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Curse of the Fae #3

The Prince from a Cruel Summer

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Summer love cuts to the bone.

I didn’t choose to attend the Royal Academy, an elite school full of vicious Fae. I never wished for an arranged marriage to a nasty Shadow prince.

I especially never wanted to meet Aidan Summers—the most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on—the one who broke my heart beyond repair.

He was the fire to my ice. Our relationship was forbidden, and the fallout almost cost me my life.

A century later, I have it all—money, fame, power—but none of it matters. I’m still his. And when I receive an invitation to sing at his wedding, I can’t resist the flames.

Has he really forgotten about me? Or does he want to destroy what’s left of my soul?

This novel is a full-length romantasy and is part of an interconnected series with a story arc spanning multiple books. Each book features a different romance and a new couple. It can be read first.

Join Elizabeth Snow down memory lane as she attends her ex’s wedding and awakens the ghosts of a past long gone. Steamy. 18+. Full list of triggers inside.

Romantasy
Forbidden Love
Enemies-to-Lovers
He Falls First
Second-Chance
Royal Academy
Hidden Identity

466 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2025

488 people are currently reading
466 people want to read

About the author

Anya J. Cosgrove

19 books384 followers

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5 stars
278 (43%)
4 stars
269 (42%)
3 stars
78 (12%)
2 stars
11 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Misty Tignor.
4 reviews
January 9, 2026
Favorite book in the series so far. I enjoyed the Flashback and twist of the lord of the tides. Such a great way to build a character
Profile Image for Amzette.
412 reviews19 followers
February 17, 2025
Bravo Anya!!! I absolutely loved this book! I think this one may be my favorite of the series so far!
I love how you brought us from present day back to a century ago! You tackled the timelines like a champ! It was also great to see characters from the previous books and you totally surprised me near the end of the book.
I loved the characters and really despised a couple as well! This book and this series are definitely ones that I’ll want to read again! I loved the relationship that Aidan and Beth had. I love that Ezra and Elios were such great friends to Beth, even though she was a “moth”, a common fae. I also love how much Willow loved and took her in. This book has a lot going on and Anya handled it very well and kept me very much intrigued with the storyline!
I received a free ARC from Anya Cosgrove and all the opinions are my own. I volunteered to write this review! Thank you for letting me be a part of your team!

As always my fellow Goodreader’s, Happy Reading and/or Listening!📚🎧💜
Profile Image for Ashleigh Fernandez.
8 reviews
January 22, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ This has been my favourite from the series so far. I picked it up in the attempt to overcome a small reading slump and it was definitely successful.

I thoroughly enjoyed the majority of the book being set in the past and delving into other characters from the first two books, namely the Lightbringer brothers.

I enjoyed the academy trope as it gave it more of a fun element at times. There were so many unexpected twists and turns that I was genuinely excited to pick the book up every evening (even switched to audiobook while doing chores).

The pacing was great and overall a super enjoyable read, raising many questions and expectations for future books. I look forward to reading on.
Profile Image for Rachel Fallin.
24 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2026
“When you sang, I wanted to tear my heart out and lay it down at your feet.”
The yearning is unmatched. My heart was sore after reading the immense love the MMC has for the FMC. It brings tears to my eyes and has set a new standard for yearning in my eyes 💘
Anya J Cosgrove - you are an underrated author and deserve wide praise for how your write about love.
Profile Image for Thalia Powell.
69 reviews
September 17, 2025
Another brilliant installment

I thought this book might be like the others but it really wasn't! I really enjoyed the characters development and the start crossed lovers story play out. It was a bittersweet ending but I can't wait to see how they all band together (hopefully) to deal with the latest problem!
Profile Image for Victoria Wilson.
278 reviews12 followers
February 21, 2025
Because of the marriage plans Beth's father has arranged for her, she now has the opportunity to attend the Royal Academy. All she has to do is make it through the deadly labyrinth trials in one piece before the timer runs out. She never expected to be captivated by the beautiful fae male running the last trial. And she never imagined he would turn out to the be none other than the Summer Court Prince - Aidan Summers.

Their chemistry was intense and irresistible but the relationship was forbidden. They were fire and ice, royalty and common fae. Bound by responsibility and by an unwanted arranged marriage to another. Theirs was a love for the ages but with a drastic fallout that tore them apart.

A century later with money and fame in the New World, when Beth receives the invitation to sing at his wedding she can't resist the chance to find closure. Even after all that time she can't forget the love she's continued to hold for Aidan. She can't help but wonder if he has forgotten her or if he still feels something for her.

I don't want to spoil their journey for you, but oh what a journey it is. Love and longing, heartbreak and betrayal, secrets and lies, danger and intensity. A love that the heart can't forget no mater what stands in their way. I loved the combination of experiencing their past and present times and how their story connects to others we've already met in the series. This was a rollercoaster of emotions. I think Beth and Aidan have officially beat out Damian and Nell as my favorite couple of the series so far. I can't wait for the next book.

🔥🔥🔥
Profile Image for Moonburst.
447 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2025
Elizabeth Snow couldn't refuse her entrance to the Royal Academy or her betrothal to the offensive Prince Zeke. The academy is full of treacherous royalty and political maneuvering, but Beth just wants to make her way through so that her family can have a better life. Complicating her life is the overwhelming connection between her and the Crown Prince of the Summerlands, Aiden. Now, decades after Aiden broke her heart, resulting in her subsequent exile, Beth is invited to sing at Aiden's wedding. Can Beth find closure from the heartbreak in her past?

The Prince from a Cruel Summer is a heartbreaking tale of star-crossed lovers kept apart by status and politics. The story jumps between the past and present creating a whirlwind of angst and romance as it highlights the unfair consequences of the consolidation of power. A powerfully poignant read that will wrench your heart.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sam Domingo.
384 reviews10 followers
October 25, 2025
2nd chance

I'm really not a fan of "Then" and "Now" chapters and this book further confirms it. I get why it was needed-we had to see how their love developed and how everything unfolded, but honestly, I skimmed most of those parts. I would have loved it if we saw more scenes of them in the present. I wish more time were spent developing their love story as they currently are and not just focusing on their past love that's been done for a century. It doesn't dimininsh how much I enjoyed the previous book though, so I will be jumping into the next one, for sure.
794 reviews4 followers
February 13, 2025
This is the third book in the series. It, as the other books, is a standalone, and this one can be read in any order. I was blown away with the well thought out, intense suspense, twists and romantic story line.
The story is about the Prince of the Summer Court , Aiden , in his earlier days in the academy and then later on in his life. I loved the second chance for his love for Beth. He falls first. I loved all of the ways he tried to get Beth to realize his love for her was true love. (Something unheard of with the Fae)
Beth is a moth, a common Fae, who happens to get a chance at attending the academy. How her tuition was paid for was interesting. She has secrets even she did not know. Her moth to his flame. Fire and Ice.
We also get a glimpse of the younger Kings and Princes/ Princess in the series.
I loved the "hints" at the beginning of the story of what would come later on.
I loved the nicknames of the MCs. Songbird and Wonder boy and how they got the names.
I am in awe of this book. The ending to me in a way is HEA/HFN because even though they did get their HEA I believe we will hear more from them as they fight the rebellion.
I received a free copy of this book via Bookfunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kianna K.
216 reviews
March 11, 2025
4.5⭐️

This is such a comfort series for me at this point. I've loved every single book and I look forward to the next one each and every time.

Each of these books have very different vibes, especially this one which felt very different than the last two, because so much of it was written in the past (pre-dating the last two) which was at first confusing. But after a while, it made sense why it was written that way, and I enjoyed seeing the characters I now know back when they were young and in school, and seeing how the friendships formed.

SMALL SPOILERS:
Aidan is such a great MMC - so good at showing Beth how he feels despite all the other pressures. At one point, he loses his memory, and I felt like the path to getting it back was way too simplified, but at least he did. I wonder how different things could have been if Beth had told her closest friend her big secret.

As always, the ending has an unexpected twist. I did not expect The Lord of the Tides to be who it was, and I was shocked. Then I went back and read a conversation that happened on the boat and didn't even realize what it was foreshadowing! There are a lot of characters to keep track of but if you start at the beginning, it's worth it. I can't wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews187 followers
February 14, 2025
Beth is considered a commoner in the fae world, however, her magic is strong which led to her being contracted to royalty if she was able to pass the dangerous entrance test in order to go to the elite academy. There's a lot against her that's for sure, but while she's doing her she comes across Aiden, who is struck with feelings for her from the jump, so he's helping her finish. They have sparks in spades that's for sure, but it's a big no no for her to be running around with him, however, those sparks won't be denied for anything. That's their past meeting but there's also the present day when they're not together & they find themselves face to face again with all the feelings coming back to the surface. There are a ton of twists coming in hot with all the intrigue of this world so I was kept guessing cover to cover with the final twist blowing my mind. I loved every minute of this story and certainly cannot wait to visit this world again (hopefully very soon) so I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Adrianna Heaney-velu.
1,092 reviews15 followers
February 18, 2025
“The Prince from a Cruel Summer,” by Anya J. Cosgrove

What I liked:

-It gave the same vibes as the last one
-I liked the academy magic school trope
-The way the characters were written, they had both lightness to them and also darkness to their characters, which made it feel like the entire book wasn’t all the same thing but constantly changing.
-Loved the romance and tension- with the forbidden romance and the twists and turns with that in the second half of the book.
-The plot! So, the first half was a standard magic school type plot, and everything fit that mold, but I wasn’t expecting the second half to be completely different from that. It made me happy that the book wasn’t in one place the entire time.

I really like this series; it gives me everything I look for in a fantasy fae romance book and isn’t too heavy on just romance or just plot but a really good combo of both. 4 out of 5 stars.

-Forbidden Romance
-He Falls First
-Second Chance
-Royal Academy
-Magic
-Hidden Identity
-Fae

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.
87 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2025
Probably my least favorite of this series so far. I am very much not a fan of the insta-love. As much as I enjoy the "he falls first" trope, this is a bit extreme. And the FMC is a bit of a dunderhead. The MMC tells her constantly that he loves her and wants her and she just doesn't believe him, even though he's a fae and therefore CANNOT LIE. She turns him away repeatedly, and then taunts him in public about "not getting what you want when you think you want it" and "not wanting something once you get what you want." She pushes him away because he's too high up the fae food chain, yet pursues an engagement with a lesser fae prince who isn't destined to inherit a throne.

Also, the author continues to use some odd writing quirks, as she has through the previous two books. For instance, what is with the hiccuping? The amount of times that characters hiccup during laughing, crying, or just speaking is not normal. It only happens to the female characters though. Some kind of emotional regurgitation going on? I don't know. But nobody hiccups (a single time) that often.
Profile Image for Angels.
2,088 reviews17 followers
September 23, 2025
Beth's father arranges a marriage for her that she strongly opposes, prompting her to seize the opportunity to attend the Royal Academy. To her surprise, she becomes captivated by the fae male overseeing the final trial, who is revealed to be Aidan Summers, the Prince of the Summer Court.

Their intense and forbidden chemistry, as well as their contrasting backgrounds as royalty and common fae, create a tumultuous relationship. Despite their deep love, they are torn apart by responsibilities and Beth's arranged marriage to another. Their journey is filled with love, heartbreak, betrayals, blackmail, longing, secrets, and danger, showcasing a love that transcends time and obstacles. The narrative seamlessly weaves between their past and present, intertwining their story with other characters from the series.

The unexpected ending, filled with revelations of secrets and betrayals, was a pleasant surprise that left us awed.

The emotional rollercoaster of their relationship solidifies Beth and Aidan as one of our favorite couples. We eagerly anticipate the next installment.
Profile Image for Elisa Lanzer.
206 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2025
Best Book in Series So Far!

4.5 ⭐️ 2🌶️

By far the best book in the series, The Prince from a Cruel Summer follows Aidan the Crown Prince of the Summerlands and his relationship with Elizabeth Snow. However, their love is of the forbidden type especially after Elizabeth learns a secret about her mother's identity and heritage. After tragic events she ends up in exile in the new world after they are found out. But as a famous singer in the new world an invitation to sing at a fae wedding causes an old passion to reignite. Meanwhile, the rebels who have being plaguing this world in the previous two books start make their stand changing the course of faerie forever.

The character building in this novel of both the main characters and side characters was excellently done, adding depth to both new characters and old friends. It was also nice to see an expansion of the world building, getting to see more locations in the world, as well as gaining a better grip on the society our characters live in.
Profile Image for MEF.
407 reviews3 followers
February 13, 2025
I do like a faerie world adventure and a forbidden romance where the girl seems to hold the reins is a strong draw too.
A time lapse of 100 years between painful parting and reunion is a long one! But faerie timelines are different….
Sometimes I struggled to make sense of unknown events during that time that impinged on present day politics, this is Book 3 but a first for me, some events I guessed. Others were a neat surprise.
Whilst faeries are supposed to be opposed to change and bound by tradition the conversations are modern in style (to my view). So are the familiar sexual encounter descriptions.
I skim read occasionally and whilst the story doesn’t feature much magic, the characters held my interest and took me with them to the end.
I particularly liked the clever reveal on Beth.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lena.
121 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2025
A tale of forbidden love. Anya strikes again with The Prince from a Cruel Summer, the third installment of the Curse of the Fae series.

I was lucky to have been given the opportunity to read the e-ARC of this book. As always, Anya did not disappoint!

The book is a standalone in an interconnected series. We see characters from the other books making appearances, but one does not need to read the other two in order to catch up. But I highly recommend reading the other books in the series! (They're just SO good!) Anya crafts magic with her world building and characters, and you don't want to miss out on that!

We have memory loss, forbidden love, magic, second chance, and much more! The last couple of chapters had me at the edge of my seat! That was some twist!! It was a truly enjoyable and quick read! 💜
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,091 reviews23 followers
February 17, 2025
With every book I read by Anya Cosgrove, I become more engrossed in the world she creates. The combination of strong, intricate plotting, colourful, interesting characters and the magnetism of magic. The start of the book entices with its modern setting and revelations, before we are sent back to discover how she has got to this place in her life.
Elizabeth Snow has been thrown into a world which looks down on her lowly status as a 'moth' in the magical world, but they should not underestimate her. Aiden is immediately attracted to her, but life in the Academy and this world is complicated. Change is coming...
Exciting, intense and immerdive, I have loved this. We do have a definite HFN in the sense that upheavals are threatening. I can't wait to see what happens next. 💖💖💖💖💖
Profile Image for K.J. Sweeney.
Author 1 book48 followers
February 26, 2025
I love this series. As is often the case, it's been a while since I last read the previous two books and I was worried that I might be a bit lost as to what was going on. It wasn't long though before I was in the thick of this book and loving every second.
Unlike the previous books, this story mostly takes place in the past, when Aidan and Beth were teenagers. I loved seeing both their past which had led them to where they are today and what they are currently facing. They worked so well together and I loved following their story.
The only down side to this book is that now I've finished it I'm desperate to read the next and find out what's going to happen. I'm going to have to wait for that though...
Profile Image for Brittany Biggs.
54 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2025
I’ve been loving this series- especially on audio.

I love how each one is interconnected so we get to revisit characters with each story.

This is a second-chance romance for Elizabeth Snow and the Winter Fae Prince. It alternates between their time in a college-like academy and the present day which is 100 years later.
The story focuses on the romance and the academy is just the setting/ not a huge part of the plot.

There is also a political/rebellion plot that’s been happening more on the side but really takes a huge turn in this installment.

Some tropes/ high lights:
• He falls first
• forbidden love
• second-chance romance
• diverse characters
• memory loss
• a lot of horny day dreaming
• he teaches her to swim
2,415 reviews11 followers
February 12, 2025
The Prince from a Cruel Summer by Anya J. Cosgrove is the immersive story of Aiden and Beth. She is slated to wed another, but has to pass the test for entrance to the Academy. Aiden is one of the Guardians controlling the test. If she fails, it could mean her demise.

This epic story spans over a hundred years. There is a constant back and forth between the past and the present. Much of it intense and deep. You have to read carefully and pay attention to keep up!! It’s a wonderfully delightful story of the ages…an exciting fantasy romance! Sooo much happening and so many villains, betrayals, rescues, and a whole horde of magical elements!! Great read!!
Profile Image for Nicole Yatsushiro ( AquariaReads_ ).
45 reviews3 followers
September 19, 2025
I absolutely loved this book — I’m a complete sucker for the forbidden love and arranged marriage trope, and this story delivered it beautifully. The dual timeline, moving seamlessly between the past at the Royal Academy and the present day, gives the romance and the characters so much more depth. It shows the weight of Beth and Aidan’s history and how choices still echo a century later. The mix of angst, passion, and political intrigue kept me hooked from start to finish, and the writing made the emotions hit even harder.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Priscilla.
1,048 reviews
February 10, 2025
Aiden, the golden child set to take the Summer throne, while Elizabeth "Beth" a moth of no royalty.blood caught his attention during her trials for the academy. This had a lot of heart break and fae politics. I had to reference the previous books for some characters involved as there are a lot flashbacks. The plot becomes more twisted when there is a big reveal. There is still much to be explained in the plot but at least Aiden and Beth gets their HEA in this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cathy Brockman.
Author 5 books95 followers
February 20, 2025
This series just gets better and better.
I do think it needs read in order though I don't recall Aiden in the previous books. This one goes back and forth from present to past when Beth was in Academy and Aiden and Damien were in 4th year.
It's a Beautiful love story with so many elements thrown in.
This is an awesome world but this book gives us a lot of backstory and insight into the world.
There's so many twists and turns and the twist at the end if anyone guessed that they are truly magic! I'm truly stunned. I can't wait for the next.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
181 reviews
June 20, 2025
This was so interesting.

I really enjoyed the time jumping in this from when the characters were students and fell for one another into the present when all the truths get revealed. I wished for a bit more time once they reunited to truly flesh out the secrets they both have so felt some pieces were rushed. I’m excited to see what happens as the series continues, and really hope we can continue to get clarity on all these “villains” and how they interconnect within the bigger picture.
Profile Image for Kathy .
145 reviews1 follower
February 14, 2026
This series keeps getting better with each book. I Loved this one! The love and chemistry between Aiden and Beth was beautiful. They definitely with stood time and everything else thrown at them. And that ending… I wasn’t expecting who the Lord of the Tides turned out being. Definitely one to keep your attention with all the twists. I didn’t want to stop listening.

The narration performed by Anthony Palmini and Amanda Dolan was so good. Their voices fit the characters perfectly and really brought out their emotions.

Story 4.5 ⭐️’s
Narration 5 ⭐️’s
Spice 2.5 🌶️’s
14 reviews
February 16, 2026
I was worried when I started this book that I lost interest in the series. This book was so much better than the second one. I love how each book is a part of the same but highlighting the path of a new character we already know. The smooth flash backs mixed with the current time line was lovely. I didn't feel like whip lash just a story line getting told. I honestly didn't expect Willow. I really thought it was the brother. This book had me hooked and The ending was wild. I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Tanya.
958 reviews5 followers
February 20, 2025
Ooo. I just love myself a great academy story. Now add in a Fae, dark romantasy and siren song and I’ve got a terrific story for you. First, this book is extremely well written and thought out. It flows so smoothly that I couldn’t put it down. Even better are the added twists I didn’t see coming. Because like the Fae, Anya like to misdirect and send you on a journey that’s not what you expect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Abbie Riddle.
1,259 reviews17 followers
February 27, 2025
A continuation in a series that just keeps getting better!! The world building is great, the characters are well developed and romance and plot are equally good. I like that this author balances the romance aspect with the plot, making sure the plot is well developed and lacking immense holes. Although there is romance it is does not overshadow everything else in the book, allowing for plot development and good character arc. This book is beautifully written and easy enjoyed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

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