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Shadows of the Tenebris Court #1
A Kiss of Iron
The Bookish Box Exclusive Luxe Edition details:
- Printed Author Signature
- Front Dust Jacket Artwork with Foiled Details by @jinsdesk
- Hard Case Artwork with Foiled Details by @jinsdesk
- Edge Artwork by @jinsdesk
- Reverse Dust Jacket Art with Foiled Details by @vanmec_dot_ci
- Character Art Endpapers by @vanmec_dot_ci
In the cut-throat game of court life, masters manipulate pawns—and you never know which one you are. One thing is certain: there’s no space on the board for love.
A penniless noblewoman, Kat is on the verge of losing everything when she’s offered a well-paid job that could be her salvation… or her ruin. Drawn into court’s deadly intrigues, she’s given a single task: spy on the powerful fae lord known as the Night Queen’s Shadow.
Bastian Marwood is handsome, ruthless, and cunning, but Kat can’t decide if he’s a threat to her kingdom or just her heart. To uncover the truth, she must play a dangerous game of desire and deceit, pushing him to reveal his secrets while protecting her own. But Bastian’s shadows have a hold on her—one she isn’t sure she wants to escape.
Kat soon learns that at court, nothing is as it seems and even the best-laid plans can be destroyed in an instant. As a pawn on the board, she can’t afford to fall victim to love—only fight for survival.
A Kiss of Iron is the first book in a new series featuring court intrigue, a morally grey hero, and an unforgettable enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Gild and From Blood and Ash.
- Printed Author Signature
- Front Dust Jacket Artwork with Foiled Details by @jinsdesk
- Hard Case Artwork with Foiled Details by @jinsdesk
- Edge Artwork by @jinsdesk
- Reverse Dust Jacket Art with Foiled Details by @vanmec_dot_ci
- Character Art Endpapers by @vanmec_dot_ci
In the cut-throat game of court life, masters manipulate pawns—and you never know which one you are. One thing is certain: there’s no space on the board for love.
A penniless noblewoman, Kat is on the verge of losing everything when she’s offered a well-paid job that could be her salvation… or her ruin. Drawn into court’s deadly intrigues, she’s given a single task: spy on the powerful fae lord known as the Night Queen’s Shadow.
Bastian Marwood is handsome, ruthless, and cunning, but Kat can’t decide if he’s a threat to her kingdom or just her heart. To uncover the truth, she must play a dangerous game of desire and deceit, pushing him to reveal his secrets while protecting her own. But Bastian’s shadows have a hold on her—one she isn’t sure she wants to escape.
Kat soon learns that at court, nothing is as it seems and even the best-laid plans can be destroyed in an instant. As a pawn on the board, she can’t afford to fall victim to love—only fight for survival.
A Kiss of Iron is the first book in a new series featuring court intrigue, a morally grey hero, and an unforgettable enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Gild and From Blood and Ash.
620 pages, Hardcover
First published February 20, 2023
6124 people are currently reading
95562 people want to read
About the author
Clare Sager
21 books1,812 followersClare Sager writes darkly addictive romantasy full of slow-burn steam, gut-wrenching conflict, and morally grey *everybody*. Dubbed the Queen of Edging by readers, she takes no responsibility for lost sleep or therapy bills.
When she’s not breaking hearts with her Shadows of the Tenebris Court series, Clare can usually be found drinking coffee, lifting weights, or impulse-buying stationery.
She lives in Nottingham, Robin Hood country, so it’s no surprise she writes about characters who don’t always play by the rules.
When she’s not breaking hearts with her Shadows of the Tenebris Court series, Clare can usually be found drinking coffee, lifting weights, or impulse-buying stationery.
She lives in Nottingham, Robin Hood country, so it’s no surprise she writes about characters who don’t always play by the rules.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 3,246 reviews
June 25, 2023
3.5 stars ✨
Wow that was deliciously spicyyyy 👀
✔️ Romantasy
✔️ Human x fae romance
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ Juicy smut (3.5/5 🌶️)
✔️ Enemies to lovers (elaborated further)
✔️ Fake relationship
✔️ Morally grey characters
✔️ She's a spy
✔️ He has shadows (shadow magic)
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ "Who did this to you?"
✔️ "Touch her you die"
✔️ Betrayals
Now that was a wild ride. If you're looking for a smutty fantasy book, then this is it for you. But if you're looking for something with a lot of action and more plot driven, this might not work for you.
The FMC- Kat, is a noblewoman who's struggling financially and gets offered a job, only that job is to spy on the powerful fae, who is the Night Queen's Shadow, aka the MMC- Bastian. But as she starts to spy on him, and gets close to him..she finds herself in a difficult spot.
I liked Kat up till 95% of the book and then right at the end she became a hypocrite and that made me annoyed tbh. I liked her sabrecat. Kat had a lot of potential, sadly her trauma had her in clutches throughout the book. Knowing she was the Wicked Lady, I did expect more from her. Bastian, my love, is the reason for 3 whole stars. He is book boyfriend material 😌 Tho I wish we got a bit more of his shadow play 👀 I swear Bastian is charming, conniving, and so easy to like.
Plot wise, it was kinda meh cause it didn't have much to offer as sub plots. It felt like there was a lot happening at times but nothing really happened. So don't go expecting a highly complicated plot or world building. Keeping expectations low in those areas will be better approach. The pacing is slowish.
The romance is angsty and spicy. The slow burn is not bad, I quite enjoyed that. The book is marketed as enemies to lovers, I disagree. It was more hate to love. Considering there were no actual reason for enmity between the two, there's no reason to call them enemies. Also, there was just one event of conflict between the two which imo did not classify as enemies.
The ending was chef's kiss. But then Kat said some things to Bastian which was reallllyyyy hypocritical of her tbh cause she did the same to him this whole while but when he confessed, she had the audacity to get offended and accuse him whereas she apologized for the same to him. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE 🥲🥲
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I mostly liked the smut which is well written and the chemistry between the main characters.
Thanks to the Glitchreads Girls for the Buddy read. Y'all made this book special ❤️
~•~•~
Buddy read with the Glitchreads babes <3
Wow that was deliciously spicyyyy 👀
✔️ Romantasy
✔️ Human x fae romance
✔️ Slow burn
✔️ Juicy smut (3.5/5 🌶️)
✔️ Enemies to lovers (elaborated further)
✔️ Fake relationship
✔️ Morally grey characters
✔️ She's a spy
✔️ He has shadows (shadow magic)
✔️ Only one bed
✔️ "Who did this to you?"
✔️ "Touch her you die"
✔️ Betrayals
Now that was a wild ride. If you're looking for a smutty fantasy book, then this is it for you. But if you're looking for something with a lot of action and more plot driven, this might not work for you.
The FMC- Kat, is a noblewoman who's struggling financially and gets offered a job, only that job is to spy on the powerful fae, who is the Night Queen's Shadow, aka the MMC- Bastian. But as she starts to spy on him, and gets close to him..she finds herself in a difficult spot.
I liked Kat up till 95% of the book and then right at the end she became a hypocrite and that made me annoyed tbh. I liked her sabrecat. Kat had a lot of potential, sadly her trauma had her in clutches throughout the book. Knowing she was the Wicked Lady, I did expect more from her. Bastian, my love, is the reason for 3 whole stars. He is book boyfriend material 😌 Tho I wish we got a bit more of his shadow play 👀 I swear Bastian is charming, conniving, and so easy to like.
Plot wise, it was kinda meh cause it didn't have much to offer as sub plots. It felt like there was a lot happening at times but nothing really happened. So don't go expecting a highly complicated plot or world building. Keeping expectations low in those areas will be better approach. The pacing is slowish.
The romance is angsty and spicy. The slow burn is not bad, I quite enjoyed that. The book is marketed as enemies to lovers, I disagree. It was more hate to love. Considering there were no actual reason for enmity between the two, there's no reason to call them enemies. Also, there was just one event of conflict between the two which imo did not classify as enemies.
The ending was chef's kiss. But then Kat said some things to Bastian which was reallllyyyy hypocritical of her tbh cause she did the same to him this whole while but when he confessed, she had the audacity to get offended and accuse him whereas she apologized for the same to him. MAKE IT MAKE SENSE 🥲🥲
Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I mostly liked the smut which is well written and the chemistry between the main characters.
Thanks to the Glitchreads Girls for the Buddy read. Y'all made this book special ❤️
~•~•~
Buddy read with the Glitchreads babes <3
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dnf
November 28, 2025Time of death: 58%
I'm not gonna write a "pretty review" for this, cause I'd rather not waste my time on this book any longer than I already have.
I don't usually DNF buddy reads, because it makes me feel like a buzzkill. I really tried to read this, but I couldn't get into it. There was barely any plot, and characters with ZERO character development and no depth. The world-building was severely lacking. No action. No plot. The book got smuttier as it went on, and the "plot" was nonexistent. This book felt like a bunch of fantasy books blended together, and it was so bland. It felt like eating unseasoned chicken. The writing was...so bad, I was struggling to get into the story—it was also OVERLY repetitive. This book did not need to be over 500 pages at all.
For a character known as the "Wicked Lady", she was very stupid. She was also a spy, but a terrible one. The FMC was touch-starved for the majority of the book, and I cringed a lot during those scenes. And what was the point of her husband? He was useless. Also, why, on earth, is seduction STILL used as a spying tactic?
I liked Bastian, but in no way is he boyfriend material—he's very mediocre to me. I didn't feel any chemistry between the couple, to be honest. Sure, I liked his soft spot towards Kat, but that's about it.
୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺ Pre-read: ༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Buddy reading with my babe Uswah. I'm so excited for our buddy read! ♥️
Let's hope this gets me out of my reading slump 😭
I'm not gonna write a "pretty review" for this, cause I'd rather not waste my time on this book any longer than I already have.
I don't usually DNF buddy reads, because it makes me feel like a buzzkill. I really tried to read this, but I couldn't get into it. There was barely any plot, and characters with ZERO character development and no depth. The world-building was severely lacking. No action. No plot. The book got smuttier as it went on, and the "plot" was nonexistent. This book felt like a bunch of fantasy books blended together, and it was so bland. It felt like eating unseasoned chicken. The writing was...so bad, I was struggling to get into the story—it was also OVERLY repetitive. This book did not need to be over 500 pages at all.
For a character known as the "Wicked Lady", she was very stupid. She was also a spy, but a terrible one. The FMC was touch-starved for the majority of the book, and I cringed a lot during those scenes. And what was the point of her husband? He was useless. Also, why, on earth, is seduction STILL used as a spying tactic?
I liked Bastian, but in no way is he boyfriend material—he's very mediocre to me. I didn't feel any chemistry between the couple, to be honest. Sure, I liked his soft spot towards Kat, but that's about it.
୨୧ ──────── ୨୧ ──────── ୨୧
*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺ Pre-read: ༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚
Buddy reading with my babe Uswah. I'm so excited for our buddy read! ♥️
Let's hope this gets me out of my reading slump 😭
December 26, 2025
DNF at 56%.
My love Salma and I finally gave up because it was just too much 😭 Better to DNF than torture ourselves. Also, it was sooo long 😭
It actually started off really interesting, I loved the concept. The writing was pretty meh, but I ignored it because the plot was good enough to keep me going. But then…the plot just vanished. And suddenly we were hit with unnecessary smut 🥰 Atp, unnecessary smut is my long-lost rival 😃 LEAVE ME ALONE, WHAT HAVE I DONE?? BRUH.
I even forgot the FMC’s name 💀 (What can I say? She’s not important enough to remember 😔) Oh yes — Katherine. 😭 Katherine was SO DUMB. You’re telling me this girl is a “Wicked Lady” who steals from people??? I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t already know her 💀 She was so dumb sometimes that I became speechless for everyone’s sake 🥰 She’s supposed to be clever and capable, but nah, she was acting like the dumbest damsel in distress 😭 The mystery wasn’t even that difficult, but she made it difficult 😭 I’m gonna cry!!!
Bastian (see, I remember the MMC because he mattered) was the only good character in the entire book, imo. (I’m not including Lara because they did her dirty 🫠 I love her. Oh, and Ella too 🤭). This fae is ruthless, pitiless, absolutely harsh to humans and other creatures, but his soft side??? Toward Kat??? AHHHHHHH!!! GIMME MORE 🙂↕️ Honestly, he was the only thing keeping me going. Also his jealous side??? I was giggling 🤭🤭 EEEEP!!! Bastian is the best. Bastian being ruthless to everyone except his one dumbass human girl?? 😭 THAT trope always hits though.
I don’t understand why seduction is always the main spying tactic 😭 Seriously?? I’m tired 😭 I get why it’s used, and I get that the story showed the old timeline, but still, really??? 😭 No. Change the tactics, please.
And then…enter unnecessary smut again 🥰💀 LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I can’t anymore. Please stopppp 😭 I hate it when there’s too much smut, especially when it is UNNECESSARY. Like girl, you’re in a mess, you need to escape, but ofc you have to make out every time 🥰 Survival instincts?? Never heard of them. I got it. You guys love each other. Please stop. There was a One Bed Trope though, and Bastian DELIVERED. I liked that scene.
That’s pretty much it 😭 I had so much fun yapping with my love Salma, but I’m so sad our first BR was a flop 😭 We were so excited, but don’t worry, our next one won’t be 😼 Thank youuuu so much mwah 💋 ilysmmm.
That’s it, guys. Love y’all 🫶♥️🩶
————————————————————
⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆ pre-read ⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆
First buddy read with my love Salma 🤭🫶 and I’m soooo ready to dive into this book with her. Plz, entertain us ♥️🩶
My love Salma and I finally gave up because it was just too much 😭 Better to DNF than torture ourselves. Also, it was sooo long 😭
It actually started off really interesting, I loved the concept. The writing was pretty meh, but I ignored it because the plot was good enough to keep me going. But then…the plot just vanished. And suddenly we were hit with unnecessary smut 🥰 Atp, unnecessary smut is my long-lost rival 😃 LEAVE ME ALONE, WHAT HAVE I DONE?? BRUH.
I even forgot the FMC’s name 💀 (What can I say? She’s not important enough to remember 😔) Oh yes — Katherine. 😭 Katherine was SO DUMB. You’re telling me this girl is a “Wicked Lady” who steals from people??? I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t already know her 💀 She was so dumb sometimes that I became speechless for everyone’s sake 🥰 She’s supposed to be clever and capable, but nah, she was acting like the dumbest damsel in distress 😭 The mystery wasn’t even that difficult, but she made it difficult 😭 I’m gonna cry!!!
Bastian (see, I remember the MMC because he mattered) was the only good character in the entire book, imo. (I’m not including Lara because they did her dirty 🫠 I love her. Oh, and Ella too 🤭). This fae is ruthless, pitiless, absolutely harsh to humans and other creatures, but his soft side??? Toward Kat??? AHHHHHHH!!! GIMME MORE 🙂↕️ Honestly, he was the only thing keeping me going. Also his jealous side??? I was giggling 🤭🤭 EEEEP!!! Bastian is the best. Bastian being ruthless to everyone except his one dumbass human girl?? 😭 THAT trope always hits though.
I don’t understand why seduction is always the main spying tactic 😭 Seriously?? I’m tired 😭 I get why it’s used, and I get that the story showed the old timeline, but still, really??? 😭 No. Change the tactics, please.
And then…enter unnecessary smut again 🥰💀 LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I can’t anymore. Please stopppp 😭 I hate it when there’s too much smut, especially when it is UNNECESSARY. Like girl, you’re in a mess, you need to escape, but ofc you have to make out every time 🥰 Survival instincts?? Never heard of them. I got it. You guys love each other. Please stop. There was a One Bed Trope though, and Bastian DELIVERED. I liked that scene.
That’s pretty much it 😭 I had so much fun yapping with my love Salma, but I’m so sad our first BR was a flop 😭 We were so excited, but don’t worry, our next one won’t be 😼 Thank youuuu so much mwah 💋 ilysmmm.
That’s it, guys. Love y’all 🫶♥️🩶
————————————————————
⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆ pre-read ⋆༺𓆩⚔𓆪༻⋆
First buddy read with my love Salma 🤭🫶 and I’m soooo ready to dive into this book with her. Plz, entertain us ♥️🩶
October 19, 2024
4.75 ⭐️ I went in completely blind and was pleasantly surprised…I’ve not enjoyed a book so much in a while! A fun fae romantasy with court politics and spies. I loved this!!!!
August 30, 2023
"You want me to fuck you over the throne or...?
After a few days, and after I've had the chance to properly sit down and think back about this book, I've sadly decided to take down half a star from its initial 4-star ratings and round it down to 3.
While I've had fun with this and still consider Clare Sager and her writing a gift to humanity, I couldn't get past some technicalities, and had some problems getting through the second part.
The first half of the book had me excitedly enthralled; I could never really relate to Kat, but I liked her character despite and because of her faults.
The plot was interesting and the romance kept me on my toes. Unfortunately, the pace started slowing down and the scenes became repetitive.
I still had no trouble finishing this and reading it didn't feel like a chore, but I wished it kept my interest alive like it did at the start and there were a few things that don't make much sense I wish I could overlook, but inevitably can't.
As much as I loved the romance and was totally into Bastian's charm, I felt like something was missing about his character, something I can't pinpoint.
I also expected more groveling, on both parts and there were moments I felt bored with it all, and didn't find the characters fascinating enough to keep me guessing their next move.
But, of course, it had its good and very enjoyable moments, too.
For one, Sager's dialogues are always exquisite. I love her banter so much and her writing is easy to follow and not pompous at all.
The spice was simply excellent and some of the first interactions betweeen Kat and Bastian were so full of sexual tension I had butterflies.
I also loved the Beneath Black Sails references and Vice and Knigh's appearance.
I've already mentioned that Kat and I don't resonate on a deep level, but I appreciated how tenacious she was.
Overall, this was very entertaining and I'm pretty sure I'll read the second book when it comes out.
Clare Sager proved once again that she knows how to write a spicy story when needed.
The fact that I buddy read this with the Glitchread Girls, made it even more special.
ACTUAL RATINGS 3,5/5
June 29, 2023
4 Orrery Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
This book is the literal definition of why I love fantasy romance and prefer fantasy romance to contemporary. It had everything that your girl wants and needs in a book. There was tension. There was magic, there was angst...It was just so good!
The tropes in this are not too bad either 😏
▶Enemies Hate to Lovers
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Fake Relationship
▶ One Bed
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Who Did This To You...
▶ Morally Gray MMC
▶ Human X Fae Relationship
▶ HE'S A FUCKING SHADOW DADDY PEOPLE!!!!!!!!
I adored this. It just played into that romantic catnip that gets me excited. This first-person POV book follows Kat, a noblewoman estranged from her husband, trying to keep her (husband's) estate afloat. She has been forced into a life of thievery to make sure that she can pay for things around the estate and one day she makes the mistake of stealing something from a Fae. Fortuitously for her, she is summoned to court to play...a SPY on dear Bastian the Night Queen's Shadow. Naturally, things get exciting from there...
Claire Sager has built such unique characters with unique worldbuilding, and I honestly couldn't put this down. I fell behind in the buddy-read and I devoured this when I had the chance to catch up! Basically, I absolutely adored almost everything about this. And let me tell you how LOUD I squealed when I found out that Vice had her own story.
To explain why I didn't give this a full 5 stars I need to delve into "Spoiler Territory" so if you haven't read this, the above should be enough to help you decide to proceed or not (but my recommendation is if you like me LOVE Fantasy Romance) this book will be like catnip to you too! I cannot believe that I have sat this long on not reading a Claire Sager book because it's LITERALLY EXACTLY what I enjoy! I also appreciated the English spelling of everything. I'm tired of reading things without U. Overall, I cannot wait to read book two. I am salivating at what is going to happen with these characters and where they're going to go.
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️/5
This book is the literal definition of why I love fantasy romance and prefer fantasy romance to contemporary. It had everything that your girl wants and needs in a book. There was tension. There was magic, there was angst...It was just so good!
The tropes in this are not too bad either 😏
▶
▶ Forced Proximity
▶ Fake Relationship
▶ One Bed
▶ Touch Her You Die
▶ Who Did This To You...
▶ Morally Gray MMC
▶ Human X Fae Relationship
▶ HE'S A FUCKING SHADOW DADDY PEOPLE!!!!!!!!
I adored this. It just played into that romantic catnip that gets me excited. This first-person POV book follows Kat, a noblewoman estranged from her husband, trying to keep her (husband's) estate afloat. She has been forced into a life of thievery to make sure that she can pay for things around the estate and one day she makes the mistake of stealing something from a Fae. Fortuitously for her, she is summoned to court to play...a SPY on dear Bastian the Night Queen's Shadow. Naturally, things get exciting from there...
Claire Sager has built such unique characters with unique worldbuilding, and I honestly couldn't put this down. I fell behind in the buddy-read and I devoured this when I had the chance to catch up! Basically, I absolutely adored almost everything about this. And let me tell you how LOUD I squealed when I found out that Vice had her own story.
To explain why I didn't give this a full 5 stars I need to delve into "Spoiler Territory" so if you haven't read this, the above should be enough to help you decide to proceed or not (but my recommendation is if you like me LOVE Fantasy Romance) this book will be like catnip to you too! I cannot believe that I have sat this long on not reading a Claire Sager book because it's LITERALLY EXACTLY what I enjoy! I also appreciated the English spelling of everything. I'm tired of reading things without U. Overall, I cannot wait to read book two. I am salivating at what is going to happen with these characters and where they're going to go.
February 22, 2023
DNF at 86%... yes 86%.. Why you ask? Because I was that exasperated with this story...the plot was ridiculous...the execution was even worse. It was so cheesy, the decisions in this book made no sense. I can't even. I can't even ...
In all fairness, the author has potential but needs more work in her writing skills.
In all fairness, the author has potential but needs more work in her writing skills.
March 27, 2025
THIS!!! wow ok i didn't know what to expect heading in to this but i enjoyed this SO MUCH! i loved our FMC and her desire to rebel from the societal norms of what is expected of a woman. the shadow daddy MMC has me in a chokehold and he is absolutely my type of book man!!! this was an incredible start to the series and i can't wait to see where this goes.
April 22, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑
I had an amazing time with this book and honestly I really do not usually read books this fast which engrosses me this much because Uni is so draining but this one hooked me right up and I was devouring it page after page. Katherine and Bastian had a chemistry that was so undeniable. The spark that they created was amazing and the romance was 🤌🏻 from the cute tender moments to the spice it was all done well. The only reason this wasn't a five star read for me was because Katherine pissed me off some times but that end has me wanting to read the next one ASAP.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️.🫑
I had an amazing time with this book and honestly I really do not usually read books this fast which engrosses me this much because Uni is so draining but this one hooked me right up and I was devouring it page after page. Katherine and Bastian had a chemistry that was so undeniable. The spark that they created was amazing and the romance was 🤌🏻 from the cute tender moments to the spice it was all done well. The only reason this wasn't a five star read for me was because Katherine pissed me off some times but that end has me wanting to read the next one ASAP.
July 19, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ This book has me sucked in from the first goddamn page and I found it IMPOSSIBLE to put down! Typically I’m not a fan of court intrigue but I was GOBBLING this up! The DRAMA. The SECRETS. The not knowing who to trust!!!
The trauma and PTSD representation was so beautifully executed, though painful, I could relate in so many ways and I felt the pain and emotion from the FMC and it really made me feel connected to her. I absolutely love Kat, seeing her work through her trauma and find her voice is everything and I can’t wait to see her grow in book two.
Don’t even get me started on the MMC Bastian…. The way he encourages Kat to work through her trauma and supporting her but not holding her hand and solving her problems for her, is EVERYTHING. He’s a scrumptious Fae with so many secrets, of course I love him. But I love their relationship even more, although it’s enemies to lovers with the most delicious slow burn, their relationship is a unique one and it didn’t at all feel predictable.
✔️slow burn
✔️enemies to lovers to….
✔️angst angst angst
✔️TENSION
✔️scrumptious spice
✔️court intrigue
✔️morally grey MMC
✔️fake dating
✔️touch her and die
Obsessed. The only reason why it isn’t 5 stars is because I felt like there were some very predictable parts of the book and it dragged a little in the middle, but it didn’t take away from my experience!
The trauma and PTSD representation was so beautifully executed, though painful, I could relate in so many ways and I felt the pain and emotion from the FMC and it really made me feel connected to her. I absolutely love Kat, seeing her work through her trauma and find her voice is everything and I can’t wait to see her grow in book two.
Don’t even get me started on the MMC Bastian…. The way he encourages Kat to work through her trauma and supporting her but not holding her hand and solving her problems for her, is EVERYTHING. He’s a scrumptious Fae with so many secrets, of course I love him. But I love their relationship even more, although it’s enemies to lovers with the most delicious slow burn, their relationship is a unique one and it didn’t at all feel predictable.
✔️slow burn
✔️enemies to lovers to….
✔️angst angst angst
✔️TENSION
✔️scrumptious spice
✔️court intrigue
✔️morally grey MMC
✔️fake dating
✔️touch her and die
Obsessed. The only reason why it isn’t 5 stars is because I felt like there were some very predictable parts of the book and it dragged a little in the middle, but it didn’t take away from my experience!
January 19, 2024
I can’t with this FMC anymore, she’s testing my patience. They have just found a body and she keeps questioning who would have killed this person. Well … maybe it was the dodgy bloke who said he was going to ‘get rid’ of the now deceased woman … while strangling the FMC (just to clarify this was in a negative way).
I just don’t get it. The dots are literally side by side, it wouldn’t take a genius to connect them.
Initially, I was worried about reading this book because it’s all about deception and betrayal. I thought I would fall in love with the characters and then it would all go to sh1t. I’m not really a fan of the redemption plot. Safe to say I was not too invested.
There was definitely chemistry between the characters, I will not deny that, but it felt a little forced at times. Her purpose was to get close to him, but frequently I felt embarrassed by her actions. They started to cringed me out 😬
An example would be after they found this woman’s body. They spent a lot of time with this lady and enjoyed her company. So why in the hell are they flirting right after they find her? She’s still in the room lying on the floor, probably thinking ‘are you two being serious’. If the phrase ‘a time and a place’ was meant for a specific moment it would be RIGHT NOW. I can’t figure these characters out.
I have to say despite the negative points, I did enjoy the Picnic Chapter. The FMC was being shamed for indulging and the MMC spoke up, defending her quite fiercely. I needed more of that throughout. I needed more actions. More emotions.
I dnf at 33%. After the initial introduction, which I was did enjoy, the pacing sloweddddddddddd down and big time jumps would occur. 2 weeks would go by and she would explain that nothing would happen in that time. The FMC and MMC wouldn’t speak at all. I’m not sure which moment prompted it, but I just stopped caring if they spoke or not.
I just don’t get it. The dots are literally side by side, it wouldn’t take a genius to connect them.
Initially, I was worried about reading this book because it’s all about deception and betrayal. I thought I would fall in love with the characters and then it would all go to sh1t. I’m not really a fan of the redemption plot. Safe to say I was not too invested.
There was definitely chemistry between the characters, I will not deny that, but it felt a little forced at times. Her purpose was to get close to him, but frequently I felt embarrassed by her actions. They started to cringed me out 😬
An example would be after they found this woman’s body. They spent a lot of time with this lady and enjoyed her company. So why in the hell are they flirting right after they find her? She’s still in the room lying on the floor, probably thinking ‘are you two being serious’. If the phrase ‘a time and a place’ was meant for a specific moment it would be RIGHT NOW. I can’t figure these characters out.
I have to say despite the negative points, I did enjoy the Picnic Chapter. The FMC was being shamed for indulging and the MMC spoke up, defending her quite fiercely. I needed more of that throughout. I needed more actions. More emotions.
I dnf at 33%. After the initial introduction, which I was did enjoy, the pacing sloweddddddddddd down and big time jumps would occur. 2 weeks would go by and she would explain that nothing would happen in that time. The FMC and MMC wouldn’t speak at all. I’m not sure which moment prompted it, but I just stopped caring if they spoke or not.
October 19, 2023
Really well written, and being that I got it off Kindle Unlimited, I'm actually very impressed. This is one of those series that I know people are going to love right off the bat. I'm not always in the mood for fantasy but I'm getting back into it more and more recently and loving all of the good recommendations that I've found!!
NOTES:
- Cliffhanger ending
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - LOVE the tension
NOTES:
- Cliffhanger ending
- 🌶️🌶️/5 - LOVE the tension
August 11, 2024
2.5
I waited specifically until I was back in my fantasy era before picking this one up, and let me tell you, it took me right back out.
This book felt like a bunch of chapters stuck together in hopes it would be enjoyable, and spoiler alert, it was not.
What was the driving plot? What were we fighting for? I just felt clueless for a lot of this book and I had no inclination to keep going. I even switched over to the audio book and I still lost interest.
Kat had a lot of potential but again, the author gave us nothing. Bastian, I'd kill him off myself to spice up the book a little. The lack of chemistry between them made every interaction unbearable.
Unfortunately, this author really is not for me and I would not recommend this book.
I waited specifically until I was back in my fantasy era before picking this one up, and let me tell you, it took me right back out.
This book felt like a bunch of chapters stuck together in hopes it would be enjoyable, and spoiler alert, it was not.
What was the driving plot? What were we fighting for? I just felt clueless for a lot of this book and I had no inclination to keep going. I even switched over to the audio book and I still lost interest.
Kat had a lot of potential but again, the author gave us nothing. Bastian, I'd kill him off myself to spice up the book a little. The lack of chemistry between them made every interaction unbearable.
Unfortunately, this author really is not for me and I would not recommend this book.
March 5, 2025
This consumed my life for the past 4 days. And I think it will keep doing so until I get my hands on book 2. Like what the actual F?
“Survival is a slow death. No one can keep treading water forever—it’s just a slow way to drown. If their situation doesn’t change—if no lifeline comes or they don’t find a boat or solid ground—they will sink.”
“Do you have any idea how few people get what they deserve? Fuck deserve... Take what you want for once, not only what you need.” He gripped my shoulders and I could feel in the tightness that he wanted to shake me. “Gods damn it, be a little selfish.”
“You can find family.”
“You’re going to destroy me, ember… flame… fucking forest fire. I’m ash for you.”
“Survival is a slow death. No one can keep treading water forever—it’s just a slow way to drown. If their situation doesn’t change—if no lifeline comes or they don’t find a boat or solid ground—they will sink.”
“Do you have any idea how few people get what they deserve? Fuck deserve... Take what you want for once, not only what you need.” He gripped my shoulders and I could feel in the tightness that he wanted to shake me. “Gods damn it, be a little selfish.”
“You can find family.”
“You’re going to destroy me, ember… flame… fucking forest fire. I’m ash for you.”
d-n-f
August 16, 2023dnf @ 30%
i’m bored! this book is surprisingly long and i also don’t love the characters all that much, except for blaze, who reminds me of edna from ‘the incredibles’ (and i LOVE edna).
nothing is captivating me, and i have a short attention span right now, so i’m putting this book down until further notice.
i’m bored! this book is surprisingly long and i also don’t love the characters all that much, except for blaze, who reminds me of edna from ‘the incredibles’ (and i LOVE edna).
nothing is captivating me, and i have a short attention span right now, so i’m putting this book down until further notice.
July 29, 2023
HOLY FECK THIS WAS GREAT 😮💨
Fantasy Romance is KING!!!
The rage.. oh, the rage. Nothing gets me going quite like an angry woman and damn, did this deliver. I can’t wait to see this ember flame into a forest fire.
Picture this. Kat is stuck in this patriarchal society. Her husband is off traveling Europa, sheathing his sword god knows where. Leaving Kat in debt and a household that’s falling apart. TYPICAL.
So, she becomes a lady of the night, a Wicked Lady. 💃🏽 And by that I mean, she steals goods from unsuspecting rich people to pay the debts her husband has left her with. 🥷
These rich people care for nothing but appearances, so in order for Kat to appear in good standing, she has to steal to keep a house over her head. Because a woman with an income? OUTRAGEOUS. Property of husbands don’t work..
WELL, in comes fae man on a freakin’ sabrecat 🐈⬛
She steals from him.
Then gets hired by the queen to spy on him because he also happens to be a “very important man”.
She does it of course, because she has debts to pay because of her good for nothing husband.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?! OR RIGHT???
Kat has trauma like nobodies business and it was written really well. Not only that, but the representation of Women’s struggles in the world was so bloody acute, I needed to take many breathers. The way it is handled was absolutely incredible.
Bastian can butter my biscuit any day. Shadow daddy likes Voyeurism too, like HELLO. I’m so wide awake. The way in which this mans knows consent and body language was so hot.
Also just court intrigue, political moves, fae magic, power plays, sabercat riders, sexy outfits.. A+
The way I need fan art of Kat in those thigh high leather riding boots… SO HOT
🌶️🌶️🌶️ SUPER HOT SHIT
I cannot wait for book two. CAN. NOT. WAIT.
Fantasy Romance is KING!!!
The rage.. oh, the rage. Nothing gets me going quite like an angry woman and damn, did this deliver. I can’t wait to see this ember flame into a forest fire.
Picture this. Kat is stuck in this patriarchal society. Her husband is off traveling Europa, sheathing his sword god knows where. Leaving Kat in debt and a household that’s falling apart. TYPICAL.
So, she becomes a lady of the night, a Wicked Lady. 💃🏽 And by that I mean, she steals goods from unsuspecting rich people to pay the debts her husband has left her with. 🥷
These rich people care for nothing but appearances, so in order for Kat to appear in good standing, she has to steal to keep a house over her head. Because a woman with an income? OUTRAGEOUS. Property of husbands don’t work..
WELL, in comes fae man on a freakin’ sabrecat 🐈⬛
She steals from him.
Then gets hired by the queen to spy on him because he also happens to be a “very important man”.
She does it of course, because she has debts to pay because of her good for nothing husband.
WHAT COULD GO WRONG?! OR RIGHT???
Kat has trauma like nobodies business and it was written really well. Not only that, but the representation of Women’s struggles in the world was so bloody acute, I needed to take many breathers. The way it is handled was absolutely incredible.
Bastian can butter my biscuit any day. Shadow daddy likes Voyeurism too, like HELLO. I’m so wide awake. The way in which this mans knows consent and body language was so hot.
Also just court intrigue, political moves, fae magic, power plays, sabercat riders, sexy outfits.. A+
The way I need fan art of Kat in those thigh high leather riding boots… SO HOT
🌶️🌶️🌶️ SUPER HOT SHIT
I cannot wait for book two. CAN. NOT. WAIT.
July 1, 2023
That ending was CRUEL.
RTC (I swear I’ll write this one)
—/—:—/—
Buddy read with my Glitchread girls!🥰
hoping this one works out for all of us...and that the Shadow Daddy is chefs kiss...🤭
RTC (I swear I’ll write this one)
—/—:—/—
Buddy read with my Glitchread girls!🥰
hoping this one works out for all of us...and that the Shadow Daddy is chefs kiss...🤭
September 13, 2024
This was…bad. Basically a mashing of booktok plots in a bad storyline. Not sure if there is a term specific to books to describe something that is essentially fast fashion, but this was that
June 26, 2023
you had me at shadow daddy 👀
buddy read with the glitchread girlies 🩵
buddy read with the glitchread girlies 🩵
June 17, 2024
Second read notes:
I still love this book. I potentially love this book even more.
When I first read AKOI, I blitzed through it because I needed to know what happened. This time, I took my time, and so many things jumped out at me that I missed my first read.
I want to give an overall shout out to the representation of the male-dominated system and what women have to do to survive; the rage that accumulates over time. I also freaking love the god-tier rant about how poison is the "cowardly woman's weapon" and yet chopping someone's head off with a sword is heroic, superior, purely because it is on a physical field where men will always dominate. I have a good chunk of it in my highlights if you'd like to read, but I wanted to cheer when I read that. Go. Off. QUEEN. That is such a valid point I think many of us have overlooked.
I also just want to give props to Kat. No matter what state she is in emotionally, she can and will get ish done. Yet, it's so satisfying getting to see her, as Bastian says, also "start to take up space in the world." Kat slowly learns how to not just survive, but live, and I think that is such a quintessential human struggle. Well done all around.
**original review**
I stayed up past midnight to finish this book, just to cry for five minutes, then furiously pace my dorm because I had no friends that were awake that I could talk to and at one point audibly asked my dark empty room, "How am I supposed to sleep now?"
A Kiss of Iron ensnares readers in the deadly, sometimes dazzling world of court politics. After years of thievery and the occasional killing to survive, Kat finds herself with an impossible, unfair bill she must pay. Her only chance to get the money is to accept the queen's summons to be a lady in waiting, which subsequently drags her into the services of her, "I don't know what boundaries are" spymaster. It's here that Kat receives her mission: bring back information on Bastian, also known as the deadly, unreasonably good-looking faerie that prefers "death by thighs." What ensues is a chessboard romance that had me grinning like an idiot to myself at some parts, and utterly ashamed to be reading it in public at other times.
Usually, I like to start by going over the characters, but we're going to table that for a second, because y'all, we have to talk about the steam. Chapter 22? "Is that 'please release you' or 'please give you release'?" chapter 22. This book promises steam, and it delivers—in the most delightfully refreshing ways, I should add. Clare is keeping us on our toes. Honestly, even if everything else about AKOF was lackluster, I still would have recommended it for the romance arc. That being said, it is far from lackluster, and that starts with the characters.
Kat is the definition of girl boss. Feminine rage. Badass that needs no man to take care of her. As a matter of fact, all of the men in her life have only taught her how to hide from their tempers; remain complicit; survive. She's not afraid to get her hands dirty, and while her moral compass can be gray at times, her heart is golden.
Kat is not just a relatable character, but she's an inspiring one as well. She refuses to let life knock her down, and when it inevitably does, the depiction of her PTSD is immaculate. Chapters 60-69 are just incredible overall, not just with Kat struggling to pull herself out of the past, but the way Bastian supports her as she does so. Speaking of which: Bastian.
Girlies, we have a shadow daddy in our midst.
Granted, I didn't know what to think of him at first. He just seemed like a typical grumpy love interest with a classic seductive twist. But then, but then dear reader, Bastian surprised me. Yes, there is a grumpy, lethal darkness to him, but there is also a softness that has me grinning to myself as I type this. He obviously has a lot of guards up—and I NEED TO KNOW WHY—but that doesn't stop him from caring about Kat and treating her with the respect she deserves. He also has a surprising deadpan, but also wickedly sarcastic side to him, and that might be my favorite of all.
“Don’t worry, I hear the guest of honour has found himself indisposed.”
I skimmed the crowd. No sign of Eckington. “What happened?”
He smirked and took a sip of his drink like he was trying to hide it. “I happened.”
I widened my eyes. “What did you do?”
“I hear he broke his arm… and maybe his nose.”
My heart sped. “You mean you broke his arm.”
He shrugged. “I was there.”
Overall, easy to love, easy to root for, easy couple to adore, and that just made the climax hurt even more!
You may think you have everything figured out as you read. You may think you have caught all of the twists. But let me tell you, you have not. The amount of twists and reveals and uno reverse cards pulled out of this climax had my head spinning, and I'm usually really good at predicting endings. I seriously don't think I can say anything bad about AKOI. I think there was a little over explaining that happened at times, and the amount of times I had to read "Bastian's silver eyes" got a little much, but honestly, who cares? I love this book.
A Touch of Poison review - 5
I still love this book. I potentially love this book even more.
When I first read AKOI, I blitzed through it because I needed to know what happened. This time, I took my time, and so many things jumped out at me that I missed my first read.
I want to give an overall shout out to the representation of the male-dominated system and what women have to do to survive; the rage that accumulates over time. I also freaking love the god-tier rant about how poison is the "cowardly woman's weapon" and yet chopping someone's head off with a sword is heroic, superior, purely because it is on a physical field where men will always dominate. I have a good chunk of it in my highlights if you'd like to read, but I wanted to cheer when I read that. Go. Off. QUEEN. That is such a valid point I think many of us have overlooked.
I also just want to give props to Kat. No matter what state she is in emotionally, she can and will get ish done. Yet, it's so satisfying getting to see her, as Bastian says, also "start to take up space in the world." Kat slowly learns how to not just survive, but live, and I think that is such a quintessential human struggle. Well done all around.
**original review**
I stayed up past midnight to finish this book, just to cry for five minutes, then furiously pace my dorm because I had no friends that were awake that I could talk to and at one point audibly asked my dark empty room, "How am I supposed to sleep now?"
A Kiss of Iron ensnares readers in the deadly, sometimes dazzling world of court politics. After years of thievery and the occasional killing to survive, Kat finds herself with an impossible, unfair bill she must pay. Her only chance to get the money is to accept the queen's summons to be a lady in waiting, which subsequently drags her into the services of her, "I don't know what boundaries are" spymaster. It's here that Kat receives her mission: bring back information on Bastian, also known as the deadly, unreasonably good-looking faerie that prefers "death by thighs." What ensues is a chessboard romance that had me grinning like an idiot to myself at some parts, and utterly ashamed to be reading it in public at other times.
Usually, I like to start by going over the characters, but we're going to table that for a second, because y'all, we have to talk about the steam. Chapter 22? "Is that 'please release you' or 'please give you release'?" chapter 22. This book promises steam, and it delivers—in the most delightfully refreshing ways, I should add. Clare is keeping us on our toes. Honestly, even if everything else about AKOF was lackluster, I still would have recommended it for the romance arc. That being said, it is far from lackluster, and that starts with the characters.
Kat is the definition of girl boss. Feminine rage. Badass that needs no man to take care of her. As a matter of fact, all of the men in her life have only taught her how to hide from their tempers; remain complicit; survive. She's not afraid to get her hands dirty, and while her moral compass can be gray at times, her heart is golden.
Kat is not just a relatable character, but she's an inspiring one as well. She refuses to let life knock her down, and when it inevitably does, the depiction of her PTSD is immaculate. Chapters 60-69 are just incredible overall, not just with Kat struggling to pull herself out of the past, but the way Bastian supports her as she does so. Speaking of which: Bastian.
Girlies, we have a shadow daddy in our midst.
Granted, I didn't know what to think of him at first. He just seemed like a typical grumpy love interest with a classic seductive twist. But then, but then dear reader, Bastian surprised me. Yes, there is a grumpy, lethal darkness to him, but there is also a softness that has me grinning to myself as I type this. He obviously has a lot of guards up—and I NEED TO KNOW WHY—but that doesn't stop him from caring about Kat and treating her with the respect she deserves. He also has a surprising deadpan, but also wickedly sarcastic side to him, and that might be my favorite of all.
“Don’t worry, I hear the guest of honour has found himself indisposed.”
I skimmed the crowd. No sign of Eckington. “What happened?”
He smirked and took a sip of his drink like he was trying to hide it. “I happened.”
I widened my eyes. “What did you do?”
“I hear he broke his arm… and maybe his nose.”
My heart sped. “You mean you broke his arm.”
He shrugged. “I was there.”
Overall, easy to love, easy to root for, easy couple to adore, and that just made the climax hurt even more!
You may think you have everything figured out as you read. You may think you have caught all of the twists. But let me tell you, you have not. The amount of twists and reveals and uno reverse cards pulled out of this climax had my head spinning, and I'm usually really good at predicting endings. I seriously don't think I can say anything bad about AKOI. I think there was a little over explaining that happened at times, and the amount of times I had to read "Bastian's silver eyes" got a little much, but honestly, who cares? I love this book.
A Touch of Poison review - 5
June 1, 2025
What a fun, slutty little ride. I fear I’m adding a new shadow daddy to my list of faves. 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ easy. Plot, pros, & cons below 👇🏼
PLOT
Kat is a noblewoman stuck in a terrible arranged marriage while her husband is drowning them in debt. She’s been moonlighting as a thief in order to rep things afloat. When the consequences of his actions threaten to take the estate, Kat is randomly tasked with coming to the castle & being a lady-in-waiting for the queen. But the job includes secretly spying on a very attractive Fae who is chock-full of secrets of his own. This book has:
- “touch her and die” flirrrrty af shadow daddyyyyyy
- a slightly naive & groomed-as-a-lady FMC
- court intrigue & politics
- fae & humans & pirates
- tension & fake dating
- NOT a slow burn physically
- dual audio
- med/higher spice
PROS
- This was addictive. I just wanted to keep reading & reading & was having so much fun.
- Bastian is HOT, OK?! Call me basic for fawning over another shadow daddy but idgaf this is deserved. I fear the spice in this series will only get better & we were already EATING WELL (ahem) so I’m pumped.
- Kat’s got a looooootta baggage that’s pretty well explored. We understand why she makes the choices she does for the most part & though we may not always like it, we get it. Overall I def like her even if sometimes you’re like “can we quit jumping to conclusions”
- I love fake dating. I eat up that tension every single time & this absolutely delivered.
- I thought the plot & twists were very fun! We got some fun surprises at the end.
CONS
- I was a little confused on the world at first. It’s old-timey Europe but with fae & shit. It took me a second to figure this out so I don’t know if it was just weirdly introduced & I didn’t piece it together just yet.
Cannot wait to keep reading this 🙌🏼
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
no really
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- Wasn’t surprised by Bastian knowing she was spying but was surprised who the gardener ended up being!
- I also audibly went “oh fuck” when the husband showed up.
- I would like a little more explanation as to why Kat is so “don’t kill my terrible uncle” who tried to kill her & killed others? Maybe we’ll understand that reasoning a bit more in book 2.
PLOT
Kat is a noblewoman stuck in a terrible arranged marriage while her husband is drowning them in debt. She’s been moonlighting as a thief in order to rep things afloat. When the consequences of his actions threaten to take the estate, Kat is randomly tasked with coming to the castle & being a lady-in-waiting for the queen. But the job includes secretly spying on a very attractive Fae who is chock-full of secrets of his own. This book has:
- “touch her and die” flirrrrty af shadow daddyyyyyy
- a slightly naive & groomed-as-a-lady FMC
- court intrigue & politics
- fae & humans & pirates
- tension & fake dating
- NOT a slow burn physically
- dual audio
- med/higher spice
PROS
- This was addictive. I just wanted to keep reading & reading & was having so much fun.
- Bastian is HOT, OK?! Call me basic for fawning over another shadow daddy but idgaf this is deserved. I fear the spice in this series will only get better & we were already EATING WELL (ahem) so I’m pumped.
- Kat’s got a looooootta baggage that’s pretty well explored. We understand why she makes the choices she does for the most part & though we may not always like it, we get it. Overall I def like her even if sometimes you’re like “can we quit jumping to conclusions”
- I love fake dating. I eat up that tension every single time & this absolutely delivered.
- I thought the plot & twists were very fun! We got some fun surprises at the end.
CONS
- I was a little confused on the world at first. It’s old-timey Europe but with fae & shit. It took me a second to figure this out so I don’t know if it was just weirdly introduced & I didn’t piece it together just yet.
Cannot wait to keep reading this 🙌🏼
⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
no really
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
- Wasn’t surprised by Bastian knowing she was spying but was surprised who the gardener ended up being!
- I also audibly went “oh fuck” when the husband showed up.
- I would like a little more explanation as to why Kat is so “don’t kill my terrible uncle” who tried to kill her & killed others? Maybe we’ll understand that reasoning a bit more in book 2.
January 29, 2023
“You said when we were alone, I could call you whatever I wanted. Now I call you my ember.”
This book is masterful, the writing is so beautiful. The world building for Albion is amazing - we get so much more that we did in the Beneath Black Sails series. The Elizabethan vibes of this - the court intrigue, attending the Queen, the dances and witty banter weaved a plot so intricate and immersive it was a joy to read! I adored the addition of sabre cats instead of horses. Kat’s is called Vespera and I loved her! Also going to mention the side characters, Ella especially, who is so fun, sassy and honestly doesn’t give a damn what anyone thinks of her! Also Vice! She makes a cameo and it was wonderful to catch up with her!!!!
Katherine is a woman of her time, she is duty bound and obeys her family/court officials. She is contracted by Cavendish (the Queen’s spymaster) to get information on Bastian. The constraints on her made me want to scream most of the time but it’s understandable when she’s on a tightrope and dealing with the court politics. She’s also dealing with a lot of past trauma, it is heartbreaking. Her inner dialogue, however, is amazing. This is where her character shines - she made me laugh so much with her witty retorts - and also as she gets to know Bastian more.
Bastian oh Bastian. I’m claiming him as a book husband right now, I will fight people for him! He is the ultimate ‘get your hands off her’, protective, gorgeous, swoon-worthy MMC. I loved him from the start - he’s so mysterious (although we learn more), dangerous and, well, hot. I was always going to fall for him but there’s a point where he shows his tender side and, wow, it made me cry.
The TENSION in this book, their chemistry is epic. This is a slow burn, but the best kind where you’re constantly wondering if it’s going to happen and where. It was frustrating but in. The. Best. Way.
Lastly - be warned this ends on a massive, heartbreaking cliffhanger. I mean it when I say it ripped out my heart and stomped on it a little… That said I still wholehearted recommend that you read this book
This book is masterful, the writing is so beautiful. The world building for Albion is amazing - we get so much more that we did in the Beneath Black Sails series. The Elizabethan vibes of this - the court intrigue, attending the Queen, the dances and witty banter weaved a plot so intricate and immersive it was a joy to read! I adored the addition of sabre cats instead of horses. Kat’s is called Vespera and I loved her! Also going to mention the side characters, Ella especially, who is so fun, sassy and honestly doesn’t give a damn what anyone thinks of her! Also Vice! She makes a cameo and it was wonderful to catch up with her!!!!
Katherine is a woman of her time, she is duty bound and obeys her family/court officials. She is contracted by Cavendish (the Queen’s spymaster) to get information on Bastian. The constraints on her made me want to scream most of the time but it’s understandable when she’s on a tightrope and dealing with the court politics. She’s also dealing with a lot of past trauma, it is heartbreaking. Her inner dialogue, however, is amazing. This is where her character shines - she made me laugh so much with her witty retorts - and also as she gets to know Bastian more.
Bastian oh Bastian. I’m claiming him as a book husband right now, I will fight people for him! He is the ultimate ‘get your hands off her’, protective, gorgeous, swoon-worthy MMC. I loved him from the start - he’s so mysterious (although we learn more), dangerous and, well, hot. I was always going to fall for him but there’s a point where he shows his tender side and, wow, it made me cry.
The TENSION in this book, their chemistry is epic. This is a slow burn, but the best kind where you’re constantly wondering if it’s going to happen and where. It was frustrating but in. The. Best. Way.
Lastly - be warned this ends on a massive, heartbreaking cliffhanger. I mean it when I say it ripped out my heart and stomped on it a little… That said I still wholehearted recommend that you read this book
dnf
January 20, 2024DNF at around 11 hours
I feel betrayed. IN WHAT WORLD IS THIS BOOK REMINECENT OF BLOOD AND ASH? Blood and Ash By JLA has been my favorite series for the last few years. This was not it.
The chemistry was there and the main couple were interesting but THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE HAPPENING THAT WAS ACTUALLY INTERESTING. I'm sorry but what the hell happened to having an actual story in between the main couple getting to know each other regardless of their circumstances?
I have around 8 hours left in the audiobook and I'm just plain BORED. I'm stopping right here, right now. I refuse to put myself through another minute of something I'm clearly not enjoying. And for anyone wondering this book does NOT feel like Blood and Ash By JLA. The setting is vaguely similar, the chemistry is good and it's long-winded but it ends there. There's no plot to hold everything together and keep me invested.
I feel betrayed. IN WHAT WORLD IS THIS BOOK REMINECENT OF BLOOD AND ASH? Blood and Ash By JLA has been my favorite series for the last few years. This was not it.
The chemistry was there and the main couple were interesting but THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE HAPPENING THAT WAS ACTUALLY INTERESTING. I'm sorry but what the hell happened to having an actual story in between the main couple getting to know each other regardless of their circumstances?
I have around 8 hours left in the audiobook and I'm just plain BORED. I'm stopping right here, right now. I refuse to put myself through another minute of something I'm clearly not enjoying. And for anyone wondering this book does NOT feel like Blood and Ash By JLA. The setting is vaguely similar, the chemistry is good and it's long-winded but it ends there. There's no plot to hold everything together and keep me invested.
February 4, 2024
600 pages of her trying to seduce him!! This was all over the place.
Where was the plot?? I didn’t see it. 🧐
Where was the plot?? I didn’t see it. 🧐
April 6, 2025
OKAY WHAT THE HELL.
This book was so confusing for me, because first, I could NOT get a read on the MMC for the life of me, lmfao. I couldn’t tell if we should trust him or not. The ending had me SHOCKED.
And second, I was confused on if the setting was our *permanent* setting for the rest of the series.
I loved the FMC, she has so many scars and the MMC encouraging her to take up space in the world was so validating to read.
I will give this book its dues, it had me. I was bamboozled. The story had some lulls, but overall, this was very entertaining and I will be jumping into book 2 immediately.
4.25 stars ⭐️
This book was so confusing for me, because first, I could NOT get a read on the MMC for the life of me, lmfao. I couldn’t tell if we should trust him or not. The ending had me SHOCKED.
And second, I was confused on if the setting was our *permanent* setting for the rest of the series.
I loved the FMC, she has so many scars and the MMC encouraging her to take up space in the world was so validating to read.
I will give this book its dues, it had me. I was bamboozled. The story had some lulls, but overall, this was very entertaining and I will be jumping into book 2 immediately.
4.25 stars ⭐️
May 21, 2023
I had to dnf at 40%, I enjoyed this author's other series set in the same world called Beneath Black Sails, but idk this one left much to be desired. It started off pretty strong and I thought I was really going to like it but around 30% of the way through it felt like something changed and it just wasn't as interesting anymore. The fmc, Katherine, was just okay, she seemed interesting in the first few chapters but maybe I got the wrong impression of her because once she went to the Queen's court she was very different from how I thought she would be and I didn't like her all that much. The mmc, Bastian, was also super interesting in the beginning cuz he had that whole mysterious, broody, sarcastic grumpiness going on but at that 30% mark he became so oddly sweet and soft and it was so confusing. Don't get me wrong being sweet and soft isn't terrible but I only like it small increments, here it seemed like he had a bit of a personality transplant and became sweet to her all the time and it annoyed me cuz they barely know each other yet he's already acting like he loves her.
The other thing was him constantly going on about consent and how it's her choice and how he'll stop if she asks blah blah, it was so eye-rolling. Like REALLY? WOW! OMG I HAD NO IDEA! but seriously we get it, you don't need to make a production out of doing the bare minimum buddy. I hate it when characters are like this, he doesn't need to repeat it over and over again, in fact he doesn't need to say it at all, consent should just be a normal thing but he's dramatizing it so much. I get that it kinda relates to her backstory (one he doesn't even actually know) but it still irritates me when characters act like they're being super good and gracious just for asking for consent aka the bare minimum. It probably wouldn't bother me as much if it was more like a non-verbal thing yk? just something simple and subtle instead going on a whole spiel about how she deserves the basic right to choose. This book was also kind of hindered by the fact that we didn't get Bastian's pov, having the guy's pov greatly improved her other series and maybe she'll do it for the next book in this series but I just can't get thru this one so I'll prob never see that.
Yea so it was sadly a no for me but I'm sure there are others out there that might like this so don't let this dissuade you these are just my thoughts on it.
The other thing was him constantly going on about consent and how it's her choice and how he'll stop if she asks blah blah, it was so eye-rolling. Like REALLY? WOW! OMG I HAD NO IDEA! but seriously we get it, you don't need to make a production out of doing the bare minimum buddy. I hate it when characters are like this, he doesn't need to repeat it over and over again, in fact he doesn't need to say it at all, consent should just be a normal thing but he's dramatizing it so much. I get that it kinda relates to her backstory (one he doesn't even actually know) but it still irritates me when characters act like they're being super good and gracious just for asking for consent aka the bare minimum. It probably wouldn't bother me as much if it was more like a non-verbal thing yk? just something simple and subtle instead going on a whole spiel about how she deserves the basic right to choose. This book was also kind of hindered by the fact that we didn't get Bastian's pov, having the guy's pov greatly improved her other series and maybe she'll do it for the next book in this series but I just can't get thru this one so I'll prob never see that.
Yea so it was sadly a no for me but I'm sure there are others out there that might like this so don't let this dissuade you these are just my thoughts on it.
April 24, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Romantasy
Plot: ★★★★★/5
World-building: ★★★★★/5
Angst: ★★★/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was my first Clare Sager book and it won't be my last.
A Kiss of Iron was pretty original and different from anything I have read before. Yes, it is a Fae/Human fantasy with romance but the take the author took with this story was unique in its own way and I appreciated that a lot, considering the amount of regurgitated storylines that are currently awash in the fantasy/romantasy genre right now.
AKOI follows our FMC, Lady Katherine Fanshawe (nee Ferrers) who is a wife to a travelling, waste of space Viscount in the country of Albion (story is set in England/Scotland but an alternate one). She spends her days on her husband's dusty, dilapidated estate growing vegetables and flowers to make ends meet but once the moon rises, Katherine becomes the Wicked Lady, an infamous highway robber, who relieves rich patrons of their cash and jewellery.
One night, Katherine happens upon a lone man riding his Sabre Cat. Katherine takes the opportunity to steal anything he might have on him but after a brief exchange, Katherine sees that this man has pointed ears and sharp canines - he is a Fae. This Fae turns out to be none other than The Night Queen's Shadow - Lord Bastian Marwood.
A few days after this meeting, Katherine is summoned to court by the Queen of Albion. Katherine soon finds out that she must spy on Lord Marwood for the Queen of Albion's spy master and report back to him - she must seduce Bastian at any cost.
What ensues is a wonderfully woven story in a Regency England type setting, filled with court politics, inner struggles, traumas and a burgeoning love Katherine Ferrers never thought she could have.
The one thing that stood out and was written so bloody well was how Sager illustrated women's plight and how their bodies, once married were not their own nor was their agency and how it held women back in life so much; how one man could decide one woman's fate and leave her trapped in it with no way out.
Verdict: If you want to read a book about an actual strong FMC like Katherine and an equally strong and patient MMC like Bastian, read this.
Genre: Romantasy
Plot: ★★★★★/5
World-building: ★★★★★/5
Angst: ★★★/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
This was my first Clare Sager book and it won't be my last.
A Kiss of Iron was pretty original and different from anything I have read before. Yes, it is a Fae/Human fantasy with romance but the take the author took with this story was unique in its own way and I appreciated that a lot, considering the amount of regurgitated storylines that are currently awash in the fantasy/romantasy genre right now.
AKOI follows our FMC, Lady Katherine Fanshawe (nee Ferrers) who is a wife to a travelling, waste of space Viscount in the country of Albion (story is set in England/Scotland but an alternate one). She spends her days on her husband's dusty, dilapidated estate growing vegetables and flowers to make ends meet but once the moon rises, Katherine becomes the Wicked Lady, an infamous highway robber, who relieves rich patrons of their cash and jewellery.
One night, Katherine happens upon a lone man riding his Sabre Cat. Katherine takes the opportunity to steal anything he might have on him but after a brief exchange, Katherine sees that this man has pointed ears and sharp canines - he is a Fae. This Fae turns out to be none other than The Night Queen's Shadow - Lord Bastian Marwood.
A few days after this meeting, Katherine is summoned to court by the Queen of Albion. Katherine soon finds out that she must spy on Lord Marwood for the Queen of Albion's spy master and report back to him - she must seduce Bastian at any cost.
What ensues is a wonderfully woven story in a Regency England type setting, filled with court politics, inner struggles, traumas and a burgeoning love Katherine Ferrers never thought she could have.
The one thing that stood out and was written so bloody well was how Sager illustrated women's plight and how their bodies, once married were not their own nor was their agency and how it held women back in life so much; how one man could decide one woman's fate and leave her trapped in it with no way out.
Verdict: If you want to read a book about an actual strong FMC like Katherine and an equally strong and patient MMC like Bastian, read this.
July 29, 2023
5 ⭐️ 3 🌶
This book has EVERYTHING I want!
A true Adult Fantasy Romance, with an interesting plot, unique world & spice
Highlights ✨
- Feminine rage / fight against the patriarchy - but with a FMC who is finding her fight & her voice in an oppressive world
- Trauma rep that was extremely nuanced & hit so many feels, with an mmc who can see her trauma & helps her through it, doesn’t try to fix it or fight her battles but shows her, her own strength & what she deserves!
- A steam punk alternate London (called Lundan) with Sabercats instead of horses - So fucking cool & different!
- This has court intrigue where you don’t know who to trust! I don’t normally gravitate to court intrigue as sometimes I can find it a bit boring, but it was executed perfectly here.
- SPICE - & there was a VERY good amount of spice! but what I loved about it the most (apart of from being inventive & hot!) was that it was two consenting adults exploring, the mmc showing the FMC that it can be pleasurable & should be enjoyed. & even though the spice started pretty quickly in the story & there was quite a few scenes, it also was weaved into their relationship growth as well. I would still call their romantic relationship a slow burn even though there was quite a bit spice (& edging !!! Omg)
- Plot twists & reveals!! Lots of secrets being uncovered, & ulterior motives - that now I look back I can see the ground work was laid there for us all to see! Masterful work.
- The FMC & MMC!! Perfection 🤌🏽
A human woman with no fighting skills or magic, but sheer tenacity & willpower! She has learnt how to read those around her & will do everything she can to keep herself & her friends safe
THE MMC - you could say some of his attributes are predictable in what you read in Romantasy recently — but! I felt like Bastian was his own character! It didn’t feel like a copy & paste from Other novels. His powers, his behaviours, the way he sees HER… melt… I’m obsessed!
Safe to say this is a new favourite that I will be recommending & a new auto but author!
I can not wait until I read B2!!
Outstanding 🙌🏽
This book has EVERYTHING I want!
A true Adult Fantasy Romance, with an interesting plot, unique world & spice
Highlights ✨
- Feminine rage / fight against the patriarchy - but with a FMC who is finding her fight & her voice in an oppressive world
- Trauma rep that was extremely nuanced & hit so many feels, with an mmc who can see her trauma & helps her through it, doesn’t try to fix it or fight her battles but shows her, her own strength & what she deserves!
- A steam punk alternate London (called Lundan) with Sabercats instead of horses - So fucking cool & different!
- This has court intrigue where you don’t know who to trust! I don’t normally gravitate to court intrigue as sometimes I can find it a bit boring, but it was executed perfectly here.
- SPICE - & there was a VERY good amount of spice! but what I loved about it the most (apart of from being inventive & hot!) was that it was two consenting adults exploring, the mmc showing the FMC that it can be pleasurable & should be enjoyed. & even though the spice started pretty quickly in the story & there was quite a few scenes, it also was weaved into their relationship growth as well. I would still call their romantic relationship a slow burn even though there was quite a bit spice (& edging !!! Omg)
- Plot twists & reveals!! Lots of secrets being uncovered, & ulterior motives - that now I look back I can see the ground work was laid there for us all to see! Masterful work.
- The FMC & MMC!! Perfection 🤌🏽
A human woman with no fighting skills or magic, but sheer tenacity & willpower! She has learnt how to read those around her & will do everything she can to keep herself & her friends safe
THE MMC - you could say some of his attributes are predictable in what you read in Romantasy recently — but! I felt like Bastian was his own character! It didn’t feel like a copy & paste from Other novels. His powers, his behaviours, the way he sees HER… melt… I’m obsessed!
Safe to say this is a new favourite that I will be recommending & a new auto but author!
I can not wait until I read B2!!
Outstanding 🙌🏽
September 6, 2024
4.5⭐️ rounded up
“You are my poison. And I’m not sure I want the antidote.”
“You are my poison. And I’m not sure I want the antidote.”
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