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The Enforcer's Bride #1
Bound by Deception
She’s a 300-year-old Fae assassin with a bloodstained soul. He’s the mortal High King’s chief-enforcer, responsible for hunting and killing her people. Their marriage will be the breaking—and the making—of them both.
Outlander meets The Witcher and Throne of Glass. BOUND BY DECEPTION is a high-stakes Fantasy Romance with enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn delicious spice, a mail-order-bride, and a dark and lush world inspired by Celtic myth.
Bree Fellshadow is a master assassin, but when she’s sent to work as a spy in the enemy court, she finds herself out of her depth.
Killing the queen’s enemies is easy compared to pretending to be a biddable wife or dealing with her obnoxious chief-enforcer husband—a powerful warrior-druid who both enrages and unsettles her.
Cailean mac Brochan is also worryingly suspicious, and she keeps drawing his attention. But Bree must gain his trust, to learn where and when the enemy will strike.
That is … if she survives long enough.
From best-selling author Jayne Castel comes a brand new, Romantic Fantasy duology, where druids, mortals, and Fae collide with Celtic myth. If you love stories about betrayal, sacrifice, divided loyalties, and redemption—and if you like fierce, stabby heroines, and grumpy, protective heroes—you won’t be able to put down this addictive Romantasy.
Outlander meets The Witcher and Throne of Glass. BOUND BY DECEPTION is a high-stakes Fantasy Romance with enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn delicious spice, a mail-order-bride, and a dark and lush world inspired by Celtic myth.
Bree Fellshadow is a master assassin, but when she’s sent to work as a spy in the enemy court, she finds herself out of her depth.
Killing the queen’s enemies is easy compared to pretending to be a biddable wife or dealing with her obnoxious chief-enforcer husband—a powerful warrior-druid who both enrages and unsettles her.
Cailean mac Brochan is also worryingly suspicious, and she keeps drawing his attention. But Bree must gain his trust, to learn where and when the enemy will strike.
That is … if she survives long enough.
From best-selling author Jayne Castel comes a brand new, Romantic Fantasy duology, where druids, mortals, and Fae collide with Celtic myth. If you love stories about betrayal, sacrifice, divided loyalties, and redemption—and if you like fierce, stabby heroines, and grumpy, protective heroes—you won’t be able to put down this addictive Romantasy.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2024
401 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Jayne Castel
94 books398 followersMulti-award-winning author Jayne Castel writes epic Historical and Fantasy Romance. Her vibrant characters, richly researched historical settings and action-packed adventure romance transport readers to forgotten times and imaginary worlds.
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/
Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com
Connect with Jayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynecastel...
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Follow Jayne on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jaynecastel/...
Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
Jayne is the author of a number of best-selling series. In love with all things Scottish, she writes romances set in both Dark Ages and Medieval Scotland.
When she's not writing, Jayne is reading (and re-reading) her favorite authors, cooking Italian feasts, and going on long walks with her husband. She's from New Zealand, but now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Sign up to Jayne's newsletter and get a free bundle of short stories! https://www.jaynecastel.com/
Jayne loves to hear from her readers - email her at: contact@jaynecastel.com
Connect with Jayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaynecastel...
Connect with Jayne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayneCastelR...
Follow Jayne on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/jaynecastel/...
Follow Jayne on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jayne...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
September 27, 2024
Possibly the most poorly developed romance that I have ever read.
You should not be willing to sacrifice your life for a guy that you've had three conversations with - all of them being surface level to boot.
Also none of the plot makes sense. The people she is "deceiving" are just incredibly stupid. This was a The Bridge Kingdom rip off. Read that if you think the summary of this book looks interesting because this one is not worth your time.
ROSE 🌹: CELTIC ELEMENTS
The one thing I did enjoy was some of the world-building and the Celtic inspired elements that came along with it. I love reading about their mythology, so that was a nice little treat wrapped up in the rest of this horrible book.
THORN 🗡️: FMC, ROMANCE, PLOT
The FMC Bree was so incredibly annoying. Pick-me girl to the max. We also literally never learn anything important about her or her backstory. Maybe that's coming in the second book, but I will not be reading it, so I guess I'll be in the dark forever.
As I mentioned, there was zero development of the romance. Bree and her husband barely actually learn anything about each other, yet I'm supposed to believe that they are in love after having sex once? It made zero sense. Have some self-respect girl.
The plot plodded along and was so boring. Everyone was stupid.
BUD 🌷: N/A
You should not be willing to sacrifice your life for a guy that you've had three conversations with - all of them being surface level to boot.
Also none of the plot makes sense. The people she is "deceiving" are just incredibly stupid. This was a The Bridge Kingdom rip off. Read that if you think the summary of this book looks interesting because this one is not worth your time.
ROSE 🌹: CELTIC ELEMENTS
The one thing I did enjoy was some of the world-building and the Celtic inspired elements that came along with it. I love reading about their mythology, so that was a nice little treat wrapped up in the rest of this horrible book.
THORN 🗡️: FMC, ROMANCE, PLOT
The FMC Bree was so incredibly annoying. Pick-me girl to the max. We also literally never learn anything important about her or her backstory. Maybe that's coming in the second book, but I will not be reading it, so I guess I'll be in the dark forever.
As I mentioned, there was zero development of the romance. Bree and her husband barely actually learn anything about each other, yet I'm supposed to believe that they are in love after having sex once? It made zero sense. Have some self-respect girl.
The plot plodded along and was so boring. Everyone was stupid.
BUD 🌷: N/A
September 27, 2024
DNF at 30%
Nopeee, I can't deal with the casual misogyny in the book.
Nopeee, I can't deal with the casual misogyny in the book.
March 9, 2025
I don't even know what to say.
September 15, 2024
I think this book is really good! I want book 2 NOW!
I have so many questions about Cailean! What is he hiding?
I really enjoy all the folklore and myths, even though I know very little of Scottish myths. It made the book even more exciting. I like the slow burn and I really like the two mc’s.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have so many questions about Cailean! What is he hiding?
I really enjoy all the folklore and myths, even though I know very little of Scottish myths. It made the book even more exciting. I like the slow burn and I really like the two mc’s.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2024
I know that she’s an assassin and not a spy, but Bree is literally the worst spy I’ve ever read. Insufferably so. I do not think you could even call her one.
Also, why you would want to read a male perspective that casually refers to his wife as bitch, I do not know. Why Bree would die for this caveman who grunts and slaps his chest, I do not know.
Also, why you would want to read a male perspective that casually refers to his wife as bitch, I do not know. Why Bree would die for this caveman who grunts and slaps his chest, I do not know.
October 7, 2024
I liked the premise of this book but I think it needed to be quite a bit longer, even if it’s a duology.
There wasn’t much “burn” in this slow-burn. The characters hardly spent any time together. Then they had sex once (on orders of the king, not because their nonexistent feelings finally gave way) and suddenly they are in love? No. There needed to be a LOT more discovery/vulnerability/intimacy to get to that point. We know next to nothing about either character—nor the king, nor the princess, nor the healer, nor the maid, nor the second in command, nor any of the side characters who could be important but we just don’t know.
There was just so much missing and then it was over.
That said, I think this could have been fairly good if those issues had been addressed. I thought the rest of the story was compelling enough to finish reading but I wasn’t majorly invested.
Nonetheless I don’t think I’ll read book 2 because I’m not confident that all these loose ends will be tied up, and because the romance was so blah in this book I’m not sure I care.
There wasn’t much “burn” in this slow-burn. The characters hardly spent any time together. Then they had sex once (on orders of the king, not because their nonexistent feelings finally gave way) and suddenly they are in love? No. There needed to be a LOT more discovery/vulnerability/intimacy to get to that point. We know next to nothing about either character—nor the king, nor the princess, nor the healer, nor the maid, nor the second in command, nor any of the side characters who could be important but we just don’t know.
There was just so much missing and then it was over.
That said, I think this could have been fairly good if those issues had been addressed. I thought the rest of the story was compelling enough to finish reading but I wasn’t majorly invested.
Nonetheless I don’t think I’ll read book 2 because I’m not confident that all these loose ends will be tied up, and because the romance was so blah in this book I’m not sure I care.
December 23, 2024
4.7, I really like her writing style, it wasn't like some other romanticy books... this one had a feel of realism instead of infatuation and tropes and it made me feel some feels at one point. Moving right on into the next book!
September 14, 2024
Book Review: Bound by Deception
Wow, what an amazing fantasy book! Bound by Deception truly delivers a thrilling enemies-to-lovers romance within a high-fantasy world that captivates from the start. The story is rich with tension, intrigue, and complex emotions that make it hard to put down.
I absolutely loved Bree, the Shee assassin at the heart of the tale. She’s the perfect combination of strength and vulnerability, a cold-hearted, hardened woman trained to feel nothing. Forced into an arranged marriage with Cailean, the chief commander druid of her enemies, Bree is supposed to act as a demure, obedient wife while secretly spying on him. But, being headstrong and fierce, she struggles to play the role, constantly clashing with Cailean.
Cailean is equally compelling—gruff, aloof, and equally reluctant to enter this marriage. He’s the typical brooding loner, expecting a submissive wife who would keep to herself. Instead, he gets Bree, a fiery and unyielding force that disrupts everything he anticipated. Their dynamic is electric, with both of them pushing each other’s buttons while slowly breaking down the walls they’ve built around themselves.
What I loved most is how the characters evolve. Bree’s emotional journey is particularly moving, as she confronts feelings she’s never experienced before. Her inner turmoil, torn between duty and unexpected affection, is beautifully portrayed. Cailean, too, changes in subtle ways, showing that even the coldest of hearts can thaw when the right person enters their life.
The chemistry between Bree and Cailean is palpable, and watching them navigate their growing feelings is both tense and heartwarming. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done brilliantly, with plenty of slow-burn moments and character growth.
I can't wait for book 2! Bound by Deception sets the stage for an epic romance and more adventures in this intricate fantasy world. Highly recommend for fans of high-stakes fantasy and romance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wow, what an amazing fantasy book! Bound by Deception truly delivers a thrilling enemies-to-lovers romance within a high-fantasy world that captivates from the start. The story is rich with tension, intrigue, and complex emotions that make it hard to put down.
I absolutely loved Bree, the Shee assassin at the heart of the tale. She’s the perfect combination of strength and vulnerability, a cold-hearted, hardened woman trained to feel nothing. Forced into an arranged marriage with Cailean, the chief commander druid of her enemies, Bree is supposed to act as a demure, obedient wife while secretly spying on him. But, being headstrong and fierce, she struggles to play the role, constantly clashing with Cailean.
Cailean is equally compelling—gruff, aloof, and equally reluctant to enter this marriage. He’s the typical brooding loner, expecting a submissive wife who would keep to herself. Instead, he gets Bree, a fiery and unyielding force that disrupts everything he anticipated. Their dynamic is electric, with both of them pushing each other’s buttons while slowly breaking down the walls they’ve built around themselves.
What I loved most is how the characters evolve. Bree’s emotional journey is particularly moving, as she confronts feelings she’s never experienced before. Her inner turmoil, torn between duty and unexpected affection, is beautifully portrayed. Cailean, too, changes in subtle ways, showing that even the coldest of hearts can thaw when the right person enters their life.
The chemistry between Bree and Cailean is palpable, and watching them navigate their growing feelings is both tense and heartwarming. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done brilliantly, with plenty of slow-burn moments and character growth.
I can't wait for book 2! Bound by Deception sets the stage for an epic romance and more adventures in this intricate fantasy world. Highly recommend for fans of high-stakes fantasy and romance!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2025
The deeply atmospheric setting of this story was everything! Albia is a lush fantasy world inspired by Ancient Scotland, with standing stones, misty mountains, haunted forests and windswept moors. Castel vividly brings this landscape to life. I loved the lush and eerie descriptions of this beautiful and dangerous world, and the magical creatures that inhabit it. The sinister red caps and the creepy Washer at the Ford totally gave me chills. Even the descriptions of the fort and towns were detailed and evocative.
The land of Albia is far from peaceful, with ongoing tension and skirmishes between the Shee (faeries) and the Marav (humans). On top of this, there is dissent and rebellion within Albia towards the High King. Life is often difficult and cruel for everyone, but especially hard for women. I recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving into this story.
That being said, I found many of the female characters extremely likeable and resilient. As a Shee woman in disguise, the FMC Bree has a hard time behaving in the submissive and demure manner expected of her among the Marav. She is passionate, direct, and prepared to stand up for herself and others. Although she hasn't been close to anyone for many years, the friendships she forges with Mirren and Lara are warm and genuine.
At this point, it's hard for me to say many positive things about the male characters. The MMC Cailean is quite the brute who exhibits little to no emotional intelligence or sensitivity. Not really swoon worthy, in my opinion. However, there are hints that he has shut down his heart due to severe trauma in his past, so perhaps in the sequel we will see Cailean begin to open up and share a softer side.
I'm excited to see what unfolds in the next book!
The land of Albia is far from peaceful, with ongoing tension and skirmishes between the Shee (faeries) and the Marav (humans). On top of this, there is dissent and rebellion within Albia towards the High King. Life is often difficult and cruel for everyone, but especially hard for women. I recommend reading the trigger warnings before diving into this story.
That being said, I found many of the female characters extremely likeable and resilient. As a Shee woman in disguise, the FMC Bree has a hard time behaving in the submissive and demure manner expected of her among the Marav. She is passionate, direct, and prepared to stand up for herself and others. Although she hasn't been close to anyone for many years, the friendships she forges with Mirren and Lara are warm and genuine.
At this point, it's hard for me to say many positive things about the male characters. The MMC Cailean is quite the brute who exhibits little to no emotional intelligence or sensitivity. Not really swoon worthy, in my opinion. However, there are hints that he has shut down his heart due to severe trauma in his past, so perhaps in the sequel we will see Cailean begin to open up and share a softer side.
I'm excited to see what unfolds in the next book!
April 29, 2025
3.75
In this one we have are female lead, Bree, who is the Queen's assassin turned spy sent to wed/bed the chief enforcer of the enemy army in order to seduce some secrets out of him, and use her new position as his wife to ferret out any secrets going on in the King's castle.
However her new husband is taciturn, angry, and suspicious. He also seems is less interested in having a new wife and more intent on having a quiet little statue to stand next to him at parties and leave him be.
But that isn't going to work for the assassin's new spy gig, considering she needs him to open up to her in order to do her job and get back to her homeland.
Can these two make it out of this "marriage" with both their heads and hearts intact- considering the secrets they are keeping, and the lives on the line-it may be one or the other for them both.
In this one we have are female lead, Bree, who is the Queen's assassin turned spy sent to wed/bed the chief enforcer of the enemy army in order to seduce some secrets out of him, and use her new position as his wife to ferret out any secrets going on in the King's castle.
However her new husband is taciturn, angry, and suspicious. He also seems is less interested in having a new wife and more intent on having a quiet little statue to stand next to him at parties and leave him be.
But that isn't going to work for the assassin's new spy gig, considering she needs him to open up to her in order to do her job and get back to her homeland.
Can these two make it out of this "marriage" with both their heads and hearts intact- considering the secrets they are keeping, and the lives on the line-it may be one or the other for them both.
September 26, 2024
Loved the Scottish lore and setting. Wanting to know more about the MMC, loved the FMC. Excited to read the next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2025
I loved this book! Characters are great, slow burn was perfect, chefs kiss, I finished this in a day 🥰
October 5, 2024
“… vicious wee bastards.”
I’m convinced that all would be well in the world if there was more use of ‘wee’ in everyday life.
I’m convinced that all would be well in the world if there was more use of ‘wee’ in everyday life.
April 14, 2025
3 stars
The book cover is beautiful, but it’s quite deceptive. It looks very much like a historical romance, so I may have looked past it. Glad I didn’t.
Highland mail order bride X Assassin Fae fantasy
Non con (not between main characters)
The friendship between Bree and Mirren is great to see, and I love that Bree is teaching her self defence.
However, the main characters barely spend time together. I can understand attraction, but why do they feel a connection? Why would Bree betray her queen and realm to save him? I look forward to reading book 2 where we can see their relationship develop properly.
Personal notes: SPOILERS
Characters
Bree Fellshadow- 300 yo. Queens assassin.
Cailean mac Brochan- Chief enforcer
Tiv- white stag
Mor “Raven Queen”
Eagal- Raven, Queens trusted messenger
Gil- Brees younger brother. Archivist.
Grae- Mors older estranged brother. Beheaded by Bree at start of the book. Old friend of Brees.
Flynn- Mors younger brother. Fell in love with high Kings wife and ran away.
Gavyn Frostshard- captain of Mors bodyguards. Brees once lover.
Bryce Elmsong- male healer went into stones and lost contact 2 years ago. Called Damhan. Tortured. Prince Kennans lover.
Fia mac Callum- human originally to be wed to Cailean. Killed and replaced by Bree.
Talorc mac Brude- High King. Hates Shee. 25 years ago, his wife disappeared. Rumoured to have been stolen away but actually ran off with Flynn.
Mirren- Brees handmaid.
Torran- enforcer friend of Cailean
Princess Lara -
Prince Kennan- dead
King Dunchadh of Braewell- engaged to Lara
Domnall max Bridei- circines chieftain dead
Ending:
Bree tells Cailean that she is Shee, Mors assassin and that the Shee know of the ambush. Cailean takes Bree to the stones to become Shee again then comes back to the camp to find them all dead.
The book cover is beautiful, but it’s quite deceptive. It looks very much like a historical romance, so I may have looked past it. Glad I didn’t.
Highland mail order bride X Assassin Fae fantasy
Non con (not between main characters)
The friendship between Bree and Mirren is great to see, and I love that Bree is teaching her self defence.
However, the main characters barely spend time together. I can understand attraction, but why do they feel a connection? Why would Bree betray her queen and realm to save him? I look forward to reading book 2 where we can see their relationship develop properly.
Personal notes: SPOILERS
Characters
Bree Fellshadow- 300 yo. Queens assassin.
Cailean mac Brochan- Chief enforcer
Tiv- white stag
Mor “Raven Queen”
Eagal- Raven, Queens trusted messenger
Gil- Brees younger brother. Archivist.
Grae- Mors older estranged brother. Beheaded by Bree at start of the book. Old friend of Brees.
Flynn- Mors younger brother. Fell in love with high Kings wife and ran away.
Gavyn Frostshard- captain of Mors bodyguards. Brees once lover.
Bryce Elmsong- male healer went into stones and lost contact 2 years ago. Called Damhan. Tortured. Prince Kennans lover.
Fia mac Callum- human originally to be wed to Cailean. Killed and replaced by Bree.
Talorc mac Brude- High King. Hates Shee. 25 years ago, his wife disappeared. Rumoured to have been stolen away but actually ran off with Flynn.
Mirren- Brees handmaid.
Torran- enforcer friend of Cailean
Princess Lara -
Prince Kennan- dead
King Dunchadh of Braewell- engaged to Lara
Domnall max Bridei- circines chieftain dead
Ending:
Bree tells Cailean that she is Shee, Mors assassin and that the Shee know of the ambush. Cailean takes Bree to the stones to become Shee again then comes back to the camp to find them all dead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
Spice 🌶️
This book is like Throne of Glass if Calena wasn't a good assassin and if there weren't any high stakes. It was a very very VERY slow pacing, and a lot repeated use of vocabulary.
I also would not like to see a spicy scene containing: plow, rut, and using the term for the man bits as rod..... I felt very.......odd by that.
If this book was more in depth with is story and connections between characters, the rating would have been slightly better.
In layman's words; it was like a guy trying to find the clit, never fully there. Or just when its about to hit its mark, they miss it lol
This book is like Throne of Glass if Calena wasn't a good assassin and if there weren't any high stakes. It was a very very VERY slow pacing, and a lot repeated use of vocabulary.
I also would not like to see a spicy scene containing: plow, rut, and using the term for the man bits as rod..... I felt very.......odd by that.
If this book was more in depth with is story and connections between characters, the rating would have been slightly better.
In layman's words; it was like a guy trying to find the clit, never fully there. Or just when its about to hit its mark, they miss it lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2024
I really wasn't expecting much from this but this definitely took me by surprise. This book was on point with the premise, it was like Outlander but with more of a supernatural folktale plot. The other part of the premise compared this to Throne of Glass and The Witcher but I disagreed with that, this was more like The Shadows Between Us or Bridge Kingdom.
I made this comparison because the FMC, Bree is an assassin set to spy and kill whoever gets in her way. She travels to the stronghold of her enemy to marry the king's right hand man, Caelian, a man who she also wouldn't hesitate to kill.
I've seen this enemies to lovers sub trope of having to kill the love interest before. As with the above mentioned books, the FMC has a mission to try to kill MMC because she hates him in some way. I'm pretty partial to this sub trope because it has that true enemies to lovers burning passion. And with Caelian and Bree, it followed the sub trope for the most part except this wasn't something I've really seen before.
First of all, it wasn't quite so cut and dry. Bree doesn't have the burning hatred of revenge consuming her mind. Or the conflicting emotions of having to kill him because of growing feelings. It was Bree having to gather information from her husband Caelian among the back drop of a supernatural version of Scotland with war brewing.
In this case, this felt a lot more like Outlander with the supernatural traveling-between-worlds plot. Bree is a race of supernatural faerie called a Shee who travels through stones to step through int the world of her enemy called the Marav, some of which are mortals or druids. I was captivated by how this world worked instead of having only humans in this world. It felt more like high fantasy this way though this was classified as a romantasy with Caelian and Bree's romance.
As a romantasy, I knew I could expect the romance to happen with Caelian and Bree. I was a little worried about how much of a presence the romance would have but this felt like just enough. While the romance didn't take over most of the plot, it felt like there were plot devices to try to push the romance. An aspect that didn't discourage the fantasy world that just felt wondrous.
In a sense, I felt like this had that Scottish historical romance flavour to it that I've read before. That wasn't a bad thing at all. The situations that pushed the romance forward didn't so much have the physical aspects of a 'romance.' There were moments that pushed things to be romantic with Caelian and Bree but it wasn't all about the spice. There was really only one scene with spice and that was it.
As much as I enjoyed the supernatural Scottish fantasy of it all, this wasn't like the next Fourth Wing or anything. Though I will say that this was a hidden gem with rough edges that needed a bit of polish.
There needed to be a bit more depth with the characters. I needed to know more about Bree's past and Caelian's past that the story kept hinting about. There also needed to be more on-page action, for example, there was a torture and an execution that happened that we didn't see. It could've served better to see it and the emotions from the characters due to these things. I just felt like it needed more depth from characters, though I could see the author probably exploring this for the next book.
I really wanted to see where this would lead when I finished this. While there weren't really any big twists or revelations, this ended on a cliffhanger and I wanted a peek over the edge to see where it would go. I wanted to know what would happen with Bree and Caelian in the midst of the tumult of their situations. I now can't wait until the next book is out.
I made this comparison because the FMC, Bree is an assassin set to spy and kill whoever gets in her way. She travels to the stronghold of her enemy to marry the king's right hand man, Caelian, a man who she also wouldn't hesitate to kill.
I've seen this enemies to lovers sub trope of having to kill the love interest before. As with the above mentioned books, the FMC has a mission to try to kill MMC because she hates him in some way. I'm pretty partial to this sub trope because it has that true enemies to lovers burning passion. And with Caelian and Bree, it followed the sub trope for the most part except this wasn't something I've really seen before.
First of all, it wasn't quite so cut and dry. Bree doesn't have the burning hatred of revenge consuming her mind. Or the conflicting emotions of having to kill him because of growing feelings. It was Bree having to gather information from her husband Caelian among the back drop of a supernatural version of Scotland with war brewing.
In this case, this felt a lot more like Outlander with the supernatural traveling-between-worlds plot. Bree is a race of supernatural faerie called a Shee who travels through stones to step through int the world of her enemy called the Marav, some of which are mortals or druids. I was captivated by how this world worked instead of having only humans in this world. It felt more like high fantasy this way though this was classified as a romantasy with Caelian and Bree's romance.
As a romantasy, I knew I could expect the romance to happen with Caelian and Bree. I was a little worried about how much of a presence the romance would have but this felt like just enough. While the romance didn't take over most of the plot, it felt like there were plot devices to try to push the romance. An aspect that didn't discourage the fantasy world that just felt wondrous.
In a sense, I felt like this had that Scottish historical romance flavour to it that I've read before. That wasn't a bad thing at all. The situations that pushed the romance forward didn't so much have the physical aspects of a 'romance.' There were moments that pushed things to be romantic with Caelian and Bree but it wasn't all about the spice. There was really only one scene with spice and that was it.
As much as I enjoyed the supernatural Scottish fantasy of it all, this wasn't like the next Fourth Wing or anything. Though I will say that this was a hidden gem with rough edges that needed a bit of polish.
There needed to be a bit more depth with the characters. I needed to know more about Bree's past and Caelian's past that the story kept hinting about. There also needed to be more on-page action, for example, there was a torture and an execution that happened that we didn't see. It could've served better to see it and the emotions from the characters due to these things. I just felt like it needed more depth from characters, though I could see the author probably exploring this for the next book.
I really wanted to see where this would lead when I finished this. While there weren't really any big twists or revelations, this ended on a cliffhanger and I wanted a peek over the edge to see where it would go. I wanted to know what would happen with Bree and Caelian in the midst of the tumult of their situations. I now can't wait until the next book is out.
September 18, 2024
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I fell in love with Jayne’s historical romances set in the Scottish Highlands a couple years ago. However, I have recently been reading more paranormal romance books. When I came across this ARC copy of Bound by Deception, a story promised to combine elements of Outlander, The Witcher, and Throne of Glass, I jumped on the opportunity to read and review it.
This is a story about two different peoples, the Shee and the Marav. The Shee are the long-lived fae, and the Marav are the mortals. Bree is a Shee assassin, working for the Queen, who has been tasked with infiltrating the High King of the Marav people’s court by marrying his druid warrior chief-enforcer Cailean. Although this is a love story, there is no actual spice until about 70% into the book. Knowing this series is a duology made the wait not so bad in my opinion because I knew there was more spice to come. There is a lot of sexual tension between the main characters and I found their relationship to be believable because it took so long for them to give into their attraction to one another.
What really made this story was the descriptions of landscapes, physical characteristics, emotional turmoil, and having chapters in both the MMC and FMC points of view. As a result, I found it easy to slip into the realms of Shehallion (where the Shee reside) and Albia (where the Marav reside). Here is an example of the imagery used to describe Cailean:
“The light of the fire and the single cresset burned upon the stacked-stone wall played across his tattooed skin. The chief-enforcer was all brawn, his muscles rippling as he moved. He bore several scars, many of them silvered with age, upon his chest and back, and one, still slightly pink, upon his right thigh. The males of her race were tall and lean, even if hard-muscled. But this mortal’s brute strength was unsettling.”
I also really enjoyed the mystical creatures from Celtic history that were incorporated into this story. MMC Cailean had a pet fairy dog named Skaal that was a great addition to the story. The creatures of myth that were addressed are the Cù-Sith (fairy dogs), Bean Nighe (The Washerwoman), Powries (Redcaps), and the Sluagh (spirits of the restless dead). In the book these creatures’ names are spelled differently, but the way they are explained fit these descriptions perfectly. I can tell Jayne really did her homework to help the reader truly immerse themselves into this story as an alternate reality.
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but in the end, I had to dock points for the lack of disclaimer about a sexual assault scene that took place about 40% into the book. Before the story begins there is a page that addresses content warnings, but it asks you to go to Jayne’s website to read what these might be. I was so excited to begin reading the book that I opted to forgo visiting her website and jumped right in. I have had no issues with content warnings in any of Jayne’s previous books, so this took me by surprise.
Overall, this was a great read and I am eager for the second part of the story to be released. December can’t come fast enough!
I fell in love with Jayne’s historical romances set in the Scottish Highlands a couple years ago. However, I have recently been reading more paranormal romance books. When I came across this ARC copy of Bound by Deception, a story promised to combine elements of Outlander, The Witcher, and Throne of Glass, I jumped on the opportunity to read and review it.
This is a story about two different peoples, the Shee and the Marav. The Shee are the long-lived fae, and the Marav are the mortals. Bree is a Shee assassin, working for the Queen, who has been tasked with infiltrating the High King of the Marav people’s court by marrying his druid warrior chief-enforcer Cailean. Although this is a love story, there is no actual spice until about 70% into the book. Knowing this series is a duology made the wait not so bad in my opinion because I knew there was more spice to come. There is a lot of sexual tension between the main characters and I found their relationship to be believable because it took so long for them to give into their attraction to one another.
What really made this story was the descriptions of landscapes, physical characteristics, emotional turmoil, and having chapters in both the MMC and FMC points of view. As a result, I found it easy to slip into the realms of Shehallion (where the Shee reside) and Albia (where the Marav reside). Here is an example of the imagery used to describe Cailean:
“The light of the fire and the single cresset burned upon the stacked-stone wall played across his tattooed skin. The chief-enforcer was all brawn, his muscles rippling as he moved. He bore several scars, many of them silvered with age, upon his chest and back, and one, still slightly pink, upon his right thigh. The males of her race were tall and lean, even if hard-muscled. But this mortal’s brute strength was unsettling.”
I also really enjoyed the mystical creatures from Celtic history that were incorporated into this story. MMC Cailean had a pet fairy dog named Skaal that was a great addition to the story. The creatures of myth that were addressed are the Cù-Sith (fairy dogs), Bean Nighe (The Washerwoman), Powries (Redcaps), and the Sluagh (spirits of the restless dead). In the book these creatures’ names are spelled differently, but the way they are explained fit these descriptions perfectly. I can tell Jayne really did her homework to help the reader truly immerse themselves into this story as an alternate reality.
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but in the end, I had to dock points for the lack of disclaimer about a sexual assault scene that took place about 40% into the book. Before the story begins there is a page that addresses content warnings, but it asks you to go to Jayne’s website to read what these might be. I was so excited to begin reading the book that I opted to forgo visiting her website and jumped right in. I have had no issues with content warnings in any of Jayne’s previous books, so this took me by surprise.
Overall, this was a great read and I am eager for the second part of the story to be released. December can’t come fast enough!
September 18, 2024
Book: Bound By Deception
Author: Jayne Castel
Series: The Enforcer’s Bride #1
Release Date: 09/19/2024
Publisher: Winter Mist Press
Print Length: 340 Pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
Bree Fellshadow is a 300 year old fae of the realm of Sheehallion (Shee) immortals. She is also the Raven Queen ( Mor’s) assassin and is hired to spy and infiltrate her enemy's court of the mortal High King. This is totally out of Bree’s element to act as a spy as she is used to using her blade not whispering in someone’s ear.
To do that her duty is to wed the mortal high King’s Druid warrior enforcer, Cailean mac Brochan. This man is the reason that her people were hunted like animals and slaughtered to death. The Druid enforcer also has magic including fae hounds. She is worried she is going to be detected by one of those magical elements.
However Bree must learn to be a meek, obedient wife to gain her husband's trust and obtain his deadliest secrets. Of course this is while hoping her true identity is kept secret and not discovered. Furthermore her life could easily end if the mortals ever discover Bree’s secrets. Not must they fi
This is an arranged marriage in the mortal lands of the Marav people. The immortals murdered Fia mac Callum, the plain woman who was supposed to marry the king's Druid enforcer. Bree is an imposter where her total appearance has changed, taking Fia’s place who was trained for this position as one of the maids of Albia since she had been twelve years old. Bree had little time to prepare for this job.
The maids of Albia is where they are taught to be meek and only accept the husband's condition no matter what the husband requires. This goes against Bree’s nature who is independent and confident which raises her husband's eyebrows with suspicion. Especially when he asked for the most unattractive and dull woman of the Maids of Albia yet he got a beautiful, intelligent outspoken woman instead. Bree hates even more than her husband Talorc mac Brude, the high King of Alia.
Watching the attraction between Bree and Cailean is heartwarming, but like a moth to a flame. As their attraction is smoking hot! However will it last or explode if they discover the true facts about each other? They both are deadly and use each other to get information. However the both must be able to twist each other for their own advantage.
This book ends with a cliffhanger so I am anxious for the second book on 12/05/2024 to see how this story resolves with a satisfying end. I enjoyed Ms. Castel’s first romantasy.I do enjoy paranormal reads that I have been reading for over twenty years. So if you enjoy reads by Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Tanya Anne Crosby, Sherilyn Kenyon and Jennifer Armentrout. You will definitely love this too and most of those authors have cliffhanger endings too. This is not unusual in paranormal and romantasy reads. I definitely recommend this enchanted, spellbound book that I absolutely loved!
Disclaimer: I received a free advance review copy from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
Author: Jayne Castel
Series: The Enforcer’s Bride #1
Release Date: 09/19/2024
Publisher: Winter Mist Press
Print Length: 340 Pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags
Bree Fellshadow is a 300 year old fae of the realm of Sheehallion (Shee) immortals. She is also the Raven Queen ( Mor’s) assassin and is hired to spy and infiltrate her enemy's court of the mortal High King. This is totally out of Bree’s element to act as a spy as she is used to using her blade not whispering in someone’s ear.
To do that her duty is to wed the mortal high King’s Druid warrior enforcer, Cailean mac Brochan. This man is the reason that her people were hunted like animals and slaughtered to death. The Druid enforcer also has magic including fae hounds. She is worried she is going to be detected by one of those magical elements.
However Bree must learn to be a meek, obedient wife to gain her husband's trust and obtain his deadliest secrets. Of course this is while hoping her true identity is kept secret and not discovered. Furthermore her life could easily end if the mortals ever discover Bree’s secrets. Not must they fi
This is an arranged marriage in the mortal lands of the Marav people. The immortals murdered Fia mac Callum, the plain woman who was supposed to marry the king's Druid enforcer. Bree is an imposter where her total appearance has changed, taking Fia’s place who was trained for this position as one of the maids of Albia since she had been twelve years old. Bree had little time to prepare for this job.
The maids of Albia is where they are taught to be meek and only accept the husband's condition no matter what the husband requires. This goes against Bree’s nature who is independent and confident which raises her husband's eyebrows with suspicion. Especially when he asked for the most unattractive and dull woman of the Maids of Albia yet he got a beautiful, intelligent outspoken woman instead. Bree hates even more than her husband Talorc mac Brude, the high King of Alia.
Watching the attraction between Bree and Cailean is heartwarming, but like a moth to a flame. As their attraction is smoking hot! However will it last or explode if they discover the true facts about each other? They both are deadly and use each other to get information. However the both must be able to twist each other for their own advantage.
This book ends with a cliffhanger so I am anxious for the second book on 12/05/2024 to see how this story resolves with a satisfying end. I enjoyed Ms. Castel’s first romantasy.I do enjoy paranormal reads that I have been reading for over twenty years. So if you enjoy reads by Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, Tanya Anne Crosby, Sherilyn Kenyon and Jennifer Armentrout. You will definitely love this too and most of those authors have cliffhanger endings too. This is not unusual in paranormal and romantasy reads. I definitely recommend this enchanted, spellbound book that I absolutely loved!
Disclaimer: I received a free advance review copy from the publisher for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review and blog. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.
September 19, 2024
Wow! This is one intense tale with characters so real that you can see the emotion on their faces and feel it vibrating off their bodies. Bree is a fae assassin for the Raven Queen. She is sent on a mission to infiltrate the mortal High King’s broch and send back detailed information. In order to do that, she is to replace a bride being sent to Cailean mac Brochan, the High King’s Chief-Enforcer. Not only does Bree have to deal with the physical changes in her body, but she has to suppress her aggressive personality and learn how to fit in with mortals. Cailean, on the other hand, does not want a wife, but is required to obey his king. The dynamics between the newlyweds is complicated and volatile at best. Little by little Bree’s true self is revealed and Cailean is determined to unravel her lies. However, when the King commands that his enforcers and troops ambush the Shee when they emerge to celebrate Sheathan, Cailean sets Bree free before he leads the men into battle. One thing leads to another, and Bree has a change of heart, but will it be too late? This is a tale of emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual conflict. The characters struggle with every aspect of their lives and both Bree and Cailean find themselves grappling with the continual demands of their monarchs and their own desire for control and freedom. This is a well written, action-packed, exciting story that will grip your attention, imagination and heart from beginning to end. I anxiously await the next book to find out how Bree and Cailean move forward from here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2024
🖤 I loved Jayne Castel's writing style, the way she created a richly illustrated fantasy world filled with Celtic lore and mythology was absolutely amazing!!! This story was dark, atmospheric and so intriguing, making it the perfect fall read...
⛰️ Her world building was breathtaking!! This world combined Scottish history, fantasy and genuine Scottish lore! Jayne's usage of the correct gaelic names and terms of fae creatures was such an interesting addition to the story... I really loved that we were given glimpses & explanations of their mythological roots in Scottish lore & culture! This story reminded me of Outlander, with traveling between realms..Combined with elements of Fae Romantasy, similar to the world building in ACOTAR but in a darker and more brooding medieval setting.. This was a world I didn't want to leave! Once I picked this book up I couldn't put it down, except for one and a half chapters...
🌟 I did have to remove 1 star because there's one VERY spicy scene (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️) that I had to skip over, which was in Half of Chapter 30 and all of Chapter 31...and there were a handful of curse words here and there...But I left the 4 🌟 rating because the story itself really was that good, if you don't mind skipping over that one portion..
🖤 If it wasn't for that one lengthy spice scene and the occasional language this would have been a 5 🌟 read! I hope she continues this series with way less spice, because the story on its own was amazing! You don't need spice to make a book "better", there's a higher demand today for clean reads than you'd think..
Thank you Jayne Castel and Book Sirens for the opportunity to arc read this book!
⛰️ Her world building was breathtaking!! This world combined Scottish history, fantasy and genuine Scottish lore! Jayne's usage of the correct gaelic names and terms of fae creatures was such an interesting addition to the story... I really loved that we were given glimpses & explanations of their mythological roots in Scottish lore & culture! This story reminded me of Outlander, with traveling between realms..Combined with elements of Fae Romantasy, similar to the world building in ACOTAR but in a darker and more brooding medieval setting.. This was a world I didn't want to leave! Once I picked this book up I couldn't put it down, except for one and a half chapters...
🌟 I did have to remove 1 star because there's one VERY spicy scene (🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️) that I had to skip over, which was in Half of Chapter 30 and all of Chapter 31...and there were a handful of curse words here and there...But I left the 4 🌟 rating because the story itself really was that good, if you don't mind skipping over that one portion..
🖤 If it wasn't for that one lengthy spice scene and the occasional language this would have been a 5 🌟 read! I hope she continues this series with way less spice, because the story on its own was amazing! You don't need spice to make a book "better", there's a higher demand today for clean reads than you'd think..
Thank you Jayne Castel and Book Sirens for the opportunity to arc read this book!
September 29, 2024
Bound by Deception
Jayne Castel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bound by Deception is a fantasy romance with enemies to lovers story in a dark world inspired by Celtic myth, which is one of my favorite tropes so far.
Bree Fellshadow is a master assassin who finds herself way out of her depth when she's sent to work as a spy in the enemy court.
Being a biddable wife is not her thing, and she doesn't even like dealing with her chief enforcer husband, who also happens to be a powerful warrior druid.
Chilean Mac Brochan is another that she finds suspicious, and she can't seem to keep from drawing his attention. But Bree has an assignment, and she has to gain his trust, to learn when and where the enemy will strike.
If she can survive long enough...
Jayne Castel is one of my go-to authors. However, this book just took her up a few more notches. If you are like me and love anything to do with the fae, then you need to read this book. Bree was an incredibly awesome character. Even though she was forced into an arranged marriage with Cailean, she never lost who she was once. She holds her head up high and has a hard time acting like the obedient and demure wife she's supposed to be. I really enjoyed watching Bree Bloom. Cailean was very interesting as a main character as well. He's a gruff warrior druid that you would not want to be on the wrong side of, yet we witnessed how he changed in small ways. This book deserved so many stars, but since I can only give a total of five, then I give them with a big smile of satisfaction. Ms. Castel, you never fail to amaze me, and I can't wait for the next book.
Jayne Castel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bound by Deception is a fantasy romance with enemies to lovers story in a dark world inspired by Celtic myth, which is one of my favorite tropes so far.
Bree Fellshadow is a master assassin who finds herself way out of her depth when she's sent to work as a spy in the enemy court.
Being a biddable wife is not her thing, and she doesn't even like dealing with her chief enforcer husband, who also happens to be a powerful warrior druid.
Chilean Mac Brochan is another that she finds suspicious, and she can't seem to keep from drawing his attention. But Bree has an assignment, and she has to gain his trust, to learn when and where the enemy will strike.
If she can survive long enough...
Jayne Castel is one of my go-to authors. However, this book just took her up a few more notches. If you are like me and love anything to do with the fae, then you need to read this book. Bree was an incredibly awesome character. Even though she was forced into an arranged marriage with Cailean, she never lost who she was once. She holds her head up high and has a hard time acting like the obedient and demure wife she's supposed to be. I really enjoyed watching Bree Bloom. Cailean was very interesting as a main character as well. He's a gruff warrior druid that you would not want to be on the wrong side of, yet we witnessed how he changed in small ways. This book deserved so many stars, but since I can only give a total of five, then I give them with a big smile of satisfaction. Ms. Castel, you never fail to amaze me, and I can't wait for the next book.
September 16, 2024
Review of Bound by Deception by Jayne Castel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Jayne Castel’s Bound by Deception is a captivating journey that will enchant fans of Outlander, Throne of Glass, and The Witcher. With its blend of historical intrigue, magical elements, and intense romance, this novel offers a richly immersive experience that’s hard to put down.
The story is set in a meticulously crafted world where deception runs rampant and secrets are as dangerous as they are enticing. Castel’s attention to detail and skillful world-building make this a fantasy realm you’ll want to lose yourself in. The plot unfolds with clever twists and turns, ensuring that the suspense never wanes and the stakes are always high.
The chief enforcer, in particular, is a standout character who adds a layer of irresistible allure to the story. His commanding presence and magnetic charm are perfectly balanced with his complexity, making him a truly swoon-worthy hero. Readers will find themselves drawn to his every move, captivated by his strength and vulnerability alike.
A big thank you to BookSirens for providing the ARC of this enthralling novel. Your support makes it possible for readers to discover such exceptional books, and this one certainly deserves a place on everyone’s shelf.
Oh, and that ending? *chefs kiss*!!! I am ready for book 2!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Jayne Castel’s Bound by Deception is a captivating journey that will enchant fans of Outlander, Throne of Glass, and The Witcher. With its blend of historical intrigue, magical elements, and intense romance, this novel offers a richly immersive experience that’s hard to put down.
The story is set in a meticulously crafted world where deception runs rampant and secrets are as dangerous as they are enticing. Castel’s attention to detail and skillful world-building make this a fantasy realm you’ll want to lose yourself in. The plot unfolds with clever twists and turns, ensuring that the suspense never wanes and the stakes are always high.
The chief enforcer, in particular, is a standout character who adds a layer of irresistible allure to the story. His commanding presence and magnetic charm are perfectly balanced with his complexity, making him a truly swoon-worthy hero. Readers will find themselves drawn to his every move, captivated by his strength and vulnerability alike.
A big thank you to BookSirens for providing the ARC of this enthralling novel. Your support makes it possible for readers to discover such exceptional books, and this one certainly deserves a place on everyone’s shelf.
Oh, and that ending? *chefs kiss*!!! I am ready for book 2!
March 22, 2025
Hmm we'll go with two
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book.
The cadence is all wrong, and the plot is incredibly disjointed. Too much time was spent on Bree ultimately doing and learning nothing. The romance switched suddenly without a reason for these characters to form any kind of bond. They spent little time together, and what time they did was spent in hostility.
Elements of this story didn't line up together. Things happened with no real reason to discern why they even would.
But I did like Bree. She failed miserably and was much too naive, but her overall personality was refreshing. There was also growth for Bree.
Cailean was a different story. There really wasn't anything about him to like, even for Bree to like. He was cold and didn't thaw at all. His expectations that a woman should smother herself until she bled out her entire self wasn't challenged. His conditions were cruel. Expecting a submissive, timid wife is one thing. Expecting a woman to forgo her entire essence and to be silent and unwanted is something else entirely.
I think Cailean needs a reckoning with himself. And Bree should've given him the last entry in Fia's diary and let him know her fate was kinder.
It ended okay. I'm not in any hurry to read further. But I've definitely read worse than this.
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book.
The cadence is all wrong, and the plot is incredibly disjointed. Too much time was spent on Bree ultimately doing and learning nothing. The romance switched suddenly without a reason for these characters to form any kind of bond. They spent little time together, and what time they did was spent in hostility.
Elements of this story didn't line up together. Things happened with no real reason to discern why they even would.
But I did like Bree. She failed miserably and was much too naive, but her overall personality was refreshing. There was also growth for Bree.
Cailean was a different story. There really wasn't anything about him to like, even for Bree to like. He was cold and didn't thaw at all. His expectations that a woman should smother herself until she bled out her entire self wasn't challenged. His conditions were cruel. Expecting a submissive, timid wife is one thing. Expecting a woman to forgo her entire essence and to be silent and unwanted is something else entirely.
I think Cailean needs a reckoning with himself. And Bree should've given him the last entry in Fia's diary and let him know her fate was kinder.
It ended okay. I'm not in any hurry to read further. But I've definitely read worse than this.
August 6, 2025
This book is basically all vibes, no depth. It has an interesting world but the plot and characters are half-formed.
The MMC in particular is basically as flat as a piece of paper. Nothing he does makes sense. The author's trying too hard to make an enemies-to-lovers work when even by the end of the first book they're really just enemies. Any attempt to turn them into lovers feels like the author just needed to have it happen without worrying about making the build-up believable.
The FMC is hundreds of years old but acts like she's significantly less experienced most of the time. I also struggled with the whole spy plan. She's an assassin (supposedly), not a spy. Therefore she's very bad at being a spy. Why would anyone suggest this plan? Why wouldn't you send an actually trained spy? On top of that, the plan itself is supremely shoddy. Send an untrained assassin to replace someone whose background is very easy to verify. If this were a quick mission where the gist was just to get in and remove someone in a day or two, I would understand. But this was meant to be a longer mission where one check on her background would ruin everything. It's so poorly thought out it's laughable.
Anyway, like I said, I'm pretty sure this book is meant to be all vibes, no content of substance. The only good part was that it was a quick read.
The MMC in particular is basically as flat as a piece of paper. Nothing he does makes sense. The author's trying too hard to make an enemies-to-lovers work when even by the end of the first book they're really just enemies. Any attempt to turn them into lovers feels like the author just needed to have it happen without worrying about making the build-up believable.
The FMC is hundreds of years old but acts like she's significantly less experienced most of the time. I also struggled with the whole spy plan. She's an assassin (supposedly), not a spy. Therefore she's very bad at being a spy. Why would anyone suggest this plan? Why wouldn't you send an actually trained spy? On top of that, the plan itself is supremely shoddy. Send an untrained assassin to replace someone whose background is very easy to verify. If this were a quick mission where the gist was just to get in and remove someone in a day or two, I would understand. But this was meant to be a longer mission where one check on her background would ruin everything. It's so poorly thought out it's laughable.
Anyway, like I said, I'm pretty sure this book is meant to be all vibes, no content of substance. The only good part was that it was a quick read.
September 26, 2024
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 4/5
-I actually quite enjoyed this book. I wasn’t fully gripped from beginning to end but it was short and interesting enough that I read it quite quickly. The marriage trope and her being a spy are things I do enjoy in books but it just didn’t really hit the spot for me.
-The characters were interesting and definitely the morally grey fantasy type characters who go soft for each other. I really like those types of characters even though they are quite frequent in many books. Relationship wise, I wasn’t fully connected to their romance since I didn’t feel like they had spent enough time bantering or really interacting with each other which then would eventually lead them to falling in love. But then again, that’s probably just me and my favourite types or relationships.
-I wasn’t really sure how everything was going to end with everything that had happened prior. But it does leave on a cliffhanger, making me want to read more. It wasn’t the type of cliffhanger that leaves me reflecting on what I just read but it was enough to make me want more of these characters and world.
Plot 4.25/5
Characters 4.25/5
Ending 4/5
Interest 4/5
Overall 4/5
-I actually quite enjoyed this book. I wasn’t fully gripped from beginning to end but it was short and interesting enough that I read it quite quickly. The marriage trope and her being a spy are things I do enjoy in books but it just didn’t really hit the spot for me.
-The characters were interesting and definitely the morally grey fantasy type characters who go soft for each other. I really like those types of characters even though they are quite frequent in many books. Relationship wise, I wasn’t fully connected to their romance since I didn’t feel like they had spent enough time bantering or really interacting with each other which then would eventually lead them to falling in love. But then again, that’s probably just me and my favourite types or relationships.
-I wasn’t really sure how everything was going to end with everything that had happened prior. But it does leave on a cliffhanger, making me want to read more. It wasn’t the type of cliffhanger that leaves me reflecting on what I just read but it was enough to make me want more of these characters and world.
December 28, 2024
5 stars-
Listen, this was my first time reading a book by this author and I was awed.
What hit me first was the amazing writing. It was evocative and descriptive enough without being overwhelming or lacking. The way our characters were presented to us and how the story moved forward was perfect. While this book may have been slower-paced for my taste, it did not take away at all from the enjoyment or development of the story.
Bound By Deception is a Fantasy Historical Romance meaning that while the book talks about a time that has passed, that sounds old it cannot be placed in our history timeline as one would in a regular historical romance since the elements regarding place, time, and location are fictional. That said, it was easy to understand when and where we stood.
Bree is a three-hundred-year-old Fae assassin, who has to go and spy on the mortal king and report his plans. However, to accomplish this other things have to happen in the middle. Transforming into a human to start, and marrying the aloof, cold enforcer pretending to be a meek maiden to follow.
I was sold on the word assassin and I was not let down.
I'm so excited to pick up the second book as soon as possible!
Listen, this was my first time reading a book by this author and I was awed.
What hit me first was the amazing writing. It was evocative and descriptive enough without being overwhelming or lacking. The way our characters were presented to us and how the story moved forward was perfect. While this book may have been slower-paced for my taste, it did not take away at all from the enjoyment or development of the story.
Bound By Deception is a Fantasy Historical Romance meaning that while the book talks about a time that has passed, that sounds old it cannot be placed in our history timeline as one would in a regular historical romance since the elements regarding place, time, and location are fictional. That said, it was easy to understand when and where we stood.
Bree is a three-hundred-year-old Fae assassin, who has to go and spy on the mortal king and report his plans. However, to accomplish this other things have to happen in the middle. Transforming into a human to start, and marrying the aloof, cold enforcer pretending to be a meek maiden to follow.
I was sold on the word assassin and I was not let down.
I'm so excited to pick up the second book as soon as possible!
September 12, 2024
This book is a roller coaster!! My back was itching the whole time I was reading from looking over my shoulder LOL! Jayne Castel really amped up the danger and drama for this series. Cailean and Bree had me on tenterhooks with their intrigue.
I loved that the noted and feared Shee assassin, Bree, had to play (not very successfully) a meek, convent raised mail-order-bride in order to spy on the enemy king. To have such a strong FMC thrown into a situation where she was so out of her depth was pretty amusing.
Cailean, the top Druid warrior in the nation, notices her every misstep and is suspicious of her almost from the start. But neither can deny, as much as they try, the attraction between them.
Once the inevitable betrayals started, it broke my heart. I cried with Bree as she was forced into heartbreaking decisions to stay loyal to her people. The cliffhanger took my breath away. I was devastated and am eagerly awaiting the continuation of their story in book two. Well done, Jayne!! Another great tale!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved that the noted and feared Shee assassin, Bree, had to play (not very successfully) a meek, convent raised mail-order-bride in order to spy on the enemy king. To have such a strong FMC thrown into a situation where she was so out of her depth was pretty amusing.
Cailean, the top Druid warrior in the nation, notices her every misstep and is suspicious of her almost from the start. But neither can deny, as much as they try, the attraction between them.
Once the inevitable betrayals started, it broke my heart. I cried with Bree as she was forced into heartbreaking decisions to stay loyal to her people. The cliffhanger took my breath away. I was devastated and am eagerly awaiting the continuation of their story in book two. Well done, Jayne!! Another great tale!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2024
Get ready to get lost in the pages. The Realm of Albia will pull in you. So I usually don't read much outside of historical romance, and that rarely includes fantasy, but Jayne Castel has pulled me into the Realm of Albia. The characters are so very well written, and I liked them so much even though Cailean is a jerk and Bree so stubborn. The simmering heat between them starts the minute they meet, and these enemies work hard to fight it. The places and people have been described in detail that make you visualize the scene.
If I'm being honest, I wasn't so sure I wanted to read this book when I began, but I knew I would end up loving this book as I have many others by this author. I even read it, knowing I have to wait for the next book for the ending. I never read cliffhanger books. Am I'm I thrilled about the cliffhanger? Absolutely not!!! But I'm glad I read this and will read book two, Ashes of Betrayal, as soon as I can.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If I'm being honest, I wasn't so sure I wanted to read this book when I began, but I knew I would end up loving this book as I have many others by this author. I even read it, knowing I have to wait for the next book for the ending. I never read cliffhanger books. Am I'm I thrilled about the cliffhanger? Absolutely not!!! But I'm glad I read this and will read book two, Ashes of Betrayal, as soon as I can.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2024
Secrets, Lies, Sacrifice:
The title of this fantasy romance says it all about the plot of this intense and intriguing story.
This authors imagination has no boundaries when it comes to developing a new realm, incredible creatures, plus a romance story thrown in that took my breath away and had my heart pounding more than once. The underlying tension is strong and the charismatic desirous pull between Bree and Cailean had me totally engrossed.
This book is out of my usual historical romance reads but I love this author and wanted to try something beyond my norm. I was thrilled with the many different aspects to the story and how the author drew me into this fabulous world of the fae, magical critters, assassins, kings, weird nonhumans creatures, and so forth.
I certainly am looking forward to the second part of the series that will bring this fantasy to a complete ending.
Adult Advisory: Fan worthy passion.
Triggers: Prisoners Brutality
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
The title of this fantasy romance says it all about the plot of this intense and intriguing story.
This authors imagination has no boundaries when it comes to developing a new realm, incredible creatures, plus a romance story thrown in that took my breath away and had my heart pounding more than once. The underlying tension is strong and the charismatic desirous pull between Bree and Cailean had me totally engrossed.
This book is out of my usual historical romance reads but I love this author and wanted to try something beyond my norm. I was thrilled with the many different aspects to the story and how the author drew me into this fabulous world of the fae, magical critters, assassins, kings, weird nonhumans creatures, and so forth.
I certainly am looking forward to the second part of the series that will bring this fantasy to a complete ending.
Adult Advisory: Fan worthy passion.
Triggers: Prisoners Brutality
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
September 19, 2024
She’s a 300-year-old Fae assassin with a bloodstained soul. He’s the mortal High King’s chief-enforcer, responsible for hunting and killing her people. Their marriage will be the breaking—and the making—of them both.
Jayne Castel presents a brand new, Romantic Fantasy duology, where druids, mortals, and Fae collide with Celtic myth.
I was intrigued by this story and I dive in it. Of course as always with Jane Castel I was not disappointed. I don't want to spoil it but it was indeed about betrayal, sacrifice, divided loyalties, and redemption, fierce, stabby heroines, and grumpy, protective heroes.,which I couldn't wouldn't put down this truly addictive Romantasy. It kept me
engaged from start to finish.
Jayne has crafted this world meticulously, the realm of the Fae alongside with this of the men. The wariness of Bree is tangible the tension between the 2 protagonists is palpable, the plot is well paced.
Of course as part of a duology it ends in a cliff. I can't wait for the next book to be out. We'll done once again for this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jayne Castel presents a brand new, Romantic Fantasy duology, where druids, mortals, and Fae collide with Celtic myth.
I was intrigued by this story and I dive in it. Of course as always with Jane Castel I was not disappointed. I don't want to spoil it but it was indeed about betrayal, sacrifice, divided loyalties, and redemption, fierce, stabby heroines, and grumpy, protective heroes.,which I couldn't wouldn't put down this truly addictive Romantasy. It kept me
engaged from start to finish.
Jayne has crafted this world meticulously, the realm of the Fae alongside with this of the men. The wariness of Bree is tangible the tension between the 2 protagonists is palpable, the plot is well paced.
Of course as part of a duology it ends in a cliff. I can't wait for the next book to be out. We'll done once again for this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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