In the Blood

by Kristen Cari

Sometimes, love bites.

Marigold, the future Queen of Aurelius, finds herself at odds with the life that has been forced upon her—especially when it comes time for her to take a husband.

On the day of her debut into society, she runs from responsibility that nips at her heels, falling into another world in the process. Three Fae princes save her from certain death and present her with news that changes everything—faeries are real and an ancient blood curse has stolen their magic. It is now stored in humans, like bottled wine, and the only way to take it back is to drink magic-laced blood. The once proud faeries have been reduced to glorified vampires.

When Marigold learns that she is their only hope for survival, she begins a journey to save the people of this new world and find her way back home. Along the way she meets lions, dragons, and unicorns (oh my) while discovering magic of her own. She must fight against blood-thirsty faeries, self-doubt, and a prophecy that has chosen not only her fate, but her mate.

In the Blood contains depictions of violence, adult situations, and abuse. An age rating of 17+ has been assigned to this book by the author. A full list of tropes and TWs can be found on author's social media accounts.

Genres: Romantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2025

About the author

Kristen Cari is a mom, photographer, former zookeeper, and author (by no means a complete list--hah!)

Her interests include: Anything involving animals and nature. Creative endeavors. Eating delicious food (usually made by her husband). Hyper-fixating on her current obsession (currently rearing monarch caterpillars and releasing butterflies.) Traveling to Europe & daydreaming about moving to Europe. Daydreaming in general. Taylor Swift.

She dislikes: Most large social gatherings (she's TIRED and still recovering from her people pleasing 20s.) Most billionaires and politicians (Taylor, Beyonce, AOC, and Bernie are some notable exceptions). Inequality. Being in a rush. Bell peppers. Group projects/chats. Public speaking.

Fun fact:

She has worked with dozens of primate species including all of the great apes except for chimps. Gorillas are comically serious and are incredible to work with, Orangutans are comically conniving and can take years to win over, Bonobos are party people and are such LOUD woo girls, keepers have to wear ear protection around them.

Reviews

[Cammeo Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads of the year! I couldn’t wait for my ARC and Kristen exceeded my expectations. Her writing is a perfect balance of revealing just enough and leaving you wanting more. I was drawn to so many of the characters and invested in each of their stories that she effortlessly entwines throughout the book. I devoured the last 100 pages and know the ending will have me thinking about it for months until the next book!

[Haley Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Blood is everything I wanted and more. I was completely swept away by the world that Kristen created, and the writing itself is absolutely stunning. There’s a lyrical, immersive quality to the prose that made every page feel alive!

[Amanda Ballou · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a wonderful debut from Kristen Cari, I’d keep my eye on her! Forever grateful to have been blessed to ARC read this book!

From the very beginning I was drawn to Marigold, she’s wild and restless, kind and caring, she’s strong. Watching her come into herself was a treat, and she will hold a special place in my heart. She gives you all the feelings.

The world building and pacing was well done, as was the character development. I can’t wait to see more of my favorites in the next installment. Especially my guy, Raf.

I was left salivating for more. I’ll be impatiently waiting for book two.
This book is for you if you love:
Shadow Daddies
Enemies to Lovers
Grumpy Cinnamon Roll
Slow Burn
Faeries
Shifters

[Tina D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was chosen to read this book as an arc, and boy.. am I glad that I chose to join the team. When I tell you my jaw was on the floor about 500 times, it’s true. Some tropes in this book are love triangle( here for it) enemies to lovers, animal shifters, grumpy vs cinnamon roll, and so much more.

This book follows marigold a girl who is from eredor, who has had a pretty rough life loosing both parents and left in the care of her aunt. She is to go to a ball, a debut, however she takes a quick walk to a garden falls asleep and bam is in a new world. In this new world has fae, she quickly find out her life isn’t always what it seemed. She now is thrown into a world of unknown and secrets revealed, will she make it home? And at what cost?

When I tell you I was kicking my feet, I really fell in love with the characters in this book, I think I was attached the moment I met them, which I think the author did amazing job growing that attachment to the characters. I absolutely loved the magic in this book, and the darkness that it brought. The ending was so climatic my jaw was on the floor at the end. I felt her writing was so easy to read, it wasn’t overly complicated but also felt just complicated enough. All that was revealed left my brain spinning and wanting more! I would definitely recommend reading this one! And there will be a second book, and I’m not sure how I’ll survive waiting on that second book.

[Jamie Coon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!! Just wow!
I finished this ARC this morning and needed to sit with my thoughts for a minute before I typed out my review.
The best depiction I can give is how this story quickly goes from light and magical to dark and perilous! It’s like going from The Sorcerer’s stone to the Deathly Hallows in 500 pages!! I’m tired y’all! I was fighting for my life in this book!!
Marigold had so much growth in this book, and the things that annoyed me about her at first, I came to understand the reasoning for by the end! At first you feel like you’ve read this story before but then it becomes so much more! I can’t wait to see where this story goes!!

[Nisma B · Rating 5 out of 5]

[ARC review]

WOW WHAT A WONDERFUL DEBUT 👏🏼👏🏼

I’m still reeling from the ending. Shocked is an understatement! Kristen Cari truly blew me away with this story. I’m so grateful to have received an ARC of this phenomenal book. I read it in 24 hours because I simply couldn’t get enough.

The characters, the pacing, the twists — everything was so well done. I was completely hooked, and that ending destroyed me in the best way.

An easy 5-star read. A powerful debut that I’ll be thinking about for a long time. Kristen Cari is one to watch!

[Bárbara Moody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fortunate enough to be one of the ARC readers for this amazing book 💅🏻
I am STUNNED, SHOCKED and SHAKEN. It’s 5am, at the time I finished this, just so you know🤠
This was a wiiiiild ride and I most definitely did not expect that last chapter. I am sobbing. This destroyed me, put me back together only to destroy again.
Wow. Just, wow.
If you had any doubts, yes I do think you should read this. If you like faeries, shifters, world walking and being right about your gut feelings, this is for you (I did call some stuff that happened but I was still surprised 🤷🏼‍♀️)

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 🌶️


Wow! What a fantastic read!

First up, we can't skip the twist at the end. I had a small inkling but....this blew me away with the execution and the heartbreak. Seriously....just wow.

Okay, the descriptions of the characters, both physically and emotionally. I truly felt like I knew them all. Raf. My man. I'm looking forward to getting to know him more. Marigold was so complex, my heart broke for her, and I was fired up alongside her, iykyk.

The world building! So unique, fae? vampires? shape shifters? dragons and unicorns?? Yes, please.

I would highly suggest this book, especially if you're a SJM fan. I'm anticipating the 2nd book, and mad I have to wait for it!

*I received this book as an eARC from the author.*

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was extremely lucky to receive this book as an ARC - This world, these characters completely took over my life, my mind, my everything! - It was so good that I had to wait till my kids went to bed so I could fully immerse myself in it, and I stayed up WAYYY past my 'bedtime' for 3 nights in a row to finish this book... I finished at 1am this morning, and I'm already itching for book 2! I'm going to be talking about this book, these characters, everything for a long time to come! - My husband has already had an ear full, and everyone else I know is going to hear about how amazing it is too!! I genuinely can't begin to even explain the way I ate this book up, it made my heart ache, my feet kick, I was giggling like a little girl... it was FANTASTIC.

[Augenee Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and I am excited to see where Marigold's story goes next. I did find the pacing a tiny bit off in the beginning but then it picked up.

It is very similar to ACOTAR in a lot of ways in terms of relationships. I was able to draw parallels and was able to easily guess the outcome, however the overall story is different so if you enjoyed that series you might enjoy this!

I loved the characters especially Louis and Raf and I would love to continue the series and get some more depth! I really would love to learn MORE about Louis and the side characters. I can't wait for book 2.

I rated this book a 4.5 but since goodreads doesnt do half stars I'm bumping to a 5. It does not belong below a 4.5!


I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book contained so many of the elements I love about the romantasy genre. We get some Bridgerton vibes right off the bat in one world, but a lot of our time is spent inside a different world ruled by fae. The magic system was easy to follow and the story flow had just the right amount of tension to keep me wanting to read the next chapter.

All in all this was a wonderful debut and I can’t wait to continue the series!

ALSO I NEED MORE RAF ASAP. That is all. If you like morally grey shadow daddies you will not be disappointed.

*I received an eARC from this author*

[Alysha M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first fantasy book I’ve read. I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for Kristen. I absolutely loved the ending, took me quite a while to read as i’m a slow reader but is a good read for a rainy day. If you love faeries, vampires and people being able to shift to animals you’ll love this book!! Yeah

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bridgerton vs vampire diaries but add shifters and elemental magic= 𝐈𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝
This was such a unique read filled with angst, betrayal, and prophecies that leave you riddled.
📍love triangle
📍enemies to lovers
📍age gap
📍animal shifters
📍shadow daddy
📍grumpy cinnamon roll
📍slow burn
I enjoyed the character growth, the life lessons you can pull from. Marigold is your little rebel who puts kingdoms before herself. All she wants is to live a normal life outside of the court yet tasked with the biggest role of all that can shift everyone’s fate.
What a great debut Kristen and thank you for the arc!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hold on to your heart, this romantasy does not let go.

This book grabs you by the collar and throws you headfirst into a whirlwind of magic, danger, and dangerously intense romance. From the moment the love interests appear (yes, plural 👀), the chemistry sizzles, the banter bites, and the love triangle delivers enough angst to short circuit your emotions. ( If you know, you KNOW, Raf has the chokehold. 😮‍💨 )

Marigold is a witty sharp fmc whose inner monologue is entertaining, every thought brims with wit and raw emotion as she battles her way toward becoming the woman she was always destined to be. Watching her grow into her power was so satisfying!

But let’s talk about the lore! A richly layered fusion of worlds, a beautifully thought out magic system, and a history that pulses with mystery and purpose. That ending?! A full blown emotional explosion. Chaos. Revelations. The kind of cliffhanger that leaves you screaming, “Where’s book two?!”

Cannot wait to see what’s in store for these characters, and so happy I was introduced to Erador!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, wow, wow! What a debut from Kristen!

I was absolutely hooked from page one. The world-building is phenomenal—I could see, feel, and breathe worlds through Kristen’s vivid writing. She paints scenes with such detail that it felt like I was walking alongside the characters.

And let’s talk about the characters: chef’s kiss. Marigold is such a grounded, relatable heroine—I felt her. She’s flawed, real, and someone you can root for wholeheartedly. The tougher themes in this book were handled with such care and tact. Kristen doesn’t shy away from emotional depth, and it hits hard in all the right ways.

As an ARC reader, I was blown away. I couldn’t put it down. Kristen has woven a magical and fantastical world with all the elements: gripping magic, a broody shadow daddy (yes please), a heroine you want to protect and fight beside, and oh yes—SPICE.

5 out of 5 stars. Can’t wait for the next in the series!

[Anissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! In The Blood is going to forever hold a special place in my heart, as this was my first arc! This is an amazing debut by Kristen Cari! I’m already looking forward to the next book in The Forgotten Fae series! The characters and the world were both beautifully written! I can’t wait to be able to dive back into this world!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Blood – 5⭐️

Absolutely loved this! It completely swept me away. The world is magical, the romance is intense, and the main character is beautifully written—soft yet full of strength. It resonated with me on a personal level, and I loved every twist. Can’t wait for the next book in The Forgotten Fae series!

[Katrina Biefeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had potential, but it was hard for me to stay engaged in the middle. Parts were really good, but others were harder for me to focus on. That being said, I’d probably read the sequel.

[Becoming Shelf-Aware · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5!

In The Blood is a thrilling and adventurous romantacy focused on FMC Marigold as she discovers not only herself, but the secrets of her family's past.

A delicious love triangle takes center stage as drama, magic, and secrets begin to unfold around Marigold in the new realm she has stumbled upon. 

I adored this book and just could not put it down. I am fully invested in Marigold's story, and can't wait to see what will become of her in the remainder of the Forgotten Fae series. 

[Haeli S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book while I was traveling, and even though it’s been a little while, I cannot stop thinking about it. From the beginning, I had no idea where the story was going to take me and by the end, I was completely shocked. Like, mouth open, rereading the last few pages, shocked.

What really pulled me in was the world building. I felt like I was there. Every detail was so vivid, so alive. It takes a special kind of writing to transport you like that, and Kristen nailed it.

And the FMC, Marigold, I don’t even know how to explain it, I just felt her. I was with her through everything and the emotional depth of her journey really hit me. I felt so connected to her.

This story had so much heart. The relationships felt real, the emotions were raw in the best way, and nothing felt forced. It was just honest.

I can already tell this will be taking up space in my brain for a long time!I can’t wait to see where this story goes from here. Thank you, Kristen, for giving me the opportunity to read this as an ARC!!

[Cathy Winters kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! Marigold is so captivating. She’s feminine, strong, determined, brave, and she kicks ass when necessary. She’s compassionate, a little naive, but a force to be reckoned with. This book made me feel all the emotions. It’s funny, whimsical, sad, mesmerizing, magical and inspirational. Loved all the intriguing characters, the hot and steamy romances, the intricate world building, the shape shifting…. Loved it all! Can’t wait for the next in the series!!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Blood by Kristen Cari is a portal romance filled with extensive world building, hidden identities, forced proximity, magic, prophecies, curses and all manner of magical creatures!! If you are looking for a story to lose yourself for a while and forget the real world then this book is perfect. You will find yourself transported into a beautiful, but vicious, realm and follow Marigold as she embarks on a journey to save this world she was fated to find and save. The romance is a slow burn and absolutely delicious. I absolutely recommend taking a chance on this debut author, it started off a little slow (not unexpected as you are being introduced to a whole new world and characters), and by the end you will be swept away and anxiously awaiting the next book.

[Kelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was craving a fantasy and this did not disappoint.
The FMC growth was such an amazing journey. The scene setting,the banter, all the mixture of emotions. The unfortunately relatable storyline connected me so much to the FMC. You know the villain is done right when you absolutely hate them with a passion. The twists had my mouth gaping open. I can't wait for book 2 !!

[Kristen Hombsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book and it was even better than I expected! It had everything I love about romantasy books, and it had me feeling allllll the feels. It even made me cry a few times. 😊 No spoilers so I won't go into detail beyond that, but I highly recommend this to anyone who likes Romantasy - you won't be disappointed!
Now I just have to impatiently wait for the rest of the series!

[Natalie Gruentzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was sooooooooo good! I need the next one. It kept me on the edge the entire time. I loved all the characters and the world building and the story and the lust and the passion and the betrayal. There was so much happening that I was so happy reading it.

[Maggie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read fae romantasy! I was gripped from chapter one and had a hard time putting it down. Great pace, there was a never a big lull in the adventure. I loved Marigold the main character and her growth throughout the book. Great world building, plot twists, romance. Can’t wait for book two!!!

[Dianna Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked! From the world building to the characters I loved and the ones I despised from the waiting to find outs to the what happens next. I can’t wait to find out more in the next book!

[Kayla Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down one the best books I have read in a long time! So many OMGGGGG moments and I KNEW IT. Literally can’t wait for part 2!!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

LIKE OMFG…. I need book 2 like I need my lungs to breathe… I am so glad we picked this as our first book to read for my bestie book club. I cannot wait to chisme about this one.

[Tammy-Rose Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW.

The Forgotten Fae : In The Blood by author kristen cari , thanks you for letting me read your Debut Book, a work of art. The love you poured into it.

Please do read your trigger warning ⚠️ before reading this book. Your mental health and wellbeing is priority.

The Twist, The Plot, The History of each and every character and of what happened to the species of Fae and Human relationships. How it got so damming. The Forgotten worlds, the broken promises.

Marigold she's so special, kind and caring. But she does learn the hard way and the most heartbreaking way of being careful of who you trust and give your heart to. You can be easily manipulated, your heart can take a hit of thinking, oh this is love but it shouldn't be like this. Yes people can have a fake mirage of who they are to get what they want, what drives them at their core.

Raf, I'll give you my heart. My grumpy man, your past with your siblings and your parents it really broke my heart. I know two people id love to put a horn through for him. His caring, so caring. He's there for Marigold since the beginning always close never too afar and you'll learn how and why I love him dearly. His shadows can protect me anytime

Yes it's a love Triangle and yes it's hot hot hot...

The ending... Let's just say I need book 2 now... I mean I was left what the holey hell. This book has consumed me. I literally could not go to sleep till I've read the entire thing. It's just completely shocking and had my heart split into so many times. My mind still processing it all...

Release date is 12th July 2025