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Land of Snow and Secrets: Seasons of Fae Book 1

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In the Winterlands, cold duty and fiery desire collide.

Prince Ghel of the Winterland Fae, more warrior than ruler, hears the icy winds of rebellion knocking at the palace gates. He’s fought many battles before, but the king and queen don’t need his sword or quick healing—they need him to marry a stranger to placate enemies and solidify alliances.

Lady Strella, raised alone by a critical and ambitious father, lives a quiet life on his estate, avoiding the Winterland Court—until she’s told she’s marrying a prince. Always gracious, she complies, despite the prophecy she’s kept hidden since childhood.

Both have reservations about their arranged marriage, but when they meet, the magical spark between them is undeniable. Yet, as their desire grows, the rebellion and the secrets they keep from one another loom.

Can their heat melt their icy facades so they can combine powers for the good of themselves and their land, or will the shadows of war and their own fears stop them cold?

Land of Snow and Secrets is the first book in a new series of steamy fantasy romances combining delicious elements of Bridgerton and ACOTAR.

285 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2024

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446 people want to read

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Sonya Lawson

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5 stars
19 (17%)
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42 (38%)
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30 (27%)
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14 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Michelle.
287 reviews43 followers
February 26, 2024
One of my favourite tropes in the fantasy romance genre is the arranged marriage/marriage of convenience trope. I love the idea of two strangers being pushed together, trying to make the relationship work for the sake of others but finding true love in the process. So when I came across the ARC of this book, I had to request it. And I'm glad that I did, because I enjoyed it so much.

The best thing about the book was the way the female characters were portrayed. They were headstrong, determined and independent and supported each other. Queen Alene was fierce but also gentle, Lady Piris was the friend anyone would be lucky to have and the FMC Strella was kind-hearted and intelligent. Every scene where these qualities were highlighted throughout the book were my favourite.

Certain secrets about the characters were revealed over the course of the book, and I liked how the author had spread them out to keep things interesting. However, there was one instance where I did not like a character's reaction to what another person shared. I found that a bit hypocritical given that they also had kept some secrets. I'm just relieved that they saw the error of their ways eventually.

The world-building was good, and I also liked the various magical abilities of the characters. The conflict among the clans and the Winterlands was explored well. But once again, I wasn't satisfied with the reason given for a character's betrayal. It didn't go well with what was described about their personality.

In terms of romance, the relationship between Ghel and Strella was developed well. There is a good amount of spice in the book with detailed scenes.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I'm even more excited for the next one because it is about Lady Piris and Prince Jarok. I already loved the brief interactions they had in this book, and enemies-to-lovers is another one of my favourite tropes. I recommend this book to all fantasy romance readers who enjoy spice, secrets and strong heroines.
Profile Image for anna.
125 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2024
sadly, only 2⭐️ for this one

oh boy, where do I even start?
this should have been at least a 3, possibly a 4-star read for me. marriage of convenience? high fantasy? spice? sign me the f up.
however, it was a big, fat letdown. I almost dnf'd it a couple of times, but I was just so hopeful it would get better that I ended up finishing it. see my problems below:

this whole book reads young. like should-have-been-categorized-ya-young. now, don't get me wrong, I like reading YA. but this wasn't supposed to be that. especially since the FMC is 29, and the MMC is around 200(?), they should have adult voices. they don't. they just cannot, FFS, communicate as adults. their emotional maturity, their behavior, everything screams teenagers. which again, would not be a problem if they were, in fact, teenagers.

another big issue I had was the whole arranged marriage trope. I expected a slow burn. I expected some tension. what did I get? very insta-love vibes and some "conflict", which was 100% miscommunication and teenage sulking. 😭

also, some parts were complete SJM rip-offs. the Autmnland Lord's son? Lucien. EVEN HAD THE SCAR AROUND HIS EYE. I can't make this up. Strella's power was basically the shein-version of Bryce's starlight. the 4 "kingdoms" are Winter, Autumn, Summer, and Spring. this was the least problematic, but combined with everything, it just left a sour taste in my mouth.

shocking, I know, but I won't continue this series.

thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for May Priestley.
45 reviews
December 29, 2024
I read this bc I can’t commit to acotar yet. I’ve been reading rom com and nonfiction books and I just think this genre is not for me
Profile Image for Katie Sargent.
5 reviews
March 8, 2024
I was really excited for this book, I liked the premise and was looking to forward to getting to know the world along with Strella & Ghel. There wasn't much introduction to the world so I felt like I couldn't really get lost in it. This is sometimes okay but both the characters are from this world so you kind of expect to be able to. I felt the relationship between Strella & Ghel was really rushed and forced. Most of the book was the narrator telling you what was happening rather than showing it so I couldn't really get into it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Millsieey.
173 reviews5 followers
March 10, 2024
I must preface my review by saying I thoroughly enjoyed this book due to its storyline and characters. I must say though that I really wanted to give this book 4 stars but with my concerns, which have been outlined below, I think 3 stars is more fitting for me.

I loved the book design of Land of Snow and Secrets. I think it worked perfectly for this book. I really enjoyed the storyline of this book and the overall story arc the characters went on. The characters were all strong and played essential parts in the book which was clearly evident as the story evolved. I felt though that this book could have been so much more, and I kept hoping for that to no avail.

Firstly, I had a real problem with this book being written in a third person narrator style point of view. This may not be a problem for anyone else, but I am not accustomed to reading books this way and frankly I just don't like it. For me personally. I think this severely changed the way in which I felt during different scenes in the book whether that be the hurt, sadness, love or anger felt by the characters at the time. I felt a bit of disconnect to the characters as they were described doing the action or feeling the feeling, but I wanted to hear it from their point of view. I wanted to be in the scene with them more and felt that this narrator style of writing really hindered my ability to really connect on a deeper level with the characters.

I also needed there to be more dialogue. Throughout the whole book I felt like there were many a descriptive paragraph of how the character felt and describing the scene or situation which of course is necessary, however, I felt like some of those things could have been said between characters instead.

Unfortunately, I felt the language and conversations between Ghel and Strella were also lacking and slightly juvenile for an adult fiction book as it was categorised. In the conversation aspects of the book, I felt that I was reading a young adult book depicting a relationship between two people in their late teens, all awkward and word fumbling. Now there is nothing wrong with adult fiction, I love reading it, but with the rest of the book clearly depicting adult fiction, especially the sex scenes, this aspect of the book didn't quite align with the rest.

Like I said, I really love this book and I can only hope, for my sake, that the following books in the series have a first-person point of view. For me, this book would have been a 4-star rising on 5 stars just with this change in point of view.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series by Sonya Lawson later this year upon its release.
Profile Image for Kenai Alvares.
7 reviews
February 22, 2024
I absolutely adored this book, and here I am again reviewing a book I read far, far past my bedtime. I wasn't quite sure how I'd like it when I first picked it up, but I quickly fell in love with Prince Ghel, and came to love all of the characters. The way the main romance developed, both in their relationships with one another and in themselves, was truly enthralling and fun to follow. Strella's journey in particular was great. I loved her figuring out how intelligent she is, and I had the thought at the beginning that she and the prince would make a fantastic couple because of their differing strengths, and seeing that played on multiple times was amazing.

I also adored the queen. Oh my goodness. I think I want to be her when I grow up.

The action and romance were both well-handled, and I think there's a healthy amount of both, and they push the plot forward and deepen relationships solidly. Standout worldbuilding, and I loved how marriage is handled, beautiful prose painting lovely landscapes in the mind. It's not an easy read, but it's not dark or something I'd call difficult. It's got substance and a healthy pinch of spice.

I'm looking forward to the next installments and learning more about the other characters and reaching a final conclusion to the primary conflict.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for LizzyLa.
53 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2024
A great Fae romance full of intrigued and passion.

Land of Snow and Secrets is the first book in the upcoming Seasons of Fae series. I was fortunate to read an advanced reader copy which I thoroughly enjoyed. The story is set in the Winterlands, a snowy Fae kingdom ruled by a benevolent but ailing king whose eldest son, Prince Ghel, will soon ascend the throne. For political reasons, the king is arranging the marriage of Prince Ghel to Lady Strella Hollythorn, the daughter of a wealthy nobleman.
Secrets and treachery abound in this tale where the lives of the royal family, and now Strella, are at risk. Despite both being reluctant to enter an arranged marriage, Prince Ghel and Lady Strella feel a deep connection and attraction, however each are keeping secrets and neither know whether they can truly trust the other. The
passion and tension build through the pages of this book and the reader is carried forward by a compelling storyline and well-written narrative.
Sonya Lawson has created a well thought through and believable fantasy world. The storyline alternates between the points of view of Ghel and Strella so the reader gets to know both characters as well as their secrets and suspicions. I felt that the characters could’ve been developed a little deeper but they were by no means superficial. When I reached the end of this book it seemed to me that something was missing and there was still a loose thread in the narrative, however, this was fixed by a downloadable bonus epilogue.
Although Land of Snow and Secrets can be read as a standalone story, there are plenty of openings for future stories and this one leads nicely into Land of Ice and Intrigue, the next title in this series. I definitely would like to read future titles in this series and would recommend Land of Snow and Secrets to anyone who enjoys steamy fantasy romances. Although I was able to read an e-ARC, the book cover looks great and would look good on anyone’s bookshelves!
Profile Image for Breana Sprinkle.
160 reviews7 followers
February 20, 2024
Appreciated is how beautiful the cover is & the thought put into the title.

Found that Land of Snow and Secrets had a great start in terms of description of character obligations to their royal responsibilities and the slow movement toward trying to make things work between the characters made for sweet interactions. Which I would hope there'd be more of.

In the next portion, I felt the relationship between the two main characters (Ghel & Strella) to be rushed.
Leading me to think it was a pace situation.

Along with difficulty getting immersed in this world through description provided.
So much more dialog than world-building or conflict.

It would have made for a nice YA had the sexual conduct been eliminated from the storyline. Due to that, I believe the author decided it was more fitting to label it Adult. I commend that greatly.
If plot details were added as well.

Bonus point for also having a character that's has a learning difference. Excellent representation. Message too.

In the end, I felt like there wasn't enough plot.

Aside from the last five chapters being good.
It just wasn't for me.

It was an ARC copy.
I'm greatful for it.
My thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Maggie's Nook.
324 reviews13 followers
March 1, 2024
Ghel and Strella both had intelligence, strength, and courage, but they didn't have the allure of main characters. They weren't able to convince me of their romance, which I can chalk up to the rush of events. The plot itself felt rushed and lacked details.

Although the main characters weren't able to draw me in as a couple, their relationships with other characters were one of the things I liked in the book. Ghel, his brother, and their parents are loving and respectful. The king and queen didn't force anything on their children and allowed them to choose. The strong friendship between Strella and Piris, and Ghel and Cylian, was displayed by their loyalty to one another.

I hope I will enjoy the next book more. I would love to see how Jarok and Piris's story will unfold.

Thank you for the digital arc in exchange for an honest review. Everything in this review has been written willing fully.

Since I read a proof copy of the book any grammatical errors did not impact the rating.

─── ・ 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚. ───

Instagram @maggies.nook
tiktok @maggies_pov


Profile Image for Mette Larsen.
60 reviews2 followers
February 22, 2024
I received this as a ARC.

You follow Ghel, a fae warrior prince from the winterland and Strella a fae lady. They are arranged to get married. But hesitated at first however their desires are growing as are their bond.
They are dealing with a rebellion, a traitor and secrets from both of them.

In my opinion, their growing love and desire for each other seems a bit rushed. The magic aspect of the story aren’t that big of a part the story. There are only bits and pieces here and there but not a lot. I was also missing a bit more dialogue with the main characters and their knowledge to each other.
I did like the friendship between Pirius and Strella, and how the author described Ghel reading difficulties, it was really beautiful done! The relationship between Ghel and his parents was very beautiful too.

All in all an okay story and it was an easy read.
Profile Image for Caitlin Shepard.
23 reviews
March 3, 2024
*** ARC Review***

Land of Snow and Secrets is the first book in a standalone series of fae romances centered around the seasonal courts.

In this book you follow Ghel and Strella, a fae prince from the Winterland and a fae lady, who are arranged to be married. Both are hesitant to marry, but they share an attraction and both are keeping secrets from the other. On top of this, they have to deal with traitors, rebellion, and the ailing health of Ghel's father.

The best thing about this book is the character relationships. Besides the one between the two main characters, readers will love the Queen and Lady Piris. Both women show a fierceness and loyalty that most secondary characters in other books lack. The friendships felt real and genuine.

The pacing did feel a little rushed but overall the story was enjoyable. There is a downloadable epilogue for the story.
Profile Image for Hilma.
610 reviews
March 1, 2024
Land of Snow and Secrets by Sonya Lawson is the story of the arranged marriage between Strella and Prince Ghel of the Winterland Fae. When they meet, sparks fly, but there are also secrets between them, and a rebellion is brewing.

Right from the start I loved this story. The writing style is flowing and the building relationship and romance was lovely to read, although a bit too spicy. I first thought Strella to be a bit meek as she does what she is told (to marry a stranger), but later on she got more self assured. She is intelligent and kind hearted. And I just loved the Queen. The worldbuilding is also great and well developed.

This book has surprised me, in a good way, and I am looking foward to the sequel.
Profile Image for Janna Check.
31 reviews
March 9, 2024
I truly enjoyed the storyline of this book, the twists and turns were well done and exciting. It was semi-unique for a fae story which I enjoyed as someone who has read a lot of romantasy.

Now for my frustration. Maybe it’s just me, but the main characters seemed to have an “insta-love” connection which I’m never a fan of. How they can go from not knowing each other in one moment, to mad for each other a few chapters later baffles me. I still enjoyed their love story, but they weren’t my favorite partnership.

That being said, I loved some of the side characters are am looking forward to hearing more of their stories in the next book. Still worth a read in my opinion!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
62 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2024
This book follows the story of Lady Strella and Prince Ghel as they navigate an arranged marriage to save their lands from the powerful Monti Clan. There are plenty of twists and turns, secrets and intrigue that threaten the budding romance. I think it has a Lord of the Rings feel to it with the characters having magical talents and plenty of epic scenery. There's quite a bit of angst peppered with action making it a quick and satisfying read. I look forward to the next book in the series to find out what happens to Lady Strella's best friend, Lady Piris.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tanice.
15 reviews
March 8, 2024
This is the first book of a new standalone series.

Welcome to the winterlands court.

Ghel is the heir to the throne. His father has arranged a politically strategic marriage for him with Strella.
They have sparks from the start and gets spicy. I enjoyed the development of these characters relationship for the most part. There was just something I could not put my finger on. The world is well thought out and a good bunch of supporting cast characters. Lots of opening to continue the series.
I look forward to continuing the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trina Gomez.
202 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2024
This book tells the story of Strell and Ghel. Their marriage has been arranged and they must work together to save their realms from a powerful enemy.
I enjoyed the setting, the author did a great job of creating immersive scenes that kept me turning the pages. There was magic, mystery and intrigue and action the elements I look for in a good fantasy combine that with some romance and you have the makings for a satisfying romantasy... I really enjoyed this book and I m looking forward to the next release from Sonya Lawson.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dorothy Garcia.
61 reviews
March 21, 2024
This is a good book regarding Shifters and Fae and the political games played by Royals and people who want to look better to everyone.

This is a great book about being insecure about yourself, being a great friend, and how not tqlking about how you're feeling about someone can come and bite you in the booty lol.

This book has secrets, wants, feelings of doubt, overbearing parentals, lust, and definitely has spice......

So if you're into females rescueing the Alpha male, best friends, secrets, treason, and lots and lots of wanting then you HAVE to read this one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelsie (gone to Fable).
109 reviews
February 17, 2025
This book was heartwarming and lovely. Ghel was a classic grumpy warrior of few words, and Strella was a perfect lady who had clearly lived for others her whole life.

Tbh I think these two stereotypes marred my enjoyment of the book, because the plot was fantastic, but I didn’t particularly enjoy either of the main characters. I preferred Piris and Jarok, and especially liked Gem and Stone! I also found that my copy on Apple Books was riddled with spelling and grammatical errors which often took me out of the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed the battle sequence, and wouldn’t have minded if it was twice as long.

The Borau family is the most wholesome love I think I’ve ever seen written.
Profile Image for Victoria's Library.
238 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2024
Thank you to the author for the ARC.

This book was okay. It wasn’t my favorite and it wasn’t my least favorite. I think the story was rushed and the romance was very rushed too. I do enjoy a marriage of convenience, but this marriage of convenience jumped to insta-lovey very fast and that’s just not really for me. I really enjoyed the relationships the main characters had with the side characters like Jarok and Piris. I would be interested to see how she could take the enemies to lovers between Jarok and Piris 👀

Also… I kind of got the ick with the amount of times I read Ghel “growled”
11 reviews
March 6, 2024
The begining of the book gives you many detailes about characters and about a place they live. I really loved the characters Ghel and Strella they reminded me a bit of Beauty and the beast, except I imagine her looking like Elsa from frozen. I really enjoyed the story and the little spice, but the end it was just not for me. Whole last part of the book when the battle starts it was to clinging for me personally. I recived a free copy of the ebook and I am very grateful for it. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
174 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2024
This book is about intrigues, arranged marriage, family and love. A conqueror who wants power and lands.
The authors descriptions of art and nature is vivid, beautiful, and immersive. She also shows great care in regards to consent and respect, which is a nice change of pace when compared to other, more carnal, entries into the genre.
This isn't the kind of fae story where the fae are ethereal eternal beings beyond mortal concerns, but instead keeps the concerns of the fae surprisingly human.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
March 27, 2025
Thank god that’s over. The obvious 3rd person POV added nothing to the story line. I think it should help you get to know the characters and relationships better but there was just nothing. Why was there barely any dialogue? She’s goes from being weary of Darin to calling him friend. How?! They barely spoke to each other! There’s a line in chapter 11 where I believe Piris is speaking but the author named her Strella; at this point in the book Strella is days away at the castle! I don’t write reviews but this was so bad I definitely had something to say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristin.
23 reviews7 followers
March 1, 2024
This book peaked my interest when I read the plot summary so I requested an ARC. I won't say it's my favourite book but I don't particularly hate it either. I think it had a rather slow start and it took a while getting into it. I felt like their was a lot of telling going on and a lot of dialogue, so it made it a little difficult getting into it.
However, I think this book would be quite enjoyable for others; it just didn't work out too well for me.
237 reviews
March 2, 2024
The relationship between Ghel and Strella was wonderfully dynamic and crafted. It definitely wasn't instant-love, but the attraction was there from the first meeting.

It was nice to read a book where the male main character wasn't just gruff but instead hid an introverted side as well. Having both characters' perspectives definitely helped to see the progression of their relationship.

Note that there are some spicy scenes throughout the book especially in the last half.
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,486 reviews118 followers
March 2, 2024
This book is the first in a fantasy romance series.

I thought the author created a beautiful world here for readers to escape into. There was some lovely wintry imagery. I was interested in the connection between Strella and Ghel, and keen to see it develop further. There was some steaminess, but not too much, and if you like fantasy romance, I'd say this is a satisfying read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Alysa B.
18 reviews
March 3, 2024
3.5 stars.

I loved the plot of this book, it was well thought out and extremely interesting. However, I felt like there were some chapters where things were overly descriptive.

We got a good history of the world, but a lot of it was irrelevant, or would have been better split up between chapters. There were points in the book that would have been better implied rather than told, but that didn't take away from book at all.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,232 reviews18 followers
May 6, 2024
this was a strong start to the Seasons of Fae series, it uses what I wanted in a fantasy novel. It does a great job in writing the opening chapter and that it worked with the overall setting. The characters were everything that I was looking for and thought it would have a great sequel. I enjoyed the way Sonya Lawson wrote this and can't wait for more.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
8 reviews
Read
December 31, 2024
Not your usual fae book, MUCH better

Really liked the unusual twists and turns in this romance. Not too much or explicit sex. Read almost straight through, cursing my phone when the battery died a couple of times, making me stop. Next romance among the players obvious. Can't wait to read it. Can not think of anyone who would not enjoy this book. Love her descriptions and conversations on honor, politics and love.
1,549 reviews14 followers
February 26, 2024
This is a great book about Prince Ghel being betrothed to Lady Strella.
I liked how the women were not meek and mild but, instead full of zestiness and spice and were not pushovers! It made for a fun story that kept me engrossed and rooting for Strella to find her happy ending.
I also liked how it wrapped up their storyline in the first book but, it is still part of a series.
Profile Image for Harii.
9 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2024
Really enjoyed this book! I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy to read and I could not put it down when I started! Some of my favourite tropes on here including arranged marriage! Big personalities in our characters which just make them more real. This book had magic, fae, romance, politics…just a fantastic read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews

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