The Maiden and the Steel Guardian

Of Metals and Curses #2.5

by Renna Ashley

When hearts ignite, only destruction will follow...

They want me to be quiet. Afraid. And I’m through with giving it to them.

Invisibility is how Arella Kellener once survived. As a human servant at High Keep—the Inatian seat of power—she could go unnoticed. The less attention she received from those in higher places, the better.

But everything changed when Arella saw something she shouldn’t. Now, she has a target on her back, hunted by a god-touched fae hellbent on eliminating his one loose end: her. A past dalliance taught her to keep her eyes from wandering beyond her means, and now, with her life on the line, that lesson holds even greater importance.

That is, until Orim Brennor, the devastatingly handsome fae male who smiles at her like she’s the only woman in the realm, becomes her protector. Her guardian. Orim’s made it his mission to keep her safe, and for the foreseeable future, he won’t be leaving her side.

But if Arella abandons the safety of her silence and opens her heart, her life might not be the only one at stake.

The Maiden and the Steel Guardian is a short novel that should be read after A Shattered Kingdom of Steel, featuring bodyguard romance, mentor/mentee training sequences, a golden retriever hero, and a HFN, perfect for readers that enjoy fantasy romance/romantasy. There may be unanswered questions that lead into the next book in the series, and any cliffhangers pertain to the continuing plot, not the couple's love story.

Genres: Magic, Fantasy

333 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

About the author

Renna Ashley is a headstrong New Englander who’d rather be at home, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket, while reading a good book. She loves anything chocolate and has a soft spot for swoon-worthy love interests and women with swords.

If you would jump into a fantasy world the first chance you got, then head over to Renna’s website for updates on new releases, freebies, and more!

When she’s not out swooning or swashbuckling, you can find her on:

Instagram: @rennaashleyauthor

Facebook: @rennaashleyauthor

Twitter: @rennaashauthor

TikTok: @rennashleyauthor

Reviews

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

✨The Maiden and the Steel Guardian✨

So good to be back in Renna’s world in book 2.5 of her Metals and Curses series. Each one has been an interconnected standalone with an overarching plot and this one takes us on the side journey with Arella and Orim.

A bodyguard Romantasy novella, we follow our FMC and MMC as Orim ventures to protect Arella from the High King’s murderer. This sweet romance is cozy and short but so full of the most precious love. Arella is meek and used to being overlooked and Orim is the brightest ray of sunshine full of kindness and protectiveness. He’s the perfect combo to encourage Arella to embrace her voice and maybe something deeper. 🤫

We have banter, healthy communication, medium spice, and the continuation of the evil spreading throughout the land. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and love how it connected everything but also allows you to jump right back into the world with little difficulty, though I HIGHLY suggest reading books 1&2 so you have all the details and get to meet the other two amazing couples. 😍

Tropes you may find in TMATSG are forced proximity, bodyguard, one horse & one tent, he cooks for her, nightmare comfort, anxiety rep, “breathe”, hidden magic, she saves him, medium spice, and an ending that leads nicely into book three!

Renna, it’s once again a pleasure to be an arc reader for you. Your books keep getting better and better. Thank you!

[Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to beta read this a couple months ago and I loved it! I reread it as an ARC and I forgot how much I loved it 🥰
The story follows Arella, who witnessed something she shouldn't have, and Orim, the fae who now is tasked with protecting her. Arella has always been quiet as a maid working at High Keep, staying out of the way and doing her job. She's terrified that she's now a target for a very powerful person out to get her, to clean up loose ends. Orim takes her to his manor to protect her and while under Orim’s protection, she finds herself wanting to become stronger. She no longer wants to be quiet and meek. She wants to fight back.

Y’all I LOVED Orim so much!! A blond fae male who is so freaking sweet and he can cook?? Yes, please!! Don't get me wrong, I love the morally gray brooding shadow daddies but this was a great change of pace from that. Orim is so sweet and protective of Arella and she finds solace in him as well, opening herself back up again after being burned in the past. Arella was amazing. Her growth was well done in this book, learning how to get herself out of an anxious spiral and turn into a stronger version of herself. Their relationship was so gentle and loving and the way Orim learns to calm her down 🥹. He helps Arella gain confidence and strength as she learns to trust herself and her instincts. She learns to fight and SHE saves HIM 👏🏻

This book was SO GOOD! I do recommend reading A Broken Throne of Bronze and A Shattered Kingdom of Steel first as this ties into the storyline.

The Maiden and the Steel Guardian releases on 5.27!!!!

[Maxx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lemme just sell you on this: METAL MAGIC FAE. Assassination plots. Golden retriever bodyguard. Snarky side characters. Spice at JUST the right level. Topped off with a FIERCE FMC glow up? What more could you want out of a book?

Arella is a witness. She saw who ended the High King’s life. Now, she’s on the run from a mysterious, red-eyed assassin. Forced into hiding alongside her sweet Fae protector, she struggles with her fear and her growing feelings. With the lovestruck Orim helping her to come out of her shell, she begins to find a sense of safety amid terrifying circumstances. From shy and scared to embracing her skills, Arella discovers how much love can change your world.

This is a pretty quick read. Fairly low stakes and cozy. It does deal with some of the trauma that our FMC suffers from but focuses more on the romance. We get a cute nickname that our lead grows into after she decides to change her path. There’s a lovely found family created and it helps to heal both MCs. They are so sweet and really deserve to be happy!

This is a short side quest from the main two books in the Of Metals and Curses series. I do recommend reading at least one of the other books in the series first as this is more of a side story. It CAN be read alone, but the world is more brightly painted in the main two stories and will make this one more fun!

[Nandini · Rating 4 out of 5]

STOPPP THIS WAS CUTE READ FOR ME !

I didn't read the first books of this series. Then I saw arc was open for this book and then I applied, got this as my second arc read thanks to Renna.

I would give this book 3.7-4 star. The human is protected by a Fae and how they evolve as person and navigate through the hardships. I loved the internal monologue of Arella and how Oriom understood her in a way she failed to understand herself. Oriom like the star in darkness that shines for Arella ? Yes. As in plot it was good maybe I don't get some as it's interconnected with prev books but still can be read as standalone.

Don't even get me started abt Tal and Meyra - the banters between them was bantering. Wish I could read more abt them in the upcoming.

The moments between Oriom - Arella made my heartwarm. Fantasy elements were present and wasn't much in my view. I'm eagerly waiting for the nxt book.

I enjoyed reading this ! I would suggest y'all to read this incase you're into cute fantasy with plot stuff.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arella wanted to be invisible in her life as a human servant to those in power. However, life for her changes. When she witnessed something that she's not supposed to see she becomes the target of a treacherous fae.

This is book 2.5 in the Metals and Curses series. I love that Arella is actually a lot stronger than even she gives herself credit for. However when Orim enters the picture, things really change because he is a fae who seems to be just truly smitten with her and vows to protect her. I love how Orim is constantly pushing her to discover who she truly is inside and encourages her to not be afraid of it.

What you get in this book is adventure with self discovery and a slow burn romance thats just genuine and sincere. We all need a fae by our side that is just dedicated to us and just constantly encouraging us.

I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

[Rhi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
I absolutely flew through this book! It was perfectly paced with a mix of action, mystery and romance. I loved Arella, her character really resonated with me and was quite relatable. I adored seeing her grow and shine more as the book went on. Don’t even get me started on Orim, he was perfect, immediately making it on to my top book boyfriends list. He was such a golden retriever and I find that’s so rare especially in romantasy. Together they were just perfect, I must’ve highlighted so many scenes between them because they were just amazing. I was forever giggling and kicking my feet during their interactions. I really enjoyed the magic system and the action within this book too, it was so intriguing. This book can be read as a standalone but I will most definitely be going back to read books 1 and 2 because I adore this world and Renna’s writing!

[Chrissy.spicy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice:🌶️🌶️

Just like the rest of the books in this series, this one did not disappoint. Honestly, Renna, how do you do it?

I read this book in a single day because I literally could not put it down. This story follows Orim and Arella on a journey that starts with a mission to keep Arella safe after she witnesses something she wasn’t supposed to. Orim is tasked with protecting her, not realizing they would both gain so much more from the experience.

I absolutely loved these two. Orim is such a sweetheart, so patient and kind as he helps Arella rediscover her strength, confidence, and ability to love again. Their connection was beautiful, and watching their relationship grow was everything I hoped for and more.

[Shalaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky to have an ARC copy of this book.

I did not read the previous installment but that was not needed to get into the story.

It's a short story that will leave you wanting to know what will happen. I actually truly enjoyed every character, from Arella and Orim, to Tal and Songbird😏, even Kathra and Reggie....

Their interactions had me smiling, and the romance... Orim and Arella aslre so damn cute papootie cute... It's so sweet and kind and... Mohhhhh 🥰
Just a side note: we love consent ❤️, and a man with a praise kink 🤗.

I am truly looking forward to the next volume and hope I will he part of the ARC team again.

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is a novella set after book two and runs alongside book three and focuses on Orim and Arella. We meet Arella in book one, but mostly book two with Orim. You could see the attraction on book two so i am glad that they get to have a story of their own.

Loved to see how shy Arella gets stronger with Orim by her side and that instead of hiding she decides to help where she cane and practice her gift.

I loved how Orim was just so open and supportive of Arella and really helped her become more strong in herself and trusted in herself more.

It was a sweet read with a little spice and some good side characters.

Would certainly recommend this book.

[bv Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute read.

I usually read darker romances, but this was sweet and cozy; perfect for a summer read! I wasn't sure at first if there were deeper secrets lurking, and what would become of the couple. Orim was sweet, and who doesn't love a man who cooks? It was adorable to watch their love unfold and see how they got over their trepidations.

If you want a sweet, low-stakes romance, I recommend picking this book up!

[Katie Feher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! It was a great story of Arella finding her strength and falling for Orim. Looking forward to the next story in the series.

[Bridgett Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect novella between books 2 and 3. Loved Orium and Arellas story. My fav was Kathra though.

[Jessika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Den hade några missar men även bra sidor. Helt ok och kommer läsa fortsättningen

[Narrator.sarab · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK! You want it I promise. I love it so so much. The perfect amount of tension and burn and spice and plot action 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 Renna has absolutely nailed it. Infinity stars forever.

[Justine Miranda (Hannah) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet little story about a guard and his charge. Though our guardian makes it blatantly clear where his head is at in the sweetest way 🥹 such a slow burn that ended so satisfyingly.

I’m sooooo interested in Arella and figuring out the magic within her and how it correlates to the world!

Lastly, I just loved this little spin off! Getting to see more into Orim and who he was, was so adorable. Plus having the mental health aspect was refreshing because I think it’s so important to make that a more real issue that people deal with 🫶🏼

5/5 ⭐️
3/5 🔥