The Lost Deer Queen

by H.J. Nichols

Five princes. One choice. Will she make the right one?

When the High Family of the Woodland Kingdom is found murdered, Mae Bailey, a small bookstore owner and deer-Fae hybrid, finds herself crowned the new High Queen. But Mae can’t rule alone.

She must choose one of the five eligible High Princes to rule beside her, while also trying to solve the mystery of who killed the High Family. As Mae forms stronger relationships with each High Prince, she also learns that dark magic has begun to seep into the kingdom.

Who will Mae choose to rule beside her?

And will it end up being the person trying to ruin her kingdom?

The Lost Deer Queen is a tale of witty banter, yearning romance, and deadly secrets. TLDQ is a new-adult fantasy romance with mature elements that may be triggering to some readers. Please check the full list of content warnings.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Fiction

430 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2025

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okaaaay this was EPIC!!!

The magic was cool AF, the characters were so deep, the world building/setting was gorgeous!!

For this to be a debut novel and book one in a series is sooooo exciting! I can’t wait to read more from her!

This book had me fully invested by 2/3 chapters in!!

The serpent brothers 👀👀👀 DAYYYUM

Mae is a smoke show of a main FMC (she has antlers- not sure that was a thing for me but boooooy it is now haha)
I loved everything about this book it’s AMAZING

JUST READ IT NOW IMMEDIATELY PLS AND THANK YOU!

[Jasmine Sperring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, wow? Like... this was absolutely amazing. I loved it! The magic, the different houses, the men (August & Koa... I need more from them please) the story was fantastic and I really enjoyed the twists and turns. The portrayal of self harm and anxiety was done really well and I thank you for this. I can't wait to read the next book!

[Librosentrelazos · Rating 5 out of 5]

How is this book a debut? I wanted to scream; it was so good! I feel privileged to have read this amazing novel by this incredible author.

This fantasy romance is so uniquely its own. The world and magic are easy to follow. The story's pace is relatively fast, but without feeling like you're getting a ton of information dumped on you. It has a great rhythm, so it doesn't feel rushed. The characters are amazing, especially Mae.

The FMC, Mae, has her whole life turned upside down. I immediately thought she would become hesitant to accept the information, but she was so strong. Mae understood the assignment! She took over beautifully, besides having to deal with all of her personal struggles. The mental health issues represented in this book resonated hard with me. I appreciate the depiction of Mae's struggles so much.

I loved that this story evoked "The Bachelorette" vibes. It gave the plot a fun and intriguing tone. Also, the mystery aspect of the plot was so well done that I was not expecting the twist towards the end.

Let me talk about the princes; they were amazing and entertaining. However, if I'm not worshipped like Asmo worshipped Mae, I don't want it. Every prince had something that I loved, but I don't trust anyone!

The ending was mindblowing, to say the least! I will be waiting (im)patiently for book 2. Thank you, Grey's Promotions and H.J. Nichols, for the advanced copy!

[Margeaux (meg_booklover7) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that this novel opened with a mystery and hooks you in right away - the High Family of the Deer Court has just been murdered. We are then introduced to Mae, our FMC, who is a deer-fae hybrid and has lived a normal, quiet life. She owns a bookstore with her best friend Cally. She’s wholesome like the girl-next-door. But Mae’s life gets complicated as it is revealed that she is the daughter of the murdered High King and is, therefore, next in line to the throne. Her sudden coronation as the new High Queen puts her in this weird, The-Bachelor-style situation where she has to date and then pick the next High King among five princes from four different courts. But all is not well and easy because while she struggles with finding the right King, especially when she seems to have a deep connection with Prince Asmo of the Serpent Court, she also gets attacked by a mysterious villain. Mae must learn to control her magic, fight back, and find her High King.

The Lost Deer Queen was such a great read! I especially liked how the novel’s world building felt easy and effortless with elements organically unfolding as you read. It was so easy to envision its world. This ease lends itself to the storytelling because while the FMC has to deal with all these great complications to her new life, it is so easy to read and track the narrative. The transitions are seamless in the storytelling. My only critique is I did get frustrated in how Mae kept trying to undermine her very obvious connection with Asmo. There were many moments when I felt like pulling my hair out because of the push and pull between these two characters. . .which, I’m sure, was a deliberate part of the book. 4.75 stars! I can’t wait to start The False Serpent King!!!

[Brittni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book.

There wasn't a lot of complicated world building, which I appreciate so much, and I has so much fun learning about the humans, fae and different hybrids!

I automatically connected with the fmc because she's a bookworm like me and owns her own bookstore which is such a dream 🤣 I love her friendship with Cally and how Cally supports her when a situation upends the fmc's entire life.

There are multiple delicious mmcs in this book but she must choose one!! (I know who I'd choose 😏)

The story line is honestly amazing and the added romance is so perfect. I was genuinely distraught when I discovered the true villain here and I can't wait to continue the fight in book two!

[nooked_ina_book · Rating 5 out of 5]

This darker, princess diaries vibes fantasy is the story I didn't even know I was looking for until I found it. I immediately clicked with this story, with the FMC, and was hooked by the introduction to this royalty whirlwind.

The underlying mystery element blended beautifully with the 5 suitors romantic plot, building the tension, suspense, and investment in the journey for me. I loved the hints, twists, and turns I kept annotating up the final reveal. Needless to say it was flawless pacing through the story.

I still love a shocking reveal, especially when I thought I had everything figured out! I especially loved this one, my jaw was on the floor. 10/10, No Notes.

[Randi Nissan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all this is a 5/5 ⭐️ read for me. I went into The Lost Deer Queen not knowing what to expect and I was instantly hooked. This fantasy world is so fun, so different, and honestly such a fresh take on the genre, this goes for the writing as well. Think The Bachelorette… but make it fantasy 👑🦌—romance, competition, tension, magic, and just enough chaos to keep you flipping pages at an unholy speed.
The world-building feels playful and immersive without being overwhelming, and the premise had me fully invested from the start. Every twist made me want just one more chapter (which turned into ten). It’s dramatic, clever, and completely addictive in the best way.
If you love fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously or rather an FMC queen that doesn’t take things to seriously, this has a unique spin, and keeps you entertained from page one this one is absolutely worth the hype & deserves more attention. I had so much fun reading this, and I already want more from this world, which lucky me I have an early ARC for the second book which I am so honored to have the opportunity to read it ahead of release (Feb 25th), so stay tuned. ✨👑 Give this author some love and read her book because it deserves it 🫶🏼

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow...

I went into this with no expectations. I have not read this author before and I was given a free copy to read before the ARC for book two comes out.

But it blew my expectations out of the water!

The magic system is unique, one that I've never quite read before. There are little drips of mainstream fantasy in it but it's entirely something of its own. H.J. Nichols describes it so in detail, when Mae is discovering her powers you can almost envision it yourself. Sometimes it was a bit much but I could see it being helpful for readers who need to visualize the context.

The main male characters were not the typical "good guy, bad guy who do I choose??" Think of the bachelor but fantasy edition. I love that we got a little bit of everything with each of them. Barrett, you have my heart🐻.

The romantic conflict felt a bit off. It's very obvious that Mae had Marik at #1 since he helped her when she had an SH episode . It gave him an, in my opinion, unfair 'advantage' of sorts. She was always going to see him as some kind of hero.

Asmo, the self deprecating man you are. "I don't deserve you" blah blah blah. He was the obvious choice she should've made. Either him or Koa (ignoring his little misogynistic outburst). But Mae was so stubborn when it came to him. It was frustrating that it took until the last second for her to realize their 'chemistry' was more than that.

THE ENDING!! Let me tell you this first, I saw the more obvious betrayal right away. Too much coincidence throughout the book for a certain someone to not be connected. But the second one??? I kind of figured it after Willa and Marik interacted so well together besides Willa being against the whole royal thing but I thought it would play out different.

Now why the 3-stars and not 4?
- I couldn't tell always what time period I was supposed to be envisioning. We had modern-day lingo and clothes but not tech or anything?
- Mae accepting her lineage with little to no pushback? I understand she had no choice really, but if we were supposed to believe that she was strong and independent...that wasn't it.
- I wish we would've gotten more of a connection between her and the males during the courting process. It felt like she was just horny the entire time and not trying to make a connection with anyone but Marik.

I'm ready to dive into book two The False Serpent King!

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/4 stars.

I found I lost my momentum around 60%.

There were some things I didn’t understand, like her friend being attacked by monsters, but still saying how excited she was to see the main character get married. It just didn’t hit the right depth of the situation for me to take it seriously or feel attached to any of the side characters.

The bachelor aspect was good at first but I felt like it could have been better executed with more interesting date ideas and more tension on having to pick VS going on a date once and thinking he’s nice, and then no other development on that relationship. It seemed very rushed towards the end.

I felt like at times I couldn’t take the main character seriously because she would tell people to shut up whenever they made completely valid points. You have people that killed your family but you’re not taking your precautions seriously about keeping the last heir to the throne safe?

This book was good overall, still a fun read and cool magic systems!

[Devika · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romantasy about a lost princess, shifters and a dark mystery. Sign me up already! All these aspects come together in The Lost Deer Queen by H.J. Nichols. This book is her debut and the start of The Woodland Kingdom series. I expected this book to be like a fantasy retelling of The Selection, but this book was all but that. It has tension, dark twists and slow burn romance.This book is a really strong debut and I cannot wait for more in The Woodland Kingdom series.

Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg

[JestReading Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book blind, I didn’t read what it was about just bits and snippets. It truly felt like a fantasy, murder mystery which I really enjoyed. Although I was pretty sure who was involved during the story, I kept second guessing myself. Until it finally came to fruition, I was as mad as the FMC. This book definitely had me in a trance. I enjoyed the ride, except the self harm parts. The story could have been equally as great without it or even if she was tortured instead of torturing herself. That was rough on my body to read, very cringey. 😬 I do realize the world isn’t butterflies and daisies and these things exist and we have to cope or help others cope, but I don’t often enjoy books with those type of aspects. I also wish the FMC was more sure of herself, but still enjoyed her character development. Asmo made me equally mad and excited with his character. Although the characters are in their mid twenties, it felt very much like a YA teen like story. However, I believe the author did a great job at world building and understanding how some of the magic systems worked.

I felt like I was reading the bachelor fantasy murder mystery edition. I do look forward to reading the next book. I’m equally excited to be part of the crew who gets to read it first!!! 🤌🏼🤌🏼 Overall I feel like this was a great story! Better than a lot of the currently super popular reads that’s for sure.

[Aislinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While a debut novel, “The Lost Deer Queen” leaves a lot to be desired.

While reading TLDQ, I had to consciously remind myself that this is a debut novel, and to not give too much weight to the plot holes. The story has potential but at a point, the inconsistencies between characters and plot became too noticeable to disregard.

In TLDQ, Mae, a bookshop owner, is revealed to be the secret heir to the Deer kingdom after the Royal Family is killed. Coincidentally, the Deer Kingdom also rule over all of the shifters, which makes this reveal even more important. To secure stability in her court, Mae must quickly become married and form an alliance with one of the other Houses. Thus begins the bachelorette romance between her and five princes.

My frustration with this story wasn’t the writing, nor was it how predictable it was. My frustration stems from how the plot felt pieced together with no real cohesion. Much of the story felt half-baked, or as if the author chose popular tropes and built a book around said tropes.

For example, Mae places so much emphasis on her life before finding out that she was a member of the royal family. She owns a bookstore with her best friend, and is in a situationship with a man she doesn’t like. After becoming officially queen, her initial love interest disappears and her job is magically gone. There’s no transition from human to royal, which left me confused why aspects of her life were included to begin with, as they contributed nothing to the story.

Further, I felt that much of Mae’s “royalty” wasn’t fully developed. For example, Mae is only living member of the crown. Knowing that someone just murdered her whole family would lead one to believe that Mae would be heavily guarded, but instead, Mae is given free-reign of the grounds, even going so far as to walk around without guards. Because of this freedom, she’s able to meet a witch, and be put in positions of danger that could have been avoided.

When introduced to the princes that she must date, Mae complained incessantly that she didn’t want to date any of the men and that she “needs time”. She was constantly applying human standards to shifter ones, causing a rift between her, her staff, and me, the reader (side note: can we please not write FMCs who “aren’t like other girls”?). At one point, Mae herself admits to her staff that she isn’t interested in dating two of the men because “I haven’t given them any time”. But I have to ask: Is it Mae that isn’t giving them enough time, or an author who opted to write a book with five love interests, but really only had enough heart for two?

Even more, one of the princes turns out to be secretly gay, which reads very much like the author didn’t want to spend the time actually writing a fifth male love interest.

Speaking of love interests, the second we were introduced to the first male lead (read: Rhysand dupe) we know who the winner is going to be. No matter who comes next, you can’t introduce a male lead as “The most beautiful man I’ve ever seen” and expect your audience to do anything but champion him. This same male character had a weird, unfounded “hatered” towards Mae, which was further made weird by their flirting which merely come across as indifference. This character, a “shadow daddy” truly felt like a trope that the author wanted to write a book around, as they were never enemies.

I still stand by this being a good *first* novel. However, the potential versus the execution fell flat for me.

[Julia Lathem · Rating 4 out of 5]

OOOOOOHHH MY GOSHHH

I was a beta reader for the novel and I had such an amazing time reading it. It has a special place in my heart because it was my first book that I’ve had THE PLEASURE of reading before it released and it was so good!! I’m so excited to read the final copy when it’s received so I can review it literally again I am so excited for more from these characters!

[Kristi Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 (rounding up for fun)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5

Tropes: Enemies to lovers, elemental magic, prophecies and fate, found family, the chosen one, morally grey MMCs, multiple love interests, forced proximity, political intrigue

⭐️"There's nothing better than protecting....goodness." "What do you mean?" "The values of our court are what keep the kingdom...good," he says. "And that's worth protecting."
⭐️"Choice is an illusion. But the choice to be with you is one that I would be proud of."
⭐️"I find you intriguing because you constantly push back at me. You constantly challenge me. I'm used to people submitting to me, but you refuse to."
⭐️"I'm serious, Mae. The only way you should be touched is the way I touched you. You should be worshipped. Don't tolerate anything less."

I received this book as an eARC to read before book 2 in The Woodland Kingdom series, and thank you to author H. J. Nichols for allowing me to be a part of this review team, the book was excellent! I went into this totally blind, just knowing that this would be a fantasy but my expectations were blown away by how enjoyable this story was to read. The pacing was fantastic and totally addictive, and the questionable possible urban fantasy setting was kind of refreshing (and unexpected). The world building is creative while still leaving a lot up to the reader's own imaginative interpretation, which I appreciated---I think this also made it a lot easier to invest in the characters themselves rather than getting bogged down in setting details.

FMC Mae is a 20-something book store owner who is yanked from her normal life after the murder of the royal family leads her to find that she is next in line for the throne. While I was skeptical in the beginning at how quickly she accepted everything presented to her (family revelations, new status, expectation to leave her life behind, and oh yes-get married in a matter of months to someone she's never met before), I think I glossed over this hang up when the story dives right into a Bachelorette-style competition which was really well done. I loved the distinct personalities of the princes, the banter, the friendships and genuine efforts to win Mae over, as well as the drama. This book was definitely entertaining to say the least with how quickly everything moved.

Couple all of this with Mae learning of her magical ability and how to wield that power, learning to trust her new advisors and friends, and the underlying mystery of what DID happen to the royal family and is this part of a bigger plot, and the story has a bit of something for everyone. The brutally honest representation of anxiety and the demons that can come with that was also really well done. This can often be something easy to brush under the rug or attribute to younger individuals so I think it was a bold choice to include in this book, but that it was done tastefully (however be aware of the TW prior to reading).

The ending of this book absolutely blew my mind. NO IDEA this was coming (which in retrospect was pretty naive on my part but what can I say, I was paying attention to princes), but WOW was it a fantastic plot twist. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series and am so impressed with this author's ability to weave an incredible story. HIGHLY recommend this read!

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Bachelor” in the Fae realm, but add political intrigue and danger lurking just out of sight…

Mae Bailey is a brilliant, beautiful, compassionate, and wildly relatable FMC. She is thrust into a situation that she’s WILDLY unprepared for, yet she manages to keep her head held high even when she’d rather be curled up on the shower floor. She treats everyone she meets with kindness and respect (if they deserve it) and is unapologetically herself even if it would be easier and safer to pretend to be someone else. She made me feel seen and understood in a way that I’ve never experienced with a character before.

The way the main storylines in this book blend and intersect is extremely well managed. There’s a high-priority murder investigation going on, with danger lurking in unexpected places; and yet it never felt wrong or out-of-place for Mae to be drooling over the five new princely boyfriends she’s suddenly contending with.

Even though I knew in my heart who I wanted Mae to pick—what can I say? I’m a sucker for chemistry—Nichols manages to make all the princes seem like viable candidates in their own way. It’s truly a difficult choice for Mae to make, and it was equally intriguing to read. Every spark of connection felt like a hint, every kiss and touch felt loaded with meaning. I knew who I was rooting for but I still adored each and every date she went on.

The mystery of the murders is slowly revealed in a really fascinating way: because the people investigating it are basically at a loss, and are bouncing from theory to theory. Meanwhile, Mae’s exploits with her princes reveal hints and teases that the READER can connect, but the characters can’t because they don’t see the whole picture. It’s dramatic irony done really well, and by the time the reveal came I knew (basically) what was going to happen, and I was dreading it.

The only thing pulling this down from a 5-star read for me was a not-infrequent tendency to lose continuity. It was rare enough that it didn’t frustrate me, but there were multiple instances of Mae “concluding” the same thing twice in one chapter, characters referencing things that hadn’t happened yet, or descriptions repeated verbatim on the next page. None of these things were major slip-ups that impacted the story or caused any lasting confusion, and normally I’d be able to read past them; but they occurred frequently enough that it pulled me out of the story and made me flip back to verify what I had already read.

That said: this book, its world, and its characters are rich, full, and engaging. I highly recommend this series!

[Spicy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author, so I could dive into it before book two of The Woodland Kingdom series. Thank you to H. J. Nichols for letting me be part of the review team!

This was such a great read! I loved how it seemed like it was set in the present, and how they lived just like humans do! I went in completely blind—literally all I knew was “fantasy”—and it still managed to exceed every expectation. The pacing is quick and addictive. The worldbuilding is creative without drowning you in details, which I actually loved because it made it so much easier to focus on the characters and get invested in them.

Mae, our FMC, is a twenty‑something bookstore owner whose life gets turned upside down when the murdered royal family’s secrets reveal that she’s next in line for the throne. She accepted everything so quickly - It surprised me! New lineage, new responsibilities, leaving her old life behind, and she has to marry a stranger in a few months to keep her crown! This story had me, especially when the "Bachelorette" games started !! The princes all had such distinct personalities, and the banter, the friendships, the genuine attempts to win Mae over, and of course the drama made it ridiculously fun to read. The fast pace worked in its favor.

On top of that, Mae is discovering her magical abilities, figuring out who she can trust, and trying to piece together what really happened to the royal family—and whether it’s part of something bigger. There’s truly a little bit of everything here. I also really appreciated the honest portrayal of anxiety. It’s something that often gets brushed aside or minimized, especially in adult characters, so seeing it handled with care felt so good to me as someone with anxiety. I really loved this part of the book!

And then the ending. I was absolutely blindsided. I did not see that twist coming—probably because I was too busy paying attention to the princes—but wow, what a reveal. It was such a strong way to close the book, and now I’m genuinely excited to see where the series goes next. I’m so impressed by how well this author weaves a story, and I HIGHLY recommend picking this one up.

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Elemental magic
Prophecies and fate
Found family
The chosen one
Morally grey MMCs
Multiple love interests
Forced proximity
Political intrigue

[Sisters Reviewing Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crystal recommends The Lost Deer Queen by H. J. Nichols

My Expectations

I picked up this book to support a local author. I began it with trepidation because my brain kept confusing “bachelorette-style romance” with “reverse harem” and I am not a reverse harem girl-y and do not see this changing. I liked the cover and I enjoy romantasy so I thought I’d read a few pages and see what happened.

What I Loved

In general, this book reads fast. It isn’t necessarily fast-paced, but the pages turn. There is a lot of dialogue and a lot of characters to keep things moving.

I found the world intriguing despite still having a lot of questions by the end. I liked the idea of the different kingdoms united under one High King and High Queen and am curious if we will get to see some of these kingdoms in future books.

I enjoyed Mae. She was young and she had the rug pulled out from under her, resulting in a lot of overlooking of shadiness and making less-than-intelligent decisions, but she had a backbone and she held her own.

The dates and bachelorette moments were fun. We get a picture early on that Mae is not a big believer in “the one” so it was completely reasonable that she would not fight the concept of picking a suitable partner and marrying within mere months. The methodical way she approached the process had its entertaining moments.

My Final Thoughts

Overally, I enjoyed the book. I look forward to where the author takes the story from here. I enjoyed the mystery and enjoyed the way it was drawn out throughout the story. I did think some of the choices made surrounding Mae’s safety were questionable and think she was more than a little lucky to not have ended up the same way as the royal family she was taking the place of.

The bachelorette-style approach was fun, but I was kind of relieved that it didn’t get too drawn out! I got the vibes being laid down by one of the moody ones, but I need to understand what that one is up to more fully before I can like him for her!

I will read more for sure. I look forward to learning more about the world and seeing how the author mitigates some of the damage from book one.

Favorite Quote

I’m ready for my wedding to be over. - Mae
(IYKYK)

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Spoilers!!!
I am so serious here - be careful of the reviews you read you do not want the surprises and the twists spoiled - half the fun is figuring everything out
This was such a great read!
It has mystery, suspense, diabolical twists, wooing (yes wooing), court politics, more wooing, unhinged characters, sexy and brooding characters, and (take a breath here) so much more!
The author did a spot-on job of crafting the world and dragging me in
And the characters! I felt like I knew them personally.
This does end on a "WHOLLY SHIITAKE I did not see that coming" event

Our story revolves around Mae. A content deer/fae hybrid who lives a quiet content life as book shop keeper until ... (dramatic music here)
The royal family is slaughtered
Guess who is an unknown to the thrown? (if I say it that would be a spoiler)
Not only does she have to learn to be a queen, learn her magic, and dance around court politics, but she also has to pick a husband from one of the other court's princes to stand by her side as king.
Let us not forget though how she got here
While all the above is happening she also has to accept the possibility that her family's killer is still out there and she may be the next target

"I'm supposed to be your hero, not the other way around."
I could rant for days on how much I enjoyed this read
Mae is such a strong female lead. She doesn't mince her words.
I was glad the author redirected her emotional coping mechanism - you'll see when you get there.
The supporting characters!! All the characters play such upfront and personal roles in this read.
Again, the world-building here was so well done the multiple kingdoms, the history, the side-by-side universes.
Then we have the princes who are vying for her hand - the dark ominous one, the smooth talker, the cuddly, the perfect fit, the protector

I am ranting again - I am still a bit amped up about it this morning
I am just going to close with I highly recommend this one
Have fun and enjoy the ride
BUT TRUST NO ONE

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
7 out of 10

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘖𝘯𝘦 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘍𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘝𝘪𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘉𝘦 𝘏𝘦𝘳 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨

👑 Hybrid Princes x High Deer Queen
🏰 Court Intrigue
💍 Marriage Competition
🌹 The Bachelorette Vibes
🌳 Magical Woodland Realm
👸 Long Lost Princess
🔮 Prophecy
🗡️ Morally Grey MMC(s)
🔺 Brothers Love Triangle (+3 Other Men)
🩸 Slight Murder Mystery
😠 Who Did This To You?
📔 The Princess Diaries Energy

Let me start by saying I really don’t like love triangles so I surprised myself by picking up a book with not one, not two, but FIVE MMCs - with two being brothers?! I think I just couldn’t bypass the beautiful cover though and can you blame me? She’s stunning! I’m glad I gave this book a chance as it was pretty fast paced and a quick read and the men were… well, hot. There is one very clear frontrunner that I think most people will be rooting for but I won’t spoil who it is, just know their chemistry is fireeee. Overall I did feel the writing and pacing could’ve been a bit better as some things were repetitive or over-explained. The world is also such an interesting concept I just wish we got a better glimpse into it - we were often told things but not quite shown them. However if you’re just looking for a fun time with a lost princess and her new flock of men this would be for you!

"When the High Family of the Woodland Kingdom is found murdered, Mae Bailey, a small bookstore owner and deer-Fae hybrid, finds herself crowned the new High Queen. But Mae can’t rule alone.

She must choose one of the five eligible High Princes to rule beside her, while also trying to solve the mystery of who killed the High Family.

Five princes. One choice. Will she make the right one?”

“The Lost Deer Queen” is Book One in The Woodland Kingdom Series and is out NOW! Book Two “The False Serpent King” will be released on February 25th and I can’t wait to read it 🐍

Thank you to H.J. Nichols for the ARC opportunity 🫶✨

Rated MA for Spice and Some Violence 🌶️🌶️

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝙏𝙤 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙧.”

The Lost Deer Queen
4☆

It’s a romantasy version of 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 with political intrigue, hidden identities, and murder, all set in a lush, fantasy world. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘋𝘦𝘦𝘳 𝘘𝘶𝘦𝘦𝘯 was definitely a unique start to this series and honestly… I would watch the entire season religiously.

Mae is living her best ordinary-fae-hybrid life when the royal family is brutally murdered and she coincidentally gets a mysterious letter from court the same day. From there, it’s straight into high court politics, training montages, and a lineup of morally gray suitors who all have a role to play.

“𝙄 𝙚𝙣𝙟𝙤𝙮 𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙩𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙚’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙮.”

Mae has that “wildly unprepared but refuses to fold” energy. I loved that she clings to her compassion and stubborn sense of self instead of only playing along to survive.

“𝘿𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚.”

The Bachelorette part threw me a bit. But the suitors understood the assignment. Petty male competition with strategic flirting and chemistry that feels weaponized. I was picking favorites, then questioning those choices…repeatedly.

“𝙈𝙖𝙚,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙨, 𝙢𝙮 𝙣𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧. “𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙚,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨.

BUT, the romantic tension and the conspiracy are woven together ingeniously. You’ll start spotting connections before Mae does, which makes the dramatic irony delicious. A deeper dive into the lore of the murdered royal family and more connection to “prophecies” is hopefully coming in book two. Ya girl needs that rich backstory 👏🏻

It’s lush, tense, semi-steamy, and delightfully dramatic. It feels calm and fairytale-soft even as conspiracies creep throughout— purposely written, I think, to create a false sense of security. Nothing is as it seems. Looking forward
to more in book two.

[Amber Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved this blend of fae romance, reality-show drama, and looming political danger, you’re almost certainly talking about Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli.

It’s basically “The Bachelor” in the Fae realm—but with imprisonment, deadly trials, political maneuvering, and a high-stakes mystery simmering under every flirtatious glance.

Mae fits that “wildly unprepared but refuses to break” energy so well:

Thrust into a glittering, dangerous court she never asked to be part of

Surrounded by powerful, morally gray princes

Forced to compete while a larger conspiracy unfolds

Holding onto her compassion and stubborn sense of self even when it would be safer to perform

And you’re absolutely right about the structure:

The romantic tension and the murder/conspiracy plot don’t compete—they interlock. The reader starts spotting connections long before the characters do, which creates that delicious dramatic irony. Every kiss feels strategic. Every date feels like a clue. Every prince feels viable in a different way.

Also… yes. The chemistry is weaponized. You pick a favorite, but somehow they all remain compelling.

Your note about continuity hiccups is fair. In a plot this layered—with political intrigue, romantic beats, and mystery threads—tight editing matters. Minor repetition or timeline slips can break immersion, especially when you’re already scanning for clues.

But overall?

It’s lush, tense, romantic, and dangerous in all the right ways.

If you’re recommending it, readers who love:

Fae courts with sharp political edges

Reality-show style romantic competition

Slow-burn mystery woven into romance

A strong, emotionally intelligent FMC

Multiple compelling love interests

…are going to devour it.

If you’d like, I can also recommend similar “Fae Bachelor with murder and politics” vibes—there are a few that hit that same intoxicating mix.

[Rebecca ~ readinginNZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Every moment from now on will be separated into before and after. Everything I do will be as High Princess or High Queen. There’s no me without a title before my name anymore.”

✨ Enemies-to-lovers
✨ Elemental magic & prophecies
✨ Found family
✨ The chosen one
✨ Political intrigue & forced proximity
✨ Multiple love interests

Team Asmo from the start.

The fairytale setting, with lush forests, enchanting castles, and small towns, draws you right in and maintains a sense of calm despite the horrors that emerge.

“I’m broken. And like the mirror, I’ll never be whole again.”

Mae’s journey from a lost bookstore owner to the new High Queen is compelling. She must navigate a world of hidden identities, ancient magic, and political machinations, all while figuring out who to trust. The stakes feel personal, political, and magical all at once.

“I can’t shake the feeling I might be dating my father’s murderer soon.”

The characters are engaging, with enough depth to make you care about their choices. The magic system and world-building are clear and immersive, letting you sink fully into the kingdom without feeling lost.

“What the fuck am I doing? I’m nobody, and they’re all High Princes. Of course they don’t want to marry me, a nobody with zero experience in this world.”

The romance balances nicely with the intrigue and tension, offering moments of banter, yearning, and emotional stakes that feel earned. Multiple perspectives add nuance, giving insights into motivations and alliances without slowing the story.

“Your High Queen has anxiety, but so does everyone.”

Overall, this is a gripping tale of prophecy, romance, and hidden agendas, a strong start to the series that keeps you invested in Mae and the complex, dangerous world she must navigate.

Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share. ✨

[R.G. Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving an advanced reader copy of The Lost Deer Queen.

After the murder of the High King of the Woodland Kingdom and his family, Mae Bailey, a seemingly ordinary citizen, discovers she is the king’s long-lost daughter and sole heir to the throne. Thrust into a world of magic and court intrigue, Mae has to navigate the responsibilities of her new position all while choosing the next High King to rule beside her. However, this is no normal courtship—she must select between five princes from the other high courts in the kingdom. With dark magic beginning to rise from the shadows and threaten the world of the Woodland Kingdom, Mae must hurry to unravel the secrets that risk not only her rule, but her life.

This book is magical. TLDQ is a lush, dark fairytale that brings unique ideas and fresh takes on tropes to the romantasy genre. The Deer Court and the Woodland Kingdom are just beautiful, and H.J. Nichols does an amazing job of creating a world you never want to leave. That being said, it’s not just the vibes that drew me in. The main and side characters are detailed and believable, each with their own arc and journeys—some of which will absolutely shock you at the end. The twist is immaculate, and had my jaw dropping.

Although the romance, spice, and plot were absolutely on point, my favorite part of the book was hands down the FMC, Mae. She’s vulnerable and empathetic, while also maintaining a sense of strength and confidence that’s refreshing in this genre. She just seems so real relatable, and I appreciated the nuanced way the author handled Mae’s mental health struggles.

In summary, I highly recommend picking up a copy of TLDQ. It’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black!

[Madeline McKinney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was instantly set apart from the other romantasies in its incredibly unique world building, fantastical elements, and magic system. The fae and hybrids of the different houses are so incredibly interesting on their own even outside of the context of this story. The levels of whimsy in the magic and settings of this book are sky-high.

It is also was unique in its storytelling... I truly could not tell where this story was going to go. There were many predictable directions it could have leaned, but the way that the ending came together was very different from other fantasy plot lines. For me, in a Bachelor-style, "Who will she choose?" story like this, I tend to attach to one character immediately and it feels predetermined who the FMC ends up with. Also unique about this book, there were aspects of every suitor that I loved, and I really felt as torn as Mae did up until the end.

The cast of characters was very well-rounded and the book was heavily driven by the way they all ebbed and flowed as a group. Elle, Holly, and Ivan, were characters I attached to almost immediately, and I enjoyed seeing their characters flourish. I do hope we see more growth in Mae in the second installment of this series, I would love to see her bloom into the confident leader she absolutely can be.

The only thing that set this book back for me was the writing, which could sometimes feel choppy. A few well placed metaphors or some good old-fashioned prosy dialogue could have done wonders for such a unique story like this one. Some of the dialogue and setting description just felt a little lackluster for a fantasy book with so much whimsy and potential.

[kym ✨ the midnight review · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Deer Queen by HJ Nichols has a premise that drew me in instantly -- think The Princess Bride meets The Bachelorette, but add in magic & murder! ✨

Mae is your ordinary Fae Hybrid -- or so she thinks. When she receives a mysterious letter at her homey bookstore the same day the Royal family is brutally murdered, everything she knows is about to change.

This book is all about the vibes, and they're immaculate. The fairytale setting featuring lush forest, enchanting castle and small town draws you right in and maintains a feeling of calm despite the horrors that show up throughout the book.

Mae's internal conflict at adopting a whole new lifestyle and trying to choose between multiple suitors is real and frustrating.

The suitors -- wow. HJ Nichols serves up the most beautiful characters with the most intense dating drama. The meltdowns, the petty male competition, and the tension (sexual and otherwise) are written so well I felt like I was there.

I honestly would have loved the opportunity to explore the suitors' motivations more.. Koa, Barret and August remained surface level relationships; and Asmo and Marik kept so much back (on purpose, of course.)

I'd also love to delve further into the lore, and the now-dead Royal family. While I fully understand that Mae's choice of suitor seems to be the most pressing issue, I think in her shoes I would be lore diving nonstop in the library.

But the book is already 400 pages so I think that's best saved for the next one.

Altogether this was a really fun, semi steamy novel that delivered a great twist, a prophecy, dark magic, and more.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the author for the gifted ebook copy ✨

[Danielle Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have one word - WOW!!

I picked this up as a prep-read for an upcoming ARC (book two in the series), fully expecting it to “set the stage.” Instead, this book ran all on its own and completely earned its five stars.

The world-building completely pulled me in. I’ve read fantasy where dense lore slows the story down, but this struck the perfect balance. The political tension, the magic, and the layered power dynamics unfolded naturally, making the kingdom feel alive rather than over-explained. The political tension, the magic, and the layered power dynamics unfolded naturally, making it both complex and easy to follow. It was immersive without being heavy and kept me fully engaged from start to finish (prompting a few sleepless nights).

The twists and turns throughout this book kept me fully invested (even though I proudly guessed one early on). Nothing felt predictable or thrown in just for shock value - especially the final reveal, which completely blindsided me and made me reconsider everything that came before it. Watching Mae lose and gain a family in such a short span of time, all while navigating a destiny she never knew was hers, was both heartbreaking and empowering. The developing friendships and romantic relationships genuinely shape Mae's journey, and some of those moments hit just as hard as the larger twists. I especially loved that while the focus remains on Mae, the side characters are given enough depth to make every alliance and betrayal carry real weight.

For a debut novel, this is seriously impressive. H.J. Nichols delivers a fantasy that feels confident, nuanced, and emotionally impactful right from the start. She didn’t just “set up” a series, she built a foundation strong enough to carry everything that follows. I’ve already recommended this to countless people, and after finishing book two, I can say without hesitation that starting this series is a decision you won’t regret. If you’re looking for fantasy that balances heart and high stakes, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

[Vonn Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This feels like the Bachelorette…with antlers and it ends in a cliffhanger.

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️

I don’t really know if we’re in modern times or in a Fae land that comes across as 1300 England…(coffee cups, rosé wine and burgers, anyone??).

Mae is a descendant to the High King of the Woodland Kingdom. After the Royal family is murdered, she finds this out by being summoned to the castle.

She’s to be crowned in a week and then needs to find a prince to marry within three months. Hence the Bachelorette part. It’s a murder mystery with romance and a little bit of spice and the 5 Prince contestants from different houses all bring something to the table. Here’s the lineup:

🫅🏻🫅🏻🫅🏼🫅🏻🫅🏾

2 princes from the powerful House 🐍Serpent: Prince Asmo and Prince Marik. Twins. 🥵
Asmo is a douche. Sometimes 🤔. Like when he’s suddenly aware that Mae is in trouble and tries to rescue her, he’s not one. He’s trying to get under Mae’s skin…is it working?😇
Marik seems nice….buuuuut also could be the prince of Hell 😈, and doesn’t really want to change things.

Then we have House 🐺Canis with the blond Thor look-a-like Prince August🧔🏼‍♀️!
August is sweet, the kisses are nice and he’s a bit of show-off💪🏼

Next we have the House of Vain, oops sorry, I mean House 🐈‍⬛ Panthera and the seemingly easygoing Prince Koa.
Natural born charmer✨Koa is friendly with an annoying sister and a love for the theater🎭.

Last, but not least, we have House 🐻Ursidae with Prince Barrett.
Barrett is a big sweetheart and can count on the High Queens support.

Feelings are (a bit too) quickly caught, Mae doesn’t like any of this, but the kissing is nice…plus there is a plot twist that reminds me of a big book series that has a following. (NOT ACOTAR!)

I had a few issues regarding the story. The modern times stuff/food felt a bit wrong to me, it didn’t fit as well into a Fae land setting. Some things happen and aren’t discussed with Ivan. Mae (who is totally new to this!!) is left to her own devices and doesn’t know how to act. Town folk or world building isn’t really a thing.

All in all, I will be looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to the Greys Promo and the author, for the opportunity to receive an advanced readers copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachael Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to receive this one as an ARC, I don’t typically review a lot of romantasy but I have wanted to since I do read a lot in the genre in my free time. The Lost Deer Queen is a debut fantasy romance that delivers an intriguing blend of magic, romance, and self-discovery. It’s packed full of enchanting moments and mysterious characters.

The world-building is one of the book’s strongest aspects. The author weaves magic seamlessly into a forest kingdom setting, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and mystical. Our protagonist, deer-fae hybrid Mae, is endearing and quick witted and the love interests (yes that is a plural but think more why choose a la the bachelorette, not everyone gets a rose!) bring a good mix of charm, humor, and dark & brooding complexity. The chemistry throughout all the pairings is strong, filled with well-written romantic tension and a few swoon-worthy moments.

The pacing is engaging and pulls the reader in with a good balance of character development and plot progression. The magical system, while not overly intricate, adds an extra layer of excitement to the romance.

Overall, The Lost Deer Queen is an enjoyable contemporary fantasy romance with a captivating premise and engaging romance. If you’re looking for a fun, light read with a touch of enchantment, this book is worth picking up!

Would I read another book by this author? Definitely! And I will be patiently (albeit anxiously) awaiting book two!

📖 Final Rating: 4/5 Stars ✨

[Ashley Hool · Rating 5 out of 5]

🦌The Lost Deer Queen🫅
by H.J. Nichols
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

O.M.G. I am completely OBSESSED and utterly DESTROYED by this amazingly wonderful book!!! I cannot even begin to thank H.J. Nichols for giving me the chance to ARC this book in preparation to read the second ARC ASAP!! 🫶

The Lost Deer Queen is the first book in The Woodland Kingdom Series. I was completely engrossed with this book on page 1. The backstory and the created fae world had me instantly hooked and the character development and plot had me sprinting through the whole rest of the book!

Picture this…a lost princess to the court of the ruling fae family is found after the death of her unknown family. Mae is thrust into a world of magic, court life, becoming queen, and finding a husband within her first month. Who are her suitors you may ask? All of the utterly gorgeous 😍 prince’s from the other courts. This book is the bachelorette of the fae realm and I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH OF IT 🤩 Each prince is attractive and interesting in their own quirky way and I would marry alllllll of them 😆

So excited to start the book 2 TODAY!! The False Serpent King is out at the end of February so get your copy of The Lost Deer Queen now! You will not regret this read!

Content Warning
TLDQ contains the following: 
* Mental illness
* Explicit language
* Sexual content
* Anxiety
* Violence
* Murder
* Self-harm
* Drug use
* Blood
* Grief
* Self-harm

[Trinhelium Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐇.𝐉. 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐬

I really loved the world setup the lore the mix of modern feeling life layered over ancient monarchy traditions made the Woodland Kingdom feel unique.

Mae is an interesting FMC because she feels real in her flaws. She’s not perfectly strategic, not perfectly wise, and sometimes makes choices that feel impulsive or naïve but it tracks with someone who was deliberately kept in the dark about her heritage.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★ ★ ★.𝟓 /𝟓
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: ♥︎⁠ ♥︎ ♥︎/ 𝟓

The courting structure adds a playful tension to an otherwise heavy plot. Instead of the typical love triangle, the rotating focus on multiple princes keeps the romantic energy dynamic. However, emotional connections sometimes take a back seat, I love the spice but some of the connections fell just a smidge flat for me.

Asmo, the self-deprecating man you are, I found him attractive but whinny, in a way he was mean in the beingng which gave the playful heart of enemies to lovers but has glimpses that made him interesting. There were many nice characters but he choice felt obvious, which led us to wonderful heartbreak.

Overall, this feels like a strong setup novel: lots of potential, strong core concept, and characters you want to see grow. That cliff hanger was nice.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:
Dating competition
Unique magic systems
Fantasy monarchy + hidden heir storylines
Forced Proximity & Found Family
Fast-moving political + mystery plots

Thank you to 𝐇.𝐉. 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐬, for this opportunity.