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Wolves of Lunara #3
A Reign of Malice
Some kingdoms are built on lies. Others are burned by them.
I came to Venaris to save my people, but it comes with a price…a mate who isn’t fated to be mine.
King Aeson offers everything I’ve now failed to deliver as queen: stability, safety, and salvation for my pack. Agreeing to his treaty—and to bond with him—feels like the only way to make things right.
Except something unknown lingers within these walls. The castle hums with secrets, and while Aeson does his best to distract me with grand gestures, there’s a mysterious force in the shadows. One that leads me to a truth I never saw coming.
Now I’m caught between duty for a kingdom and pack I swore to protect and the destiny of a bond that was never supposed to exist. The lies I’ve told are nothing compared to the ones I’m still unraveling, and if I’m not careful, I’ll lose everything I’ve been trying to save.
Because if I make one wrong move, it won’t just cost me the crown, it will cost me my heart.
This is the third and final standalone novel written within the Wolves of Lunara series. If you love wolf shifters, romantic fantasy, gods, fated mates, reincarnation, and so much more, then you don't want to miss this one!
I came to Venaris to save my people, but it comes with a price…a mate who isn’t fated to be mine.
King Aeson offers everything I’ve now failed to deliver as queen: stability, safety, and salvation for my pack. Agreeing to his treaty—and to bond with him—feels like the only way to make things right.
Except something unknown lingers within these walls. The castle hums with secrets, and while Aeson does his best to distract me with grand gestures, there’s a mysterious force in the shadows. One that leads me to a truth I never saw coming.
Now I’m caught between duty for a kingdom and pack I swore to protect and the destiny of a bond that was never supposed to exist. The lies I’ve told are nothing compared to the ones I’m still unraveling, and if I’m not careful, I’ll lose everything I’ve been trying to save.
Because if I make one wrong move, it won’t just cost me the crown, it will cost me my heart.
This is the third and final standalone novel written within the Wolves of Lunara series. If you love wolf shifters, romantic fantasy, gods, fated mates, reincarnation, and so much more, then you don't want to miss this one!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2025
76 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Heather Renee
71 books720 followersHeather Renee is a USA Today Bestselling author who lives in Oregon. She writes Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels with a mixture of romance, humor, and sass. Her love of reading eventually led to her passion of writing and giving the gift of escapism.
When Heather's not writing, she's spending time with her loving husband and beautiful daughter, going on their own adventures. She loves to hear from her fans, so visit her website: www.HeatherReneeAuthor.com and check out the Contact Me page for ways to connect.
When Heather's not writing, she's spending time with her loving husband and beautiful daughter, going on their own adventures. She loves to hear from her fans, so visit her website: www.HeatherReneeAuthor.com and check out the Contact Me page for ways to connect.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 1, 2025
The plot was too fast and she figured everything out like in the first 30%🙄
May 26, 2025
Reign of Malice was outstanding. There were surprises everywhere I turned, with a few of my favorite tropes thrown in for good measure too. The plot kept me hooked with a very compelling mystery and a villain that I imagine was hard to write. I mean, how do you make a villain who, at first and second glance, does nothing wrong? I don't know, but Heather's done it perfectly. There was also a great representation of feminine power and female friendships that I very much enjoyed.
All the characters were incredible. Sloane was a powerful queen but had her vulnerable moments, which made her easier to connect to. As for the MMC, he was surprising. More low-key but thoughtful. Plus, I loved how he acknowledged Sloane for the powerful figure that she was. Once again the writing gets a little tricky, but Heather does it. This time it was the romance, which wasn't all-encompassing but was written in the smaller moments but still romantic. Now, the action was very much in the forefront. Planning, magic, battles, and so much more. My adrenaline was pumping in more than a few scenes; the pages just flew by.
Wow! I can't believe it's over, but what an ending it was! Reign of Malice was perfection. I'm going to miss this series.
All the characters were incredible. Sloane was a powerful queen but had her vulnerable moments, which made her easier to connect to. As for the MMC, he was surprising. More low-key but thoughtful. Plus, I loved how he acknowledged Sloane for the powerful figure that she was. Once again the writing gets a little tricky, but Heather does it. This time it was the romance, which wasn't all-encompassing but was written in the smaller moments but still romantic. Now, the action was very much in the forefront. Planning, magic, battles, and so much more. My adrenaline was pumping in more than a few scenes; the pages just flew by.
Wow! I can't believe it's over, but what an ending it was! Reign of Malice was perfection. I'm going to miss this series.
June 20, 2025
😒
I feel like the whole series was rushed. There was no suspension left where it went from point a to point B to point C. I think that could’ve been done a better storytelling definitely didn’t enjoy these as much as I hoped I would.
I feel like the whole series was rushed. There was no suspension left where it went from point a to point B to point C. I think that could’ve been done a better storytelling definitely didn’t enjoy these as much as I hoped I would.
June 15, 2025
Such a great way to end what was a really fun series! 🐺
June 2, 2025
this book has it all, political intrigues, romance, and a reunion of all the characters in the series
this book was all that the series needed to close this world, love it, and can't wait for what's next.
this book was all that the series needed to close this world, love it, and can't wait for what's next.
June 1, 2025
Heather Renee delivers an enthralling and emotional finale with A Reign of Malice, the third and final standalone in the Wolves of Lunara series. This book is everything I love in a romantasy: rich world-building, high stakes, forbidden bonds, and characters that leap off the page.
From the moment Sloane steps into Venaris, you can feel the weight of her responsibility—and the impossible choices she faces. Torn between her duty to her people and the promise of salvation through a political bond, she’s a heroine you can root for: determined, flawed, and incredibly strong. The tension between her and King Aeson is palpable, but it’s the secrets lurking beneath the surface that truly steal the show.
What I loved most about this book was how immersive the world felt. The castle, the pack politics, the gods—everything felt fully realized. The relationships between the characters are layered and meaningful, and even the side characters are so well-developed they feel like real people with their own stories. Every interaction served a purpose, either pushing the plot forward or deepening the emotional stakes.
The pacing never drags, thanks to the perfect blend of action, intrigue, and romance. Sloane’s unraveling of the truth behind the treaty and the mysterious force in the shadows kept me hooked. The political maneuvering she has to navigate felt nuanced and believable, adding an extra layer of tension that made the final chapters especially gripping.
If you’re a fan of wolf shifters, fated mates, gods, reincarnation, and slow-burn romantic fantasy with bite, A Reign of Malice is a must-read. It’s a satisfying and heartfelt end to a powerful series that I won’t soon forget.
From the moment Sloane steps into Venaris, you can feel the weight of her responsibility—and the impossible choices she faces. Torn between her duty to her people and the promise of salvation through a political bond, she’s a heroine you can root for: determined, flawed, and incredibly strong. The tension between her and King Aeson is palpable, but it’s the secrets lurking beneath the surface that truly steal the show.
What I loved most about this book was how immersive the world felt. The castle, the pack politics, the gods—everything felt fully realized. The relationships between the characters are layered and meaningful, and even the side characters are so well-developed they feel like real people with their own stories. Every interaction served a purpose, either pushing the plot forward or deepening the emotional stakes.
The pacing never drags, thanks to the perfect blend of action, intrigue, and romance. Sloane’s unraveling of the truth behind the treaty and the mysterious force in the shadows kept me hooked. The political maneuvering she has to navigate felt nuanced and believable, adding an extra layer of tension that made the final chapters especially gripping.
If you’re a fan of wolf shifters, fated mates, gods, reincarnation, and slow-burn romantic fantasy with bite, A Reign of Malice is a must-read. It’s a satisfying and heartfelt end to a powerful series that I won’t soon forget.
November 1, 2025
Returning to the Wolves of Lunara is always great. What I love about this series is that each book can be read as a standalone. This one follows Sloane as she decides if she should take the King's offer. Not all is as it seems and Sloan will find out soon enough.
I love how the title came to play in this installment. Once everything was revealed, I couldn't believe the King would do such a thing. The betrayal is thick! Sloane is a wonderful Queen, and I love how she protects her own people. Happy that Sloane has found an amazing group for strong females in Lunara. I don't want to say a lot here due to spoilers but I enjoyed the ride and the surprises along the way.
The narrators, Kirsty Geddes, and Stewart Crank did a wonderful job portraying their characters. The tones and inflections were spot on. I really enjoyed the voice that Stewart used for a certain somebody. I got goosebumps. So good!
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted audiobook.
I love how the title came to play in this installment. Once everything was revealed, I couldn't believe the King would do such a thing. The betrayal is thick! Sloane is a wonderful Queen, and I love how she protects her own people. Happy that Sloane has found an amazing group for strong females in Lunara. I don't want to say a lot here due to spoilers but I enjoyed the ride and the surprises along the way.
The narrators, Kirsty Geddes, and Stewart Crank did a wonderful job portraying their characters. The tones and inflections were spot on. I really enjoyed the voice that Stewart used for a certain somebody. I got goosebumps. So good!
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted audiobook.
May 13, 2025
Bonds, betrayal, and blood! The stunning conclusion to the Wolves of Lunara series is fierce with jaw-dropping moments and captivating romance that's deliciously slow.
With time running out, our heroine is faced with a decision and a bond that could ruin every piece of her soul. When she uncovers a secret that changes her life, she doesn't back down. Relying on help in the form of the series past main characters is, at times, humorous but also pivotal to the plot, linking all three books together. And our hero is extra swoony! He's determined to end the malice that has upended the kingdom and protect his mate from his greatest foe.
This wolf shifter fated mates romance delivers surprises and a heartwarming tale that will leave a lasting impression upon your heart.
With time running out, our heroine is faced with a decision and a bond that could ruin every piece of her soul. When she uncovers a secret that changes her life, she doesn't back down. Relying on help in the form of the series past main characters is, at times, humorous but also pivotal to the plot, linking all three books together. And our hero is extra swoony! He's determined to end the malice that has upended the kingdom and protect his mate from his greatest foe.
This wolf shifter fated mates romance delivers surprises and a heartwarming tale that will leave a lasting impression upon your heart.
May 30, 2025
What can I say- it was amazing , but sad also to leave this universe. This is Sloane and Julian s story. The last of the three worlds.
Sloane must do what she must to save her people- their land is dying. She must marry King Aeson to ensure the survival of her pack.
She just knows something is not right with him. A darkness exists in him.
When she stumbles upon Julian(her true mate), she sees how far darkness runs in Aeson. Can they survive the darkness?
Glad to see Estee, Isla, Theo and Asher back!. They are power houses to have on your side.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have. It's twist and turns will surprise you.
Sloane must do what she must to save her people- their land is dying. She must marry King Aeson to ensure the survival of her pack.
She just knows something is not right with him. A darkness exists in him.
When she stumbles upon Julian(her true mate), she sees how far darkness runs in Aeson. Can they survive the darkness?
Glad to see Estee, Isla, Theo and Asher back!. They are power houses to have on your side.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have. It's twist and turns will surprise you.
June 8, 2025
I’m not gonna lie I wasn’t expecting anything that happened to happen. Surprise after surprise and I was here for it. This book was a pleasant surprise and the perfect ending to this amazing series.
Sloane is a kick butt heroine. She was a queen through and through always putting her people first. She didn’t need a man but a partner to wade through this thing called life. I’m so glad she found her fated mate.
I stumbled along this series and from the first page I loved the world Heather created. It was unique but also had all the normal romantasy vibes. I loved the unexpected twists, the battles and the victories. I’m sad the series is through but can’t wait to see where we go next.
Sloane is a kick butt heroine. She was a queen through and through always putting her people first. She didn’t need a man but a partner to wade through this thing called life. I’m so glad she found her fated mate.
I stumbled along this series and from the first page I loved the world Heather created. It was unique but also had all the normal romantasy vibes. I loved the unexpected twists, the battles and the victories. I’m sad the series is through but can’t wait to see where we go next.
May 14, 2025
Book 3 in Wolves of Lunara series
A heart-wrenching fated mates fantasy romance where fighting for love and peace go hand in hand. It's packed with wolf shifters, betrayal, hidden secrets, determination, trust, and love. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and is filled with emotion. I love the series, but this book specifically is my favorite. I loved the inclusion of the couples from the prior two books to help assist in the overall storyline conclusion.
Detailed world building. Strong, lovable characters.
"We're not fighting for revenge. We're fighting for peace."
A heart-wrenching fated mates fantasy romance where fighting for love and peace go hand in hand. It's packed with wolf shifters, betrayal, hidden secrets, determination, trust, and love. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and is filled with emotion. I love the series, but this book specifically is my favorite. I loved the inclusion of the couples from the prior two books to help assist in the overall storyline conclusion.
Detailed world building. Strong, lovable characters.
"We're not fighting for revenge. We're fighting for peace."
May 16, 2025
Queen Sloane is desperate to save her people and lands, but with all the water gone and her lands dying, she has few choices but to accept a bond with the King she is not fated to. Dark forces, as well as the Gods, are at play as evil tries to control not only Queen Sloane but her trusted friends and their mates. Betrayal, mate bonds, war, and death are the price that is demanded, but will the Queen succeed in saving her people and lands, or will evil triumph? What a great finale to this series. Highly recommend
May 18, 2025
I was fortunate enough to read an arc of A Reign of Malice and it was beyond incredible 🥰 I’ve loved all of Heather Renee’s books but I think that this one might be my absolute favourite. I loved the characters, and love, love, loved Isla & Estee & their mates from the previous 2 books but once you include Sloane & Julian in this book it was even more amazing. Their story was beautiful. This whole book was so good and I cried more than once, it was just perfection.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful story 💜💜💜
Thank you so much for such a wonderful story 💜💜💜
May 31, 2025
Ahhhhhmazing!
While I’m so so sad this series is over, it was such an amazing ride!
I LOVE Sloane so much. She’s so strong and feisty. I love her and Clara’s relationship so much.
Sloane and Julian are just #goals. I adore them together so much. I love how much he wants to protect her but knows she can take care of herself and is willing to trust her.
Loved loved seeing the characters from the last books all come together! The girls night was the absolute best! 🤣🤣
The ending was absolutely magical and Heather really knocked it out of the park with this one. ❤️
While I’m so so sad this series is over, it was such an amazing ride!
I LOVE Sloane so much. She’s so strong and feisty. I love her and Clara’s relationship so much.
Sloane and Julian are just #goals. I adore them together so much. I love how much he wants to protect her but knows she can take care of herself and is willing to trust her.
Loved loved seeing the characters from the last books all come together! The girls night was the absolute best! 🤣🤣
The ending was absolutely magical and Heather really knocked it out of the park with this one. ❤️
June 1, 2025
The best book in the series! 🖤🔥
While I loved book one and two, this installment took my whole heart with Sloane and Julian's story! #allthefeels 😍
But also, reading about how all the kings and queens came together, fighting for Lunara's future as one kingdom... damn, that brought trears to my eyes! 🥹😭
And let's not forget the girls gang, that is one of the things I love the most reading about: girls supporting each other! 🤗���
Heather really did an amazing job with this finale, it was beyond my expectations, thank you, brilliant lady! 🙌🏻❤️
While I loved book one and two, this installment took my whole heart with Sloane and Julian's story! #allthefeels 😍
But also, reading about how all the kings and queens came together, fighting for Lunara's future as one kingdom... damn, that brought trears to my eyes! 🥹😭
And let's not forget the girls gang, that is one of the things I love the most reading about: girls supporting each other! 🤗���
Heather really did an amazing job with this finale, it was beyond my expectations, thank you, brilliant lady! 🙌🏻❤️
May 7, 2025
Really great conclusion of the Wolves of Lunara series. Queen Sloane is desperate to save her pack. Her lack of choices puts her in the middle of dark magic, fate, and a meddling god. Good thing she’s friends with Estee and Isla. There’s lots of action with the other queens along with Asher and Theo. Aurora has been collecting favors along the way and steals the show.
I loved this super powerful girl gang, their fated mates, and the world they fought to create.
I loved this super powerful girl gang, their fated mates, and the world they fought to create.
May 18, 2025
I want to be Salone when I grow up!
I absolutely loved these characters. Salone is so strong and steady and cares so deeply for her pack she will do anything for them. Julian is also strong surviving everything that he does. He is an example of what hope can do to a person. This story wraps up the world perfectly and ties up any lose ends. The epiloges at the end also give you a tiny glimpse into the future and what all of their lives will be like. This was just a phenomenal book.
I absolutely loved these characters. Salone is so strong and steady and cares so deeply for her pack she will do anything for them. Julian is also strong surviving everything that he does. He is an example of what hope can do to a person. This story wraps up the world perfectly and ties up any lose ends. The epiloges at the end also give you a tiny glimpse into the future and what all of their lives will be like. This was just a phenomenal book.
May 31, 2025
Entertaining fantasy series!! Enjoyed it! Been a fun, intriguing trilogy! Queen Sloane is struggling with what’s best for her and what she thinks she needs to do for her pack. As she delves deeper into the secrets in her world, she finds things aren’t exactly as she thought they were. Cool magical world and I love the whole mates scenario. Love shifters! Fun to see the characters from the previous books too! Yay! A good book!
May 31, 2025
Don't miss out on this! Fantastic!
I can never get enough of Heather's stories 😍 Each character is delivered so clearly I feel I know them; Sloane and Julian are no exception. I couldn’t get enough of them as the fought to overcome the challenges of their journey. I devoured this book in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down until I knew how it all finished up. Fantastic read!
I can never get enough of Heather's stories 😍 Each character is delivered so clearly I feel I know them; Sloane and Julian are no exception. I couldn’t get enough of them as the fought to overcome the challenges of their journey. I devoured this book in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down until I knew how it all finished up. Fantastic read!
June 2, 2025
epic ending
What a epic ending to such a great series! I love when the action is at the front! I’m more of a TOG girl than a ACOTAR (don’t get me wrong love them both) but this had that kick ass female lead in the mist of all the action. The romance was slower mellower and I really really liked that sometimes insta love feels too fake and this was just so real. The MMC was a nice change of pace thoughtful and kind but strong and absolutely delectable.
What a epic ending to such a great series! I love when the action is at the front! I’m more of a TOG girl than a ACOTAR (don’t get me wrong love them both) but this had that kick ass female lead in the mist of all the action. The romance was slower mellower and I really really liked that sometimes insta love feels too fake and this was just so real. The MMC was a nice change of pace thoughtful and kind but strong and absolutely delectable.
May 30, 2025
Outstanding!
Just Wow!! This was such an incredible story that just had me completely entertained. The characters were so hard not to fall in love with and her best villain yet! This book was so hard to put down as the story unraveled, I felt like I would miss something if I put it down.
Just Wow!! This was such an incredible story that just had me completely entertained. The characters were so hard not to fall in love with and her best villain yet! This book was so hard to put down as the story unraveled, I felt like I would miss something if I put it down.
June 1, 2025
Wow. I loved the way this all ended. Sloane was such a badass and so powerful. There were some great twists and turns along the way. I loved Sloane and her pack. I am sad to say goodbye to these amazing characters but so happy they got their HEA. The story had me on my toes for a good chunk of it and I didn’t want to stop reading.
June 1, 2025
Loved it
This is book three of this shared world, no you don't need to read the others first as they are stand-alone, but I highly recommend them. This story is Sloane's and I just loved it. It's the perfect ending for this world. It is full of action and has a mystery, and of course a HEA. Loved it
This is book three of this shared world, no you don't need to read the others first as they are stand-alone, but I highly recommend them. This story is Sloane's and I just loved it. It's the perfect ending for this world. It is full of action and has a mystery, and of course a HEA. Loved it
June 1, 2025
*sigh* I hate conclusions because I never want a great world/series to end. This book definitely is one of them you are sad to see end! The characters are amazing and they are sprinkled in to each story to make the worlds feel as one. More great characters in this one that you just fall 💖 for!! If you have loved the others you must read this one because you will 💖 this one too!!!
October 5, 2025
Oh this was SO GOOD! Fated mates 🤌🏻 Secrets. Who can you trust? Intrigue. Totally kept me on my toes. Definitely my favorite of the series! Loved the epilogue which catches us up on the characters from books 1 and 2! 😍 Highly recommend!!
🎧The Audio is INCREDIBLE!! 2 of my favorite narrators. Duet style 🔥
🎧The Audio is INCREDIBLE!! 2 of my favorite narrators. Duet style 🔥
June 1, 2025
I loved Sloane so much. And Julian so yummy. Probably my faborite couple of the series tbh. This whole series was phenomenal from start to finish with each book being an amazing standalone book. And I love all the cameos. Sloane and her Pack were so amazing I'm sad to see them go.
August 15, 2025
Now it makes sense!,
You really need all 3 books to get the whole picture and character development. Did not disappoint and not 1 but 2nail biter moments that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
You really need all 3 books to get the whole picture and character development. Did not disappoint and not 1 but 2nail biter moments that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
October 10, 2025
Funny how ignoring your instincts and being self-sacrificing can work out for the best, buy glad it did. Feels like there is room left to explore more of this world, but also things were wrapped up nicely, in case it is the end.
December 20, 2025
good
I love Sloan and her strength. I really like the story on how she found her mate. I also like the fact that the characters from the previous books were also in here helping her. This book was a very good ending to this series.
I love Sloan and her strength. I really like the story on how she found her mate. I also like the fact that the characters from the previous books were also in here helping her. This book was a very good ending to this series.
May 29, 2025
You shouldn’t miss out reading A Reign of Malice!! The story is a wonderful conclusion to an epic series!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews