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Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin #1
Bride of Ashes
An arranged marriage with a doomed fae king. A court of shadows and secrets, where falling in love can be lethal.
To broker peace between two fae kingdoms, I agree to marry the king of Evergorne Court, a union built on duty, not desire. I’m doomed to a life without love.
Onboard the king’s ship, I meet his bodyguard, Lore, a brooding shadow of a man who’s maddeningly arrogant and too handsome for his own good. He ignites something wild and dangerous inside me, something I must resist at all costs.
My new husband, King Merrick, is equally stunning. He makes me laugh, and to my surprise, he makes me hope. He offers me kindness, a chance to heal my wounded soul, and he ignites feelings I thought had died with my lost love.
Yet, beneath the intoxicating beauty of Evergorne Court, darkness festers. Secrets weave a web of intrigue, leaving me tangled in a treacherous game where trust is scarce, and desire is lethal.
Love could be my fiercest weapon, or the very thing that tears me apart.
Bride of Ashes, Book 1 in the M/F Kingdom of Shadow & Ruin Series, is full of steamy romance, gothic suspense, and secrets that will challenge everything Reyla thought she knew about the fae world—and herself. Expect arranged marriage, touch her and die, bodyguard, alpha hero, masked ball, fish out of water, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, royalty, and secrets tropes.
Trigger blood, injuries, taking of a life, violence, class systems, poverty, hunger, grief, mourning the loss of a prior love, references to childhood trauma.
To broker peace between two fae kingdoms, I agree to marry the king of Evergorne Court, a union built on duty, not desire. I’m doomed to a life without love.
Onboard the king’s ship, I meet his bodyguard, Lore, a brooding shadow of a man who’s maddeningly arrogant and too handsome for his own good. He ignites something wild and dangerous inside me, something I must resist at all costs.
My new husband, King Merrick, is equally stunning. He makes me laugh, and to my surprise, he makes me hope. He offers me kindness, a chance to heal my wounded soul, and he ignites feelings I thought had died with my lost love.
Yet, beneath the intoxicating beauty of Evergorne Court, darkness festers. Secrets weave a web of intrigue, leaving me tangled in a treacherous game where trust is scarce, and desire is lethal.
Love could be my fiercest weapon, or the very thing that tears me apart.
Bride of Ashes, Book 1 in the M/F Kingdom of Shadow & Ruin Series, is full of steamy romance, gothic suspense, and secrets that will challenge everything Reyla thought she knew about the fae world—and herself. Expect arranged marriage, touch her and die, bodyguard, alpha hero, masked ball, fish out of water, forbidden love, enemies to lovers, royalty, and secrets tropes.
Trigger blood, injuries, taking of a life, violence, class systems, poverty, hunger, grief, mourning the loss of a prior love, references to childhood trauma.
584 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
May 28, 2025
**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒂 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝑩𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 (𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 1)
Release Date: March 1, 2025
5⭐️5🌶
Reyla marries a Fae King Merrick, whom she's never met before, because she agreed to marry him, sight-unseen, in order to secure an army that would save her friends and countrymen.
Lord Lorant aka Lore aka The Viper is the personal bodyguard and best friend to the High Fae King Merrick. He is doing everything in his power not to have feelings for his best friend's wife, but it seems that he can't stay away from the fiery red-haired warrior of a woman.
King Merrick is not without his own secrets. He seems very interested and drawn to his new bride, but he often pulls away and seems to be hiding may things from her. He also requests that she spend time with his body guard, so that they can all be friends.
The tension in this book is 6 out of 5. I could NOT wait to see what happened between these three. There is another book in this arc, and I'm NOT waiting patiently for it!!
Ms. Alaya Wells (@alayawellswrites) any news on this front? Please keep me informed! I beg of you! Also, thank you for this amazing ARC read!
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Arranged Marriage
🍁Body guard romance
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Class Systems
🍁Shadow Daddy
🍁Finding love aft
🍁Dragon riders
🍁Thruple/Love Triangle
TW:
✨Violence
✨Poverty/hunger
✨Grief
✨Mourning the loss of prior love
✨Explicit spicy content
✨Power hungry courtiers who attempt killing each other and the royals
Release Date: March 1, 2025
5⭐️5🌶
Reyla marries a Fae King Merrick, whom she's never met before, because she agreed to marry him, sight-unseen, in order to secure an army that would save her friends and countrymen.
Lord Lorant aka Lore aka The Viper is the personal bodyguard and best friend to the High Fae King Merrick. He is doing everything in his power not to have feelings for his best friend's wife, but it seems that he can't stay away from the fiery red-haired warrior of a woman.
King Merrick is not without his own secrets. He seems very interested and drawn to his new bride, but he often pulls away and seems to be hiding may things from her. He also requests that she spend time with his body guard, so that they can all be friends.
The tension in this book is 6 out of 5. I could NOT wait to see what happened between these three. There is another book in this arc, and I'm NOT waiting patiently for it!!
Ms. Alaya Wells (@alayawellswrites) any news on this front? Please keep me informed! I beg of you! Also, thank you for this amazing ARC read!
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Arranged Marriage
🍁Body guard romance
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Class Systems
🍁Shadow Daddy
🍁Finding love aft
🍁Dragon riders
🍁Thruple/Love Triangle
TW:
✨Violence
✨Poverty/hunger
✨Grief
✨Mourning the loss of prior love
✨Explicit spicy content
✨Power hungry courtiers who attempt killing each other and the royals
April 27, 2026
thank you netgalley for the audio arc of this book! this book is perfect if you love arranged marriage and a slight beauty and the beast retelling. i was invested in the mystery aspect of this book and will definitely be reading the next book in the series and possibly the interconnected series that came before it.
HOWEVER
while i liked the story and the characters, some of the dialogue felt a bit awkward. the female narrator has a soft, sweet voice which made me think reyla was maybe younger/more naive than if i had physically read the book. she also didn’t deepen her voice for the male characters so that was a little confusing at times.
maybe if i had read the authors other series i would find more world building for this universe because this book honestly didn’t have a ton. there was more information dumping than showing.
the book ends with a shocking cliffhanger that leaves you with no answers to the mystery reyla has been slowly putting together - which is why ill be reading the next book immediately.
HOWEVER
while i liked the story and the characters, some of the dialogue felt a bit awkward. the female narrator has a soft, sweet voice which made me think reyla was maybe younger/more naive than if i had physically read the book. she also didn’t deepen her voice for the male characters so that was a little confusing at times.
maybe if i had read the authors other series i would find more world building for this universe because this book honestly didn’t have a ton. there was more information dumping than showing.
the book ends with a shocking cliffhanger that leaves you with no answers to the mystery reyla has been slowly putting together - which is why ill be reading the next book immediately.
April 22, 2026
That ending though 😅 this had some shield of sparrow vibes and is a good over all romantasy, personally the narrators weren’t my favs, there was a few times the different characters voices were too similar you couldn’t tell them apart or the tone for what was going on just didn’t feel right (sounding upbeat at a sad part etc) but over all entertaining and can’t wait for book 2! Thanks to Netgalley the author, publisher , and narrators for this alc!
May 27, 2026
THAT ENDING?!?!?! thankfully I can go straight into book 2.
I Only read this because I had an ALC for book 2, but it deserves so much hype it was so good. Romantasy but very easy to follow. I will say, the first chapter I felt like I had missed a book or something, felt like it went straight into the story expecting me to know something.. but I definitely got into the book quick, I couldn’t out it down.
It was giving shield of sparrows vibes?
I didn’t know how this was going to go.. and the twist was so good!
I Only read this because I had an ALC for book 2, but it deserves so much hype it was so good. Romantasy but very easy to follow. I will say, the first chapter I felt like I had missed a book or something, felt like it went straight into the story expecting me to know something.. but I definitely got into the book quick, I couldn’t out it down.
It was giving shield of sparrows vibes?
I didn’t know how this was going to go.. and the twist was so good!
January 30, 2025
Oh, Alaya, you never cease to amaze and impress me! I was counting the days until Bride of Ashes, Book 1 in Alaya's new series, Kingdom of Shadow of Ruin, was in my hands, and wow, it didn't disappoint. I mean, how could it? Alaya can do no wrong in my eyes. Her books epitome what a perfect romantasy should be—plot & romance intertwined beautifully, masterfully crafted characters, action & epic battles, love, loss, rage, angst, and unyielding passion and devotion.
And so, after the epic finale found in A Crown of Cursed Thorns, the third and last book in the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series, I knew we were in for another otherworldly, heart-shattering romantasy in this new series, which follows Reyla, a character I knew and already loved. It's hard to compare, and it feels unfair to Reyla since the new series has just begun, but...But I can already see I will love the new series just as much.
There are some differences, and I truly enjoy them—Bride of Ashes offers even more mystery and hidden truths ready for us to uncover. Everything is mysterious about this new Fae kingdom we are getting to know, including its king and the king's bodyguard. Alaya masterfully weaves a tale of grief and loss, new beginnings, new possibilities, arranged marriage, forced proximity, desire, and love. Everything is there, perfectly tangled, just waiting for us to untangle. And, while it may seem there could be a possible love triangle, keep an open mind...Alaya will make sure to surprise you.
The characters are well-written and rounded; Rayla is beautiful inside and outside, and her growth and strength to thrive under challenging circumstances are remarkable. Merrick and Lore are both challenging characters in their own ways; it's hard for me to pick favourites, but Merrick might be it. I love how they feel like a mirror of one another while still being the opposites, if that makes sense.
Bride of Ashes is being released on March 1st. Keep that date in mind, and gift yourself a true and true romantasy you will love forever.
And so, after the epic finale found in A Crown of Cursed Thorns, the third and last book in the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series, I knew we were in for another otherworldly, heart-shattering romantasy in this new series, which follows Reyla, a character I knew and already loved. It's hard to compare, and it feels unfair to Reyla since the new series has just begun, but...But I can already see I will love the new series just as much.
There are some differences, and I truly enjoy them—Bride of Ashes offers even more mystery and hidden truths ready for us to uncover. Everything is mysterious about this new Fae kingdom we are getting to know, including its king and the king's bodyguard. Alaya masterfully weaves a tale of grief and loss, new beginnings, new possibilities, arranged marriage, forced proximity, desire, and love. Everything is there, perfectly tangled, just waiting for us to untangle. And, while it may seem there could be a possible love triangle, keep an open mind...Alaya will make sure to surprise you.
The characters are well-written and rounded; Rayla is beautiful inside and outside, and her growth and strength to thrive under challenging circumstances are remarkable. Merrick and Lore are both challenging characters in their own ways; it's hard for me to pick favourites, but Merrick might be it. I love how they feel like a mirror of one another while still being the opposites, if that makes sense.
Bride of Ashes is being released on March 1st. Keep that date in mind, and gift yourself a true and true romantasy you will love forever.
June 2, 2026
Lets just say that I ended up listening to this one in 2 days. Which being a full time student and SAHM of 2 littles really does say something. I loved this book. The ending completely caught me off guard, which now I am so ready for a second book because of how it left off and I just have to know what comes next. It has honestly been way too long since a book has had this affect on me where I just need to know now what happens. I can say this book was more of a slow burn but honestly I didn't mind it one bit. I truly fell in love with all of the main characters throughout, each one really did not disappoint one bit. Maverick with that perfect prince charming vibe, Reyla and her feisty fiery self, and lets not forget the bad boy of the story Lore. From start to finish I was lost in the world of this book and was able to picture every moment which makes a book all the more addicting to read. I lost myself deep in this love triangle and want to much more and really hope we are able to get a second book from Alaya because it was just that good.
April 27, 2026
This is one of those stories that by the end of the book you cant recall what it was about. There's a girl who volunteered to marry a king, dont remember why. She likes his best friend, she likes the king. She's at court and I dont know. I was bored. Im not sure if they story itself was bad or if it was the narrators. All I can say is that I did not care about a single character (except her pet! Loved that little guy) and I couldn't focus enough on what they were doing to care.
The narrators felt like they were reading a story which I get is what they are hear for but they didnt become the characters. They didnt put on a show, draw you in, hook you to their story and their characters they simply reads words on pages.
Its a great audiobook to put you to sleep but thats all I got for it.
The narrators felt like they were reading a story which I get is what they are hear for but they didnt become the characters. They didnt put on a show, draw you in, hook you to their story and their characters they simply reads words on pages.
Its a great audiobook to put you to sleep but thats all I got for it.
May 7, 2025
It was not a big shock
I think the author is very proud of her "cleverness" but I assure you, we all knew that they were one and the same, you were not subtle at all.
I think the author is very proud of her "cleverness" but I assure you, we all knew that they were one and the same, you were not subtle at all.
January 20, 2025
Love, intrigue, and secrets
I loved, loved this first book in this romantasy series. It was definitely a stay up too late, cannot put it down kind of book. I fell head first into the story and was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, the writing was captivating and the world building phenomenal. There is a good mix of all the yummy things in this one - arranged marriage, forbidden love, lost love, bodyguard, royalty, touch her and die - all swirled in delicious hints of dark secrets, intrigue, and magic. Part of my time reading was definitely spent trying to guess the secrets and solve the mystery of Evergorne Court. Reyla is fae and of royal blood but only recently discovered that she was both of those things. She grew up an orphan Nullen in a border fortress training and fighting with dragons. She lost her true love about the time she learned she was fae and had a powerful fae brother. She agreed to an arranged marriage to solidify the truce between Lydel and Evergorne Court and as a way to start over. Merrick is the king of Evergorne who required the arranged marriage as a condition to provide help to win the war against Reyla’s evil father. Reyla met Merrick’s bodyguard, Lorant, on the ship sailing for Evergorne and married him as Merrick’s proxy. Despite Merrick and Lorant being two very different men, Reyla is drawn to both of them. Despite this, there is no love triangle. I especially love that Reyla’s character, despite her painful past, her powerful family, how the rest of Evergorne Court views her and the task she has taken on, is still kind, self-deprecating, modest, reluctant, and at times resentful which makes her a very likeable and relatable hero. The book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, spicy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, supernatural creatures, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series and seeing what happens next with Reyla and Evergorne Court because the ending…. 4.5 stars
I loved, loved this first book in this romantasy series. It was definitely a stay up too late, cannot put it down kind of book. I fell head first into the story and was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, the writing was captivating and the world building phenomenal. There is a good mix of all the yummy things in this one - arranged marriage, forbidden love, lost love, bodyguard, royalty, touch her and die - all swirled in delicious hints of dark secrets, intrigue, and magic. Part of my time reading was definitely spent trying to guess the secrets and solve the mystery of Evergorne Court. Reyla is fae and of royal blood but only recently discovered that she was both of those things. She grew up an orphan Nullen in a border fortress training and fighting with dragons. She lost her true love about the time she learned she was fae and had a powerful fae brother. She agreed to an arranged marriage to solidify the truce between Lydel and Evergorne Court and as a way to start over. Merrick is the king of Evergorne who required the arranged marriage as a condition to provide help to win the war against Reyla’s evil father. Reyla met Merrick’s bodyguard, Lorant, on the ship sailing for Evergorne and married him as Merrick’s proxy. Despite Merrick and Lorant being two very different men, Reyla is drawn to both of them. Despite this, there is no love triangle. I especially love that Reyla’s character, despite her painful past, her powerful family, how the rest of Evergorne Court views her and the task she has taken on, is still kind, self-deprecating, modest, reluctant, and at times resentful which makes her a very likeable and relatable hero. The book has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, spicy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, supernatural creatures, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series and seeing what happens next with Reyla and Evergorne Court because the ending…. 4.5 stars
April 24, 2026
DNF sadly. I’m 50% through and nothing has happened. I’m boredddddddddd. I don’t care about any of these characters
April 6, 2025
This was a struggle to get through. There were clearly obvious mysteries/weirdness happening all around the FMC and she was very passive about it.
October 7, 2025
3 ⭐️ I wanted to like this book more but I just didn’t really connect with it at all. Not to mention I felt like there were some serious storyline flaws along the way - often I’d find myself having to reread paragraphs to see if I’d missed pieces of information.
June 24, 2025
DNF. I can’t get into this writing style. It was weird, repetitive, and these characters are boring af. The twist is super easy to guess, and that’s just not fun.
April 30, 2025
This was really fun. This book moved a bit too quick for my liking, a lot of info dumping at the beginning and some insta-love (or maybe lust). I just felt like our main character was not that fleshed out, we would just randomly get large pieces of information about her history with a lot of questions left unanswered. I liked the world building, but like I said, a lot of info dumping without any substantial explanation of each kingdom and why there is so many issues between them all. I don't really understand where the MC is from and what happened with her dad, or why the Evergorne court has so many enemies. The love interests were fun. Despite the general consensus, I do enjoy a love triangle. The ending had a quite a plot twist that has left me intrigued and makes me want to read the next book. I am hopeful the next book will give us much more information about the Evergorne court curse, whatever is going on with Merrick/Lorant, and more information about our main character's upbringing and past.
March 17, 2025
DIsappointing
I’ve read other series by this author and I liked the earlier ones, but it seems she is running out of ideas because it seems she has created characters that are there to justify endless pages of ‘steam’ - to the point I have to skip pages just to get past it. I’m not sure I will read book 2 - especially if it is like this one with little character development and constant emphasis on gratuitous boring steam scenes between main characters. The ‘twist’ was obvious - even though it doesn’t really work the way she writes it. Too bad.
I’ve read other series by this author and I liked the earlier ones, but it seems she is running out of ideas because it seems she has created characters that are there to justify endless pages of ‘steam’ - to the point I have to skip pages just to get past it. I’m not sure I will read book 2 - especially if it is like this one with little character development and constant emphasis on gratuitous boring steam scenes between main characters. The ‘twist’ was obvious - even though it doesn’t really work the way she writes it. Too bad.
May 23, 2026
Buckle in, it's going to be a long one.
I really wanted to like Bride of Ashes because the premise sounded so good, dragons, dragon riders, dark fantasy vibes, complicated romance... but it just didn’t work for me.
The biggest issue was the lack of world building. There’s magic, politics, lore, dragons, dragon riders, all these things that should have been really interesting, but barely anything gets properly explained. Instead there’s a lot of info dumping that somehow still leaves the world feeling underdeveloped. I kept feeling like I was missing important background information, especially with Reyla’s past relationship. Maybe reading the prequel series would’ve helped, but going into this as a new reader, I felt really disconnected.
Reyla herself was frustrating to follow. She’s constantly described as this strong, tough female, but her inability to make up her mind drove me insane. The love triangle situation felt more annoying than emotional, and so much of her personality revolved around her dead first lover. I just couldn’t connect with her at all. Lore was very much the typical dark and brooding love interest, but there honestly wasn’t much else to his personality either. Merrick at least seemed more interesting at first, but even that storyline felt weirdly suspicious and underdeveloped. I guess it all kind of can be forgiven after hearing the end of the book, which actually have more questions than answers.
The story itself never really gripped me. I didn’t care much about the characters or where things were going, and the spice added absolutely nothing to the romance or plot progression, the romance storylines fell flat. Also, for a book constantly teasing dragons and Reyla supposedly being a dragon rider/trainer, we never actually god dragons on page, which honestly was SO disappointing.
I listened to the audiobook, and unfortunately the production didn’t help either. The female narrator’s sound levels kept fluctuating, the mixing felt off, and overall the performances lacked emotion, sometimes it was even hard to understand which character was speaking in the dialogue. It made it even harder to stay engaged with the story.
Overall, this just felt very underwhelming for me. Cool ideas were there, but the execution didn’t land.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really wanted to like Bride of Ashes because the premise sounded so good, dragons, dragon riders, dark fantasy vibes, complicated romance... but it just didn’t work for me.
The biggest issue was the lack of world building. There’s magic, politics, lore, dragons, dragon riders, all these things that should have been really interesting, but barely anything gets properly explained. Instead there’s a lot of info dumping that somehow still leaves the world feeling underdeveloped. I kept feeling like I was missing important background information, especially with Reyla’s past relationship. Maybe reading the prequel series would’ve helped, but going into this as a new reader, I felt really disconnected.
Reyla herself was frustrating to follow. She’s constantly described as this strong, tough female, but her inability to make up her mind drove me insane. The love triangle situation felt more annoying than emotional, and so much of her personality revolved around her dead first lover. I just couldn’t connect with her at all. Lore was very much the typical dark and brooding love interest, but there honestly wasn’t much else to his personality either. Merrick at least seemed more interesting at first, but even that storyline felt weirdly suspicious and underdeveloped. I guess it all kind of can be forgiven after hearing the end of the book, which actually have more questions than answers.
The story itself never really gripped me. I didn’t care much about the characters or where things were going, and the spice added absolutely nothing to the romance or plot progression, the romance storylines fell flat. Also, for a book constantly teasing dragons and Reyla supposedly being a dragon rider/trainer, we never actually god dragons on page, which honestly was SO disappointing.
I listened to the audiobook, and unfortunately the production didn’t help either. The female narrator’s sound levels kept fluctuating, the mixing felt off, and overall the performances lacked emotion, sometimes it was even hard to understand which character was speaking in the dialogue. It made it even harder to stay engaged with the story.
Overall, this just felt very underwhelming for me. Cool ideas were there, but the execution didn’t land.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
April 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn’t realise this was a spin off series, so I went in knowing nothing about the world or the characters—but surprisingly, I never felt lost.
The story itself was an interesting mix. On one hand, the banter was great, the political tension and secrets were fun to follow, and the overall tone kept things lively. On the other hand, some moments leaned a bit too insta lovey for me, and I’m not a fan of love triangles. Even with the cliffhanger, I guessed the reveal the moment two particular characters appeared.
I really enjoyed the narration, though—it added an extra layer of immersion to the experience.
Overall, I’m intrigued enough to continue with the next book.
I didn’t realise this was a spin off series, so I went in knowing nothing about the world or the characters—but surprisingly, I never felt lost.
The story itself was an interesting mix. On one hand, the banter was great, the political tension and secrets were fun to follow, and the overall tone kept things lively. On the other hand, some moments leaned a bit too insta lovey for me, and I’m not a fan of love triangles. Even with the cliffhanger, I guessed the reveal the moment two particular characters appeared.
I really enjoyed the narration, though—it added an extra layer of immersion to the experience.
Overall, I’m intrigued enough to continue with the next book.
April 27, 2026
4.5⭐️
This is a compelling audiobook that will appeal to listeners who enjoy dark fantasy with emotional depth and strong character dynamics. With its evocative storytelling and standout narration, it’s an experience that lingers long after the final chapter
This is a compelling audiobook that will appeal to listeners who enjoy dark fantasy with emotional depth and strong character dynamics. With its evocative storytelling and standout narration, it’s an experience that lingers long after the final chapter
January 23, 2025
Thank you Alaya for the ARC copy!
This was very interesting read, and I definitely feel like I need to go back and read her first trilogy to better understand the world. That aside this book was a lot of fun, plenty of banter, court intrigue and secrets, and does make you ask a lot of questions. I was pretty confused and conflicted for the first half and had my suspicions at the beginning about the relationship between the main characters. I’m glad that part was addressed - even though it ended on a cliffhanger, leaving me with more questions. Overall I can’t wait to continue reading the series and see where everyone ends up!
This was very interesting read, and I definitely feel like I need to go back and read her first trilogy to better understand the world. That aside this book was a lot of fun, plenty of banter, court intrigue and secrets, and does make you ask a lot of questions. I was pretty confused and conflicted for the first half and had my suspicions at the beginning about the relationship between the main characters. I’m glad that part was addressed - even though it ended on a cliffhanger, leaving me with more questions. Overall I can’t wait to continue reading the series and see where everyone ends up!
April 3, 2025
Beauty and the beast vibes
Fun love triagle fantsay read with twist
Arranged marriage trope
A curse
Fun love triagle fantsay read with twist
Arranged marriage trope
A curse
March 4, 2025
I really liked the book until the end! I have no issues with the cliffhanger, as it was expected. I enjoyed the dynamics between the characters. I probably would have been fine with this book if I hadn't read the Blighted Thorns in which the FMC- Reyla - was a key character. As someone who has experienced being under a spell and knows how people can be influenced by magic, I struggled with how 'closed off' Reyla was to what was going on around her. The ending was disappointing because, despite all the clues that something wasn't right with the court and her past experience, she still jumped to conclusions
May 20, 2025
A bit of a chore to finish
This was frustrating, long but predictable, and I skimmed over a lot. I have not read any of the authors preceding books but the twist I could see coming a mile off. I could forgive a predictable plot if the characters were interesting, but i found them a bit bland, especially Merrick but also Reyla. There was a distinct lack of chemistry with the MCs, the reader was told repeatedly that they had the hots for one another but I wasn't feeling it at all, it came across as very forced and unnatural.
This was frustrating, long but predictable, and I skimmed over a lot. I have not read any of the authors preceding books but the twist I could see coming a mile off. I could forgive a predictable plot if the characters were interesting, but i found them a bit bland, especially Merrick but also Reyla. There was a distinct lack of chemistry with the MCs, the reader was told repeatedly that they had the hots for one another but I wasn't feeling it at all, it came across as very forced and unnatural.
Did Not Finish
May 12, 2026DNF @ 22%
Life's too short to insist on bad arcs. Although this was fun since it was my first time listening to an audio book, unfortunately, at the same time, it probably made things more cringy. I keep trying romantasy and it keeps on not working. I don't think this is a bad book, it's just... much more of the same. To keep it brief, let's go by bullet-points.
Cons:
- Exposition of information on a world that isn't interesting;
- World-building and power system are boring: there is nothing new about it, it never kept my interest;
- Insta-attraction: look, I get it... hot people (or faes) exist, and you can be attracted to them at first sight, obviously. But it's soooo freaking boring to read. The author wants us to love these two (yes 2 love interests), but they are nothing more than a pretty face. Where's the personality??? Why are they nothing more but cardboard characters, that BTW are just copies of the same love interest every single romantasy novel out there has.
I present you: Lore! The royal guard to the King our FMC is supposed to marry. Yup... you guessed it! He is the brute, brooding one who she thinks is maddeningly arrogant and hates him (althought she has ""great"" banter with him). Equally hot as a cheerio, I present you: Merrick. Or must I say King Merrick. Yup, the one who she's to marry! Contrary to Lore, King Merrick is a gentleman and she immediately takes a liking to him. So we have two very different lines of romance: 1. "enemies"-to-lovers and 2. arranged marriage. Both failed to grip my interest. Too tropey, no real tension, no chemistry.
- Not only do we have insta-attraction... but we also have insta-love! I just gotta love this! They immediately start giving her pet-names after knowing her for a few hours... I was gagging in a bad way. Lore obviously calls her "Wildfire", since he's the love interest that sees the 'feisty' side of her. EW. Then Merrick, the gentle and caring prototype (which our FMC is also in return to him), calls her "Fawn". UGH. Which is worse? Make your pick (I personally hated Wildfire more)! And they are immediately ready to kill and die for her. They feel an unrealistic amount of jealously and possession over someone they barely even met. I HATE ITTTTTT.
- Audiobook male narrator: no. I felt like I was taking an English listening test. The voice was annoying and he doesn't pronounce the words clearly which forced me to rewind it a few times (torture). I must say when he had to make the voice of the FMC (during the males POVs) it was funny because it was stupid. I'm not sure how audiobooks usually go, but it would have been better if the voice actors narrated their characters constantly (even during the opposite POV).
Pros:
- Audiobook first-try! It was... fun! And I did enjoy the voice narrator, Reese Grey, for the FMC;
- This scene (context: Nixen is basically a creature that I was imagining that was like a dog of a sort. In this situation the old lady had bought the Nixen to then eat it .- I guess it's a creature they eat, but FMC wants it as a pet. It becomes a whole fight that blows into this):
FMC: "I want that Nixen."
Old lady: "FUCK YOU."
I don't know, I laughed.
- ""Ass." I whisper." - again, it was funny when I listened to it. I don't know the context anymore, I simply saved it in my notes like this. LOL.
BYE. I do not have more pros points to give...
Thank you NetGalley for giving me this e-arc in exchange of an honest review.
Life's too short to insist on bad arcs. Although this was fun since it was my first time listening to an audio book, unfortunately, at the same time, it probably made things more cringy. I keep trying romantasy and it keeps on not working. I don't think this is a bad book, it's just... much more of the same. To keep it brief, let's go by bullet-points.
Cons:
- Exposition of information on a world that isn't interesting;
- World-building and power system are boring: there is nothing new about it, it never kept my interest;
- Insta-attraction: look, I get it... hot people (or faes) exist, and you can be attracted to them at first sight, obviously. But it's soooo freaking boring to read. The author wants us to love these two (yes 2 love interests), but they are nothing more than a pretty face. Where's the personality??? Why are they nothing more but cardboard characters, that BTW are just copies of the same love interest every single romantasy novel out there has.
I present you: Lore! The royal guard to the King our FMC is supposed to marry. Yup... you guessed it! He is the brute, brooding one who she thinks is maddeningly arrogant and hates him (althought she has ""great"" banter with him). Equally hot as a cheerio, I present you: Merrick. Or must I say King Merrick. Yup, the one who she's to marry! Contrary to Lore, King Merrick is a gentleman and she immediately takes a liking to him. So we have two very different lines of romance: 1. "enemies"-to-lovers and 2. arranged marriage. Both failed to grip my interest. Too tropey, no real tension, no chemistry.
- Not only do we have insta-attraction... but we also have insta-love! I just gotta love this! They immediately start giving her pet-names after knowing her for a few hours... I was gagging in a bad way. Lore obviously calls her "Wildfire", since he's the love interest that sees the 'feisty' side of her. EW. Then Merrick, the gentle and caring prototype (which our FMC is also in return to him), calls her "Fawn". UGH. Which is worse? Make your pick (I personally hated Wildfire more)! And they are immediately ready to kill and die for her. They feel an unrealistic amount of jealously and possession over someone they barely even met. I HATE ITTTTTT.
- Audiobook male narrator: no. I felt like I was taking an English listening test. The voice was annoying and he doesn't pronounce the words clearly which forced me to rewind it a few times (torture). I must say when he had to make the voice of the FMC (during the males POVs) it was funny because it was stupid. I'm not sure how audiobooks usually go, but it would have been better if the voice actors narrated their characters constantly (even during the opposite POV).
Pros:
- Audiobook first-try! It was... fun! And I did enjoy the voice narrator, Reese Grey, for the FMC;
- This scene (context: Nixen is basically a creature that I was imagining that was like a dog of a sort. In this situation the old lady had bought the Nixen to then eat it .- I guess it's a creature they eat, but FMC wants it as a pet. It becomes a whole fight that blows into this):
FMC: "I want that Nixen."
Old lady: "FUCK YOU."
I don't know, I laughed.
- ""Ass." I whisper." - again, it was funny when I listened to it. I don't know the context anymore, I simply saved it in my notes like this. LOL.
BYE. I do not have more pros points to give...
Thank you NetGalley for giving me this e-arc in exchange of an honest review.
Did Not Finish
April 29, 2026🎧 DNF at 23% (3h 40m into the audiobook)
I usually love audiobooks from Tantor, so I'm not sure what went wrong here. Keep in mind, this was an ALC, but the mix was off. The female narrator was visibly changing how far away from the mic she was, and some passages had a completely different sound style, like a mic change. I don't know the specific reason. She didn't change her voice for male characters, so they blended in with the FMC's inner monologue and I was confused multiple times.
The odd thing is she does change her voice for the heroine, but somehow makes it deeper. Her baseline is very bright and young, so it made all the male characters sound too chipper or even condescending. She also speaks extremely slowly. I usually listen on 1.25 or 1.5 and had to speed her up to 1.75, but the male narrator didn't have this problem, so I was switching back and forth every time the POV changed. The male narrator was fine, but he couldn't redeem this experience.
The story itself left a lot to be desired. The writing is very random and disjointed. I do not feel like a skilled writer put this together. The pacing was extremely off. For example, the wedding by proxy, which was the first time I've ever heard of that being a thing, took about five seconds, while the FMC giving a bath to her pet, (an otter maybe? I wasn't able to catch the species name for some reason. Maybe it was a made-up species? If yes, why not describe it properly?) took much longer and was described in greater detail.
It took me quite a long time to figure out this author has a previous series for the FMC's brother and we probably meet the heroine there first. Why am I mentioning it? Infodumps, odd background that does not get explained, like she's an orphan of noble parents, about to marry a king, but came from poverty and this gets explained for the first time only like 3 hours in. I felt like I'd jumped into book 2 in series with zero context. If I knew you had to read the previous series first, I wouldn't have picked this up in the first place.
Also, we are told the FMC is a badass dragon rider, but we see no dragon riding. She's good with a sword, but we see no sword fighting. You catch the drift. We learn about a lost lover and that she will never love anyone again, then BAM, 20% in and she's already eating her words.
My nail in the coffin was the scene where the MMC uses his element manipulation to magically CSI-compare sweat from a rope against a lineup of people to identify who touched it. Just bizarre. No audiobook production would save this.
ALC via NetGalley.
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I usually love audiobooks from Tantor, so I'm not sure what went wrong here. Keep in mind, this was an ALC, but the mix was off. The female narrator was visibly changing how far away from the mic she was, and some passages had a completely different sound style, like a mic change. I don't know the specific reason. She didn't change her voice for male characters, so they blended in with the FMC's inner monologue and I was confused multiple times.
The odd thing is she does change her voice for the heroine, but somehow makes it deeper. Her baseline is very bright and young, so it made all the male characters sound too chipper or even condescending. She also speaks extremely slowly. I usually listen on 1.25 or 1.5 and had to speed her up to 1.75, but the male narrator didn't have this problem, so I was switching back and forth every time the POV changed. The male narrator was fine, but he couldn't redeem this experience.
The story itself left a lot to be desired. The writing is very random and disjointed. I do not feel like a skilled writer put this together. The pacing was extremely off. For example, the wedding by proxy, which was the first time I've ever heard of that being a thing, took about five seconds, while the FMC giving a bath to her pet, (an otter maybe? I wasn't able to catch the species name for some reason. Maybe it was a made-up species? If yes, why not describe it properly?) took much longer and was described in greater detail.
It took me quite a long time to figure out this author has a previous series for the FMC's brother and we probably meet the heroine there first. Why am I mentioning it? Infodumps, odd background that does not get explained, like she's an orphan of noble parents, about to marry a king, but came from poverty and this gets explained for the first time only like 3 hours in. I felt like I'd jumped into book 2 in series with zero context. If I knew you had to read the previous series first, I wouldn't have picked this up in the first place.
Also, we are told the FMC is a badass dragon rider, but we see no dragon riding. She's good with a sword, but we see no sword fighting. You catch the drift. We learn about a lost lover and that she will never love anyone again, then BAM, 20% in and she's already eating her words.
My nail in the coffin was the scene where the MMC uses his element manipulation to magically CSI-compare sweat from a rope against a lineup of people to identify who touched it. Just bizarre. No audiobook production would save this.
ALC via NetGalley.
I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2025
Firstly, thank you to Alaya and her team for sending me an ARC (all opinions are my own), I'm so thankful to be able to read the first part of Reyla's story after absolutely tearing through and loving her Kingdom of Blighted Thorns trilogy! Unfortunately for me, since the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns trilogy was already completed when I discovered it, I have to learn some self control for this new series, but I'm already way too excited and anticipating the next release!
This story had everything I want in a romantasy book - it had plot, intrigue, and a lot of mystery! It was also triple-POV, which can sometimes feel a bit distracting, but this time it definitely added so much to the story! It starts off super fast-paced, and literally does not let up until you're reading the "About the Author" notes at the end of the book, leaving you to process everything you just read, and if you're like me, I had to dive right back in to re-read parts of the book trying to make sure you gather all the breadcrumbs that were left for the reader. I finished this book in one evening, as was the same with her other books, because I quite literally could not put it down. I would go eat dinner, then pick it right back up again, wash up and then right back to reading.
I was so curious about Reyla in the original trilogy, and am so glad we get to dig into her more this series. She's my favorite type of FMC, she's strong, but also smart and not one of those FMCs that think strength is just mouthing off to everyone in power, and also is open-minded and is reasonable, leading to interesting and different relationships with not only the two MMCs, but also everyone around her. She communicates, and is a great representation for grief as she works through her feelings and past. She's honest with herself and isn't one of those characters that spends too much of the book being in denial.
This book also made me laugh out loud a few times, kick my feet but also kept my interest. For any fans of some mystery thrillers, parts of this book definitely also soothed that itch for me. The characters and story also feel like their own characters. You definitely don't have to read the original trilogy to enjoy Reyla's story, but why wouldn't you? It's a completed series and can help bridge the time between the release of this series. Word of warning though - this book does contain spoilers for the original trilogy.
Overall a must-read and the sequel is one of my most anticipated releases!
This story had everything I want in a romantasy book - it had plot, intrigue, and a lot of mystery! It was also triple-POV, which can sometimes feel a bit distracting, but this time it definitely added so much to the story! It starts off super fast-paced, and literally does not let up until you're reading the "About the Author" notes at the end of the book, leaving you to process everything you just read, and if you're like me, I had to dive right back in to re-read parts of the book trying to make sure you gather all the breadcrumbs that were left for the reader. I finished this book in one evening, as was the same with her other books, because I quite literally could not put it down. I would go eat dinner, then pick it right back up again, wash up and then right back to reading.
I was so curious about Reyla in the original trilogy, and am so glad we get to dig into her more this series. She's my favorite type of FMC, she's strong, but also smart and not one of those FMCs that think strength is just mouthing off to everyone in power, and also is open-minded and is reasonable, leading to interesting and different relationships with not only the two MMCs, but also everyone around her. She communicates, and is a great representation for grief as she works through her feelings and past. She's honest with herself and isn't one of those characters that spends too much of the book being in denial.
This book also made me laugh out loud a few times, kick my feet but also kept my interest. For any fans of some mystery thrillers, parts of this book definitely also soothed that itch for me. The characters and story also feel like their own characters. You definitely don't have to read the original trilogy to enjoy Reyla's story, but why wouldn't you? It's a completed series and can help bridge the time between the release of this series. Word of warning though - this book does contain spoilers for the original trilogy.
Overall a must-read and the sequel is one of my most anticipated releases!
January 31, 2025
Alaya Wells returns with a breathtaking new romantasy in Bride of Ashes, the first book in a sequel series that picks up where A Crown of Cursed Hearts (book three of The Kingdom of Blighted Thorns trilogy) left off. Reyla, still haunted by loss and grief, sails to the secretive kingdom of Evergorne to fulfill her arranged marriage to King Merrick. But instead of meeting her betrothed on the journey, she is greeted by his enigmatic bodyguard, Lorant (Lore), who serves as Merrick’s proxy in the marriage ceremony. As political tensions rise, an ancient curse lingers over the kingdom, and unseen enemies threaten her life, Reyla must navigate duty, heartache, and an undeniable pull between two powerful men.
This novel is a slow burn in the best way possible. The first half of the book takes place on the ship, giving readers ample time to connect with Reyla and Lore, who shares an undeniable chemistry with her. The second half shifts focus to Evergorne, where Reyla begins to fall for King Merrick—but who truly holds her heart? The romance unfolds with a delicious mix of tension, longing, and mystery, culminating in a jaw-dropping ending that will leave readers desperate for the next installment.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character development. Reyla, once a dragon-trainer and orphaned warrior, evolves into a queen in her own right. Her grief is palpable, yet she never succumbs to despair. Instead, she fights to reclaim her magic, protect herself from assassins, and uncover the truth behind Evergorne’s curse. The dynamic between Reyla, Merrick, and Lore is captivating, but despite the two men vying for her, this isn’t your typical love triangle. Instead, Wells crafts a story where love, duty, and fate are interwoven in unexpected ways.
Beyond the romance, Bride of Ashes delivers intrigue, danger, and phenomenal world-building. The kingdom of Evergorne is shrouded in secrets, and the layers of court politics, supernatural threats, and familial tensions (including an unforgettable villainous mother-in-law) add depth to the story. The introduction of creatures like Reyla’s Nyxin is another highlight, bringing a touch of whimsy and wonder to the novel.
The pacing may feel slower at times, as the book spans only about two weeks, but this allows for meaningful character moments and immersive storytelling. The multi-POV narrative enhances the tension, providing insight into not just Reyla’s struggles, but also the motivations of those around her. Wells’ signature writing style remains gripping—balancing humor, heartache, and high-stakes drama seamlessly.
For fans of the romantasy genre, Bride of Ashes delivers all the beloved tropes:
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Arranged Marriage
✅ Forbidden Romance
✅ “Touch Her and Die”
✅ Courtly Intrigue & Dark Secrets
Though the romance between Reyla and Merrick takes time to develop, Lore’s presence is immediately compelling, making the tension between them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re drawn to grumpy, brooding warriors or noble, duty-bound kings, there’s a love story here to invest in. And for those who enjoy unraveling mysteries, the secrets of Evergorne will keep you theorizing until the very last page.
Final Verdict:
⭐ Plot: 4/5 – A slow burn, but packed with tension, mystery, and surprises.
🔥 Spice: 3/5 – A slow build, but when it delivers… it delivers.
✨ Characters: 5/5 – Reyla’s journey is emotional and powerful, while Lore and Merrick add layers of complexity.
🏰 World-Building: 5/5 – Evergorne is rich with history, curses, and political intrigue.
If you loved The Kingdom of Blighted Thorns, you won’t want to miss this. Bride of Ashes is a spellbinding start to a new adventure, leaving readers eager for more. The sequel can’t come soon enough!
This novel is a slow burn in the best way possible. The first half of the book takes place on the ship, giving readers ample time to connect with Reyla and Lore, who shares an undeniable chemistry with her. The second half shifts focus to Evergorne, where Reyla begins to fall for King Merrick—but who truly holds her heart? The romance unfolds with a delicious mix of tension, longing, and mystery, culminating in a jaw-dropping ending that will leave readers desperate for the next installment.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its character development. Reyla, once a dragon-trainer and orphaned warrior, evolves into a queen in her own right. Her grief is palpable, yet she never succumbs to despair. Instead, she fights to reclaim her magic, protect herself from assassins, and uncover the truth behind Evergorne’s curse. The dynamic between Reyla, Merrick, and Lore is captivating, but despite the two men vying for her, this isn’t your typical love triangle. Instead, Wells crafts a story where love, duty, and fate are interwoven in unexpected ways.
Beyond the romance, Bride of Ashes delivers intrigue, danger, and phenomenal world-building. The kingdom of Evergorne is shrouded in secrets, and the layers of court politics, supernatural threats, and familial tensions (including an unforgettable villainous mother-in-law) add depth to the story. The introduction of creatures like Reyla’s Nyxin is another highlight, bringing a touch of whimsy and wonder to the novel.
The pacing may feel slower at times, as the book spans only about two weeks, but this allows for meaningful character moments and immersive storytelling. The multi-POV narrative enhances the tension, providing insight into not just Reyla’s struggles, but also the motivations of those around her. Wells’ signature writing style remains gripping—balancing humor, heartache, and high-stakes drama seamlessly.
For fans of the romantasy genre, Bride of Ashes delivers all the beloved tropes:
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Arranged Marriage
✅ Forbidden Romance
✅ “Touch Her and Die”
✅ Courtly Intrigue & Dark Secrets
Though the romance between Reyla and Merrick takes time to develop, Lore’s presence is immediately compelling, making the tension between them utterly irresistible. Whether you’re drawn to grumpy, brooding warriors or noble, duty-bound kings, there’s a love story here to invest in. And for those who enjoy unraveling mysteries, the secrets of Evergorne will keep you theorizing until the very last page.
Final Verdict:
⭐ Plot: 4/5 – A slow burn, but packed with tension, mystery, and surprises.
🔥 Spice: 3/5 – A slow build, but when it delivers… it delivers.
✨ Characters: 5/5 – Reyla’s journey is emotional and powerful, while Lore and Merrick add layers of complexity.
🏰 World-Building: 5/5 – Evergorne is rich with history, curses, and political intrigue.
If you loved The Kingdom of Blighted Thorns, you won’t want to miss this. Bride of Ashes is a spellbinding start to a new adventure, leaving readers eager for more. The sequel can’t come soon enough!
May 1, 2026
3.5⭐️
I’m at a loss for words right now… what the hell was that ending? What the hell is going on? I need to get to the second book ASAP because I want and NEED answers. I was sat for this whole audio; I couldn’t wait to get back to it whenever I had to put it down to do what needed to be done just so I could be completely focused on it. I even thought it would be my five-star read for the month, a great way to end the month of April… now I’m confused as hell, and I’m real mad about it (not as mad as Reyla is, though).
I liked the scenes with Merrick, and I loved how he protected her, but I kind of wish he would’ve put his mother in her place because her behavior towards her new daughter-in-law was just gross. Erisandra was just dismissive and rude to Reyla from the start, which immediately gave me the ick. I instantly wrote her off and didn’t even want to give her the benefit of the doubt. To have her ladies in waiting act the same way as she did towards the QUEEN, or soon-to-be Queen (they were already married, they were just waiting on the coronation) was insane, and I was shocked that Merrick didn’t put his foot down immediately. The point props to Reyla for handling herself the way she did.
I think the narrators were great, though I wish the female narrator had changed her voice up just a bit to read the male dialogue, just so the reader wasn’t confused at times. Other than that, they did great.
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 ↴
This is an Advanced Listener copy. Although this book was given to me as an ALC, my thoughts are my own. Thank you, Alaya Wells and NetGalley, for the ALC opportunity!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
🗡️ Class Systems
✨ Shadow Daddy
🗡️ Touch Her & Die
✨ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Arranged Marriage
✨ He Falls First & Hard
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Blood, Violence, taking a life, mourning the loss of a prior love, References to childhood trauma
🗡️ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
I’m at a loss for words right now… what the hell was that ending? What the hell is going on? I need to get to the second book ASAP because I want and NEED answers. I was sat for this whole audio; I couldn’t wait to get back to it whenever I had to put it down to do what needed to be done just so I could be completely focused on it. I even thought it would be my five-star read for the month, a great way to end the month of April… now I’m confused as hell, and I’m real mad about it (not as mad as Reyla is, though).
I liked the scenes with Merrick, and I loved how he protected her, but I kind of wish he would’ve put his mother in her place because her behavior towards her new daughter-in-law was just gross. Erisandra was just dismissive and rude to Reyla from the start, which immediately gave me the ick. I instantly wrote her off and didn’t even want to give her the benefit of the doubt. To have her ladies in waiting act the same way as she did towards the QUEEN, or soon-to-be Queen (they were already married, they were just waiting on the coronation) was insane, and I was shocked that Merrick didn’t put his foot down immediately. The point props to Reyla for handling herself the way she did.
I think the narrators were great, though I wish the female narrator had changed her voice up just a bit to read the male dialogue, just so the reader wasn’t confused at times. Other than that, they did great.
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫 ↴
This is an Advanced Listener copy. Although this book was given to me as an ALC, my thoughts are my own. Thank you, Alaya Wells and NetGalley, for the ALC opportunity!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 ↴
🗡️ Class Systems
✨ Shadow Daddy
🗡️ Touch Her & Die
✨ Enemies to Lovers
🗡️ Arranged Marriage
✨ He Falls First & Hard
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 ↴
Blood, Violence, taking a life, mourning the loss of a prior love, References to childhood trauma
🗡️ 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 📖
April 28, 2026
3.75 stars
I listened to this book on audio and the narrators, Reese Grey and Rowan Hayes, did a decent job of bringing the story to life. I wish the male narrator differentiated a bit more between the two MMCs. In the chapters when it was just those two, it was hard to determine which character were actually speaking. 4 stars for narration.
In regards to the story itself, it had an interesting premise. Even though this is the first book in the series, the way information was just dumped at you made it feel like it was the second or third book and the author was just trying to summarize what previously happened in early book in the series. The author has written another series that I think takes places in this world so perhaps this series build off of that.
The story was a bit predictable and I was able to predict the big plot twist at the end from the very beginning of the book. I was surprised by our FMC extreme reaction to it...and it also seems to go against what was told to us about how the MMC can feel her presence at all times. So that was a bit disappointing.
But there is lots of tension and yearning with some spice between the FMC and two MMC. I might continue this series if the other books become available on audio as well.
Thank you NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Alaya Wells for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
I listened to this book on audio and the narrators, Reese Grey and Rowan Hayes, did a decent job of bringing the story to life. I wish the male narrator differentiated a bit more between the two MMCs. In the chapters when it was just those two, it was hard to determine which character were actually speaking. 4 stars for narration.
In regards to the story itself, it had an interesting premise. Even though this is the first book in the series, the way information was just dumped at you made it feel like it was the second or third book and the author was just trying to summarize what previously happened in early book in the series. The author has written another series that I think takes places in this world so perhaps this series build off of that.
The story was a bit predictable and I was able to predict the big plot twist at the end from the very beginning of the book. I was surprised by our FMC extreme reaction to it...and it also seems to go against what was told to us about how the MMC can feel her presence at all times. So that was a bit disappointing.
But there is lots of tension and yearning with some spice between the FMC and two MMC. I might continue this series if the other books become available on audio as well.
Thank you NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Alaya Wells for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
February 26, 2026
This book had me in an absolute chokehold.
I went in expecting a cursed kingdom, a political marriage, and some good romantasy tension — and yes, it delivered all of that — but I didn’t expect how emotional it would be.
There’s this quiet sadness running through the whole story, and it made everything feel heavier in the best way.
Reyla is such an easy character to root for. She’s grieving, she’s trying to be strong, and you can really feel how torn she is between what she wants and what she thinks she owes everyone else.
And then there’s Lore.
I’m not even going to pretend otherwise — Lore had my full attention from the start. There’s just something about him. He’s sharp, guarded, and feels dangerous in a way that makes every scene he’s in more intense. He quickly became my favorite… even though, somehow, I still lost my heart to Farris along the way.
The tension in this book is so good. You constantly feel like something isn’t quite right, but you can’t fully see the shape of it yet. And when things start falling into place, it hurts. In a good way.
Also, that ending?? Rude. Absolutely rude. I immediately needed book two.
If you love cursed kings, emotional damage, and love interests that ruin your life, this is 100% worth it.
I went in expecting a cursed kingdom, a political marriage, and some good romantasy tension — and yes, it delivered all of that — but I didn’t expect how emotional it would be.
There’s this quiet sadness running through the whole story, and it made everything feel heavier in the best way.
Reyla is such an easy character to root for. She’s grieving, she’s trying to be strong, and you can really feel how torn she is between what she wants and what she thinks she owes everyone else.
And then there’s Lore.
I’m not even going to pretend otherwise — Lore had my full attention from the start. There’s just something about him. He’s sharp, guarded, and feels dangerous in a way that makes every scene he’s in more intense. He quickly became my favorite… even though, somehow, I still lost my heart to Farris along the way.
The tension in this book is so good. You constantly feel like something isn’t quite right, but you can’t fully see the shape of it yet. And when things start falling into place, it hurts. In a good way.
Also, that ending?? Rude. Absolutely rude. I immediately needed book two.
If you love cursed kings, emotional damage, and love interests that ruin your life, this is 100% worth it.
April 24, 2026
4⭐️ story | 3⭐️ audiobook
I received an ALC of Bride of Ashes by Alaya Wells via NetGalley.
This was a bit of a mixed experience. I liked the story, but the audiobook didn’t fully work for me.
Starting with the audio: it’s dual narrated by Reese Grey and Rowan Hayes. Both were solid, though Rowan Hayes worked slightly better for me. That said, the overall experience felt a bit uneven. The audio quality occasionally came across as tinny, not constant, but noticeable, and I had a hard time finding a comfortable listening speed. At normal speed it dragged, but speeding it up (I landed around 1.5–1.75x) made it feel choppy.
I also don’t think audio was the best format for this particular story. There’s a lot of cryptic phrasing and layered hints, and I kept wishing I could highlight or go back to specific lines more easily. This feels like a book that benefits from being read, not just listened to.
On the story side, I did enjoy it. The romance dynamic and the prophecy/curse elements were compelling enough to keep me engaged, even if this isn’t something I’d call especially standout in the genre. I’m here for the vibes, and it delivers on that.
That said… some of the word choices pulled me out more than once. Using words like “tummy” or casually calling a fae male a “guy” felt out of place with the tone of the world and broke immersion for me in a way I had a hard time ignoring.
This series does seem to connect to a larger world, and while it works as an entry point, I do wish there had been a note about related series or reading order.
Overall, the audiobook didn’t quite land for me, but I liked the story enough that I’m planning to continue with the author’s other series, just in print or ebook next time.
I received an ALC of Bride of Ashes by Alaya Wells via NetGalley.
This was a bit of a mixed experience. I liked the story, but the audiobook didn’t fully work for me.
Starting with the audio: it’s dual narrated by Reese Grey and Rowan Hayes. Both were solid, though Rowan Hayes worked slightly better for me. That said, the overall experience felt a bit uneven. The audio quality occasionally came across as tinny, not constant, but noticeable, and I had a hard time finding a comfortable listening speed. At normal speed it dragged, but speeding it up (I landed around 1.5–1.75x) made it feel choppy.
I also don’t think audio was the best format for this particular story. There’s a lot of cryptic phrasing and layered hints, and I kept wishing I could highlight or go back to specific lines more easily. This feels like a book that benefits from being read, not just listened to.
On the story side, I did enjoy it. The romance dynamic and the prophecy/curse elements were compelling enough to keep me engaged, even if this isn’t something I’d call especially standout in the genre. I’m here for the vibes, and it delivers on that.
That said… some of the word choices pulled me out more than once. Using words like “tummy” or casually calling a fae male a “guy” felt out of place with the tone of the world and broke immersion for me in a way I had a hard time ignoring.
This series does seem to connect to a larger world, and while it works as an entry point, I do wish there had been a note about related series or reading order.
Overall, the audiobook didn’t quite land for me, but I liked the story enough that I’m planning to continue with the author’s other series, just in print or ebook next time.
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