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The Fae King Duology #4
Bonded Across Courts
Some fires can't be contained. Some shadows refuse to be ignored.
Oh, hello there. Captain Milori of the Noble Guard at your service. Let me tell you about the time my centuries-long wait for a spirit bond finally ended—in complete disaster.
All I've ever wanted was to find my other half, that perfect mate the old stories promise. Instead, I got a mysterious Night Court spy who took one look at me and decided I was the last fae in the realm she wanted to be bonded to. Which is a problem, since she's undeniably my spirit bond—my destined mate, the other half of my soul, and quite possibly the most stubborn shadow walker I've ever met.
Now she's refusing to acknowledge our connection, I'm trying to convince her that destiny isn't so bad (especially when it looks like me), and we're both caught in the middle of an ancient conspiracy that's kept our people divided for centuries. Between dangerous rebels, uncovering family secrets, and returning to the island home I've avoided for decades, I'm also trying to woo the one woman who seems completely immune to my legendary charm.
Nesi may have walls higher than the palace, but I'm nothing if not persistent. After all, I've waited centuries for her—what's a spirit bond worth if you don't have to work for it?
My name is Milori, and this is the story of how I found my heart in the shadows.
Bonded Across Courts is a Companion Novel to The Fae King Duology and can be read as a standalone novel! It's a sweet fae romance featuring a charming fire-wielder who's waited too long for love, a shadow walker with trust issues, and enough court intrigue to keep the royal guard busy for centuries. For readers craving fated mates, forbidden magic, court politics, and the warmth of finding where you truly belong.
Bonded Across Courts is Milori's story and guaranteed HEA.
Oh, hello there. Captain Milori of the Noble Guard at your service. Let me tell you about the time my centuries-long wait for a spirit bond finally ended—in complete disaster.
All I've ever wanted was to find my other half, that perfect mate the old stories promise. Instead, I got a mysterious Night Court spy who took one look at me and decided I was the last fae in the realm she wanted to be bonded to. Which is a problem, since she's undeniably my spirit bond—my destined mate, the other half of my soul, and quite possibly the most stubborn shadow walker I've ever met.
Now she's refusing to acknowledge our connection, I'm trying to convince her that destiny isn't so bad (especially when it looks like me), and we're both caught in the middle of an ancient conspiracy that's kept our people divided for centuries. Between dangerous rebels, uncovering family secrets, and returning to the island home I've avoided for decades, I'm also trying to woo the one woman who seems completely immune to my legendary charm.
Nesi may have walls higher than the palace, but I'm nothing if not persistent. After all, I've waited centuries for her—what's a spirit bond worth if you don't have to work for it?
My name is Milori, and this is the story of how I found my heart in the shadows.
Bonded Across Courts is a Companion Novel to The Fae King Duology and can be read as a standalone novel! It's a sweet fae romance featuring a charming fire-wielder who's waited too long for love, a shadow walker with trust issues, and enough court intrigue to keep the royal guard busy for centuries. For readers craving fated mates, forbidden magic, court politics, and the warmth of finding where you truly belong.
Bonded Across Courts is Milori's story and guaranteed HEA.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2025
3 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
T.M. Goodkey
8 books51 followersMaking dwarves blush, orcs believe in love, and elves lose their cool - that's what TM Goodkey does best. Living in Ontario, Canada, she's beyond happily married with two beautiful children and a backyard full of chickens (which, according to her kids, definitely count as pets). An avid reader of ALL things magical/fantasy with a side of romance, TM has been a published Indie Author since May of 2024. She writes closed door romantasy filled with funny characters, swoony moments, and everything in between.
www.tmgoodkey.com
IG- @tmgoodkey
www.tmgoodkey.com
IG- @tmgoodkey
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 20, 2025
I have been waiting for Milori’s story!! And for a hot minute I thought it might be with Garrick- but this turned out so much sweeter and of course he was going to be all in and have a reluctant match. But interesting story, I would’ve loved to see the other elements but still a good story. Zero spice but 100% all the feels!
April 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this series. From first meeting Milori, I have wanted more of his story, and this book does him justice. Well written captivating storyline. A spirit bond between two courts who were at war not so long ago. There is ancient elemental beings, righting wrongs of the ancestors. I hope to see more of what happens next.
May 18, 2025
Oh how I love Milori. I'm so glad that he got his own story and found Nesi. I loved how they both complimented each other so well. Both of their pasts were troubled and in the end they healed each other. I loved reading this. This may have been my favourite read in the series. There's just no way you can't not love Milori. Following this story you learn a lot more about his past and his relationship with his parents. The hunt for the ancient firebird was a great plot point. I love the adventure of it and the unknown of it all being linked to Milori and his mother. A great read.
Thanks to T.M Goodkey for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I truly appreciate it.
Thanks to T.M Goodkey for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review. I truly appreciate it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2025
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Tropes:
🔥 Spirit Bonds
🖤 Opposite Courts
🔥 Found Family
🖤 Forced Proximity
🔥 Fae, Orcs, Humans
🖤 Secret Organization
🔥 Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🖤 Golden Retriever x Black Cat
This series could be 10 books long and it will never be enough.
The series as a whole, is very heavy on found family and it is just beautiful. The banter and love is always there and I never tire of characters being thrown into thorn bushes or off mountains or axes flying at heads. We get Fae, Orcs, and Humans all living together (mostly) in this fantasy world that has adventure around every corner!
Specifically for this book, I absolutely love the plot line. I can’t get into it for spoiler reasons but the ending in the cave was 🤯😧😱
The romance was very well done (once again!) and I loved seeing how Milori and Nesi got to know one another on their adventure. The witty banter was there as always but a bit toned down as we got to see new sides of Milori but never fear, put him with his found family and the banter is flowing!
I absolutely adore this series and wish that there were more books to look forward to but alas this is the final book in the series. I give a 5 ⭐️ to the whole thing and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants a closed door fantasy with all the love and romance without the spice, witty and comedic characters, and an amazing found family that grows in each book!!
***I have received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review***
Tropes:
🔥 Spirit Bonds
🖤 Opposite Courts
🔥 Found Family
🖤 Forced Proximity
🔥 Fae, Orcs, Humans
🖤 Secret Organization
🔥 Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🖤 Golden Retriever x Black Cat
This series could be 10 books long and it will never be enough.
The series as a whole, is very heavy on found family and it is just beautiful. The banter and love is always there and I never tire of characters being thrown into thorn bushes or off mountains or axes flying at heads. We get Fae, Orcs, and Humans all living together (mostly) in this fantasy world that has adventure around every corner!
Specifically for this book, I absolutely love the plot line. I can’t get into it for spoiler reasons but the ending in the cave was 🤯😧😱
The romance was very well done (once again!) and I loved seeing how Milori and Nesi got to know one another on their adventure. The witty banter was there as always but a bit toned down as we got to see new sides of Milori but never fear, put him with his found family and the banter is flowing!
I absolutely adore this series and wish that there were more books to look forward to but alas this is the final book in the series. I give a 5 ⭐️ to the whole thing and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants a closed door fantasy with all the love and romance without the spice, witty and comedic characters, and an amazing found family that grows in each book!!
***I have received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review***
May 4, 2025
Honestly, I have so been anticipating this book! I have loved Milori the most throughout these books, and seeing him finally get his own story was just amazing! TM Goodkey could not have written a better story for our favorite Captain of the guard. Nesi was the perfect complement to Milori, in every way, fire and shadow, sarcasm and stoicism. These two had to fight through some tough stuff to get to each other, and every second was worth it.
I really don't want this world to end! I'm so hoping we'll see more books with these characters. We have to explore so much, don't we?! Jalnor needs a story. 😏 There's so much more to explore, and I guess that's the mark of a great book/series...you never want it to end. ❤️
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Swoony romance, kisses only.
🪄Elemental magic mostly, with mentions of bindings
⚔️ Action adventure, some violence. Nothing is graphic
I really don't want this world to end! I'm so hoping we'll see more books with these characters. We have to explore so much, don't we?! Jalnor needs a story. 😏 There's so much more to explore, and I guess that's the mark of a great book/series...you never want it to end. ❤️
What to expect:
👩❤️💋👨 Swoony romance, kisses only.
🪄Elemental magic mostly, with mentions of bindings
⚔️ Action adventure, some violence. Nothing is graphic
April 9, 2025
What can I say... this was the BEST ending to the series 😍 I've followed along the journey of Milori and Nesi, absolutely DEVOURING their story!!
The world building, the tension, that feeling when you can relate to a character on a personal level.. I just adored this book! This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! And I LOVE me a good insta-love story 😍 theres Fae, Orcs, soul bonds, spirit bonds, action, love.. the banter is top tier! 🤣
As I am sad to have hit the end of this series, I am HONOURED to have been able to read all 4 books. If you really enjoy a cozy heartwarming fantasy, that takes you into a whole new world? This is a MUST read 😍
The world building, the tension, that feeling when you can relate to a character on a personal level.. I just adored this book! This book had me on the edge of my seat the entire time! And I LOVE me a good insta-love story 😍 theres Fae, Orcs, soul bonds, spirit bonds, action, love.. the banter is top tier! 🤣
As I am sad to have hit the end of this series, I am HONOURED to have been able to read all 4 books. If you really enjoy a cozy heartwarming fantasy, that takes you into a whole new world? This is a MUST read 😍
August 15, 2025
My favourite book in the series !
I had been waiting for Milori's story and I am so happy he's finally found where he belongs! I loved learning more about his family, and the political and magical intrigue in this one really captivated me (and made me so angry at times!)
Highly recommend this series if anyone's looking for a fun and quick story with fae and orcs, fated love, and fighting between courts.
Infinite thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC (so sorry I had to put it down for a few months but I am so very glad I waited to be in a good mood to fully appreciate this book!)
I had been waiting for Milori's story and I am so happy he's finally found where he belongs! I loved learning more about his family, and the political and magical intrigue in this one really captivated me (and made me so angry at times!)
Highly recommend this series if anyone's looking for a fun and quick story with fae and orcs, fated love, and fighting between courts.
Infinite thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC (so sorry I had to put it down for a few months but I am so very glad I waited to be in a good mood to fully appreciate this book!)
April 16, 2025
wow! without giving away this book hmm let's see .. first TM goes beyond taking us into her world. Milroy and Nesi and the rest of the group come to life in this story. Be prepared to be pulled into the story like no other . Feel the pull of a bond, the friendships, the emotions, the action packed story. I loved each of the stories on their own. but Milory and Nesi story was just the topping of the sundae that we needed!
April 10, 2025
Milori has been a favourite character from the beginning, so getting to see him in action was great! This book was an amazing mix of action and personal growth for both characters. The new characters we meet from Milori’s past are just as wonderful as the ones we’ve come to love!
April 25, 2025
I’ve been both super excited for this book to come out and also super apprehensive. Excited because I love this series so much and Milori is my favorite character but apprehensive because I know this is where the story ends and I’ll have to say goodbye to this family of characters that I love.
As mentioned Milori is my favorite character so it was really great having a book where he is the main character. We are used to saying his playful side and laughing at his banter which we absolutely still get in this book but we get to see another side to him too. A human side almost. We see his worries and how he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, we learn more about him and his past and we get to see him navigate a relationship where the woman doesn’t immediately fall at his feet. And of course, he is a gentlemen about it the entire time!
We get to meet Nesi, the strong FMC and the complete opposite of everything Milori is and she gives him a run for his money! They may be opposites but they complement each other so well.
As with all of TM’s books, you get a cozy fantasy world filled with characters you fall in love with, action, laughter, banter and suspense!
I couldn’t recommend reading this series enough. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of her books. Always my comfort read and always able to get me out of a book slump!
As mentioned Milori is my favorite character so it was really great having a book where he is the main character. We are used to saying his playful side and laughing at his banter which we absolutely still get in this book but we get to see another side to him too. A human side almost. We see his worries and how he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, we learn more about him and his past and we get to see him navigate a relationship where the woman doesn’t immediately fall at his feet. And of course, he is a gentlemen about it the entire time!
We get to meet Nesi, the strong FMC and the complete opposite of everything Milori is and she gives him a run for his money! They may be opposites but they complement each other so well.
As with all of TM’s books, you get a cozy fantasy world filled with characters you fall in love with, action, laughter, banter and suspense!
I couldn’t recommend reading this series enough. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of her books. Always my comfort read and always able to get me out of a book slump!
April 12, 2025
There's something about the Phoenix in this story that I just loved. They're such magical creatures!
I loved the instant draw Milori and Nesi feel. Nesi is not ready nor has she been looking for her other half. Milori has his work cut out for him but he's thrilled to have found her.
There's an artifact hidden somewhere. If Soren finds it, the outcome could be dire. If it's released, the Fae will be threatened. Their entire way of life may never be the same. But is it right for powers to be limited to a select few or should the entire population have a fair shot at being chosen? Milori and Nesi are joined by familiar faces on their race against Soren.
I loved the instant draw Milori and Nesi feel. Nesi is not ready nor has she been looking for her other half. Milori has his work cut out for him but he's thrilled to have found her.
There's an artifact hidden somewhere. If Soren finds it, the outcome could be dire. If it's released, the Fae will be threatened. Their entire way of life may never be the same. But is it right for powers to be limited to a select few or should the entire population have a fair shot at being chosen? Milori and Nesi are joined by familiar faces on their race against Soren.
June 29, 2025
I love this series! Milori, the Captain of the Guard, is my absolute favorite character in this beautiful world. The comedic relief he brings to the storyline always leaves me wanting more, and I’m delighted every time I see his name appear on the page. I was thrilled to find out he was getting his own story. In this book, we learn about Milori’s past and his family’s lineage. The story is rich with elemental magic and deep, bonded love.
Milori is the perfect example of someone who grew up feeling like he didn’t belong—no wonder he has such a wonderful personality. He’s truly found his chosen family with the Day Court.
Milori is the perfect example of someone who grew up feeling like he didn’t belong—no wonder he has such a wonderful personality. He’s truly found his chosen family with the Day Court.
March 13, 2026
lovely fabulous story and adventure.. I don’t want it to end!!
This book gave me a great sense of all the details of Milory that I really needed to know and learn about and love his story. I said it before, but I read these books almost like I see a tv series they just flow so nicely and I can picture everything in my head. The details and in depth world building with that extra touch of humour is fabulous. Thanks again TM Goodkey my fantasy cozy geek side of me is so satisfied.
This book gave me a great sense of all the details of Milory that I really needed to know and learn about and love his story. I said it before, but I read these books almost like I see a tv series they just flow so nicely and I can picture everything in my head. The details and in depth world building with that extra touch of humour is fabulous. Thanks again TM Goodkey my fantasy cozy geek side of me is so satisfied.
April 19, 2025
Omg!!! I sobbed when I reached the end of this book. Due to the fact that it’s the end of this amazing series!!! Ugh the sass, the drama the banter and the romance was soo perfect!!!! Thank you TM Goodkey for giving me this lovely opportunity to fall in love with diet spice. And showing me this nee beautiful world!!!
April 23, 2025
Another swoony fated mates Romantasy in this series. I have been waiting to read Milori’s story and I was not disappointed ❤️🔥
May 23, 2025
Finally! Milory gets his chance to be the main character! I’ve been waiting for this story since I first started the series. It was worth the wait! Be sure to read the other books first. It could be read as a stand-alone, but highly recommend reading in order.
Love all the characters! We welcome back our motley crew of fae, orc, and humans in their next adventure. Each story brings new characters to love. Nesi is our newest addition to our melting pot family. Love her and her strong sense of duty, loyalty, and determination. Milori is back again in his banterful and charming manner. I love his and Garrick’s friendship and brotherhood. It’s so funny.
The plot is twisty, mysterious, and will keep you reading for the reveals. I love the exploration and a whole new part of the world unveiled. The world building in this series is awesome! It just keeps expanding.
Overall, loved this. Great for teens and adults.
Read if you enjoy:
✨ fae
✨ orcs
✨ humans
✨ found family
✨ mystery
✨ political intrigue
✨ spies
✨ spirit bonds
✨ magical artifacts
✨ reluctant allies to lovers
✨ secret organizations
✨ unique magic systems
Strong language: none
Violence: a little light fighting
Spice: none, just sweet kisses
Love all the characters! We welcome back our motley crew of fae, orc, and humans in their next adventure. Each story brings new characters to love. Nesi is our newest addition to our melting pot family. Love her and her strong sense of duty, loyalty, and determination. Milori is back again in his banterful and charming manner. I love his and Garrick’s friendship and brotherhood. It’s so funny.
The plot is twisty, mysterious, and will keep you reading for the reveals. I love the exploration and a whole new part of the world unveiled. The world building in this series is awesome! It just keeps expanding.
Overall, loved this. Great for teens and adults.
Read if you enjoy:
✨ fae
✨ orcs
✨ humans
✨ found family
✨ mystery
✨ political intrigue
✨ spies
✨ spirit bonds
✨ magical artifacts
✨ reluctant allies to lovers
✨ secret organizations
✨ unique magic systems
Strong language: none
Violence: a little light fighting
Spice: none, just sweet kisses
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews