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Court of Cruel Fae #2
Captive of the Fae
My fated mate betrayed me. Now I’m his prisoner.
Just when I was about to escape and return home, my fated mate, Prince Eli of the Night Court, intercepted me. And he wasn’t alone. He brought the man who betrayed and manipulated my mom—my father.
After being locked in the dungeon, the Night Court king gave me two options. Become his weapon or die. It wasn’t much of a choice. Even worse, El is my sponsor. If I step out of line, we’ll both be killed. I’m angry and hurt, but I don’t want him dead.
I’m tired of being a victim. It’s time to fight back.
Captive of the Fae is the second book in the Court of Cruel Fae trilogy. It features (slight) enemies to lovers, a broody male, a heroine who comes into her own powers, fated mates, spice, and royal fae!
It’s a rocky path, but the trilogy will end with a HEA.
Just when I was about to escape and return home, my fated mate, Prince Eli of the Night Court, intercepted me. And he wasn’t alone. He brought the man who betrayed and manipulated my mom—my father.
After being locked in the dungeon, the Night Court king gave me two options. Become his weapon or die. It wasn’t much of a choice. Even worse, El is my sponsor. If I step out of line, we’ll both be killed. I’m angry and hurt, but I don’t want him dead.
I’m tired of being a victim. It’s time to fight back.
Captive of the Fae is the second book in the Court of Cruel Fae trilogy. It features (slight) enemies to lovers, a broody male, a heroine who comes into her own powers, fated mates, spice, and royal fae!
It’s a rocky path, but the trilogy will end with a HEA.
287 pages, ebook
Published July 31, 2024
128 people are currently reading
289 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Gonzales
27 books69 followersHailey Gonzales lives in a small town in California. She adores her dog, Miley, who is the cutest animal in the multiverse. Hailey enjoys writing Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, and occasionally, Contemporary. But most of all, she loves to write about found family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 17, 2024
I enjoyed this a lot more than the first book. I feel like the author's writing has improved, and I'm really enjoying the story. While the series is very "tropey" (fated mates, forbidden love, only one bed, etc), the story is intriguing enough that I don't mind. There is still a lot of time spent in the FMC's head, which I could do without.
I'm enjoying a lot of the familial relationships in the book: mother and daughter, brother and evil brother, brother and pseudobrother. They add a lot of depth to the story that is often missing in romantasy. Eli's relationship to Caelum adds a lot of tension to the story.
There is more romance and spice in this book. I actually love that the FMC is not all in and cares more about her mother and dog than her fated mate.
Overall, I'm enjoying this and pissed at myself that I didn't realize the next book doesn't come out for 2 weeks.
I'm enjoying a lot of the familial relationships in the book: mother and daughter, brother and evil brother, brother and pseudobrother. They add a lot of depth to the story that is often missing in romantasy. Eli's relationship to Caelum adds a lot of tension to the story.
There is more romance and spice in this book. I actually love that the FMC is not all in and cares more about her mother and dog than her fated mate.
Overall, I'm enjoying this and pissed at myself that I didn't realize the next book doesn't come out for 2 weeks.
August 4, 2024
I was excited to continue the story of Xyla and Eli. I was pretty miffed with the complete and utter immaturity of Xyla and not allowing any sort of communication from Eli. I felt like she was standing in her own way the entire time. She could have made life so much more pleasant and easier if she just would have taken a second to consider why Eli had done the things he did. Instead she was petulant and that made it difficult to read at times.
I felt as, overall, though the writing could have been more refined, but there were parts where the language was something I really enjoyed.
The twist during the cliffhanger had my jaw hanging open, I was not expecting it at all!
I felt as, overall, though the writing could have been more refined, but there were parts where the language was something I really enjoyed.
The twist during the cliffhanger had my jaw hanging open, I was not expecting it at all!
August 20, 2024
This is the second book in the series and it’s very good! We get to continue following the journey of Xyla and Eli. There was plenty of action and intrigue and an incredibly written villain, ugh I hated him so much. One of the downsides though is that it got somewhat repetitive with Xyla’s internal monologue about whether she should trust Eli or not. The book ended on a fantastic cliffhanger and I cannot wait to read book 3! I literally sent this message to a friend when I finished it - “I’ve just finished it and omg that cliffhanger!!! I figured the dying land definitely had something to do with Ophiuchus but Silas!!!! I literally gasped when I read it 😂”
July 27, 2024
After the cliffhanger from Bound to the Fae I was SO happy to get this ARC.
Xyla and Eli are navigating their new circumstances, Eli being Xyla’s jailer but also her Fated One. Being taken by the Night Court and bound by ancient magic of Vows has them angry with one another and walking on eggshells. She’s being trained to be a weapon again, but this court is different than Day Court. More callous and unfeeling. Everyone is a spy. Everyone lives in fear.
Xyla and Eli love eachother but hate eachother. Will these outside forces make them see eye to eye again?
Eli is such an amazing MMC. spicy, dom, shadow daddy vibes
Xyla is a badass chick who does not f//ck around 💪🏻
The last chapter had me GASPING! I am so excited for book 3.
Xyla and Eli are navigating their new circumstances, Eli being Xyla’s jailer but also her Fated One. Being taken by the Night Court and bound by ancient magic of Vows has them angry with one another and walking on eggshells. She’s being trained to be a weapon again, but this court is different than Day Court. More callous and unfeeling. Everyone is a spy. Everyone lives in fear.
Xyla and Eli love eachother but hate eachother. Will these outside forces make them see eye to eye again?
Eli is such an amazing MMC. spicy, dom, shadow daddy vibes
Xyla is a badass chick who does not f//ck around 💪🏻
The last chapter had me GASPING! I am so excited for book 3.
August 1, 2024
Oh! How much I waited for this. After reading the first book I was hooked and now the second book kept me hooked too. A lot happens and I don't know how to say without spoiling much but I'd say one thing, I love how Xyla and Eli are getting along but also Xyla having her doubts, their bond developing as the book goes on. Xyla is learning, growing, and much more. I like how her character is developed and I find Eli so sweet and caring and trying to do his best for Xyla even though he's stuck.
The ending had me drop my jaw, like wow what a twist. Now that is something that will make me want to read the next book. Can't wait. It is a wonderful book and I like the writing styles and the POV's. I gotta recommend this book to all. Go on and grab this book for yourself. I never knew I'd like Fantasy so much.
The ending had me drop my jaw, like wow what a twist. Now that is something that will make me want to read the next book. Can't wait. It is a wonderful book and I like the writing styles and the POV's. I gotta recommend this book to all. Go on and grab this book for yourself. I never knew I'd like Fantasy so much.
August 8, 2024
*** Spoiler free review ***
This book picks up exactly where the first left off!
Xyla now imprisoned with the help of her fated mate. :(
The reason I have rated this one 4/5 stars was because there was lots of inner turmoil going on and, for me, Xyla was a bit insufferable for a good while and she 1000% made things a lot more difficult than they needed to be.
We finally get the growth we needed from our FMC when she FINALLY stands up for herself later in this book, as well as learning how to use her ICE POWERS (!!) and now she's one of my top gals!
I'll cut Elijah a break as well because it is very evident how willing he is to do anything for Xyla, at least as much as he can due to the vow.
We also get a bit of growth in Eli and Xyla's relationship, betrayal aside, and a slight increase in the spice ;) I really hope these two get their "happily ever after".
My jaw was on the FLOOR at the end of this book, y'all.
Please read this trilogy! Book 3 is out in October!! :)
This book picks up exactly where the first left off!
Xyla now imprisoned with the help of her fated mate. :(
The reason I have rated this one 4/5 stars was because there was lots of inner turmoil going on and, for me, Xyla was a bit insufferable for a good while and she 1000% made things a lot more difficult than they needed to be.
We finally get the growth we needed from our FMC when she FINALLY stands up for herself later in this book, as well as learning how to use her ICE POWERS (!!) and now she's one of my top gals!
I'll cut Elijah a break as well because it is very evident how willing he is to do anything for Xyla, at least as much as he can due to the vow.
We also get a bit of growth in Eli and Xyla's relationship, betrayal aside, and a slight increase in the spice ;) I really hope these two get their "happily ever after".
My jaw was on the FLOOR at the end of this book, y'all.
Please read this trilogy! Book 3 is out in October!! :)
September 12, 2025
The second book was really good!
There were definitely some parts that felt repetitive, like how long it took for her to forgive Eli when he literally had no control over things and why would he just share his biggest secret with you when he hardly knows you?
I liked their time they had together and watching them fall for each other. You can tell they both truly love each other and would anything for each other. It was definitely annoying how Eli kept saying he was selfish and wanted to keep her even if he knows they can’t truly be together. His vow was super annoying as well preventing them from truly being together.
That ending was something wild.. can’t say I expected his brother Silas to be in charge and still alive!
I am unclear whether or not they’ll take Eli with them, but also does he have a plan to help Eli with the vow?
What are they going to do when he wakes up in three days and still has to kill her?
It still kept me hooked and I kept reading to find out more!
There were definitely some parts that felt repetitive, like how long it took for her to forgive Eli when he literally had no control over things and why would he just share his biggest secret with you when he hardly knows you?
I liked their time they had together and watching them fall for each other. You can tell they both truly love each other and would anything for each other. It was definitely annoying how Eli kept saying he was selfish and wanted to keep her even if he knows they can’t truly be together. His vow was super annoying as well preventing them from truly being together.
That ending was something wild.. can’t say I expected his brother Silas to be in charge and still alive!
I am unclear whether or not they’ll take Eli with them, but also does he have a plan to help Eli with the vow?
What are they going to do when he wakes up in three days and still has to kill her?
It still kept me hooked and I kept reading to find out more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2024
3.5 stars. If you enjoyed the first book, you'll like this continuation. I'm excited for the next book also :)
I read this book as an advanced reader copy (arc).
Some spoilers.
This book is a great continuation of the first! Xyla and Eli have a lot to work through after his betrayal at the end of the first book.
This book starts out with Xyla being brought to the Night Court. She's a captive again, now dealing with heart break and lack of trust in Eli.
The book progresses with her trying to escape and figure out how to be free of both the Day and Night Courts without being turned into an ice statue or imprisoned for life.
It was great to get more of Eli's perspective and I felt like he got a lot more depth in this book.
There is a twist at the end and I'm excited to see what happens next.
I read this book as an advanced reader copy (arc).
Some spoilers.
This book is a great continuation of the first! Xyla and Eli have a lot to work through after his betrayal at the end of the first book.
This book starts out with Xyla being brought to the Night Court. She's a captive again, now dealing with heart break and lack of trust in Eli.
The book progresses with her trying to escape and figure out how to be free of both the Day and Night Courts without being turned into an ice statue or imprisoned for life.
It was great to get more of Eli's perspective and I felt like he got a lot more depth in this book.
There is a twist at the end and I'm excited to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2024
⭐️ 4.5/5 ⭐️
🌶️ 3/5 🌶️
I was anxiously waiting for the second book after Bound to the Fae ended on a suspenseful cliffhanger. In this book, we see the journey of Xyla learning her ice powers, finally stand up for herself and understand her complicated feelings for Eli and his betrayal. We see Eli and how willing he is to do anything for Xyla, as much as he can due to the vow. They love/hate each other and I am here for it.
Life in the Night Court is similar to the Day Court, she is seen as a weapon to use against the other side. Xyla wants to break free from both and find a new way forward for both her and Eli.
Now, time to wait until October to see what happens next after that cliffhanger!!!
🌶️ 3/5 🌶️
I was anxiously waiting for the second book after Bound to the Fae ended on a suspenseful cliffhanger. In this book, we see the journey of Xyla learning her ice powers, finally stand up for herself and understand her complicated feelings for Eli and his betrayal. We see Eli and how willing he is to do anything for Xyla, as much as he can due to the vow. They love/hate each other and I am here for it.
Life in the Night Court is similar to the Day Court, she is seen as a weapon to use against the other side. Xyla wants to break free from both and find a new way forward for both her and Eli.
Now, time to wait until October to see what happens next after that cliffhanger!!!
July 26, 2024
This story starts with Xyla being captured by the Night Court assisted by Eli her fated one. Xyla has already had issues with the Day Court (although she is their princess) and only wants to go home not to another court that just wants to use her.
Can Eli convince her he loves her after the betrayal? Will she forgive him?
How is she going to survive when fighting still isn’t her strong suit? Will Shadow protect her or will she need to be Savage to survive? Can someone who thought she was human, not a hybrid of the Day and Night Courts, make in the Fae lands?
All good questions. Ready to find out?
Can Eli convince her he loves her after the betrayal? Will she forgive him?
How is she going to survive when fighting still isn’t her strong suit? Will Shadow protect her or will she need to be Savage to survive? Can someone who thought she was human, not a hybrid of the Day and Night Courts, make in the Fae lands?
All good questions. Ready to find out?
July 26, 2024
This book picked up just where we left off from book one, and what a whirlwind it was from the get go. Xyla has really been through it, as has Eli and I don't know which of them needs a hug more.
I adored the journey their relationship takes throughout the book, struggling with the betrayals, challenges etc. It was interesting to learn about the Night Court more in this book, and how things differ between the two courts but so see the similarities too. It was good to see Xyla finding herself and finally standing up for herself.
We see a lot more action and there's a lot more going on in this book. The ending had me like 👀👀. Book three can't come soon enough!
I adored the journey their relationship takes throughout the book, struggling with the betrayals, challenges etc. It was interesting to learn about the Night Court more in this book, and how things differ between the two courts but so see the similarities too. It was good to see Xyla finding herself and finally standing up for herself.
We see a lot more action and there's a lot more going on in this book. The ending had me like 👀👀. Book three can't come soon enough!
July 27, 2024
This is the second book in the Court of the Cruel Fae trilogy. Without giving any spoilers I just wanna say I KNEW IT! Great ending with a surprise and a cliffhanger just like the first book. I will say Xyla the FMC is a little too in her head and the internal struggle can get tedious. That’s my only complaint. The story line is great. The spice was upped in this book as well but not overwhelming. Highly recommend if you like fantasy and Fae/magical powers. World building is light and easy to understand. Quick reads that you can finish in one sitting. Can’t wait for the final installation to come out in October!
August 1, 2024
I have been impatiently waiting for this book ever since the last book ended on that amazing cliffhanger, and it was well worth the wait. I think I love this book even more than the first one! 2 courts fighting against each other and then a third one enters the battle! This is a very action packed book, with betrayal and fated mates. I loved it- i loved seeing Xyla character growth and the growth and love between her and Eli. I love how she didn’t forgive him instantly- she made him work for that. But I also equally loved getting to know more of Eli’s character and back story. The ending will definitely leave you hungry for more and I can’t wait for the next book!
August 8, 2024
ARC Review
Second book in the series. We now have a good look at how things are on the other side, at the Night Court (I love to see and know about more than one side). We meet Eli's family and finally we know more about Xyla's bio dad. He's not great, but who is there?
The build up for the big finale is slow but cool. I have an idea about this "New Era", and I hope is the right one. I also have hopes for Xyla & Eli to get completely free (basically a few relatives needs to be unlived). I'm happy her friends in the Day Court are okay, and sad about her mom.
Now the end is a plot twist I guessed pretty late, but it was soooo cool!!! The final book it's gonna be great XD
Second book in the series. We now have a good look at how things are on the other side, at the Night Court (I love to see and know about more than one side). We meet Eli's family and finally we know more about Xyla's bio dad. He's not great, but who is there?
The build up for the big finale is slow but cool. I have an idea about this "New Era", and I hope is the right one. I also have hopes for Xyla & Eli to get completely free (basically a few relatives needs to be unlived). I'm happy her friends in the Day Court are okay, and sad about her mom.
Now the end is a plot twist I guessed pretty late, but it was soooo cool!!! The final book it's gonna be great XD
December 27, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this! Xyla and Eli are such an adorable couple and i loved how they dealt with everything coming at them. Overall the book was heavier on the romance and their relationship than on actual plot - but i still liked it though. I also found Xyla to be less annoying than in book one as her thoughts no longer focused solely on getting home and more on Eli and keeping him save. She‘s still not my favorit but I liked her character development in this one as she finally stops being so selfish and grows into her power.
Will continue reading after that cliffhanger.
Will continue reading after that cliffhanger.
February 3, 2025
Storyline is moving along with Xyla and Eli. Xyla has accepted her fate as the prophesied hybrid that will change both courts. Xyla and Eli admit their love for each other and work around his oath to his evil brother. However, 3 stars for numerous incorrect word choices, improper past present and future syntax, missing words such and, it, a, and more. Sorry but this looks like no one even bothered to proofread before publication.
August 11, 2024
OMG, that ending!! I can't wait to see what happens in Book 3. There was so much drama in this book. It picks up right where Book 1 left off. I don't blame Xyla for lashing out at anyone and everyone who came in her path. Eventually, her fated mate started to make amends for her being set up. Xyla and Eli are in an incredibly difficult situation. It seems that no matter what they decisions or actions they take, they could possibly die. And yet somehow they find a way....
August 31, 2024
The world building was better in this book, as I was an Arc reader for the first book. I still loved all the same character, just sad I didn’t get to have more of her other friends in this. But I understand why! Shadow Daddy is still shadow daddying.. 😏 I’m excited to see what the next book has to offer.. the ending was another cliffhanger!
July 28, 2024
3.5* I received an arc for the second installment in this story. It was a little slow in the beginning but once they started moving and forcing Xyla to show her allegiance things got moving quickly. The whole book is worth the twist at the end. Can’t wait to see book 3!
September 9, 2024
This was maybe just below 4, like 3.75⭐️. I still have the complaint from the first book that I got tired of the FMC’s repetitive thoughts and she just seemed immature. But she stopped being annoying in the second half so I enjoyed it more.
July 4, 2025
Interesting
Xyla is so so very annoying. I hate hearing her whining and even when she rallies she finds a way to make it whiny. Eli is a blob. I keep reading but the world it entertaining but I am not super invested unfortunately.
Xyla is so so very annoying. I hate hearing her whining and even when she rallies she finds a way to make it whiny. Eli is a blob. I keep reading but the world it entertaining but I am not super invested unfortunately.
July 25, 2024
Cool fae/fantasy romance.. Dark, dangerous, and filled with disaster and betrayal..
July 27, 2024
Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap!!!!!!!!!! This book was INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!! So freaking good!!!! So so good!!!!!
August 2, 2024
Kinda saw the ending coming. But it was still shocking. Love the character development from the first book. Can't wait for book 3.
August 2, 2024
She has done it again. I simply have no words. Please, wake me up from my coma when the next one comes out because I don't want to do anything until I know what happens next.
August 5, 2024
This was exactly what I was hoping for in the 2nd book! Love blossoms. There was a few times that brought tears to my eyes and the cliffhanger at the end ugh I need the 3rd book ASAP
August 11, 2024
I couldn’t put this one down. I absolutely love this book. It has everything, war, love, spice, humor and loads of attitude. I’m dangling off the cliff at the end and I’m so desperate for book 3! This is honestly one of my favorite reads of the year so far! Bring on the next book!
October 28, 2024
3.5 STARS
April 8, 2025
Some spelling errors but it was really good!
May 7, 2025
I read this thinking that it might get better after the first book. Alas it didn’t. This series fell short and I wasn’t drawn in to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews