Keys to the Crown

by Leah Mara

A princess-turned-spy goes undercover to catch a dangerous criminal—and falls for him instead.

After her mother’s assassination, Kiera gave up her crown to become a spy. She’s spent years training to earn the title of High Enforcer—the elite embodiment of justice in Rellmira. But first, she must prove she's worthy by hunting down any threat to her father's rule.

When a mysterious prisoner becomes such a threat, Kiera goes undercover to learn his true intentions.
But Aiden won’t reveal his secrets easily. His charming tongue spins lies as deftly as Kiera’s does, and he claims he’s just a thief looking for gold.

Upon their escape, Kiera proposes they work together on a risky heist—and Aiden agrees.
But the line between allies and enemies begins to blur as he slowly surrenders the trust she is now reluctant to destroy.

When the embers of rebellion, secrets, and desire ignite their world, Kiera must decide who she will be among the ashes—a traitor to her kingdom or to her heart.

Keys to the Crown is the first book in a fantasy romance duology filled with steamy slow-burn romance, found family, and epic intrigue. Perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom, Serpent and the Wings of Night, and Blood & Steel. Kiera and Aiden’s story concludes in Book 2.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Royalty

522 pages, Hardcover

First published January 9, 2025

Reviews

[Chanel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate to give this a low rating because I have been looking to read this book for a very long time and held off until there was a solid book 2 date. Unfortunately, I won't be reading book 2 because I had so many issues with this one.

Kiera is a princess turned spy in a world with a tyrant for a king who also happens to be her father. She was trained by her father's right hand man, Renwell who is very brutal on her from the start. He decides to send Kiera undercover to basically gain the trust of the rebels trying to take the king down so she can learn their plans and help the king stop them. He throws her in a jail cell with Aiden and she ends up helping him escape.

This first few chapters really dragged. I struggled to get to a point where more interesting things would happen. We meet Ruru, Maz and some others and Aiden keeps Keira at arms length for most of the first half cause he simply can't trust her. Meanwhile throughout all this, Kiera makes mistake after mistake, believes evil too easily even in the face of evidence and for some crazy reason still cares about the well being of her very evil father. I began to become frustrated with the entire plot because I felt like random information was being dropped that had no clear link to the main storyline.

Aiden and Kiera grow to love each other at a very choppy pace but the ending, while partly predictable, didn't make any sense. I was glad when I finished. The tone of voice became very whiny, YA-esque and it felt like a lot of the darker scenes were inserted just for shock values and not for any relation to the story. I won't be continuing even though it's a duology.

[Kristen's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This publishes January 9th and will be on Kindle Unlimited. This is a must read to start the year!
Princess turns spy...infiltrates her marks group...falls in love with her mark...continues to feed information back to the palace about a potential rebel uprising...secrets unfold...is she on the right side of the impending war?
This book was fantastic! It felt like a 250pg read not a 450pg read. I got to the end and I was like...wait...no...it can't end this soon. I don't even know how long I have to wait for the second book in this duology but I'm already fiending for it! I NEED TO KNOW HOW IT ENDS!

[Sandra (millennial.reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a ride!!! Under-hyped book for sure!!!
This one is an unexpected page-turner full of twists, turns, character secrets and painful discoveries.
If you like a good adult fantasy book with mystery and action, a well-planned heist and hidden identities - pick this one up!

- Slow burn
- Secrets and lies
- Hidden identities (yes, plural)
- ‘Let’s pull off a heist and steal some the money from the kingdom’
- Found Family

It gave me A Forbidden Alchemy thrill in terms of oppressor and the oppressed, secrets and betrayals, and devastating ending that can lead anywhere!

• I liked the FMC, it surprised me that I liked her as she made a lot of bad choices. She did have a slow character development but I think she has potential.
• The MMC, what an angry but likable mastermind!
They are a really good couple.

I am so anxious to know how this will end. Luckily I have to wait only 4 days 😄

[BookishVibesClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness!! I have not read a book that had me in this much of a chokehold in a while 😱 It was a wild ride filled with secret identities, suspense, slow burn tension ❤️‍🔥, and twists I did not see coming!!

This is an INCREDIBLE high stakes Romantasy that consumed my soul for two whole days! Big emotions at every turn. I completely fell for the main characters and their side characters. The found family in this is on point! By the time I finished this book, I fully felt like I had been on a months long adventure in spying and caught in the middle of a rebellion.

❤️‍🔥 Secret Identities
❤️‍🔥 Nicknames
❤️‍🔥 Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥 Who did this to you?
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
❤️‍🔥 Mysterious MMC
❤️‍🔥 Broody MMC
❤️‍🔥 Strong and Determined FMC
❤️‍🔥 Banter
❤️‍🔥 Political Intrigue
❤️‍🔥 Wound Tending
❤️‍🔥 Found Family
❤️‍🔥 23 year old FMC

5+⭐️ 🌶️🌶️ (open door, one spicy scene: skip chapter 34)
*language warning

Since there is only one open door spicy scene, you can easily skip that whole chapter (ch. 34) without missing anything major from the story.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

🗝️ARC REVIEW🗝️

EXCUSE ME???????
———-
Do you like:

🗝️Dual POV?
🗝️Forbidden love?
🗝️Reluctant allies to lovers?
🗝️Found family?
🗝️He falls first?
🗝️Political intrigue?
🗝️Layered plot twists?

Well well well, *slaps cover of book* have I got a book for you!

Trust me y’all. This is a must read. Like I don’t even know what to say. This was SO GOOD. I spent my time wandering the grocery store (in the guise of shopping) processing this book, especially the ending. Because just when I thought I knew what was going on, boy howdy 😮‍💨. So, like I said, trust me.

Thank you so so much to Leah Mara for this ARC. It was an absolute delight!

Ps. That bonus chapter from Aiden’s POV 🫠🫠

[1000_books_1000_lives · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a debut! This was absolutely fantastic!! Action, adventure, tension! This story had me hooked from the beginning. I absolutely love Max & Ruru and if we don’t see more of them in book 2 I’m gonna riot! This was such a brilliant read- totally recommend

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book! This debut was filled with espionage, intrigue and a slow burn romance that is to die for. Really enjoyed the character development in this one. I recommend to anyone who loves a romanasty that is action packed!

Thank to RRbooktours and the author for the complimentary copy.

[Kayla B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

A princess turned spy that falls in love with the enemy?? Yess. Everything about this book was amazing. READ IT


I need the second book yesterday

[Dea_Bookshelf Babble · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the absolute privilege of being selected to read an advance review copy of Keys to the Crown by Leah Mara, and I’m so glad I got this opportunity because this book is fantastic!

This captivating story delivers action, adventure, secrets, and betrayal with plenty of twists and turns. There were moments that left me absolutely stunned. It’s far from predictable and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time!

Told through dual POVs, we follow our MFC, Keira, a princess-turned-spy, and our MMC, Aiden. Their chemistry is undeniable, making for a deliciously slow-burn and forbidden romance that keeps you rooting for them despite the odds. Add in the amazing supporting characters, and the story truly comes to life.

The tropes? Chef’s kiss:
💎 Forbidden romance
💎 Found family
💎 Heist
💎 Prison meet-cute
💎 One tent
💎 Touch her and die
💎 Royal intrigue
💎 Who did this to you
💎 He falls first
💎 Dueling spies
💎 Secrets, lies, betrayals
💎 He’s her mark

Keira’s journey as a spy going undercover is thrilling, and the plot will keep you guessing until the very end. Speaking of the ending…WOW. I cannot wait for book two!

This book is a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️, which lands it on the Prime Shelf in my Bookshelf Babble rating system.

Thank you so much, Leah, for allowing me to be part of your ARC team! I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves intrigue, romance, and plenty of heart-pounding moments.

[Sarah Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

that ate DOWNNNN - the vibes felt very throne of glass (books 1-2, not the full series) and I ate that shit up

no fancy magic system, which was honestly a relief to just have a medieval-fantasy world where politics, strength, power, and money were the only driving forces. (and not some uber prejudiced magic user racism thing that’s never truly fleshed out and grappled with)

for a book that took place in maybe like 5 settings total, this had some pretty good worldbuilding! not a LOT, but an acceptable amount for a FMC who spent most of her life in a single city. the romance was enjoyable and between two consenting adults (hallelujah no teens) the secret-keeping and guilt were absolutely delectable, and I really liked the supporting characters. only issue is I’m pretty sure this whole plot happened over the course of barely a month, and I’m being very generous there, but I’m electing to ignore that in favor of imagining it was like 2-3 months long

I love a good throne succession, heist plot, secret identity situation and this delivered. literally gonna start book 2 ASAP. and actually let’s talk about that, because I have mad respect for an author who doesn’t try to stretch everything into a trilogy when a duology just does it better!!! we’ll see if that belief holds fast as I read book 2, but so far call me Mickey D’s cause I’m loving it (I’m so funny omg hahaha… LAUGH YOU BASTARDS)

[KMart Vet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This absolutely gave me Throne of Glass and Broken Blade vibes. We’ve got an assassin heroine infiltrating a rebellion, layers of secrets and betrayals, and a story that moves at a brisk pace. I loved the characters, the found family aspect of the rebels, and the sweet-but-spicy dynamic between Kiera and Aiden.

The only downside for me was that the romance got a little spicy before all the truths were on the table. Which always feels a bit icky, given the level of secrets and deception in play. Still, the tension between them was electric, and I ended up rooting for their relationship anyway. And I loved the drama of it all. I just expected better of Kiera.

Overall, this was just a blast to read. It's fast, fun, and packed with intrigue and drama. I’m especially hoping the sequel gives us more sibling dynamics and answers to some of the big questions still hanging in the air. November can’t come soon enough! I’ll be grabbing book two the second I can.

Thanks so much to the author and R&R Booktours for the complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know why I read another book before writing a review for this. Not super common for me. I liked this book, it was not the best thing I have ever read, but it was pretty fun with a plot that I found fairly unique. We follow Kiera who is actually the ex communicated daughter of the current king. She is currently trying to become his enforcer instead of his heir after a recently bloody rebellion. The royal family is very secretive, and most of the kids are not often seen outside. Kiera is trying to become the enforcer, as well as deal with her mother's death. We learn that her father is cold and cruel, and her mother was the only parent she could count on.

Kiera is put on a mission to go into the dungeons as a (fake) prisoner, and bond with a prisoner that they cannot get information out of. Kiera and this prisoner, Aiden, escape together and that is where the story begins. Lots of information about Aiden and his mission unravels, as well as a lot of backstory for Kiera. Both Kiera and Aiden can't really trust each other, but there is an undeniable tension. I loved following the two of them and finding out secrets about Aiden, his purpose and lineage. The ending was interesting, quite a plot twist with the details of Kiera's mother's death. The ending of the book did a good job setting up for the next. If I am reminded when it is out, I will read it.

[Julie Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This book was SO good. It started off so strong with such an intriguing plot line. I was wholly invested in this story. The writing was great and I seen this like a movie in my head.

I loved the characters. The FMC’s character growth was done so well. The MMC was the perfect morally grey man. I loved the back and forth of trust they had with each other, but how their attraction and yearning for the other was also there. 😍

I loved the side characters, especially Maz and Ruru! The things that Maz endured.. ugh 😩 I couldn’t handle it! And Renwell.. iykyk!! BUT, what I didn’t see coming was finding out some things about the MMC. I was floored. Both times!!

This was such an enjoyable read with such a great world, characters, and plot. I cannot wait for book two to release because I definitely can’t wait to find out what they’re going to do next. Definitely recommend picking this one up, I loved it. 🥰

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keys to the Crown

Omg this was so good!! I loved every heart pounding moment of it! Between the lies and twists I couldn’t put this book down.

The story was well written and pulls you in from the start.

Kiera, the main character was fantastic! I loved her determination. She was someone I had no trouble rooting for.

Aiden, oh man he was great! I loved uncovering who he really was and loved seeing into his heart and mind, he cared deeply for his people and of course his friends.

I loved the various side characters as well! I’m excited to see more of them and what happens next as well! Eek!!!

If you enjoy dark romantasy, quest, forbidden romance, slow burn, lies, manipulation, morally grey characters, royalty, found family, heist, high stakes, danger around every corner, touch her and xx vibes, rebellion, spies, uncovering the truth, thrilling plot twists, and so much more then you need to read this one!!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars.

👑 The vibes:
- Princess turned spy
- Book 1 in duology
- Lies & secrets
- Forbidden love
- Royal intrigue
- A heist
- Open door

👑 My thoughts:
A princess turned spy, a secret revolution, and an epic heist.

👑 What a ride. This was such a fun debut that I’m so happy I tried. There’s secret identities with a slow burn situation and a thick layer of lies and betrayals. The angst of the secrets each person is holding back stressed me out in the best way possible. And the found family elements really pulled everything together on a deeper level.

👑 I am dying for book 2, and thankfully I don’t have to wait long!

Note- language; open door (1 scene)

[Julie Burdick · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️’s.. Goddamn that was an exciting book to read!! Finished it in one go because I could not put it down!! I loved everything about it, the premise was interesting with the FMC being a spy posing as a criminal to gain the trust of the MMC who’s also a criminal so she can gather information about his secret plan.. I loved all the characters, the world, all the court politics, lots of twists and turns and secrets exposed.. It was all around a fun and entertaining book to read.. I can’t for the second book to come out!!

[Ky (kys.bookish.adventures) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
What a fantastic debut! I love romantasy books so this was so up my alley but I read so many of them sometimes things seem so similar but this was not - it was very unique and I loved the FMC from the beginning. The romance was perfectly done with great tension with some of the best tropes like “who did this to you” touch her and 💀 and own tent! I absolutely loved the plot as well and am a sucker for a good heist. This releases on January 9th and I highly recommend checking it out!

[Laurel Tonti · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was quite good! def a slow burn. i enjoyed it and look forward for the next book

[Colourfulmind · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really tried to like this.
DNF at 45%

great premise but the background story was kind of boring

[Emily Shatek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I received this copy as an ARC reader!
This book was refreshing. It really was a true enemies to lovers, but romance was NOT the main plot.
The beginning was a little confusing as the world building and history. I went back and re-read it after about 38% and it felt more clear!
Keira our FMC was witty and brave. She had a LOT of character growth.
I loved Aiden. And Maz. BUT Ruru might be my favorite character.
The worst part of being an ARC reader for the first book of a series is having to wait so long for the next book to come out and I wish that day was soon.

[Grace McGraw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic adventure - great characters and plot. Wonderful new author!

[Lacey Kintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the absolute joy and privilege of getting an ARC of this book; and I am so thankful for it.
I've read over a hundred books this year and I'm not sure which book I'm booting out of my top 10 to make room for Keys to the Crown - but it's definitely earned itself a spot.

We've got :

💖 He falls first
☠️ Touch her and die
🗡️ Secrets, lies, betrayals
🏰 Royal drama & intrigue
⚔️ Who did this to you?
💛 Found family // MAZ, MELAENA, AND RURU FOR THE WIN. ✊🏻✊🏻

The romance, the politics, the betrayals, the hurt, the healing!! Gosh, it's all just so good.

Kiera is the perfect female protagonist. She's not bitter or hateful despite the things she'd gone through, she's very likable and everything she does is understandable.
Aiden, UGH, this heartthrob had me swooning from like moment one! So protective. AND not MEAN?! I've read so many enemies-to-lovers novels only to realize now that I'm totally more of a reluctant allies-to-lovers girlie.

The side characters are magnificent. I was looking forward to reading about them just as much as I was the world and the FMC/MMC. There wasn't a single one of them that I didn't love and root for.
The villains?! They're villain-ing and it's so good. There's no attempt to justify them. Our author really just lets them thrive in the bad vibes and I loved it.

I literally couldn’t put this down. I was so lost in the world and the intrigue that I even forgot to breathe at some points. ESPECIALLY when things got a little bit🌶️spicy🌶️!
Mark my words, this will be one of the next books that we'll all go feral for. It's really just that good.

[Lis Pearson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Blech.

Endlessly annoying FMC. We are supposed to believe she gave up being a Princess to be a spy? She couldn’t spy her way out of a locked room if she had a key, she was so bad at it, I was embarrassed for her. And the abuse she took from her father and her “mentor” was just too painful to read.
Felt more YA than NA, the writing is very juvenile.
Almost DNFd and skipped healthy portion.
Twists seen a mile away, like the minute you meet the MMC.
No chemistry.

Just bleh.

Onward.

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid read overall! I had a good time with it. There was lots of action and intrigue, and a steady sense of adventure throughout. The romance is definitely a slow burn, and there’s only one spicy scene, but it fits the pacing and didn’t overshadow the plot.

While I can’t say I loved every moment, I really did enjoy myself turning these pages. Sometimes a book doesn’t have to be earth-shattering to be worth the read, and this delivered exactly what I expected and wanted from it. A fun fantasy romance with spies, secrets, and rising stakes. I recommend this one especially if you like spies and intrigue.

[Julianne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for giving me an arc of this book

“I’m yours, Aiden.”
“And I . . . am all yours. For as long as you wish to keep me, little thief.”

After her mother is assassinated, a princess becomes a spy, denouncing her lineage, and is tasked to go undercover to catch a criminal. She never expected to fall for him instead. There are secrets, and betrayal, and she must decide which side she is on: the palace and her family or the rebel assassin and her new found family.

This was an insane debut and is the first one in the series. The tension was great and the ending was insane! I didn't see that one coming and my mouth was on the floor. What is going to happen in th next book!

Kiera is such a great character and I love seeing her transformation throughout the book. Aiden is the kind of guy that does all the hard things to help those around him. (Plus I love how he keeps calling Kiera little thief because she is a thief of more than just a key 😉) Maz is a character I would want to be best friends with. Ruru has my heart! I enjoyed so many characters!

Gosh! Just please read this book if you like:
👑Enemies to Lovers
🗡️Secrets and Betrayal
👑Hidden Identity
🗡️Slow burn
👑Heist
🗡️Found Family
👑Political Intrigue.

There was a portion that was slow for me, but then it hit you in the face.

And the gold paint scene, the bathhouse, the one tent scene! 😍
There is one spicy scene in chapter 34.

[Leesha.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW ✨Available January 9, 2025✨

4.5⭐️ ”I crave your light…yet I would hunt for you even when you’re one with the shadows”

i really thought i knew what was gonna happen at the end and here I am getting blindsided again! That was not what I was expecting at all! But holy hell I loved this story! The heists, the found family, the forbidden romance with a slow burn that has a very rewarding payoff 🔥. We got secrets, lies, betrayals. This was such an entertaining read🖤

This is book 1 in the Rellmira Duology with a dual POV following our two main characters. The FMC Kiera, our princess turned spy, is an absolute badass. Our MMC Aiden is loyal as hell and doesn’t think twice when it comes to protecting those he cares about. And JUST WAIT until you meet Maz and Ruru. The perfect found family 🤍

Thank you so much to the author Leah Mara for the ARC. So so ready for book 2🫶🏽
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.
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[Renita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness… this book was incredible.

I gave this book a 4.8 star. The plot twists in this book were CRAZY. The plot itself was CRAZY. This book was amazing and contained some of my absolute favorite tropes:
Forbidden love
Found family
Touch her and die
He falls first
Who did this to you

The tension, the secrets and betrayals…wow. Just wow.
One of the best books I’ve read all year. I’m so thankful I was able to review this as an ARC 🩷

[Brianna Hausladen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy wow!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Keys to the Crown by Leah Mara was INCREDIBLE!! What an amazing read to kickstart the 2025 TBR! Dual POV, assassins and traitors, infiltration and politics—this book has it all. Keira and Aiden are fantastic characters that weave a story that keeps you guessing on what secrets are hidden and how it culminates into an amazing ending. This knowing this is Book 1 of a duology, I need book 2 asap 🫣

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, top reads of all time. 5 stars! WOW, what a debut! Stop everything and put this on the top of your TBR. I just finished and can't grasp how incredible this book was.

FYI -I received an ARC copy for an honest review.

The story follows, Keira, a princess-turned-spy after her mother's assassination. Her goal is to someday become High Enforcer, the elite pillar of justice, so that she can protect her family from future harm. Her mentor, Renwell, is the current High Enforcer who server her father, King Weylin Torvaine. After 2 years of training and a semi-successful first mission, Keira is tasked with going undercover as a prisoner to steal secrets from fellow prisoner, Aiden. Keira is briefed by Renwell on Aiden's attempt to infiltrate the High Enforcer's underground domain and potentially plans to harm the royal family. Torturing him didn't seem to get answers, so Keira is to earn his trust as an ally. Who doesn't love a prison-meet cute? Things take a turn as Keira and Aiden escape from prison together and she becomes involved in a string of lies, secrets, and a risky heist.

First, that cover!!! This book is 460 pages easy and each page is carefully planned out. The author is a gem and includes an author note with trigger warnings, a pronunciation guide, and a map of Rellmira. THANK YOU!! My biggest issue with starting a book is slowly becoming invested in the story and world. I had no issues with this as your immediately thrown into a mission right off the first page and it delivers everything from there. We start with learning about Keira and the timeline of events that lead to her current spy position. Historical events and information wore woven so well within the context of current events with out to many flashbacks or confusion. The royal intrigue is thick and well developed.

Rellmira culture and traditions focus around four gods and goddess. The world's beliefs and cultural phrases are laid throughout the story without totally explanation but builds up to full understanding so that you become immersed in it. From the game of Death and Fours, to the unique plant life with their healing properties, and saying "Holy Four" instead of OMG, the worldbuilding is detailed and impressively immersive.

The characters!! After meeting Aiden, Keira meets a network of his allies from different walks of life. As Keira works as earning Aiden's trust, these strangers start to become more for her which complicates everything. There are so many interesting and fun side characters that I grew to love and look forward to. From a poor, young orphan boy to a Viking-like man covered in tats, and so many more. Each has a backstory and role to play in the plot and in Keira's journey.

Where ideals didn't earn you allies, money usually did

Keira has so many secrets and lies to keep track of, as does Aiden. What was incredible was this book is a dual POV. Yes, we get intermittent chapters from Aiden's perspective. The story is neck deep in secrets and plotting at times when it switches but the way the author tells Aiden's POV while still keeping his secrets is so teasing! You learn half-truths and truths within lies yet just enough to keep you guessing. His POV is brilliantly written without given any important information away. It's fascinating to see his perspective of Keira, not knowing she's a spy, and how he views her romantically.

"Be careful what you steal, little thief," he growled. "Or I might take back what is mine."

Keira is a phenomenal FMC. She's young but determined which shows in her drive and fighting skills. She carries scars and demons that haunt her throughout the story. However, so does Aiden. Watching these characters interact knowing their own demons but still trying to the right thing and save people they care about in their lives is impactful. They have so much depth and growth as the story reaches certain points that is feels viscerally painful. I loved Aiden as a MMC. He was so multifaceted as a character with so many different skills sets that ranged from one end of the spectrum to the other. I loved learning something new about him which took time because you learn at the same pace as Keira, even while reading his POV. Each MC is doing what they think is right which means unintentionally hurting what the other is protecting. The lines get crossed and loyalty is tested.

Ok romance time. Yes there is romance. Keira was not naive maiden while Aiden was such a green-flag romantic. There are plenty of high-tension scenes *cough, bathhouse, cough* that will feed your romance munchies. It is slow burn but there is only one tent at some point.. js. For me, it is well paced without being enemies to lovers. There is only one explicit scene but the touching, intimacy, and, yes kissing, builds up so well throughout the story that is worked wonderfully. Also, she's spying on Aiden this whole time and he doesn't trust her completely so the tension and risks are twice as high. There are plenty of longing looks and who did this to you moments also. O, he so falls first fyi.

"You were the brightest light up there, my little thief. So bright, you stole the very shadows from my heart."

Lastly, the plot twists. My therapist will be earning her pay soon after this. The intricate web of lies and secrets are built on, and built on, and then made more complex, and then BOOM! Didn't see that coming. Like changed everything. Just when I thought nothing could top that, plot twist number two shows up and says, bet? Yeah, I lost that bet. When the climax was happening, I had 4% left to read on my kindle and then plot twist two happened shortly after. There was so no way this could be savaged in 3% of plotline left. I had completely forgotten there would be a second book. So much story had been covered that I didn't even realize it was a set up for the next book because I was so engrossed in what was happening. However, the author set up for Book Two perfectly.

If you made it this far, you're a gem and hope you never get a flat tire ever. Keys to the Crown is an epic fantasy romance that will stay with me long after I've read it. I will definitely be buying this book when it releases and re-reading at least once before book two releases. Thank you Leah for ARC book as I will treasure it and the opportunity to read Keira's story greatly.

[Reveriesurfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 stars. A solid read with plenty to offer. The first half takes its time, building the world and characters with deliberate pacing — though at times, I wished for more action and momentum to pull me in. The second half is an absolute thrill ride. Once the story hits its stride, it becomes fast-paced, twist-filled adventure that had me utterly hooked. Couldn’t put it down as the stakes soar and surprises unfold.

It’s is remarkably well-rounded—it excels in delicate writing style, character depth, clever twists, and a tightly woven plot that balances logic with sheer entertainment. The friendships feel authentic, the romance is satisfying, and the pacing keeps you invested. If there’s one minor critique, it’s that some minor side characters (like Korvin) reappear after long absences, making it easy to forget their roles or connections. I might need a quick reread before the sequel to ensure I get everything right.

*SPOILERS ALERT*

Keira — a refreshingly realistic and compelling 'newbie' spy. Fresh out of two years of training, she’s skilled but still green, making believable mistakes that add tension to her missions. Far from being an invincible badass, she’s driven by a desperate need for validation and the urge to protect her family, as she is consistently haunted by her mother’s death. She retains a sense of kindness and fairness, even in the cutthroat world of espionage. Sent to spy on the Aiden, a rebel suspected of plotting treason against her family, she never blindly judges him or his cause. Instead, she keeps an open mind, eventually learning that they’re fighting against real injustice. Yet even after uncovering her father’s crimes with her growing connection with Aiden and his group, she doesn’t impulsively switch sides. She wrestles with morality, seeking a third path — one that removes her tyrant father without perpetuating bloodshed. Once prone to running from hardship, she now confronts it head-on. She’s cautious but not gullible, weighing both sides before forming her own conclusions. And though her attempts to protect everyone — even at the cost of betraying both factions and putting her in danger, she never compromises her principles. A spy, a survivor, and ultimately a peacemaker, she’s a heroine worth rooting for.

Aiden defies the typical 'dark, brooding powerhouse' trope. Instead, he’s a beautifully layered character shaped by tragedy and tempered by principle. As the orphaned son of the murdered former king, he carries the scars of his past. He’s rightfully suspicious of Keira, whom he keeps at arm’s length until she earns his trust slowly. His pain does not fuel mindless vengeance, but a fierce protectiveness toward those he loves and true justice. Haunted by past mistakes (his impulsiveness once cost lives), he shoulders the burden of his flaws and instead advocates for the current king’s son — his enemy’s child — to rule, believing in the younger prince’s fairness.

The rest of the characters like Maz and Ruru are also genuinely lovable. Especially Ruru, who let Keira go even after knowing her betrayal, as he believes what he sees in her from their encounters, and he doesn’t doubt her kindness and goodness and understands she must have reasons for things. It’s refreshing to see characters with their own mind and rationality, and not doing things impulsively and narrow-mindedly.

The romance — this is how writers should write the slow-burn love. The relationship between Keira and Aiden is built on trust, shared ideals, and genuine connection rather than instant attraction or hollow tropes. The bond between them grows gradually, shaped by cautious interactions, mutual respect, and hard-earned vulnerability. They don’t abandon their convictions (or their brains!) when feelings emerge, and their tension stems from clashing loyalties and moral dilemmas, not petty bickering or superficial lust. What’s especially refreshing is how their love unfolds NATURALLY — they fall for each other’s minds, values, and flaws, not just appearances (without cringe-worthy monologues about the looks…). Even their physical intimacy feels like an organic extension of their emotional bond — a moment of tenderness and agency, instead of being a performative 'spice' quota. When they finally come together, it’s Keira who takes control, steering the scene with confidence and mutual consent. The result is a healthy, deeply intimate portrayal of love and desire, free from the coercive power dynamics or fetishized violence that plague so many fantasy romances.

The final chapter is a good cliffhanger— though the twist about Renwell is a bit abrupt since there isn’t a lot about him apart from his dark and secretive nature. Looking forward to the sequel anyway!!