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Secrets of Serpentine #1
Deadwood
Auria Tenere has spent her life locked away in the castle she calls home and forced to serve her father, the king of Amosite. Clinging to bedtime stories of extinct fae and dragons in hiding, she believes there’s no hope of ever leaving the confines of the palace. That is, until her father arranges for her to be married to a stranger.
After being able to leave the chasm for the first time in her life with her betrothed, Auria’s group is soon attacked, leaving them no choice but to find shelter in the nearest town. But Deadwood isn’t all that it seems, and the tales she once thought were simply bedtime stories turn out to be more real than she ever could’ve imagined.
Faced with the lies she has been told her whole life, Auria is determined to unravel the secrets being kept by those in this outlaw town. Including those of the closed-off man she isn't certain she should let close—the one man her father seems scared of. From the moment she set foot in town, he’s had his sights set on her, and Auria wants to know why. But soon, being stranded with him isn't her only problem. Not when the king decides he wants his daughter back, no matter the cost.
After being able to leave the chasm for the first time in her life with her betrothed, Auria’s group is soon attacked, leaving them no choice but to find shelter in the nearest town. But Deadwood isn’t all that it seems, and the tales she once thought were simply bedtime stories turn out to be more real than she ever could’ve imagined.
Faced with the lies she has been told her whole life, Auria is determined to unravel the secrets being kept by those in this outlaw town. Including those of the closed-off man she isn't certain she should let close—the one man her father seems scared of. From the moment she set foot in town, he’s had his sights set on her, and Auria wants to know why. But soon, being stranded with him isn't her only problem. Not when the king decides he wants his daughter back, no matter the cost.
540 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2025
100 people are currently reading
1853 people want to read
About the author
Karley Brenna
13 books426 followersKarley Brenna lives in a tiny mountain town in the middle of nowhere out West with her fiancé, son, and herd of pets. Her hobbies include writing, reading countless books heavy on romance, and listening to country music for hours. If she’s not at home, she’s either at a bookstore or getting lost in the hills on horseback. To stay up to date with Karley’s future projects, follow her on social media @authorkarleybrenna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
July 2, 2025
This is a tough one to rate. I know this is the author’s first fantasy book, so I want to take that into account here.
I liked the MMC so much, he was such a positive part of this book, I just didn’t feel like we got a lot of him until waaaay later into the book.
This plot is a really interesting one, too! With so much potential! I did unfortunately feel like the execution and pace was extremely inconsistent which lead to plot points REALLY dragging. The first 40% of this book is very repetitive.
I also struggled with essentially ALL the characters except our main two characters being the absolute worst, lol. That being said, I did really like the FMC. I just really felt she was almost too naive at times which really took away from my reading experience for me.
I found myself skipping parts to get through this book which I hate to do, but it was necessary for me on this one.
I do think so many people would enjoy this book, I just don’t know if this was for me.
2.5 stars. ⭐️
I liked the MMC so much, he was such a positive part of this book, I just didn’t feel like we got a lot of him until waaaay later into the book.
This plot is a really interesting one, too! With so much potential! I did unfortunately feel like the execution and pace was extremely inconsistent which lead to plot points REALLY dragging. The first 40% of this book is very repetitive.
I also struggled with essentially ALL the characters except our main two characters being the absolute worst, lol. That being said, I did really like the FMC. I just really felt she was almost too naive at times which really took away from my reading experience for me.
I found myself skipping parts to get through this book which I hate to do, but it was necessary for me on this one.
I do think so many people would enjoy this book, I just don’t know if this was for me.
2.5 stars. ⭐️
May 6, 2025
Deadwood by Karley Brenna
4/5⭐
It’s been over a year since I picked up a romantasy, and honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for this one since it’s the author’s first dive into the genre. But I was pleasantly surprised! There’s so much happening in this book—kingdoms, magic, dragons, faes, secrets, and mysteries that kept me completely engaged from the start. The twists and turns hooked me, and I couldn’t get enough! With a morally gray MMC who would do anything for our heroine, how could I resist? If I didn’t need sleep, I would have devoured this book in one sitting!
Auria, the daughter of the King of Amosite, has a life that’s not a fairy tale. My heart broke for her as I read. She’s been used by her father all her life for her power and hasn’t had the chance to explore the world outside. He only permits her to meet her best friend in the garden. She’s so naive and unaware of what lies beyond the palace walls until her father arranges a marriage to a prince. They have three weeks to visit other kingdoms and announce their engagement, and during their journey, Auria begins to realize that the world is much different from what she thought.
Bowen, that mysterious man, is seriously intriguing! The more I learn about him, the more excited I get. I love how he can’t seem to stay away from Auria, always showing up when she needs help. He may try to keep his distance because of his motives, but there’s a strong pull between them. I’ve never read a book with a shadow/smoke daddy before, but I can already tell that Bowen will have you falling for him in no time. And let’s not forget the dragons—they are hilarious, and their sassy banter had me laughing!
The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I’m already itching to read the next installment. There are still so many secrets to uncover. I can’t wait to witness Auria’s growth and see myself fall even deeper for Bowen!
4/5⭐
It’s been over a year since I picked up a romantasy, and honestly, I didn’t have high expectations for this one since it’s the author’s first dive into the genre. But I was pleasantly surprised! There’s so much happening in this book—kingdoms, magic, dragons, faes, secrets, and mysteries that kept me completely engaged from the start. The twists and turns hooked me, and I couldn’t get enough! With a morally gray MMC who would do anything for our heroine, how could I resist? If I didn’t need sleep, I would have devoured this book in one sitting!
Auria, the daughter of the King of Amosite, has a life that’s not a fairy tale. My heart broke for her as I read. She’s been used by her father all her life for her power and hasn’t had the chance to explore the world outside. He only permits her to meet her best friend in the garden. She’s so naive and unaware of what lies beyond the palace walls until her father arranges a marriage to a prince. They have three weeks to visit other kingdoms and announce their engagement, and during their journey, Auria begins to realize that the world is much different from what she thought.
Bowen, that mysterious man, is seriously intriguing! The more I learn about him, the more excited I get. I love how he can’t seem to stay away from Auria, always showing up when she needs help. He may try to keep his distance because of his motives, but there’s a strong pull between them. I’ve never read a book with a shadow/smoke daddy before, but I can already tell that Bowen will have you falling for him in no time. And let’s not forget the dragons—they are hilarious, and their sassy banter had me laughing!
The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I’m already itching to read the next installment. There are still so many secrets to uncover. I can’t wait to witness Auria’s growth and see myself fall even deeper for Bowen!
April 30, 2025
First of all, Thank you So much to the author for letting me ARC read this ABSOLUTELY AMAZING book even if I’ve never ARC read before. I’m so grateful for that alone🫶
Welp now on to the review.
This is no joke the best book I’ve read since November last year. Lowkey saved me from a reading slump😭
The world is so interesting and I have so many theories that I’m not gonna get into here. Maybe another time.
It’s the first book in months where I haven’t found the fmc annoying🫣 can’t decide if I like Bowen or Auria more tho.
AND THE DRAGONS OMG. I love how sassy they are🐉
Karley you did absolutely amazing on this one! Can’t wait to read the next one🫶📚
Welp now on to the review.
This is no joke the best book I’ve read since November last year. Lowkey saved me from a reading slump😭
The world is so interesting and I have so many theories that I’m not gonna get into here. Maybe another time.
It’s the first book in months where I haven’t found the fmc annoying🫣 can’t decide if I like Bowen or Auria more tho.
AND THE DRAGONS OMG. I love how sassy they are🐉
Karley you did absolutely amazing on this one! Can’t wait to read the next one🫶📚
April 12, 2025
Karley really said “here’s my first little romantasy” and then effortlessly DROP KICKED ME INTO OBSESSION. Ma’am?? Excuse the absolute fuck outta me? This was her first fantasy book??? and she wrote it like she’s been doing this for ages?? One thing about me…I’m a certified whore for the little magical details and she delivered like a damn sorceress.
And don’t even get me started on the dragons. Sassy little fire breathing icons. I’m obsessed with them.
Oh, guys! 😄 she ALSO casually crafted one of the HOTTEST fucking shadow daddies to ever exist. I am straight up foaming at the mouth over this man. Let me say his name loud and clear, because it deserves a goddamn moment.
𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐧.
✨swoons✨
OH!!! THE SHADOWS DO ✨𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒✨ WHILST HES DOING ✨𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒✨!! ENOUGH SAID, BYE. 🌶️🌶️
THEY ALSO 𝐓𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐓 HIM, DOUBLE BYE.
Deadwood was everything I wanted and then some. I was screaming into my pillow, blowing up Karley’s phone like a menace because HELLO?? Easily one of my favorite reads this year.
My only complaint? That book two isn’t already downloaded, annotated, and tattooed on my soul.
FIX IT.😩😂
And don’t even get me started on the dragons. Sassy little fire breathing icons. I’m obsessed with them.
Oh, guys! 😄 she ALSO casually crafted one of the HOTTEST fucking shadow daddies to ever exist. I am straight up foaming at the mouth over this man. Let me say his name loud and clear, because it deserves a goddamn moment.
𝐁𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐧.
✨swoons✨
OH!!! THE SHADOWS DO ✨𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒✨ WHILST HES DOING ✨𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒✨!! ENOUGH SAID, BYE. 🌶️🌶️
THEY ALSO 𝐓𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐓 HIM, DOUBLE BYE.
Deadwood was everything I wanted and then some. I was screaming into my pillow, blowing up Karley’s phone like a menace because HELLO?? Easily one of my favorite reads this year.
My only complaint? That book two isn’t already downloaded, annotated, and tattooed on my soul.
FIX IT.😩😂
May 24, 2025
5 ⭐️ AND MORE
I knew from the very first chapter that I was all in on this story. You’ve got a mistreated FMC with mysterious powers, locked away her whole life and about to be married off to some stranger … aka my absolute kryptonite. The moment Auria got a taste of freedom I was rooting for her.
The worldbuilding was so good. The vibes in Deadwood were eerie and magical in the best way and I was just as confused (and excited) as Auria trying to figure out what was real. She’s got a power she doesn’t fully understand, there are secrets everywhere and then we’ve got Bowen. Listen. That man gave me whiplash with the hot and cold energy but when the truth came out? I got it. I really did … i still wanted to throw something at him a few times, but with love of course haha …
Also: Bowen’s friends were incredible. I understood their need to help Auria but also be wary of her. I also loved Dragons but they annoyed me at how easily they wanted Bowen to leave Auria.
There were also so many villains that I couldn’t even keep track - every time I thought we were safe, boom … another shady tool appeared.
I still have so many questions. Who is Auria really? What even are her powers? What is Paxon’s endgame? And THAT ENDING?! That final name drop had me sitting there like excuse me? I need book two immediately. Or therapy. Probably both lol
I knew from the very first chapter that I was all in on this story. You’ve got a mistreated FMC with mysterious powers, locked away her whole life and about to be married off to some stranger … aka my absolute kryptonite. The moment Auria got a taste of freedom I was rooting for her.
The worldbuilding was so good. The vibes in Deadwood were eerie and magical in the best way and I was just as confused (and excited) as Auria trying to figure out what was real. She’s got a power she doesn’t fully understand, there are secrets everywhere and then we’ve got Bowen. Listen. That man gave me whiplash with the hot and cold energy but when the truth came out? I got it. I really did … i still wanted to throw something at him a few times, but with love of course haha …
Also: Bowen’s friends were incredible. I understood their need to help Auria but also be wary of her. I also loved Dragons but they annoyed me at how easily they wanted Bowen to leave Auria.
There were also so many villains that I couldn’t even keep track - every time I thought we were safe, boom … another shady tool appeared.
I still have so many questions. Who is Auria really? What even are her powers? What is Paxon’s endgame? And THAT ENDING?! That final name drop had me sitting there like excuse me? I need book two immediately. Or therapy. Probably both lol
July 8, 2025
4.25 ⭐️ Ahhhh I didn’t want this book to end!!
Although this is marketed as a dark fantasy romance, I would say this is more of a fantasy romance that explores one or two darker/trauma themes.
I loved the plot and characters! They each played their own part and I feel like you can’t go wrong with sassy dragons 🤣 Although I hadn’t expected the ending (fan ending!) something about one of the characters had niggled me and I turned out to be right 🫢
There were a couple of bits that felt a little repetitive but otherwise the book kept me engaged and I’ll definitely be reading the second one!
Although this is marketed as a dark fantasy romance, I would say this is more of a fantasy romance that explores one or two darker/trauma themes.
I loved the plot and characters! They each played their own part and I feel like you can’t go wrong with sassy dragons 🤣 Although I hadn’t expected the ending (fan ending!) something about one of the characters had niggled me and I turned out to be right 🫢
There were a couple of bits that felt a little repetitive but otherwise the book kept me engaged and I’ll definitely be reading the second one!
April 29, 2025
This is an ARC review: Release Day is May 1st 2025🙌🏻💖
What did I just read! 🤯 This book was AMAZING!!! I thought the story was brilliant and I loved the characters (apart from a few which I won’t name due to spoilers) I thought the magic system in this world was really creative and I liked how it plays into the story.
I thought the love story was very strong, I feel like you can see straight away where the attraction is for the couple as soon as they meet and I feel like it was such a beautiful story. There is a few dark aspects of this book which i would encourage others to check out the tigger warnings as this may not be for everyone but I found that I really loved this book!
I overall really enjoyed this book, I felt like the writing was amazing, the story was 100% throughout and I was constantly anxious about what was about to happen next as there is not one point in this book I felt relaxed, the story is a constant go go go which i loved!!
Overall 5⭐️ and I would highly recommend this book!!
Deadwood by Karley Brenna
Out May 1st
🐉Deadwood is a Wild West inspired romantasy with dragons, sentient magic, an engagement with the wrong guy, and so much more!
✨Forced proximity
✨Dual POV
✨Sentient Magic
✨The Slowest of Slow Burn
✨Opinionated and Sassy Dragons
✨Equivalent of a Shadow Daddy
✨Found Family
What did I just read! 🤯 This book was AMAZING!!! I thought the story was brilliant and I loved the characters (apart from a few which I won’t name due to spoilers) I thought the magic system in this world was really creative and I liked how it plays into the story.
I thought the love story was very strong, I feel like you can see straight away where the attraction is for the couple as soon as they meet and I feel like it was such a beautiful story. There is a few dark aspects of this book which i would encourage others to check out the tigger warnings as this may not be for everyone but I found that I really loved this book!
I overall really enjoyed this book, I felt like the writing was amazing, the story was 100% throughout and I was constantly anxious about what was about to happen next as there is not one point in this book I felt relaxed, the story is a constant go go go which i loved!!
Overall 5⭐️ and I would highly recommend this book!!
Deadwood by Karley Brenna
Out May 1st
🐉Deadwood is a Wild West inspired romantasy with dragons, sentient magic, an engagement with the wrong guy, and so much more!
✨Forced proximity
✨Dual POV
✨Sentient Magic
✨The Slowest of Slow Burn
✨Opinionated and Sassy Dragons
✨Equivalent of a Shadow Daddy
✨Found Family
May 11, 2025
I was about to DNF when I realized I was only 50 pages till the end, so I decided to finished it… I was expecting so much with this book… but ended up disappointed.
The first 25 percent was good l, I felt we were going somewhere but then the FMC became so dumb… like it’s not even naive anymore but dull and slow…. To the point of irritation… this whole first book story could’ve been told in 200 pages less than the actual pages… so many things that doesn’t add anything to the plot… the plot was somewhat there but fall off at one point… things were pretty predictable very much the whole time.. and this is just like Phantasma… huge potential but wasted with romance with almost zero substance… at least Phantasma had the decency to end it in one book… I won’t continue reading the next ones… sorry.
The first 25 percent was good l, I felt we were going somewhere but then the FMC became so dumb… like it’s not even naive anymore but dull and slow…. To the point of irritation… this whole first book story could’ve been told in 200 pages less than the actual pages… so many things that doesn’t add anything to the plot… the plot was somewhat there but fall off at one point… things were pretty predictable very much the whole time.. and this is just like Phantasma… huge potential but wasted with romance with almost zero substance… at least Phantasma had the decency to end it in one book… I won’t continue reading the next ones… sorry.
May 2, 2025
“If danger gets you going, princess, all you have to do is say the words and I’ll make some.”
Overall Rating: 4.25/5⭐️
My first read of Karley’s and I’m thoroughly impressed by this debut romantasy of hers! A new wild west + repunzel-esq romantasy??? Absolutely yes please — the minute I saw this book was being released I knew I HAD to read it! The premise sounded so interesting and unique and Deadwood turned out to be exactly what I thought it was going to be — a next-level must-read romantasy! The world-building was atmospheric and fascinating to imagine in my head. I was feral for Bowen the moment he stepped into the text & to later find out he’s a shadow daddy? There’s no way I couldn’t NOT love this book.
This novel had me hooked and enamored from beginning to end, I couldn’t put this book down and dropped everything to order myself a physical copy of it because it’s so good I need a trophy for my bookshelves.
“To hell with me being dangerous. She was a temptation too sweet for the predator inside me to stay away.”
What to expect in Deadwood:
✨ wild west inspired romantasy
✨ sentient magic ;)
✨ “Who did this to you?”
✨ found family
✨ outlaw tattooed smoke daddy mmc
✨ forced proximity
✨ arranged marriage to the wrong guy
✨ opinionated dragons
✨ slow burn
✨ “I didn’t know where else to go.”
Thank you to Karley Brenna & her team for gifting me an arc copy of this new release! All thoughts and comments on this review are my own.
Deadwood released May 1st, 2025!
Overall Rating: 4.25/5⭐️
My first read of Karley’s and I’m thoroughly impressed by this debut romantasy of hers! A new wild west + repunzel-esq romantasy??? Absolutely yes please — the minute I saw this book was being released I knew I HAD to read it! The premise sounded so interesting and unique and Deadwood turned out to be exactly what I thought it was going to be — a next-level must-read romantasy! The world-building was atmospheric and fascinating to imagine in my head. I was feral for Bowen the moment he stepped into the text & to later find out he’s a shadow daddy? There’s no way I couldn’t NOT love this book.
This novel had me hooked and enamored from beginning to end, I couldn’t put this book down and dropped everything to order myself a physical copy of it because it’s so good I need a trophy for my bookshelves.
“To hell with me being dangerous. She was a temptation too sweet for the predator inside me to stay away.”
What to expect in Deadwood:
✨ wild west inspired romantasy
✨ sentient magic ;)
✨ “Who did this to you?”
✨ found family
✨ outlaw tattooed smoke daddy mmc
✨ forced proximity
✨ arranged marriage to the wrong guy
✨ opinionated dragons
✨ slow burn
✨ “I didn’t know where else to go.”
Thank you to Karley Brenna & her team for gifting me an arc copy of this new release! All thoughts and comments on this review are my own.
Deadwood released May 1st, 2025!
November 17, 2025
WHAT THE HELLY.
that ending is crazy 🥸
this book was good! i went into this only knowing that it was a western romantasy so i didn’t really know what to expect but i really enjoyed it.
the plot and world is so interesting! definitely unlike anything i’ve ever read before. the tension and banter is chefs kiss 😚 i was hooked from the beginning. it’s definitely a slooooooow burn with minimal spice but that didn’t bother me because i know this is the first book in a series! so i know the spice will pick up as the story continues to develop!
bowen is 😍 i love him so much. i need more of him already. he is very much touch her and die and i love that. the protection he gave Auria was everything. and i love how he always tried to praise her and make her see her worth.
Auria, bless her. she is so naive and doesn’t make the best decisions but honestly that’s understandable. her situation was very much giving rapunzel vibes aka locked away from the outside world. she was always getting herself in trouble but smoke 💨 daddy bowen was there to rescue her everytime.
and don’t get me started on the sassy dragons 🐉 i loved them!!!
that cliffhanger is something else so i need book 2 asap.. pls and thank you!
🖤 found family
🖤 sassy dragons
🖤 touch her and die
🖤 “who did this to you?”
🖤 smoke daddy mmc
🖤 family trauma
🖤 wild west vibes
that ending is crazy 🥸
this book was good! i went into this only knowing that it was a western romantasy so i didn’t really know what to expect but i really enjoyed it.
the plot and world is so interesting! definitely unlike anything i’ve ever read before. the tension and banter is chefs kiss 😚 i was hooked from the beginning. it’s definitely a slooooooow burn with minimal spice but that didn’t bother me because i know this is the first book in a series! so i know the spice will pick up as the story continues to develop!
bowen is 😍 i love him so much. i need more of him already. he is very much touch her and die and i love that. the protection he gave Auria was everything. and i love how he always tried to praise her and make her see her worth.
Auria, bless her. she is so naive and doesn’t make the best decisions but honestly that’s understandable. her situation was very much giving rapunzel vibes aka locked away from the outside world. she was always getting herself in trouble but smoke 💨 daddy bowen was there to rescue her everytime.
and don’t get me started on the sassy dragons 🐉 i loved them!!!
that cliffhanger is something else so i need book 2 asap.. pls and thank you!
🖤 found family
🖤 sassy dragons
🖤 touch her and die
🖤 “who did this to you?”
🖤 smoke daddy mmc
🖤 family trauma
🖤 wild west vibes
May 13, 2025
4⭐️ WOW! I went into this book with an open mind and I’m so glad I did. This fantasy romance instantly hooked me with its fierce heroine, outlaw town setting, and slow-burn romance. Auria’s growth from a sheltered princess to a bold, truth-seeking woman was empowering and exciting to follow. The hidden magic, twisty secrets, and that brooding, mysterious love interest made every chapter better than the last. If you love strong female leads, enemies to lovers, and uncovering dark royal secrets, definitely add this one to your TBR.
Huge thank you to Karley Brenna for the ARC!
Huge thank you to Karley Brenna for the ARC!
May 11, 2025
Thank you Karley for allowing me an ARC copy to read of this!
I really enjoyed this from the get go, Auria is a great complex FMC and I really loved learning the world along side her.
I enjoyed not really knowing who Auria’s love interest was until late in the story so again it allowed you to learn and grow with her.
Loved the Magic and the Dragons and I seriously cannot wait until the next instalment of this series to find out what happens next because that last chapter really threw a spanner in the works!!!!!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars!! 100% recommend!!
I really enjoyed this from the get go, Auria is a great complex FMC and I really loved learning the world along side her.
I enjoyed not really knowing who Auria’s love interest was until late in the story so again it allowed you to learn and grow with her.
Loved the Magic and the Dragons and I seriously cannot wait until the next instalment of this series to find out what happens next because that last chapter really threw a spanner in the works!!!!!!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars!! 100% recommend!!
May 8, 2025
This is one of the best romantasies I’ve read in a long time! Do you ever get that feeling of starting a book and you put all your other responsibilities on hold because you can’t stop reading the story? This was it for me 😭 the only sad part is now I have to wait for Brimstone to release because what a cliffhanger?!..!!! I am soooo attached to these characters and I can’t wait to read what happens next. Karley, I’ll be sending you my therapy bill because I fear I can’t just go back to my normal life after this.
April 24, 2025
4 ⭐️
Thank you Karley Brenna for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team!
I am shocked that this is the authors first ever Romantasy book she has wrote. She really delivered with this one!
I enjoyed this book so much and it gave me all the things I could want from a Romantasy book -
✨tension/slow burn
✨touch her and ☠️
✨dragons
✨smoke daddy/fae MMC
✨magic
✨found family
I enjoyed the rapunzelesque plot for the FMC - locked away and used for her magic.
When we got the MMC’s POV at the start of part two, I was kicking and giggling my feet with excitement. I live for multiple POV’s and this book does a great job of including that!
This book will keep you intrigued & guessing throughout. And this will continue even when you finish as you are left with some unanswered questions making you want to pick up book 2!
I loved the dragon art that we got at the start of each part of the book, it really was beautiful 🐉
The only thing that brought this book down a bit for me was that I felt the pacing started to slow down a little when it got to the middle-near end of the book. I think the book could have been a bit shorter (100 pages or so), and it would have packed more of a punch.
Romantasy lovers - you will enjoy this one ❤️
Thank you Karley Brenna for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team!
I am shocked that this is the authors first ever Romantasy book she has wrote. She really delivered with this one!
I enjoyed this book so much and it gave me all the things I could want from a Romantasy book -
✨tension/slow burn
✨touch her and ☠️
✨dragons
✨smoke daddy/fae MMC
✨magic
✨found family
I enjoyed the rapunzelesque plot for the FMC - locked away and used for her magic.
When we got the MMC’s POV at the start of part two, I was kicking and giggling my feet with excitement. I live for multiple POV’s and this book does a great job of including that!
This book will keep you intrigued & guessing throughout. And this will continue even when you finish as you are left with some unanswered questions making you want to pick up book 2!
I loved the dragon art that we got at the start of each part of the book, it really was beautiful 🐉
The only thing that brought this book down a bit for me was that I felt the pacing started to slow down a little when it got to the middle-near end of the book. I think the book could have been a bit shorter (100 pages or so), and it would have packed more of a punch.
Romantasy lovers - you will enjoy this one ❤️
May 4, 2025
Y’ALLLL.. Karley is over here turning me into a romantasy girly and I’m kicking my feet and SCREAMING!
𝐀𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐀 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫.
From the beginning, you are immersed in a story of Auria’s closed off world in her castle under her Fathers reign. She is forced to yield her magic in private while her terrible stepmother and father use it for their own benefit.
After a trip with the man she is to wed turns into chaos and bloodshed, they end up in Deadwood where the fallen kingdom is run by Bowen. This man… 😮💨 who will burn the world for Auria and yet, the amount of delicious slow burn, chemistry and longing pulls you through the entire book from beginning to end! 😭 Auria has been so sheltered and locked away her whole life and Bowen helps her learn to make her own choices and confidence, while protecting her when he can.
Not only did I fall in love with the storytelling, the details and putting together pieces of this world, I fell in love with the Deadwood crew! Flynt, Raiden, Siara and of course the dragons!
𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞. 𝐈’𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈’𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲, 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤.
The ending left me wanting more and I cannot wait to get back because I have all the questions!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮..
✨Romantasy
🐴Wild West
🌵Outlaw towns
⛏️Magic mines
🤍Opinionated dragons
🐢Slow burn
🫶🏻Found family
😤who did this to you?
🔥Smoke Magic that will tear apart the world to find her
𝐀𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐤𝐞𝐩𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐀 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫.
From the beginning, you are immersed in a story of Auria’s closed off world in her castle under her Fathers reign. She is forced to yield her magic in private while her terrible stepmother and father use it for their own benefit.
After a trip with the man she is to wed turns into chaos and bloodshed, they end up in Deadwood where the fallen kingdom is run by Bowen. This man… 😮💨 who will burn the world for Auria and yet, the amount of delicious slow burn, chemistry and longing pulls you through the entire book from beginning to end! 😭 Auria has been so sheltered and locked away her whole life and Bowen helps her learn to make her own choices and confidence, while protecting her when he can.
Not only did I fall in love with the storytelling, the details and putting together pieces of this world, I fell in love with the Deadwood crew! Flynt, Raiden, Siara and of course the dragons!
𝐒𝐡𝐞’𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐟 𝐈 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞. 𝐈’𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈’𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝.
𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲, 𝐝𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝, 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤.
The ending left me wanting more and I cannot wait to get back because I have all the questions!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮..
✨Romantasy
🐴Wild West
🌵Outlaw towns
⛏️Magic mines
🤍Opinionated dragons
🐢Slow burn
🫶🏻Found family
😤who did this to you?
🔥Smoke Magic that will tear apart the world to find her
May 9, 2025
Thank you to Karley Brenna for this ARC-
Now THIS is what I’m craving when I want a romantasy!!!
Arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, magic, dragons, world building ?! The environment?! 🤌🏼🤌🏼
Absolutely loved that this was a Wild West inspired read. I really felt like I was INNN the book.
the MMC ?!?? Smoke daddy and tattooed 😮💨
The banter, the slow burnnnn, the ending??? AYFKM?!
Now THIS is what I’m craving when I want a romantasy!!!
Arranged marriage, forced proximity, enemies to lovers, magic, dragons, world building ?! The environment?! 🤌🏼🤌🏼
Absolutely loved that this was a Wild West inspired read. I really felt like I was INNN the book.
the MMC ?!?? Smoke daddy and tattooed 😮💨
The banter, the slow burnnnn, the ending??? AYFKM?!
May 15, 2025
I really don't understand all the positive reviews here. Maybe I'm the problem but I really didn't enjoy this that much. I finished it so I'm not rating it a 1 star but barely...
Auria fumbles through the whole book with her head in space. Like I know she was sheltered but she seems completely fine not being told anything about anything. As a reader I had no understanding of the worlds at all because Auria didn't care to learn anything! Everyone kept giving vague answers and she says shes upset by that but where's the anger? We don't see it.
Her version of freedom and being her own person is stumbling into the caves and skinny dipping? Oh and don't forget strip poker...
And the romance is so bland. Her and Bowen have no meaningful conversations yet theyre soooo into each other? The whole book is him giving her vague non-answers and her deciding she trusts him because of that. There's no friendship, there's no actual trust. It's just a bunch of tropes thrown together.
I finished it and it was fine but I'm not going to read the sequel
Auria fumbles through the whole book with her head in space. Like I know she was sheltered but she seems completely fine not being told anything about anything. As a reader I had no understanding of the worlds at all because Auria didn't care to learn anything! Everyone kept giving vague answers and she says shes upset by that but where's the anger? We don't see it.
Her version of freedom and being her own person is stumbling into the caves and skinny dipping? Oh and don't forget strip poker...
And the romance is so bland. Her and Bowen have no meaningful conversations yet theyre soooo into each other? The whole book is him giving her vague non-answers and her deciding she trusts him because of that. There's no friendship, there's no actual trust. It's just a bunch of tropes thrown together.
I finished it and it was fine but I'm not going to read the sequel
April 24, 2025
I partly like where this story is going I am intrigued about the character development and the relationships being formed
The chapters were too short at times and really stunted the flow of the story telling which was quite frustrating.
I really wanted to love our fmc but she was too weak for me unfortunately. She was constantly getting hurt and saved over and over again and it was getting tiresome. For some reason the women in this story were just not strong or able to build on their strength. They were just wearing corsets and stumbling all over the place.
Bowen is alright but again we are leaning into shadow/ smoke daddies too much and I wanted something new.
The chapters were too short at times and really stunted the flow of the story telling which was quite frustrating.
I really wanted to love our fmc but she was too weak for me unfortunately. She was constantly getting hurt and saved over and over again and it was getting tiresome. For some reason the women in this story were just not strong or able to build on their strength. They were just wearing corsets and stumbling all over the place.
Bowen is alright but again we are leaning into shadow/ smoke daddies too much and I wanted something new.
April 21, 2025
First of all I would like to thank the author Karley Brenna for the ARC in exchange of my honest opinion.
Tropes:
✨Dual Pov
✨Force Proximity
✨ Slow Burn (extremely slow 😂)
✨ Forced Engagement (with the wrong guy)
✨ Wild West x Rapunzel
This is the first romantasy book written by the author and it was really good! There are “extinct” fae, dragons, sentient magic and a world all to discover.
The book has a map at the beginning and I LOVED it! So many romantasy authors forget that and for me it’s extremely important.
Auria is very similar to Rapunzel as she was never allowed to leave the castle (she’s a princess) and has a father (the king) who’s manipulating her. Her step mother is evil and loves to punish her.
Bowen is such an interesting character: he should not want Auria but he’s attracted to her since the first conversation they have. Like Auria he can also use magic and he’s actually someone Auria thought was extinct. He can command shadows (😏) and uses them to save Auria.
Also the side characters are written really well and this is something that I already appreciate in other books of the author.
The ending has a cliffhanger that wanted me to have the second book immediately!
Tropes:
✨Dual Pov
✨Force Proximity
✨ Slow Burn (extremely slow 😂)
✨ Forced Engagement (with the wrong guy)
✨ Wild West x Rapunzel
This is the first romantasy book written by the author and it was really good! There are “extinct” fae, dragons, sentient magic and a world all to discover.
The book has a map at the beginning and I LOVED it! So many romantasy authors forget that and for me it’s extremely important.
Auria is very similar to Rapunzel as she was never allowed to leave the castle (she’s a princess) and has a father (the king) who’s manipulating her. Her step mother is evil and loves to punish her.
Bowen is such an interesting character: he should not want Auria but he’s attracted to her since the first conversation they have. Like Auria he can also use magic and he’s actually someone Auria thought was extinct. He can command shadows (😏) and uses them to save Auria.
Also the side characters are written really well and this is something that I already appreciate in other books of the author.
The ending has a cliffhanger that wanted me to have the second book immediately!
May 7, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Magic is alive Auria, and sometimes it bites.”
Karley Brenna really went “here’s my debut romantasy novel” AND SHE KILLED IT???
I had the privilege to have this as an ARC, courtesy of Karley and Bookfunnel! This book came out last week (1st May) and I can not urge you guys enough to read it.
Deadwood is a Wild West romantasy set book, and with the way it has been wrote, you would think this is Karley’s speciality, it is so beautiful written, the tension, the world building, the characters, immaculate.
There’s so much that goes on in this book, but it’s not too much that’s it’s overwhelming. Fae, sassy dragons, instead of a shadow MMC he’s a SMOKE MMC? His smoke magic speaks to him, and teases him? Like hello? Mystery kingdoms, forced arranged marriage to the wrong guy? The constant secrecy throughout the series and mistrust of the characters you’re introduced to?
And not to mention, the MMC? Bowen? The way he would make the world burn, or choke on their own oxygen (yes😁) to save her? Like quite literally “touch her and you die”?
Auria, the daughter of the King of Amosite (who is an asshole, shock horror), has been hidden away, never to see anything past the castle walls. The way she was being kept away, and used all her life by her father for her power she harasses, i often wanted to cry and just cuddle her. She was so naive of what was happening outside those walls, that when she’s finally allowed to step out into the big and scary world (literally) when she’s forced to do a tour to celebrate her engagement, she is betrayed by how much she really does not know.
Now Bowen, oh Bowen. The mysterious, tattooed, dark haired MMC who acts like he does not give a damn about Auria, yet is always conveniently there when she is in trouble? Mhm i sense bullshit on your “lack of feelings for Auria.” The way he was always there to protect her, like HELLO WE GOT “who did this to you”!!!
“Where did he touch you Auria?”
“Bowen-”
“Where, Auria?”
Like oh my goodness.
“Bossy today are we?
“You don’t know what bossy looks like Auria, but I’d be happy to show you.”
OH MY 😫😫😫😫😫😫
It does end on a cliff hanger this book, and yes I’m going to be sat contemplating my life whilst I eagerly await for the next one, but it is worth it. The sassy dragons, that alone will make you just want to keep reading alongside the constant push and pull between Auria and Bowden, and the world building. Part one can be insinuated as being slow, but that’s because Karley did so well with the world building, that it is essential for it to be the first half of the book, that and it still gives you the little teasers of what happens in the second half of the book.
“Did you hunt this morning ?”
“Only innocent people.” Oh these dragons remind me of fourth wing it is so fun. Sassy and opinionated dragons will always have my heart.
Once again, thank you to Karley Brenna for letting me read this early, even if i didn’t manage to finish it before release day, HOWEVER I CAN NOT EMPHASISE IT ENOUGH.
Deadwood. If you are in a fantasy and or romantasy reading slump? Oh she will help you.
And then probably put you back in one whilst you’re waiting for the next one🤭 but it is so worth it!!
Also, his smoke magic touches her and then teases him about being able to touch her first? Iconic.
⚔️ romantasy
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers kinda vibes
🩶 morally grey + smoke daddy
🐲 dragons & fae who are supposed to be extinct
💪🏼 innocent, naive but also fierce and iconic FMC
👀 Mystery, lies, secrecy, don’t know who to trust
💍 arranged marriage to the wrong guy
🔥 slow burn, like real slow
“Magic is alive Auria, and sometimes it bites.”
Karley Brenna really went “here’s my debut romantasy novel” AND SHE KILLED IT???
I had the privilege to have this as an ARC, courtesy of Karley and Bookfunnel! This book came out last week (1st May) and I can not urge you guys enough to read it.
Deadwood is a Wild West romantasy set book, and with the way it has been wrote, you would think this is Karley’s speciality, it is so beautiful written, the tension, the world building, the characters, immaculate.
There’s so much that goes on in this book, but it’s not too much that’s it’s overwhelming. Fae, sassy dragons, instead of a shadow MMC he’s a SMOKE MMC? His smoke magic speaks to him, and teases him? Like hello? Mystery kingdoms, forced arranged marriage to the wrong guy? The constant secrecy throughout the series and mistrust of the characters you’re introduced to?
And not to mention, the MMC? Bowen? The way he would make the world burn, or choke on their own oxygen (yes😁) to save her? Like quite literally “touch her and you die”?
Auria, the daughter of the King of Amosite (who is an asshole, shock horror), has been hidden away, never to see anything past the castle walls. The way she was being kept away, and used all her life by her father for her power she harasses, i often wanted to cry and just cuddle her. She was so naive of what was happening outside those walls, that when she’s finally allowed to step out into the big and scary world (literally) when she’s forced to do a tour to celebrate her engagement, she is betrayed by how much she really does not know.
Now Bowen, oh Bowen. The mysterious, tattooed, dark haired MMC who acts like he does not give a damn about Auria, yet is always conveniently there when she is in trouble? Mhm i sense bullshit on your “lack of feelings for Auria.” The way he was always there to protect her, like HELLO WE GOT “who did this to you”!!!
“Where did he touch you Auria?”
“Bowen-”
“Where, Auria?”
Like oh my goodness.
“Bossy today are we?
“You don’t know what bossy looks like Auria, but I’d be happy to show you.”
OH MY 😫😫😫😫😫😫
It does end on a cliff hanger this book, and yes I’m going to be sat contemplating my life whilst I eagerly await for the next one, but it is worth it. The sassy dragons, that alone will make you just want to keep reading alongside the constant push and pull between Auria and Bowden, and the world building. Part one can be insinuated as being slow, but that’s because Karley did so well with the world building, that it is essential for it to be the first half of the book, that and it still gives you the little teasers of what happens in the second half of the book.
“Did you hunt this morning ?”
“Only innocent people.” Oh these dragons remind me of fourth wing it is so fun. Sassy and opinionated dragons will always have my heart.
Once again, thank you to Karley Brenna for letting me read this early, even if i didn’t manage to finish it before release day, HOWEVER I CAN NOT EMPHASISE IT ENOUGH.
Deadwood. If you are in a fantasy and or romantasy reading slump? Oh she will help you.
And then probably put you back in one whilst you’re waiting for the next one🤭 but it is so worth it!!
Also, his smoke magic touches her and then teases him about being able to touch her first? Iconic.
⚔️ romantasy
❤️🔥 enemies to lovers kinda vibes
🩶 morally grey + smoke daddy
🐲 dragons & fae who are supposed to be extinct
💪🏼 innocent, naive but also fierce and iconic FMC
👀 Mystery, lies, secrecy, don’t know who to trust
💍 arranged marriage to the wrong guy
🔥 slow burn, like real slow
April 19, 2025
A Wild West-inspired Romantasy… are you convinced? No?! I’ll add dragons!!! Convinced now?!
Deadwood had me hooked from page one, I literally couldn’t stop reading.
I absolutely loved watching Auria (the main character) grow stronger and stronger with every chapter.
Trapped in a castle by a ruthless father and a wicked stepmother, she’s never had the chance to fight for her own freedom.
Until one night changes everything: Auria’s father announces her arranged marriage to a prince, Lander, whom she has never even met. Trying to catch her breath, she ends up on a balcony… and there, she meets a mysterious stranger.
Even though the announcement caught her off guard, the idea of marrying a stranger doesn’t sit well with her. But at least, she’ll finally be able to leave the castle.
For the first time, Auria has the chance to travel across the kingdom and show everyone the alliance between her and the prince.
The journey, however, will be anything but easy: joining her and Lander is his dangerous brother, Paxon.
After a night full of unexpected events, Auria ends up in a difficult situation… and the one who saves her is none other than the balcony stranger: Bowen.
From that moment on, their fates keep intertwining, until Auria finds herself in Deadwood, a town full of outlaws, misfits, and… (you’ll have to read the book to find out!), ruled by Bowen himself.
This book was SO GOOD what an incredible fantasy!
The world-building is well structured, the side characters are important for the story and interesting.
The dragons? They’re sassy, funny, and I need more of them in book two!
And Bowen? He’s the ultimate Morally Gray Shadow/Smoke Daddy. Readers… you are NOT ready to fall for him!!
That cliffhanger ending?! OMG. I thought I was ready to be wrecked, but NOT like that.
I’m emotionally damaged and desperate for the sequel. I need to know how things work out. Send help. Or the next book. Preferably both.
Thanks for the review copy, twistedtalespr 💕
🇮🇹:
Un Romantasy ispirato al Wild West… ti ho convinto? No?! Allora aggiungiamo dei draghi!!! Adesso ti ho convinto?!
Deadwood mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine, non riuscivo a smettere di leggere.
Ho adorato vedere Auria (la protagonista) crescere e diventare sempre più forte, capitolo dopo capitolo.
Intrappolata in un castello da un padre spietato e una matrigna malvagia, non ha mai avuto la possibilità di lottare per la propria libertà.
Finché una notte tutto cambia, il padre di Auria annuncia il suo matrimonio combinato con un principe, Lander, che lei non ha mai visto prima. Per riprendere fiato si ritrova a far i conti con un misterioso sconosciuto su un balcone.
Anche se l’annuncio l’ha lasciata spiazzata, l’idea di sposare uno sconosciuto non le piace ma almeno potrà lasciare il castello.
Per la prima volta nella sua vita, Auria ha la possibilità di viaggiare attraverso il regno per dismontare a tutti l’alleanza tra lei e il principe.
Il viaggio non sarà una passeggiata, insieme a lei e a Lander, ci sarà anche il fratello di lui, Paxon.
Dopo una notte piena di avvenimenti, Auria si troverà in una situazione difficile e in suo aiuto arriverà lo sconosciuto del balcone, Bowen, a salvarla.
Da lì in poi… i loro destini continueranno a incrociarsi, finché Auria non si ritroverà a Deadwood, una città piena di fuorilegge e… ( per saperne di più dovrete leggere il libro ) governata proprio da Bowen.
Questo libro mi è piaciuto da impazzire, un fantasy spettacolare!
Il world-building è ben costruito, i personaggi secondari hanno un ruolo importante e sono davvero interessanti.
E i draghi? Sono pieni di sarcasmo, divertenti… e non vedo l’ora di leggere più scene con loro nel secondo libro!
Bowen? È il Morally Gray per excellent, Shadow/Smoke Daddy 🔥 Readers non siete pronti a innamorarvi di lui!!
Il finale?! Lascia senza parole. Pensavo di essere pronta a soffrire, ma NON in quel modo.
Sono emotivamente a pezzi e ho disperatamente bisogno del seguito.
Mandate aiuto. O il secondo libro. Meglio entrambi.
Deadwood had me hooked from page one, I literally couldn’t stop reading.
I absolutely loved watching Auria (the main character) grow stronger and stronger with every chapter.
Trapped in a castle by a ruthless father and a wicked stepmother, she’s never had the chance to fight for her own freedom.
Until one night changes everything: Auria’s father announces her arranged marriage to a prince, Lander, whom she has never even met. Trying to catch her breath, she ends up on a balcony… and there, she meets a mysterious stranger.
Even though the announcement caught her off guard, the idea of marrying a stranger doesn’t sit well with her. But at least, she’ll finally be able to leave the castle.
For the first time, Auria has the chance to travel across the kingdom and show everyone the alliance between her and the prince.
The journey, however, will be anything but easy: joining her and Lander is his dangerous brother, Paxon.
After a night full of unexpected events, Auria ends up in a difficult situation… and the one who saves her is none other than the balcony stranger: Bowen.
From that moment on, their fates keep intertwining, until Auria finds herself in Deadwood, a town full of outlaws, misfits, and… (you’ll have to read the book to find out!), ruled by Bowen himself.
This book was SO GOOD what an incredible fantasy!
The world-building is well structured, the side characters are important for the story and interesting.
The dragons? They’re sassy, funny, and I need more of them in book two!
And Bowen? He’s the ultimate Morally Gray Shadow/Smoke Daddy. Readers… you are NOT ready to fall for him!!
That cliffhanger ending?! OMG. I thought I was ready to be wrecked, but NOT like that.
I’m emotionally damaged and desperate for the sequel. I need to know how things work out. Send help. Or the next book. Preferably both.
Thanks for the review copy, twistedtalespr 💕
🇮🇹:
Un Romantasy ispirato al Wild West… ti ho convinto? No?! Allora aggiungiamo dei draghi!!! Adesso ti ho convinto?!
Deadwood mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine, non riuscivo a smettere di leggere.
Ho adorato vedere Auria (la protagonista) crescere e diventare sempre più forte, capitolo dopo capitolo.
Intrappolata in un castello da un padre spietato e una matrigna malvagia, non ha mai avuto la possibilità di lottare per la propria libertà.
Finché una notte tutto cambia, il padre di Auria annuncia il suo matrimonio combinato con un principe, Lander, che lei non ha mai visto prima. Per riprendere fiato si ritrova a far i conti con un misterioso sconosciuto su un balcone.
Anche se l’annuncio l’ha lasciata spiazzata, l’idea di sposare uno sconosciuto non le piace ma almeno potrà lasciare il castello.
Per la prima volta nella sua vita, Auria ha la possibilità di viaggiare attraverso il regno per dismontare a tutti l’alleanza tra lei e il principe.
Il viaggio non sarà una passeggiata, insieme a lei e a Lander, ci sarà anche il fratello di lui, Paxon.
Dopo una notte piena di avvenimenti, Auria si troverà in una situazione difficile e in suo aiuto arriverà lo sconosciuto del balcone, Bowen, a salvarla.
Da lì in poi… i loro destini continueranno a incrociarsi, finché Auria non si ritroverà a Deadwood, una città piena di fuorilegge e… ( per saperne di più dovrete leggere il libro ) governata proprio da Bowen.
Questo libro mi è piaciuto da impazzire, un fantasy spettacolare!
Il world-building è ben costruito, i personaggi secondari hanno un ruolo importante e sono davvero interessanti.
E i draghi? Sono pieni di sarcasmo, divertenti… e non vedo l’ora di leggere più scene con loro nel secondo libro!
Bowen? È il Morally Gray per excellent, Shadow/Smoke Daddy 🔥 Readers non siete pronti a innamorarvi di lui!!
Il finale?! Lascia senza parole. Pensavo di essere pronta a soffrire, ma NON in quel modo.
Sono emotivamente a pezzi e ho disperatamente bisogno del seguito.
Mandate aiuto. O il secondo libro. Meglio entrambi.
April 12, 2025
✨ARC review ✨
🖤 Shadow daddy? Present 🫡
❤️🔥SLOWWWWW burn … simmer and TENSION
🌶️ 1.5/4
🌵 Wild West X Fantasy vibes
🐉 Sassy, moody dragons
🏔️ Cliffhanger ending (gonna need to talk about this KARLEY, COUNT UR DAYS!!!)
~~~~~~
I found this super easy to get into, started reading it on a flight thinking it would be a nice casual read… and boy was I wrong. A bit sad when I had to put it down 🤣 (can you believe the flight attendants wouldn’t let me stay on and finish the book!)
I did feel like I lost a bit of interest when there wasn’t much going on, but our poor FMC Auria has a tendency to find herself in some awful situations, so there wasn’t much where there wasn’t something happening. 🤣
I would recommend this as a great fantasy book for someone who is looking to dip their toe into fantasy. There isn’t a massive amount of information dumping, it’s placed out well throughout the book and fits well into the story.
⚠️‼️Spoilers ahead ‼️⚠️
I mean it!!!
~~~
The magic concept is a fresh take, and I found elements of this to be unique (i.e markings appearing on magic thieves!)
Love that Auria is capable of ‘making’ magic, and as the book goes on we discover just how precious this gift is!
Lander, the arranged marriage, seemed harmless at first, thought it was cute he agreed they should just be friends when neither of them wanted it! But NAH not buying the innocent stance. You can’t gaslight me sir!!
I wasn’t a massive fan of him, definitely more going on here I think! Hoping we will find out more in book 2!
HOWEVER his brother is a piece of 💩. Straight up trash, get in the bin. I love to hate him. Don’t have much else to say about him, just an awful human being 🤣
Now BOWEN 🧎🏻♀️…Shadow daddy…I really hope we get more from Bowens POV!! I really enjoyed seeing the world from his perspective, I personally found it hard to relate to him for a big part of the book but these chapters fixed that right up!
The romance plot is verrrrrrrrrry slow, and not an awful lot of physical contact until the last ~20% of the book, but what was included was very well written and leaves you wanting more!!!
Particularly the shower scene, intimate without the need for spice! (She literally crawls to him?? with no where else to go?!) 😭🫶🏻 I may be requiring more therapy after this. Thanks 🤣
Favourite quotes to leave you with;
• “Don’t live the one life you get with regrets”
•“If I spent my entire life wondering why my father did the things he does, I’d never have a moment to think of anything else”
Girl same 💀
•“Your cheeks are red” he stated. “And the stars are bright,” I bit back.
We love a clapback comment 👏🏻
•”Please don’t leave me.” I’d stay forever if she asked.
I would simply pass away.
•”A wolf could be fed by its abuser everyday, and it had no choice but to love the hand that fed it, even if it was the same hand that hurt it.”
And of course, last but not least;
“Who did this to you.”
~~~~~~
🖤 Shadow daddy? Present 🫡
❤️🔥SLOWWWWW burn … simmer and TENSION
🌶️ 1.5/4
🌵 Wild West X Fantasy vibes
🐉 Sassy, moody dragons
🏔️ Cliffhanger ending (gonna need to talk about this KARLEY, COUNT UR DAYS!!!)
~~~~~~
I found this super easy to get into, started reading it on a flight thinking it would be a nice casual read… and boy was I wrong. A bit sad when I had to put it down 🤣 (can you believe the flight attendants wouldn’t let me stay on and finish the book!)
I did feel like I lost a bit of interest when there wasn’t much going on, but our poor FMC Auria has a tendency to find herself in some awful situations, so there wasn’t much where there wasn’t something happening. 🤣
I would recommend this as a great fantasy book for someone who is looking to dip their toe into fantasy. There isn’t a massive amount of information dumping, it’s placed out well throughout the book and fits well into the story.
⚠️‼️Spoilers ahead ‼️⚠️
I mean it!!!
~~~
The magic concept is a fresh take, and I found elements of this to be unique (i.e markings appearing on magic thieves!)
Love that Auria is capable of ‘making’ magic, and as the book goes on we discover just how precious this gift is!
Lander, the arranged marriage, seemed harmless at first, thought it was cute he agreed they should just be friends when neither of them wanted it! But NAH not buying the innocent stance. You can’t gaslight me sir!!
I wasn’t a massive fan of him, definitely more going on here I think! Hoping we will find out more in book 2!
HOWEVER his brother is a piece of 💩. Straight up trash, get in the bin. I love to hate him. Don’t have much else to say about him, just an awful human being 🤣
Now BOWEN 🧎🏻♀️…Shadow daddy…I really hope we get more from Bowens POV!! I really enjoyed seeing the world from his perspective, I personally found it hard to relate to him for a big part of the book but these chapters fixed that right up!
The romance plot is verrrrrrrrrry slow, and not an awful lot of physical contact until the last ~20% of the book, but what was included was very well written and leaves you wanting more!!!
Particularly the shower scene, intimate without the need for spice! (She literally crawls to him?? with no where else to go?!) 😭🫶🏻 I may be requiring more therapy after this. Thanks 🤣
Favourite quotes to leave you with;
• “Don’t live the one life you get with regrets”
•“If I spent my entire life wondering why my father did the things he does, I’d never have a moment to think of anything else”
Girl same 💀
•“Your cheeks are red” he stated. “And the stars are bright,” I bit back.
We love a clapback comment 👏🏻
•”Please don’t leave me.” I’d stay forever if she asked.
I would simply pass away.
•”A wolf could be fed by its abuser everyday, and it had no choice but to love the hand that fed it, even if it was the same hand that hurt it.”
And of course, last but not least;
“Who did this to you.”
~~~~~~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
3.5/4 ⭐️
T This book had vibes. Deadwood by Karley Brenna is like if a romantasy met a dusty Western saloon and then someone threw in dragons, fae, and a princess with a serious case of “I’m not like other girls”—and I mean that in the best way.
We follow Auria, a sheltered princess betrothed against her will (because of course), whose journey goes completely sideways when her group is attacked and they end up in the strange, secret-filled town of Deadwood. From there, it’s a slow unraveling of truth, power, and a whole lot of hidden magic.
The worldbuilding was super atmospheric—I could practically feel the dry heat and tension. Auria’s growth was one of my favorite parts, and the whole mystery surrounding her family and the town kept me reading. The romance had potential (broody boy alert), but I wanted a little more oomph emotionally.
It’s a slower burn and leans heavily on setting and internal stakes rather than action-packed scenes—but if you’re in the mood for a moody, magical story with a unique tone, this one’s worth picking up. Definitely curious to see where the series goes! his book had vibes. Deadwood by Karley Brenna is like if a romantasy met a dusty Western saloon and then someone threw in dragons, fae, and a princess with a serious case of “I’m not like other girls”—and I mean that in the best way.
We follow Auria, a sheltered princess betrothed against her will (because of course), whose journey goes completely sideways when her group is attacked and they end up in the strange, secret-filled town of Deadwood. From there, it’s a slow unraveling of truth, power, and a whole lot of hidden magic.
The worldbuilding was super atmospheric—I could practically feel the dry heat and tension. Auria’s growth was one of my favorite parts, and the whole mystery surrounding her family and the town kept me reading. The romance had potential (broody boy alert), but I wanted a little more oomph emotionally.
It’s a slower burn and leans heavily on setting and internal stakes rather than action-packed scenes—but if you’re in the mood for a moody, magical story with a unique tone, this one’s worth picking up. Definitely curious to see where the series goes!
T This book had vibes. Deadwood by Karley Brenna is like if a romantasy met a dusty Western saloon and then someone threw in dragons, fae, and a princess with a serious case of “I’m not like other girls”—and I mean that in the best way.
We follow Auria, a sheltered princess betrothed against her will (because of course), whose journey goes completely sideways when her group is attacked and they end up in the strange, secret-filled town of Deadwood. From there, it’s a slow unraveling of truth, power, and a whole lot of hidden magic.
The worldbuilding was super atmospheric—I could practically feel the dry heat and tension. Auria’s growth was one of my favorite parts, and the whole mystery surrounding her family and the town kept me reading. The romance had potential (broody boy alert), but I wanted a little more oomph emotionally.
It’s a slower burn and leans heavily on setting and internal stakes rather than action-packed scenes—but if you’re in the mood for a moody, magical story with a unique tone, this one’s worth picking up. Definitely curious to see where the series goes! his book had vibes. Deadwood by Karley Brenna is like if a romantasy met a dusty Western saloon and then someone threw in dragons, fae, and a princess with a serious case of “I’m not like other girls”—and I mean that in the best way.
We follow Auria, a sheltered princess betrothed against her will (because of course), whose journey goes completely sideways when her group is attacked and they end up in the strange, secret-filled town of Deadwood. From there, it’s a slow unraveling of truth, power, and a whole lot of hidden magic.
The worldbuilding was super atmospheric—I could practically feel the dry heat and tension. Auria’s growth was one of my favorite parts, and the whole mystery surrounding her family and the town kept me reading. The romance had potential (broody boy alert), but I wanted a little more oomph emotionally.
It’s a slower burn and leans heavily on setting and internal stakes rather than action-packed scenes—but if you’re in the mood for a moody, magical story with a unique tone, this one’s worth picking up. Definitely curious to see where the series goes!
May 1, 2025
happy release day to deadwood!!
thank you for the advanced copy 🫶🏻
i can't believe this was karley's fantasy debut, i just loved this book so much. it's the first book in a new fantasy romance series, and i'm so excited to read more of her fantasy work in the future. i have loved every single one of her books that i've read, and deadwood was no exception.
when i first heard this was going to be a wild-west inspired romantasy (with dragons!!), i was definitely intrigued. it's not something i ever read before, but believe me, it blew all my expectations out of the water. it was such an amazing read, and it might be my new fantasy obsession. i could not put this book down, i was having too much fun and could not wait to see what was going to happen next. although, i will need some time to recover after that cliffhanger. i’m already counting down to book two…
the story itself is divided into two parts: part one is more focused on world-building, so it's a little slow, but part two is where i got hooked, especially because we get another pov and it was one i was so excited for.
auria definitely came into herself in the second part, too, which i really liked. she was a little naive at the start, which was totally understandable, with the worst luck, but she has some amazing character growth, especially when she meets a family of misfits and outlaws. they introduce her to a whole new world, and she starts to realise that everything she thinks she knows might be a lie.
there's also some romance, but it's more of a slow burn, especially since she's already engaged to the wrong guy, so it does come with some tension and angst. i'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out, but i'm definitely rooting for them (as well as the downfall of a few others, iykyk).
i would highly recommend this book if you're looking for a new kind of fantasy, with dragons and a side of rapunzel vibes. karley's writing is always addictive and i can not recommend her enough as an author.
- found family
- dragons
- who did this to you
- forced proximity
- morally grey characters
- shadow daddy
- dual pov
- slow burn
thank you for the advanced copy 🫶🏻
i can't believe this was karley's fantasy debut, i just loved this book so much. it's the first book in a new fantasy romance series, and i'm so excited to read more of her fantasy work in the future. i have loved every single one of her books that i've read, and deadwood was no exception.
when i first heard this was going to be a wild-west inspired romantasy (with dragons!!), i was definitely intrigued. it's not something i ever read before, but believe me, it blew all my expectations out of the water. it was such an amazing read, and it might be my new fantasy obsession. i could not put this book down, i was having too much fun and could not wait to see what was going to happen next. although, i will need some time to recover after that cliffhanger. i’m already counting down to book two…
the story itself is divided into two parts: part one is more focused on world-building, so it's a little slow, but part two is where i got hooked, especially because we get another pov and it was one i was so excited for.
auria definitely came into herself in the second part, too, which i really liked. she was a little naive at the start, which was totally understandable, with the worst luck, but she has some amazing character growth, especially when she meets a family of misfits and outlaws. they introduce her to a whole new world, and she starts to realise that everything she thinks she knows might be a lie.
there's also some romance, but it's more of a slow burn, especially since she's already engaged to the wrong guy, so it does come with some tension and angst. i'm looking forward to seeing how it all plays out, but i'm definitely rooting for them (as well as the downfall of a few others, iykyk).
i would highly recommend this book if you're looking for a new kind of fantasy, with dragons and a side of rapunzel vibes. karley's writing is always addictive and i can not recommend her enough as an author.
- found family
- dragons
- who did this to you
- forced proximity
- morally grey characters
- shadow daddy
- dual pov
- slow burn
April 23, 2025
4.5 ⭐️-This was giving Rapunzel mixed with the Wild West mixed with every fae/dragon Romantasy that you’ve come to know and love. It was really good!
We are following Auria. Her father is a tyrant king who keeps her locked in his castle, forcing her to replicate magic. He arranged her to marry the prince of an allied kingdom and the two embark on an engagement tour to soothe relations with neighboring kingdoms. But remember when I said he was a tyrant? Yeah, the tour doesn’t go well and after an attack on their carriages, Auria, her fiancé and their guards find themselves stranded in Deadwood. A lawless town filled with species that are supposed to be eradicated and extinct.
In this town, we meet the loml Bowen. And well, you’ve heard of shadow daddies, but have you ever heard of a smoke daddy?! Because I hadn’t and I’m obsessed 😍 Auria is naive to the world around her due to her forced seclusion, but while taking refuge in Deadwood she starts to learn all the secrets of the world her father has kept secret from her and let’s just say, she’s pissed. How I love female rage 🤭👏🏻😍
You’ve got found family, you’ve got dragons, you’ve got magic. Fans of the Empyrean Series and ACOTAR will love this.
The reason it is not a five star for me is because the secret keeping done by every character really lends to a lot of the plot staying stagnant for chapters at a time. I could see what Karley Brenna was trying to do, but it mostly just lent to mistrust between the characters which made the relationships more difficult to buy into. The series has a ton of potential though and after the way it ended, I’m chomping at the bit for book 2!
**ARC received for an honest review**
We are following Auria. Her father is a tyrant king who keeps her locked in his castle, forcing her to replicate magic. He arranged her to marry the prince of an allied kingdom and the two embark on an engagement tour to soothe relations with neighboring kingdoms. But remember when I said he was a tyrant? Yeah, the tour doesn’t go well and after an attack on their carriages, Auria, her fiancé and their guards find themselves stranded in Deadwood. A lawless town filled with species that are supposed to be eradicated and extinct.
In this town, we meet the loml Bowen. And well, you’ve heard of shadow daddies, but have you ever heard of a smoke daddy?! Because I hadn’t and I’m obsessed 😍 Auria is naive to the world around her due to her forced seclusion, but while taking refuge in Deadwood she starts to learn all the secrets of the world her father has kept secret from her and let’s just say, she’s pissed. How I love female rage 🤭👏🏻😍
You’ve got found family, you’ve got dragons, you’ve got magic. Fans of the Empyrean Series and ACOTAR will love this.
The reason it is not a five star for me is because the secret keeping done by every character really lends to a lot of the plot staying stagnant for chapters at a time. I could see what Karley Brenna was trying to do, but it mostly just lent to mistrust between the characters which made the relationships more difficult to buy into. The series has a ton of potential though and after the way it ended, I’m chomping at the bit for book 2!
**ARC received for an honest review**
April 20, 2025
ARC review!
I wasn’t sure going into this book what I would think but I wanted to dive into some fantasy and see what the smoke daddy was about. I truly enjoy every bit of this book. Some scenes made me feral. I loved Bowen and his POV added to the story so well. I fell in love with some of the characters throughout their journey.
Forced engagement with the wrong guy!
Grumpy dragons and lots of banter -sign me up
Smoke daddy with Wild West vibes - sign me up
Lots of SLOW BURN but it made it worth it. The shower scene was very intimate and touching. The scene in the spring was phenomenal. It made me fall in love over and over again. 💗💜
Cliffhanger OMG!
Deadwood I love you! I cannot wait for the next book already and this one isn’t even out yet 😂😭
🙌 Of course I have to add my favorite quotes to this! 🙌
“Please don't leave me." I'd stay forever if she asked.
“I did just kill three men for you,” he pointed out.
I was losing my godsdamned mind over this woman
“Eyes on me. Are you hurt?”
To hell with me being dangerous. She was a temptation too sweet for the predator inside me to stay away.
I’d been attracted to her since the beginning—there was no hiding that—but gods. Auria was every star that speckled the night sky, every ray of sunlight shining upon fresh blooms in the meadows. She was a temptress ensnaring me with her sweet scent.
“Who did this to you?” My voice was rough, like the tip of a knife along splintered wood.
5/5 ⭐️
I wasn’t sure going into this book what I would think but I wanted to dive into some fantasy and see what the smoke daddy was about. I truly enjoy every bit of this book. Some scenes made me feral. I loved Bowen and his POV added to the story so well. I fell in love with some of the characters throughout their journey.
Forced engagement with the wrong guy!
Grumpy dragons and lots of banter -sign me up
Smoke daddy with Wild West vibes - sign me up
Lots of SLOW BURN but it made it worth it. The shower scene was very intimate and touching. The scene in the spring was phenomenal. It made me fall in love over and over again. 💗💜
Cliffhanger OMG!
Deadwood I love you! I cannot wait for the next book already and this one isn’t even out yet 😂😭
🙌 Of course I have to add my favorite quotes to this! 🙌
“Please don't leave me." I'd stay forever if she asked.
“I did just kill three men for you,” he pointed out.
I was losing my godsdamned mind over this woman
“Eyes on me. Are you hurt?”
To hell with me being dangerous. She was a temptation too sweet for the predator inside me to stay away.
I’d been attracted to her since the beginning—there was no hiding that—but gods. Auria was every star that speckled the night sky, every ray of sunlight shining upon fresh blooms in the meadows. She was a temptress ensnaring me with her sweet scent.
“Who did this to you?” My voice was rough, like the tip of a knife along splintered wood.
5/5 ⭐️
April 27, 2025
“𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘈𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘢, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘴.”
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
Deadwood is the first book in a new fantasy romance series called ‘Secrets of Serpentine’ and this also happens to be the authors debut fantasy, which is absolutely incredible!
I was so intrigued with the synopsis of this book and then I started reading it and simply could not put it down! I love that this book is divided into two parts. Part one really dealt with laying down the foundation in terms of world-building and getting to really know our FMC Auria. The abuse she deals with from her step mother and the forced labour she endures from her father were truly devastating to witness. I was so happy that we got introduced with a second POV in part two, there is nothing I love more than reading from both the FMC and MC POV’s in order to get more insight into their perspectives.
Now add in the fact that we have a new shadow daddy in the fictional world with a touch her and 💀 attitude as well as sassy dragons, what else could you truly want?!
I also really loved the addition of the beautiful Part 1 & 2 and chapter header artwork we were spoiled to.
The unique magic concept was a breath of fresh air, it was also interesting to see Auria learn so much more about her magic and the world around her, from being so sheltered back home.
“𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
🪵 Wild West meets Fantasy romance
🪵 Magic & sassy dragons
🪵 Forced proximity
🪵 Dual POV
🪵 Shadow daddy
🪵 Found family
🪵 Morally grey characters
🪵 Sloooow burn
𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴.”
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to @twistedtalespr for the #gifted review copy.
𝘽𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬:
Deadwood is the first book in a new fantasy romance series called ‘Secrets of Serpentine’ and this also happens to be the authors debut fantasy, which is absolutely incredible!
I was so intrigued with the synopsis of this book and then I started reading it and simply could not put it down! I love that this book is divided into two parts. Part one really dealt with laying down the foundation in terms of world-building and getting to really know our FMC Auria. The abuse she deals with from her step mother and the forced labour she endures from her father were truly devastating to witness. I was so happy that we got introduced with a second POV in part two, there is nothing I love more than reading from both the FMC and MC POV’s in order to get more insight into their perspectives.
Now add in the fact that we have a new shadow daddy in the fictional world with a touch her and 💀 attitude as well as sassy dragons, what else could you truly want?!
I also really loved the addition of the beautiful Part 1 & 2 and chapter header artwork we were spoiled to.
The unique magic concept was a breath of fresh air, it was also interesting to see Auria learn so much more about her magic and the world around her, from being so sheltered back home.
“𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮:
🪵 Wild West meets Fantasy romance
🪵 Magic & sassy dragons
🪵 Forced proximity
🪵 Dual POV
🪵 Shadow daddy
🪵 Found family
🪵 Morally grey characters
🪵 Sloooow burn
𝙁𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙌𝙪𝙤𝙩𝙚:
“𝘋𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴.”
𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to @twistedtalespr for the #gifted review copy.
May 31, 2025
One Thousand Times Yes! While she started a little slow and had quite a bit of unnecessary repetition- This is common amongst fantasy. You have to build the world up, introduce the characters and creatures of the fantasy land. Once this book got rolling though- I was hungry for it!
Shadow Daddy: This man. This man’s shadows. This man’s bonded dragon. All 3 are wise-cracking smart-asses, and I was there for it. His shadows even back talk him- love it. The also participate in extracurricular activities with him- that’s right 🌶️
Slow burn. Don’t let the spice keep you from reading it if spice isn’t your thing. Not a lot of spice to this one. Personally, I love spice and would appreciate more, but it honestly wasn’t necessary. The tension and banter kept me fired up.
Forbidden romance. Do I need to say more? Two people NOT supposed to even look each others way…. Fathers were enemies. Romeo and Juliet style?.
Authors first fantasy book my arse. Girl. You had to be writing romantasy under a different pen name. Cause if this was your first. 🤯❤️🔥
I was thankful to be an ARC reader for this… you better believe, I ran to buy my signed copy before I even finished.
Speaking of finishing- that ending! Glacies tried to warn us, but I didn’t head the warning and was left with my jaw on the floor! Gimme book 2 now please!!
Shadow Daddy: This man. This man’s shadows. This man’s bonded dragon. All 3 are wise-cracking smart-asses, and I was there for it. His shadows even back talk him- love it. The also participate in extracurricular activities with him- that’s right 🌶️
Slow burn. Don’t let the spice keep you from reading it if spice isn’t your thing. Not a lot of spice to this one. Personally, I love spice and would appreciate more, but it honestly wasn’t necessary. The tension and banter kept me fired up.
Forbidden romance. Do I need to say more? Two people NOT supposed to even look each others way…. Fathers were enemies. Romeo and Juliet style?.
Authors first fantasy book my arse. Girl. You had to be writing romantasy under a different pen name. Cause if this was your first. 🤯❤️🔥
I was thankful to be an ARC reader for this… you better believe, I ran to buy my signed copy before I even finished.
Speaking of finishing- that ending! Glacies tried to warn us, but I didn’t head the warning and was left with my jaw on the floor! Gimme book 2 now please!!
May 14, 2025
HOLY MOTHER OF PLOT TWISTS
for lovers of Fourth Wing, Quicksilver and The Plated Prisoner Series, DEADWOOD IS YOUR NEXT READ.
Karley Brenna has done a phenomenal job in creating the world of Serpentine! Everything you want in a fantasy book and MORE!! Forbidden love, enemies to lovers, dragons, mystical creatures, secrets, betrayal and slow burn to boot!! All wrapped up in a lawless westernesque type town called Deadwood!
I can’t give too much away about this book without spoiling it, so please take my word; if you loved the above mentioned titles, you will love Deadwood!!
I will say, the book was a bit slow to start and if Auren got on your nerves in the beginning, my girl Auria will too BUT with the determination of Violet Sorrengail and the mouth and wit of Saeris Fane, she will quickly win you over!!
This is a slow burn that ends on a cliffhanger with a plot twist you will NOT SEE COMING. All my flabbers were gasted and my biscuit was buttered. 10000000/10 recommend. Because it was a slow burn I give it 2🌶️ out of 5 BUT LORD THAT MAN CAN HAVE IT BECAUSE WHAT THAT MOUTH DO MY GUY.
for lovers of Fourth Wing, Quicksilver and The Plated Prisoner Series, DEADWOOD IS YOUR NEXT READ.
Karley Brenna has done a phenomenal job in creating the world of Serpentine! Everything you want in a fantasy book and MORE!! Forbidden love, enemies to lovers, dragons, mystical creatures, secrets, betrayal and slow burn to boot!! All wrapped up in a lawless westernesque type town called Deadwood!
I can’t give too much away about this book without spoiling it, so please take my word; if you loved the above mentioned titles, you will love Deadwood!!
I will say, the book was a bit slow to start and if Auren got on your nerves in the beginning, my girl Auria will too BUT with the determination of Violet Sorrengail and the mouth and wit of Saeris Fane, she will quickly win you over!!
This is a slow burn that ends on a cliffhanger with a plot twist you will NOT SEE COMING. All my flabbers were gasted and my biscuit was buttered. 10000000/10 recommend. Because it was a slow burn I give it 2🌶️ out of 5 BUT LORD THAT MAN CAN HAVE IT BECAUSE WHAT THAT MOUTH DO MY GUY.
April 15, 2025
I have to say that this exceeded my expectations! It was a genre I normally don’t read but this romantasy was so damn good!
Auria Tenere is the daughter of King Tenere of Amosite. She is trapped in a gilded cage and not able to leave the confines of the castle. Her father and stepmother are terrible to her but Auria is as tough as they come. She ends up being forced into a marriage to Lander from who is from another kingdom. She doesn’t want this but there is nothing she can do. Her father allows her and Lander to travel the different kingdoms to show they want peace and Auria is excited because she will finally have a little freedom.
Auria meets the mysterious Bowen the night of her engagement celebration and they instantly click despite their banter and snarky comments. Bowen is a fighter. I don’t want to give too much away but the story that unfolds seriously blew my mind! Their chemistry was intense as is their relationship. A lot happens but the story flows and although it ends on a cliffhanger it gets the job done! I love these characters already and I can’t wait for more!
Auria Tenere is the daughter of King Tenere of Amosite. She is trapped in a gilded cage and not able to leave the confines of the castle. Her father and stepmother are terrible to her but Auria is as tough as they come. She ends up being forced into a marriage to Lander from who is from another kingdom. She doesn’t want this but there is nothing she can do. Her father allows her and Lander to travel the different kingdoms to show they want peace and Auria is excited because she will finally have a little freedom.
Auria meets the mysterious Bowen the night of her engagement celebration and they instantly click despite their banter and snarky comments. Bowen is a fighter. I don’t want to give too much away but the story that unfolds seriously blew my mind! Their chemistry was intense as is their relationship. A lot happens but the story flows and although it ends on a cliffhanger it gets the job done! I love these characters already and I can’t wait for more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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