Kingdom of Deceit and Desire

by Melinda Hyde

Born to be enemies. Tied by duty. Destined by fate.

Forced into a political marriage with Adriel, the enigmatic King of a neighboring kingdom, Liliana must navigate treacherous royal intrigue, hidden agendas, and forbidden magic. As daily dangers escalate and her true heritage unfolds, she must surrender her resentment and claim her destiny. Yet, it's no longer just kingdoms at stake – her heart, magic, and future hang in the balance.

Adriel seeks peace, but at a steep price. Binding Liliana to him through marriage, he hopes to safeguard his kingdom. However, as secrets shatter illusions and hidden truths surface, Adriel finds himself torn between duty and desire, waging a silent war for the one thing he never the heart of the woman sworn to despise him.

Content This book contains mature themes, sexual content, and graphic violence.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2025

About the author

Melinda Hyde is a fantasy novelist, hailing from the great state of Louisiana, where the food is to die for and nights are brimming with ghoulish tales of nightmarish lore. She uses her nights to spin new worlds webbed around breathtaking characters and fantastical beasts. She has written seven novels, including one novella, each one steepled with villains, perils, and crippling odds. Outside of her writing, Melinda spends her time wrangling her three wild, spirited children, savoring every moment with her loving husband, and taking inspiration from the silly antics of her two lop-eared dogs and patronizing cats.

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I couldn’t put it down. The main characters were very well written. So many twists and turns, absolutely loved it!Werewolves, enemies to lovers, forced marriage, and magic. Sign me up everytime! I need the next book now lol

[Dee Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingdom of Deceit and Desire follows a young woman whose life is upended when she becomes entangled in the political and magical power struggles, a realm ruled as much by secrets as by crowns. She begins the story relatively constrained—by class, expectation, or circumstance—and is drawn into the orbit of the MMC, whose authority, reputation, and hidden agenda make him both dangerous and impossible to ignore.

The story is compelling, emotionally charged, and clearly written by someone who understands tension and atmosphere. The premise is strong, and the political-romantic interplay is the book’s biggest strength. The ending is emotionally satisfying but intentionally unresolved—which works for a series, though the final decision/action could be sharpened for impact.

I was impressed by writing style. She writes like a well seasoned author in the romantasy genre. It felt very familiar but also brand new. I really enjoyed her writing style and uniqueness.

Why it's not quite 5 stars?
Frankly because I am just not big on smut, I'm more of a closed door kinda girl, however I know plenty of women who would eat this up. Will I read the next one? You bet your tushy I am!
---------------------------

If you are someone who is interesest in the story but wants to skip the spice:
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 17
Chapter 24
Chapter 28
Chapter 30
Chapter 32
Chapter 34
Chapter 36
Chapter 39
(What did you expect? Desire is in the name)

[Arianna Michele Ramsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a fated mates book with some political strife and insta love feels, this is it. Not heavy on the spice and very non descriptive when it comes to it.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I really enjoyed the plot.

BUT



I feel the relationship between the MCs was a little forced. When they were both on the same page, I looovveeeddd their dynamic. The banter and playfulness. The irresistible draw to one another was yummy. But then Adriel would say something that would offend Liliana or she would misinterpret it, vice versa, and we would be back to square one. I found this really frustrating. Especially since Liliana is portrayed in the beginning as slightly wild and rebellious; I felt she would have eased into the transition a little easier. I get her frustration of being used as a bargaining piece but the rest of it started coming off as whiny and slightly insufferable. Like having to walk on egg shells with her during every conversation. It became so tiresome for me.

I found Adriel slightly aloof and immature which was another really frustrating thing for me. The situation with Brielle should have been easily solved but Adriel’s lack of forthcoming was an issue for me, especially since he showed such disdain towards her. I didn’t understand why he didn’t just go ahead and air it out, even if it also made him look bad. Also, the continuous disrespect towards Liliana by his inner circle, while understandable because she’s an outsider taught to hate all things magical, really got on my nerves; ESPECIALLY when it came from Brielle. For him to be king and put his foot down when it came to some of his guard but not really take a stand for his wife with his closest friends/family? Felt more princely trying to appease his mom and dad. With this involving wolves and a pack dynamic, I found it even more annoying that a supposed alpha/king would tolerate the blatant disregard of his authority.

I will note, I really enjoyed Liliana’s metamorphosis, even if it felt like our girl was catching absolutely no breaks. The plot is what really saved this book for me. While towards the end I was really just skimming over the MCs time together and getting down to the nitty gritty. The cliffhanger made me giggle a little because why is brother so mad? He didn’t even like her that much anyways. 😭💅

All that aside, this was a solid 3.5/5⭐️ for me. Definitely recommend for those that love the fated mates and insta-love tropes. The political strife was intriguing and I really enjoyed the dynamics of each kingdom. Semi-fast paced with a lot happening in a very short amount of time it seems. For real, Liliana went through hell y’all. 😂

[Lori Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written so well with all the forbidden magic, mystery, tension, enemies to lovers and a slow burn. It’s fast paced and never a dull moment. I absolutely loved it!! There are so many twists and turns and just when I thought I knew where this was heading….no I was totally blown away.

A princess (Liliana)is forced to marry a man (Adriel) she refers to as a heathen and has to leave her kingdom with him to prevent a war between their kingdoms.

Liliana and Adriel have a deep bond from day one, but Lilli is angry that her parents knowingly sent her to a life she didn’t ask for. She is also fighting that deep connection she feels and trying to hate him. While all he wants is to have her as his wife, his lover, and his mate. Adriel has secrets and untold truths that can put Lili in danger and possibly lose her forever.

Can’t wait for book 2!!!

[McReadsATon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingdom of Deceit & Desire by Melinda Hyde weaves an enchanting tale of forbidden love between Adriel and Liliana, two characters destined to be mortal enemies but bound as fated mates. Though I’m not typically drawn to insta-love stories, I couldn’t help but get wrapped up in their journey, rooting for them to overcome the immense obstacles in their path. Hyde does a great job incorporating popular tropes like "touch her and die" vibes, "he falls first," and a richly magical, supernatural setting.

While the book isn’t my usual cup of tea—earning it 3.5 stars from me—it’s perfect for readers who adore fated mates and intense, magical romances. If these tropes are your jam, you’ll likely find this story impossible to resist!

[Sherri L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingdom of Deceit and Desire captured me from page one! The main characters are Liliana and Adriel. Lilliana was brought up in a kingdom with no magic and Adriel is king in kingdom full of magic. Without giving too much away Adriel forces Liliana into marriage and the fun begins. She hates him because she thinks he’s a heathen and he loves her because she is his fated mate. The banter between them will make you sad, and make you laugh. This was a great book! If you love shifters, sorcerers, fae, and a whole lot of other magical creatures then this book is for you! I can’t wait to see what happens next! This book is a must read that you’ll want add to your TBR list.

[Kelly Duvenage · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally just finished this book a few hours ago and wow! I absolutely loved it. The tension, the drama, the intricacies of the storyline with all the various twists and turns was simply *chefs kiss*

From enemies to lovers, bound to be fated mates, to magic and mayehm... I was so excited to read it throughout every day.

The writing flows together amazingly making it easier to understand and keep my interest. It's been long since I rated a book 5 stars but this one definitely deserves it!

Lastly I'd like to thank the author for sending me this copy, it's amazing. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Tammy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a page turner. The story kept you enthralled the entire time and made you want to keep going. The banter between Liliana and Adriel was absolutely amazing and hilarious. The bond between them was amazing and to watch it grow was so much fun. I loved watching Liliana flourish into the person she was ment to be. The ending omg the ending I was sooo shocked and absolutely cannot wait for the second book!

[JoAnna VanDorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't typically read books based on the past. But this book was amazing. Nyasia is definitely my favorite side character. I'm sad over whom was lost in the end 😭 Garrett was hilarious, definitely big brother vibes there. But that ending, please say it isn't him 🥺🥺🫣😩 Five stars and 2 peppers. Can't wait for the next book.

[Ifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Melinda for this advanced reader copy! This book was a wild ride! There were so many twists and turns I never knew what was going to happen next! Liliana is a force to be reckoned with and Adriel is swoon worthy. This was very well written and I flew through this book.

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

The banter between the two main characters is perfect. This is a true enemies to lover with a slow burn romance. This is well written and paced well. I loved the twists and turns that this story took and didn’t know where things were gonna go several times. I can’t wait to start the second book!

[Maria Irby · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this book was surprising and well paced. I loved reading this book with twists and turns and action and love! Highly recommend!

[Jaclyn Zappulla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book with a little bit of everything in it. Forced marriage, fated mates, multiple villains, more than one magical creature, and so much more

[Kayleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was sent an ARC of this book and what an enjoyable read.

I really enjoyed Lilliana and Adriels story from start to finish and what a plot twist to end it on as well...

can't wait to read the next in the series 🙌

[Lynz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read, you will be swept into this world with a strong enemy to lovers theme. I've just finished reading at 1am because it's one of those that is just hard to put down!

[Kori Lynex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melinda Hyde’s "Kingdom of Deceit and Desire" delivers a mesmerizing blend of romance, intrigue, and magic, setting the stage for an epic tale of love and power. As the inaugural installment in The Three Queens series, the novel introduces us to a richly constructed world of warring kingdoms, magical beings, and complex characters grappling with their destinies.

The story centers on Liliana, a princess thrust into a politically charged marriage with Adriel, the enigmatic king of Dyneria. Liliana’s journey from a constrained royal pawn to a self-assured, powerful queen is captivating. Adriel, burdened with the weight of leadership and his hidden dual nature, provides a compelling counterpart. Their chemistry, often a balance of tension and tenderness, is palpable and deeply engaging.

Hyde excels at creating a vivid and immersive world. The contrast between the lush, free-spirited Dyneria and the oppressive, rigid Akaria is striking, while the inclusion of magical beings and ancient lore enriches the narrative. The writing style is evocative, blending lyrical descriptions with emotional depth, though some scenes—particularly action sequences—feel slightly rushed compared to the more introspective moments.

Key themes of identity, sacrifice, and the moral complexities of leadership resonate throughout, offering a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. While secondary characters like Brielle and Wren could have been more fully developed, their presence adds layers of intrigue and betrayal.

"Kingdom of Deceit and Desire" is a gripping start to a promising series. Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black will find much to admire in Hyde’s storytelling. With its strong character arcs, rich world-building, and heartfelt romance, this novel is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Highly recommended for those who crave a tale of love, magic, and the unyielding pursuit of freedom.

[Jessica Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.

This book was really was fantastic. I loved very part of it. It is about an enemy prince whom agrees to take the enemy's daughter as his bride to form a peace treaty. There comes suspense in which she learn that there is shifters, magic and secrets. Becoming the queen to her country's enemies is just the beginning. There will be so many questions that need to be answered. No matter what, the prince remains so calm and caring with her, treating her as a queen should be treated always having her back. This is a book you won’t be able to out it down. The banter between Adriel and Liliana is entertaining . Looking fwd to reading book 2 .

[Annie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot express how good this book is. A place where an enemy prince agrees to take the enemy's daughter as his bride. In order to establish a peace treaty between the two countries. From then on this story is nothing less than page turning suspense with all the trouble she causes in a world where she don't belong and knows nothing about, only to make matters worse when she discovers, magic, shifters and becomes queen to her country's enemies. Will she survive? Will she ever love her husband the king? Will she live long enough to be given the chance? Grab it and find out. You won't be able to put it down. Exciting, a bit humorous, but never dull

[Aurelia Hulls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melinda Hyde balances court intrigue, reluctant love, and hidden magic like a master. Liliana is strong-willed and layered, and Adriel is the kind of morally gray ruler that fantasy readers love to obsess over. Their chemistry simmers through every tense, politically charged scene.

[Amber Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED IT!!! One of the best books I have ever read, It was so good I read it twice, couldn't put it down!!

[Sabal Cloonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the introduction of the characters. Absolutely brilliant.

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

My personal favorite books are shifter books with fated mates and enemies to lovers!!!! Esp the "mine" type of relationship so this was everything!!! I loved it!!! The mmc was so great!!!! 😍 The story was so interesting!!