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Sacred Arbor Realm #1
Kingdom of Stolen Crowns
Condemned by my peers, I’m cast into a nightmarish realm. Yet fate persists in her torment, throwing a beguiling thief in my path. The sorceress-turned-criminal is a dangerous temptation, but nothing will keep me from my vengeance.
Convicted vampire lord, Victor Custodis, is stripped of all he’s achieved and banished to a barbaric land. Alone in a kingdom where everything wants to devour him, his only hope of reclaiming what was stolen lies in finding a portal home. But revenge must wait when he’s taken prisoner by the enticing leader of a desperate gang of bandits.
Determined to settle a life-threatening debt, sorceress Runa Starborn is eager to collect her payoff—before her infuriating captive drives her to murder. But when the arrogant aristocrat betrays her to save himself, they both land in the false king’s prison. Sentenced to compete in the Fallen Trials, the manipulative noble and the wily renegade form a reluctant pact to survive.
As secrets surrounding Victor’s past unravel, Runa’s defenses crumble, and an undeniable passion ignites between them. Bound by an irresistible attraction, they must face the reality that Victor may be the kingdom’s only salvation, forcing them to choose where their hearts truly belong.
Can Runa and Victor free an enslaved kingdom while resisting fate’s grip on their souls, or will the ghosts of their mistakes destroy their future?
Kingdom of Stolen Crowns is the captivating first book in the Sacred Arbor Realm Series, where each installment introduces a new couple navigating a connected world of passion, chaos, and enchanting happily-ever-afters.
Dive into Stephanie Storm’s steamy paranormal fantasy realm—grab your copy today!
Convicted vampire lord, Victor Custodis, is stripped of all he’s achieved and banished to a barbaric land. Alone in a kingdom where everything wants to devour him, his only hope of reclaiming what was stolen lies in finding a portal home. But revenge must wait when he’s taken prisoner by the enticing leader of a desperate gang of bandits.
Determined to settle a life-threatening debt, sorceress Runa Starborn is eager to collect her payoff—before her infuriating captive drives her to murder. But when the arrogant aristocrat betrays her to save himself, they both land in the false king’s prison. Sentenced to compete in the Fallen Trials, the manipulative noble and the wily renegade form a reluctant pact to survive.
As secrets surrounding Victor’s past unravel, Runa’s defenses crumble, and an undeniable passion ignites between them. Bound by an irresistible attraction, they must face the reality that Victor may be the kingdom’s only salvation, forcing them to choose where their hearts truly belong.
Can Runa and Victor free an enslaved kingdom while resisting fate’s grip on their souls, or will the ghosts of their mistakes destroy their future?
Kingdom of Stolen Crowns is the captivating first book in the Sacred Arbor Realm Series, where each installment introduces a new couple navigating a connected world of passion, chaos, and enchanting happily-ever-afters.
Dive into Stephanie Storm’s steamy paranormal fantasy realm—grab your copy today!
- GenresRomantasy
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
13 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Storm
7 books18 followersStephanie Storm is a paranormal romance novelist who writes stand-alone series connected by ever-expanding worlds. Each of her stories features an exclusive couple with fresh world-building, fast-paced twists and turns, and a heart-melting HEA.
Married to her high-school sweetheart, she lives in rural Missouri where she and her husband have raised two almost-adult boys. Beyond writing, Stephanie adores a good thrift store, spending time with her pet chickens, and watching WWE pro wrestling with her 70-year-old mother.
Married to her high-school sweetheart, she lives in rural Missouri where she and her husband have raised two almost-adult boys. Beyond writing, Stephanie adores a good thrift store, spending time with her pet chickens, and watching WWE pro wrestling with her 70-year-old mother.
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June 16, 2025
Netgalley ARC Review: Kingdom of Stolen Crowns
This is one of those books where I almost gave it three stars, but in the end, it’s a four. Why? So, basically it’s one of those reads that feels like giving an action movie an award: not necessarily a masterpiece in terms of writing or structure, but so entertaining that you can’t help but stay hooked.
The messier stuff: The biggest issue for me was how the big reveals were handled. Instead of being woven in naturally, they’re just… dropped. Abruptly. Like the author wasn't sure how to build tension or pace the twists, so they’re kind of just there. And the timeline is a confusing jumble. It really doesn't hold up under scrutiny. Victor, the MMC, is apparently a thousand years old, but the FMC’s great-grandmother knew him as a child? The kind says he's been using the power of the kingdom for eons, but the FMC appears to be relatively young, and he only got the power when her slightly older sister helped him. How does any of that track?
And then there’s the whole political plotline where the queen waits for Victor’s OLDER brother to come of age before killing her husband and passing the crown to him. But again… Victor is literally a millennium old. Why was she waiting? It just gets increasingly convoluted, and pointlessly, because the author could have just said that the time in the mortal realm passes differently or that the FMC is also a similar age to Victor. The inconsistencies around time passed, aging, and historical events make the worldbuilding feel underdeveloped and honestly, like a bit of a writing craft issue.
Another thing that stood out in a not-great way: the number of self-sacrificing women. It’s oddly high. And not in a “this is a theme being explored with intention” kind of way—more in a “they exist to die” way. Most of them don’t get more than the bare minimum of backstory, which makes their sacrifices feel hollow. It was especially jarring coming from a female author because it reminded me more of how male writers often handle women in fantasy—just there to support male arcs emotionally, then they disappear.
Speaking of arcs, our FMC Runa (powerful sorceress, beautiful, adored by her brothers and by Victor) doesn’t have much of one. She goes from not trusting Victor to trusting him. That’s pretty much it. No major emotional growth or complexity. Meanwhile, Victor, who’s half-vampire and half something else (not spoiling it), is clearly the heart of the story. It’s very much his arc, his pain, his history, and his emotional journey that drive the plot forward.
This is also where I noticed something a little odd in the writing style. Despite being by a woman, the tone and voice often read more masculine. The emotional depth just didn’t always land, and the word choices sometimes felt more like a male fantasy writer’s hand. At times, it even had the vibe of a role-playing game storyline in that it was structured more around dramatic beats and vibes than emotional resonance or character growth.
HOWEVER: Despite all of that, I couldn’t stop reading. I was hooked. The pacing is fun, the stakes are compelling, and even when I was side-eyeing a timeline inconsistency or a flat female character, I still needed to know what happened next. It’s absolutely entertaining, flaws and all.
So yes, four stars (ok 3.75). Not because it’s perfect, but because it was genuinely a fun read that I would not have regretted buying. If the author smooths out some of the worldbuilding and gives her women more dimensionality in the next book, this series could really hit its stride.
This is one of those books where I almost gave it three stars, but in the end, it’s a four. Why? So, basically it’s one of those reads that feels like giving an action movie an award: not necessarily a masterpiece in terms of writing or structure, but so entertaining that you can’t help but stay hooked.
The messier stuff: The biggest issue for me was how the big reveals were handled. Instead of being woven in naturally, they’re just… dropped. Abruptly. Like the author wasn't sure how to build tension or pace the twists, so they’re kind of just there. And the timeline is a confusing jumble. It really doesn't hold up under scrutiny. Victor, the MMC, is apparently a thousand years old, but the FMC’s great-grandmother knew him as a child? The kind says he's been using the power of the kingdom for eons, but the FMC appears to be relatively young, and he only got the power when her slightly older sister helped him. How does any of that track?
And then there’s the whole political plotline where the queen waits for Victor’s OLDER brother to come of age before killing her husband and passing the crown to him. But again… Victor is literally a millennium old. Why was she waiting? It just gets increasingly convoluted, and pointlessly, because the author could have just said that the time in the mortal realm passes differently or that the FMC is also a similar age to Victor. The inconsistencies around time passed, aging, and historical events make the worldbuilding feel underdeveloped and honestly, like a bit of a writing craft issue.
Another thing that stood out in a not-great way: the number of self-sacrificing women. It’s oddly high. And not in a “this is a theme being explored with intention” kind of way—more in a “they exist to die” way. Most of them don’t get more than the bare minimum of backstory, which makes their sacrifices feel hollow. It was especially jarring coming from a female author because it reminded me more of how male writers often handle women in fantasy—just there to support male arcs emotionally, then they disappear.
Speaking of arcs, our FMC Runa (powerful sorceress, beautiful, adored by her brothers and by Victor) doesn’t have much of one. She goes from not trusting Victor to trusting him. That’s pretty much it. No major emotional growth or complexity. Meanwhile, Victor, who’s half-vampire and half something else (not spoiling it), is clearly the heart of the story. It’s very much his arc, his pain, his history, and his emotional journey that drive the plot forward.
This is also where I noticed something a little odd in the writing style. Despite being by a woman, the tone and voice often read more masculine. The emotional depth just didn’t always land, and the word choices sometimes felt more like a male fantasy writer’s hand. At times, it even had the vibe of a role-playing game storyline in that it was structured more around dramatic beats and vibes than emotional resonance or character growth.
HOWEVER: Despite all of that, I couldn’t stop reading. I was hooked. The pacing is fun, the stakes are compelling, and even when I was side-eyeing a timeline inconsistency or a flat female character, I still needed to know what happened next. It’s absolutely entertaining, flaws and all.
So yes, four stars (ok 3.75). Not because it’s perfect, but because it was genuinely a fun read that I would not have regretted buying. If the author smooths out some of the worldbuilding and gives her women more dimensionality in the next book, this series could really hit its stride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2025
Okay, wow ! That book is AMAZING ! The banter between Victor and Runa is hilarious. I love those two ! Had a smile on my face most of the book ! Their caracter development is just wonderful. A few things were predictable, but not annoying ! I still really enjoy it, even if it was obvious !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, and I cannot wait to grab a physical copy of this book ! 😍
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, and I cannot wait to grab a physical copy of this book ! 😍
August 5, 2025
3.5⭐
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise, despite a few minor flaws for me.
What didn’t quite work for me:
❌I had a tough time adjusting to the writing style, it took a bit to get into the flow.
❌A glossary would’ve been super helpful, especially for readers (like me) who aren’t familiar with the world or haven’t read any related stories. I had to guess what some words meant.
Now for the good stuff:
✳️The story delivered plenty of action, with a fast-moving plot, some great twists, and happy ending.
✳️I’m a total sucker for witty banter, sarcasm, and dry humor, Runa (FMC) and Victor (MMC) absolutely delivered on that front. Their dynamic, character growth, and the rising tension between them? Loved it.
✳️Runa’s brothers (Kronk, Drazen) were hilarious and brought so much personality to the story.
Tropes you’ll find: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, vampire + sorcerer, deadly
Overall, I had a good time with this book and I’ll be picking up the next one in the series when the time comes.
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op Publishing and author for this book for review. All opinions are my own.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise, despite a few minor flaws for me.
What didn’t quite work for me:
❌I had a tough time adjusting to the writing style, it took a bit to get into the flow.
❌A glossary would’ve been super helpful, especially for readers (like me) who aren’t familiar with the world or haven’t read any related stories. I had to guess what some words meant.
Now for the good stuff:
✳️The story delivered plenty of action, with a fast-moving plot, some great twists, and happy ending.
✳️I’m a total sucker for witty banter, sarcasm, and dry humor, Runa (FMC) and Victor (MMC) absolutely delivered on that front. Their dynamic, character growth, and the rising tension between them? Loved it.
✳️Runa’s brothers (Kronk, Drazen) were hilarious and brought so much personality to the story.
Tropes you’ll find: enemies to lovers, forced proximity, found family, vampire + sorcerer, deadly
Overall, I had a good time with this book and I’ll be picking up the next one in the series when the time comes.
Thank you NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op Publishing and author for this book for review. All opinions are my own.
May 30, 2025
Oh boy this book is a treat! The plot was well thought out and beautifully executed. I love the back and forth between the FMC and the MMC. It really felt like a true enemies to fated mates book. I was able to feel the emotions at the same time as the characters. The spice was *chefskiss*! I love a MMC with touch her and die energy. This is a really good book that I will definitely reread.
June 3, 2025
I really enjoyed this romp with Victor and Runa.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into it, as the start was slightly slower paced, but once Victor’s chapters began things got much more interesting! In fact I found myself looking forward to Victor’s chapters the most.
The dual POV is handled well throughout and once it gets going the pace is pretty consistent and the plot interesting. The world building is not too heavy, and so is easy to get to grips with and the (mild) enemies to lovers delivered as expected.
You will notice shades of other stories in here, as we come across vampires, shifters, dragons, an Empyrean and a challenging trial to complete etc, however I felt there was enough originality in this to carry it along and proudly be its own creation.
What you’ll get:
- Fated mates
- He falls first
- (mild) enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Forced allies
- Found family
Many thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I enjoyed it immensely and will definitely read the next in the series.
It took me a couple of chapters to get into it, as the start was slightly slower paced, but once Victor’s chapters began things got much more interesting! In fact I found myself looking forward to Victor’s chapters the most.
The dual POV is handled well throughout and once it gets going the pace is pretty consistent and the plot interesting. The world building is not too heavy, and so is easy to get to grips with and the (mild) enemies to lovers delivered as expected.
You will notice shades of other stories in here, as we come across vampires, shifters, dragons, an Empyrean and a challenging trial to complete etc, however I felt there was enough originality in this to carry it along and proudly be its own creation.
What you’ll get:
- Fated mates
- He falls first
- (mild) enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Forced allies
- Found family
Many thanks to BookSirens for the ARC. I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I enjoyed it immensely and will definitely read the next in the series.
June 7, 2025
I had the chance to read Kingdom of Stolen Crowns through NetGalley (huge thanks for the opportunity!), and I absolutely loved it! The book is written in dual POV, and it added so much depth to the story.
At first, I hated the male lead, but he really grew on me, and by the end, I completely loved him. The chemistry between the two main characters was incredible, their dynamic was so well-written, except for some parts that became a bit unserious. The plot was amazing! Sure, there were a few moments that felt a bit predictable, but nothing that took away from the enjoyment. The characters were brilliant, and my absolute favorite was Kronk!! I wish we had gotten even more of him.
After I had finished this book I immediately bought the first book in another series by Stephanie Storm. I can’t wait to dive into more of her work!
At first, I hated the male lead, but he really grew on me, and by the end, I completely loved him. The chemistry between the two main characters was incredible, their dynamic was so well-written, except for some parts that became a bit unserious. The plot was amazing! Sure, there were a few moments that felt a bit predictable, but nothing that took away from the enjoyment. The characters were brilliant, and my absolute favorite was Kronk!! I wish we had gotten even more of him.
After I had finished this book I immediately bought the first book in another series by Stephanie Storm. I can’t wait to dive into more of her work!
August 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75 (round up)
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was definitely a true enemies to lovers story with a lot of tension, banter, and miscommunication... Honestly, a bit too much of miscommunication, which isn't really my favorite trope and got a bit frustrating.
That said, I really loved the dynamic between Runa and Victor. Their interactions were fun and the chemistry was definitely there. But as individual characters? They both kind of drove me a little nuts. Runa was so stubborn, and Victor was just out here being indecisive and confusing for most of the book. It felt quite repetitive at times.
The second half of the book picked up a lot in terms of pacing, which I liked. Things started moving quickly, and it was much easier to stay engaged once the plot really kicked in. The worldbuilding was intriguing, the side characters were entertaining, and there were some genuinely funny moments throughout. If you're into enemies to lovers and vampire love interests, I’d definitely say give this book a shot.
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Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was definitely a true enemies to lovers story with a lot of tension, banter, and miscommunication... Honestly, a bit too much of miscommunication, which isn't really my favorite trope and got a bit frustrating.
That said, I really loved the dynamic between Runa and Victor. Their interactions were fun and the chemistry was definitely there. But as individual characters? They both kind of drove me a little nuts. Runa was so stubborn, and Victor was just out here being indecisive and confusing for most of the book. It felt quite repetitive at times.
The second half of the book picked up a lot in terms of pacing, which I liked. Things started moving quickly, and it was much easier to stay engaged once the plot really kicked in. The worldbuilding was intriguing, the side characters were entertaining, and there were some genuinely funny moments throughout. If you're into enemies to lovers and vampire love interests, I’d definitely say give this book a shot.
August 1, 2025
An enemies to lovers romantasy, Kingdom of Stolen Crowns is the first in Sacred Arbor Realm series. Victor, a vampire condemned and banished to a barbaric land, has been taken by a group of bandits. Runa is a sorceress and needs to settle a debt, her and her bandits take Victor. And then the shenanigans begin. After a betrayal they have been sentenced to compete in the Fallen Trials, where no one is expected to survive. The banter was perfect, the tension was divine, and yet it felt light at times which was great with all the darkness surrounding them at every turn. The side characters were the best and the world development was almost tangible. Looking forward to more from this series with Curse of Ash and Flame to see where Serafina and Thorne’s story takes us!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2025
Book 1 of the Sacred Arbor Realm Series follows Victor and Runa, who must enter the Fallen Trials, forming a partnership in order to survive. A powerful vampire lord and a sorceress?! Packed with adventure and fun world building, I really enjoyed reading this one.
***Enemies to lovers
***Fated mates
***Slow burn
***Found family
Filled with lots of witty banter and great sexual tension - I lovedddd our strong FMC. The writing flowed beautifully. And that cliffhanger?! Give me Book 2 soon please!!
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
***Enemies to lovers
***Fated mates
***Slow burn
***Found family
Filled with lots of witty banter and great sexual tension - I lovedddd our strong FMC. The writing flowed beautifully. And that cliffhanger?! Give me Book 2 soon please!!
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and Netgalley for the ARC of this novel; all opinions are my own.
June 2, 2025
Loved this book. The banter between all the characters was so good. The world created by the author was so interesting and all the creatures were so fun. I will definitely being picking up the second book!
June 1, 2025
This reads like it was written by a Dungeon Mistress and I love it.
July 25, 2025
Her best work yet!
The wit, the charm, the banter - all flawless.
The detailed backstories that slowly wove together had you understanding every bit of the fantasy journey. I cannot wait for book 2!!!!
The wit, the charm, the banter - all flawless.
The detailed backstories that slowly wove together had you understanding every bit of the fantasy journey. I cannot wait for book 2!!!!
June 7, 2025
I received an ARC of this book.
4.5/5 ⭐️
To preface my review: If you haven't read the "Inner Beast" series, I highly recommend you do before starting this book. The MMC is a character who's present in each of the Inner Beast stories. With that knowledge, it gives you a better idea of the type of person Victor Custodis is.
I adored the playfulness of this book. Each of the characters had their own quirks, which made them truly unique to the storyline.
I thought the banter between characters was incredibly entertaining. If you enjoyed watching "Thor: Ragnarok" and find Taika Waititi's humor entertaining, you'll enjoy this book.
Vampires, fantasy, comedy, and tasteful amounts of smut make this an easy read I couldn't put down.
With that being said, it wasn't all laughs and fun times for our MCs. They wore guilt like armor, which at times made me want to reach through the pages and strangle them for their stubbornness.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
4.5/5 ⭐️
To preface my review: If you haven't read the "Inner Beast" series, I highly recommend you do before starting this book. The MMC is a character who's present in each of the Inner Beast stories. With that knowledge, it gives you a better idea of the type of person Victor Custodis is.
I adored the playfulness of this book. Each of the characters had their own quirks, which made them truly unique to the storyline.
I thought the banter between characters was incredibly entertaining. If you enjoyed watching "Thor: Ragnarok" and find Taika Waititi's humor entertaining, you'll enjoy this book.
Vampires, fantasy, comedy, and tasteful amounts of smut make this an easy read I couldn't put down.
With that being said, it wasn't all laughs and fun times for our MCs. They wore guilt like armor, which at times made me want to reach through the pages and strangle them for their stubbornness.
I can't wait to see what comes next.
May 20, 2025
I loved this book and the romance in it was phenomenal! The plot was great, if not a little obvious. But I still really enjoyed the ride! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 19, 2025
Thank you to Book Sirens and Stephanie Storm for the ARC.
Plot 3.75/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 4.25/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I was quite entertained by this book. It wasn’t the type of book I had to force myself to read (because I don’t know how to DNF). I enjoyed myself. The plot was very romance focused and I felt like it could do with a little less because the world itself is very intriguing and it had a great plot which I felt unfortunately didn’t reach its full potential. I love trials in books, so have those in here made the plot all the more interesting. But sometimes I did feel like some moments were brushed over or even forgotten after some time.
-The characters were fun. They had great banter and I was giggling after every little comment between all of them. Individually, they were nice as well but I wished that we had more backstories of other characters because we only got Victor and Runa’s. It makes sense seeing at they’re the main characters but it would have been nice to see how Runa’s brothers got to where they are. And ultimately, I felt like they were kind of forgotten at the end. We barely saw them. Relationship wise, it felt a bit sudden as they went from enemies to enemies with benefits and then full on lovers in love. I would have liked a more smooth transition to them saying they loved each other.
-I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. Again, I felt like some things and characters were just forgotten as there weren’t many mentions of them in final chapters. Other than that, it was sweet ending, especially for Victor but in a way the final problem he came across felt resolved a little too easily if I can say that. Overall, I would continue this series if given the opportunity.
Plot 3.75/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.75/5
Interest 4.25/5
Overall 3.75/5
-I was quite entertained by this book. It wasn’t the type of book I had to force myself to read (because I don’t know how to DNF). I enjoyed myself. The plot was very romance focused and I felt like it could do with a little less because the world itself is very intriguing and it had a great plot which I felt unfortunately didn’t reach its full potential. I love trials in books, so have those in here made the plot all the more interesting. But sometimes I did feel like some moments were brushed over or even forgotten after some time.
-The characters were fun. They had great banter and I was giggling after every little comment between all of them. Individually, they were nice as well but I wished that we had more backstories of other characters because we only got Victor and Runa’s. It makes sense seeing at they’re the main characters but it would have been nice to see how Runa’s brothers got to where they are. And ultimately, I felt like they were kind of forgotten at the end. We barely saw them. Relationship wise, it felt a bit sudden as they went from enemies to enemies with benefits and then full on lovers in love. I would have liked a more smooth transition to them saying they loved each other.
-I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. Again, I felt like some things and characters were just forgotten as there weren’t many mentions of them in final chapters. Other than that, it was sweet ending, especially for Victor but in a way the final problem he came across felt resolved a little too easily if I can say that. Overall, I would continue this series if given the opportunity.
June 13, 2025
A quirky group of Avengers who just want to save their land get thrown into the death trials of an evil false king while awaiting the true king’s return.
This book was full of banter and off handed remarks that made me question if the character really just said that. I think this book is meant to be a comedy, which I appreciated and it made it an interesting and refreshing read. I did have a hard time connecting with the characters and didn’t really like them. They grew on me at about the half way mark, but they still aren’t my favorite.
The POV switching between Runa and Victor was nice, I appreciated the glimpses in both of their minds, but at times I got lost in whose perspective I was in, like they were too similar.
Their bond being revealed less than 10% into the book was surprising to me, then kind of confusing how he acknowledges it then pretends it doesn’t exist. This book is marketed as enemies to lovers but they were never enemies, far from it. The flirting was there from the start!
I liked the action and fast pace of this story, I also like how book one in the series is a complete story for Runa and Victor. Sounds like book 2 will feature different characters, so I did like getting that closure. I’m curious to know more about the dragon rider and his dragon!
Thank you to the author Stephanie Storm and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
This book was full of banter and off handed remarks that made me question if the character really just said that. I think this book is meant to be a comedy, which I appreciated and it made it an interesting and refreshing read. I did have a hard time connecting with the characters and didn’t really like them. They grew on me at about the half way mark, but they still aren’t my favorite.
The POV switching between Runa and Victor was nice, I appreciated the glimpses in both of their minds, but at times I got lost in whose perspective I was in, like they were too similar.
Their bond being revealed less than 10% into the book was surprising to me, then kind of confusing how he acknowledges it then pretends it doesn’t exist. This book is marketed as enemies to lovers but they were never enemies, far from it. The flirting was there from the start!
I liked the action and fast pace of this story, I also like how book one in the series is a complete story for Runa and Victor. Sounds like book 2 will feature different characters, so I did like getting that closure. I’m curious to know more about the dragon rider and his dragon!
Thank you to the author Stephanie Storm and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own!
June 28, 2025
A Darkly Fun Fantasy Romp with Fated Mates and Fierce Chemistry!
I had such a blast diving into this adventure with Victor and Runa!
While it took a couple of chapters to fully pull me in,the opening leans a bit slower, the moment Victor’s POV kicked in, I was hooked. His chapters quickly became the highlight for me, adding tension, depth, and just the right amount of edge.
The dual POV is handled seamlessly, offering balanced insight into both characters and keeping the story dynamic. Once the pacing picks up, it stays steady, with the plot delivering enough twists and intrigue to keep the pages turning. The world-building strikes a great balance, it’s immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, making it easy to settle into the universe.
Although you’ll catch familiar fantasy elements, vampires, shifters, dragons, an Empyrean, and a brutal trial, there’s still a refreshing originality in how it all comes together. It pays homage to beloved tropes while confidently standing on its own.
What to expect:
• ✨ Fated mates
• 💘 He falls first
• ⚔️ Mild enemies to lovers
• 🏠 Forced proximity
• 🤝 Reluctant allies
• 👨👩👧👦 Found family vibes
If you're a fan of fantasy romance with a good dash of action, strong character dynamics, and just the right amount of emotional tension, this one’s worth the read!
I had such a blast diving into this adventure with Victor and Runa!
While it took a couple of chapters to fully pull me in,the opening leans a bit slower, the moment Victor’s POV kicked in, I was hooked. His chapters quickly became the highlight for me, adding tension, depth, and just the right amount of edge.
The dual POV is handled seamlessly, offering balanced insight into both characters and keeping the story dynamic. Once the pacing picks up, it stays steady, with the plot delivering enough twists and intrigue to keep the pages turning. The world-building strikes a great balance, it’s immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, making it easy to settle into the universe.
Although you’ll catch familiar fantasy elements, vampires, shifters, dragons, an Empyrean, and a brutal trial, there’s still a refreshing originality in how it all comes together. It pays homage to beloved tropes while confidently standing on its own.
What to expect:
• ✨ Fated mates
• 💘 He falls first
• ⚔️ Mild enemies to lovers
• 🏠 Forced proximity
• 🤝 Reluctant allies
• 👨👩👧👦 Found family vibes
If you're a fan of fantasy romance with a good dash of action, strong character dynamics, and just the right amount of emotional tension, this one’s worth the read!
July 1, 2025
3.25 stars
An interesting fantasy world with high stakes and enjoyable characters.
This was definitely a good read! I really enjoyed the first few chapters where you get introduced to the main characters. The world building was done well and I never felt overwhelmed with information. Sometimes I felt like I would've loved a bit more information about the world because it seemed quite interesting but was only touched very briefly and on the surface.
The romance was nice and I get why people like the couple. For me though, it just didn't work. I felt like the chemistry and tension between the characters were lacking and I did not get any vibes, that they were fated mates.
Also especially at the beginning, I felt like the humorous and funny parts/thoughts were forced too much.
But in general, I really enjoyed the book!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
An interesting fantasy world with high stakes and enjoyable characters.
This was definitely a good read! I really enjoyed the first few chapters where you get introduced to the main characters. The world building was done well and I never felt overwhelmed with information. Sometimes I felt like I would've loved a bit more information about the world because it seemed quite interesting but was only touched very briefly and on the surface.
The romance was nice and I get why people like the couple. For me though, it just didn't work. I felt like the chemistry and tension between the characters were lacking and I did not get any vibes, that they were fated mates.
Also especially at the beginning, I felt like the humorous and funny parts/thoughts were forced too much.
But in general, I really enjoyed the book!
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2025
Dark, romantic, and full of potential
3.75 stars rounded up
This book offers a gripping mix of fantasy, danger, and slow-burn tension.
The premise, a disgraced vampire lord and a tough-as-nails sorceress forced into an uneasy alliance delivers plenty of action, magic, and sparks. The world is rich and intriguing, and the survival game element adds intensity and suspense.
While the pacing occasionally lagged in places, and some emotional beats could’ve hit harder. The characters, especially Runa, kept me invested. The chemistry builds steadily, and the reluctant partnership is one of the story’s strongest aspects.
Perfect for fans of enemies-to-allies dynamics, morally gray characters, and high stakes fantasy with a romantic edge.
A solid start to a promising series, I’m curious to see where it goes next.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.
3.75 stars rounded up
This book offers a gripping mix of fantasy, danger, and slow-burn tension.
The premise, a disgraced vampire lord and a tough-as-nails sorceress forced into an uneasy alliance delivers plenty of action, magic, and sparks. The world is rich and intriguing, and the survival game element adds intensity and suspense.
While the pacing occasionally lagged in places, and some emotional beats could’ve hit harder. The characters, especially Runa, kept me invested. The chemistry builds steadily, and the reluctant partnership is one of the story’s strongest aspects.
Perfect for fans of enemies-to-allies dynamics, morally gray characters, and high stakes fantasy with a romantic edge.
A solid start to a promising series, I’m curious to see where it goes next.
Thank you Netgalley & the publisher for the copy. This is my voluntary review.
June 25, 2025
Oh my gods, this book was incredible! I was constantly on the edge of my seat, having to catch my breath from the thrill.
The world that Stephanie Storm created was so magical and epic, this is worthy of the big screen. The adventure, the characters, the battles; it was such a fun story to read!
I found some of the world’s terminology to be lacking in definition. It made it difficult to determine the timeline of events, and how long things were actually taking? But it did not deter me from absolutely loving this book.
This is an epic fantasy that concludes beautifully in one book without feeling rushed. Though I am very excited that Stephanie will continue writing other stories in this fun world she created!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The world that Stephanie Storm created was so magical and epic, this is worthy of the big screen. The adventure, the characters, the battles; it was such a fun story to read!
I found some of the world’s terminology to be lacking in definition. It made it difficult to determine the timeline of events, and how long things were actually taking? But it did not deter me from absolutely loving this book.
This is an epic fantasy that concludes beautifully in one book without feeling rushed. Though I am very excited that Stephanie will continue writing other stories in this fun world she created!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 11, 2025
This was an enjoyable read, but it didn’t really feel like anything I hadn't read before. If you like enemies to lovers (although I'd argue they were never true enemies), trials and found family, you will feel at home reading this.
However right at the start, there were some pretty significant reveals, but then the characters pretended they didn't know about it, even when they did? Their internal monologue just didn't feel right because of this. I did enjoy Victor's character progression, but his banter with Runa was hit and miss for me.
The book redeemed itself in the final third, where there was action aplenty and I liked the set up at the end for the next book.
**I received an ARC from Booksirens and this is my honest unbiased review**
However right at the start, there were some pretty significant reveals, but then the characters pretended they didn't know about it, even when they did? Their internal monologue just didn't feel right because of this. I did enjoy Victor's character progression, but his banter with Runa was hit and miss for me.
The book redeemed itself in the final third, where there was action aplenty and I liked the set up at the end for the next book.
**I received an ARC from Booksirens and this is my honest unbiased review**
August 5, 2025
This is my first book by Stephanie Storm. I enjoyed the world she created. Runa, Drazen, and Kronk are family by circumstances. Their banter is amusing. Drazen and Kronk are typical big brothers that protect their sister. Yet Runa is more than capable of taking care of herself. The introduction of Victor is quite entertaining. The banter and mistrust between Runa and Victor building to an epic collision of passion. Runa and Victor continue their journey in book 2.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2025
This book is full of potential. I found parts truly engaging and other left me wanting more. I love the magic system and how it effects everything. My main issue was the writing style. It felt a little off to me. Also I found the MCs average. Nothing really stood out to me. I just wanted more from them. All in all it wasn't for me. While I do think it's aimed at more younger (early 20s) audience. I do say give it a try if it intrigues you.
July 2, 2025
I loved this story! It was so different and unique and well-written. I liked the characters and I love stories with found family. This story had adventure, romance, and magic. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would love to read more by this author!
July 2, 2025
It was a fun fantasy tale and I do enjoy the trials and the tension between Victor and Runa! Love Runa's brothers too they're so cute. The storyline was a bit confusing at first, but after a few chapters (and twists) I was able to enjoy it. A pretty good start for a new series!
June 18, 2025
4.5 stars.
I would highly recommend this one for all the Romantasy readers out there! I had so much fun reading this!
We follow our fmc Runa, who with her brothers steal to help the people of their land who are suffering at the evil kings expense. We meet our mmc Victor, a vampire lord who has been overthrown and exiled from the mortal land. Throughout the book we see the fmc and her brothers journey with the mmc as victor agrees to help runa in exchange for her opening a portal for victor to return home.
There is so much going on plot wise and it kept me hooked at every twist and turn. We see trials, overthrown kingdoms, fated mates, enemies to lovers, prophecies - so much to sink your teeth into!
And can we talk about the enemies to lovers in this book - wow! I was literally giggling and kicking my feet throughout!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
I would highly recommend this one for all the Romantasy readers out there! I had so much fun reading this!
We follow our fmc Runa, who with her brothers steal to help the people of their land who are suffering at the evil kings expense. We meet our mmc Victor, a vampire lord who has been overthrown and exiled from the mortal land. Throughout the book we see the fmc and her brothers journey with the mmc as victor agrees to help runa in exchange for her opening a portal for victor to return home.
There is so much going on plot wise and it kept me hooked at every twist and turn. We see trials, overthrown kingdoms, fated mates, enemies to lovers, prophecies - so much to sink your teeth into!
And can we talk about the enemies to lovers in this book - wow! I was literally giggling and kicking my feet throughout!
I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 26, 2025
This is the first ARC I had the opportunity to read and I’m so glad I chose it. Runa and Victor’s banter is thoroughly entertaining. The dual POV is always a yes for me. I find it easier to get into a book when you see both characters thoughts and feelings on the page. Plus it had the perfect amount of spice! I am a sucker for any books with magic or mythical characters/creatures. The deadly games and trials is also a nice addition. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because it felt predictable at times but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
Excited to explore Thorne’s story in book two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Excited to explore Thorne’s story in book two!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 30, 2025
Thankyou to Netgalley for an ARC of this book!
This was really good! Once I got past the first 10% I was immersed into the world building and characters. I really enjoyed the banter and dynamics between the characters and the plot was consistent which kept me reading and reading
This was really good! Once I got past the first 10% I was immersed into the world building and characters. I really enjoyed the banter and dynamics between the characters and the plot was consistent which kept me reading and reading
June 30, 2025
This book had a lot of action, drama, and real life connections. I found this book to be well written, with relatable characters, and a deep storyline. I look forward to the next book and the next adventure.
July 15, 2025
Things to see/tropes:
☆ Dual 1st person POV
☆ Enemies to lovers
☆ Fated mates
☆ Forced proximity
☆ Prophecy
☆ Found family
Spice: ★★★☆☆
Plot: ★★★☆☆
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: ★★★★☆
General thoughts
It took me a bit longer to get through this book, but only due to my own lack of motivation to read.
The story itself was intriguing and so beautifully written, it wasn’t too hard to get into it. The worldbuilding was rich and described in detail that was easy to understand, though I must admit some words for things were a bit tough for me to truly get the meaning of and some phrases seemed a bit overused and a bit out of place in my opinion (chosen, perhaps, to avoid cursing outright).
I LOVED the dual POV. Both MCs had such different voices, it was such a pleasure to get into their heads and see how they view the world around them. Victor and Runa both were amazing, I love them both equally.
Relationships
Victor and Runa!! A hundred times YES. Great start, great progression, fantastic ending! The banter was so fun to read haha. Wonderful pairing, I just enjoyed their relationship so much.
Drazen and Kronk, best brothers. I especially liked Kronk! Even in the very end he was still so protective of Runa, I had to laugh out loud.
Speaking of siblings, Runa and her sister. Oof what a story they had! So much pain and guilt and resentment, all of what made Runa the person she was.
Runa and Yaga. Yaga was such a joy to have around! And her relationship with the kids and specifically Runa was truly something special.
The twists and turns
Overall, some plot twists came absolutely out of nowhere and some had hints in the story beforehand, which are both equally fine and still fun when they actually got revealed. The ending of the book was quite nice and a great nod towards the next book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
☆ Dual 1st person POV
☆ Enemies to lovers
☆ Fated mates
☆ Forced proximity
☆ Prophecy
☆ Found family
Spice: ★★★☆☆
Plot: ★★★☆☆
Characters: ★★★★★
Overall rating: ★★★★☆
General thoughts
It took me a bit longer to get through this book, but only due to my own lack of motivation to read.
The story itself was intriguing and so beautifully written, it wasn’t too hard to get into it. The worldbuilding was rich and described in detail that was easy to understand, though I must admit some words for things were a bit tough for me to truly get the meaning of and some phrases seemed a bit overused and a bit out of place in my opinion (chosen, perhaps, to avoid cursing outright).
I LOVED the dual POV. Both MCs had such different voices, it was such a pleasure to get into their heads and see how they view the world around them. Victor and Runa both were amazing, I love them both equally.
Relationships
Victor and Runa!! A hundred times YES. Great start, great progression, fantastic ending! The banter was so fun to read haha. Wonderful pairing, I just enjoyed their relationship so much.
Drazen and Kronk, best brothers. I especially liked Kronk! Even in the very end he was still so protective of Runa, I had to laugh out loud.
Speaking of siblings, Runa and her sister. Oof what a story they had! So much pain and guilt and resentment, all of what made Runa the person she was.
Runa and Yaga. Yaga was such a joy to have around! And her relationship with the kids and specifically Runa was truly something special.
The twists and turns
Overall, some plot twists came absolutely out of nowhere and some had hints in the story beforehand, which are both equally fine and still fun when they actually got revealed. The ending of the book was quite nice and a great nod towards the next book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!
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