Vesperholm has crumbled into ruins. The succubi that prey on their men have stripped it of laborers, providers, and protectors, leaving desperation to fester in the shadows. Asher Blackwood clings to the belief that he can save his people. Armed with the realm’s strongest weapon and a hunter’s gift, he fights to hold the line. But the men of Vesperholm have grown complacent, leaving Asher to bear the weight of their survival alone.
In Tantalia, chaos spreads in the wake of Queen Lilith’s death. Slain by a human hunter during her mission for an ancient relic, Lilith is avenged by her protégé, Seraphina Moonsong, who must now sit on a throne she had no interest in taking. That is, until a shattering tragedy collides with the truth Seraphina has fought to deny—a truth tied to the night she crossed paths with Asher Blackwood.
As their world spirals toward destruction, hunters and demons must unite on a perilous quest to save their realm. But in this war, the secrets they keep may be the very ones that shatter their world entirely.
Growing up in Alaska, Aurora indulged in a variety of outdoor past times. Canoeing on lakes, snowmachining in her backyard, mountain biking through the wilderness and trails around Anchorage. She grew up as an Air Force daughter and had an affinity for books at a relatively early age. Being enthralled by history and ancient egypt. She was a proficient reader and writer all throughout school. With her interest growing in the works of macabre and dark poetry, like that from Edgar Allen Poe. Over time, she wrote poems. Read to her hearts content. For a long while, she slipped into a reading hiatus. Still continuing to collect books and frequent her local Barnes and Noble. It wasn't until right before her husband deployed in 2023 that she fell back in love with reading like a star falling from the cosmos. Collecting more history books in a 4 month period than one should be allowed to. In the beginning of 2024, she started reading romance after being introduced to Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses. She had never been one for romances. But she fell in love with them. Reading over 36 romance novels in the span of 3 months. One fateful day in June 2024, a friend of hers came to her asking for help on a story he was writing. Asking for help with a conflict. The more her mind worked, the more her own story idea started to take place within her. Before she knew it, Elevated Ambitions was born. And she set out on her biggest journey yet.
I honestly don’t even know where to start with this one. For Hunted by Fate to be Aurora Steinhart’s first fantasy book? I’m blown away. There are so many levels to her writing that it’s hard to believe she’s just stepping into the genre. If this is how she starts, I can only imagine the incredible stories still to come.
I absolutely loved our main characters. Asher, a succubus hunter, is loyal, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those around him. As the story progresses, we get to watch him grow—not just in strength, but in self-worth. He really steps into his own and proves that he’s worthy of everything coming his way.
Then there’s Seraphina. She’s a succubus whose queen has been ripped away from her, leaving her with no choice but to step up and face the challenge head-on. At the start of the book, she’s angry, ruthless, and an absolute force to be reckoned with—but as the story unfolds, she softens in the most beautiful way. She’s still fierce, but her kindness and love shine through, and it makes her transformation feel so real and powerful.
This is a true enemies-to-lovers romantasy. The tension? Chef’s kiss. The plot twists? Had me on the edge of my seat. And the spice? Whew. Let’s just say I didn’t expect it to be that hot, but I was not mad about it.
If you’re not a fan of cliffhangers—well, as the author herself said, this isn’t a cliffhanger, it’s a landslide. So be prepared. But honestly? I can’t wait for the next book. This series is going to be something special.
This is without a doubt a 5-star read, and I’ll be thinking about it until the sequel drops.
I have finished reading my ARC copy of 'Hunted by Fate' written by Aurora Steinhart. This is a dark romantic fantasy and part one in "A gown of leather and bone" series.
"You're telling me. I'm stuck in a strange demon land with no escape."
This story has an unique background story and it reads comfortable even with the length of the story. It contains 76 chapters and is 664 pages long. It also ends in a massive cliffhanger that will torture me untill I can read the next book.
"To live without your mate is to die with them."
This story is mainly about Seraphina and Asher. Seraphina is a succubus and she is forced in a role she doesn't want to take. Asher is a human and a hunter. Asher needs to fill a role thats important for his people, but his people dont want any part of it. Will they be able to grow and do all that is necessary?
"You are not your people. Just as I am not my people. It's what we do with our time here, not who gave it to us."
This story is about going against all you stand for and open yourself up to other possibilities and ideas than the ones you got slamned in to you by your upbringing. It's about having the strength to learn and rise above, it's about knowing what you have to do, but being weight down by insecurities. It's about a fight between your heart and your head, it's about a fight between that was taught and the reality. It's about fate and fighting against that what was pre determined.
"Sometimes the Fates put us where we need to be, even when we don't want to be."
This story contains a lot of interesting themes that are woven in an amazing and dark fantasy story with great elements, spice, love and danger. Ive enjoyed reading this story very much and I definitely recommend it. I give it four stars.
Hunted by Fate follows our MMC Asher Blackwood, a demon hunter that is immune to the powers of the Succubi has been trained from childhood to hunt and kill the demons that are snatching and feeding on the men of Vesperholm. One night, when he cross paths with Lilith, the Queen of the Succubi, everything changes. Serpahine Moonsong our FMC is the General of Bloodshed, Liliths second hand in the land of Tantalia. Forced to take over the throne, she has sworn to hunt and kill the man who killed their queen and thrust her into this position. But when Asher finds himself captured and leashed as Sera’s pet, the truth of the real enemy at hand comes to light. Can demons and humans save the realm from an evil that far surpasses them?
LISTENNNN, Sera is a badass ok. She said I do what I want, when I want, how I want, fuck the rules, and we love that. We really go on a journey with Sera. She portrays this image of confidence and unyielding, but we see how she really battles with imposter syndrome and the feelings of low self worth.
Asher, oh dear, dear Asher. He’s tough and broody, but oh boy can he be a simp 🤭 Sera has that man on a leash, quite literally and he can’t even deny it’s a kink. (That’s not mentioned in the book but I’m sure he does)
The plot was so intriguing as we follow Sera & Asher as they travel throughout different realms/portals to obtain knowledge on how to save their people. Sera also always returns to Tantalia with a breathing souvenir and we love her for it.
It does end on a pretty serious cliffhanger, so I will *patiently* not so patiently *taps foot* for book two 🤗
What incredible plot and storyline! The world building, plot, character development, and character themselves were so well written. Never a dull moment, though the book is chunky! This was Aurora’s first romantasy and it was dark and revolved around a succubus and hunter, but you can just feel the passion she put into writing this book. It was funny, emotional, captivating and addictive. I loved every minute of this book, and the complexity of fantastical beings just reminded me of LOTR or Harry Potter. There were humans, halflings, succubus demons, dragons, orcs, mages, and more!
Seraphina and Asher?? I love them. The story? I DEVOURED it. a Succubus dark romantasy? Count me in. Of course, I do suggest looking at the triggers, but the spice was IMMACULATE. I can't wait to read the next book because, oh my gods, this was too good to put down.
Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC 🫶🏼
OMG!! First, I am SO thankful I was chosen to participate in this ARC! This is the authors FIRST debut novel in the fantasy world! I was overcome with immense joy when I received an email stating I was chosen for this journey.
If this is her first Fantasy… we are in for an epic adventure watching her grow. I’m newer to the fantasy world and this novel had me hooked from the start! Not to mention, there is a Lilith! If I didn’t have a stupid work life and a home to tend to, I would have read this in a day.
Let’s just say, a demon slayer and a succubus with hate and vengeance! Then sprinkle some major sexual tension… OOF! 🥵🥵 The only thing that frustrates me about this book… I want the second one like now! You are going places Aurora! This is an epic novel and I could feel the sweat and tears you poured into this work of art!
Yessss yes yes! AURORA DID IT AGAIN! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your ARC!
This was my first Succubus dark romance & it did not disappoint OMG! Holy ish!! 🫠🥵😈 the spice in this book is TOO TIEEERRR!
For this to be her fantasy debut I’m so freaking impressed. The world building was *chefs kiss*! Her characters are so complex in so many ways but I could picture them so vividly! I could not get enough of Sera & Asher!!! I love them sm! I simply cannot to read the rest of this series!!!! Bc that ending, WOOF!!!!!!
4⭐️ This was a fun read! I enjoyed following the lives of the merely human Asher and the succubus Seraphina ❤️ While the story was good, I felt like the book could have been a hundred pages shorter and still captured the essence of the novel. Other than that, what a great story!
ARC READ!!!! This was my first succubus book! And I couldn’t have had a better start to them! This is honestly so good! Her first fantasy!! I was so excited to read it! And I’m usually not one to read on my phone I prefer paper lol. But I couldn’t wait to read this book! It has so many twists and turns! The characters Asher and Seraphina are perfect! The details in the book felt so real I felt like I was there! Like I actually knew them! I loved this book and absolutely devoured it! And I cannot wait to see what else her beautiful mind comes up with! If you’re looking to start succubus type of books I highly! Recommend this one. I can’t wait to see what happen in the next book!
first off , i want to thank aurora for sending me an early copy of her debut fantasy , im so thankful for meeting you and our friendship , ill die without you. excuse me ???? this book was everything AND more. i absolutely loved the world building , the extensive details & descriptions, i felt like i was in Tantalila frolicking around with seraphina & asher. i absolutely love the way aurora writes , i devour it every time. the details is what gets me , i love it sm. i feel like im there watching everything happening. it’s immaculate.
seraphina - she was funny for no reason pls. we love a girl who knows what she wants & doesn’t give af. i loved watching her soften for asher throughout the book, but what killed me with her was the self doubt creeping in & that’s something we all know too well. she was fighting so hard to find out the truth , fighting and questioning everything bc me too bitch i have so many questions. she wanted to be the change & she wanted to be herself doing it , and i love her for that. i love how she was such a boss bitch , LOVE IT.
asher - im sorry , but i loved this man from the beginning. you all know the grumpy ones do something to me. what i loved even more about him , was the way he whimpered for seraphina, like WHIMPERS. he was so infatuated with her & i was dying. he was battling some internal things throughout , but when he finally accepted it. ur done. his growth throughout the book was amazing , the switch and change in him was so good. also , demon asher ??? HELLO ??? absolutely feral 😈
listen , there were instances in the book that gave me an actual cardiac arrest , like ?? & the cliffhanger ??? it’s CRIMINAL. let me just stare at my walls bc HUH ???
this is her second book she’s publishing , do yourself a favor and go read elevated ambitions and preorder this one to read and get sucked into the fantasy , you’re welcome.
rating: 5 ⭐️ spice: 5 🌶️
tropes: ⚔︎ dark romantasy ⚔︎ succubus x hunter ⚔︎ fated mates ⚔︎ found family ⚔︎ enemies to lovers ⚔︎ spicy 🌶️
I am so torn about this book. I liked it, but there was so much packed in. Asher Blackwood is a hunter tasked with protecting the ravaged lands of Vesperholm from succubi that steal men. He is captured by Seraphina, a powerful succubus, and forced to serve her.
There was so much packed into this book that it almost took me out of the story. There were succubi, mages, dwarves, orcs, sirens, dragons, oracles, fates, talking trees, portals to different realms, basically anything that has ever been written in a fantasy novel was in this book. Aurora did a great job with world-building and ensuring it was cohesive, but there were still plot holes, like who shot the baby deer. There was also a lot of plot contrivance, like the dragon being in the Orcs dungeon. I felt that Asher didn't really possess any critical thinking skills and he didn't question anything that happened to him, despite being a hunter of magical beings. Anytime he learned new information he just got confused and angry. I liked how Seraphina was written, but she didn't seem to care enough about things she should have cared about, like why Kalinda was so adamant that Seraphina take the throne, or who killed her sister. I was also able to predict a lot of the stuff happening before it happened, but that could just be because I've read enough fantasy to last a lifetime.
This was well paced, if a tad long, and the spice was nice. That cliffhanger at the end has me in its hooks. I will definitely read the next book and it will hopefully clear up some of the more obvious questions and holes!
3.5 out of 5 stars 4 out of 5 spicy peppers Memorable line: “Show me what eternity feels like.” pg. 325 Read this if you like: Dark romantasy, fated mates, enemies to lovers, cliffhangers F*ck appears: 270 times Spicy chapters: ch. 4, ch. 20, ch. 23, ch. 28, ch. 31, ch. 35, ch. 38, ch. 48, ch. 49, ch. 56, ch. 61
This is the story of Asher, a demon hunter who along with his people from Vesperholm, are fighting for survival after the ruins of their home and has been preyed upon the “Succubus” (a mythological creature that appears in their dreams to seduce them to their downfall). They are struggling to keep themselves full as they are feasting on rodents which is the only thing they are able to hunt for if they are lucky.
Until one day, Asher comes across a beautiful, tough and intimidating Succubus, who holds him captive. Her name is Seraphina and she has been trained by the very late Great Lilith who has taught her everything she needs to know before she was slayed by a demon hunter. However, Seraphina is not too keen to accept her new role as she feels like she is an imposter trying to fill in the late Queen Lilith’s big shoes even though the people of Tantalia believes she has proven herself worthy.
Seraphina is now convinced that Asher is the “queenslayer” hence that is actually what she keeps calling him. Is he though? How can he prove that he is not who she thinks he is? How long will he stay captive? Is that all she has against him or do they share something else in common?
If you love ‘enemies to lovers’, then this one is for you! Oh, might I add, this is a 🥵🔥🌶️ kinda read.
Thank you to the author for doing a great job with this book. You kept me entertained for two whole days🔥😏
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Spice Level: 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ This debut Romantasy delivers everything I could want—rich world-building, dynamic characters, high stakes, and absolutely top-tier smut. The story follows a fierce and layered succubus as the female lead and a human man who finds himself unexpectedly pulled into her realm. As he adjusts to this strange new world and eventually becomes one of her royal guard, their bond deepens. The build-up of what they become to each other—loyal, vulnerable, emotionally tethered—is beautifully done. It's not a slow burn in the bedroom, but it is a slow build in the heart, and that made their connection feel even more powerful. And yes, let’s talk about the spice—because wow. The smut is hot, well-paced, and unapologetically bold. It’s the kind of heat that doesn’t just check a box, it enhances the story, revealing more about the characters and their relationship with every scene. Five stars for plot, and five very enthusiastic peppers for spice. The world-building is just as strong. The author clearly poured so much care into crafting a realm full of magic, political tension, and rich lore. Every detail—from cultural dynamics to the power structures of both realms—feels immersive and alive. A truly impressive debut Romantasy from a gifted author. If you love Romantasy that doesn’t hold back on heat or heart, this one should be at the top of your TBR.
"Hunted by Fate" by Aurora Steinhart is an enthralling fantasy novel that immerses readers in a richly crafted world filled with magic, adventure, and complex characters. The story follows a young protagonist who embarks on a perilous journey, facing both external adversaries and internal struggles.
Her writing is vivid and engaging, drawing readers into the narrative with well-developed settings and a fast-paced plot. The character development is particularly noteworthy, as the protagonist grapples with personal demons while navigating a world fraught with danger. Themes of fate, courage, and self-discovery are woven throughout the story, making for a compelling read.
The pacing of the book is well-balanced, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, reflective scenes that allow for character growth. Her ability to create tension and suspense keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to find out what happens next.
Overall, "Hunted by Fate" is a captivating tale that will resonate with fans of fantasy and adventure. Aurora Steinhart has crafted a memorable story that not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the nature of destiny and the choices we make. It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of magic and meaningful storytelling. Can’t wait for the next book!!!🫶🫶🫶🫶
Thiiiiiiiiiiiiis book! Thiiiiiiiiiiiiiis incredible book! The twists, the turns, the fantasy, the humour, the anger, just all of it!
So incredibly grateful to have been granted with an ARC. This was so intricate and clever, how the story is interwoven. I cannot wait to keep reading about the A Gown of Leather and Bone Saga. The spicy scenes, are interwoven throughout the story and the way Asher and Sera grow together and in their own selves, makes this book even better.
Asher & Sera are from different worlds, had different upbringings and very different ideas of what needs to happen to make their world get to a better place.
The vivid descriptions used in the book helps bring each world to life - especially Vesperholm and Tantalia.
Having a pronunciation dictionary, is also top tier - all fantasy authors should do this!!
This fantasy book, covers so much more than a succubi/human romance, the emotions, the grief, anger, family loyalty, loneliness make this book an exquisite read. I'm always supportive of authors taking their time, to write a book they are happy with publishing and to not rush them, but I will be patiently waiting for the next installment!
How do I even describe this tantalizing piece of literature? Let me start by saying for me, it most definitely reminded me of the Anita Blake series but 1000% BETTER!!!! I won’t give any spoilers because you absolutely have to enter the world of Tantalia, where you will encounter the rather sexy (Hello Daddy Hunter) hunter Asher Blackwood. Daddy hunter is determined to hunt down every last succbi but he has twist 🤫 (again, a must read). If that’s not enough to peak your interest, the author casually lets us know Queen Lilith has been murdered and her protege, had not taken kindly to the news and the plot thickens, as hell breaks loose and chaos ensues when someone murders her sister. I mean, nothing says,” Hell has no fury like a woman scorned” and your girl was pissed and on a freaking mission but again PLOT TWIST 🤯🫣!!!! To say I enjoyed reading this book is an understatement, I devoured it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’m currently deep into this beautifully written story, and wow it has completely captured me. From the very first chapter, I instantly knew this was going to be a five star read. The writing is so vivid and immersive, each scene painted with such rich, descriptive detail that you feel like you’re walking through the world yourself.
The plot is incredibly captivating, it’s the kind of story that pulls you in effortlessly and refuses to let go. I’ve become so invested in every single character, each one playing a crucial and compelling role in the fight to save their world from a dangerous succubus. I’m especially intrigued by Asher, his mysterious connection to the succubus and the way his power seems to flicker around her has me hooked. I can’t wait to uncover more.
If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession, Hunted by Fate is it. Spellbinding, emotional, and thrilling! This is a must read for any fantasy lover.
The world building in this dark fantasy romance was incredible!! The plot twists?! The characters?! THE ENDING?! The way Aurora writes makes it so easy to follow and enjoy each realm!! I loved Asher and Seraphina together, enemies to lovers but she begs like a good boy?! Yessss😈
Seraphina Moonsong Mistress of Bloodshed and General of the Nights Legions, a baddie Succubus✨ We all love a strong FMC who carries out power. I could feel her energy through the pages. I loved her humor and the way her relationship developed with Asher.
Asher, Demon Slayer who ends up fated with the creatures he’s supposed to get rid of. He was so hot, it’s criminal. I loved how he tried his best to stay away from Sera and then ended up carrying her in on his back. Although he was human, things changed and his character development was crazy. A DEMON OF A MAN✨ Aurora writes great fictional men, Carter? Hellloooo you are sleeping on this author💅
What the H E double hockey sticks... by far my favorite fantasy book of all time. Not kidding. I still can’t believe this was her first time writing in this genre. I was completely blown away.
Even though it’s a succubus fantasy, it never felt like one to me. The love story is what truly pulled me in — it builds so naturally, with twists and turns that kept me completely immersed from start to finish.
The world building is my favorite I’ve ever read. Aurora is incredibly detailed and takes her time in a way that makes every scene feel vivid and alive. I could picture everything so clearly, and honestly… it was beyond beautiful.
I am not okay with how this book ended. She absolutely turned me into a book addict, itching and waiting for the next one. Rude. Respectfully.
She is my favorite indie author, and I’m so thankful to have a signed copy of this book that I’ll cherish forever.
It’s unbelievable to think this book is the author���s first fantasy book—with how well written the world building & writing in general is it feels like she’s been writing fantasy for years! This story was so unique to anything I’ve ever read before which was so refreshing & fun. The character & world building as well as the plot are perfectly executed. This book made me laugh out loud, blush, & drop my jaw.🗺️😂☺️🤯
I fell in love with the FMC & MMC & really enjoyed the side characters as well. I’m also a sucker for magical/mythical creatures which this book definitely delivered on. This story checked off so many book & fantasy tropes I love & wrote them perfectly. This book also ends on a cliffhanger which only makes me want book 2 even more!🦌🐉✅🤗
Dark fantasy romance with all the things! Succubus, dragons, dryads, orcs, mages, and elves! A true enemies to lovers, in every sense. Asher and Sera’s character development was amazing and the complexity of the characters was *chefs kiss*! I really loved that Asher wasn’t your typical brooding dark MMC, he had a sense of humor and some wit. Great world building that was the perfect amount, it wasn’t a redundancy of the same things over and over or too involved where you get bored. The ending took me for a spin and I’m still reeling. Also the spice was 🥵🔥I kind of felt like I was intruding 🫣 Can’t wait for the next book!
For an author to have switched gears and write a fantasy book she did an amazing job! This was an outstanding read. I loved Asher and Seraphina! The character growth they each had was great to envelop. The chemistry, spice, and true enemies to lovers was phenomenal and made it possible for me to fall in love with them. The world building, characters and plot were all easy to follow and keep me wanting to read on. So many twists and turns that kept me guessing how this will all end and then it ends on a cliffhanger!! Kudos because now I need the second book immediately! Highly recommend to anyone who loves to read fantasy or romantasy books.
Hunted by Fate is the story of Asher and Seraphina, two fated mates that have had a long road to come to terms with their own lives, the way fate has brought them together, and the forces of havoc in both of their realms. A story full of adventure, spice, and extremely lovable characters of all kinds.
I adore this book. Cannot say it enough. Not only is it such a refreshing experience to read a succubus fantasy tale (something that isn’t nearly as overpopulated in the fantasy world as many other fantasy concepts are), it has fiercely lovable characters and such intricate world building that makes you feel like you’re immersed from start to finish. Hugely recommend!!
I went into this thinking maybe Asher was going to be the love of my life but instead fell in love with seraphina. The sexual tension, the desire. Seraphina is absolutely so scrumptious, I love how this was so “I’m a good boy” swooning.
“Take every ounce of my control. Make me your plaything and show me what it’s like to be under you” hello???!
Don’t even get me started on the cliffhanger at the end. I’m literally begging on my hands and knees to know who that was.
Seraphina could step on me and I would say thank you and apologize for being in her way first off (just had to get that out there)
For being Auroras first fantasy book I legit am at a loss for words! The chemistry between Asher and Seraphina is written so well that you can just imagine the scenes (but also who doesn’t love a girl who can hold her own 😏)
Thank you Aurora for allowing me to be an arc reader but also not breaking my heart into a million pieces in the process
This was beautifully written romantasy! A succubus hunter is trying to save his world until he gets caught and brought to the succubus’s realm. As we know, things aren’t always what they seem.
I love this story so much! Aurora builds a beautiful world, and you get sucked into it! The way she describes things is perfect! The tension is yummy! The spice is spicy! The FMC is one badass bitch! The MMC is delicious! Such a great story! Check it out ASAP!
First of all- WHAT IS THIS ENDING?! 🔥 for her debut into this genre- CHEFS KISS. I will be dreaming of this book until book 2. Thank you so much for this Arc read, I feel honored to have been able to dive into this story.
These characters, and the tension, the development- all of it- 5 ⭐️
ARC REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I can’t even explain how I absolutely loved this book so much like the first line and the book cover had me hooked like the whole story was chefs kiss. I can’t wait to read it again I highly recommend others to give it a read.