write spoilers here, but the the plot is basically a big lie. There’s a lot of secrets, lies and mysteries which momentarily made my head spin. If you are looking for a romance fantasy, well, I wouldn’t recommend it as the romance part is kinda lacking here. Everything in this book is against our two main characters to be together, so kinda frustrating. I hope the next book will be heavier on the romance part because I need them to be together. Happy together.
"He did own me. But not all of me. Not my heart. Another owned that. A prince made of honey and sunshine. I swallowed."
“My Lark… My beautiful lie.” I looked at my hands. Why did everything I touch fall apart?"
The whole setting of the world was really great. I liked that the world was divided into courts, Love, War, Pain, and Justice court. But, the political part was a mess.
I couldn’t understand the fact that the villain - the kind of the Pain court- killed and destroyed everyone and everything in his proximity, but they still didn’t killed him, even though they had a chance? More than once.
I’m still contemplating if I will read the next book, but I probably will. I need to see Lark and the Prince of Love together. Nice addition would be if everyone died and left them alone too.
October 19, 2023
I was provided an e-copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Dark vibe
✅ Betrayals and twists
✅ Sexual tension
✅ Hate/love dynamic and kind of hate sex
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Politics and lies
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Pace and plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: physical torture, violence, attempted suicide and mention of suicide, dubious consent (on-page), non-consensual sex and incest (off-page), and knife play.
❗️❗️Kind of cliffhanger
Strong 4.5 stars
Lark is the Court of Love’s jester, the fool, the entertainer overlooked yet admired at the same time by everyone. Lark specializes in secrets and manipulation, and after 4 years of work, he is finally about to bring down the Court of love. Arin is the Court’s prince, the one who is barely ever seen, and who is trying to save his court from behind the scenes. With the Court of Pain threatening the Court of Love, Prince Arin’s work is more important than ever, but to save his court, he will first need to figure out Lark’s secrets, and if he can trust him to a certain point or not.
The world-building is fairly simple: 4 courts are meant to rule together to ensure an equilibrium is kept, but of course, greed comes in, and while some courts are happy to keep what they have and rule their lands, others are scheming to overthrow their neighbors and gain more power. While the world-building is simple, each court that was depicted in the book had its vibe, and the writing was immersive, allowing us to feel the magic and aloofness of the Court of Love, the despair and ruthlessness of the Court of Pain, or the pride and fire of the Court of War.
This book has a dark vibe, but with a little touch of romanticism and magic. There are a lot of trigger warnings, so make sure to read those before starting the book, but as usual, the author handled these heavy themes well. They were a part of the story and they were there for a reason, not just to shock the readers and add some gore and drama to the plot.
Politics are a crucial part of the plot, and I love that I couldn’t figure out with 100% certainty if someone was going to betray the other and how, until it inevitably happened. There is also a higher level of angst in the second half of the book, and the pace and plot pick up after the 50% mark. I adored the first half, but I just flew through the second half without taking a break.
Lark knows that his entire mission, his place in the Court of love, and his safety all rely on his reputation and the image he projects. He’s constantly weaving illusions and lies around him, but what he didn’t realize is that Prince Arin saw through his lies and illusions long ago. Lark has a dark past, and I like how the author hinted at it from the start, but revealed bits and pieces of it as the story progressed. It allowed Lark to keep his mysterious aura, but at the same time, it allowed us to understand him a little better each time new information was revealed.
Arin seemed more straightforward and predictable than Lark at first, but we quickly realize that there is more to him than a Prince hiding in his rooms. He knows much more than Lark thought, and Arin has been playing the game of politics behind his father’s back. There was a lot of push and pull between Lark and him because there was a lot of attraction mixed with mistrust, and I can’t wait to see what other secrets he is hiding.
Arin and Lark have a complex relationship that reminded me a little of Eroan and Lysander in their debut (Silk & Steel), or Niko and Vasili (King of the Dark). They officially are enemies, but they don’t want to hurt each other, and more than that, they are attracted to each other, and can’t seem to keep their hands off each other.
I am really hoping for Lark and Arin to get their happy ending, but honestly, I am not sure how it can happen with the situation they are in right now… But I trust the author not to betray us in the end and to give us the happy ending we want for them both. In typical Ariana Nash fashion, she puts her characters through misery, but that is also the reason I love her books so much: the tension, the angst, and all that darkness that will (hopefully) eventually lead to light and happiness.
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✅ Dark vibe
✅ Betrayals and twists
✅ Sexual tension
✅ Hate/love dynamic and kind of hate sex
✅ Morally grey characters
✅ Politics and lies
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Pace and plot
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: physical torture, violence, attempted suicide and mention of suicide, dubious consent (on-page), non-consensual sex and incest (off-page), and knife play.
❗️❗️Kind of cliffhanger
Strong 4.5 stars
The king of the Court of Love wants me dead, the queen wants me in her bed, and the prince… He wants the only piece of me I will never surrender.
Lark is the Court of Love’s jester, the fool, the entertainer overlooked yet admired at the same time by everyone. Lark specializes in secrets and manipulation, and after 4 years of work, he is finally about to bring down the Court of love. Arin is the Court’s prince, the one who is barely ever seen, and who is trying to save his court from behind the scenes. With the Court of Pain threatening the Court of Love, Prince Arin’s work is more important than ever, but to save his court, he will first need to figure out Lark’s secrets, and if he can trust him to a certain point or not.
The world-building is fairly simple: 4 courts are meant to rule together to ensure an equilibrium is kept, but of course, greed comes in, and while some courts are happy to keep what they have and rule their lands, others are scheming to overthrow their neighbors and gain more power. While the world-building is simple, each court that was depicted in the book had its vibe, and the writing was immersive, allowing us to feel the magic and aloofness of the Court of Love, the despair and ruthlessness of the Court of Pain, or the pride and fire of the Court of War.
Gossip was another weapon in my arsenal, just so long as it danced to my tune.
This book has a dark vibe, but with a little touch of romanticism and magic. There are a lot of trigger warnings, so make sure to read those before starting the book, but as usual, the author handled these heavy themes well. They were a part of the story and they were there for a reason, not just to shock the readers and add some gore and drama to the plot.
Politics are a crucial part of the plot, and I love that I couldn’t figure out with 100% certainty if someone was going to betray the other and how, until it inevitably happened. There is also a higher level of angst in the second half of the book, and the pace and plot pick up after the 50% mark. I adored the first half, but I just flew through the second half without taking a break.
Jesters did not marry princes, and fools could never be heroes. But I dealt in the currency of dreams. And here, in this moment, I had more power than any king.
Lark knows that his entire mission, his place in the Court of love, and his safety all rely on his reputation and the image he projects. He’s constantly weaving illusions and lies around him, but what he didn’t realize is that Prince Arin saw through his lies and illusions long ago. Lark has a dark past, and I like how the author hinted at it from the start, but revealed bits and pieces of it as the story progressed. It allowed Lark to keep his mysterious aura, but at the same time, it allowed us to understand him a little better each time new information was revealed.
Hm, the Prince Behind the Door had teeth. He truly did know pain, and that made him a formidable ally, and a worthy enemy.
Arin seemed more straightforward and predictable than Lark at first, but we quickly realize that there is more to him than a Prince hiding in his rooms. He knows much more than Lark thought, and Arin has been playing the game of politics behind his father’s back. There was a lot of push and pull between Lark and him because there was a lot of attraction mixed with mistrust, and I can’t wait to see what other secrets he is hiding.
“I want you to know”— My jaw brushed his cheek, stubble scratching—“ The prince I was before, the one you met on your first day, he would have loved you with all his heart.”
Arin and Lark have a complex relationship that reminded me a little of Eroan and Lysander in their debut (Silk & Steel), or Niko and Vasili (King of the Dark). They officially are enemies, but they don’t want to hurt each other, and more than that, they are attracted to each other, and can’t seem to keep their hands off each other.
I’d danced for Arin as though it was my last performance, and played the fiddle fearing that chance was also my last. Music was my sanctuary, dance, my soul. And I’d known this night would be my end. But I hadn’t expected its final blow to come from Arin.
I am really hoping for Lark and Arin to get their happy ending, but honestly, I am not sure how it can happen with the situation they are in right now… But I trust the author not to betray us in the end and to give us the happy ending we want for them both. In typical Ariana Nash fashion, she puts her characters through misery, but that is also the reason I love her books so much: the tension, the angst, and all that darkness that will (hopefully) eventually lead to light and happiness.
"Two sides of that same coin, pain and love. Surely, one did not exist without the other."
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May 6, 2023
✰ 4 stars ✰
“Orphan boys didn’t get happy endings. Not in this court. Jesters did not marry princes, and fools could never be heroes. But I dealt in the currency of dreams. And here, in this moment, I had more power than any king.”
There were a few moments there where I found myself comparing Fool Me Once with Captive Prince, what with the whole magical political intrigue and enemies to lovers vibe. 🃏🃏 But after awhile, it slowly gained momentum and steadily grew on me as both MMCs get embroiled in a political upheaval that would undoubtedly topple the foundation of the four core magical courts that control their kingdom.
I'm starting to feel so silly when I begin a latest release by an author very much already popular in the MM genre; but, suffice to say, Ariana Nash's writing is incredible - such fine attention to detail, crisp dialogue, seamless transitions between action scenes and quiet moments. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 The world-building was exquisite and unique with so many well-layered facets to it, that I was starting to believe such a world existed! There was a whimsical flair to how she described Lark's varying personalities, and how she would somehow subdue the tone when shifting to Arin's POV. ✨✨ The shift in POV was so craftily done that it just flowed with the overall tempo of the plot. And the cover is absolutely gorgeous!!! 😍😍 It's certainly one of the reasons that tempted me to check this book out!
“Hate was the fuel, and lust the spark, and now there was no stopping this inferno.”
For four years, Arin and Lark have exchanged letters through communication via the slip of the door, without ever having met each other. And when they finally do meet, it's anything but a bed of roses. But, that's what makes their attraction for each other all the more desirable - how the sparks instantly flare to life on such devilish whims! The sexual tension was so intense - playing with the allusion that it was devoid of any real feeling, but still passionate enough for want. Lark, 'the dancer, the lover, the fool', knows his skills - knows what he's capable of. He's charismatic, defiant, a jester of hearts, refusing to allow anyone to pity him - but for Arin, to see him, for what he really is, to know the man underneath the guise he shows to the palace, flaws and all, jars him to his core. 🥺🥺 For all his flighty flairs, his flirty dynamics, his grandiose attitude - he's still just someone searching for someone to love him, as he is.
“Princes made of honey and sunshine did not want creatures with darkness in their heart.”
To have something real - a relationship based on mutual love and feeling, is unbeknownst to Lark. He's never felt he's worthy of anything, always so mistreated both in his own family and in this court. His whole life has been a ruse - a puppet in someone else's play - it's only Arin, so hell-bent to find a way back to Lark is what makes this such a fiercely gripping read- and with an ending like that! I ABHOR Razak - like seriously, get him away from me and Lark! 😠😠 It's beyond creepy and horrid and just so terrible that my heart aches for Lark and everything he's experienced at the hands of his half-brother that I just want to claw my way into the book and rip Razak apart- he better get what's coming to him!
“What I am? Devilishly handsome? Blisteringly intelligent?” I examined my nails. “The subject of your dreams?”
“If I were to dream of you, Fool, those dreams would not end well.”
“My name is Lark. I hope you don’t mind my reminding you, as you appear to have forgotten.”
“You’re nothing.”
I loved the banter - like, seriously, it was sizzling and so on-point with the back and forth! 🔥 🔥 Lark and Arin bring out the best and worst in each other - to see them play off each other when they're together and even apart is both heart-breaking and captivating! 🥰🥰 'The prince and the fool, with bars between us' - they both have their secret agendas, intentions they keep hidden from the other, but one thing they can't deny is that there is something between them - some level of understanding that seems so natural to them.
“Lark, I see you.”
He smiled but his brow furrowed at the same time, muddying his expression. “Of course you do.”
“No, I see you. The real you— the man you try to hide.”
“I rather wish you didn’t. I’m nothing special beneath the lies.”
Arin, the Prince of the Court of Love, was such a sweetheart - I loved how much that even after Lark supposedly betrayed the kingdom, his traitorous heart still cared for the well-being of 'his beautiful lie'. I loved his determination, his zeal to do what's right, his commitment to the throne and his undivided loyalty to his people. 💕💕 I loved that Lark brings out his primal desires that he keeps buried for so long - lights a fire in him that he can't deny no matter how much he tries - how he's silently pined for him for so long, only to have him slip away from his grasp, as quickly as he came into it.
I don't know what role Draven will play for their future - honestly, it scares me that is this dark romance duology heading in a direction I'm not too particularly fond of. (iykyk) With political strife on the rise, and with the stakes high amassing much more danger and intrigue, I hope more than anything that our couple gets the HEA that they so much deserve, devoid of pain or further harm on either side. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
“Orphan boys didn’t get happy endings. Not in this court. Jesters did not marry princes, and fools could never be heroes. But I dealt in the currency of dreams. And here, in this moment, I had more power than any king.”
There were a few moments there where I found myself comparing Fool Me Once with Captive Prince, what with the whole magical political intrigue and enemies to lovers vibe. 🃏🃏 But after awhile, it slowly gained momentum and steadily grew on me as both MMCs get embroiled in a political upheaval that would undoubtedly topple the foundation of the four core magical courts that control their kingdom.
I'm starting to feel so silly when I begin a latest release by an author very much already popular in the MM genre; but, suffice to say, Ariana Nash's writing is incredible - such fine attention to detail, crisp dialogue, seamless transitions between action scenes and quiet moments. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 The world-building was exquisite and unique with so many well-layered facets to it, that I was starting to believe such a world existed! There was a whimsical flair to how she described Lark's varying personalities, and how she would somehow subdue the tone when shifting to Arin's POV. ✨✨ The shift in POV was so craftily done that it just flowed with the overall tempo of the plot. And the cover is absolutely gorgeous!!! 😍😍 It's certainly one of the reasons that tempted me to check this book out!
“Hate was the fuel, and lust the spark, and now there was no stopping this inferno.”
For four years, Arin and Lark have exchanged letters through communication via the slip of the door, without ever having met each other. And when they finally do meet, it's anything but a bed of roses. But, that's what makes their attraction for each other all the more desirable - how the sparks instantly flare to life on such devilish whims! The sexual tension was so intense - playing with the allusion that it was devoid of any real feeling, but still passionate enough for want. Lark, 'the dancer, the lover, the fool', knows his skills - knows what he's capable of. He's charismatic, defiant, a jester of hearts, refusing to allow anyone to pity him - but for Arin, to see him, for what he really is, to know the man underneath the guise he shows to the palace, flaws and all, jars him to his core. 🥺🥺 For all his flighty flairs, his flirty dynamics, his grandiose attitude - he's still just someone searching for someone to love him, as he is.
“Princes made of honey and sunshine did not want creatures with darkness in their heart.”
To have something real - a relationship based on mutual love and feeling, is unbeknownst to Lark. He's never felt he's worthy of anything, always so mistreated both in his own family and in this court. His whole life has been a ruse - a puppet in someone else's play - it's only Arin, so hell-bent to find a way back to Lark is what makes this such a fiercely gripping read- and with an ending like that! I ABHOR Razak - like seriously, get him away from me and Lark! 😠😠 It's beyond creepy and horrid and just so terrible that my heart aches for Lark and everything he's experienced at the hands of his half-brother that I just want to claw my way into the book and rip Razak apart- he better get what's coming to him!
“What I am? Devilishly handsome? Blisteringly intelligent?” I examined my nails. “The subject of your dreams?”
“If I were to dream of you, Fool, those dreams would not end well.”
“My name is Lark. I hope you don’t mind my reminding you, as you appear to have forgotten.”
“You’re nothing.”
I loved the banter - like, seriously, it was sizzling and so on-point with the back and forth! 🔥 🔥 Lark and Arin bring out the best and worst in each other - to see them play off each other when they're together and even apart is both heart-breaking and captivating! 🥰🥰 'The prince and the fool, with bars between us' - they both have their secret agendas, intentions they keep hidden from the other, but one thing they can't deny is that there is something between them - some level of understanding that seems so natural to them.
“Lark, I see you.”
He smiled but his brow furrowed at the same time, muddying his expression. “Of course you do.”
“No, I see you. The real you— the man you try to hide.”
“I rather wish you didn’t. I’m nothing special beneath the lies.”
Arin, the Prince of the Court of Love, was such a sweetheart - I loved how much that even after Lark supposedly betrayed the kingdom, his traitorous heart still cared for the well-being of 'his beautiful lie'. I loved his determination, his zeal to do what's right, his commitment to the throne and his undivided loyalty to his people. 💕💕 I loved that Lark brings out his primal desires that he keeps buried for so long - lights a fire in him that he can't deny no matter how much he tries - how he's silently pined for him for so long, only to have him slip away from his grasp, as quickly as he came into it.
I don't know what role Draven will play for their future - honestly, it scares me that is this dark romance duology heading in a direction I'm not too particularly fond of. (iykyk) With political strife on the rise, and with the stakes high amassing much more danger and intrigue, I hope more than anything that our couple gets the HEA that they so much deserve, devoid of pain or further harm on either side. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
March 15, 2023
“I hated him, who he was, what he’d done. But I also understood him, perhaps more than he understood himself. And the truth? He was my enemy, and I knew that. It really was that simple. The only thing I didn’t know was why.
A dark fantasy about a jester secretly wreaking havoc upon his court (for reasons….) can’t not be entertaining. This entire book was pretty wild, and the constant thrill of betrayal certainly kept things very high-stakes. I never knew who I could trust; even the main romance threw me for a loop more than once…
Lark was a really peculiar protagonist. Over the span of the entire book I went from being amused by him, to hating him, to pitying him, to finally really loving him. The rollercoaster of emotions evoked by each plot twist ensured that I was always engaged, constantly vying for new pieces of information that would make sense of Lark and his true self hidden deep beneath his carefully curated persona. Lark initially reads as an antihero—cocky to a fault, and uncaring towards the feelings of others—though this flimsy image slowly begins to crumble as he begins to rediscover his true self through Arin and the Court of Love.
The last third of Fool Me Once really blew me away. I was sure the plotline involving Razak’s crowns didn’t interest me in comparison to Arin’s story, but once everything came together for a truly explosive climax, I was proven wrong yet again. The vast scope of dramatic events unfolding all at once had me flipping pages like a madwoman, desperate to find out who would make it out alive, and at what cost. The setting of this grand finale was also gorgeous; I adored picturing the vast sand dunes of the Court of War, with a castle like Egyptian architecture or a museum exhibit. The romance trajectory also left me really curious… I haven’t seen other reviewers mention it yet, but I suspect we might have a future throuple between Lark, Arin and Draven.
As I mentioned before, Fool Me Once is a really dark book. If you think you might need to look at the trigger warnings, I’d definitely suggest doing so! I’m a big fan of darker fantasy, and still found myself taken aback by some of the scenes that played out after the first third of the book (either because I’d never read anything like them in general, or not in as much detail as here). Nash did an amazing job ensuring tensions ran high throughout this entire book; that climax and ending sequence was phenomenal. I seriously can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel when it releases!!
Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an arc!
April 28, 2024
This was sooooooooo good!!!
March 3, 2023
I took my time over Fool Me Once because I read those warnings and knew I was in for a rough time.
This book is simultaneously dark, dangerous, and sad, but also beautiful, lush, and romantic.
So many dark themes, so please pay attention. Left on a cliffhanger, and I just don't know how Lark and Arin get a happy ending, but they deserve it after all that pain.
It made me think of Silk&Steel. The plot is twisty with something lurking under the surface. Razak is just... I have no words.
Like I said, dark, so please check out those warnings, some are: a LOT of violence, attempted suicide, and non-con. Those weren't in there for shock value, they are a crucial part of the story and were handled well.
Fool Me Once is going to sit in my brain for a while. The imagery of it is just beautiful and I need Lark to be okay in the end. He's done some bad things, he's going to do more, but he's tragic and needs love. I think Arin can be that for him.
This book is simultaneously dark, dangerous, and sad, but also beautiful, lush, and romantic.
So many dark themes, so please pay attention. Left on a cliffhanger, and I just don't know how Lark and Arin get a happy ending, but they deserve it after all that pain.
It made me think of Silk&Steel. The plot is twisty with something lurking under the surface. Razak is just... I have no words.
Like I said, dark, so please check out those warnings, some are: a LOT of violence, attempted suicide, and non-con. Those weren't in there for shock value, they are a crucial part of the story and were handled well.
Fool Me Once is going to sit in my brain for a while. The imagery of it is just beautiful and I need Lark to be okay in the end. He's done some bad things, he's going to do more, but he's tragic and needs love. I think Arin can be that for him.
February 24, 2025
4.25**** stars
So many fools, so many webs of lies, so many secrets, they’re all playing each other. My head is confused and so is my heart. I don’t know who or what to root for and have no idea where this is going. But I love it.
And somehow I think my moral compass is broken because even after everything I hope the villain of it all shows some redeeming qualities after all.
************
Court of Pain Duet
Book 1 - Fool Me Once - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Fool Me Twice - 3.5 stars
So many fools, so many webs of lies, so many secrets, they’re all playing each other. My head is confused and so is my heart. I don’t know who or what to root for and have no idea where this is going. But I love it.
And then he was gone, asleep. He really did look innocent and vulnerable like this. “I’m sorry, Lark…” I whispered. “For everything you’ve endured, and for the pain yet to come.”
♛♛♛
He put up a show of struggling, but when his gaze met mine, he smiled, and it was the same smile I’d feared for most of my life, the smile that followed me into my nightmares. The smile that said he’d won.
And somehow I think my moral compass is broken because even after everything I hope the villain of it all shows some redeeming qualities after all.
************
Court of Pain Duet
Book 1 - Fool Me Once - 4.25 stars
Book 2 - Fool Me Twice - 3.5 stars
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May 23, 2024I'm still deciding how I will rate this. I am reading the second book now and will review after I finish that.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book. This book reminded me a bit of something else (in a good way) and I think it made me recognize that I like it when characters lie. They lie to other characters for some reason or another, but they also sort of lie to themselves.
As a reader, I am left to wonder what is true and what is not and I've realized that I really enjoy that when it is done well, such as it was done in this book.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book. This book reminded me a bit of something else (in a good way) and I think it made me recognize that I like it when characters lie. They lie to other characters for some reason or another, but they also sort of lie to themselves.
As a reader, I am left to wonder what is true and what is not and I've realized that I really enjoy that when it is done well, such as it was done in this book.
March 18, 2023
3.75
I loved the relationship and the dark themes but sometimes the characters would make decisions that were so silly i couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the lack of self preservation. The entire book The villain is just freely waking around why is no one breaking this mans legs?
I loved the relationship and the dark themes but sometimes the characters would make decisions that were so silly i couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the lack of self preservation. The entire book The villain is just freely waking around why is no one breaking this mans legs?
May 18, 2023
An Ariana Nash book that makes me feel disappointed? Might be due to my current mood or because I'm in a bit of reading slump but nevertheless there are reasons why I feel that way.
On the one side she weaves her usual dark magic by throwing her MCs into a pit of angst boosted by abuse, deceit, rape, torture and even a suicide attempt and there's also her kind of twisted e2l that can only be explained by passionate madness or lunatic fervor, something illogical and unhealthy on a first and probably also second view but compelling and inevitable on a deeper level. The fantasy world with its 4 different courts vaguely resembling seasonal fae courts without their magic makes a fitting background.
However all those Nash ingredients for a dark fantasy fail this time. It's not so much because of the constructed setup of that world although Nash seemed to care less of an inert plausibility and refuse to show necessary details to make it more complete. There is no explanation why a supposed deity believed a split of the land in 4 courts, one of love, one of war, one of justice and another one of pain, is going to bring harmony and balance or why together with that split the inhabitants also became more or less a stereotype of their court name. While there's also this strange impression that each court consists only of a castle and a nearby town and that they are not far away from the other but nevertheless have a complete different climate and scenery, my main issue is with one of the MC: Arin, the prince of Love. He pretends to care about his people, his court, believes again and again that he has what makes him a good prince and ruler but everything he is, is a spoiled noble, overrating himself and driven only by a childish vengefulness and his mad passion for Lark, the spy from the court of Pain.
What's saving Fool Me Once from a 2 star rating is Lark (if you like Nash's version of a twisted hero who's victim and forced bad guy) and Razak, prince of Pain, one of the best villains Nash created, a ruthless psychopath and cold-blooded schemer, brutal but with a mind that's as brilliant as it's lunatic.
On the one side she weaves her usual dark magic by throwing her MCs into a pit of angst boosted by abuse, deceit, rape, torture and even a suicide attempt and there's also her kind of twisted e2l that can only be explained by passionate madness or lunatic fervor, something illogical and unhealthy on a first and probably also second view but compelling and inevitable on a deeper level. The fantasy world with its 4 different courts vaguely resembling seasonal fae courts without their magic makes a fitting background.
However all those Nash ingredients for a dark fantasy fail this time. It's not so much because of the constructed setup of that world although Nash seemed to care less of an inert plausibility and refuse to show necessary details to make it more complete. There is no explanation why a supposed deity believed a split of the land in 4 courts, one of love, one of war, one of justice and another one of pain, is going to bring harmony and balance or why together with that split the inhabitants also became more or less a stereotype of their court name. While there's also this strange impression that each court consists only of a castle and a nearby town and that they are not far away from the other but nevertheless have a complete different climate and scenery, my main issue is with one of the MC: Arin, the prince of Love. He pretends to care about his people, his court, believes again and again that he has what makes him a good prince and ruler but everything he is, is a spoiled noble, overrating himself and driven only by a childish vengefulness and his mad passion for Lark, the spy from the court of Pain.
What's saving Fool Me Once from a 2 star rating is Lark (if you like Nash's version of a twisted hero who's victim and forced bad guy) and Razak, prince of Pain, one of the best villains Nash created, a ruthless psychopath and cold-blooded schemer, brutal but with a mind that's as brilliant as it's lunatic.
March 3, 2023
I didn’t read the trigger warnings for this but if you are reader who does have triggers I think it would be good idea to check them out prior to reading as there is some sensitive content especially in regards to self harm.
This one took a long while for me to get into but the second half was more engaging with a fair bit of action, red wedding style. There is a classic Ariana Nash twisty plot with lots of betrayal, tricks and lies. I’m probably a bit jaded but I felt like I could see most of these coming however maybe I have just read too many of this authors books. She does what she does very well but I’d love something a bit different! I wish I’d been more invested in the relationship here. If you love her other work this is very true to it and reminded me a lot of her Prince’s Assassin series in particular.
This is a duology but Ariana Nash is a speedy writer and book 2 is meant to be not far away. This doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but things are ..rather tense.
I received this as a digital ARC and my opinion is my own.
This one took a long while for me to get into but the second half was more engaging with a fair bit of action, red wedding style. There is a classic Ariana Nash twisty plot with lots of betrayal, tricks and lies. I’m probably a bit jaded but I felt like I could see most of these coming however maybe I have just read too many of this authors books. She does what she does very well but I’d love something a bit different! I wish I’d been more invested in the relationship here. If you love her other work this is very true to it and reminded me a lot of her Prince’s Assassin series in particular.
This is a duology but Ariana Nash is a speedy writer and book 2 is meant to be not far away. This doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but things are ..rather tense.
I received this as a digital ARC and my opinion is my own.
March 10, 2023
“Lark, I see you.”
He smiled but his brow furrowed at the same time, muddying his expression. “Of course you do.”
“No, I see you. The real you— the man you try to hide.”
“I rather wish you didn’t. I’m nothing special beneath the lies.” He stared at the hazy sun.
You already know the drill, a new fantasy world, a dark story, enemies to lovers and Ariana Nash is always an easy 5 stars for me. And luckily, this wasn’t the expectation and I hope I never find one because there are just a few authors that can get me hooked with almost all their releases.
I really liked that the other courts were already included in the story, with different levels of involvement, and weren’t just named. Because secondary characters, and shipping them (got to be honest lol), is one the things I enjoy the most in fantasy series. To keep this review spoiler free I won't mention who were my favorites, that I wish aren't some backstabbing snakes or kill in the worst way possible. With this author you never know.
Generally, I don't care how many POVs or in which person the story is written. But here, I think that having both Lark and Arin’s POV was a wise choice. Knowing how both their minds worked and seeing how, in different ways, they were trying to figure out their feelings. I wouldn’t say it’s a slow burn per se but it doesn’t follow a typical relationship development. Lark’s personality stood out the most in my opinion, it made me laugh even in the worst situations.
Every new dark fantasy series by Ariana Nash is a must for me. And luckily this one wasn't the exception. Can’t wait to read the next installment and see if I was right about some characters!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a free and honest review*
November 8, 2023
This kept me engaged but was a real mess in many ways. Every scene was like when little kids play pretend and keep changing the rules to one up each other “Well I’m immune to whatever because I’m secretly this” “Well I double triple quadruple crossed you and only pretended I didn’t know.” It got real tedious, especially when the rules of the government and social circles were unclear. “Well I’m a quintuple agent.”
The government and world were also ill-defined and inconsistent. You travel between “courts” designated by an ancient deity (but no one seems religious) where 100% of people are dedicated to whatever name of the court they are under (court of love are just banging all over the castle every night). Every court has a unique ecosystem but letters and travel seems to occur in about a day.
They are separate except whenever you disagree with someone you bring in Justice, unless you feel like killing or imprisoning them in-house and not bringing in Justice?
And the Court of War loves violence but zero characters are ever violent and repeatedly defer to Justice for peaceful resolutions for no clear reason.
There’s lack of definition or internal consistency beyond “Justice requires evidence except this one character for helpful plot reasons,” “War loves wine and gym days,” “Pain are just big ol meanies and some of them are rapists.”
The stakes are unclear most of the book, then the big baddie just starts murdering entire countries (which are possibly like 100 people or 1 million? I don’t know there’s no structure or rules to what a “court” is).
Also the big baddie burns down a palace and takes a crown so THE ENTIRE COUNTRY evacuates? Sorry did 100% of the country live in 1 palace? At a bunch of points going into town is referenced and it keeps making clear the only things the big bad did was burn the palace and take the crown. What are we doing here?
Don’t try to make your story 90% political/palace intrigue when there’s not even a clear political system.
The government and world were also ill-defined and inconsistent. You travel between “courts” designated by an ancient deity (but no one seems religious) where 100% of people are dedicated to whatever name of the court they are under (court of love are just banging all over the castle every night). Every court has a unique ecosystem but letters and travel seems to occur in about a day.
They are separate except whenever you disagree with someone you bring in Justice, unless you feel like killing or imprisoning them in-house and not bringing in Justice?
And the Court of War loves violence but zero characters are ever violent and repeatedly defer to Justice for peaceful resolutions for no clear reason.
There’s lack of definition or internal consistency beyond “Justice requires evidence except this one character for helpful plot reasons,” “War loves wine and gym days,” “Pain are just big ol meanies and some of them are rapists.”
The stakes are unclear most of the book, then the big baddie just starts murdering entire countries (which are possibly like 100 people or 1 million? I don’t know there’s no structure or rules to what a “court” is).
Also the big baddie burns down a palace and takes a crown so THE ENTIRE COUNTRY evacuates? Sorry did 100% of the country live in 1 palace? At a bunch of points going into town is referenced and it keeps making clear the only things the big bad did was burn the palace and take the crown. What are we doing here?
Don’t try to make your story 90% political/palace intrigue when there’s not even a clear political system.
July 8, 2023
"Two sides of that same coin, pain and love. Surely, one did not exist without the other."
Every Ariana Nash book is a one-click purchase for me, so it's going to come as no surprise that this is a five star read for me, but just WOW - she has pulled out all the stops with Fool Me Once!
This is much darker than the usual Ariana Nash novel (and she's written a few leaning that way) so do be prepared for some dark themes, high angst and of course an Ariana ending that will leave you desperate for the second book in the duology (which is coming really soon, thank goodness!) Check out Ariana's website if you want to know more about those themes, or if you're like me, just dive in headfirst and experience every second from Lark and Arin's POVs.
"For a thousand years, the people of the shatterlands raged war. Until Dallin, God of Order, grew tired of their endless bickering. He forged four crowns for four courts: Love. Justice. Pain. War. Each court was responsible for protecting and safeguarding the balance of the shatterlands, and only by working together would they prosper. Under Dallin’s watchful gaze, the courts of Love, Justice, Pain, and War nurtured peace and harmony, and the people of the shatterlands thrived. But when Dallin vanished, the shatterlands and its courts once more fell into chaos."
Lark is the court jester, the Fool, in the Court of Love. Loved by all and lover of many, Lark is nothing like the illusion he weaves and the glossy veneer of Love's Court is about to come shattering down.
Prince Arin of the Court of Love has barely been seen for the four years since Lark's arrival at Court, the King and Queen are in a loveless marriage and the Courts of War and Pain are looming ever closer. Justice seems powerless and just what exactly is Razak, Prince of the Court of Pain plotting......?
Nothing is what it seems and I totally adored it! Angsty, dark, slow-burn, steamy, twisty and just so much MM goodness. You need this on your bookshelf and Kindle! 💜
Every Ariana Nash book is a one-click purchase for me, so it's going to come as no surprise that this is a five star read for me, but just WOW - she has pulled out all the stops with Fool Me Once!
This is much darker than the usual Ariana Nash novel (and she's written a few leaning that way) so do be prepared for some dark themes, high angst and of course an Ariana ending that will leave you desperate for the second book in the duology (which is coming really soon, thank goodness!) Check out Ariana's website if you want to know more about those themes, or if you're like me, just dive in headfirst and experience every second from Lark and Arin's POVs.
"For a thousand years, the people of the shatterlands raged war. Until Dallin, God of Order, grew tired of their endless bickering. He forged four crowns for four courts: Love. Justice. Pain. War. Each court was responsible for protecting and safeguarding the balance of the shatterlands, and only by working together would they prosper. Under Dallin’s watchful gaze, the courts of Love, Justice, Pain, and War nurtured peace and harmony, and the people of the shatterlands thrived. But when Dallin vanished, the shatterlands and its courts once more fell into chaos."
Lark is the court jester, the Fool, in the Court of Love. Loved by all and lover of many, Lark is nothing like the illusion he weaves and the glossy veneer of Love's Court is about to come shattering down.
Prince Arin of the Court of Love has barely been seen for the four years since Lark's arrival at Court, the King and Queen are in a loveless marriage and the Courts of War and Pain are looming ever closer. Justice seems powerless and just what exactly is Razak, Prince of the Court of Pain plotting......?
Nothing is what it seems and I totally adored it! Angsty, dark, slow-burn, steamy, twisty and just so much MM goodness. You need this on your bookshelf and Kindle! 💜
September 5, 2025
I’ve been meaning to start this series for such a long time, and I finally did! Fool Me Once completely took me by surprise – the entire story is built on lies, and with every single line I kept asking myself: is this the truth, or just another lie? It’s the kind of book that plays tricks with your mind in the best way possible.
The relationship between Lark and Arin was intense and addictive – first hot and fiery 🔥, then painfully heartbreaking 😖. Their bond kept me turning pages even when it hurt, and I couldn’t look away. Romance isn’t the main focus here (though when it is there, it’s unforgettable 🥵), because front and center are the court intrigues that make this book so gripping.
It’s also dark – and it truly earns that label. There were scenes that were morally hard to read, heavy and gut-wrenching 💔, but at the same time they mattered to the story and made it all the more powerful. The book doesn’t shy away from pain, and because of that, the emotional impact is so much stronger.
Overall, I loved it deeply. Twisty, sharp, dark, and impossible to put down. It left me reeling, and I can’t wait to dive straight into book two 🏃♀️.
some vibe: 🤡👑🩸🔪⚡️💦🏰🔥😭🤥🧐
The relationship between Lark and Arin was intense and addictive – first hot and fiery 🔥, then painfully heartbreaking 😖. Their bond kept me turning pages even when it hurt, and I couldn’t look away. Romance isn’t the main focus here (though when it is there, it’s unforgettable 🥵), because front and center are the court intrigues that make this book so gripping.
It’s also dark – and it truly earns that label. There were scenes that were morally hard to read, heavy and gut-wrenching 💔, but at the same time they mattered to the story and made it all the more powerful. The book doesn’t shy away from pain, and because of that, the emotional impact is so much stronger.
Overall, I loved it deeply. Twisty, sharp, dark, and impossible to put down. It left me reeling, and I can’t wait to dive straight into book two 🏃♀️.
some vibe: 🤡👑🩸🔪⚡️💦🏰🔥😭🤥🧐
July 9, 2023
I’m so conflicted on my rating for this one because everything here is soclose to being amazing but the world and the characters and their decisions weren’t fleshed out enough for me to become attached enough to them so that the major plot points really hit hard like they usually do with this author. I felt just a bit on the side of meh while reading this. Meh chemistry. Meh sex scenes. Meh political intrigue. Etc.
I’m hoping book two will bring it all together and make me want to come back and change my rating.
I’m hoping book two will bring it all together and make me want to come back and change my rating.
March 5, 2023
Beautiful lies
His eyes flashed. “I hate you.”
I bit my lip to keep from moaning. “Lie to me some more, Arin.”
You know that feeling you get when you start a book and you want to both devour and savor it? This is that book, and this is that world. It tempts you from the beginning, plays you masterfully, and just when you think you know where it’s headed, it spins you around, leaving you questioning, well, everything. The best kind of book hangover, and if it’s not already obvious, I’m craving book two.
“Two sides of that same coin, pain and love. Surely, one did not exist without the other.”
Gah, so, so incredible. I’m in love, head over heels, besotted, addicted, love. Lark and Arin have me hooked and I must see them find justice. Outstanding world-building and a masterful plot, I bow down before it all, even the villain, who has me clamoring for more. Maybe that makes me the fool, if so, I will happily wear the crown.
His eyes flashed. “I hate you.”
I bit my lip to keep from moaning. “Lie to me some more, Arin.”
You know that feeling you get when you start a book and you want to both devour and savor it? This is that book, and this is that world. It tempts you from the beginning, plays you masterfully, and just when you think you know where it’s headed, it spins you around, leaving you questioning, well, everything. The best kind of book hangover, and if it’s not already obvious, I’m craving book two.
“Two sides of that same coin, pain and love. Surely, one did not exist without the other.”
Gah, so, so incredible. I’m in love, head over heels, besotted, addicted, love. Lark and Arin have me hooked and I must see them find justice. Outstanding world-building and a masterful plot, I bow down before it all, even the villain, who has me clamoring for more. Maybe that makes me the fool, if so, I will happily wear the crown.
March 5, 2023
Wow!! This is probably my favorite Ariana Nash book! The characters are *chefs kiss* Love, Pain, War, and Justice. I love the court dynamics. It’s definitely dark but oh so perfect. Lark and Arin both have so many layers. And Draven. Darling Draven! Nash makes you truly care for these characters and all I want is a happy ending for these boys! I so look forward to the next book.
November 23, 2023
Fool Me Once is an amazing dark fantasy romance that I could not put down. This story features two main characters, Lark and Arin. Lark is the Court of Love's jester, who is always mocking, speaking in riddles while he crafts his illusions. Lark is one complicated character who I couldn't help but root for as you find out more about his tragic backstory.
The other main character is Arin, who is the prince of The Court of Love and he is one moody guy. Together they are put in an impossible situation where they must find a way to uncover an enemy in their court while trying to not fall for one another. Of course, nothing goes according to plan.
Arin and Lark are playing a political game where there are many sides and I never really knew the full truth, which made for a fun suspenseful read. After finishing this story I was in awe of everything that happened and anxiously anticipate the next entry.
The other main character is Arin, who is the prince of The Court of Love and he is one moody guy. Together they are put in an impossible situation where they must find a way to uncover an enemy in their court while trying to not fall for one another. Of course, nothing goes according to plan.
Arin and Lark are playing a political game where there are many sides and I never really knew the full truth, which made for a fun suspenseful read. After finishing this story I was in awe of everything that happened and anxiously anticipate the next entry.
July 26, 2023
this is what talent looks like. I loved Lark. he might just be near the top when it comes to my favorite characters of all time.
My heart broke for him. It takes an ungodly amount of strength to be able to smile after surviving hell twice over.
Unpopular opinion. Arin's alright as a character but I don't get the "they're so perfect for each other" vibe from these two. And also the way Arin tried to emulate somebody as a way to deal with his problems but it ended up doing fuck all to save his court.
Ms Nash is known for writing MCs that betray each other in the name of love/greater good or whatever and she does it really well but I think it did not work for Arin (he was the Prince of Flowers and had a sunshine personality to match after all).
My heart broke for him. It takes an ungodly amount of strength to be able to smile after surviving hell twice over.
Unpopular opinion. Arin's alright as a character but I don't get the "they're so perfect for each other" vibe from these two. And also the way Arin tried to emulate somebody as a way to deal with his problems but it ended up doing fuck all to save his court.
Ms Nash is known for writing MCs that betray each other in the name of love/greater good or whatever and she does it really well but I think it did not work for Arin (he was the Prince of Flowers and had a sunshine personality to match after all).
March 8, 2023
Typical Ariana 💜She arrives, and your world is turned upside down!
In this story of intrigue, misfits, lies, hopes, betrayal, and more lies, we have Lark, who is the court of Love's Fool, but he is much more than that. He is there to find secrets, to destroy the court.But he didn't count on Prince Arin and everything he makes him feel.
Arin is the prince of the Court of Love, he has been hiding for 4 years without anyone knowing why. But like Lark, he also hides secrets, and lies are part of him.
Why are they perfect for each other? So we'll see.
As Ariana has accustomed us, intrigue, betrayal, and court shenanigans reach their peaks in this book, leaving us always close to the abyss. And the sexy moments are full of tension, lust, and "I hate that I want you", Her writing is amazing and captivating, and her dark mind takes us places.....
But, on the other hand, I felt too familiar with the characters, as if I had already read them somewhere in her books... I also thought that at times the expressions used were juvenile ("He had to believe I was a vicious prince"). It didn't sound too vicious to me :)
Overall, I liked the story, it captivated me a lot after 60%, and then I read it non-stop. ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm really looking forward to what adventures the unlikely trio will have in the final book.
3.5 -4
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cphg9oBMc-2/ for full review experience 💜
I received this ARC from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
In this story of intrigue, misfits, lies, hopes, betrayal, and more lies, we have Lark, who is the court of Love's Fool, but he is much more than that. He is there to find secrets, to destroy the court.But he didn't count on Prince Arin and everything he makes him feel.
Arin is the prince of the Court of Love, he has been hiding for 4 years without anyone knowing why. But like Lark, he also hides secrets, and lies are part of him.
Why are they perfect for each other? So we'll see.
As Ariana has accustomed us, intrigue, betrayal, and court shenanigans reach their peaks in this book, leaving us always close to the abyss. And the sexy moments are full of tension, lust, and "I hate that I want you", Her writing is amazing and captivating, and her dark mind takes us places.....
But, on the other hand, I felt too familiar with the characters, as if I had already read them somewhere in her books... I also thought that at times the expressions used were juvenile ("He had to believe I was a vicious prince"). It didn't sound too vicious to me :)
Overall, I liked the story, it captivated me a lot after 60%, and then I read it non-stop. ends on a cliffhanger, and I'm really looking forward to what adventures the unlikely trio will have in the final book.
3.5 -4
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cphg9oBMc-2/ for full review experience 💜
I received this ARC from the author, and this is my honest opinion.
March 24, 2025
Oh my god. This is so good. In a way, this reminds me of a more modern captive prince but also not. Some of the scenes had me devastated while others made me mad. I would name a few, but I do not want to give spoilers. There are SO many plot twists it is insane! I was in shock for most of the book. I cannot wait to read the next one, I need to know what happens next
The song that I’d say best fits this book is: I was never there by The Weeknd. The lyrics and the mood of the song fit this book so well.
The song that I’d say best fits this book is: I was never there by The Weeknd. The lyrics and the mood of the song fit this book so well.
March 12, 2023
Mercy, please! My heart!💔❤️🩹 The wait for this sequel is going to be downright agonizing and torturous because...oh my goodness! 😭For me, THIS WAS EPIC. I love all of Ariana Nash's books, and have some really special favorites 👀🤌😘🤭. But this one...this one was a whole other story. I'm...my brains stopped working I think. I'm trying to put all my thoughts and feelings into words but once again, it's a struggle when stumped by another wondrous and wretchedly scrumptious masterpiece. This book is now my new favorite. Without a doubt. 👀🥰💖💗❤️🔥
Thank you, Ariana Nash, for introducing this incredible new story and I can't wait to read more ❤️🔥💖😊.
Thank you, Ariana Nash, for introducing this incredible new story and I can't wait to read more ❤️🔥💖😊.
March 12, 2023
As always with Ariana Nash books, I feel like she starts at the wrong place. She always starts too close to the inciting incident which lends to a fast paced opening, but I’m always left floundering and trying to figure out her characters and world for the first third to half of the book. Normally things settle into place, but they really didn’t for this one, and many of the early moments with Lark and Arin didn’t feel earned or organic. We need more time with both before we hopped into the story. A prologue probably would have worked nicely to show us four years ago and establish the characters. As written, I feel like a lot of info was presented out of order and made it hard to figure out character motivations from the start, which might have been purposeful given the characters and plot, but I feel like I spent too much time trying to puzzle out backstory and whys and motivations and just really why?! That it took me out of the story too much. I’ll read book two because as always, Nash did make me fall in love with the characters even if I didn’t completely understand why.
March 1, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review
Fool Me Once has all the hallmarks of an Ariana Nash book: two sexy male MCs with tortured pasts, enemies-to-lovers, THE pool scene, a love-to-hate-him bad guy who is really darn evil, and a gorgeous book cover. For that reason, it's highly recommended and lots of fun.
Unfortunately it also comes with another of the Nash traditions, being the way the heroes overthink things, try to scheme and outplot everyone, and end up just making things worse (and extra complicated), particularly their own relationship. If the heroes were half as clever, they'd be twice as happy. The ups and downs between the MCs - I don't trust him, I trust him, I love him, I hate him, I don't trust him, rinse and repeat at least six times over - is not exclusive to Arin and Lark, and can be seen in most of the author's other books as well, but still grows frustrating when rather than linear character/relationship progression with occasional hiccups, it feels more like a circle or a tangled knot that doesn't progress from where it started.
But the world of this book is exciting, and even if simple, there's a lot to unpack behind it. The scenery is vivid and entrancing, the background characters are intriguing, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel. Four solid stars!
Fool Me Once has all the hallmarks of an Ariana Nash book: two sexy male MCs with tortured pasts, enemies-to-lovers, THE pool scene, a love-to-hate-him bad guy who is really darn evil, and a gorgeous book cover. For that reason, it's highly recommended and lots of fun.
Unfortunately it also comes with another of the Nash traditions, being the way the heroes overthink things, try to scheme and outplot everyone, and end up just making things worse (and extra complicated), particularly their own relationship. If the heroes were half as clever, they'd be twice as happy. The ups and downs between the MCs - I don't trust him, I trust him, I love him, I hate him, I don't trust him, rinse and repeat at least six times over - is not exclusive to Arin and Lark, and can be seen in most of the author's other books as well, but still grows frustrating when rather than linear character/relationship progression with occasional hiccups, it feels more like a circle or a tangled knot that doesn't progress from where it started.
But the world of this book is exciting, and even if simple, there's a lot to unpack behind it. The scenery is vivid and entrancing, the background characters are intriguing, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel. Four solid stars!
March 6, 2023
Thanks for the ARC, this is my review for it:
4.5 stars
At first I thought this was a new story with old characters, they reminded me of Vasili and Raoul. But it changed rather quickly and the story got into motion.
The Fool in the Court of Love plays a dangerous game. He plays everyone right in front of the king and the prince to gain as much as he can. It's twisted and weird to watch him at work but also beautiful.
Arin, the prince who hid himself for four years, has his own motives and plays the same game when he enters the stage. Maybe he doesn't. Nothing is as it seems in this story.
Revelations come soon and also not and the first book leaves us hanging with a kind of open end (and I hate it 😭). Not sure how this might work out and I'm also worried for two side characters I came to like. Everyone wears a dagger and most are not afraid to use it....
The beginning didn't seem to know where it was going (or maybe it's only my impression) so -0. 5 stars. But in the end I couldn't put it down and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Can't wait to get my hands on the hardback copy of it ❤
4.5 stars
At first I thought this was a new story with old characters, they reminded me of Vasili and Raoul. But it changed rather quickly and the story got into motion.
The Fool in the Court of Love plays a dangerous game. He plays everyone right in front of the king and the prince to gain as much as he can. It's twisted and weird to watch him at work but also beautiful.
Arin, the prince who hid himself for four years, has his own motives and plays the same game when he enters the stage. Maybe he doesn't. Nothing is as it seems in this story.
Revelations come soon and also not and the first book leaves us hanging with a kind of open end (and I hate it 😭). Not sure how this might work out and I'm also worried for two side characters I came to like. Everyone wears a dagger and most are not afraid to use it....
The beginning didn't seem to know where it was going (or maybe it's only my impression) so -0. 5 stars. But in the end I couldn't put it down and enjoyed it thoroughly.
Can't wait to get my hands on the hardback copy of it ❤
July 23, 2023
umm okay well i didn't think i'd be awake at 2:30 in the morning crying over this stupid thing but here i am, suffering.
Lark is a jester/spy in the court of love where Prince Arin reigns pretty pitifully tbh. bound to his secret, he's forced to manipulate his way to survival by betraying everyone he knows– including, especially, Arin. but does this stop them from being handsy little animals? of course not. Prince Arin is playing his own game and they make fools of each other again and again.
this kind of enemies-to-lovers makes me SICK, okay? i'm obviously a masochist to some degree because i love a slow burn, but not the kind that inserts a lot of emotional turmoil. i'm not a sick freak... and yet i can't look away.
Lark is probably the worst spy ever, but frankly so is Prince Arin. they've truly met their match by being so frustratingly idiotic with all the lies and half-truths they tell each other. Arin unknowingly sends Lark back to his prison as the half brother and rape victim of the Prince of Pain, Razak. the way i clutched my pearls when i realized home boy was obsessing over his brother, Lark. i mean, Zayan. what are these names honestly? i digress. Lark/Zayan is exposed to be the illegitimate prince of the court of pain after the dual attempted murder night. Arin tried to kill Lark and Razak tried to kill Arin, it was a whole thing that ended in lots of fire and death but somehow these three psychos stayed alive. at the expense of my tremulous emotions.
this freaky love triangle gets worse (how? a love triangle already sucks even when it's this fucked up) because Arin decides Lark is nothing but a big fat liar pants. even though he himself is a big fat liar pants. the hypocrisy never ends. in his confusion, which i'll forgive him for because frankly they're all dumb, he goes and makes this stupid thing a whole love square. or at this point, i suppose it's more of a snake since Razak wants Lark who wants Arin who wants Lark but is wanted by Draven and ew. just EW. what have i done?
Razak continues to be smarter and more cunning than the three confused and forlorn men combined; they're all sharing one brain cell i think, and now my heart is in my throat and i have no choice but to miss sleep so i can just get through the second book and finish the torture.
there's got to be a word for watching two people be in love, deny their feelings to themselves and each other, trudge through a lifetime of obstacles in their poorly fated pairing, while still continuing to make their own problems because for some reason they can't help but be self-deprecating demons. it's a bit much for a book about a jester and a prince.
for all the snark, i actually love it and i'm not tearing up for no reason. i hate them, i love them, i wish i never met them. book two here i come
Lark is a jester/spy in the court of love where Prince Arin reigns pretty pitifully tbh. bound to his secret, he's forced to manipulate his way to survival by betraying everyone he knows– including, especially, Arin. but does this stop them from being handsy little animals? of course not. Prince Arin is playing his own game and they make fools of each other again and again.
this kind of enemies-to-lovers makes me SICK, okay? i'm obviously a masochist to some degree because i love a slow burn, but not the kind that inserts a lot of emotional turmoil. i'm not a sick freak... and yet i can't look away.
Lark is probably the worst spy ever, but frankly so is Prince Arin. they've truly met their match by being so frustratingly idiotic with all the lies and half-truths they tell each other. Arin unknowingly sends Lark back to his prison as the half brother and rape victim of the Prince of Pain, Razak. the way i clutched my pearls when i realized home boy was obsessing over his brother, Lark. i mean, Zayan. what are these names honestly? i digress. Lark/Zayan is exposed to be the illegitimate prince of the court of pain after the dual attempted murder night. Arin tried to kill Lark and Razak tried to kill Arin, it was a whole thing that ended in lots of fire and death but somehow these three psychos stayed alive. at the expense of my tremulous emotions.
this freaky love triangle gets worse (how? a love triangle already sucks even when it's this fucked up) because Arin decides Lark is nothing but a big fat liar pants. even though he himself is a big fat liar pants. the hypocrisy never ends. in his confusion, which i'll forgive him for because frankly they're all dumb, he goes and makes this stupid thing a whole love square. or at this point, i suppose it's more of a snake since Razak wants Lark who wants Arin who wants Lark but is wanted by Draven and ew. just EW. what have i done?
Razak continues to be smarter and more cunning than the three confused and forlorn men combined; they're all sharing one brain cell i think, and now my heart is in my throat and i have no choice but to miss sleep so i can just get through the second book and finish the torture.
there's got to be a word for watching two people be in love, deny their feelings to themselves and each other, trudge through a lifetime of obstacles in their poorly fated pairing, while still continuing to make their own problems because for some reason they can't help but be self-deprecating demons. it's a bit much for a book about a jester and a prince.
for all the snark, i actually love it and i'm not tearing up for no reason. i hate them, i love them, i wish i never met them. book two here i come
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I would say this book is a 3.5 stars rounded up! There were parts I really enjoyed, parts that dragged for me, and themes in the book I didn’t love, but overall this was a solid book! Halfway through the book was when it really picked up for me and I was intrigued. I thought the beginning of it could have been a little more fast paced. The beginning of the book really dragged on for me, making the book seem longer than it was at first.
I really didn’t expect the twist halfway through the book! It took a turn I wasn’t expecting. The second half was where the plot of the book picked up, and that I enjoyed way more than the main characters hooking up.
It was a very spicy book so if you’re looking for that, then this is the book for you! It was written well in my opinion too. It showed a lot, but wasn’t written poorly. Maybe a little too much for my taste, but I didn’t hate it.
The author repeated a lot of phrases many times, like “we were just two strangers” or “we were just two men” for example. I think she was just trying to emphasize its importance, but it could have been cut out and the story would have been better for it so it wasn’t as repetitive.
I wouldn’t classify this as enemies to lovers. In the technical sense they were enemies, but they didn’t act like enemies most of the time, even if they sometimes felt hatred toward each other. It didn’t have the feel of enemies to me, just that we were told they were enemies. There was a lot of back and forth and betrayal of things like “oh he loves me, oh actually he doesn’t” or “I know he is lying to me” to “I can’t believe he lied to me.” It makes sense for the characters why that kept happening, but I could have cut some of that out as well.
I loved Draven! I wish we had more of him than we got because he was such a good character! Had a wit to him that I really enjoyed. He was such an integral part to the story that I didn’t expect from what we saw of him in the beginning, but I am so glad it was added in. I honestly wouldn’t mind the three of them getting together, though I don’t think that is where the book is heading.
I felt so bad for Lark when he was with Razak. He didn’t deserve the vile and horrible things that he did to him. I didn’t like that aspect of the story and really wish that wasn’t in there. I just wish Razak wasn’t what he was to Lark, but there needed to be a villain I suppose. I think it could have been handled differently, but the book is warned to have very dark themes.
I can’t wait to see what happens next and will be reading the next book!
I would say this book is a 3.5 stars rounded up! There were parts I really enjoyed, parts that dragged for me, and themes in the book I didn’t love, but overall this was a solid book! Halfway through the book was when it really picked up for me and I was intrigued. I thought the beginning of it could have been a little more fast paced. The beginning of the book really dragged on for me, making the book seem longer than it was at first.
I really didn’t expect the twist halfway through the book! It took a turn I wasn’t expecting. The second half was where the plot of the book picked up, and that I enjoyed way more than the main characters hooking up.
It was a very spicy book so if you’re looking for that, then this is the book for you! It was written well in my opinion too. It showed a lot, but wasn’t written poorly. Maybe a little too much for my taste, but I didn’t hate it.
The author repeated a lot of phrases many times, like “we were just two strangers” or “we were just two men” for example. I think she was just trying to emphasize its importance, but it could have been cut out and the story would have been better for it so it wasn’t as repetitive.
I wouldn’t classify this as enemies to lovers. In the technical sense they were enemies, but they didn’t act like enemies most of the time, even if they sometimes felt hatred toward each other. It didn’t have the feel of enemies to me, just that we were told they were enemies. There was a lot of back and forth and betrayal of things like “oh he loves me, oh actually he doesn’t” or “I know he is lying to me” to “I can’t believe he lied to me.” It makes sense for the characters why that kept happening, but I could have cut some of that out as well.
I loved Draven! I wish we had more of him than we got because he was such a good character! Had a wit to him that I really enjoyed. He was such an integral part to the story that I didn’t expect from what we saw of him in the beginning, but I am so glad it was added in. I honestly wouldn’t mind the three of them getting together, though I don’t think that is where the book is heading.
I felt so bad for Lark when he was with Razak. He didn’t deserve the vile and horrible things that he did to him. I didn’t like that aspect of the story and really wish that wasn’t in there. I just wish Razak wasn’t what he was to Lark, but there needed to be a villain I suppose. I think it could have been handled differently, but the book is warned to have very dark themes.
I can’t wait to see what happens next and will be reading the next book!
March 7, 2023
4 stars
Published: 3/3/23
**ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
#FoolMeOnce #NetGalley
Basics
Genre: fantasy, romance, MM romance, LGBT+
Setting: 4-court Kingdom, in the Court of Love
Themes: ruin, revenge
Characters
Lark: 23yo bi/pan jester of the Court of Love who trades in secrets
Arin: Prince of Love who has hidden away in his room for 4 years
Razak: prince of the Court of Pain
Pros
+LGBT rep: bi/pan MC
+ I stayed up til 3AM reading this in one sitting.
+ court dynamics of a crumbling kingdom
+ murderer afoot
+ Lark's past is so dark and layered that it adds depth to his character and provides plenty of motivation for his current machinations
+ Arin's cold/hot duality has me by the throat (and Lark, obvs)
+ interesting battle between how things have always been done (secrets, leverage, justice, etc) versus Razak's bulldozer style (go in, do the thing, get out)
+ the villain is deliciously horrible but also extremy good at finding weak spots in people and systems
Cons
- NOT a fan of one of the MCs marrying/having sex with another person while Lark and Arin clearly still both love/hate/want to be with one another... it is made clear that it isn't cheating but I don't like this interjection of the third love interest when I know they aren't end game (they better not be)... it really annoys me that the focus isn't just between the two of them
- the back and forth of love him/hate him and trust him/betray him happened so often it watered down the reveals
Comp Recs
+ Silk & Steel - Ariana Nash
+ A Knife and a Blade - Adelaide Blake
TW: violence, death, cutting, murder, incest, torture, hanging til death, attempted suicide, poisoning, rape & sexual assault (off page), knife play, drug use
Published: 3/3/23
**ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
#FoolMeOnce #NetGalley
Basics
Genre: fantasy, romance, MM romance, LGBT+
Setting: 4-court Kingdom, in the Court of Love
Themes: ruin, revenge
Characters
Lark: 23yo bi/pan jester of the Court of Love who trades in secrets
Arin: Prince of Love who has hidden away in his room for 4 years
Razak: prince of the Court of Pain
Pros
+LGBT rep: bi/pan MC
+ I stayed up til 3AM reading this in one sitting.
+ court dynamics of a crumbling kingdom
+ murderer afoot
+ Lark's past is so dark and layered that it adds depth to his character and provides plenty of motivation for his current machinations
+ Arin's cold/hot duality has me by the throat (and Lark, obvs)
+ interesting battle between how things have always been done (secrets, leverage, justice, etc) versus Razak's bulldozer style (go in, do the thing, get out)
+ the villain is deliciously horrible but also extremy good at finding weak spots in people and systems
Cons
- NOT a fan of one of the MCs marrying/having sex with another person while Lark and Arin clearly still both love/hate/want to be with one another... it is made clear that it isn't cheating but I don't like this interjection of the third love interest when I know they aren't end game (they better not be)... it really annoys me that the focus isn't just between the two of them
- the back and forth of love him/hate him and trust him/betray him happened so often it watered down the reveals
Comp Recs
+ Silk & Steel - Ariana Nash
+ A Knife and a Blade - Adelaide Blake
TW: violence, death, cutting, murder, incest, torture, hanging til death, attempted suicide, poisoning, rape & sexual assault (off page), knife play, drug use
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