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Promises of the Marked #2
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs
Throne of Glass meets Once Upon a Time and The Hunger Games in this heart-wrenching, high fantasy romance packed with trauma healing, epic magic, and high-stakes rebellion.
"They wanted to make a monster? I'll give them one."
Bearing the scars of a turbulent past, Alora fights with a ferocity only found in those who have known tremendous suffering. She must become a weapon and play by the rules of brutality.
Garrik, haunted by relentless nightmares and his former torture, struggles to conquer his corruption and the beast they created. As he overcomes the shadows of his trauma, he begins to realize that righteous strength and sacrifice lie not in violence but in the power to protect. To love—to love her.
United and harnessing their inner darkness, Alora and Garrik take the first steps in building a future beyond the shadows. Even if their quest for a relic to end it all could be the very thing that leads to their downfall.
Blood will be spilled, and heirs will rise, but in the end, who will stand as the true savior of Elysian?
Can Alora and Garrik weather their shared torment to claim a future beyond pain? Or will the promise of freedom come at too great a cost?
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs is the second book in a new series featuring a morally gray hero with powers of darkness, enemies-to-lovers, "traumance", banter, dark secrets, and captivating, action-packed adventure with high heat/ slow burn romance.
Welcome back to the darkened world of Elysian. Welcome to What Lies Within Blood & Heirs.
Authors Readers are encouraged to check the trigger warnings inside. This is an adult book that touches on very dark themes.
"They wanted to make a monster? I'll give them one."
Bearing the scars of a turbulent past, Alora fights with a ferocity only found in those who have known tremendous suffering. She must become a weapon and play by the rules of brutality.
Garrik, haunted by relentless nightmares and his former torture, struggles to conquer his corruption and the beast they created. As he overcomes the shadows of his trauma, he begins to realize that righteous strength and sacrifice lie not in violence but in the power to protect. To love—to love her.
United and harnessing their inner darkness, Alora and Garrik take the first steps in building a future beyond the shadows. Even if their quest for a relic to end it all could be the very thing that leads to their downfall.
Blood will be spilled, and heirs will rise, but in the end, who will stand as the true savior of Elysian?
Can Alora and Garrik weather their shared torment to claim a future beyond pain? Or will the promise of freedom come at too great a cost?
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs is the second book in a new series featuring a morally gray hero with powers of darkness, enemies-to-lovers, "traumance", banter, dark secrets, and captivating, action-packed adventure with high heat/ slow burn romance.
Welcome back to the darkened world of Elysian. Welcome to What Lies Within Blood & Heirs.
Authors Readers are encouraged to check the trigger warnings inside. This is an adult book that touches on very dark themes.
624 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
132 people are currently reading
1526 people want to read
About the author
Nicolle May
4 books210 followersNicolle is an ADHD Fantasy “Traumance” author. When she isn’t living in a fantasy world or writing, she’s ruthlessly annoying those she loves with her outbursts of song, TV show quotes, and the occasional blonde moment. If you cannot find her snuggled up with her cats watching any fantasy movie or show known to man, you can find her at the gym becoming her own hero, sewing, reading, or vividly hallucinating new scene ideas for her books. She lives in Alberta, Canada, but was born and raised in Pennsylvania. And if you put anything peach, potato, or peanut butter with chocolate related in front of her ... prepare to be best friends.
“If Henry Cavill & Ian Somerhalder ever star in a movie together, I will spontaneously combust.”
Stay in touch, sign up for teasers, & updates by joining Nicolle's mailing list: bio.site/NicolleMay
For exclusive content and more, join Nicolle's reader group and socials: bio.site/NicolleMay
“If Henry Cavill & Ian Somerhalder ever star in a movie together, I will spontaneously combust.”
Stay in touch, sign up for teasers, & updates by joining Nicolle's mailing list: bio.site/NicolleMay
For exclusive content and more, join Nicolle's reader group and socials: bio.site/NicolleMay
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
October 29, 2024
My immediate thoughts are:
Alright, I had time to process my feelings:
I actually read this book so fast. I was fully invested the moment I started and I seriously need book 3 the moment I finished it 😭😭😭
What Lies Within Blood and Heirs is considerably darker than the first book mostly due to all the very graphic details of Garrik’s 30-year torture as well as even more of details Alora’s life under Kaine.
It was so raw having to relive all of that trauma with Garrik and Alora, but I honestly felt so much closer to them. It almost made me feel like I was actually their friend and I’m hardcore rooting for them 😩
I truly love Alora’s continuous growth and how she embraced her freedom with so much hope despite of her pretty bleak past. I also love how Garrik is actually letting Alora in and embracing the promise of a future with her.
So much had happened in this book but I just had to highlight all the ways Garrik was basically like “she MY queen” and y’all better kneel 🧎♀️🧎🧎♂️
I LOVE HIM SO MUCH 🔥
Definitely one of my elite shadow daddies 🦇
I really, really enjoyed this sequel. It’s a phenomenal dark fantasy romance with immaculate gothic vibes, top-notch banter, delicious tension and heat, spiiiice, incredible female friendship, and truly immersive world building.
The plot was plotting 🤌
The tension was cutting 🤌
The spice was spicing 🤌
No notes, 1000/10 💅✨
But heck, the ending just made me want to scream and cry and book a therapy 😭😩💔
Add to your TBR if you like:
Dark Fantasy Romance
Morally Grey Shadow Daddy
Feminine Rage
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn to Spice 🔥
Touch her and 💀
Hurt/Comfort
Nicknames - “MY clever girl”
Secret Identities
Political Intrigue & Looming War
Alright, I had time to process my feelings:
I actually read this book so fast. I was fully invested the moment I started and I seriously need book 3 the moment I finished it 😭😭😭
What Lies Within Blood and Heirs is considerably darker than the first book mostly due to all the very graphic details of Garrik’s 30-year torture as well as even more of details Alora’s life under Kaine.
It was so raw having to relive all of that trauma with Garrik and Alora, but I honestly felt so much closer to them. It almost made me feel like I was actually their friend and I’m hardcore rooting for them 😩
I truly love Alora’s continuous growth and how she embraced her freedom with so much hope despite of her pretty bleak past. I also love how Garrik is actually letting Alora in and embracing the promise of a future with her.
So much had happened in this book but I just had to highlight all the ways Garrik was basically like “she MY queen” and y’all better kneel 🧎♀️🧎🧎♂️
I LOVE HIM SO MUCH 🔥
Definitely one of my elite shadow daddies 🦇
I really, really enjoyed this sequel. It’s a phenomenal dark fantasy romance with immaculate gothic vibes, top-notch banter, delicious tension and heat, spiiiice, incredible female friendship, and truly immersive world building.
The plot was plotting 🤌
The tension was cutting 🤌
The spice was spicing 🤌
No notes, 1000/10 💅✨
But heck, the ending just made me want to scream and cry and book a therapy 😭😩💔
Add to your TBR if you like:
Dark Fantasy Romance
Morally Grey Shadow Daddy
Feminine Rage
Forced Proximity
Slow Burn to Spice 🔥
Touch her and 💀
Hurt/Comfort
Nicknames - “MY clever girl”
Secret Identities
Political Intrigue & Looming War
October 7, 2024
Alora and Garrik. That’s it, that’s all I ever need.
This sequel is superb! We:
Learn more about the Shadow Order
Delve deeper into this wonderful world that May created
Get more Alora and Garrik content - the best
And it’s a thick one!
I adored the first book and I am so excited that the second is just as good. Thank you Nicolle for continuing an amazing story.
This sequel is superb! We:
Learn more about the Shadow Order
Delve deeper into this wonderful world that May created
Get more Alora and Garrik content - the best
And it’s a thick one!
I adored the first book and I am so excited that the second is just as good. Thank you Nicolle for continuing an amazing story.
September 18, 2024
100 ⭐️ (Can I do that? Who cares, I’m doing it!)
I’m going to need a hot minute to process before I can wrap my head around writing a review.
BRILLIANT!! F*ING BRILLIANT!!
✨Review - What Lies Within Blood & Heirs✨
I am NOT okay!! I don’t think I will be for the foreseeable future! I am utterly destroyed and speechless after this book! I had the honor and pleasure of reading WLWBAH as a beta reader and I was destroyed then. Did I think reading it again would be any different? I was a complete fool to think so!!
I am completely blown away, yet again! This book is so beautifully written and, again, May’s prose is, once again, exquisite!! This book is not just about a quest to save Elysian. It is one that is raw with emotion; a story of survival, of healing, of love and loss, of rage and heartbreak. This story is one of learning how to take back your life after immense trauma and endless pain. This story is real and relatable; so much so that you can’t help but feel ALL the raw emotions emanating from the pages as if you were right there with these characters.
Alora’s fight to overcome all the trauma she has endured is beautifully crafted. As she continues through her journey to find herself again and learn to love is beautifully depicted through words. Her strength, self discovery and how she learns to overcome some devastating obstacles leads us through an amazing story of self preservation and self love. She is vulnerable, yet strong in so many amazing ways.
Garrik has had no lack of trauma in his long hard life either. He is portrayed as a monster, yet he is so full of love for Alora and his “family”. His character has depth and an undeniable strength to overcome his past. The two of them together is a dynamic of learning to support each other through their pain; about learning to accept and heal. They are both freaking beautifully broken. The growth of their relationship, not just physically but emotionally, just makes my heart full and happy. Their bond is strong and deep and undeniable.
The side characters, oof! Let me tell you, they are there for a reason. They are all full of depth with their own versions of trauma. They have become this beautiful family full of love, trust and hope. Together with Garrik and Alora, they fight to make the wrongs…right! And, of course, there is no lack of banter! The love I hold in my heart for every single one of these characters is immense! They will not disappoint!
The plot is masterfully crafted and flows to perfection. There really is never a dull moment. This book will immerse you from the very beginning and keep you engaged until that last word! Even having read this as a beta, I still could not put it down.
This story has stuck with me for many months now; and I don’t believe it will ever leave my head. This will be a series that I FOREVER recommend. Just please know before diving in, that it is dark and raw and emotional with some pretty heavy triggers. Your mental health matters, so please take not of the TW before diving into this world.
I’m going to need a hot minute to process before I can wrap my head around writing a review.
BRILLIANT!! F*ING BRILLIANT!!
✨Review - What Lies Within Blood & Heirs✨
I am NOT okay!! I don’t think I will be for the foreseeable future! I am utterly destroyed and speechless after this book! I had the honor and pleasure of reading WLWBAH as a beta reader and I was destroyed then. Did I think reading it again would be any different? I was a complete fool to think so!!
I am completely blown away, yet again! This book is so beautifully written and, again, May’s prose is, once again, exquisite!! This book is not just about a quest to save Elysian. It is one that is raw with emotion; a story of survival, of healing, of love and loss, of rage and heartbreak. This story is one of learning how to take back your life after immense trauma and endless pain. This story is real and relatable; so much so that you can’t help but feel ALL the raw emotions emanating from the pages as if you were right there with these characters.
Alora’s fight to overcome all the trauma she has endured is beautifully crafted. As she continues through her journey to find herself again and learn to love is beautifully depicted through words. Her strength, self discovery and how she learns to overcome some devastating obstacles leads us through an amazing story of self preservation and self love. She is vulnerable, yet strong in so many amazing ways.
Garrik has had no lack of trauma in his long hard life either. He is portrayed as a monster, yet he is so full of love for Alora and his “family”. His character has depth and an undeniable strength to overcome his past. The two of them together is a dynamic of learning to support each other through their pain; about learning to accept and heal. They are both freaking beautifully broken. The growth of their relationship, not just physically but emotionally, just makes my heart full and happy. Their bond is strong and deep and undeniable.
The side characters, oof! Let me tell you, they are there for a reason. They are all full of depth with their own versions of trauma. They have become this beautiful family full of love, trust and hope. Together with Garrik and Alora, they fight to make the wrongs…right! And, of course, there is no lack of banter! The love I hold in my heart for every single one of these characters is immense! They will not disappoint!
The plot is masterfully crafted and flows to perfection. There really is never a dull moment. This book will immerse you from the very beginning and keep you engaged until that last word! Even having read this as a beta, I still could not put it down.
This story has stuck with me for many months now; and I don’t believe it will ever leave my head. This will be a series that I FOREVER recommend. Just please know before diving in, that it is dark and raw and emotional with some pretty heavy triggers. Your mental health matters, so please take not of the TW before diving into this world.
March 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶🌶.5
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
WE FINALLY GET SPICE!
It did not disappoint, but it is no dark romance type either. It still is very detailed enough to satisfy the build up, though I wish it had more explicit words.
A lot of others have written better reviews than I could write, so I will keep mine short.
Garrick and Alora fight their inner demons while also trying to save the realm. Let me tell you, it is not easy to read about some of the suffering they have had to go through. And they go through some horrible shit, where their demons cannot be so easily won. Alora was also so understanding and became the rock Garrick needed. By controlling more of her powers, she can start to fight and be the OP boss she is.
Just the development of the characters, plot and world building definitely ramped up in this book. I am so upset at the cliff, and need the third book now!
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Betrayal
✅ Secret Identity
✅ POV is in third person, and can feel like it switches between characters during a chapter. You get used to it, but thought to put it out there if anyone is annoyed.
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ OW drama (not in an okay way, read triggers)
✅ No cheating by choice (you will understand)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family
✅ He falls first
✅ MINE
✅ Cliff
Read the triggers for this one folks (if you read the first, then you know), since there is SA to both the MMC and FMC, where some scenes are not totally fade to black in this book. Definitely some more triggers than just that one, but I would say this book leveled up compared to the first book.
🌶🌶🌶.5
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
WE FINALLY GET SPICE!
It did not disappoint, but it is no dark romance type either. It still is very detailed enough to satisfy the build up, though I wish it had more explicit words.
A lot of others have written better reviews than I could write, so I will keep mine short.
Garrick and Alora fight their inner demons while also trying to save the realm. Let me tell you, it is not easy to read about some of the suffering they have had to go through. And they go through some horrible shit, where their demons cannot be so easily won. Alora was also so understanding and became the rock Garrick needed. By controlling more of her powers, she can start to fight and be the OP boss she is.
Just the development of the characters, plot and world building definitely ramped up in this book. I am so upset at the cliff, and need the third book now!
⟣Tropes⟢
✅ Touch her and 💀
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ Stabby/Badass Heroine
✅ Banter *chef’s kiss*
✅ Sassy FMC
✅ Obsessive/JP MMC
✅ Fated Mates
✅ Betrayal
✅ Secret Identity
✅ POV is in third person, and can feel like it switches between characters during a chapter. You get used to it, but thought to put it out there if anyone is annoyed.
✅ Enemies-to-Lovers
✅ OW drama (not in an okay way, read triggers)
✅ No cheating by choice (you will understand)
✅ FMC not Virgin
✅ Found Family
✅ He falls first
✅ MINE
✅ Cliff
Read the triggers for this one folks (if you read the first, then you know), since there is SA to both the MMC and FMC, where some scenes are not totally fade to black in this book. Definitely some more triggers than just that one, but I would say this book leveled up compared to the first book.
April 7, 2025
I liked the first book as it features my favourite trope aka ✨a tortured hero ✨So I was looking forward to the second one that focuses on Garrik. Now I can precisely pinpoint when I decided to DNF. I was willing to accept the cringey „in your dreams“ and „I hate you‘s“ and the throwing of middle fingers. But the TOG reference totally threw me off. I was like, waaaait a minute. This whole story reads like a very unhinged wattpad fanfiction of ACOMAF. Garrick is the more overpowered version of rhysand basically. We can get a glimpse of what might have happened to rhysand under the mountain. Don’t get me wrong, rhysand is not the first shadow daddy to grace this world. But we have shadows, we have mind reading, we have a shadow order aka an inner circle, we have a violated MMC who’s doing very badly things for a very good cause. I mean obv this could be any shadow daddy these days but after reading the little TOG reference, I couldn’t bring myself to pick the book back up. I have to give up unfortunately, I really wanted to like it! At some point the story seemed to be dragging, I feel like the book could‘ve easily been 500 pages instead of 600.
However, I want to stress that I really liked Nicolle‘s take on trauma, the slow approach to intimacy and how it is handled. I might come back to the book in the future or I’ll pick up something else the author writes in the future, that’s hopefully a little less cringey wattpad style 🌝
However, I want to stress that I really liked Nicolle‘s take on trauma, the slow approach to intimacy and how it is handled. I might come back to the book in the future or I’ll pick up something else the author writes in the future, that’s hopefully a little less cringey wattpad style 🌝
October 2, 2024
I really don’t even know where to start.
What Lies Within Blood And Heirs was so freaking good and I am so sad I have to wait for the next book again! So many times during this read I kept comparing my feelings on the characters and their situations to ACOMAF and ACOWAR. I truly felt that same excitement, sorrow, grief, love, longing, anger, and if possible, more intensely than SJM’s books. Alora and Garrik are perfect. The side characters are absolutely amazing and they all have the best banter. Book one was great and somehow Nicolle made this book even better. I really can’t say enough great things about WLWBAH and WLWMAS. If you like books that give strong ACOMAF vibes, love the Witcher, want to know how Rhysand’s life was like under the mountain, then this is a series for you.
PERFECTION!
What Lies Within Blood And Heirs was so freaking good and I am so sad I have to wait for the next book again! So many times during this read I kept comparing my feelings on the characters and their situations to ACOMAF and ACOWAR. I truly felt that same excitement, sorrow, grief, love, longing, anger, and if possible, more intensely than SJM’s books. Alora and Garrik are perfect. The side characters are absolutely amazing and they all have the best banter. Book one was great and somehow Nicolle made this book even better. I really can’t say enough great things about WLWBAH and WLWMAS. If you like books that give strong ACOMAF vibes, love the Witcher, want to know how Rhysand’s life was like under the mountain, then this is a series for you.
PERFECTION!
October 21, 2024
This book was everythinggggg!
I have been waiting since FEBRUARY for the continuation of this story, and I am so happy that I got an advanced copy back in September.
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs is the second book in an indie fantasy traumance series and let me tell you…this book DELIVERS.
I cried, I laughed, I screamed, I gasped.
Since this is part of a series, I can’t give too much away but I can say that there are quests, battles, great world building, new realms to explore, and so much heartbreak.
I made a review in February about book 1, What Lies Within Masks & Shadows, so go ahead and read that if this sounds intriguing to you!
Book 2 will be out Oct 28th 2024 and book 1 is already available on KU!
Guys I’m telling you this series needs more hype. Go read it, be mindful of the content warnings, and thank me later 🖤
I have been waiting since FEBRUARY for the continuation of this story, and I am so happy that I got an advanced copy back in September.
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs is the second book in an indie fantasy traumance series and let me tell you…this book DELIVERS.
I cried, I laughed, I screamed, I gasped.
Since this is part of a series, I can’t give too much away but I can say that there are quests, battles, great world building, new realms to explore, and so much heartbreak.
I made a review in February about book 1, What Lies Within Masks & Shadows, so go ahead and read that if this sounds intriguing to you!
Book 2 will be out Oct 28th 2024 and book 1 is already available on KU!
Guys I’m telling you this series needs more hype. Go read it, be mindful of the content warnings, and thank me later 🖤
September 23, 2025
Having finished the first book of the series, I couldn't wait to read about Garrick and Alora again. To be able to continue to follow their adventures and discover a little more of their personalities. Nicolle May did not disappoint me. The tension of the story and the unfolding of events keep us on the edge from beginning to end. WLWBAH is without a doubt my new favorite book of the year, I mean WLW series entirely. After Fourth Wing, it's the best Fantasy I've ever read. Between the accomplished characters, the unique universe, and the realism of the story, we can only appreciate the result. I'm not going to lie to you either, this book is also hard to read because of the notion of trauma. But I think that's precisely what makes it so unique and incredible. We discover deep and tortured characters who do the best they can to move forward.
February 26, 2025
A lot of similar elements to other books I’ve read but still a good read.
November 2, 2024
What a follow-up to book one! Woah! The utterly slow burn becomes completely worth it in the end! Ugh! I knew it! There is something so satisfying about rooting for a couple who you know are meant to be together! Even when they can’t see it themselves.
I loved how we got to glimpse deeper into the world of Elysian. More into Jade, Thalon, Aiden, and Eldacar! And now a new member of the order!
The ending was utterly shocking, enthralling, and heart wrenching! I can’t wait for book three! I have so many questions and I NEED RESOLUTION!
Storyline: 8/10
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Song: Mastermind- Taylor Swift
I loved how we got to glimpse deeper into the world of Elysian. More into Jade, Thalon, Aiden, and Eldacar! And now a new member of the order!
The ending was utterly shocking, enthralling, and heart wrenching! I can’t wait for book three! I have so many questions and I NEED RESOLUTION!
Storyline: 8/10
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Song: Mastermind- Taylor Swift
October 28, 2024
What lies within OH MY GOD NICOLLE WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?!? Seriously. Between this book, Evie Marceau’s new book, and Melissa K. Roehrich’s new book I have cried so much in the last few days I look like I put my head in a hornets nest.
Ma’am! This book destroyed me in the best way possible but oh my god, the wait for book three is going to be intense…
Without giving away any spoilers…this book brings all the traumance from book one and kicks it up a few notches. Alora and Garrik are on (⭐️)fire. These two have lived through so much trauma it’s amazing that’s they’ve survived in the first place, but that they’ve survived and haven’t succumbed to the darkness (even if one has to pretend as if he’s way darker than he really is). The way these two care for each other…🥵🔥🥵❤️🔥 And of course how they care for their found-family (not as hot, obviously).
Speaking of the found-family AKA the Shadow Order, I love this group and I love that we get to glimpse more of their backstories. Hearing Aiden talk about how close he and Jade were with Garrik’s mother was so sweet and it enabled us to learn how absolutely seasick our Shadow Daddy gets when he’s on a boat. I absolutely love Jade, so basically any of her backstory or scenes I generally enjoy. Jade and I would 100% be besties in real life.
This book has it all to be honest. Extended world building, a quest for a magical artifact, slow burn romance, spice, more trauma, a masquerade and so much more that I want to tell you about but can’t because: SPOILERS.
I also want to point out how beautiful Nicolle’s writing style is. She has this ability to take a simple sentence and turn it into an artistic masterpiece in my mind. It’s like the words are the paint, the prose the paintbrush, and when they come together in my head I see a crystal clear picture of the world she’s created. She just has this beautiful, lyrical way of writing that I enjoy so much.
This is definitely a long book (which I absolutely love. I like my books THICK). This book is also dark and traumatic. I’m not usually one for the whole “trigger warnings” thing, but Nicolle’s writing is so emotional and soul wrenching that I had to take a break here and there. I don’t really get triggered by things. I have seen and experienced some horrible shit in my life and am usually fine, but umm, check your triggers.
Happy reading everyone!
Ma’am! This book destroyed me in the best way possible but oh my god, the wait for book three is going to be intense…
Without giving away any spoilers…this book brings all the traumance from book one and kicks it up a few notches. Alora and Garrik are on (⭐️)fire. These two have lived through so much trauma it’s amazing that’s they’ve survived in the first place, but that they’ve survived and haven’t succumbed to the darkness (even if one has to pretend as if he’s way darker than he really is). The way these two care for each other…🥵🔥🥵❤️🔥 And of course how they care for their found-family (not as hot, obviously).
Speaking of the found-family AKA the Shadow Order, I love this group and I love that we get to glimpse more of their backstories. Hearing Aiden talk about how close he and Jade were with Garrik’s mother was so sweet and it enabled us to learn how absolutely seasick our Shadow Daddy gets when he’s on a boat. I absolutely love Jade, so basically any of her backstory or scenes I generally enjoy. Jade and I would 100% be besties in real life.
This book has it all to be honest. Extended world building, a quest for a magical artifact, slow burn romance, spice, more trauma, a masquerade and so much more that I want to tell you about but can’t because: SPOILERS.
I also want to point out how beautiful Nicolle’s writing style is. She has this ability to take a simple sentence and turn it into an artistic masterpiece in my mind. It’s like the words are the paint, the prose the paintbrush, and when they come together in my head I see a crystal clear picture of the world she’s created. She just has this beautiful, lyrical way of writing that I enjoy so much.
This is definitely a long book (which I absolutely love. I like my books THICK). This book is also dark and traumatic. I’m not usually one for the whole “trigger warnings” thing, but Nicolle’s writing is so emotional and soul wrenching that I had to take a break here and there. I don’t really get triggered by things. I have seen and experienced some horrible shit in my life and am usually fine, but umm, check your triggers.
Happy reading everyone!
October 20, 2024
This book was perfection, I honestly cannot think of one thing I would have changed or added!
The twists the turns, the emotional rollercoaster. It kept me engaged the whole story.
I love each and every one of the dragons but Aiden and Jade are everything, the loyalty they have to their friends is so beautiful. Alora is such a bada$$ and won't let anything tear her down, she has become such a strong FMC. Garrik is so broken inside and tries to carry the world on his shoulders, they are so good for eachother. They will both burn the world down for the other (and their friends)
I need book 3 asap 😭
The twists the turns, the emotional rollercoaster. It kept me engaged the whole story.
I love each and every one of the dragons but Aiden and Jade are everything, the loyalty they have to their friends is so beautiful. Alora is such a bada$$ and won't let anything tear her down, she has become such a strong FMC. Garrik is so broken inside and tries to carry the world on his shoulders, they are so good for eachother. They will both burn the world down for the other (and their friends)
I need book 3 asap 😭
October 20, 2024
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs
Promises of the Marked Book 2
By Nicolle May
Always check trigger warnings!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🖤You’re sitting in my seat, King
🖤Training turned into make out
🖤She Literally fights his nightmares
🖤Dance with me in this garden
🖤I need you like I need air
🖤So stunned he drops his sword
🖤I couldn’t stand being touched before you
🖤Fantasy Traumance
🖤Shadow Daddy
🖤Spicy Slow burn
🖤Secret Identities
🖤So Much Kneeling
🖤 Blood Feud
🖤Who Did This To Him?
… & so much more!
The Promises Of The Marked series is simply an excellent and outstanding work of art! An intriguing and utterly enthralling storyline. An absolutely brilliant book you just don’t want to end and are completely unable to put down…
What lies Within Blood & Heirs continues as we left off in book one. We jump straight into the action as the narrative gently weaves through the elaborately constructed and wonderfully complex plot line.
Slow burn, Yep! It sure is and I loved every moment of the delicious dynamics between our main characters. Garrick and Alora.
This is a wonderful story to get lost in! You will feel all kinds of things as the story unravels and our dark prince is laid bare for everyone to see.
I love the wonderful depth and complexity of his character as it is elaborately displayed in this book!
Alora has become an absolute inspiration a wonderful character that has truly transformed and has self belief becoming a strong woman.
Everyone needs a shadow daddy!! Especially Alora!
My heart remained in my throat from the moment I picked it up fantastic and truly brilliantly done up and downs twists and turns will have you White knuckling your tablet throughout this storyline
As we delve deep into Garrick backstory, it will leave you heartbroken. He is such a beautiful selfless soul with a complex driven from relentless and endless abuse
But with Alora’s help, he will find his way!
This instalment of the story is integral to the overall storyline and we learn a lot through the turn of each page
I cannot help but love these characters. Deeply each brings immense satisfaction in their journey and are well constructed well written and fantastic characters.
Beautiful and elaborate worldbuilding continues in book 2 as we venture further afield and discover amazing and superbly built new settings brought to life by the delicate and masterful hand of Nicolle May!
I didn’t want it to end, but it eventually did and we are stuck with a cliffhanger. No one saw coming! And I will remain on the edge of my seat until we have the next book in hand.
Some of the scenes were emotionally impacting and draining as we muddle through major trauma and themes of abuse.
A story of love, survival, loss, heartbreak and heartache, pain and healing within the turmoil of abuse and immense/intense trauma. Nicole has weaved the narrative beautifully and with a delicate hand brought the characters to life with such finesse and captivating depth.
This book/series should not be missed. It is truly epic and superbly unique.
You’ll find yourself completely immersed and time will have no meaning within these pages as you journey through this elaborate, complex, magical and dark world of Elysian.
A story full of romance epic and elaborate scenes of blood and brutal cruelty and sizzling Spice. This book has it all. If you haven’t started this series yet, now is the time… what are you waiting for?
Quote:
“She should’ve been afraid. But nothing about Garrik’s darkness scared her”.
"What could be worse than death?"
They made her kneel. So, she would see them burn...
Promises of the Marked Book 2
By Nicolle May
Always check trigger warnings!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
🖤You’re sitting in my seat, King
🖤Training turned into make out
🖤She Literally fights his nightmares
🖤Dance with me in this garden
🖤I need you like I need air
🖤So stunned he drops his sword
🖤I couldn’t stand being touched before you
🖤Fantasy Traumance
🖤Shadow Daddy
🖤Spicy Slow burn
🖤Secret Identities
🖤So Much Kneeling
🖤 Blood Feud
🖤Who Did This To Him?
… & so much more!
The Promises Of The Marked series is simply an excellent and outstanding work of art! An intriguing and utterly enthralling storyline. An absolutely brilliant book you just don’t want to end and are completely unable to put down…
What lies Within Blood & Heirs continues as we left off in book one. We jump straight into the action as the narrative gently weaves through the elaborately constructed and wonderfully complex plot line.
Slow burn, Yep! It sure is and I loved every moment of the delicious dynamics between our main characters. Garrick and Alora.
This is a wonderful story to get lost in! You will feel all kinds of things as the story unravels and our dark prince is laid bare for everyone to see.
I love the wonderful depth and complexity of his character as it is elaborately displayed in this book!
Alora has become an absolute inspiration a wonderful character that has truly transformed and has self belief becoming a strong woman.
Everyone needs a shadow daddy!! Especially Alora!
My heart remained in my throat from the moment I picked it up fantastic and truly brilliantly done up and downs twists and turns will have you White knuckling your tablet throughout this storyline
As we delve deep into Garrick backstory, it will leave you heartbroken. He is such a beautiful selfless soul with a complex driven from relentless and endless abuse
But with Alora’s help, he will find his way!
This instalment of the story is integral to the overall storyline and we learn a lot through the turn of each page
I cannot help but love these characters. Deeply each brings immense satisfaction in their journey and are well constructed well written and fantastic characters.
Beautiful and elaborate worldbuilding continues in book 2 as we venture further afield and discover amazing and superbly built new settings brought to life by the delicate and masterful hand of Nicolle May!
I didn’t want it to end, but it eventually did and we are stuck with a cliffhanger. No one saw coming! And I will remain on the edge of my seat until we have the next book in hand.
Some of the scenes were emotionally impacting and draining as we muddle through major trauma and themes of abuse.
A story of love, survival, loss, heartbreak and heartache, pain and healing within the turmoil of abuse and immense/intense trauma. Nicole has weaved the narrative beautifully and with a delicate hand brought the characters to life with such finesse and captivating depth.
This book/series should not be missed. It is truly epic and superbly unique.
You’ll find yourself completely immersed and time will have no meaning within these pages as you journey through this elaborate, complex, magical and dark world of Elysian.
A story full of romance epic and elaborate scenes of blood and brutal cruelty and sizzling Spice. This book has it all. If you haven’t started this series yet, now is the time… what are you waiting for?
Quote:
“She should’ve been afraid. But nothing about Garrik’s darkness scared her”.
"What could be worse than death?"
They made her kneel. So, she would see them burn...
December 1, 2024
Well, Nicolle May has done it again!! 👏🏻👏🏻
The second book in her Promises Of The Marked Series was just as emotional, impactful, and addictive as her debut, and I truly did not want to leave this world that she's created. The story is deep, layered, and is as much about the healing journeys of our MMCs, as it is about the overarching plot. Alora and Garrik, who are both deeply flawed, and rife with tender scars, are battling their own demons, while navigating a high stakes quest to save Elysian. The two of them, who are survivors of turbulent pasts, find strength and healing in each other, as they learn to trust again, and let their walls down.
Their growing connection was beautiful to behold, and as always, the tension and spice were perfection.
What I truly love about these books is the full cast of highly entertaining, wholly complex side characters. I loved each and every one of them, and they all had their part to play in the overall story. There was no lack of humor & banter between the members of this crew-they provided both comic relief, and deeply pointed moments that I couldn't get enough of.
If you haven't discovered this series yet, please do yourself a favor and dive into book one, What Lies Within Masks & Shadows. Then get to binging by launching right into this gem. Do NOT sleep on this!!!
This series will have you firmly in your feels, and you will be wrecked, in the BEST possible way.
The second book in her Promises Of The Marked Series was just as emotional, impactful, and addictive as her debut, and I truly did not want to leave this world that she's created. The story is deep, layered, and is as much about the healing journeys of our MMCs, as it is about the overarching plot. Alora and Garrik, who are both deeply flawed, and rife with tender scars, are battling their own demons, while navigating a high stakes quest to save Elysian. The two of them, who are survivors of turbulent pasts, find strength and healing in each other, as they learn to trust again, and let their walls down.
Their growing connection was beautiful to behold, and as always, the tension and spice were perfection.
What I truly love about these books is the full cast of highly entertaining, wholly complex side characters. I loved each and every one of them, and they all had their part to play in the overall story. There was no lack of humor & banter between the members of this crew-they provided both comic relief, and deeply pointed moments that I couldn't get enough of.
If you haven't discovered this series yet, please do yourself a favor and dive into book one, What Lies Within Masks & Shadows. Then get to binging by launching right into this gem. Do NOT sleep on this!!!
This series will have you firmly in your feels, and you will be wrecked, in the BEST possible way.
October 23, 2024
When I first saw how long this book was, I was like kind of like oh. Then I remembered how good book 1 was, and I was like okay, it will be alright. Then next thing I know Im not even aware how far I am in other than the hours are flying by because of how good the book is! Im just completely lost in the story. So much is happening. SO MUCH! The book completely suck you. You’re lost in the love story, there is so much flipping trauma, and heart ache. Im crying like a baby! this one just had me. Im wanting to climb inside the book, and take justice on non existent characters on behalf of other non existent characters FFS! This how sucked in I was!!Okay you get the point LOL!! Seriously though so so good! I cannot wait to see what book 3 brings because with this cliff hanger I need to know!!
This intense Fantasy Romance is book 2 in the Promises of The Marked series. The romance in this book is a slow burn Romance that burns hot as the story takes off. The book does have spice. While there isnt a ton of spicy scenes there is a ton of spicy language, and innuendos. The spicy scenes are descriptive. The book moves at a steady pace following Alora, and Garrik as they search for the stones that belong in her dagger. Along the way they find themselves in harms way more than once, relying on each other, and their friends to stay safe. That is until their last stop takes them longer to find the stone where they must play the courts games, or risk their true intentions being discovered. If they are discovered it would put them all at risk with the king. This book has everything you are looking for in a fantasy romance, and will have you hooked from the minute you flip the first page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This intense Fantasy Romance is book 2 in the Promises of The Marked series. The romance in this book is a slow burn Romance that burns hot as the story takes off. The book does have spice. While there isnt a ton of spicy scenes there is a ton of spicy language, and innuendos. The spicy scenes are descriptive. The book moves at a steady pace following Alora, and Garrik as they search for the stones that belong in her dagger. Along the way they find themselves in harms way more than once, relying on each other, and their friends to stay safe. That is until their last stop takes them longer to find the stone where they must play the courts games, or risk their true intentions being discovered. If they are discovered it would put them all at risk with the king. This book has everything you are looking for in a fantasy romance, and will have you hooked from the minute you flip the first page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 3, 2024
Have you ever started reading a book, knowing you'd enjoy it....but then start hoping and praying about 25% through that it ends on a cliffhanger (even though it's already thicccc) purely so that you can have more of these characters and the world?
That was me and What Lies within Blood and Heirs. I enjoyed the first one, gave it 5 stars...but THIS one?? WOW!
There is more character development, even MORE tension, an added level of political intrigue, and throw in a masquerade and you've got yourself a dynamite sequel.
I love the Shadow Order, every single one. And I love that we got to know them all a bit better in this book.
We get to see more development in Alora and Garrik's relationship, and there are a LOT more books and crannies to uncover!
There is danger around every corner, twists throughout, flashbacks galore, and a shout-out to Throne of Glass that had me laughing out loud.
The storyline is complex, there is so much to build off of here. I'm not sure where it is going, but I feel very confident that Nicolle May will make us suffer along the way.
This is an absolutely perfect sequel to a really strong initial installment.
Overall: highly recommend!
That was me and What Lies within Blood and Heirs. I enjoyed the first one, gave it 5 stars...but THIS one?? WOW!
There is more character development, even MORE tension, an added level of political intrigue, and throw in a masquerade and you've got yourself a dynamite sequel.
I love the Shadow Order, every single one. And I love that we got to know them all a bit better in this book.
We get to see more development in Alora and Garrik's relationship, and there are a LOT more books and crannies to uncover!
There is danger around every corner, twists throughout, flashbacks galore, and a shout-out to Throne of Glass that had me laughing out loud.
The storyline is complex, there is so much to build off of here. I'm not sure where it is going, but I feel very confident that Nicolle May will make us suffer along the way.
This is an absolutely perfect sequel to a really strong initial installment.
Overall: highly recommend!
November 19, 2024
Another great read by Nicolle!! This one was a bit slower paced and I felt like some of the middle venturing for the lost item could’ve been condensed, although it was interesting, it felt a teeny bit long plus with life struggles, just took me a little longer to get through. That being said, it was still very fun and esp the last 1/3 of the book being insaneeee, it definitely added a ton of lore, adventure, and depth to the series! The spice and relationship building between the MMC and FMC was PERFECT and sooo good after all the slow burn in book one! I was also sooo shocked by some of the plot twists and the ENDING! As always, there are some heavy talks of trauma and overcoming things the characters have/are going thru and explicit scenes so please read TWS! Another thing, I did have a feeling that some of the characters had diff intentions then what they were letting on and being able to see that feeling come to fruition was so wild and fun! Def excited to see how this series continues and how she navigates that insane cliff hanger!!! 🔥
October 28, 2024
What Lies Within Blood and Heirs
Author: Nicolle May
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book does contain a number of darker themes and situations and may not be for everyone, as always, be sure to check the trigger and content warnings prior to choosing to read.
“To those who have survived their nightmares - Don’t let them win.”
You may need to dive into this one if you have read the first book, like found families, strong FMCs, romantasy where they work through trauma, shadow daddy MMC, slow burn romance and witty banter.
I had no doubts opening up this book that Nicolle would continue to create a story that was worth losing sleep over. She had a cute little book one recap in the beginning, which for people like me who rely a lot on their own notes to really piece books together before they start on the next one when there’s been books in between, this was amazing.
Not only do we continue diving into the story, there is also the ever growing relationships between the main and side characters. There is a lot of trauma being dealt with in this book (as it was also in the first one) and the masterful way that we are shown that the characters are working to overcome this and how strong they are is inspirational.
Author: Nicolle May
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
This book does contain a number of darker themes and situations and may not be for everyone, as always, be sure to check the trigger and content warnings prior to choosing to read.
“To those who have survived their nightmares - Don’t let them win.”
You may need to dive into this one if you have read the first book, like found families, strong FMCs, romantasy where they work through trauma, shadow daddy MMC, slow burn romance and witty banter.
I had no doubts opening up this book that Nicolle would continue to create a story that was worth losing sleep over. She had a cute little book one recap in the beginning, which for people like me who rely a lot on their own notes to really piece books together before they start on the next one when there’s been books in between, this was amazing.
Not only do we continue diving into the story, there is also the ever growing relationships between the main and side characters. There is a lot of trauma being dealt with in this book (as it was also in the first one) and the masterful way that we are shown that the characters are working to overcome this and how strong they are is inspirational.
May 27, 2025
The worldbuilding… the characters… the devastation 😩💔🔥🖤
If you’re a Throne of Glass fan, this series is an absolute must-read. Blood and Heirs dives deeper into the darkness where we find raw pain and shattered souls. Alora’s true strength emerges, but it’s born from loss and impossible choices.
We learn so much more about Garrik’s haunted past (sobs) and side characters like Thalon, Jade, and Aiden get fleshed out in ways that add incredible layers and complexity to the story. The trauma these characters carry is heavy, and the stakes feel crushing.
What I truly love about Garrik is that, despite everything he’s been through, he treats Alora like an absolute queen. Every one of his actions radiates kindness and deep empathy. Sure, we’re all here for the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, but Nicolle brilliantly captures the complex, emotional journey that leads there. You genuinely feel for them in every scene and interaction—the intense emotions, the charged dialogue that builds the tension before the spice kicks in. It’s like yearning taken to a whole new level.
We also leave the war camp and travel to other kingdoms in Book 2 and boy is it a bloody adventure.
The final chapters killed me. I honestly had to stare at a wall for 45 minutes afterward, completely devastated. So be warned.
“And I hate, because of you, I do not desire death but wish for a future I do not deserve” - insert my screaming.
This book is dark, gripping, and deeply layered — with no easy answers, only raw, gut-wrenching reality. Nicolle May, I need book 3 now.
If you’re a Throne of Glass fan, this series is an absolute must-read. Blood and Heirs dives deeper into the darkness where we find raw pain and shattered souls. Alora’s true strength emerges, but it’s born from loss and impossible choices.
We learn so much more about Garrik’s haunted past (sobs) and side characters like Thalon, Jade, and Aiden get fleshed out in ways that add incredible layers and complexity to the story. The trauma these characters carry is heavy, and the stakes feel crushing.
What I truly love about Garrik is that, despite everything he’s been through, he treats Alora like an absolute queen. Every one of his actions radiates kindness and deep empathy. Sure, we’re all here for the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, but Nicolle brilliantly captures the complex, emotional journey that leads there. You genuinely feel for them in every scene and interaction—the intense emotions, the charged dialogue that builds the tension before the spice kicks in. It’s like yearning taken to a whole new level.
We also leave the war camp and travel to other kingdoms in Book 2 and boy is it a bloody adventure.
The final chapters killed me. I honestly had to stare at a wall for 45 minutes afterward, completely devastated. So be warned.
“And I hate, because of you, I do not desire death but wish for a future I do not deserve” - insert my screaming.
This book is dark, gripping, and deeply layered — with no easy answers, only raw, gut-wrenching reality. Nicolle May, I need book 3 now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 3.5/5
This series is my first true traumantasy, and let me tell you. The book will punch you in the heart in all the best and worst ways. I was so elated to receive an ARC of this book.
⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
The romance in this book was draaaaaaawn out, but in a refreshingly good way. You got to genuinely read as Garrick and Alora fell more and more for each other, which made their relationship feel more believable and real. It also offered a reprieve from all the trauma. At one point in the book I had to pause and check how far along I was because surely the end of the book was coming because SO MUCH had already happened. I was only 35% of the way through.
Nicole writes so beautifully and I positively cannot wait for the next book.
🌶️: 3.5/5
This series is my first true traumantasy, and let me tell you. The book will punch you in the heart in all the best and worst ways. I was so elated to receive an ARC of this book.
⚠️⚠️⚠️SPOILERS⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
The romance in this book was draaaaaaawn out, but in a refreshingly good way. You got to genuinely read as Garrick and Alora fell more and more for each other, which made their relationship feel more believable and real. It also offered a reprieve from all the trauma. At one point in the book I had to pause and check how far along I was because surely the end of the book was coming because SO MUCH had already happened. I was only 35% of the way through.
Nicole writes so beautifully and I positively cannot wait for the next book.
October 30, 2024
If you haven’t read book 1, What Lies Within Masks & Shadows, go read that. This book is definitely darker than the first in the series so readers should take that under advisement.
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs continues Garrik and Alora’s journey together to heal from their pasts and deep wounds, physical and mental/emotional. There is much more detail in this book than the first, but it really helps the reader understand the depth of the traumas the characters have experienced at the hands of the wicked individuals in power. People they should have been able to trust.
While book 1 saw the beginnings of healing and acceptance, book 2 is all about the infernal rage that consumes both Garrik and Alora when the lives of the ones they cherish are threatened. The rebellion in this book…*chef’s kiss* is amazing. The stakes are so incredibly high as their lives are continually being risked for the greater good of the realm, but also for their hearts. It’s an emotional roller coaster, so buckle up!
This book is written in third person and is beautifully done. Nicolle May is one of my favorite fantasy romance authors of the year, right alongside Dany Crooks, SC Grayson, CC Tyler, and CN Crawford. I’m anxiously awaiting the next bit of this story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs continues Garrik and Alora’s journey together to heal from their pasts and deep wounds, physical and mental/emotional. There is much more detail in this book than the first, but it really helps the reader understand the depth of the traumas the characters have experienced at the hands of the wicked individuals in power. People they should have been able to trust.
While book 1 saw the beginnings of healing and acceptance, book 2 is all about the infernal rage that consumes both Garrik and Alora when the lives of the ones they cherish are threatened. The rebellion in this book…*chef’s kiss* is amazing. The stakes are so incredibly high as their lives are continually being risked for the greater good of the realm, but also for their hearts. It’s an emotional roller coaster, so buckle up!
This book is written in third person and is beautifully done. Nicolle May is one of my favorite fantasy romance authors of the year, right alongside Dany Crooks, SC Grayson, CC Tyler, and CN Crawford. I’m anxiously awaiting the next bit of this story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 29, 2024
I told myself I wanted to read more romantasy and I am so glad I read this one!!! Wow, just wow! This book is heavy and will make you want to scream out of anger. But you also feel all the joy and triumphs for the characters.
Alora, our FMC, has endured so much trauma and has overcome it all. She is such a strong bad@SS woman and reading her growth in the book was amazing. I couldn’t help but root for her.
Garrick, our MMC, what can I say but his story made me want to reach through the book and hug him, my heart broke. But two words…shadow daddy! 🥵
Alora, our FMC, has endured so much trauma and has overcome it all. She is such a strong bad@SS woman and reading her growth in the book was amazing. I couldn’t help but root for her.
Garrick, our MMC, what can I say but his story made me want to reach through the book and hug him, my heart broke. But two words…shadow daddy! 🥵
October 28, 2024
Another fantastic book in the series!!!
May's writing is perfect! You get so lost in the world she creates that you feel all the emotions!The main plot of the series carries over perfectly into this book. I love Alora and Garrik but also all the side characters are fantastic. Sometimes books feel like the side characters are just there as filler but this series wouldn't be what it is without them. One of my favorite reads of the year and I can't wait to see what comes next!
May's writing is perfect! You get so lost in the world she creates that you feel all the emotions!The main plot of the series carries over perfectly into this book. I love Alora and Garrik but also all the side characters are fantastic. Sometimes books feel like the side characters are just there as filler but this series wouldn't be what it is without them. One of my favorite reads of the year and I can't wait to see what comes next!
October 29, 2024
Screaming, crying , kicking my feet in the air. I loved it so much! I need a third book and I need it now! The witty banter that happens between the Shadow Order is just impeccable.
Relationships have been made, Aiden and Jade should end up together, and Thalon should find another love.
This is a series I would 100% re-read multiple times. There’s so much adventure and character growth, and a few sad parts, but it’s always good to cry.
‘You are sunstorms and starfire. Refuse to surrender’
Relationships have been made, Aiden and Jade should end up together, and Thalon should find another love.
This is a series I would 100% re-read multiple times. There’s so much adventure and character growth, and a few sad parts, but it’s always good to cry.
‘You are sunstorms and starfire. Refuse to surrender’
April 11, 2025
Soms is het het waard om deel 2 te lezen ook al was deel 1 niet zo. Bij deze is dat heel erg waar. Ondanks dat ie echt we
el heel erg lang was, was het wel echt een mega goed verhaal. Bijna een soort ACOTAR maar dan veel darker, op een goede manier.
4.5⭐️
el heel erg lang was, was het wel echt een mega goed verhaal. Bijna een soort ACOTAR maar dan veel darker, op een goede manier.
4.5⭐️
October 28, 2024
What Lies Within Blood & Heirs is an amazing addition to the Promises of the Marked Series. I don't have one negative thing to say about it! I love how easy it is to read and understand what is going on, but the entire book is still so entertaining. I was so happy that Aiden was in this book more often. He is such a fun character! And I love the humor he adds to the story. Honestly, I loved every second of reading! It was, by no means, a "light" story. It made me happy, angry, even sad, but I would not change one single thing about this book! It was absolutely perfect, and I cannot wait to find out more when the next book comes out.
Favorite Quotes:
•“You! Threw me off a mountain!”
“No, I pushed you.”
•“Does slaughtering a monster make me one?”
“No, clever girl. You are not a monster.”
“Then why are you?”
Favorite Quotes:
•“You! Threw me off a mountain!”
“No, I pushed you.”
•“Does slaughtering a monster make me one?”
“No, clever girl. You are not a monster.”
“Then why are you?”
December 19, 2024
3⭐️
2🌶️
This is the second book of the Promises of the Marked series and picks up right where book one left off. So all your questions you had brewing after book one will be answered.
I’m here to say I will always love Garrik and Alora, and with that being said, this book heavily focuses on trauma and overcoming past trauma. Please be aware of your mental health and if you stumble upon a section that may be triggering or too difficult to read, it is okay to put the book down and take a break or pick it back up on a later date.
I had loved book one so much I was so hyped for this book. The plot and action start right away within the first few chapters. Battles occurring, secrets being revealed, new bargains being made in secrecy, and new missions for the Dragons ahead. I was so excited to dive into the rest of the book after the first few chapters. But once I got to the middle section, I found myself skimming. I felt the quest for the objects took up too much of the middle section and that it was just too over detailed. Only once 3/4 of the book hit, I found the plot changed and I became very invested until the book ended. To me, I feel it could have been edited back a little bit and this is where my rating for the book dropped.
I also had a problem with a specific section of the book when Garrik overcame his trauma. I had already contacted the author about this section because I just didn’t agree personally with how it was handled. But I know everyone processes things differently but for me, and my opinion alone, it was just upsetting for me to read and I found a new trigger from this. I just felt more of a discussion should have been had on ways or ideas to overcome their traumas before just a spur of the moment decision. Due to this I had to take a break from the book and this review was difficult for me to formulate without bias, which is why it’s late from release date.
Besides that bit, I can say I am wholly in love that the author wrote more on Aiden! He is becoming one of my favorite side characters now, maybe more so than my girl Jade! (More than likely not, Jade is and always will be the biggest Baddie around!) I also love reading Jade’s storyline develop more as well! I’m hoping… those two have some budding romance building in the future. Fingers crossed!
Overall I thought this book was good. I will be reading the subsequent books in the series. I will say the book ends on a cliffhanger and am looking forward to reading this character burn the world down for those they love.
2🌶️
This is the second book of the Promises of the Marked series and picks up right where book one left off. So all your questions you had brewing after book one will be answered.
I’m here to say I will always love Garrik and Alora, and with that being said, this book heavily focuses on trauma and overcoming past trauma. Please be aware of your mental health and if you stumble upon a section that may be triggering or too difficult to read, it is okay to put the book down and take a break or pick it back up on a later date.
I had loved book one so much I was so hyped for this book. The plot and action start right away within the first few chapters. Battles occurring, secrets being revealed, new bargains being made in secrecy, and new missions for the Dragons ahead. I was so excited to dive into the rest of the book after the first few chapters. But once I got to the middle section, I found myself skimming. I felt the quest for the objects took up too much of the middle section and that it was just too over detailed. Only once 3/4 of the book hit, I found the plot changed and I became very invested until the book ended. To me, I feel it could have been edited back a little bit and this is where my rating for the book dropped.
I also had a problem with a specific section of the book when Garrik overcame his trauma. I had already contacted the author about this section because I just didn’t agree personally with how it was handled. But I know everyone processes things differently but for me, and my opinion alone, it was just upsetting for me to read and I found a new trigger from this. I just felt more of a discussion should have been had on ways or ideas to overcome their traumas before just a spur of the moment decision. Due to this I had to take a break from the book and this review was difficult for me to formulate without bias, which is why it’s late from release date.
Besides that bit, I can say I am wholly in love that the author wrote more on Aiden! He is becoming one of my favorite side characters now, maybe more so than my girl Jade! (More than likely not, Jade is and always will be the biggest Baddie around!) I also love reading Jade’s storyline develop more as well! I’m hoping… those two have some budding romance building in the future. Fingers crossed!
Overall I thought this book was good. I will be reading the subsequent books in the series. I will say the book ends on a cliffhanger and am looking forward to reading this character burn the world down for those they love.
November 15, 2024
This book started off very strong. However , the pacing is just not great. In the middle of the book, I was able to put it down for days and struggled to pick it back up. That rarely happens to me. However I knew I loved the first book (I gave it 5 stars) so I had to keep pushing through it. There’s a lot of tropes I loved in the beginning of this book. Like the sickbed trope. Caring for someone you love who is injured is so endearing and heartfelt in my opinion. I love seeing that in a book. However, the romance just dropped off in the middle for the sake of expanding the plot. I am usually okay with that. But there were plenty of scenes that were just too slow and dragged on. I wasn’t feeling any tension, suspense or high stakes for most of this book either. I didn’t even feel like there was a real conflict. I’m sad to say it just didn’t have the same spark as the first book. And one scene was straight out of ACOTAR.
There was one second at the end the raised my score from 3 to 4 stars and it was the Hunt. However, this part should have been a lot long and there should have been more of this suspense and action throughout the book. I feel like we could have done without the entire middle 300 pages of this book. If you didn’t read it, you wouldn’t have missed anything important.
The last 10% of this book, I find confusing. There’s very little set up for where the series is going. We don’t hear any history or background of the different places the characters travel to. They just end up places we know nothing about and big events start taking place there. But I feel like I should know more about this world and the people in charge! I wish there was just better world building. I get that the story is about the romance and trauma. Initially, that’s why I loved it. But I have to care about the plot and conflicts too. It feels like everything outside of the main romance is under developed , but we are expecting to understand it with very little information. I don’t know how a book could be so long, yet such important information is missing.
I hate that I didn’t love this book. I loved the first and was a big fan of the author. However, I feel like I need to give an honest review as well.
There was one second at the end the raised my score from 3 to 4 stars and it was the Hunt. However, this part should have been a lot long and there should have been more of this suspense and action throughout the book. I feel like we could have done without the entire middle 300 pages of this book. If you didn’t read it, you wouldn’t have missed anything important.
The last 10% of this book, I find confusing. There’s very little set up for where the series is going. We don’t hear any history or background of the different places the characters travel to. They just end up places we know nothing about and big events start taking place there. But I feel like I should know more about this world and the people in charge! I wish there was just better world building. I get that the story is about the romance and trauma. Initially, that’s why I loved it. But I have to care about the plot and conflicts too. It feels like everything outside of the main romance is under developed , but we are expecting to understand it with very little information. I don’t know how a book could be so long, yet such important information is missing.
I hate that I didn’t love this book. I loved the first and was a big fan of the author. However, I feel like I need to give an honest review as well.
November 27, 2025
What Lies Within Blood and Heirs is one of, if not the best book I have read to date in 2024 (if I could give more stars I would...). I did not think it was possible to fall more in love with this world and these characters after reading What Lies within Masks and Shadows but boy was I wrong. The way May makes you feel through out this book is amazing, there has not been a day since I finished this book that I have not thought about it. I feel like I have been broken and stuck back together with gold multiple times over.
As with book one this a Traumance so I would definitely recommend reading the triggers as it is darker than book one but we also get to see the healing that our two main characters provide one another.
“Starsdamnit,” she breathed. “Have I ever listened to you before?”
In this book we get to see more of the world that our characters live in, they spend a lot of time away from camp and I enjoyed getting to explore and see things for the first time just like Alora who was also seeing a lot of these places for the first time. The world building is amazing and not overdone!
These characters I don’t even know where to start…
Alora our amazing FMC, it was so incredible to continue to watch her grow and find her place in her new family and her role within the camp. She is such a strong character that has so much depth to her. I cannot wait to continue to watch her grow.
“Fighting a damn dragon.” She scoffed to hide the shake in her voice. “Don’t do that again or I swear I’ll kill you myself.”
Garrick our shadow daddy, what I wouldn’t give to jump into these pages and help take his pain away. Throughout this book we learn more about the trauma that he has been through, and it is amazing how well it is written. I loved watching him learn that maybe he is not alone in this world and this fight.
“No, clever girl. You are not a monster.” “Then why are you?”
Our found family companions, I didn’t not think I could love them more! These aren’t just side characters they are fully fleshed out living entities just like our main characters. Aiden, our comedic relief is always there to help brighten the dark moments, Jade, the fiery warrior, such a huge support to Alora after their rough start in book one and Thalon, the guardian there to help, protect and guard those he loves (just don’t eat his food).
“You! Threw me off a mountain!” Jade crossed her arms, leathers groaning as she grinned something utterly wicked. “No, I pushed you.” “The most deadly warriors in all of Elysian, huh?” Alora raised her eyebrow. Garrik only shook his head. “Can’t take them anywhere.”
I did not think that I could ever actually detest villains in a book but May has made that possible. These villains are so well written and feel like actual deplorable people and I cannot wait to see what comes of them.
“They wanted to make a monster?” … “I’ll give them one.”
Thanks so much to May for giving us such an incredible book! It has been a while since a book has actually made me cry but there was not a dry eye while I was reading some parts in this book. I cannot wait to see where this journey goes from here.
Tropes
Traumance
Found Family (w/Banter)
Hurt/Comfort
Shadow Daddy
Touch Her/Him and Die
High Stakes Rebellion
Slow Burn (Great Pay Out)
As with book one this a Traumance so I would definitely recommend reading the triggers as it is darker than book one but we also get to see the healing that our two main characters provide one another.
“Starsdamnit,” she breathed. “Have I ever listened to you before?”
In this book we get to see more of the world that our characters live in, they spend a lot of time away from camp and I enjoyed getting to explore and see things for the first time just like Alora who was also seeing a lot of these places for the first time. The world building is amazing and not overdone!
These characters I don’t even know where to start…
Alora our amazing FMC, it was so incredible to continue to watch her grow and find her place in her new family and her role within the camp. She is such a strong character that has so much depth to her. I cannot wait to continue to watch her grow.
“Fighting a damn dragon.” She scoffed to hide the shake in her voice. “Don’t do that again or I swear I’ll kill you myself.”
Garrick our shadow daddy, what I wouldn’t give to jump into these pages and help take his pain away. Throughout this book we learn more about the trauma that he has been through, and it is amazing how well it is written. I loved watching him learn that maybe he is not alone in this world and this fight.
“No, clever girl. You are not a monster.” “Then why are you?”
Our found family companions, I didn’t not think I could love them more! These aren’t just side characters they are fully fleshed out living entities just like our main characters. Aiden, our comedic relief is always there to help brighten the dark moments, Jade, the fiery warrior, such a huge support to Alora after their rough start in book one and Thalon, the guardian there to help, protect and guard those he loves (just don’t eat his food).
“You! Threw me off a mountain!” Jade crossed her arms, leathers groaning as she grinned something utterly wicked. “No, I pushed you.” “The most deadly warriors in all of Elysian, huh?” Alora raised her eyebrow. Garrik only shook his head. “Can’t take them anywhere.”
I did not think that I could ever actually detest villains in a book but May has made that possible. These villains are so well written and feel like actual deplorable people and I cannot wait to see what comes of them.
“They wanted to make a monster?” … “I’ll give them one.”
Thanks so much to May for giving us such an incredible book! It has been a while since a book has actually made me cry but there was not a dry eye while I was reading some parts in this book. I cannot wait to see where this journey goes from here.
Tropes
Traumance
Found Family (w/Banter)
Hurt/Comfort
Shadow Daddy
Touch Her/Him and Die
High Stakes Rebellion
Slow Burn (Great Pay Out)
November 22, 2024
If you’re going to read any fantasy romance books this year then you need to pick up What Lies Within Masks & Shadows and its sequel What Lies Within Blood & Heirs! These books are just fantastic and I couldn’t put them down. Please check the trigger warnings before you begin. Highly recommend!
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