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The Winter Court #1
A Kingdom of Frost and Malice
Blood slave to courtier of the Winter fae... you'd think I'd moved up. I'm not so sure.
The auction block awaits, and a vicious vampire prince wants me and what flows through my veins. So I make a run for it, only to end up falling at the feet of a fae warden.
Technically, Roar, the Warden of the West, should return me to the vampire court, but he has other ideas. He needs a fake fiancée.
The deal: if I play his dutiful partner at the Winter Court and help him trick the cold King of Winter, Roar will hide me from the blood-suckers intent on draining the life from me.
I agree, and for a while, it seems like nothing can go wrong. That is until Vale, Warden Roar's nemesis, sets his sights on me. A part of me likes the warrior prince's attention. Luckily, the more sane part knows Prince Vale is not a fae to mess with.
Besides, I can't dissolve my contract with Warden Roar. To do so would bring down the ire of the king and ruin my chances of earning my freedom. So I do my best to keep Roar and Vale from each other's throats, all the while convincing the Winter Court of my love for Roar.
It's official: I'm a part of the deadly game of noble houses, and losing could cost me everything.
If you like the political intrigue of Game of Thrones and the found family aspect and romances of ACOTAR, you'll love this romantic fantasy.
The auction block awaits, and a vicious vampire prince wants me and what flows through my veins. So I make a run for it, only to end up falling at the feet of a fae warden.
Technically, Roar, the Warden of the West, should return me to the vampire court, but he has other ideas. He needs a fake fiancée.
The deal: if I play his dutiful partner at the Winter Court and help him trick the cold King of Winter, Roar will hide me from the blood-suckers intent on draining the life from me.
I agree, and for a while, it seems like nothing can go wrong. That is until Vale, Warden Roar's nemesis, sets his sights on me. A part of me likes the warrior prince's attention. Luckily, the more sane part knows Prince Vale is not a fae to mess with.
Besides, I can't dissolve my contract with Warden Roar. To do so would bring down the ire of the king and ruin my chances of earning my freedom. So I do my best to keep Roar and Vale from each other's throats, all the while convincing the Winter Court of my love for Roar.
It's official: I'm a part of the deadly game of noble houses, and losing could cost me everything.
If you like the political intrigue of Game of Thrones and the found family aspect and romances of ACOTAR, you'll love this romantic fantasy.
15 pages, Audible Audio
Published February 20, 2024
2237 people are currently reading
24382 people want to read
About the author
Ashley McLeo
62 books713 followersAshley lives in the lush and green Pacific Northwest with her husband, their dog, and the house ghost that sometimes makes appearances in her charming, old home.
When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias.
For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!
When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias.
For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
September 29, 2023
DNF - I had high hopes based on reviews, but this reads like bad fanfiction. There’s no world building, there are misused words, and it’s like the author attempted to add as many magical/fantasy creatures they could think of. There is no time spent building a connection to the heroine. This book needs to go back through a few rounds of edits and republish.
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September 20, 2023trying too hard to be acotar
August 20, 2023
ARC Reader Review!
Oh How I love a good epic/romantasy. Honestly this book surprised me in all the best ways! All of my predictions were WAY off! Which is a breath of fresh air! I neeeeeed book two! ASAP I did not put this book down and read it literally in a day.
The story starts off strong and doesn't slow down at all!
Neve is a strong female main character. We've yet to see the extent of her powers, but just know I am so excited to see what she can do as the tonic finishes flushing out of her system!
The twist this book takes at the end honestly shocked me! Fake dating one lord, or potential "marriage for convince" with a prince at the end of the book! Also if they're not fated mates I am going to be salty. Wayyyy to much chemistry for them not to be mate.
Oh How I love a good epic/romantasy. Honestly this book surprised me in all the best ways! All of my predictions were WAY off! Which is a breath of fresh air! I neeeeeed book two! ASAP I did not put this book down and read it literally in a day.
The story starts off strong and doesn't slow down at all!
Neve is a strong female main character. We've yet to see the extent of her powers, but just know I am so excited to see what she can do as the tonic finishes flushing out of her system!
The twist this book takes at the end honestly shocked me! Fake dating one lord, or potential "marriage for convince" with a prince at the end of the book! Also if they're not fated mates I am going to be salty. Wayyyy to much chemistry for them not to be mate.
February 19, 2024
ugh, this was a tough read. it was surprisingly easy to get into even though the story was lacking in so many ways. things like typos, missing punctuation, or details being slightly changed really turned me off from the writing. i felt like i should’ve been reading a light, cheesier romance novel instead of the beginning of a fantasy series.
the world building was really hard to keep up with. i had to double back or reference the high nobility section at the end of the book several times to figure out who was being mentioned.
spoilers incoming!
this book gave acotar knockoff so hard😭 vale and roar (what kind of name is that please) gave dollar store rhys and tampon. there was even a reference to impressive wingspans!!
i know fae can “lie” by twisting their words but howwww did roar go to the king upon arrival and lie about who neve was???? i dont know that i’ll continue the series, but i’m assuming we’ll find out neve is a falk and her and vale will eventually be the king and queen lmao.
i also unfortunately just did not care about any of these characters. they just lacked depth so much and felt so forgettable. saga was probably the only intriguing one of the bunch.
the world building was really hard to keep up with. i had to double back or reference the high nobility section at the end of the book several times to figure out who was being mentioned.
spoilers incoming!
this book gave acotar knockoff so hard😭 vale and roar (what kind of name is that please) gave dollar store rhys and tampon. there was even a reference to impressive wingspans!!
i know fae can “lie” by twisting their words but howwww did roar go to the king upon arrival and lie about who neve was???? i dont know that i’ll continue the series, but i’m assuming we’ll find out neve is a falk and her and vale will eventually be the king and queen lmao.
i also unfortunately just did not care about any of these characters. they just lacked depth so much and felt so forgettable. saga was probably the only intriguing one of the bunch.
August 29, 2023
I receive an advanced reader copy of this book and I am so glad that I applied for it! It was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I read it in about 3 days and I would have read it faster if my kids had let me!
I really enjoyed the main character, Neve. She has a good character arc and I like watching her grow into a strong female lead that can think for herself and form her own opinions. I hope that we get to see her continue to develop in the next book as well.
The character development overall was really hit or miss for me. Don't get me wrong, I liked all of the characters and I thought the author did a great job and had great ideas, I just felt like a few of them were a little flat so I was not nearly as emotionally invested in them as I would have liked to be, especially when it came to some of the larger plot points. On the flip side, some of the characters were really well developed and I quite enjoyed the relationship that Neve was creating. Especially the friendship between her and Saga. I would love to see that continue in book two.
This is definitely a slow burn romance and it does end on a cliffhanger. Which I am very annoyed by because it means that I am left waiting for who knows how long to find out what happens next!
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this as a popcorn read to anyone looking to get lost in a book for a weekend. I am highly anticipating the next one!
I really enjoyed the main character, Neve. She has a good character arc and I like watching her grow into a strong female lead that can think for herself and form her own opinions. I hope that we get to see her continue to develop in the next book as well.
The character development overall was really hit or miss for me. Don't get me wrong, I liked all of the characters and I thought the author did a great job and had great ideas, I just felt like a few of them were a little flat so I was not nearly as emotionally invested in them as I would have liked to be, especially when it came to some of the larger plot points. On the flip side, some of the characters were really well developed and I quite enjoyed the relationship that Neve was creating. Especially the friendship between her and Saga. I would love to see that continue in book two.
This is definitely a slow burn romance and it does end on a cliffhanger. Which I am very annoyed by because it means that I am left waiting for who knows how long to find out what happens next!
Overall, I would absolutely recommend this as a popcorn read to anyone looking to get lost in a book for a weekend. I am highly anticipating the next one!
October 1, 2023
2.75 stars
Mmmmm not my fave, major ACOTAR knock off (have a character named Luccan… really?) if you ask me, and about 300 pages too long, nothing good happens until a good 60% in
The last third was good but we need more prince vale and home girl needs to grow a pair and be a boss ass B like I know she could be.
Mmmmm not my fave, major ACOTAR knock off (have a character named Luccan… really?) if you ask me, and about 300 pages too long, nothing good happens until a good 60% in
The last third was good but we need more prince vale and home girl needs to grow a pair and be a boss ass B like I know she could be.
November 19, 2025
I thought this one was a little tough to get through, just felt like there were a lot of plot lines opened that then never came back into play or were resolved. Maybe the rest of the series wraps it all up, but for the first one I wish it was a little more cohesive. Also writing style wasn’t my fav
August 28, 2023
Arc Reader Review: This being a first ARC read for me, I was excited to start it. I started the book the day I received a copy and finished the next day. I’m always on the lookout for something new to read and the aspect of this book seemed promising!! This book was high stakes throughout- never a dull moment! More often than not, I find myself disappointed in more books than I care to admit that claim to be “high stakes”, because, to me, they rarely are high enough to earn that title. Luckily, there was no problem in this book which left me pleasantly surprised! Anything and everything seemed to be after or happening to the FMC- from overcoming the years of abuse and hardship she endured to being hunted by a vampire prince throughout. This leaves room for quite a few twists and turns which while some I predicted, some I did not. The world building was done decently, setting was well written and it was interesting to see the author incorporate so many different creatures into her world- a breath of fresh air! The characters in this book all had their own kind of personalities and depth- not a single character fell flat, all were unique individuals in their own way!!
Unfortunately, there were some things that kept this book from being a 5 star read. The author, in my opinion, is very tell and not a lot of show. You only get information regarding, well, anything when the author wants you to to have it and you’re always told, not shown. Until then, you have to wait for it. This not only applies to scenes between characters like the FMC and Lord Roar, but also the history behind the kingdom and what transpired to cause things to be the way that they are. While we were eventually told what happened, it was too much all at once and way after it was first brought up- each answer was brought to light from our FMC asking questions all in the course of what felt like just one page. This made it feel extremely info-dumping, like reading a laundry list, and overwhelming at times. I had to reread a few times just to try to get it to make sense. Answers were not given regarding some things either, such as what caused the Shadow Fae War and what it was and why ore, ogre and giant attacks were common in the winter court- maybe I missed something, if I did then please let me know! There were also a few typos and capitalization mistakes, which I’m not usually nit-picky on but when the same type of mistake is made multiple times…no and ouch. That being said, this book is pretty good and was an enjoyable read despite some flaws! Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in the next book!
Thank you to the author for sending a copy! :)
Unfortunately, there were some things that kept this book from being a 5 star read. The author, in my opinion, is very tell and not a lot of show. You only get information regarding, well, anything when the author wants you to to have it and you’re always told, not shown. Until then, you have to wait for it. This not only applies to scenes between characters like the FMC and Lord Roar, but also the history behind the kingdom and what transpired to cause things to be the way that they are. While we were eventually told what happened, it was too much all at once and way after it was first brought up- each answer was brought to light from our FMC asking questions all in the course of what felt like just one page. This made it feel extremely info-dumping, like reading a laundry list, and overwhelming at times. I had to reread a few times just to try to get it to make sense. Answers were not given regarding some things either, such as what caused the Shadow Fae War and what it was and why ore, ogre and giant attacks were common in the winter court- maybe I missed something, if I did then please let me know! There were also a few typos and capitalization mistakes, which I’m not usually nit-picky on but when the same type of mistake is made multiple times…no and ouch. That being said, this book is pretty good and was an enjoyable read despite some flaws! Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in the next book!
Thank you to the author for sending a copy! :)
October 21, 2024
Like ACOTAR but with vampires and slightly more raunchy and I love it.
August 31, 2023
ARC review!
I was lucky enough to be sent and ARC of this book and from the minute I started it it had me hooked. The world building and character development is amazing, although there are a lot of ‘houses’ and families the author does a brilliant job of making the hierarchy easy to follow. As an avid fantasy reader I have high expectations when it comes to the world in which the book is set, the magic systems and of course the love interests!
The characters are deep and well written and really do come alive in this book. I can imagine any of these characters having their own book POV and it being just as enthralling as this one.
The twists in this book are unexpected and exciting, and I can’t wait to reread! I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series.
I was lucky enough to be sent and ARC of this book and from the minute I started it it had me hooked. The world building and character development is amazing, although there are a lot of ‘houses’ and families the author does a brilliant job of making the hierarchy easy to follow. As an avid fantasy reader I have high expectations when it comes to the world in which the book is set, the magic systems and of course the love interests!
The characters are deep and well written and really do come alive in this book. I can imagine any of these characters having their own book POV and it being just as enthralling as this one.
The twists in this book are unexpected and exciting, and I can’t wait to reread! I’m very much looking forward to the next in the series.
October 8, 2023
It's got a Tamlin! Hahaha, I'm so mad the 2nd one doesn't come out till next July.. like I NEED to know. So yeah read it. Side note.. no real spice but honestly the storyline was good enough I didn't mind.
September 11, 2025
This is a solid 3.8 for me, the beginning was kind of losing me but ended up really liking the end. If I can’t get through book 2 I’m DNF’ing the series, the other books had higher ratings so let’s hope
April 20, 2025
The fantasy is all over the map. Fea, vampires, orcs, goblins, witches, and so many more. The story is predictable. The author is trying a little too hard, but that's not going to stop me. 🤣
September 19, 2025
Oof, this is written in a way that's just... callow.
Like, I'd expect this from an amateur writing for young adults. Despite a 23 year old heroine who flat out says she likes sex and has had many lovers, this did not feel like an adult book. The plot and story were all pretty simplistic and unfolded far too easily.
There was no decent build up and there was no payoff for anything. It had 600 pages to accomplish that and squandered them all. It was very meandering and, as Vale and Neve have extremely limited contact before sucking face, I would not consider this slow burn romance--it's just a slower paced story overall as it drags its feet on actually projecting the plot forward into something interesting or meaningful.
"Slow burn" means it takes time for the relationship to develop and romance to unfold, the characters interact for chapter upon chapter, slowly building a deeper and deeper relationship until the development is so good, that first kiss is extremely satisfying and meaningful. It DOES NOT mean that the first kiss/sex scene/etc. is delayed til the end of the book/later in the series but still comes out of nowhere with little to no development.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Neve and Vale are fated mates and will be declaring everlasting love super quickly in book #2. Yuck. I'm getting real sick of fated mates being used as shorthand to just, not write relationship development.
This book reads very much like something I'd have picked up at 14 and been entertained by. Is smut in later books the only reason why the author made this an adult book? Because every other quality of the writing doesn't demonstrate it. Like, the author's attempts to make Roar seem like he's a bad guy pretending to be good were so empty, there wasn't adequate build up to make the shifts feel sinister or believable. And the vampire prince? He exists in two small areas and is only a cheap catalyst for a few plot devices; I feel like it was a missed opportunity for an antagonist. For a while, I actually kind of forgot about the vampires because Neve was just wandering around the plot, concerned with reading books and sewing a dress for a ball.
Also, this bugged me personally. The names in the book were also weird. Like, using "Clem" as an endearing nickname. And the world building is a weird amalgamation of faeries, vampires, humans, and other random species that are causally tossed in. It would have been better to have stuck to just faeries, I think.
There were also a decent amount of typos/grammar errors/formatting errors. Not enough to distract from reading, but, enough that I have to wonder if this got edited properly.
I don't think I care to read the next book. I'm overall disappointed and unsatisfied with the read.
Like, I'd expect this from an amateur writing for young adults. Despite a 23 year old heroine who flat out says she likes sex and has had many lovers, this did not feel like an adult book. The plot and story were all pretty simplistic and unfolded far too easily.
There was no decent build up and there was no payoff for anything. It had 600 pages to accomplish that and squandered them all. It was very meandering and, as Vale and Neve have extremely limited contact before sucking face, I would not consider this slow burn romance--it's just a slower paced story overall as it drags its feet on actually projecting the plot forward into something interesting or meaningful.
"Slow burn" means it takes time for the relationship to develop and romance to unfold, the characters interact for chapter upon chapter, slowly building a deeper and deeper relationship until the development is so good, that first kiss is extremely satisfying and meaningful. It DOES NOT mean that the first kiss/sex scene/etc. is delayed til the end of the book/later in the series but still comes out of nowhere with little to no development.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Neve and Vale are fated mates and will be declaring everlasting love super quickly in book #2. Yuck. I'm getting real sick of fated mates being used as shorthand to just, not write relationship development.
This book reads very much like something I'd have picked up at 14 and been entertained by. Is smut in later books the only reason why the author made this an adult book? Because every other quality of the writing doesn't demonstrate it. Like, the author's attempts to make Roar seem like he's a bad guy pretending to be good were so empty, there wasn't adequate build up to make the shifts feel sinister or believable. And the vampire prince? He exists in two small areas and is only a cheap catalyst for a few plot devices; I feel like it was a missed opportunity for an antagonist. For a while, I actually kind of forgot about the vampires because Neve was just wandering around the plot, concerned with reading books and sewing a dress for a ball.
Also, this bugged me personally. The names in the book were also weird. Like, using "Clem" as an endearing nickname. And the world building is a weird amalgamation of faeries, vampires, humans, and other random species that are causally tossed in. It would have been better to have stuck to just faeries, I think.
There were also a decent amount of typos/grammar errors/formatting errors. Not enough to distract from reading, but, enough that I have to wonder if this got edited properly.
I don't think I care to read the next book. I'm overall disappointed and unsatisfied with the read.
October 4, 2023
I purchased this book after seeing it compared to current popular YA fiction. It was advertised as being perfect for those in a slump after Fourth Wing and ACOTAR and I was immediately interested as those are some of my most frequently reread titles. However, I am considering abandoning reading this book at only 250 pages out of sheer disappointment and frustration. This story is fiction of course, but the plot feels entirely implausible and the writing is in no way compelling enough to make up for it. At every turn I find myself fighting to stay immersed in the story.
There is a huge disconnect for me that I attribute to the poorly written nature of this book. The world building is abrupt and lacking in color or reason, the descriptions of situations are often bland and repetitive if not outright juvenile and the dialogue itself is frequently stilted and doesn’t flow logically or smoothly into the narration. In moments where we are meant as readers to learn some shocking bit of information, I repeatedly find myself hung up on the lack of integration of ideas or plot. There are far too many gaps and plot holes even this far in for me to feel it is worth continuing to read.
This book overall is highly disappointing and not at all in the same tier as the titles dominating YA Fiction. It feels like reading a poorly written fanfiction of some of my favorite series and I would not go back and repurchase this book or recommend it to anyone else.
There is a huge disconnect for me that I attribute to the poorly written nature of this book. The world building is abrupt and lacking in color or reason, the descriptions of situations are often bland and repetitive if not outright juvenile and the dialogue itself is frequently stilted and doesn’t flow logically or smoothly into the narration. In moments where we are meant as readers to learn some shocking bit of information, I repeatedly find myself hung up on the lack of integration of ideas or plot. There are far too many gaps and plot holes even this far in for me to feel it is worth continuing to read.
This book overall is highly disappointing and not at all in the same tier as the titles dominating YA Fiction. It feels like reading a poorly written fanfiction of some of my favorite series and I would not go back and repurchase this book or recommend it to anyone else.
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March 20, 20242024 Reading Challenge #16: Book With More Than 500 Pages
2024 Goodreads Challenge - Book #4/25
This book was very much all telling and no showing in my opinion. It feels like the author had a lot of fun writing this, but sometimes I just couldn't vibe with the story. Like others have mentioned, there were many grammatical errors in the story that would just pull me right out of what was happening. I hope that this will improve in the second novel for all of those who fell in love with the series and wish to continue. I think the author knows how to build their world, I just hope the flow of the plot will improve in their future books.
2024 Goodreads Challenge - Book #4/25
This book was very much all telling and no showing in my opinion. It feels like the author had a lot of fun writing this, but sometimes I just couldn't vibe with the story. Like others have mentioned, there were many grammatical errors in the story that would just pull me right out of what was happening. I hope that this will improve in the second novel for all of those who fell in love with the series and wish to continue. I think the author knows how to build their world, I just hope the flow of the plot will improve in their future books.
September 6, 2023
ARC reader review - 3.5 stars
I was really excited to read this, it did take me about 4 days but honestly if work and the kids would have let me I'd have finished this so much faster! I just wanted to eat this up! there's little I love more than an enemies to lovers, fated mates, fantasy romance and this book did deliver. Though in some areas more than others. I find it hard to go into much detail without littering my review with spoilers so I'll keep this pretty generalised.
Diving in there was a couple of grammatical issues that had me stumbling and elements of the world building that felt a little labored or over explained in parts throughout the book, however by the time I reached maybe the 4th chapter i was invested. I needed to know more about Neve, what was her past and just how was her future going to unfold.
Up until just over halfway through I was jumping from theory to theory..who was Prince Roar really? What was his agenda? What was it he seemed to know about Neve? Honestly, I didn't want to put down the book. And when we met Prince Vale, well it was easy to see what direction things were going but I've never minded that in a book, the real joy for me is in following how it all comes together and Ashley really does take you on a fun, somewhat mysterious journey.
I absolutely love the characters in this story! Saga and Sayyida I want so much more of and because of the various characters dynamics and how much I came to care about them I was more than willing to overlook the few flaws I stumbled across in the writing.
There were elements of the romances that did seem rushed and if you're new to fantasy and the idea of Fated Mates then they may not feel right ..and even for Fated Mates there are one or two instances that just seem like they could have taken some building up to.
The book did end on something of a cliffhanger and much of our questions go unanswered (until hopefully book 2), though i think this is something most of us enjoy when we know that unravelling the answers is going to be a bit of a ride, I know I do. Overall, despite some flaws, which for me were minor even though they did interrupt the flow of the story a touch, I really enjoyed this book. I wanted to see what was coming next, I cared about the characters, most of all our FMC, I feel like I know where this is going to end and like I've figured out who Neve is (and while it is nice when the mystery holds right up to the plot twist, I don't really mind when it doesn't) but I'm intruiged to see how Ashely gets us there. Looking forward to book 2!
I was really excited to read this, it did take me about 4 days but honestly if work and the kids would have let me I'd have finished this so much faster! I just wanted to eat this up! there's little I love more than an enemies to lovers, fated mates, fantasy romance and this book did deliver. Though in some areas more than others. I find it hard to go into much detail without littering my review with spoilers so I'll keep this pretty generalised.
Diving in there was a couple of grammatical issues that had me stumbling and elements of the world building that felt a little labored or over explained in parts throughout the book, however by the time I reached maybe the 4th chapter i was invested. I needed to know more about Neve, what was her past and just how was her future going to unfold.
Up until just over halfway through I was jumping from theory to theory..who was Prince Roar really? What was his agenda? What was it he seemed to know about Neve? Honestly, I didn't want to put down the book. And when we met Prince Vale, well it was easy to see what direction things were going but I've never minded that in a book, the real joy for me is in following how it all comes together and Ashley really does take you on a fun, somewhat mysterious journey.
I absolutely love the characters in this story! Saga and Sayyida I want so much more of and because of the various characters dynamics and how much I came to care about them I was more than willing to overlook the few flaws I stumbled across in the writing.
There were elements of the romances that did seem rushed and if you're new to fantasy and the idea of Fated Mates then they may not feel right ..and even for Fated Mates there are one or two instances that just seem like they could have taken some building up to.
The book did end on something of a cliffhanger and much of our questions go unanswered (until hopefully book 2), though i think this is something most of us enjoy when we know that unravelling the answers is going to be a bit of a ride, I know I do. Overall, despite some flaws, which for me were minor even though they did interrupt the flow of the story a touch, I really enjoyed this book. I wanted to see what was coming next, I cared about the characters, most of all our FMC, I feel like I know where this is going to end and like I've figured out who Neve is (and while it is nice when the mystery holds right up to the plot twist, I don't really mind when it doesn't) but I'm intruiged to see how Ashely gets us there. Looking forward to book 2!
January 20, 2025
I am a fan of the A Court of Thorns and Roses world. In that series, we see little of the Winter Court of Fae. I picked this book up, hoping that I would get to explore a similar world through another series.
I was disappointed.
In my opinion, the only defining piece of this novel's winter court setting was the fact that their kingdom's fae don't get cold as easily. Otherwise, this could have been any other generic kingdom set in a wintery world.
However, I recognize that it is not fair to judge a novel solely based on my expectation of what it would be. Therefore, allow me to tell you why nearly every other facet of this story fell flat.
First, one of the main character's love interests is named "Roar". There was never a chance for me to become invested.
Second, I do not understand the distribution of kingdoms. You have your four seasonal kingdoms of fae, but then there is the "vampire kingdom" and the "dragon shifter kingdom." It would have been interesting to see the non-fae kingdoms split into different factions or types. The way things are set up, it just reads that the primary reason of why the fae courts alone are separated is because of ACOTAR.
Third, multiple characters are introduced, but I cannot remember any of them except the main character and the two love interests, (one who flip flops between hot and cold, and one who acts a little too knightly to have the bad reputation that he does in the beginning of the novel). While attempts were made to give them their own ambitions, ultimately, it felt like all of them only existed to drive the main character forward. I suppose you could make that argument for any secondary or background character, but I have read so many novels that are able to make the side characters stand on their own and interesting enough to be the lead in their own story.
I am left wanting a fae novel set in a Winter Court. If there are any other books or fanfictions that I could pick up, please let me know.
I was disappointed.
In my opinion, the only defining piece of this novel's winter court setting was the fact that their kingdom's fae don't get cold as easily. Otherwise, this could have been any other generic kingdom set in a wintery world.
However, I recognize that it is not fair to judge a novel solely based on my expectation of what it would be. Therefore, allow me to tell you why nearly every other facet of this story fell flat.
First, one of the main character's love interests is named "Roar". There was never a chance for me to become invested.
Second, I do not understand the distribution of kingdoms. You have your four seasonal kingdoms of fae, but then there is the "vampire kingdom" and the "dragon shifter kingdom." It would have been interesting to see the non-fae kingdoms split into different factions or types. The way things are set up, it just reads that the primary reason of why the fae courts alone are separated is because of ACOTAR.
Third, multiple characters are introduced, but I cannot remember any of them except the main character and the two love interests, (one who flip flops between hot and cold, and one who acts a little too knightly to have the bad reputation that he does in the beginning of the novel). While attempts were made to give them their own ambitions, ultimately, it felt like all of them only existed to drive the main character forward. I suppose you could make that argument for any secondary or background character, but I have read so many novels that are able to make the side characters stand on their own and interesting enough to be the lead in their own story.
I am left wanting a fae novel set in a Winter Court. If there are any other books or fanfictions that I could pick up, please let me know.
September 1, 2023
I received this as an ARC for review.
I thought this was a good start to a new fantasy series~ I thought the story was going to go one way at first but then it went down a very different avenue which was refreshing! I would recommend this book for someone interested in a cozy fantasy novel, one that has great world-building, fake relationship, found family, and hidden pasts.
The dialogue was a little bit cheesy at first but it might have been that way to have readers feel uneasy and second guess the interactions between Neve and that character. Then, once the story really ramped up, it was nonstop action and pretty fun to read. Neve is the feisty FMC and no spoilers on who the end-game MMC is (or who I think it is) but I can feeeelllll their chemistry and attraction towards one another. I want to see what happens when the tonic fully flushes out of her system!
There are so many secrets yet to be revealed..like what are you reallyyyyyyy Neve wisjdjdjdkejewk. I’m excited to see the kinds of trouble she will get herself into..and where the story will go. I can’t wait to read the 2nd book and will be reading it.
I thought this was a good start to a new fantasy series~ I thought the story was going to go one way at first but then it went down a very different avenue which was refreshing! I would recommend this book for someone interested in a cozy fantasy novel, one that has great world-building, fake relationship, found family, and hidden pasts.
The dialogue was a little bit cheesy at first but it might have been that way to have readers feel uneasy and second guess the interactions between Neve and that character. Then, once the story really ramped up, it was nonstop action and pretty fun to read. Neve is the feisty FMC and no spoilers on who the end-game MMC is (or who I think it is) but I can feeeelllll their chemistry and attraction towards one another. I want to see what happens when the tonic fully flushes out of her system!
There are so many secrets yet to be revealed..like what are you reallyyyyyyy Neve wisjdjdjdkejewk. I’m excited to see the kinds of trouble she will get herself into..and where the story will go. I can’t wait to read the 2nd book and will be reading it.
August 28, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Arc review
I saw one of Ashley’s videos come up on my Tik Tok FYP and I was intrigued by the snippets she put up of this book.
It took a few chapters for me to get into the story but once it did I couldn’t put it down.
If you like
☑️ Fantasy romance
☑️ Kingdom politics
☑️ Magic
☑️ Dying Kingdom
☑️ Alpha Fae (but a cinnamon roll to her)
☑️ Touch her and die vibes
☑️ Who did this to you
☑️ Fake engagement (with a twist)
☑️ Secrets (everyone has one)
We follow Neve who escaped from being a blood slave from the vampire kingdom and being hunted by a vampire prince, to finding herself making a deal to be in a fake engagement in exchange for her freedom.
Counting balls, rebellions forming and rising, magical bargains sealed with blood. This book has it all.
Not everything is as it seems and secrets and lies always come out. The twists and turns will have you flipping pages like your life depends on it.
That ending…no ma’am! Did you really do this to us! Now we have to wait for the second book!!!
(The only downside is that there is lots of complex politics and a long complicated history of the Fae courts that I still find a little confusing. And to be honest that might just be me not grasping it the first time round and when I do a reread it will probably make sense.)
Thank you for sending me an ARC Copy.
Arc review
I saw one of Ashley’s videos come up on my Tik Tok FYP and I was intrigued by the snippets she put up of this book.
It took a few chapters for me to get into the story but once it did I couldn’t put it down.
If you like
☑️ Fantasy romance
☑️ Kingdom politics
☑️ Magic
☑️ Dying Kingdom
☑️ Alpha Fae (but a cinnamon roll to her)
☑️ Touch her and die vibes
☑️ Who did this to you
☑️ Fake engagement (with a twist)
☑️ Secrets (everyone has one)
We follow Neve who escaped from being a blood slave from the vampire kingdom and being hunted by a vampire prince, to finding herself making a deal to be in a fake engagement in exchange for her freedom.
Counting balls, rebellions forming and rising, magical bargains sealed with blood. This book has it all.
Not everything is as it seems and secrets and lies always come out. The twists and turns will have you flipping pages like your life depends on it.
That ending…no ma’am! Did you really do this to us! Now we have to wait for the second book!!!
(The only downside is that there is lots of complex politics and a long complicated history of the Fae courts that I still find a little confusing. And to be honest that might just be me not grasping it the first time round and when I do a reread it will probably make sense.)
Thank you for sending me an ARC Copy.
August 30, 2023
ARC : I absolutely enjoyed this title; it was instantly captivating and attention grabbing. The plot moves well and the characters are interesting in their own right. I could easily see an expansion for multiple characters as I wished to learn more about them and their backstories. Different species, lands, & the hierarchy make this a more complex and fun read. The emotional intensity kept me baited especially because you will not find spice in this story which I honestly didn’t mind. The angst is enough to keep you guessing throughout the plot and romance. Roar and Vale have their secrets but I still feel like so many others have something they are hiding as well. I thought I had guessed ahead somewhat of the storyline but was pleasantly surprised when I was incorrect! The cliffhanger was an intense quick end but I’m not mad about it and I’m just ready for so many answers in book 2. Neve is a character that has great & very natural growth development and I can’t wait to see what she discovers about herself in the next story. You’ll definitely finish this book impatiently waiting to get your hands on book 2.
October 2, 2024
Such an amazing story this was. I was enamored with the main FMC Neve. Clearly she was the dark knight who rode through the Smokey grey clouds and challenged all who dared to make her coward. Neve is such a fierce character that the vampires did not anticipate would have the intelligence or the strength to fight for her freedom. I loved everything about her character.
This few traits were so transparent for our young fae that two fae lords are strongly attracted to her. Yes they are. For me this just makes the book get better. The fae testosterone floating around that castle was so much. That could explain why the king was having orgy’s every night.
Prince Vale takes the lead and guides the Fae misfits to fight the vampires and those are some good battles. I for one enjoyed the book. The writing was terrific. The fantasy is entertaining. I also thought that it was genuinely imaginative.
I give this book two snaps and a twist.
This few traits were so transparent for our young fae that two fae lords are strongly attracted to her. Yes they are. For me this just makes the book get better. The fae testosterone floating around that castle was so much. That could explain why the king was having orgy’s every night.
Prince Vale takes the lead and guides the Fae misfits to fight the vampires and those are some good battles. I for one enjoyed the book. The writing was terrific. The fantasy is entertaining. I also thought that it was genuinely imaginative.
I give this book two snaps and a twist.
August 26, 2023
ARC Review!!
Neve is a fae slave to her vampire master. An event occurs which causes her master to put Neve up for auction instead of draining her, as her fae blood is valuable. Neve escapes to Winter Court where Warden Roar proposes a deal - become fake engaged to him so he can avoid a forced marriage and he will offer her safe passage to the Summer Court and a sum of gold. Neve and Warden Roar travel to the Courting Festival to announce their betrothal before the King where Neve meets Vale, Prince of the Winter Court who throws a wrench in Neve’s plans. Neve and Warden Roar must continue their charade to avoid discovery and the danger that awaits them if found out.
Ashley McLeo’s writing is captivating and I found myself flying through the book, excited to get back to reading it, and thinking about it when not reading. This book is great for fans of ACOTAR. Though there are distinct differences between the two, there are too many similarities not to make note. Though I made notes of all the similarities, it did not keep me from enjoying the book and looking forward to the next!
Neve is a fae slave to her vampire master. An event occurs which causes her master to put Neve up for auction instead of draining her, as her fae blood is valuable. Neve escapes to Winter Court where Warden Roar proposes a deal - become fake engaged to him so he can avoid a forced marriage and he will offer her safe passage to the Summer Court and a sum of gold. Neve and Warden Roar travel to the Courting Festival to announce their betrothal before the King where Neve meets Vale, Prince of the Winter Court who throws a wrench in Neve’s plans. Neve and Warden Roar must continue their charade to avoid discovery and the danger that awaits them if found out.
Ashley McLeo’s writing is captivating and I found myself flying through the book, excited to get back to reading it, and thinking about it when not reading. This book is great for fans of ACOTAR. Though there are distinct differences between the two, there are too many similarities not to make note. Though I made notes of all the similarities, it did not keep me from enjoying the book and looking forward to the next!
September 1, 2023
I had the privilege of reading this book and boy did it deliver! A fae slave in a vampire court agrees to a fake engagement for survival? Yes please! Our main character needs to figure out who she can trust to make safe passage away from her captors. She enters into a fake engagement thinking that it will offer her some sort of freedom! Little does she knows, she becomes tangled in the politics, she has to figure out who she can and cannot trust all the while figuring out who she truly is. I cannot wait for the next book to be released! I can’t say this enough, Read. This. Book!!
October 12, 2023
When I tell you I was wrong alot in this book, I mean A LOT! 😆
I'm now confused & dying for the next one!
One thing is for certain - I need Prince Vale & a HEA! (at some point)
So MANY great things:
Fake engagement
Magic
Faeies
Vampires
Slaves
Found family
Slow burn (not spicy - but I can't wait til it is 😍)
Dying kingdom
Who did this to you!? 👀
Twists!
Courts
The world building & story is going great and sets up for the second book well! (I think)
Definitely a series I will continue! Thank you for the ARC! This review was voluntary! 🖤
I'm now confused & dying for the next one!
One thing is for certain - I need Prince Vale & a HEA! (at some point)
So MANY great things:
Fake engagement
Magic
Faeies
Vampires
Slaves
Found family
Slow burn (not spicy - but I can't wait til it is 😍)
Dying kingdom
Who did this to you!? 👀
Twists!
Courts
The world building & story is going great and sets up for the second book well! (I think)
Definitely a series I will continue! Thank you for the ARC! This review was voluntary! 🖤
August 23, 2023
I applied to ARC read this book, and I am so glad I did! I thoroughly enjoyed it. It screamed ACOTAR/TOG vibes at me the whole time I read it (except add in Vampires lol).
The plot was well thought out, and I didn’t really expect some of the things that took place. The FMC was strong willed, and I loved her. I really visualized the settings as if I were there. The characters were beautifully described.
I caught myself thinking about this book when I wasn’t able to read it. I truly enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it to my fellow SJM lovers, as it is somewhat similar in style.
The only thing I wished for was more connection between the characters. I wanted more backstories or experiences to get more attached to Anna. I wanted more showing and less telling when it came to connecting with Warden Roar (I.e. she would say something like “the last few days we did xyz together” instead of making those into actual scenes). I would’ve been more devastated at the twists if I felt a deeper connection with all of them.
But other than that, I absolutely loved this book, and I cannot wait to read the rest. I read all 600+ pages (I don’t know how many there are, it was measured in Loc numbers lol) in 3 days lol it was very good.
The plot was well thought out, and I didn’t really expect some of the things that took place. The FMC was strong willed, and I loved her. I really visualized the settings as if I were there. The characters were beautifully described.
I caught myself thinking about this book when I wasn’t able to read it. I truly enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it to my fellow SJM lovers, as it is somewhat similar in style.
The only thing I wished for was more connection between the characters. I wanted more backstories or experiences to get more attached to Anna. I wanted more showing and less telling when it came to connecting with Warden Roar (I.e. she would say something like “the last few days we did xyz together” instead of making those into actual scenes). I would’ve been more devastated at the twists if I felt a deeper connection with all of them.
But other than that, I absolutely loved this book, and I cannot wait to read the rest. I read all 600+ pages (I don’t know how many there are, it was measured in Loc numbers lol) in 3 days lol it was very good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
ARC reader here! This book was action packed and truly just a fun read from the beginning. The FMC was strong and never gave up. She also really values her friendships and I love that. We get a fake fiancée trope but with a twist, a dark Prince (who I myself want to marry), and some great overall characters along the way. I wish Saga was my best friend! I’m really excited to see where the story takes us and to continue learning about all these complex characters in the next book.
LOTR meets GOT meets Bridgerton.
My only negative is that I would have liked a little bit more world building, but I understand that Neve is learning herself.
Spice level: 🌶️ (more to come in the next books)
Action level: 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ends on a major cliffhanger!!
LOTR meets GOT meets Bridgerton.
My only negative is that I would have liked a little bit more world building, but I understand that Neve is learning herself.
Spice level: 🌶️ (more to come in the next books)
Action level: 🗡️🗡️🗡️🗡️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ends on a major cliffhanger!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
ARC reader review: I absolutely loved this book the character chemistry, the plot was very intriguing, from start to finish I could not put this book down I loved the character development, I also liked that it was court based and there wasn’t just one type of fae but you also got trolls orges and vampires. If your a fantasy fan this is definitely for you it had me on the edge of my seat just about the whole book definitely can’t wait for the next book!
September 1, 2023
ARC Review: This is the first time I’ve received an advanced copy of a book. I was intimidated at first with the list of characters and families at the beginning. I worried that it would be too much to keep track of. Fortunately, I didn’t find this to be an issue and I loved this book! The story had many unexpected twists and turns. The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is there were a few things that were a bit predictable. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
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