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Kierian

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A Wish...

At twenty years old, Skyla had aged out of the orphanage. She knew that she didn’t want to stay living in her pathetic poor town as a beggar on the streets. When she was a child, a storyteller told her about a Fae male in a cottage who could grant wishes. It may be a foolish childhood fairytale, but Skyla decided to make the dangerous trek into the Fae woods in search of him. As a now homeless female, she had nothing left to lose but her life in search of this Fae.

A Desolate…

Kierian has lived in isolation for centuries. As a former Fae warrior who fought in the war against humans three hundred years ago, he only wants to be left alone. Aside from the wishing cat, whom he has a grudge against and who lives with him, the only other being who visits him is his former brother-in-arms. No one else has come knocking at his door in decades.

A Bond…

When Skyla finally finds the cottage while on the brink of starvation, she does not expect the Fae male to slam the door in her face. Now, she is desperate to do anything to convince him to let her stay. Meanwhile, Kierian’s quiet life is being turned upside down by this fiery red-haired human female. He doesn’t have an answer to why he’s letting this stranger live with him, but for some unknown reason, he refuses to kick her out.

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

5 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

N.F. Schmitt

5 books18 followers
I write romance, love stories, and fantasy books. I have had stories in my head since childhood, but it wasn't until Mina's story, in "A Kingdom of Promises and Lies" came rattling in my head that I ever actually completed a story from start to finish. Initially, Mina's story was supposed to be a complete standalone, but then I fell in love with the characters. I realized I wanted to give a voice to their stories too and thus The Courting Seasons series was born.

I am a born and raised Iowa girl, living in the country with my husband and all our pets. When I'm not writing or reading, you can find me ATVing, video gaming or tending to my various indoor and outdoor plants.

Prior to writing, I initially went to art school and currently design my own book covers and character art.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Tay_is_reading_again.
484 reviews53 followers
September 19, 2024
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️


This book took me a bit to get into as I wasn’t a huge fan of the writing style at first. After the first few chapters, the prose started to flow more freely and I began enjoying this one. By the end of the book, I was glad I read it plus there were TONS of 🌶️ scenes. Overall, I enjoyed this one and the characters journeys. Some of the tropes include:

🦌 strangers to friends to lovers
🦌 instalust/immediate attraction
🦌 Forced proximity
🦌Fated mates
🦌 Touch her and ☠️
🦌 Shifter MMC

Thank you to the author for the pre-published copy of this one!
Profile Image for Jessica.
151 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2024
This book solidified that I really enjoy books that include fae folklore!

Kierian and Skyla were both wonderful MCs and I loved getting to know them and discovering more of their backstories as the book went on. This strangers-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine story was a wonderful mix of fantasy, spice and love.

Kierian is book one of the FaeVille series and I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Profile Image for Deirdre Megan Byrd.
534 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2024
Such a beautiful romantasy. Fated mates, shifters, and a big twist. I don’t read a lot of fated mates or shifter stories but I really enjoyed this. I thought it was well done. Had a grumpy sunshine vibe to it as well. Definitely recommend. And the cover is beautiful.
Profile Image for Amelia W.
151 reviews35 followers
September 19, 2024
Ah this was such a lovely book! Kierian our broody fae male has been through so much and has a troubled past and in comes Skyla, a human girl with fiery hair. The slow burn between them is HOT and the story has the perfect amount of plot and add a little spice toward the end and you have a great Romantasy. I finished this book in one day and was giggling at the characters and I really fell in love with them. I need book 2 immediately with Tennyson’s story!
Profile Image for Rosalyn McGill.
5 reviews
October 7, 2024
First, I would like to start with this book was more than I was expecting but then again I didn't know what I was expecting.
True official rating is 4.5 star but because of the enjoyment I had while reading it is worth bumping up..

If you are looking to read a spicy, quick/fast pace read, which has a clean wrapped up ending for the MC's this is your book. Also, if you like series where once it. is wrapped up for the MC the side characters get their own POV because the sorties are interconnected then this may be your book. As well as if you like the tropes below...

This book was promoted 100% for what it was. Is it romantasy absolutely, is there forced proximity duh (its a small cottage), are they fated mates well FMC doesn't know but yes!!! The MMC is your typical grumpy vibes while your MFC is all sunshine and see the bright side to everything. A quick summary of the whole story line gives spicy, beauty and the beast vibes but with FMC seeking change/happiness with forcing her stay and with Fae world instead of beast and curses.

This book there was not a lot of world building as it really was not needed due to the simplicity of the fae world created.

The combo of both of the characters allow for for both of the characters to grow internally and with each other. The MC's push each other beyond their own limits and test what really happiness and why are they wanting it. The trials each of the characters bring allowed myself as the reader to build connections with each of the characters and have empathy to the why each character acts the way they did. Did the book have me trying to figure out the outcome absolutely. I grew a connection and need to read the next book the author is working on to learn more about why a side character did what they did. This book nicely wrapped up for the story it was telling with the MCs. The cliffhanger is why, just why and now I need the next POV to get that answer. Only time will pass as I wait for the next part of this series.

Why is it not 5 stars? It was well written and loved the book, I might even reread it or the ending when next book comes out… but it was not a 5 star because I personally was able to put the book down throughout my reading, so didn’t lose sleep over the book… and because it is not a book that lives rent free in my mind upon finishing.
Profile Image for Bieke De Klerck.
18 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2024
I realy loved and enjoyed reading this book. It is 100% a book I will recommend.

I love Skyla the main female character. She is such a beautiful person.
Despite her rough start in life, she is fiery, curious and although she is young she knows what she wants.
Kierian is a handsome ex-warrior fae shifter. He is used to living alone in his cottage.
Until one day there's a knock on his door and there is Skyla.

The story was cosy, funny and i loved the banter between them.
The slow building up and the sexual tension between them made the spicy scenes so good 😁.

I would have loved to meet more fae beast, good (like Mytilda) or bad ones, as Skyla was reading a book about fae beasts, but that was just my curiosity.

Also the last chapter in Tennyson's pov gave me another view on his character than he made us see him previously in the story. So I'm excited for his book!
OMG what a way to end a story!
I just died knowing I will have to wait for the next book (Tennyson's book) but it will be worth the wait, no doubt.


Here are some scenes/quotes I realy loved:

Skyla: "I wanted to live in a place that was charming, with a life that i could afford and a husband who adored me. I didn't need luxury; I wanted happiness."

"My name is Skyla." It was the only response I could think of as he kept calling me that nickname. "Yes, but you are fragile like a flower petal." He picked up a drying dandelions that had fallen from the ceiling, crushing it between his hands. He let the pieces fall between us onto the floor.
"Petal fits you better," he replied.
--> Oh, i though for a moment that Tennyson was in love with Skyla. He named her petal (so cute) and one time he said/thought "my petal".

Kierian: "Are you against riding on the back of a stag?" I asked, masking my true thoughts on the matter. "No?" She replied slowly
---> naughty Kierian lol

I wrapped his blanket around me as I crawled into his bed. Instantly, his scent enveloping, giving me a small sense of security.

I had been lost for far too long, unfeeling for the last three-hundred years. Then one day, this redhaired girl showed up at my doorstep wanting a wish granted. Little did she know, she had been my wish come true.
---> *slowly melting away*
Profile Image for Alisha Cottingham.
156 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2024
Let me tell y'all about this book! *Spoilers*

Nic, you did it again. You know how to pull at the heartstrings of your readers. I loved this storyline. Skyla and Kierian are the perfect example of grumpy x sunshine. The dynamic between them is so strong. It makes you feel for each moment they share. When Skyla chose to be Fae, after everything she saw and experienced with her time with Kierian, she still chose with her heart. A wonderful testament to the idea that, even the people who are your natural born family or kind, can be evil and sometimes the enemy can be the new hope you want. Also…..THAT SLOW BURN KILLED ME! I kept waiting and waiting. Talk about edging a girl on! Damn, those scenes and that first time they did the deed….my heart raced.

Skyla-THIS GIRL! She is such a fiery spirit that is so relatable. She is so hard on herself, seeing the flaws that we all experience. Questioning everything, over thinking every scene, feeling like she is going to mess up. But then she turns on this spark that makes everyone stop and look. I related a lot to her, with someone who has major anxiety at times, I can question everything and think that I messed up and pissed someone off. This girl is so fun and I would love to see her story more, if you ever decide too.

Kierian- A FREAKING DEER SHIFTER! Holy crap, definitely didn’t see that coming. He was so fun to read. His stubborn, tough guy mentality, but a huge heart inside that melts your core (literally). He is dreamy but at the same time, you want to throttle him, like any main male character LOL. The stuff he went through before our girl came into his life, I can’t imagine it. He is so damaged but in the best way possible.I love that he can be so crass but then turn around and melt your heart. Plus the spicy scenes….DAMN
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jessica Rigsby.
100 reviews40 followers
October 1, 2024
"Kierian” is an enchanting debut into the fantasy genre, offering a gripping slow-burn romance set against a richly imaginative world. As someone new to fantasy, I found this book incredibly accessible, with a plot that's easy to follow and vividly described scenes that made the story come to life.

Skyla’s journey from a naïve orphan to a strong and determined young woman is beautifully paced, and watching her growth is both relatable and heartwarming. Her initial innocence makes her development all the more rewarding as she learns to stand her ground, particularly in her interactions with the mysterious and brooding Kierian.

Kierian himself is a standout character. His protective nature, especially towards women, adds depth to his otherwise gruff and solitary persona. The dynamic between him and Skyla is filled with tension and slow-burning chemistry, which kept me invested throughout. The angst in their relationship is palpable, making every interaction between them meaningful and intense.

One of the book's most delightful elements is the concept of the wishing cats. I absolutely loved this unique and whimsical addition to the story, and I can’t help but wish I had one of my own!

Tennyson, the mysterious former comrade, is a character I still haven’t fully figured out. His presence adds another layer of intrigue, and I’m eager to see where his story goes. Can we trust him? I’m not sure yet, and that uncertainty keeps me hooked.

Finally, the ending was a jaw-dropper! Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the plot took an unexpected turn that left me both stunned and satisfied. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world.

Overall, ”Kierian” is an absolute gem. It's the perfect balance of fantasy, romance, and intrigue, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating read.
Profile Image for Booktokqutiepie.
219 reviews31 followers
September 23, 2024
Wow this book y’all, I ate this up and left zero crumbs and I have a feeling this series is going to be soooooo good!

So first let me say I never thought the day would come where I would have a deer shifter fae as a book boyfriend but here we are! Kierian our MMCis just that, all that centuries year old fae powerful warrior zaddy energy! Skyla our FMC is a human that once she ages out of the foster system of her tiny poor town goes in search of HOPE based on a story from a passing merchant and enters the Fae woods.

The early interactions with Kierian and Skyla and some other characters are quite hilarious. I really enjoyed the nuances of the lifestyle the MMC leads and how our FMC melds into it overtime. The sweet and subtle ways in which he shows he cares over time are so adorably cute, the cinnamon rolls is all I, gonna say on that. I like that the relationship between the two didn’t feel forced or rushed but natural.

So if you like fae daddy’s, broody warriors, strangers to lovers, meddling side characters (who I would love to know more about Tennyson I’m looking at you), forced proximity ❤️, Fated mates ❤️❤️, touch her and 💀, and grumpy sunshine then this is the next book for you!

I seriously hope we get more about Tennyson in book 2….*looks intensely at author* I MUST KNOW and you KNOW what I MUST KNOW….

This was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and there was a good chunk of slow burn in this one but one it popped off 🌶️🌶️🌶️ now don’t mind me I’ll be in my room searching up antler handlebars….
Profile Image for Yaneisa.
102 reviews
September 23, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️ | 2.5/5 🌶️

Our FMC is 20-year-old Skyla, on a quest inspired by a childhood story. The quest involves a Fae who lives in the woods and can grant wishes. Enter our MMC, Kierian, our Fae, who has lived alone in the woods for 300 years and does not like visitors. Let’s see how this unfolds…

WHAT A SLOW BURN 🔥🔥. I kept rolling my eyes at Kierian's moody, hot-and-cold self. I often screamed in my head, "JUST DO IT!" I felt so bad for Skyla for going through the wringer with Kierian. As the story unfolds, you learn more about Kierians’ backstory and moodiness, which adds depth to his character development.

The spicy scenes were enjoyable, I wished there was more. This book had more flirting and teasing, but it was worth it when it led up to the Big Bang.

The banter in this book was perfect! Pearl clutching things was said in the heat of the moment, and it made the book so much more intriguing, not all glitz and glam. I love a good romance book where everything is sweet, but I love it even more when the author makes my jaw hang from my mouth (thank you, N.F. Schmitt)

Oh, and that extra chapter - I have so many questions! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series
Profile Image for Amanda Schumacher.
291 reviews11 followers
September 10, 2024
Skyla is a human girl who is trekking deep into the forest in search of what she hopes is a Fae that can grant her a wish. She is an orphan and has aged out of the care of the orphanage. Kierian is a Fae who lives a quiet and mostly solitary life. He creates salves for many different things and goes to towns and sells his stock before coming back to his hide away in the woods. Skyla finally finds the home of Kierian and pounds on his door to get his attention and to hopefully have him grant her wish. Kierian is irritated by this human girl who is pounding on his door. She ends up staying outside his home underneath a tree on the edge of his yard. This begins a funny, heartwarming adventure between Skyla and Kierian. In efforts to protect Skyla, he buy's her a necklace and takes it to a spell caster to have it enchanted to protect her. There, Kierian learns that Skyla is his fated mate... what chaos does this throw Kierian in? Will this end happily or will Kierian's friend Tennyson break them up and cause more trouble than these two can handle?
Profile Image for Sabrina.
211 reviews107 followers
September 19, 2024
What a beautiful story!

Skyla is this sweet and innocent girl who has had a rough go in life. Orphaned and overlooked by those around her she decides to go searching thru the fae woods to find someone who can grant her a wish. What she doesn’t realize is that the fae she’s searching for may have more to offer than granting that wish.

Kierian is a former fae warrior who is tortured by his past and living his life in seclusion. He comes off as this grumpy hermit who doesn’t want to have anything to do with anyone, that is until the knock on his door, but over time there’s another side to him that starts to show. He’s very guarded and does his best to keep his distance, but the pull between them is there.


This was such a sweet tale filled with love, banter, and a slow burn tension that burns so good. The back and forth between the two MCs had me all twisted up and yelling at my phone but in a good way. I loved the way they grew together and cared for each other even when at odds. I really enjoyed this one.
Profile Image for Jennifer Wortman.
122 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2024
This story was amazing. It had such a nice amount of "spice" (I consider any "spice" a written out explict scene) that felt real.

Characters: Felt real (minus being a FAE!) I loved watching Skye grow, from a crappy childhood she was allowed to have opinions, choices and be curious or have a strong dislike (I TOO dislike lavender) Kierian sounded so dreamy, yet realistic. It was nice to have a fantasy book that wasn't over the top.

Slow burn, but well worth the wait. I felt the angst between them, the fire and how quickly they learned to work together, even through their pasts.

Spice was very well done. Maybe 2.5 peppers depending on someones scale, but it was there.

Overall, this book as feet giggling, sweet and just an over-all lovely read. I felt drawn to the characters, their plights and need more on the brother (and kitty!) I feel this is the perfect door into a great universe!
Profile Image for Sizzle & Sin.
6 reviews3 followers
September 26, 2024
Alright I have some thoughts.

First of all, yes. I would recommend this author & her book Kierian. I very much enjoyed the over all story and writing and I would give it 4⭐️

GrumpyxSunshine is one of my favorite tropes. I felt like it was SO well executed. Forced proximity was absolute chefs kiss. I really liked the character development that you see over time. I think I (personally) would’ve liked to see a bit more of Tennysen (so sorry if the spelling is bad). Finished this book in a matter of hours.

Some notes, (and I have adhd so this could def be a me thing) there were a couple places I felt like the thoughts jumped around. From one line to the next and I was very confused for a couple of minutes. Would I say this impacted the story? No. I am new to the fantasy genre having only read ACOTAR & Fourth Wing, so I feel this was a good simple read. It takes a couple of minutes to get a feel for but I genuinely enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Erin Saulpaugh.
526 reviews16 followers
September 24, 2024
This is my first time reading one of N.F. Schmitt's books and i was not disappointed. This had everything i could possibly want in a book. I love anything, Fae. I enjoyed the banter and the sexual tension. The slow burn was good but man it was hard waiting for them to finally get there and talk about teasing a girl (meaning your reader), but to be honest, i wouldn't want it any other way. It was not hard to fall in love with these characters and root for them. I wonder if we will hear more about fae beasts as we go on. I love the thought of that.
The characters were raw they went through their own struggles, making it easy to relate to them and forget your reading, and that's another thing I look for in a book. I love the MMC and he's a deer shifter what! He has a damaged past but I think that made me love him more.
Profile Image for Jamie Williams.
503 reviews10 followers
September 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a really sweet, engaging story, with really entertaining characters. Skyla, while being very naive and shy, is actually an incredibly resilient and strong FMC. And that strength and resilience only grows throughout the story. She is also an incredibly caring and compassionate person. Kierian is a quiet, grumpy, standoffish guy at the start. But you quickly realize that he is a passionate, loving, fiercely protective person who is just protecting his heart. I loved the secondary characters in this story as well, and can’t wait for Tennyson’s story. I think the author has created a wonderful world with this first book, and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.
Profile Image for Books & Curls.
53 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2024
Read this in 1 sitting...

4.5/5 ⭐️ 🌶🌶🌶
This was a great fantasy romance, emphasis on the romance. I would consider it a slow burn, but not too slow. I feel there was the right amount of tension leading up to the spice. I immediately fell in love with the characters and the writing style made it so easy to immerse myself into the fantasy world. For most of the book, there was basically 1 setting. the cottage in the clearing, in the middle of the fae forest. While normally I would think that would make the story boring, it definitely did not! I loved the dual POVs (and the bonus POV: excited to see where that will take us in the next book).
Profile Image for Mikayla Tague.
98 reviews
September 28, 2024
This was an amazing story. I LOVE Skyla. She’s shy, timid, and a little awkward at times but that doesn’t stop her from standing her ground when needed and giving attitude. Her willingness to just trust her instincts is amazing.

Now Kierian holding back to protect and not to make her feel like she was trapped or chained down was sweet but I also found a little selfish. Like talk to her about what’s going on so she can make a decision for herself. By not having all the details how is suppose to decide what she wants?

Regardless of all that they are amazing together even if they tortured me with the slow burn! Once they Kierian finally broke and gave into Skyla 🥵🥵🥵
149 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2024
Story: 4.5/5
Spice: 2.5/5 (spice is super subjective)

The last line of this book will haunt me for a long time. I have not highlighted so many lines I've loved in a book before. You know it's a good book when you want to reach through it and smack a character.

Skyla growing as a character but always having that anxiety of not being enough was so relatable. Kierian made you want to smack him a few times. I definitely yelled at him though he did not hear me. Tennyson, oh Tennyson ... You'll have to read to develop your own opinion on him.
Profile Image for Tracey.
7 reviews
November 9, 2024
This felt poorly written YA to me. No world building, no character depth. It had slow burn spice that wasn't very emotional. I ended up skimming through the end because I got bored. Maybe it was one of those booktok books written for tropes, it seemed lacking but had potential from how it was pitched on FB. Typical human is something more fae book. Nothing special, but got me closer to my end of year goal. I'll try her other one. I prefer the fantasy books with structure I guess.
Profile Image for Dirty D.
296 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2025
Just finished a book that felt like a warm hug—what I’m calling “Fluff Fantasy.” No high-stakes battles or breakneck pacing here. Just a slow-burn, whimsical tale that wraps you in comfort and lets you linger in the magic.

Skyla, an orphan chasing a childhood legend, ends up on the doorstep of Kierian—the grumpy, potion-brewing fae who’s definitely not granting wishes. What follows is a gentle unraveling of attraction, denial, and quiet connection.

I didn’t need a twisty plot or dramatic angst. I just needed this.

✨Bonus: I get to meet the author soon at Booked Eau Claire!
40 reviews
September 13, 2024
Adorably decadent! A love story between a former fae warrior and a human girl. N.F. Schmitt is an author to keep an eye on! She brings anxiety, regret and depression representation to the page in a way that’s relatable without
being shoved in your face. Can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series!
Profile Image for Danielle Coughlin.
96 reviews13 followers
September 23, 2024
OMG I loved this book. I will admit it was a slow start for me and I was like oh man am I going to struggle with this book. But the way it started now all makes sense and I am here for it. Kierian and Skyla are so cute and even though this was not super suspenseful It always kept me on my toes. I can't wait for more!
183 reviews
October 17, 2024
What a beautiful book this was. The slow burn of this book had me on the edge of my seat waiting for Kierian to finally give in and give Skyla what she craved. The grumpiness of Kierian made me lol quite a few times. Love Tennyson he is such a dark,teasing character and can't wait to read about him. Loved looking back on Kierians life and seeing him finally happy with Skyla. Fabulous book 📖
Profile Image for LeTia H.
15 reviews
November 5, 2024
I wasn't sure about this at first, but I ended up teally enjoying it. It was a good read with good characters. I liked their journey to relationship and I was thrilled about the ending...although I would really like to hear Tennyson's story. Thanks for sharing this with the world and you've got a new Fantasy reader in me.
125 reviews6 followers
September 10, 2024
Lighthearted with just a hint of action. This slow burn romantasy kept me hooked and I finished in one sitting. I cannot wait to read the next in the series and will definitely be rereading this one again!
Profile Image for Lillian Teems.
4 reviews
September 14, 2024
Kierian was such a good book, I didn't want to put it down. The story was beautiful and the slow burn element was done so well and left me wanting more. The adventure, love and action complemented each other perfectly. I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Heather H.
128 reviews4 followers
September 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. The perfect cozy fantasy book without a huge amount of world building. You still understand what’s going on. Things just aren’t overly complicated.
Definitely recommend this read!
Profile Image for Layla.
285 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2024
4⭐️

This was such a fun read!! I loved the pacing of this, I was dying to know what happened next and I read this right up, can’t wait for the next book in the series! Very cute, and very cozy- we love a grumpy x sunshine pairing.
Profile Image for tio.
11 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2024
Honestly not THAT bad but I’m not convinced by their love story. I feel like FL ended up with a random guy that doesn’t really completes her, like fated mates are supposed to? So idk it felt lacking to me both in term of story and writing. I would not recommend it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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