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Restored
She’s a pawn trapped by her own power. But he’s the key that could set her free.
Gifted with extraordinary healing abilities, Layla is bound in servitude to the ruthless King of Bellehaven. But when she’s abducted by the desperate—and enigmatic—prince Ledger of the distant kingdom of Westray, she’s thrust into a dangerous and exhilarating world beyond her castle walls.
Ledger’s father is deathly ill, and Layla is the only one who can save him.
Layla dreams of freedom—and despite herself, her unlikely alliance with her captor quickly begins to evolve into a reckless and all-consuming attraction. But falling for the heir of Westray could cost her everything. Her mother is still at the mercy of the cruel King, and Layla is torn between her growing feelings for Ledger and her loyalty to her mother.
And when her kidnapping spirals into threats of a war that could devastate both kingdoms, she’ll have to decide if her freedom—and their love—are worth risking untold lives.
Dive into an electrifying adult fantasy romance novel that sweeps you off your feet with heart-pounding action, breathtaking imagery, and a dash of scintillating spice.
Gifted with extraordinary healing abilities, Layla is bound in servitude to the ruthless King of Bellehaven. But when she’s abducted by the desperate—and enigmatic—prince Ledger of the distant kingdom of Westray, she’s thrust into a dangerous and exhilarating world beyond her castle walls.
Ledger’s father is deathly ill, and Layla is the only one who can save him.
Layla dreams of freedom—and despite herself, her unlikely alliance with her captor quickly begins to evolve into a reckless and all-consuming attraction. But falling for the heir of Westray could cost her everything. Her mother is still at the mercy of the cruel King, and Layla is torn between her growing feelings for Ledger and her loyalty to her mother.
And when her kidnapping spirals into threats of a war that could devastate both kingdoms, she’ll have to decide if her freedom—and their love—are worth risking untold lives.
Dive into an electrifying adult fantasy romance novel that sweeps you off your feet with heart-pounding action, breathtaking imagery, and a dash of scintillating spice.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2025
23 people are currently reading
480 people want to read
About the author
Staci Jost
1 book34 followersStaci Jost grew up immersed in adventures about wizards, dragons, vampires, and far-off kingdoms—and her fascination with the fantastical never left her. Now a passionate wordsmith and creative spirit at heart, she draws on her gifted imagination to weave hard-hitting romantic fantasy novels, capturing her readers with heart-pounding stories about larger-than-life characters with a satisfying dash of spice.
When not dreaming about her next story idea, you can find Staci hiking or skiing, doing hot yoga, or tucked away in the corner of a cozy coffee shop with a good book. She currently resides in Crested Butte, CO, with her husband, their wonderful son, adorable French bulldog, and a black lab.
When not dreaming about her next story idea, you can find Staci hiking or skiing, doing hot yoga, or tucked away in the corner of a cozy coffee shop with a good book. She currently resides in Crested Butte, CO, with her husband, their wonderful son, adorable French bulldog, and a black lab.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
April 10, 2025
This was a wonderful enemies to lovers romantasy book. I loved the author’s world building in this story and loved following Layla as she was kidnapped for the use of her healing powers. I could not put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the action packed story, and the little bit of spice. I couldn’t get enough of the tension between Layla and Prince Ledger as their slow burn attraction developed. I highly recommend giving this one a try when it comes out in May.
Read this if you like:
📖 Romantasy
📖 Enemies to lovers
📖 Magical creatures
Thank you to @thenerdfam for the gifted copy.
Read this if you like:
📖 Romantasy
📖 Enemies to lovers
📖 Magical creatures
Thank you to @thenerdfam for the gifted copy.
April 25, 2025
Thank you to the nerd fam and Staci Jost for the gifted arc! I absolutely loved this! It was such a fast-paced, quick read that I devoured in one sitting. I think my one complaint is that I wish it had been longer in order to develop the world and magic system more—I think it could’ve been a 5 star read if that had been the case. I absolutely loved the writing style—it was so immersive and I was invested from the very beginning. Despite this book being less than 300 pages, I feel like so much happened and I was able to develop a connection to the characters.
Layla was a great FMC—she’s very selfless, strong-willed, and smart. She was overall just very likable, and I was rooting for her the entire time. At the beginning I was all for Maddox, but my loyalties shifted to Ledger QUICKLY. I’m really just a sucker for a brooding, sarcastic anti-hero. What can I say, I have a type.
I also really loved the main side characters, Archie, Mia, and Cam. Despite it being such a short book, the author was still able to give them their own personalities alongside Ledger and Layla.
I’ll absolutely be reading the next book, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting its announcement. This does end on a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping book 2 comes sooner rather than later!
Layla was a great FMC—she’s very selfless, strong-willed, and smart. She was overall just very likable, and I was rooting for her the entire time. At the beginning I was all for Maddox, but my loyalties shifted to Ledger QUICKLY. I’m really just a sucker for a brooding, sarcastic anti-hero. What can I say, I have a type.
I also really loved the main side characters, Archie, Mia, and Cam. Despite it being such a short book, the author was still able to give them their own personalities alongside Ledger and Layla.
I’ll absolutely be reading the next book, and I’ll be anxiously awaiting its announcement. This does end on a cliffhanger, so I’m hoping book 2 comes sooner rather than later!
May 3, 2025
the way I devoured this book!! I loved it. the chemistry between the main characters and the emotions and actions were wonderfully written. I thoroughly enjoyed the romantasy of this book and the plot was done well. I wish there was more of it honestly but now im dying for book 2!
April 11, 2025
This is an engaging, fast paced romantasy that gave me many of the elements I look for in quick succession. If you enjoy:
- Magic (healing powers especially)
- A tyrant king
- Childhood friends to love interests
- Enemies to lovers
- Found family
- Kidnapping (but the good kind? lol)
- One horse, one Bed
- Battle training
- ...and much more
I would definitely recommend checking out Restored!
Do not go into this expecting a slow burn romance with lots of world building. This is perfect read if you're looking to scratch the brooding MMC, romantic and sexual tension itch. This ends on a cliffhanger that's pretty action packed, so I'm happy to see that it might not be too long of a wait for book 2.
Thank you to Staci Jost for having me as an arc reader!
- Magic (healing powers especially)
- A tyrant king
- Childhood friends to love interests
- Enemies to lovers
- Found family
- Kidnapping (but the good kind? lol)
- One horse, one Bed
- Battle training
- ...and much more
I would definitely recommend checking out Restored!
Do not go into this expecting a slow burn romance with lots of world building. This is perfect read if you're looking to scratch the brooding MMC, romantic and sexual tension itch. This ends on a cliffhanger that's pretty action packed, so I'm happy to see that it might not be too long of a wait for book 2.
Thank you to Staci Jost for having me as an arc reader!
April 28, 2025
ARC Review
Thank you to Staci Jost and the Nerd Family for gifting me an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this one! This book is fast paced from the start and would be great if you’re looking for a quick and easy read. It has a lot of the classic tropes we love in fantasy romance - forced proximity, enemies to lovers, one bed, and one horse. I do wish we got a little bit deeper with the world building and the magic system. However, if you’re looking for a fantasy book that’s easy to follow, this is it! I’m definitely intrigued and look forward to reading the next book in the series when it releases!
Thank you to Staci Jost and the Nerd Family for gifting me an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed this one! This book is fast paced from the start and would be great if you’re looking for a quick and easy read. It has a lot of the classic tropes we love in fantasy romance - forced proximity, enemies to lovers, one bed, and one horse. I do wish we got a little bit deeper with the world building and the magic system. However, if you’re looking for a fantasy book that’s easy to follow, this is it! I’m definitely intrigued and look forward to reading the next book in the series when it releases!
April 21, 2025
2.5⭐️
I unfortunately thought this book was a bit underwhelming. It was well written with enjoyable characters. Everyone, including side characters, got their own fleshed out stories and to some extent personalities, which I really enjoyed. Both main characters were very likable. Archie very much stole the show for me though🤭
I would have wished to get more world building. It was very surface level and how the magic fit in in society was only really mentioned shortly in passing. A deeper understanding would have really enhanced the story.
It was very fast paced, which is very understandable considering it was only around 285 pages. I would have liked to have another 100 pages in order to slow down the pace and develop all the action and world throughly.
It was easy to read, though. I did finish this in one day🤗
Despite the fact that I really enjoyed all characters, I unfortunately couldn’t really feel the chemistry between the main couple. This could be because of the fast pace and development of everything.
It kinda throws me off when the characters immediately are into each other despite being ”enemies”. Ogling each other and being ”jealous” becomes a bit much when they’ve known each other for 2 days.
Despite everything, this was a pretty good and enjoyable debut.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
I unfortunately thought this book was a bit underwhelming. It was well written with enjoyable characters. Everyone, including side characters, got their own fleshed out stories and to some extent personalities, which I really enjoyed. Both main characters were very likable. Archie very much stole the show for me though🤭
I would have wished to get more world building. It was very surface level and how the magic fit in in society was only really mentioned shortly in passing. A deeper understanding would have really enhanced the story.
It was very fast paced, which is very understandable considering it was only around 285 pages. I would have liked to have another 100 pages in order to slow down the pace and develop all the action and world throughly.
It was easy to read, though. I did finish this in one day🤗
Despite the fact that I really enjoyed all characters, I unfortunately couldn’t really feel the chemistry between the main couple. This could be because of the fast pace and development of everything.
It kinda throws me off when the characters immediately are into each other despite being ”enemies”. Ogling each other and being ”jealous” becomes a bit much when they’ve known each other for 2 days.
Despite everything, this was a pretty good and enjoyable debut.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC.
April 28, 2025
for a fantasy book to pack so much in under 300 pages was great. I really enjoyed how easy this book was from the world building to the magic system. I loved our FMC I thought she was strong and powerful. I don't know who I would pick between Ledger and Maddox I really liked both of them. It ended on quite the cliff hanger and makes me excited for part 2
dnf
May 4, 2025DNF at 67% I really tired to like this book but I just never felt connected with any of the characters.
April 14, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book in less than a day. I got to read this as an ARC and I’m so honored, because I loved it. Layla & Ledger’s enemies to lovers, forced proximity, love story was just chef’s kiss 😍. The magic system was so fascinating and this book really makes you feel some emotions towards the shitty king of Bellehaven & how different Westray is in comparison. The ending just gutted me and I hope they get their happily ever after in the next book because damn man, they’ve been through enough! Do I understand Layla’s decision in the end? Yes? But also, I hate her for it…
April 30, 2025
I’m going to need book two to come real quick, and I cannot put into words right after finishing this book what kind of things I would do to get book two after that ending. I’m looking right at you, Staci Jost. That hurt - but in the absolute best way. And I cannot forgive you until book two is released.
This book surprised me, really. When I started it, I thought I’ve read this book before with these tropes and the plot. A lot of people have done this idea of enemies to lovers from one person of the future couple stealing away the other person to take them to their kingdom for whatever reason the king needs their power or knowledge, then of course later falling in love. So admittedly, the first part of this story felt very normal in this storyline for me, and potentially a bit frustrating that the enemy main characters became attracted to each other so quickly (this is literally the only thing I would change about this book). But at some point it turned into something so unique and wonderful, and I couldn’t put the book down.
There are only a couple of books where the found family feels truly like the best friend group and not just strangers suddenly getting put together and loving each other. This story did a fantastic job at making all of the side characters come to life and feel like a true found family. I loved all of the characters in our little band of travelers just as much as the two main characters. I loved this story and what uniqueness it brought to a tale I thought was going to be so predictable, especially with some great gore descriptions and amazing character development. Again, it hurt me in all of the right ways and I fear I will never financially recover from the last couple of chapters until I can dive into book two (please and thank you, Staci Jost).
This book surprised me, really. When I started it, I thought I’ve read this book before with these tropes and the plot. A lot of people have done this idea of enemies to lovers from one person of the future couple stealing away the other person to take them to their kingdom for whatever reason the king needs their power or knowledge, then of course later falling in love. So admittedly, the first part of this story felt very normal in this storyline for me, and potentially a bit frustrating that the enemy main characters became attracted to each other so quickly (this is literally the only thing I would change about this book). But at some point it turned into something so unique and wonderful, and I couldn’t put the book down.
There are only a couple of books where the found family feels truly like the best friend group and not just strangers suddenly getting put together and loving each other. This story did a fantastic job at making all of the side characters come to life and feel like a true found family. I loved all of the characters in our little band of travelers just as much as the two main characters. I loved this story and what uniqueness it brought to a tale I thought was going to be so predictable, especially with some great gore descriptions and amazing character development. Again, it hurt me in all of the right ways and I fear I will never financially recover from the last couple of chapters until I can dive into book two (please and thank you, Staci Jost).
April 28, 2025
I’m devastated because this was so damn good. I was like 85% of the way through this book when I realized it’s actually gonna be a series so now I’m even more devastated because I have to wait for the next one to come out!!! This was SO entertaining. Her king is a tyrant who abuses and neglects his people. She has healing powers that the prince of another kingdom needs so obviously he has to kidnap her. DUH! From there on out it was GOLD. The take care of me trope devours even harder when she heals everyone else meanwhile can’t heal herself 👀 Mixing that with all the danger they get into was delicious.
The banter of captor and captive was amazing and she had funny witty comebacks that made this book so fun. But then once their connection started getting deeper I’m over here in a puddle because the things he would say to her?!?! How she brings color into the world???? Stfu I love ledger!!!!
The blend of danger, banter, tension, found family/friendships with the longing they have for each other was EVERYTHING!!! I’m having a fit at the ending because I want book 2 so badly. I can’t wait to see how she grows into her powers and takes back control from her circumstances. At the same time I’m terrified for her and what’s to come.
The found family aspect in their group gave me all the feelings. Nothing better touch a hair on Archie’s head!!! He’s so funny which terrifies me because we all know what tends to happen to the funny friends👀🫠
It’s light fantasy with not a lot of world building (which personally I’m not really bothered by) It’s also a series so I’m sure all that will be expanded on later.
This book is SO worth it!!!!!! I need book 2 to be written fast!!!! READ THIS!
The banter of captor and captive was amazing and she had funny witty comebacks that made this book so fun. But then once their connection started getting deeper I’m over here in a puddle because the things he would say to her?!?! How she brings color into the world???? Stfu I love ledger!!!!
The blend of danger, banter, tension, found family/friendships with the longing they have for each other was EVERYTHING!!! I’m having a fit at the ending because I want book 2 so badly. I can’t wait to see how she grows into her powers and takes back control from her circumstances. At the same time I’m terrified for her and what’s to come.
The found family aspect in their group gave me all the feelings. Nothing better touch a hair on Archie’s head!!! He’s so funny which terrifies me because we all know what tends to happen to the funny friends👀🫠
It’s light fantasy with not a lot of world building (which personally I’m not really bothered by) It’s also a series so I’m sure all that will be expanded on later.
This book is SO worth it!!!!!! I need book 2 to be written fast!!!! READ THIS!
April 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Restored by Staci Jost. Releasing May 2, 2025!
“The Gods gifted me this power, and it is mine and mine alone”
This book shocked me so much. The synopsis intrigued me, so I figured I’d give it a go, and I’m so glad I did! 💜From the very beginning I was drawn to the world and the characters. Layla is one of the kings prized possessions. The king collects those with magic to use as his own personal playthings, and Layla possessing the power of healing is one of them. She believes everyone should be healed, regardless of their financial status, so she sneaks out of the castle to heal the poor. Often times having to evade the kings guards, or face consequence. A delegation from a nearby kingdom comes, and the king asks her to show off her healing magic. This starts off a crazy chain of events, involving kidnapping, fighting monsters, and falling in love. It was so good! So many things happen, that truly made this book so enjoyable!
The ending had me shook and I’m still thinking about it. 🤯Layla finds herself between two kingdoms, two princes, and two completely different worlds. Book two cannot come soon enough!
Thank you to @thenerdfam and @stacijostwrites for this amazing book!!
“The Gods gifted me this power, and it is mine and mine alone”
This book shocked me so much. The synopsis intrigued me, so I figured I’d give it a go, and I’m so glad I did! 💜From the very beginning I was drawn to the world and the characters. Layla is one of the kings prized possessions. The king collects those with magic to use as his own personal playthings, and Layla possessing the power of healing is one of them. She believes everyone should be healed, regardless of their financial status, so she sneaks out of the castle to heal the poor. Often times having to evade the kings guards, or face consequence. A delegation from a nearby kingdom comes, and the king asks her to show off her healing magic. This starts off a crazy chain of events, involving kidnapping, fighting monsters, and falling in love. It was so good! So many things happen, that truly made this book so enjoyable!
The ending had me shook and I’m still thinking about it. 🤯Layla finds herself between two kingdoms, two princes, and two completely different worlds. Book two cannot come soon enough!
Thank you to @thenerdfam and @stacijostwrites for this amazing book!!
April 22, 2025
3,5⭐️
First of all! Thank you to The Nerd Fam for gifting me an e-ARC of Restored! I truly appreciate you!🩷
Now, I’m honestly still in shock because I really thought this would be a standalone lol guess not cus WHAT!!!🤯
This book follows Layla, who has healing habilites and is bound to serve her king. But one day she’s abducted by the “enemy’s” prince, Ledger because he (like many) needs her gift to save his father.
Even if she’s considered his prisoner, attraction and deeper feelings surge between them. She has never felt more free than when she’s with him.
I obviously can’t say much since this releases May 2nd, but let me tell you something: the characters are beautiful, their relationships magical and the difficult decision about what you want vs what you must do is honestly emotional. ❤️🩹
I really enjoyed the magic system and the world building, it is a short read but it felt like you had all the needed information.
I can’t wait for this to be published, for people to read it and for the second one to come out!!!😭
First of all! Thank you to The Nerd Fam for gifting me an e-ARC of Restored! I truly appreciate you!🩷
Now, I’m honestly still in shock because I really thought this would be a standalone lol guess not cus WHAT!!!🤯
This book follows Layla, who has healing habilites and is bound to serve her king. But one day she’s abducted by the “enemy’s” prince, Ledger because he (like many) needs her gift to save his father.
Even if she’s considered his prisoner, attraction and deeper feelings surge between them. She has never felt more free than when she’s with him.
I obviously can’t say much since this releases May 2nd, but let me tell you something: the characters are beautiful, their relationships magical and the difficult decision about what you want vs what you must do is honestly emotional. ❤️🩹
I really enjoyed the magic system and the world building, it is a short read but it felt like you had all the needed information.
I can’t wait for this to be published, for people to read it and for the second one to come out!!!😭
April 27, 2025
Title: Restored
Where I Read: Arc via @thenerdfam and @stacijostwrites
.
The RayView: ✨✨✨✨✨
The HeatRay: 💥
How It Be Spicin’?: 🌶️
.
Born to a kingdom where those with power belong to the king to do with as he pleases, Layla drives herself to burnout nearly daily as King Sandor parades around her extraordinarily rare gift - the ability to heal. A day full of healing and being the king’s show pony has left her entirely drained. Just wanting a night to be her own person, she’s unfortunately snatched up by Prince Ledger whom she’d met earlier while being shown off to a neighboring kingdom’s entourage. Having only dreamed of freedom she’s not impressed with circumstances and attempts to flee. However, learning Ledger’s story has her mind reeling. Does she return to the kingdom out to trap her -and her mother- for the rest of their days? Or does she take the hand Ledger hold out to her for a new, free life - with him?
.
Oh Layla…. I feel for her. Being a healer is so tough and I love that they show her conflicting thoughts often between needing to protect herself and take care of others.. For a short-ish read, there was so much emotion and so many things happening that I nearly devoured it. I anxiously await book two after that ending, lemme tell ya.
Where I Read: Arc via @thenerdfam and @stacijostwrites
.
The RayView: ✨✨✨✨✨
The HeatRay: 💥
How It Be Spicin’?: 🌶️
.
Born to a kingdom where those with power belong to the king to do with as he pleases, Layla drives herself to burnout nearly daily as King Sandor parades around her extraordinarily rare gift - the ability to heal. A day full of healing and being the king’s show pony has left her entirely drained. Just wanting a night to be her own person, she’s unfortunately snatched up by Prince Ledger whom she’d met earlier while being shown off to a neighboring kingdom’s entourage. Having only dreamed of freedom she’s not impressed with circumstances and attempts to flee. However, learning Ledger’s story has her mind reeling. Does she return to the kingdom out to trap her -and her mother- for the rest of their days? Or does she take the hand Ledger hold out to her for a new, free life - with him?
.
Oh Layla…. I feel for her. Being a healer is so tough and I love that they show her conflicting thoughts often between needing to protect herself and take care of others.. For a short-ish read, there was so much emotion and so many things happening that I nearly devoured it. I anxiously await book two after that ending, lemme tell ya.
June 23, 2025
If reading books was like wine tasting, I'd say this one mixes notes of many familiar romantasy works: a hint of These Hollow Vows, a dash of Poison Study, a little Defy The Night, some Graceling undercurrents. It is a New Adult Romantasy with all that entails. People with powers, enemies to lovers, the love triangle, sudden jealousy, just one bed... If you like these kinds of books and really want more of the same vibes, this one would be perfect for you.
I found the romance pretty quick to develop, tend to prefer a bit more depth to the fantasy element, and find the use of modern language in a fantasy world a little odd (especially exclaiming "Jesus" in a non-Christian world), but those things aren't deal-breakers; they're stylistic choices that you either gel with or don't. A few typos/misused words/missing punctuation here and there, but again nothing that should deter you if steamy romantasy is your thing.
It ends on a cliffhanger, so buckle up and be prepared for heartbreak in the sequel.
I found the romance pretty quick to develop, tend to prefer a bit more depth to the fantasy element, and find the use of modern language in a fantasy world a little odd (especially exclaiming "Jesus" in a non-Christian world), but those things aren't deal-breakers; they're stylistic choices that you either gel with or don't. A few typos/misused words/missing punctuation here and there, but again nothing that should deter you if steamy romantasy is your thing.
It ends on a cliffhanger, so buckle up and be prepared for heartbreak in the sequel.
April 2, 2025
“The Gods gifted me this power, and it is mine and mine alone!”
In a kingdom where the king collects the powerful like mere possessions to be played with. If the powerful do not agree to work for the crown then the you will die by his hand.
One such powerful fights back in her own way. She holds a very rare power. A bird trapped in a cage, who just wants to escape and see the world.
One day, her life changes. Caught between two worlds. Two princes. Two kingdoms. Both hold her heart for different reasons. Which will she choose? Or will the choice be made for her?
Story full of magical creatures and charismatic characters.
Intoxicating slow burn and delectable tension between Layla and Prince Ledger. Left me panting 🥵
That ending!!! 🤯 Need the second book now!!
🌶️🌶️
In a kingdom where the king collects the powerful like mere possessions to be played with. If the powerful do not agree to work for the crown then the you will die by his hand.
One such powerful fights back in her own way. She holds a very rare power. A bird trapped in a cage, who just wants to escape and see the world.
One day, her life changes. Caught between two worlds. Two princes. Two kingdoms. Both hold her heart for different reasons. Which will she choose? Or will the choice be made for her?
Story full of magical creatures and charismatic characters.
Intoxicating slow burn and delectable tension between Layla and Prince Ledger. Left me panting 🥵
That ending!!! 🤯 Need the second book now!!
🌶️🌶️
May 21, 2025
This book just wasn’t it for me.
It had most of the elements I love. Magic. A woman who is overcoming controlling men while at the same time falling for one. A man learning he would give up anything for one woman. Kidnapping. Monster fights. And spicy scenes.
However, it just didn’t capture me. I found myself skimming a lot because it all felt very surface level. The world building wasn’t really there. All these monsters, but no explanation of where they came from. Magic, but no explanation of why some people are born with it. There wasn’t even a good explanation of the politics between two kingdoms despite it being brought up that politics did exist.
I will not be continuing this series.
It had most of the elements I love. Magic. A woman who is overcoming controlling men while at the same time falling for one. A man learning he would give up anything for one woman. Kidnapping. Monster fights. And spicy scenes.
However, it just didn’t capture me. I found myself skimming a lot because it all felt very surface level. The world building wasn’t really there. All these monsters, but no explanation of where they came from. Magic, but no explanation of why some people are born with it. There wasn’t even a good explanation of the politics between two kingdoms despite it being brought up that politics did exist.
I will not be continuing this series.
September 6, 2025
5⭐️’s.. This book was SO MUCH FUN!!!!! Very entertaining and fast paced. Great banter. Interesting premise. A love triangle with two very different, equally seductive princes. I loved how short and to the point this book was. So often I read books that drag on needlessly with long inner monologues or too many paragraphs describing the surroundings and that really slow a book down. I really appreciate reading a book with none of that. It’s so refreshing and makes it a more enjoyable read. I need book two like yesterday!!
April 11, 2025
If you want to get lost in a beautiful romantasy, I can definitely recommend Restored. It has a magic system and world that is easy to grasp. There's no excessive world building. The group of characters are so lovely I want them as friends.
The tension and banter is marvelous.
I really hope the second book will be out soon...
Thank you to the author Staci Jost and the Nerd fam for trusting me with an eARC.
The tension and banter is marvelous.
I really hope the second book will be out soon...
Thank you to the author Staci Jost and the Nerd fam for trusting me with an eARC.
April 24, 2025
4.5 stars! How we accomplished as much as we did, I’ll never know but this was fantastic! If you liked powerless but wish it was a little more adult, wish the male characters had a little filthier mouths, you’re going to love this! The magic system was so fun and unique it had everything it needed for the makings of the next epic fantasy romance series! Pick this up!
May 7, 2025
What a good story!!! I love all the different powers/magic that are at play in this book. The war between the two kingdoms. I love how Lay comes into her power and learns more about her gifts and how to use them after she is taken. The ending, though ahhh I need book 2 already, I know i may be heartbroken, but I still need to know what happens. I love Ledger's story and how she heals him without her power. She starts to heal his soul.
🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶.5/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
🌟🌟🌟🌟/🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶.5/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
April 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this fantasy! It was a very classic romantasy, relatively low stakes, incredibly well written with very relatable and likable characters. I will definitely be reading the second book!!!
April 27, 2025
Thank you to the nerd fam and Staci Jost for the arc. This book was a lot of fun. I loved the pacing and how something was always happening and got straight to the point. The characters were so much fun even the side characters. With how it ended I can’t wait for book 2
April 27, 2025
I received this as a gifted ARC through #thenerdfam thank you so much!
This is a lovely book. It's fast paced and easy to read. I finished it in just a couple of days. I loved the main characters, the side characters and the world building and am very curious where the next book will lead them.
This is a lovely book. It's fast paced and easy to read. I finished it in just a couple of days. I loved the main characters, the side characters and the world building and am very curious where the next book will lead them.
May 7, 2025
Ah, dear reader, let me whisk you away to Bellehaven and Westray with a tale that ensnared my bookish heart! This tome, a delightful four-star read, spins a captivating yarn of Layla, a gifted healer bound by her extraordinary abilities to the ruthless King of Bellehaven. Imagine a protagonist trapped by her very gift – a truly intriguing start!
Then arrives the enigmatic Prince Ledger of Westray, a figure of desperate hope, who whisks Layla away into a world of peril and possibility. His father is gravely ill; Layla is his only hope.
What unfolds is a delicious dance between captor and captive, a tango of reluctant alliance blossoming into a "reckless and all-consuming attraction." Oh, the delicious tension! But such affections rarely bloom without thorns. Layla’s heart is torn between freedom and her loyalty to her mother.
And as the threat of war looms, Layla faces a monumental question: is her liberty, and her connection with Ledger, worth risking kingdoms?
This book kept me thoroughly engaged. It's a blend of adventure, simmering romance, and moral dilemmas. While not a five-star read, it earned a spot on my shelf of cherished stories. If you enjoy strong heroines, intriguing princes, and political intrigue, lose yourself within these pages. You might just find yourself as entertained as I was!
Then arrives the enigmatic Prince Ledger of Westray, a figure of desperate hope, who whisks Layla away into a world of peril and possibility. His father is gravely ill; Layla is his only hope.
What unfolds is a delicious dance between captor and captive, a tango of reluctant alliance blossoming into a "reckless and all-consuming attraction." Oh, the delicious tension! But such affections rarely bloom without thorns. Layla’s heart is torn between freedom and her loyalty to her mother.
And as the threat of war looms, Layla faces a monumental question: is her liberty, and her connection with Ledger, worth risking kingdoms?
This book kept me thoroughly engaged. It's a blend of adventure, simmering romance, and moral dilemmas. While not a five-star read, it earned a spot on my shelf of cherished stories. If you enjoy strong heroines, intriguing princes, and political intrigue, lose yourself within these pages. You might just find yourself as entertained as I was!
May 5, 2025
This was a wild romantasy ride. I'm obsessed with the magic, but I'm a little greedy - I wanted more depth and building for the world and magic system. It was a crazy quick read and I'm dying to see what's next.
April 10, 2025
This book captured me immediately, and kept me fully engaged throughout. I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the characters, which enhances the story and further kept me engaged and reading. I hate the villians and I suspect a twist perhaps as this story continues but we will see- i definitely intend to read the next book. The creatures she created are wonderful and interesting- I'm always fascinated by the creatures an author populates thier fantasy world with. The MFC, Layla is quite likeable and easy to root for and Ledger the mmc is *sigh* dreamy, lol. I definitely recommend this book, it's a short but we'll written fantasy romance.
April 26, 2025
Sadly, this wasn’t for me! The premise was interesting and the plot had potential, but I feel like everything fell flat. I wasn’t invested in the characters and didn’t care for the romance aspect. In a world of romantasy, this one just didn’t POP for me!
July 31, 2025
DNF @ 6%
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