The Doomed Prince

A Feud So Dark and Lovely #2

by Leigh Kelsey, Lysandra Glass

For fantasy romance fans obsessed with Sarah J. Maas, Holly Black, and Raven Kennedy. You’ll love this snarky, spicy enemies to lovers series.

Hate him. Hunt him. But never let him break your heart. Return to Letta and Kier's world of magic, enemies, and intrigue in the second A Feud So Dark and Lovely book.

The Doomed Prince is an enemies to lovers fantasy romance with a revenge-sworn heroine and a brooding goblin prince. Expect scorching spice and a dark mystery that lovers of Hades & Persephone and Beauty & The Beast will enjoy.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Enemies To Lovers

262 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2023

About the author

Leigh Kelsey is the author of romance and reverse harem books for anyone with a soft spot for steely women and the tortured men who love them. No matter what stories she's writing - vampires or shifters or bad boys - they all share a common thread of love, heart, and action. She is the author of the Lili Kazana series, the Moonlight Inn series, the Dead Space stand alone, and the Blacktower Prison for Supernaturals series, plus many more books.

https://www.facebook.com/leighkelseya...

Reviews

[Nicola Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im loving this series I cannot wait to get my hands on the next book the wicked queen the plot is really good in this but the characters I've fallen in love with them there is found family and the banter between them is really good you really feel like your going through all this with them the writing is easy to follow I would highly recommend this series

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable second instalment to this series. I really like the Troupe and their friendship with Zebaletta, it was really sweet and added a bit more heard than we saw in the first book. Book 1 ended on a bit of a cliffhanger and I’m not terribly pleased with how easily it was solved here but I can live with it.

Book 3 isn’t due until Jan 26, not sure I can wait that long but I’ll keep it on my list.

[S.M. McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal and prophecy

It's always so sad to get to the end of a book and not be able to continue when you enjoy it. I'm excited there is a book three, but I have to wait for it. Great job in building the relationships and I like the snarky violent FMC. Like the last book it ends on a big cliffhanger, I almost didn't want to finish the last chapter because I knew it would, but I can't wait until book three where she can kick ass and fulfil the prophecy hinted at the end!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I immediately liked that the book didn’t start off where it left. I loved the journey in this book, the fact there was still tension, and the FMCs personality is so well written. I can’t believe I have to wait until next year for the final book

[Winnie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ enjoyed this so much more than the first one, glad that I decided to read this one! The flow and pacing is spot on, and yet another great cliffhanger! Can’t wait for the next one and to see how Letta deals with this situation

[Riniya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Key Points / Tropes:

Arranged Marriage
I-Despise-You To Lovers
Hidden Magic
Slow burn
Fated Mates
Political Coups

Spice: 2 Peppers

Review:

I felt like this book was a bit slower to start than the last one. Our FMC had been banished from her life as the wife of the Goblin Prince. She had been told that if she ever came back, he would have her killed. We learn that she found refuge by working in a troupe, performers who traveled between the Goblin Kingdoms putting on plays. Watching this side of her new life was a bit on the slower side but it didn't take long for things to ramp up.

It was nice watching her interact with others within the goblin race, seeing her prejudice slip away as she developed relationships with her newfound friends. They cared for her and it was clear that she cared for them. Seeing a side of her away from the revenge that she so desperately seeked in the first book was needed. It allowed our FMC to gain some depth that she had been previously missing.

One of my complaints in the first book was that we were told our FMC was a great assassin/ thief yet we didn't get to see any of it. We get to see this side of her that had been hidden from us and it's easier to understand how she managed to sneak her way around in book one. I will say that despite this, she did get rescued during one of her fight scenes and we didn't get to see the "potential" we were told that she had. It could be due to the fact that she was facing Goblins and not humans, but it still would have been nice to have her be able to stand up against her oppressors a bit more.

I loved getting to see the dream scenes between her and our MMC. Our girl was a bit slow on the draw with the circumstances surrounding these moments, and she really needs to listen a bit more than she does, but getting to see her be open with him and those deeper connections was needed, especially considering the previous book.

The big twist of the series was a bit predictable, I will say the person I thought it was as the BBG, wasn't it. But the book pretty much tells you who the bad guy is if you pay attention, I noticed it, but thought I was being clever by suspecting someone else. I was so wrong, haha. Of course, the BBG does set up a very interesting cliffhanger and I am curious how the next book in the series will play out. One evil was vanquished in this book, but another reared its head.

[Miss Jordie Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doomed Prince Review 👑🖤

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️



Tropes:

• fantasy romance 💕

• enemies to lovers ❤️‍🔥

• sexy goblins 😈

• hidden magic 🪄

• slow burn 🔥

• political coups

• fated mates 💖



Triggers:

• death ☠️

• physical violence and blood 🩸

• sexually explicit scenes 🫦



This is the second book in the series and it started slower than the first, but it allowed our FMC, Zabaletta, to gain depth and develop relationships with the goblin race. I enjoyed the dream scenes between her and Kier, but the big twist at the end was predictable.

My initial criticism of the first book was that our main character's prowess as an assassin and thief was only described, not demonstrated. Fortunately, this book provides opportunities for her to display these skills, which helps clarify her previous successes. Unfortunately, she still needs to be rescued during a confrontation, which undermines the potential we were initially told she possessed.

If you’re wanting a read that isn’t going to take a lot of thinking and effort, with some hilarious banter and minimal yet delicious spice, then I suggest this series!

The cliffhanger ending has me curious about the next book and I need book 3 now!

[Amanda Grooms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sequel! The majority of the book, Letta (Zaba) and Kier were apart, but it allowed for more characters to be featured and more perspective on the troubles within the goblin kingdoms. Letta starts out the book in a performance troupe. They are a group of nomadic performers, who go from place to place to entertain the masses. Letta sticks out as a human (especially a human with magic), but has found a family in the group. She is both angry at Kier and mourning the end of their relationship. Through their travels, Letta and a friend end up abducted by a group of humans, and there she finds out that those humans— and their leader, a woman who is compelling them magically— are hunting Kier and plan to assassinate him. She becomes desperate to go back to the royal city and give Kier the news, to try and protect him. Wow… what a reunion! After a brief respite, the royal city is attacked by the humans, and Letta ends up spelled by the Greenscale Goblin Queen— who turns out to be the ones compelling the humans. She binds Letta, and compels her to spy on Kier against her will, and with no option to let Kier know she is spying. This ends on a cliffhanger, and now I can’t wait for The Wicked Queen. Letta and Kier must beat her and finally get to be happy together!

[Reads_Must · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doomed Prince
A Feud So Dark and Lovely #2
Fantasy
Leigh Kelsey & Lysandra Glass
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I thought the start of this book was a little slow. Zabaletta was fighting people again soon enough, but I did find myself wanting the plot to get back to Kier and their relationship.

The pacing soon picked up and I liked seeing more of the Goblin lands, both the Bluescale and the Greenheart kingdoms and their different attitudes towards humans.

I was kept curious trying to work out who was controlling the human rebels and I liked the lead up to the reveal, however, because the character was hardly included beforehand, I wasn't able to be shocked or surprised. I would've preferred it to be a big plot twist with a well known character and a betrayal.

I love the writing style of these authors. They are able to really to portray the different emotions of the characters well and I found my heart breaking for Zabaletta at the end.

I'd still like some other POVs from either Kier or maybe even Xiona but overall I really enjoyed this book.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attempted murder has serious consequences for the new princess of the Goblin realm, Zabaletta Kollastus, especially when you try to kill Kier, the Goblin Prince. So, Zaba finds herself exiled from the Goblin lands with a threat of death if she decides to return. Just when she was beginning to accept her new feelings for her husband, she has to completely destroy any chance for a happy future. Zaba roams the countryside with a group of performers as she continues to look for a way to redeem herself in the eyes of Prince Kier and return to her new home. Her encounters with rebel fighters are fast-paced and brutal. Prepare Yourselves for the bloodshed. Once again, a Cliffhanger-Lots of Action!!!!

[Alex Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I devoured The Doomed Prince in a day—this series is pure vibes and good times! If you're a fan of The Cruel Prince, you're in for a treat (and honestly, this might be even better). While I personally preferred book one, this sequel still delivered with its snarky banter, extra spice, and a hilarious, sharp-witted FMC who had me hooked. The MMC, though? Let’s just say, if you’re in the UK, the name Keir might be a bit of a hurdle.

Plot-wise (spoiler-free, of course), expect courtly scheming, tension-filled romance, and plenty of magical intrigue to keep you turning the pages. It’s a quick, easy read that hits all the Romantasy must-haves, and yes—it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’ll definitely be grabbing the next book as soon as it drops!

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being totally sucked into the first book I was very excited to start reading this one. And overall, it was a lot of fun. I loved getting to see more of Zabaletta's magic and her dynamic with the troupe. The whole dream-thing was fun, and the world building continued to be fascinating and well thought out.

My biggest issue with this one was just that it didn't feel like quite enough plot for a book. It read more like part of a book that got prematurely cut off. I'm looking forward to the next book and hoping it has a little bit more plot than this one did!

[stacigracefullylovesreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an ending! I thought this was a 2 book series but at about 70% through I started wondering how the authors were going to wrap it all up. Surprise! They weren't. There are 3 books!
Keir and Zabaletta are end goals in a relationship. They are both truly terrifying, maniacal, blood thirsty, but also loving, loyal, and strong. I really hope the 3rd book is written as well as the other two were.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Doomed Prince - book 2 in the A feud so dark & lovely series and it picked up right where the first 1 ended with Letta (FMC) being exiled. Now she's living with the reprocussions of that event. Finding new friends and a new place. Great plot twists and turns lead to a great cliffhanger ending. I'm enjoying reading this series and I can't wait to see what will happen next.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a read. This book has everything that you need to make an enjoyable read. It moves along at a pace that makes for an easy read. It has characters that you will love no matter what and you want to be there for them and a story that will grab you and keep you reading from beginning to end. This book is a must read, no doubt about it.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

i thought the first book was really good and held my attention but this one could have been longer. this story does not need to be a series longer than a duology which makes me mad that i have to wait for a 3rd book for no reason. the writing isnt the best or the prettiest so i was able to fly through this and semi-enjoy it

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

RR because I'm bored and want to read the second. First time reading I thought the writing style was tragic at first, but eventually I got used to it (maybe that was just me lowering my standards subconsciously, though). I love the plot and me and the fmc have a love hate relationship I think, because she honestly pisses me off so much- but I think that was intended?? hopefully??

[Dana]

Do I know what to do with myself? Nope. I'm just. Gone. Finished. Rocked by despair.
If you're going to read this book, just know you might feel like you'll be lost for a bit. Or outraged. It depends.

[Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Etta is Exiled and as so She has to adapt to her new world but things aren't going to BE any easy. Its very interesting and it Will leave you wanting to throw the book in the end! OMG Cliffhanger!! Very good but you know we Will have to wait to know more.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book far more than the first one; because we got to know the characters more and the story was exciting. I enjoyed the new characters that were brought in and the friendships they created. Again left on a great cliff hanger, looking forward to book 3.

[BriAnna Monahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binged

While these aren't the spiciest books in the world they're still so good. I absolutely love them and they're easy reads if you need a break from a long fantasy these hit the spot. Cannot wait for book 3 and all the twists and turns it has to offer.

[Divya Almond · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent series except it's super upsetting that the story just ended abruptly and this is a duology so I don't know if a third book is even part of the series. It's a good story but I'm definitely disappointed about the book not being completed.

[Ellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the events of book 1, Zabalette has a new group of friends and new villains to face. This book brings some great resolution to the enemies-to-lovers from the first book with lots of 🌶️, and ends with such a surprise there needs to be another book released!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot thickens.

A well written story. You will not want to put it down. A dark romance that will have you enthralled from the beginning. Lots of twists and turns that will throw you for a loop and reel you in for more.

[Emily Franzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this series in book one. I absolutely love the bickering and tension, and the FMC is a firecracker! Our goblin Prince is sexy and dream worthy... I highly recommend!

[Ronda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another. Cliffhanger. But thankfully there is another installment of Kier and Letta's story. To prevent spoilers, I'll just say I seriously hope the villain in this one gets what they oh so richly deserve.

[Ilene G> · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ends in a cliffhanger.

I enjoyed this story, but I am unhappy it ended in a cliffhanger. The action, plot and characters are good. Zabaletta makes friends and faces danger.

[joyce english · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

Totally enjoyed this book, had a bit of grossness but as a whole, good read. Didn’t want to put it down

[Sauieh Noushin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omfg!!!!! I've been in love with these characters from book1!!! Zada is a badass and Keir is a beast!!! The side characters r amazing and I NEED to know what happens! Fuck that queen!!!

[J.C. Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

As second books in a series go, this was pretty interesting. I like Letta's use of magic and Kier's love for her. I look forward to the third book, whenever that is written.