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

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

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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.

[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.”

[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!

[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!

[Nicole Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book and am left wanting so much more of the story. The king's 30th birthday looms and the air is full of betrayal and manipulation. People randomly say weird things related to the curse and then forget they said it. The librarian seems to have a lot to add but is bound by the same forgetfulness. One of her ladies seems unhappy and it is hard for Reyla to keep up with Lorant and Merrick and have conflicting feelings for them both. They seem to be two sides to the same coin yet two entities they are. Who is the wizard who placed this curse and why? Desperation has begun to set in as Reyla does not want to lose another person she is this close to. Pick up your copy to get all the spoilers and details! Highly recommended and I cannot wait for the next one.

[Rune Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, when I finished book one, I was honestly torn about who I could actually trust—but Lady of Cinders just cleared all that up for me in the best way. I’ll admit it: I was totally a Lorent shipper. So the plot twist in the middle? Yeah, it hit me hard. Sad, but somehow also happy? It was a rollercoaster.

This book definitely amps things up—not just with more action, but with the romance too (and I am here for it). And Farris? You are just adorable, truly. There’s so much packed in here: surprises, plot twists, moments that made me laugh, and others that made me feel all the emotions. The ending? Total cliffhanger. Now I’m just counting down the days until the next one.

Thank you for Alaya for allowing me to be on her reading team throughout this series!

[Elisa Lanzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ 3🌶️

A solid second book in The Kingdom of Shadows and Ruin Series with a show-stopping cliffhanger.

I especially enjoy the multilayered curse that weaves it way through this book (and series in general). Full of twists and turns and a deeper look into to villain in the story. The FMC Reyla character growth was well done showing her moving from orphan who didn’t know much about her fae powers to becoming a wise and powerful woman. The MMC’s Lorant and Merrick also have significant development in their character acts, which is heavily tied to the curse. The end of the book also promises the inclusion of other parts of the new land Reyla has traveled to and I look forward to traveling beyond the Evermore court in the next book!

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC for this book, as I was literally counting down the days to this release after the cliffhanger at the end of Bride of Ashes!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book like I do all of Alaya Wells’ books! This one had a lot of world building and background, along with court intrigue, which led to it feeling a bit long at some points and slower paced than book 1 (which I loved and rated 5 stars) but still a great and necessary read!

Can’t wait for the next one and for the conclusion of Reyla and company’s story! What more could you want from a series? It has dragons, court intrigue and politics, a head scratching mystery, and a slow burn swoony romance.

[Grace Leonora Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phew, bring on the chocolate. My heart has gone through the wringer with this one. Second book in the series and it is as delightful as the first.
So many questions have been answered and so many more have been formed. I honestly can't talk about this story without spoilers, I'll try my best.
I'm so glad my main question was answered and that the characters have finally worked things out. Seriously the slow burn was starting to hurt, it was painful watching them tiptoe around each other.
I have decided I never want to meet a Borgon. They sound absolutely terrifying but thanks to them, Reyla has found the first crack in the curse. She is such a warrior queen. Fighting alongside the king protecting her people. now they need to break the curse and save themselves

[Cristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think this series could get any better. Boy, was I wrong. The complexity of this story is overwhelming. The love and compassion shared between Merrick, Lore, and Reyla is undoubtedly alluring.

The trust and empathy they share for the crown, court, and its populace is transparent. A king and queen that thrive when those around them do. The peoples people.

The emotions you feel through every aspect of their being is an emotional roller coaster. The loss, the love, the heartbreak envelope you with such an addiction you can't help but hope for a miracle.

I have been glued to this book like my life depended on it. The action, suspense, and dark elements keep you enthralled.

That ending, though, Alayah. You keep us riveted......💜

[Alison Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second installment just took me deeper into the story. Reyla's determination just pulls you through the story and you sink deeper and deeper. Merrick and Lorant are two sides of the same coin and the resolution of their curse is just out of reach. Each and every character in this story so far has a place and purpose and they're so well written, you see them develop. I'm looking forward to seeing the reasons behind the occasional disdain from Calista, and the Queen Mother shock, didn't see that coming. There's so much I want to write here but don't want any spoilers other than, that cliffhanger was so cruel!

Cannot wait for Warrior of Embers

[Karen B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that I am a big fan of Alaya Wells and her books but this one just missed the mark for me. 🙁
Lady of Cinders is the second book in the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin series, which is a series featuring one of the minor characters from the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series, which I read last year! The story is full of twists, turns, magic, and steamy romance but it felt a bit drawn out and confusing for me. I've loved every other book of hers but this one was hard to read. It's also very heavy of the lovey-dovey stuff and it felt like way too much... I got to the point that I was skipping over some lines because it was overkill and if I had to read another line about how they are so in love with one another, I was going to scream. 😅

BUT the book is packed full of adventure, fighting/violence, magic, and slow burn so maybe it'll be something you like!

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaya Wells has written one of the best series in this genre I have ever read! Book two, Lady of Cinders, has an action packed plot with so many twists and turns…you are on the edge of your seat with every turn of the page. I loved how the romance develops, slow and meaningful but hot and steamy. Part of the curse that held you with questions in Book One is explained but not resolved. Wells does a good job with character development and of course leaves you with still unresolved mysteries. This book was a ten star read…don’t miss this series!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady of Cinders returns the reader to the world of Shadow & Ruin and another spellbinding story of fantasy and passion which I adored.
This second book delivers the same exquisite writing, and cast of superbly crafted characters who flow through a storyline that never fails to immerse you within it’s constantly moving parts. All the drama, twists, action, curses, spice, intrigue, suspense and emotion are back to capture all the senses as we join Relya in a perfectly paced, and wonderful read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Magaidh Dunbroch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lore was beautiful in the way only something forged by fire could be.”

This book!! Swoon… wow I absolutely love the dynamic between Lorant, Merrick and Reyla. Lorant is the bad boy everyone craves and screams daddy! for while Merrick is the man we all need. Every piece of this story gets better and better along the way. Farris is the goodest boy, he should really be our mascot! If you love high stakes, slow burn sexy romance and amazingly woven tales this is the series for you!!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare to be captivated by Lady of Cinders, the stunning second book in the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin series. This sequel masterfully continues the narrative from the first book's heart-stopping cliffhanger. As we delve further into the enigma of Lorant and Merrick, new, compelling mysteries emerge, building incredible suspense and an urgent quest to break the kingdom's curse. This dark fae gothic forbidden romance is an absolute triumph, and I'm eagerly awaiting the grand finale.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaya Wells’ book 2 Lady of Embers continues the epic fantasy of The Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin. Lorant continues to be her strong, fierce assassin while husband Merrick is the sweet suitor during the day, but Queen Reyna is discovering that two might just be closer than they seem. The curse looms, the men combine to protect her and the kingdom, leading to many secrets being revealed. What an adventure!

[E.K.D. · Rating 1 out of 5]

OMG I just couldn’t anymore…DNF’d at 72%.

No world building at all, the same dialogue amongst the same people, so much repetition it was painful 😓

The main heroes keep going on about how smart, how strong, how amazing the heroine was…seriously this lady doesn’t hold a candle to any of the heroines I enjoyed in other romanticies. There was nothing extraordinary about her.

Its a rare book I DNF indeed…

[Eva Rochford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still, my romance loving heart! Twists, turns, secrets revealed and all wrapped up in a gorgeous romantic tale. The second installment of Reyla's journey is hard to put down! The poetic nature of our males is also something we need to clap 👏 because real world men, take note. I can't wait to read the next book, especially on that cliffhanger!!

Proud ARC reader, all opinions my own.

[Kaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the second book in the series we learn a lot more about the curse and the kingdom, but the book ends on a cliffhanger yet again which left me excited for book 3! Reyla is a great heroine, I really like that she can fight (and fight well) on her own and didn’t need to be taught or trained. I am excited for the world building to continue. This book was slow at times, but the last third really flew by and was my favorite part. Thank you Alaya for the ARC!