Lady of Cinders

Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin #2

by Alaya Wells

Bound by a love that defies reason and a curse that defies salvation, I must navigate a kingdom of secrets before the man I can’t live without is lost forever.

I'd never aspired to be a queen. Or to fall for a king shrouded in mystery. Merrick's the golden ruler of daylight, and Lorant, his bodyguard, is the dangerous, scarred shadow of night. Two men bound by a curse that has tormented Evergorne Court for generations.

Some say I'm their salvation. But I've been lied to, manipulated, and my trust has been shattered. I should run from this cursed kingdom and never return. Instead, I find myself standing beside Merrick during the day, clawing for answers to a riddle no one is able to speak aloud. And my nights honing my magical abilities with Lorant.

With Merrick’s thirtieth birthday only weeks away, the curse tightens its hold, threatening his life and forcing me deeper into a world of betrayal, power, and fractured love. To break the curse, I must navigate fragile alliances in a court divided by secrets, uncover a treacherous past, and face an enemy determined to kill me.

Choosing between Merrick and Lorant is not only impossible, it’s forbidden. But what if I don’t have to choose at all?

Lady of Cinders, Book 2 in the M/F Kingdom of Shadow & Ruin Series, is a steamy, suspenseful romantic fantasy/romantasy with dark secrets. Expect a gothic castle full of riddles and danger, spicy heat, a touch-her-and-face-his-fury hero, all the yearning, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love, he falls first and hard, and a cute pet, because all heroines should have a fluffy friend by her side.

Trigger Warnings: blood, gore, injuries, justified taking of a life, violence, class systems, poverty, hunger, grief, death, mourning the loss of a prior love, references to childhood trauma, killing attacking creatures.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Audiobook, Forced Proximity, High Fantasy, Fantasy Romance

556 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2025

Reviews

[Danielle Pulliam · Rating 5 out of 5]

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑳𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒂 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 (𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒖𝒊𝒏 #2)

Release Date: June 1, 2025

5⭐️4🌶

This book picks up right where Bride of Ashes left off, and I'm here for it! I could not put this book down to save my life! The Arranged Marriage/Why Choose with the body guard?! Can you get any better than that.

Reyla was sent to this Kingdom of High Fae to be the willing bride for their King. She soon comes to realize that a curse plagues this court, and if she doesn't find a way to unravel all the layers of this curse. Her beloved King will be doomed.

Reyla, Merrick, and Lorant work together to train her in her newly realized powers while at the same time trying to uncover as many secrets and layers to the curse as they can before time runs out.

Plus, there is a raging group of Borgons that continue to attack the surrounding farms. Is it related to the curse? Or something else?

The sexual tension between these three and the complexity of the curse and magic keep me coming back for more and more. I can't wait to read what Ms. Alaya Wells writes next!

Themes/Tropes:
🍁Arranged Marriage
🍁Body guard romance
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Class Systems
🍁Shadow Daddy
🍁Finding love aft
🍁Dragon riders
🍁Thruple/Love Triangle


TW:
✨Violence
✨Poverty/hunger
✨Grief
✨Mourning the loss of prior love
✨Explicit spicy content
✨Power hungry courtiers who attempt killing each other and the royals

[Joleen Turns Pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC!

After that cliffhanger at the end of the first book, I needed Lady of Cinders immediately and somehow this sequel managed to exceed every expectation I had. Alaya Wells throws you right back into the chaos, heartbreak, tension, and impossible choices from page one and I was completely locked in the entire time.

I listened to the audiobook for this one and it honestly made the experience even more immersive. The narration captured the tension, emotional turmoil, and yearning so well that I felt completely consumed by the story. The quieter emotional moments hit harder, the banter had so much personality, and the high-stakes scenes genuinely had my heart racing.

This book took everything I loved about the series — the aching romance, dangerous magic, layered curse, and the tension between Reyla, Merrick, and Lorant — and somehow made it even more addictive. The emotional stakes felt so much heavier here, especially with the fallout from book one constantly hanging over everyone. Every interaction felt loaded with tension, grief, longing, or betrayal and I ate up every second of it.

The atmosphere in this series is unreal. Gothic castles, dragon riders, political manipulation, hidden truths, forbidden feelings, and that constant sense of looming doom? Completely obsessed. And the yearning?? Alaya Wells writes longing in a way that physically hurts. Lorant had me feral the entire time, but Merrick’s vulnerability underneath all that golden-king composure absolutely wrecked me too. Reyla’s growth into her power and refusal to break under the pressure made her such an easy FMC to root for.

What really made this a 5 star read for me was how balanced the story felt between romance and plot. The curse mystery kept unraveling in ways that genuinely surprised me, while the relationships stayed messy, emotional, and impossible to look away from. Every reveal just pulled me deeper into Evergorne Court and now I’m once again left needing the next book immediately.

If you love romantasy with forbidden love, forced proximity, dangerous court politics, dragon riders, “touch her and face his fury” energy, and men willing to burn kingdoms down for one girl, this series deserves way more hype.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing fantasy romance.. Dark and devious, filled with magic and mayhem. Addictive characters!

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Lady of Cinders✨

Author: Alaya Wells
Release date: June 1, 2025
Series: Book 2 in the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin

Love. Declaration. Central. Right here. I’ve swooned to death. RIP me and my heart. Alaya is such a MASTER when it comes to romance, INSANELY cool plot lines, and banter and spice. I’m just floored with the way she has woven this UNIQUE story. And I mean UNIQUE. I’ve never read a series with a MMC like this one.

We arrive within these pages right where we left off, literally exploring a scene that dropped our jaws in book one’s ending. Immediately answers are within our grasp, but as soon as our fingers wrap around it, another mystery arises. And gosh, is it so fun! But the timeline is short for this mighty curse and the stakes are high. After book one’s huge revelation with Merrick and Lore, our FMC, Reyla, must not only navigate that, her feelings, her mother in law trying to loosen her claim on the crown, her inconsistent magic, and whoever is trying to kill her, she must now break a curse that has a very short time frame.

I was GLUED to this book. Swooning. CRYING. Hooting and hollering. And picking my jaw up from the floor once again. The romance. The love. The spice. 👩‍🍳 💋. I just loved this so so much.

Tropes you may find in LOC are fae, dragons, animal companion, elemental powers, MMC with a twist, he falls first and SO HARD, fated mates, prophecy and high stakes curse, swoony slow burn to spice, forced proximity, banter and start tension, arranged marriage, burn the world for her, epic love declarations, mystery, and hidden identities.

I am always so so honored to be a part of Alaya’s team. Thank you soooo much for this gifted arc. I can’t WAIT for what you give us next.

[Christina Lyons (irb_beach_girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for the ALC for review.
This was a great dark Romantasy sequel that nicely continues the magic and twists and turns of world building and magic in the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruins series by Alaya Wells. I love the real life issues, the tender moments , the spice and the fantasy that is all mixed in! Alaya knows how to keep me on the edge of my seat for sure!

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating continuation of this dark romantic fantasy

Phew this book. I fell head first into it and was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The secrets. The revelations. The plot twists. The passion. The world weaving. The characters. It is all so very good. I loved the first book in this series but I loved, loved this book even more. This beautifully crafted and expertly delivered dark romantic fantasy novel will give you all the feels - laughing, crying, swooning, cringing, teeth gritting, knuckle biting, and cheering - while also keeping you on the edge of your seat trying to figure stuff out. Expect a roller coaster of a story because instead of a slow ratcheting up of the intrigue, danger, mystery, and suspense, this part of the story starts with intensity and just never lets up. The book picked up right where the first book left off - Reyla has married Merrick, through his proxy Lorant, and become queen of Evergorne Court. She has developed feelings for them both and just discovered the two separate men are really two halves of a whole. She feels betrayed and her trust is broken - and this is just the beginning. There are more threads to pull, mysteries to unravel, secrets to discover, and multiple parts of the curse to break before the King’s 30th birthday. A curse that continues to hold all of Evergorne Court hostage. There is a lot going on in this storyline but despite the complexity, all of the pieces are important to the plot and woven together perfectly. I loved that Reyla and Lorant/Merrick’s characters, despite their painful pasts, powerful families, how the rest of Evergorne Court views them and the task they have taken on, are still kind, self-deprecating, modest, reluctant, and at times resentful which makes then very likeable and relatable heroes. The story has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, spicy times, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, supernatural creatures, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. Just a reminder this is book 2 in a continuing story which includes an overarching story arc woven throughout. This means it is important to read this series starting with book 1 to get the most enjoyment out of it. I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this series and seeing what happens next with Reyla and Lore as they try to break the next part of the curse especially after the cliffhanger.

[Holly R · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

I listened to this on audio and the two narrators, Reese Grey and Rowan Hayes, did a decent job. I wish each character had a more distinct voice and the two MMC were exactly the same. I get why they might have done that, but they were distinct individuals and should have there own voices. The production of this audiobook also allowed for excessive mouth noises, which became a distraction at times. 2.5 stars for the narration

As for the story itself, I wasn't planning on picking up book 2 so quickly but NetGalley provided me with this arc. Even though the twist and the end was predictable, I was curious to see where Book 2 went. I have to say I was a bit disappointed. The pacing was unbearably slow. For the first half of the book it was essentially, we should do something but what can we do....

The writing style was also not my cup of tea. It became a bit too abstract and artsy. The comparison to the quilt was unique, but never ending. It didn't feel like it tied in at all to the series. Nothing was mentioned in book 1 and after the first half, that analog was dropped like a hot potato.

Some things did happen in the second half but not enough for me to want to continue this series. If you like artsy style fantasy novels, maybe give it a try but I will have to pass.

Thank you NetGalley, Alaya Wells, and Tantor media for an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Alaya, the things you do to my heart... You make me gasp. You make me cry. You make me swoon. You turn me into an emotional puddle on the floor. And I accept it all willingly. Why? Because Alaya is, simply put, a master of romantasy. She doesn't write books; she writes masterpieces in a genre that, at times, may seem oversaturated. But Alaya? Alaya is in a league of her own.

I've been on Alaya's team for quite some time now, and each book gives the same thrill, the same emotional response. Each time I find myself falling more and more in love with the worlds and characters she's created. But it's so much more. In the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin series, and especially in this second instalment, Lady of Cinders, Alaya gives us the gift of mysteries, secrets long buried, seemingly unbreakable curses, and knowledge waiting to be inhaled.

Above all, Alaya masterfully gives us the gift of love—a love that knows no boundaries of space and time. A love that runs so deep it shattered the shackles of evil. A love destined to save the world. A love eternally immortalised in the most beautiful declaration of devotion and passion. Swooning already?

I had the pleasure of (almost) buddy reading this book with my bookish soul sister, Meg, and the love we have for Alaya's work is something that should be celebrated and showcased to the bookish community. Alaya's writing needs to be seen and heard, and I truly hope my reviews are at least somewhat helpful.

There was so much going on in the Lady of Cinders, yet there is still so much more to unravel and discover. Join me on this adventure and enter a world of heart-shattering romance and mind-blowing plots with unseen twists and turns—you won't regret it.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book. Two. DELIVERED.

When I finished book one, I felt so satisfied that my guess about a twist was correct. But then I was like, wait...but how...does it work? What does it mean? HOW DO WE FIX THIS? CAN WE FIX THIS!? I was ravenous for book two.

Alaya took us through some of the mystery, and as usual, made sure the FMC was smart, strong, and unflinchingly determined. Reyla is the brains of this operation, and I couldn't love that more.

This book has it all: passion, romance, spice, banter, mystery, magic, questions about who to trust, spice, allll the declarations of love, hot hot MMC, and a sweet little floof (we ARE all on the same page that that Fine Fellow is going to help them solve this even more, right?!)

We get a lot answered, but there's still more to do to get to their HEA. And I'm absolutely on the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment.

Thanks to Alaya for providing me with the ARC!

[Lara R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady of Cinders was a solid continuation of the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin series. I really enjoyed seeing Reyla grow into her power and watching the world, magic, and the mystery around the curse expand.

The dynamic between Reyla, Merrick, and Lorant also becomes more complex, which added a lot of tension to the story. That said, for me it wasn’t quite as strong as book one — which is the main reason this one lands at 4 stars instead of 5.

Still a very enjoyable sequel that deepens the story and definitely leaves me curious to see where the series goes next.

[Chi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can't get into it

[Anna L · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF’d near the end after skimming the second half. This was just not well edited or planned out and needs more time in the oven. I think this series was rushed out and needs a solid editor because Alaya is talented and her other prior series was good and the idea of the series is good but the execution had so many problems. Way too much talking rather than showing and very little action. I’m kind of embarrassed I read as far as I did.

[Sylthrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feeling betrayed after discovering the secret and curse Merrick and Lorant share, Reyla is slowly coming to terms with her new situation - she's married into it after all and that marriage came with an expiration date.. With no one being able to talk about the curse either, barely being able to even communicate with her husband about it, Reyla struggles to find out more.. All the while her new mother in law shows her what she really thinks of her and to top it off, there's the issue of her newfound powers and the continuing attacks on the kingdom that Reyla should somehow lead as well.. But catching her footing in court is its own beast as well.

This book has a lot going on - puzzles and mysteries around the curse, a love story in pieces, some action with the fight scenes later on, a lot of royal court procedures and the evil mother in law, always out to catch Reyla off guard or just show her disrespect, undermine her position publicly or just plain try to get her killed. The whole chaotic feelings angle wasn't my favourite though, it's not like anyone chose things to be this way, so that one felt a little forced to me. Got to say though, the redemption arc the character has to go through in order to get back into good graces was well done and actually made sense to a reader. I did enjoy watching Reyla have to figure out the curse itself - no one can talk about it, if questioned directly, people just turn blank and stop themselves.. This did make things interesting and I had a good time with that.

What I struggled with was how some things that happen seem like this is a teen book - the evil mother in law and her petty actions and the way she gets her punishment later, while the other characters openly gloat.. The way Reyla gets portrayed as new queen, having to learn the ropes and somehow constantly coming up with the best solutions on first try versus the experienced people in the room being stumped.. That whole scene when the royal court is told to do what they want, king and queen are helping rebuild the city and the (now) homeless are moving into the castle.. Just to name a few examples that bothered me the most. And on the other hand you get super long, detailed and graphic sex scenes. I don't know how this fits together and I'm not going to lie, a multi chapter sex scene is just.. Something else.

Plotwise the book isn't bad - you've got the part where they're figuring out the details of the curse, that the cursed obviously know about but can't share or influence Reyla too much to reach conclusions about, but also the mother in law's actions, the common people struggles and my personal favourite part: The way that attack on the villagers ended. I love being given mystery clues without too much added to them, being left wondering about them because you're still busy figuring out the other five glaring issues and this one was well done.
Plus, by the end the book got good again and the ending itself was very well placed in my opinion. Open ended, of course, this isn't the finale yet, but exactly where the story should be cut off to keep a reader intrigued.

I listened to the audio book and it's duet narrated - a male voice for the male parts, female for Reyla's and that was a nice touch. That said, there were parts I struggled with and listened to a few times without being able to make much sense of them - moving on eventually I managed to guess what those parts were but I'm not really used to that kind of issues (and this was my first audio book as well).
I really did like the switch between his and her point of view though - it really progressed the story well and I enjoyed also seeing the male part of not being able to talk about certain things and not just Reyla getting frustrated because she can't get anyone to talk.
Also, I didn't read the previous series - this one, Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin, was my first step into this world and I don't feel like I've got no idea what's going on at all. This book does pick up right where the first one left off at and there's not a lot of repeating previous events going on, but world building wise I feel like I've got a good grasp of where we stand without having read the other connected series - after checking it out though, I do like the premise though..

Overall, an okay sequel that really picks back up at the end after having a little bit of a pacing issue toward the middle that might just be due to me not caring enough for royal court proceedings the way others do.

Thank you Tantor Media for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Jess Firlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for the ALC

99% of everything I read is via audiobooks so I appreciate this series continuing to be recorded. Reese Grey speaks quickly, which is what I prefer, but then Rowan Hayes speaks slowly, so I did find myself having to adjust the playback speed every chapter or settling for a speed that was in the middle. This irritation is likely because of my ADHD, but I do think the playback could be changed chapter by chapter to get a more consistent cadence.

I picked up the Bride of Ashes knowing I had the ALC for Lady of Cinders. In Bride of Ashes I noticed past events being alluded to, but never felt like I was missing any required information. With Lady of Cinders I feel like I *am* missing required information from not reading the first trilogy...if it is a prequel set in the same world? I'm not even sure, but I think so?

So it's safe to say I need more world-building. With the wizard being the one behind the curse I thought of a stereotypical beaded old man wizard, very much like Disney's Merlin. It wasn't until this book was like 75% finished that I realized that the wizard is a woman. I have no problem with using wizard instead of witch, but considering the fact that wizards typically refer to make magic users having it be pointed out earlier that this wizard is a woman would have helped a lot. After the couple have a run-in with the wizard they were talking about, referring to them as "she" and "her" and I had no idea who they had been talking about until the end of the conversation.

This story seems to have a lot of plot holes, which always irritates me, but some of the plot holes from the first book were resolved here. So, it could be that the next book will have further explanations. Some of the things that didn't make sense were addressed, but were not actually fully explained, so I anticipate that there is more to come? Hopefully.

Overall, the mystery of the curse and the fairytale remnants are the only things keeping me invested in this series. I have a soft spot for retellings though, so take that how you will.

Random thoughts:
-I really thought this was going to turn into a "why choose" and I honestly would have preferred that

-after an important item goes missing in her bedroom, Reyla decides to "hide" another important item under her mattress, cause that didn't immediately just turn out poorly for her?

-one character wants to steal something so they decide to conceal it and leave it in place instead? I don't understand why they wouldn't have stolen the concealed object immediately though?

-sex scenes do not have to only take place in the bathtub to be considered "steamy"

-this book should have ended 1.5 chapters sooner. I get that Wells is trying to end on a cliffhanger, but ending the night before their next adventure would have been a better cliffhanger as a lot of information seemed to be packed into that ending.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a 3.5 star book, but a 2 star audiobook experience… so rounding out to a 3 star rating overall.

I’m really enjoying this story, and Lady of Cinders is book 2 of the 4 book Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin series. Book 2 jumped right in the same scene that we left off on in Book 1 - which was a HUGE cliffhanger. Right away we are unraveling more and more of the mysteries that were presented in book 1…. While also stumbling upon more new questions that need to be answered, on top of still not knowing how to break the curse that plagues the Kingdom of Evergorne.

I really like our MMC and am very intrigued by his story, as well as the story of all the kings who came before him and faced this same terrible fate under the curse.

At this point the slow burn just isn’t cutting it for me… The stollen kisses and 2nd and 3rd base type of intimacy for a MARRIED COUPLE is not enough. The yearning at a certain point just feels fake because it’s like…. They are right there… you’re the King & Queen…. Just do the damn deed already! We finally get there toward the end of this book…. But it just felt like too little too late there for me.

My other issue with this book was the same I had with book one -- and that's the female narrator. Her voice does not match the charcter at all and I really struggled listening to her. She doesn't change her inflection, tone, pitch .. anything really at any point during the story. It's this happy monotone throughout and also she's a very, very, very slow reader. I had to put the book on 2x speed for her, and normal speed for the male narrator. This made it difficult to listen to and truly enjoy the audio experience.

That being said, I do really like the story itself and want to continue with the rest of the series.I want to still learn what happens, but I’ll buy the ebook instead of audiobooks going forward. I can reccomend this series, but cannot reccomend the audiobooks.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[123_Romantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️
3🌶️

I truly love this series and so glad the author decided to write this spin off series.

Book 1 left us on a big cliffhanger and plot twist that I was partially correct on (pat on my back lol).

Book 2 picked up right where book 1 ended, with Reyla discovering the devastating secret behind the 2 men she was falling in love with and the curse surrounding them. Things start to add up quickly in her mind with everything going on before this moment.

We not only get more into the curse but also court politics and intrigue. I love how much faith is put on Reyla for his thoughts and opinions on kingdom issues. She didn’t grow up in this type of world but brings a fresh perspective to issues.

The love and passion in this book is outstanding. Truly written to show about loving all sides to a person. I will admit, with the whole jeckle and dr Hyde aspect of the story being the beginning, I was worried. I’ve read similar stories with that for inspiration before and hated how they went about it. This however, was perfection! I had a few theories on what needed to happen and hoped for the outcome that did happen, so I’m happy about that!

I love too that there’s layers to this curse, which will help move the story into the next 2 books. I didn’t expect it to have more than 1 layer. So, while you may get over the first hurdle, how many more are there to go? We don’t know!

The spice? 🌶️ woo, picked up a lot this book! Yippee! And again, it’s written with such love, passion, and true devotion ❤️ it’s still slow burn but so so so worth it!

We end on a cliffhanger and again, it’s pushed the story further as we now are looking at exploring other kingdoms as well! Fun fun fun! 🤩

I can’t wait for books 3 and 4!

[Sheri L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - Reyla is a Force to be Reckoned With

The second book in the Kingdom of Shadow & Ruin series definitely raises the stakes—emotionally, magically, and romantically. Reyla comes into her own here. The growth she shows as both a ruler and a person had me rooting for her even harder than I did in Book 1. And yes, we finally get a dragon sighting. Worth the wait.

The tension between Reyla and the two MMCs (Merrick and Lorant) is still there, still complicated, and still deliciously full of longing. The spice is ramped up in this one, but so is the emotional depth. Everyone’s dealing with the fallout from the curse, and that urgency adds real weight to every decision Reyla makes. That said, with only a month to save the love(s) of your life, I did feel like there was maybe a bit too much sitting around and not enough searching for answers.
Speaking of action—there’s one scene (no spoilers!) where the city is under attack, and Reyla fully unleashes her skills as a trained fighter. It’s raw, intense, and easily one of my favorite moments in the whole series so far. You really see what she’s capable of.

I’m still on the fence about the villain. I need to find out the full reason behind them creating the curse in the first place, because it seems like a lot of suffering to impose on a bunch of people over many lifetimes for it to be a minor slight. That said, the setup for Book 3 is solid, and I’m eager to see how our main characters handle what’s coming next.

If you liked the slow burn, tangled loyalties, and magic-infused drama of Book 1, Lady of Cinders doesn’t disappoint—it just deepens the emotional and magical mess in the best way.

[Bella Fireheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady of Cinders
By Alaya Wells

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We jump straight back into where we left off in book 1, this book is full of action from the get go. The story takes us on a wild ride, we see battles, meddling fates and enemies gathering to keep our King & Queen apart. My review of book 1 revealed what a wonderful time I had with that story and the same can be said for book 2. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the tale being weaved here, Alaya does a wonderful job of putting you in there with the characters you so adore, it’s just a great time, she’s weaved together a wonderfully magical world with just brilliant side characters too. If you haven’t yet picked up book 1 I strongly advise that you do so (Bride of Ashes) and then just barrel straight on in with Lady of Cinders (out 1st June), you won’t regret it.

“I’m the fated mate of two pieces of cake?”
“Not two individual pieces but the entire cake.”

“No matter what happens, I will find you in every lifetime.” His gaze searched mine. “I promise.”

“Evermore, Wildfire. In this world, the one beyond, and until the fates end it all, I will seek you.”

“You know that’s an enthralling thing to say.” I scratched the back of my neck. “What is?” “Eyes on me. So domineering. Arousing.” Fuck, fuck, fuck. “Don’t get aroused now.” “I’ll try not to.”

“My love runs deeper than the roots grip the soil,” I said. “Farther than stars scatter across the sky. You're every breath I've ever taken, every one I will ever take, and when this world crumbles to dust, I will still love you—even in its ashes. You’re my reason, Reyla. My always.”

[Mary L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good listen... Alaya Wells delivers again! Well written with a twisted plot that keeps you guessing.

Reading Book 1 is a must as Lady of Cinders picks up where it left off. The reader may miss information if Book 1 is not read first. Kingdom is Blighted Thorns is not necessary to read before this series but it will help you understand exactly who and how great Reyla is.

LOC is told in first person, various POVs. Reyla learns about the curse that rules the lives of King Merrick, Lorant, and those in the castle. She finds a way to start breaking the curse but must retrieve two more talismans. in order to complete the sever. The hunt for the second is where Book 3 will pick up. This book is filled with a lot of information and explanations. I found it best to break it up into sections instead of reading all the way through at once.

Rowan Hayes did an excellent job at the male narrations. Reese Grey has a nice voice and did a good job at narration. However, I did have a hard time following who was speaking during her narration. For instance, when reading Reyla's POV with another person was speaking, it was in the same pitch and tone as Reyla- except for Lord Briskalar(SP?). I was able to listen to this audiobook at 1.75x speed with no issues.

While I did enjoy this audiobook, I feel I would have liked the kindle or print copy to read a long or read prior to listening.

Thank you to Netgalley, Tantor Media, and Alaya Wells for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook.

[Brandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gets a good 4.5 stars from me.

So make sure that you read/listen to book 1 as you will need this story to get to the second book.

So we have our "willing" bride who falls for our king and his right hand man. There is a curse that she wants to end so that the those that earned her heart don't perish. As the story progresses, we learn more about dear mother dearest and why she is doing what she does. Our FMC learns more about her magic and how to use it. There is a lot that I would love to add but I don't want to spoil this story. Just know that while it is someone happy with what happens at the end, there still is no HEA as the curse is still in place... People die (not telling you who), alliances are created... those that are "fighting" might have disappeared....... Yep, again not saying much here. Then we find out more details that are beneath the surface (IYKYK).

If you like hidden magic, story that needs the behind scenes (so kinda think of a TOG "ish" curse to be broken) and lots of moving parts but not enough that you have to make notes, then make sure to get this story and make sure to have book 3 ready as the ending left me needing more...... Like I need to know what happens next as the combining action that happened left me needing to know what is to come next.

thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ALC.

I will say that the audio is great. My only issue is that the male voice is a little lower than the females making me having to turn it up a little if I'm listening to it in my car.

[Arcs & Edges · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a captivating romantasy sequel that seamlessly blends a treacherous court setting with an agonizingly delicious love triangle, this book will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

In this second installment, Reyla finds herself trapped in the deceptive elegance of the Evergorne Courtn, a place fractured by deep secrets and an ancient curse. As the countdown to King Merrick's fateful thirtieth birthday quickens, Reyla must balance her daytime search for answers alongside the golden ruler and her midnight magic training with Lorant, his shadowed and scarred bodyguard. Caught in an impossible and forbidden attraction to both men, she must quickly unravel the court's dark history before a lethal enemy cuts her journey short.

What I Loved
- The Curse Mystery: For me, unraveling the mysteries behind the ancient curse was the absolute highlight of the story. It kept the overarching plot engaging and left me eager to find out the truth.
- Team Lorent: The dynamic between Reyla and Lorant during their midnight training sessions stole the show. The connection and tension built with this shadowed bodyguard made his character stand out completely.
- Consistent Writing Style: The author maintains a wonderful and consistent writing style that feels like a natural and smooth progression from the first book, making it easy to slip back into the world.

Things for Consideration
- Repetitive Inner Monologues: At times, Reyla's internal monologues about who she can or cannot trust fall into unnecessary repetition, which slightly slows her character progression in this book.
- Pacing in the Middle: The middle section after the big reveal and uncovering part of the curse slows down, taking away some of the immediate urgency surrounding the ticking clock of the curse.

Final Verdict and Recommendations
With a solid 3.5-star rating (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads), this is a thoroughly enjoyable and atmospheric sequel that delivers strong romantic tension and an intriguing curse plotline. It is awonderful recommendation for fans of high-stakes court intrigue and dark, protective bodyguards.

Disclosure
I received an ALC copy of the audiobook from RBmedia through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed within this review are entirely my own.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me with an audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great sequel, especially after the cliffhanger ending of the first book. It included a lot more of the court politics and intrigue that I wanted to see in book one, letting me get to grips with the world and the characters a bit more.

It also gave more information on the curse, which was really interesting. The parameters of it and how it manifested were really well done and created a great mystery.

I also enjoyed seeing the main characters' relationship develop, especially as it wasn't a case of insta-love and they actually have conversations to solve things.

However, I did feel like the pacing was really slow at points, and it could have had some of the smaller details and moments cut out to keep things moving. The middle of the book really dragged after the initial excitement, so it felt like a slog to get through before things started to pick up again.

One thing about this book that I absolutely HATED and really took me out of the story was the fact that the main characters had a whole conversation about naming a penis 'Firestarter', and then they KEPT SAYING IT. Why was this needed? I had to stop reading for a bit as it was so ridiculous and didn't add anything to the story.

[RogueDuckie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of 4, available 1 June 2025! Go read Bride of Ashes, then come back here. You did? Okay, good. Now we can chat about this amazing freaking book.

When we last left Reyla, Merrick, and Lorant, their biggest secret was discovered. One they were cursed to perish over if they speak a word of it to anyone. Time is running out for them to break the curse before Merrick perishes from the curse on his thirtieth birthday. Perfect for fans of the Halfling Saga, The Broken Kingdoms, The Tairen Souls, and Daughter of No Worlds.

Tropes
Allies to lovers, Chosen One, Curse, Elemental Magic, Fated Mates, Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Political Intrigue, Prophecy, Quest, Second-Chances

What I liked:
- There is a way about Alaya's writing that instantaneously pulls you in. It's like listening to a conversation that morphs into a movie in your head. I absolutely cannot get enough of her writing!
- The way they had to relearn to trust one another after the big secret is revealed. It really took some time for all parties to find their way, almost to Merrick's detriment.
- The complexity of the political layers between needing to care for the kingdom, the unknown curse and the effects on their people, the dangerous creatures attacking, and the underhandedness of Merrick's mother attempting to take over the crown.

What I didn't like
- Some of the love-language things were really repetitive. I get it, you love them. It's sweet how Shakespearean you get sometimes, but it got to be too much too often. It tripped me up and slowed the pacing of the book for me. Though, I really enjoyed how much each character was so devoted to their respective persons.

Who I'd recommend this to
- People who enjoy adventure with a bit of spice.
- Every fantasy addict and dragon lover

I cannot wait to see what Reyla does next. **ENDS IN A CLIFFHANGER**

[Danielle Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. Book 2 of this series. Book 1 ended on a cliff hanger and this dove right in where that left off. Although this book has fae it plays with certain ideas like Fae not being able to lie. There is a curse that needs to be broken and in this book although we learn more there is still more to unravel. The side characters have a lot of depth and add to the story. Reyla really comes into herself this book and I imagine she has more to go. She's strong and not just physically but ready to fight for her people and what is right. I loved the spice, the love, even court politics. This was more everyday life verse big balls and typical court stuff. really loved how Reyla and Lorick cemented their relationship in this book and became a united front. It was even great having a few scenes with her and her monthly flow and how he took care of her. The everyday life we can all relate to and to see the care and tenderness a spouse has to offer when we are ill. It was nice to see in a book. The ending has another cliffhanger and I cannot wait to find out what is next. Thank you Alaya for the Arc.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words. I absolutely loved her Kingdom of Blighted thorn series. That is honestly one of my favorites series of books. So I knew I had to read this series. I loved the first book Bride of Ashes. I’m not going to lie, I’m not into love triangles. So I was on the fence about finishing the series. Obviously it’s not done/out yet. So once Lady of Cinder’s came out I was hesitant. Not liking move triangles and not knowing where this could go I didn’t know what to do. I loved all 3 characters. And it hurt to think of decisions Reyla would have to make. It took me a little bit, but omg and I’m glad I read it and just made the decision to continue with it. I had to know what was going to happen. I love Alaya Wells writing. And this book. I have no words at all. It’s beyond amazing. I should have known it would be. But I got myself all worked up. I can’t wait for the remainder of the series to be done. I get lost in the love they share and the challenges this curse brings. This is such a beautiful story. Alaya is an amazing writer and just continues to write pure gold! Not that this matters but, I have my next tattoo appointment and it’s several quotes from her books!

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alaya Wells has a beautiful way of pulling readers into a world filled with magic, danger, and emotion, and Lady of Cinders was no exception.
From the very beginning, the story builds a rich fantasy atmosphere layered with secrets, tension, and power struggles. The world feels dark and intriguing, and the deeper you get into the story, the more the stakes rise.
The heroine is someone you quickly root for. She’s placed in situations where survival requires strength, resilience, and difficult choices, and watching her navigate those challenges kept me completely invested in the story.
The romance adds a wonderful layer of tension throughout the book. While the spice level sits at a moderate 🌶🌶🌶, the emotional buildup and chemistry between the characters make those moments feel meaningful and well-earned.
What I loved most was how the story slowly unfolds, revealing hidden motives, unexpected twists, and deeper layers to the characters and the world around them. By the final chapters, I was completely hooked and eager to see where the story goes next.

[talkingchicle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Lady of Cinders is a strong continuation of the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin series. I really enjoyed watching Reyla step more fully into her power and seeing the world, the magic, and the mystery surrounding the curse expand in compelling ways.

The dynamic between Reyla, Merrick, and Lorant grows more tangled in this instalment, adding plenty of tension. I do wish each character had a more distinct narrative voice, though—the two MMCs in particular felt almost identical at times. I understand why their similarities might be intentional, but as individuals they deserved clearer differentiation.

The book is definitely longer than it needs to be, but it does answer a lot of lingering questions. Overall, it’s an enjoyable sequel that deepens the story and leaves me curious to see where the series goes next, especially with so much still standing between these characters and their eventual HEA.

[Michelle Lott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady of Cinders 4.25⭐️

Despite having a pretty mediocre audiobook experience with Bride of Ashes, I decided to give the rest of the series a shot. The first book ended on such an incredible cliffhanger that I needed answers and I am so glad I continued.

Lady of Cinders had me completely hooked. I finished this audiobook in less than 24 hours because every time I thought I could put it down, something happened that pulled me right back in. There is also a noticeable improvement in the narration, which made it much easier for me to fully immerse myself in the story.

Reyla and Lore's journey kept me invested from beginning to end, and I found myself constantly needing to know what would happen next.

If you were hesitant after Bride of Ashes, I'd definitely recommend continuing. Lady of Cinders exceeded my expectations, and now I'm impatiently waiting to see where Reyla and Lore's adventure goes next.

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to point out a few things here - I listened to this on audible, and I never read book one - so I was coming into this sort of a Lady of Cinders virgin :)

The kingdom, the King has a curse on him - and has had a curse on him for generations -that the King would be split in two one during the day and one at night. The only one that can save them is there bride- who has to do so willingly.

We have two narrators, the female who does one of the voices of the men - so at times it got a little tricky trying to figure out what was going on - at least imo.

Also, no one who knew of the curse could talk about the curse- and eventually the Queen -the bride, realizes that she has to ask in round about way.

She is terribly conflicted because she doesn't want to lose either of the King's - she loves both of them. During a battle she is able to combine him into one.

The ending is left at a cliff hanger - good for book three :)

Overall, I enjoyed listening to this story!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 in the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin series certainly didn't disappoint. It was equally fast-paced and action-packed as book 1 and I was hooked from the start.

This book picks up where book 1 ended, and secrets and mysteries have been revealed but more still needs to be done in Reylas quest to uncover the truth.

The pining and angst between Reyla, Merrick and Lorant is just delicious, I was desperate for that tension to finally burst.

We get more information about the curse in this book but there is still so much unknown, so many riddles and secrets that its impossible to know where the story is going.

I loved the ending, the cliffhanger was great and I can't wait to see how our characters get out of the situation they have found themselves in. With only 2 weeks and 3 days left to break the curse, the pressure is on!