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The Cradled Common #3
Born For Marble : A Dark, Dystopian Romance
“Take no man.
Bear no children.
I am The Queen of The Cradle.”
In the dystopian land of The Cradle, ten-year-old Tuscany begins her reign. Crowned as Queen and Mother, she endures harsh medical treatments designed to carve a living deity worthy of the people's reverence.
Nurture. Inspire. Endure.
That is her Meaningful Purpose.
But Tuscany is more human than previous queens, becoming trapped in a cycle of mental instability, memory loss, and age regression.
Before she fades away, her father is killed, and her beloved brother takes the throne, granting her a Guardian to protect, guide, and sacrifice himself for her.
Kong the Unbreakable is a seven-foot-tall Guardian with a stoic demeanour and a heart torn between loyalty and honour.
As he stands watch at her door, night after night, he quietly falls in love with the girl hidden behind it, the one too afraid to step outside and be strong.
When Tuscany finally leads a campaign into the desert with Kong at her side, she tastes freedom for the first time. With each step away from her gilded cage, the closer she becomes to her stoic Guardian, and the fiercer her vows and her heart battle within her.
In The Cradle, love is not the goal; it is the rebellion.
⚠Warning: The Cradled Common is a series of interconnecting-standalones. Born For Marble can be read as a standalone, but will be best enjoyed after reading Born For Silk—Tuscany's brother's story.
Bear no children.
I am The Queen of The Cradle.”
In the dystopian land of The Cradle, ten-year-old Tuscany begins her reign. Crowned as Queen and Mother, she endures harsh medical treatments designed to carve a living deity worthy of the people's reverence.
Nurture. Inspire. Endure.
That is her Meaningful Purpose.
But Tuscany is more human than previous queens, becoming trapped in a cycle of mental instability, memory loss, and age regression.
Before she fades away, her father is killed, and her beloved brother takes the throne, granting her a Guardian to protect, guide, and sacrifice himself for her.
Kong the Unbreakable is a seven-foot-tall Guardian with a stoic demeanour and a heart torn between loyalty and honour.
As he stands watch at her door, night after night, he quietly falls in love with the girl hidden behind it, the one too afraid to step outside and be strong.
When Tuscany finally leads a campaign into the desert with Kong at her side, she tastes freedom for the first time. With each step away from her gilded cage, the closer she becomes to her stoic Guardian, and the fiercer her vows and her heart battle within her.
In The Cradle, love is not the goal; it is the rebellion.
⚠Warning: The Cradled Common is a series of interconnecting-standalones. Born For Marble can be read as a standalone, but will be best enjoyed after reading Born For Silk—Tuscany's brother's story.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2025
About the author
Nicci Harris
28 books2,638 followersI write about women who make unattainable men fall hard and forever.
♥ Stalk me please:
https://linktr.ee/author.nicciharris
♥
"She (Nicci) shines in crafting novels that toe the line between dark and dangerous, and sweet and sexy, which culminates into a deliciously sinful story of passion, truth, and acceptance." - Jessica @jessicareadsit
♥ Stalk me please:
https://linktr.ee/author.nicciharris
♥
"She (Nicci) shines in crafting novels that toe the line between dark and dangerous, and sweet and sexy, which culminates into a deliciously sinful story of passion, truth, and acceptance." - Jessica @jessicareadsit
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
November 25, 2025
This was a romance I was waiting for! There was so much to this story and the pain and the backstory were almost unbearable. This world is brutal and cruel but they find a little bit of peace in their private sanctuary. Their was a special connection between them and Long understood his little queen in a way no ome else could. 🥹
This world is horrible and there are lots of triggers to be aware of, so make sure you prepare, but then just buckle up and let Nicci Harris take you on a journey.
My only detractors were that I wanted more time with them as a couple and I still dont understand how their relationship can work long term, as well as how the plot twist near the end works out.
4 Stars
3 on the spice scale
TW: check the authors site, too much to list😅
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
This world is horrible and there are lots of triggers to be aware of, so make sure you prepare, but then just buckle up and let Nicci Harris take you on a journey.
My only detractors were that I wanted more time with them as a couple and I still dont understand how their relationship can work long term, as well as how the plot twist near the end works out.
4 Stars
3 on the spice scale
TW: check the authors site, too much to list😅
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
Read
September 14, 2024Having to wait for Tuscany’s story might just kill me…
November 22, 2025
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: dystopian, taboo
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥1/2
Well worth the wait! Very much an emotional roller coaster ride. Great storyline with fabulous storytelling. I can’t wait to get more from this world!
Trope: dystopian, taboo
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥1/2
Well worth the wait! Very much an emotional roller coaster ride. Great storyline with fabulous storytelling. I can’t wait to get more from this world!
November 27, 2025
I had high hopes for this one. I loved Kong but I struggled connecting with Tuscany.
The twist at the end? The villain uses the h’s womb to create a baby. ☹️
Meanwhile the h and H can be together only at night, away from everyone. Not the happy ending I was hoping for.
The twist at the end? The villain uses the h’s womb to create a baby. ☹️
Meanwhile the h and H can be together only at night, away from everyone. Not the happy ending I was hoping for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️/2 🌶️
This book started with me bawling my eyes out. My whole heart went straight to Tuscany. That girl has been through so much. Her character is written so vividly that you can feel her anxiety, her struggles and the way her mind works. It’s raw, it’s painful and it’s so beautifully done.🥹
And Kong? That man is wow. I genuinely thought Rome was my favorite of the series, but now… I’m seriously questioning everything. Kong came in and stole the spotlight without even trying.
I’ll keep this short because this is one of those stories you need to experience yourself without spoilers. But here’s what I will say: this book will break your heart, make you cry, make you ache… and then slowly piece you back together until you’re so full of happiness you want to hug the main characters yourself 💜
This was such an emotional but a stunning read!🙌🏼
Trope: Age - gap, Innocent fmc
This book started with me bawling my eyes out. My whole heart went straight to Tuscany. That girl has been through so much. Her character is written so vividly that you can feel her anxiety, her struggles and the way her mind works. It’s raw, it’s painful and it’s so beautifully done.🥹
And Kong? That man is wow. I genuinely thought Rome was my favorite of the series, but now… I’m seriously questioning everything. Kong came in and stole the spotlight without even trying.
I’ll keep this short because this is one of those stories you need to experience yourself without spoilers. But here’s what I will say: this book will break your heart, make you cry, make you ache… and then slowly piece you back together until you’re so full of happiness you want to hug the main characters yourself 💜
This was such an emotional but a stunning read!🙌🏼
Trope: Age - gap, Innocent fmc
November 25, 2025
“Born for Marble” is the story of Tuscany and Kong.
A forbidden romance between the tortured, traumatized queen and her protective guard. We know about her from the previous books, but now we see graphic details of the torture she went through, and the sacrifices she made while being molded as the perfect queen. When she finally gets a chance to move out of her cocoon and experience life, the man who has always loved her is there for her, and she wants more.
Bittersweet story with loads of heartbreak, a slow burn romance and a hopeful ending.
I adored the heroines resilience and the hero’s devotion towards her.
Safe
3/5
A forbidden romance between the tortured, traumatized queen and her protective guard. We know about her from the previous books, but now we see graphic details of the torture she went through, and the sacrifices she made while being molded as the perfect queen. When she finally gets a chance to move out of her cocoon and experience life, the man who has always loved her is there for her, and she wants more.
Bittersweet story with loads of heartbreak, a slow burn romance and a hopeful ending.
I adored the heroines resilience and the hero’s devotion towards her.
Safe
3/5
November 26, 2025
Dual style narration 5/5🎧
Story 4/5⭐️
Spice 3/5🌶️
This one was very unexpected and I liked it, it was somewhat safe MMC turned out to be celibate for approximately 7 years (there were moments when I thought we were going to get those pesky OW scenes but even though close “the other shoe didn’t drop”! - much to my relief and joy!) The ending felt a bit abrupt and I wish we got more moments of their future together….
Story 4/5⭐️
Spice 3/5🌶️
This one was very unexpected and I liked it, it was somewhat safe MMC turned out to be celibate for approximately 7 years (there were moments when I thought we were going to get those pesky OW scenes but even though close “the other shoe didn’t drop”! - much to my relief and joy!) The ending felt a bit abrupt and I wish we got more moments of their future together….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
This was so much more than I was expecting from this story. The level of trauma Tuscany faced was insane. It was interesting and honestly, pretty refreshing, to see a coping mechanism like age regression used in response to that. It's hard to read sometimes because it's uncomfortable to see a grown woman want to carry around a stuffie or hide under the bed, but that's the point. Trauma doesn't always sharpen someone into a blade, like we see far too many times in romantasies. And of course, there's her relationship with Kong. That, too, is uncomfortable to read at times, because the "little queen" nickname was used when she was both a child and his sexual interest. But I think Harris did a good job of not letting it get creepy.
The second book is a standalone from my understanding and while it wasn't my favorite, I am glad to have gotten some insight into the "shadows", as they are a big part in keeping the Trade master in control of things in this novel. This was the perfect follow up to Rome's story and I am very much looking forward to what comes next.
The second book is a standalone from my understanding and while it wasn't my favorite, I am glad to have gotten some insight into the "shadows", as they are a big part in keeping the Trade master in control of things in this novel. This was the perfect follow up to Rome's story and I am very much looking forward to what comes next.
November 29, 2025
3.5☆
I loved Born for Silk it remains my favorite of this series. Born for Lace & Marbel sadly haven't stacked up the same for me. It was the plot that captured me in the first book, the world building, the love story. Book two and three seem to have swapped out plot for smut which leaves them feeling a little lackluster imo.
I loved Kong & Tuscany in book one, but that essence seemed a bit lost in this book. Also this didn't feel like a hea at all, but a backhanded one at that with how things turned out. A love still hidden in the dark and the other part i don't want to spoil just seemed so off base. I agreed with Rome on that one.
I loved Born for Silk it remains my favorite of this series. Born for Lace & Marbel sadly haven't stacked up the same for me. It was the plot that captured me in the first book, the world building, the love story. Book two and three seem to have swapped out plot for smut which leaves them feeling a little lackluster imo.
I loved Kong & Tuscany in book one, but that essence seemed a bit lost in this book. Also this didn't feel like a hea at all, but a backhanded one at that with how things turned out. A love still hidden in the dark and the other part i don't want to spoil just seemed so off base. I agreed with Rome on that one.
November 22, 2025
4.5 stars, 3.5 on the spice scale.
I was really looking forward to this one because I’ve loved the series so far, and we’d already seen glimpses of this couple in Book 1. As always, Nicci Harris does such a brilliant job of immersing you in the world and making you care deeply about the characters.
That said, this book is very dark and heartbreaking, especially in the first half. So definitely check the content warnings before diving in. Tuscany’s journey is harrowing, and it was tough to read about everything she’s endured and how she’s still struggling. But the writing is powerful, and the relationship that develops between her and Kong is both tender and forbidden, which makes it all the more compelling.
There’s a lot of political intrigue, danger, and emotional intensity, and while it’s a sad story, I couldn’t look away. For me, book 2 is still the standout in the series, but this one comes next—it’s beautifully written, devastating, and unforgettable.
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
I was really looking forward to this one because I’ve loved the series so far, and we’d already seen glimpses of this couple in Book 1. As always, Nicci Harris does such a brilliant job of immersing you in the world and making you care deeply about the characters.
That said, this book is very dark and heartbreaking, especially in the first half. So definitely check the content warnings before diving in. Tuscany’s journey is harrowing, and it was tough to read about everything she’s endured and how she’s still struggling. But the writing is powerful, and the relationship that develops between her and Kong is both tender and forbidden, which makes it all the more compelling.
There’s a lot of political intrigue, danger, and emotional intensity, and while it’s a sad story, I couldn’t look away. For me, book 2 is still the standout in the series, but this one comes next—it’s beautifully written, devastating, and unforgettable.
*Thank you to the author for an ARC of this title.*
November 21, 2025
Oh little Tuscany how I hurt for you, you deserved all the love
ARC Review.
Oh how I didn’t want this book to end. I made myself stretch it out, forced myself to take my time cause I knew I wouldn’t want it to end.
I loved this book so much I can’t even begin to explain. A hurt heroine who is still strong, and her guardian who I instantly fell in love with. This story is beautiful and so good. I cannot recommend it enough.
A beautifully written story with such detail and depth.
Nicci Harris the writer you are! You create all my favourite book boyfriends
ARC Review.
Oh how I didn’t want this book to end. I made myself stretch it out, forced myself to take my time cause I knew I wouldn’t want it to end.
I loved this book so much I can’t even begin to explain. A hurt heroine who is still strong, and her guardian who I instantly fell in love with. This story is beautiful and so good. I cannot recommend it enough.
A beautifully written story with such detail and depth.
Nicci Harris the writer you are! You create all my favourite book boyfriends
March 5, 2026
All the 4 and 5 star reviews are LIES! Though the writing and world building was good throughout the ending was TRASHHHHHHHH!!!! Of the HIGHEST MAGNITUDE. I have never been so disgusted by the ending of a book then this. The ending alone has turned this book into a 1 star rating for me, and in all honesty "I would give it a zero, but since I can't I have given it a 1.
The author is sick and I tried to look past it because the writing and plot line was atleast good but now that I have gotten to the ending of yet another one of her stories it cannot be denied.
She has a weird obsession with the "Big Alpha Male" and "Small little girl" trope and it's gross. Particularly in this book when you add in the age gap element that this story has. I excused it for the majority of the story because the FMC has power in their dynamic, but with the way the story ended its honestly not enough. Sooo yeah Im done with this series and this author. Lets stop romanticizing weird stuff.
OH AND it's not cute for the FMC to find out at the end of the story that a embryo was created and then implanted with her and her assaulters DNA. ITS SICK NICCI!
The author is sick and I tried to look past it because the writing and plot line was atleast good but now that I have gotten to the ending of yet another one of her stories it cannot be denied.
She has a weird obsession with the "Big Alpha Male" and "Small little girl" trope and it's gross. Particularly in this book when you add in the age gap element that this story has. I excused it for the majority of the story because the FMC has power in their dynamic, but with the way the story ended its honestly not enough. Sooo yeah Im done with this series and this author. Lets stop romanticizing weird stuff.
OH AND it's not cute for the FMC to find out at the end of the story that a embryo was created and then implanted with her and her assaulters DNA. ITS SICK NICCI!
November 25, 2025
PERFECTION, MASTERPIECE! This book was everything I knew it would be and more!
Tuscony and Kong are so perfectly suited for one another
This story is so horrifically tragic but also healing at the same time.
I won’t say much as I don’t went to spoil it for you all when you finally get to read it
But Nicci omg, I will forever tell you how incredibly talented you are, the way you write is purposeful and with the intent to your readers feel every single emotion
(Sorry, I should add that I had the absolute honour of beta reading this story🖤)
Tuscony and Kong are so perfectly suited for one another
This story is so horrifically tragic but also healing at the same time.
I won’t say much as I don’t went to spoil it for you all when you finally get to read it
But Nicci omg, I will forever tell you how incredibly talented you are, the way you write is purposeful and with the intent to your readers feel every single emotion
(Sorry, I should add that I had the absolute honour of beta reading this story🖤)
November 24, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Born for Marble is the 3rd book in the Cradled Common series and one I was highly anticipating after the first book. I was frustrated when Nicci Harris didn't immediately tell Tuscany's story in book 2, but I should know to trust Nicci's genius. This book was definitely worth the wait! It is a much more heartbreaking and emotional story than the previous two. Even though it was difficult to read with all the suffering and abuse Tuscany experienced, it was also a beautiful journey of strength and self-discovery.
Tuscany is the sister to Rome, from Born for Silk. She was excited to become the Queen of the Cradle at 10 years old, but her life was drastically altered when she was forced to go under a procedure that would forever take away her ability to have children. She also suffers through medical procedures so she doesn't age and ECT to keep her in line.
Her own father forced her to undergo these painful procedures and her brother Rome kills him once he learns of the abuse. Unfortunately the damage has already been done and Tuscany undergoes age regression to cope with her reality. The only person who protects and supports her completely is her brother's guard, Kong the Unbreakable. He sleeps outside her door and puts her above everything else.
Tuscany is finally going on her own mission to see the people and Kong will be her protector. This amps up the tension and longing between the characters. Their relationship is forbidden and angsty. The slow burn was killing me in the best way.
Kong was EVERYTHING!!! His devotion and love for his little queen were beautiful to read. I loved how he helped her through her mental health struggles and helped Tuscany find her strength.
There were some exciting twists and turns that truly shocked me. Nicci Harris is a masterful storyteller and she has built such a complex post-apocalyptic world that has captivated me completely. I highly recommend this series and this author.
Thank you to Nicci Harris for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Born for Marble is the 3rd book in the Cradled Common series and one I was highly anticipating after the first book. I was frustrated when Nicci Harris didn't immediately tell Tuscany's story in book 2, but I should know to trust Nicci's genius. This book was definitely worth the wait! It is a much more heartbreaking and emotional story than the previous two. Even though it was difficult to read with all the suffering and abuse Tuscany experienced, it was also a beautiful journey of strength and self-discovery.
Tuscany is the sister to Rome, from Born for Silk. She was excited to become the Queen of the Cradle at 10 years old, but her life was drastically altered when she was forced to go under a procedure that would forever take away her ability to have children. She also suffers through medical procedures so she doesn't age and ECT to keep her in line.
Her own father forced her to undergo these painful procedures and her brother Rome kills him once he learns of the abuse. Unfortunately the damage has already been done and Tuscany undergoes age regression to cope with her reality. The only person who protects and supports her completely is her brother's guard, Kong the Unbreakable. He sleeps outside her door and puts her above everything else.
Tuscany is finally going on her own mission to see the people and Kong will be her protector. This amps up the tension and longing between the characters. Their relationship is forbidden and angsty. The slow burn was killing me in the best way.
Kong was EVERYTHING!!! His devotion and love for his little queen were beautiful to read. I loved how he helped her through her mental health struggles and helped Tuscany find her strength.
There were some exciting twists and turns that truly shocked me. Nicci Harris is a masterful storyteller and she has built such a complex post-apocalyptic world that has captivated me completely. I highly recommend this series and this author.
Thank you to Nicci Harris for providing the ARC.
November 22, 2025
ARC REVIEW - I went into this book blind as I do all my books to ensure an open mind. I don't read trigger warnings they don't apply to my little black heart.
Now the book review, the story is set in a dystopian world which I felt was very grand and opulent and my imagination went to somewhere very much like Star Wars and the battle between good and evil but on a much better scale here in this book.
Tuscany in the early scenes is a happy playful child who wants to make everyone smile and she does. Her father is the Sire/King and the children are educated early on to follow his footsteps. She is chosen to be Queen Mother to all in their kingdom but to do this role she endures the removal of her womb and her skin is peeled to ensure she is beauty and perfection to all of those around here she also receives Electric shock treatment.
Through her life one man has been a constant the Heir's Guardian Kong he has sat many a time outside her door protecting her and when outside her door wasn't enough by her bedside his love for her is forbidden he is not allowed to touch her ever no man is, but as they travel on the tour together Tuscany's need for the truth keeps pushing them closer and closer together, the yearning and forbidden relationship was very much like Romeo and Juliette one of my favourite books of all time and I just devoured their love like a woman suffering PMS needs chocolate!
Please don't judge this book on its cover this book is more than just a sexy hot guy falling for a girl. The storyline is nothing I have read before and I've read hundreds of books before this, I didn't know where the plot was going at any point and I loved that.
We have so many tropes here Forbidden Romance/forced proximity/secret affair/touch her and die/age gap etc and the spice is written so natural into the book it doesn't feel forced or for ratings sake and it's hot!!
The Kindle and Audiobook are out on 25th November can I suggest you RUN to buy? It's truly an emotional rollercoaster of a book that I love!
#booktok #bookstagram #forbiddenromance
Now the book review, the story is set in a dystopian world which I felt was very grand and opulent and my imagination went to somewhere very much like Star Wars and the battle between good and evil but on a much better scale here in this book.
Tuscany in the early scenes is a happy playful child who wants to make everyone smile and she does. Her father is the Sire/King and the children are educated early on to follow his footsteps. She is chosen to be Queen Mother to all in their kingdom but to do this role she endures the removal of her womb and her skin is peeled to ensure she is beauty and perfection to all of those around here she also receives Electric shock treatment.
Through her life one man has been a constant the Heir's Guardian Kong he has sat many a time outside her door protecting her and when outside her door wasn't enough by her bedside his love for her is forbidden he is not allowed to touch her ever no man is, but as they travel on the tour together Tuscany's need for the truth keeps pushing them closer and closer together, the yearning and forbidden relationship was very much like Romeo and Juliette one of my favourite books of all time and I just devoured their love like a woman suffering PMS needs chocolate!
Please don't judge this book on its cover this book is more than just a sexy hot guy falling for a girl. The storyline is nothing I have read before and I've read hundreds of books before this, I didn't know where the plot was going at any point and I loved that.
We have so many tropes here Forbidden Romance/forced proximity/secret affair/touch her and die/age gap etc and the spice is written so natural into the book it doesn't feel forced or for ratings sake and it's hot!!
The Kindle and Audiobook are out on 25th November can I suggest you RUN to buy? It's truly an emotional rollercoaster of a book that I love!
#booktok #bookstagram #forbiddenromance
November 25, 2025
A touching romance masterpiece. In a dystopian world filled with rules and restrictions, Tuscany and Kong's forbidden love story is beautiful and full of yearning.
Tuscany is Queen of the Cradle. She is carved, trained and formed into the perfect, virginal goddess figure to be admired and adored. Kong is her brothers protector who has watched over her and protected her from afar for many years. He is burdened with the guilt of not being able to save her from the horrors she has lived through and the trauma she has survived.
NH has written a story so beautifully sensitive to Tuscany and her mental health. This story explores Kongs support and patience while Tuscany learns to live with her PTSD, age regression and BPD. He becomes her safe space where she can be herself without expectation. Tuscany had me in tears so many times. I've never wanted a happy ending for a character more. And this story arc is perfect. How this sometimes challenging narrative arc concludes could not be better. So much growth for these characters. And so much healing.
Mental illness representation
Spice.
Age Gap.
Possessive protector
Tuscany is Queen of the Cradle. She is carved, trained and formed into the perfect, virginal goddess figure to be admired and adored. Kong is her brothers protector who has watched over her and protected her from afar for many years. He is burdened with the guilt of not being able to save her from the horrors she has lived through and the trauma she has survived.
NH has written a story so beautifully sensitive to Tuscany and her mental health. This story explores Kongs support and patience while Tuscany learns to live with her PTSD, age regression and BPD. He becomes her safe space where she can be herself without expectation. Tuscany had me in tears so many times. I've never wanted a happy ending for a character more. And this story arc is perfect. How this sometimes challenging narrative arc concludes could not be better. So much growth for these characters. And so much healing.
Mental illness representation
Spice.
Age Gap.
Possessive protector
November 26, 2025
Born for Marble
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh Nicci Harris, the chokehold this Common Cradle series has on me is unreal and Born for Marble just keeps it going.
Tuscany and Kong's story drew me in from the beginning and I was done. My heart breaks for Tuscany, how she was so happy to be Queen and then broken immediately by the harsh truth of what was being done to her.
Oh Kong, Tuscany's Guardian who swears to protect her from the monster's and helps to keep her grounded. How can you not swoon when he says, "As you wish".
Everything in this book left me wanting more, in a good way. I didn't want it to end. Along with the love story, the dystopian background, political system, and social class breakdowns make this such an interesting read.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Oh Nicci Harris, the chokehold this Common Cradle series has on me is unreal and Born for Marble just keeps it going.
Tuscany and Kong's story drew me in from the beginning and I was done. My heart breaks for Tuscany, how she was so happy to be Queen and then broken immediately by the harsh truth of what was being done to her.
Oh Kong, Tuscany's Guardian who swears to protect her from the monster's and helps to keep her grounded. How can you not swoon when he says, "As you wish".
Everything in this book left me wanting more, in a good way. I didn't want it to end. Along with the love story, the dystopian background, political system, and social class breakdowns make this such an interesting read.
January 21, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
A great dystopian romance series, every book has been amazing. Kong is Tuscany’s guardian. He is her protector yet is the reason she breaks her unjust vows. He knows what she needs even when she does not. The way Kong cares for Tuscany is so sweet. Tuscany views herself as “little” and experiences a “skinny reality” when she is having an episode. While she thinks she fails as being the marble queen, Kong sees her strength and is so proud of Tuscany for surviving and not breaking. Forbidden love at its finest!
A great dystopian romance series, every book has been amazing. Kong is Tuscany’s guardian. He is her protector yet is the reason she breaks her unjust vows. He knows what she needs even when she does not. The way Kong cares for Tuscany is so sweet. Tuscany views herself as “little” and experiences a “skinny reality” when she is having an episode. While she thinks she fails as being the marble queen, Kong sees her strength and is so proud of Tuscany for surviving and not breaking. Forbidden love at its finest!
Did Not Finish
December 4, 2025DNF 25% - I love this series, but I’ve had to force myself through every chapter of this book. I don’t feel connected to any of the characters. The portrayal of the heroine’s mental health feels flat and stereotypical "mentally unwell woman." And the fact that the hero is attracted her when she is SO unwell feels so gross rather than swoony. The heroine’s campaign and it just isn’t compelling enough to function as the central plot. I am so immensely disappointed.
May 13, 2026
Solid installment in the series. I experienced every high and low with this story, even if I’m still not confident I caught all the subtext or allusions. Writing a protagonist with mental or emotional disturbances is always a delicate balancing act, but I found Kong’s consistent check-ins with Tuscany incredibly reassuring. Seeing him prioritize her well-being during pivotal moments really assuaged my concerns regarding their power dynamics.
November 25, 2025
I have been waiting for Tuscany and Kong's story and it did not disappoint. Set in a dark, dystopian world, this is a story of hope, forbidden love, and healing.
This story broke my heart in the best possible way. The forbidden relationship, the tension, the longing—every moment builds toward one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read.
This story broke my heart in the best possible way. The forbidden relationship, the tension, the longing—every moment builds toward one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read.
November 25, 2025
So lucky to be giving you an ARC review on this amazing book. I love the Kong's loyalty, both to Tuscany & to Rome. How he is able to get through to both of them in different ways. I love the story development, and the acts of love shown throughout. And with Bled, Essen, Rome... I just couldn't be happier with how things turned out, with their relationships to Tuscany. The mental health struggles were written so well, and were equally f***ed up as they were beautiful. The way he would ask, are you feeling Strong or Little... 😍🥰 So many things.
Just when I think I can't love characters more, I read another one of Nicci's books.
Just when I think I can't love characters more, I read another one of Nicci's books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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November 30, 2025I absolutely love this series!
March 5, 2026
they just get better and better 😭 nicci i need 10+ books in this world pls i beg 😭😭😭
March 26, 2026
DNF 22%
Her mental illness was represented in a very flat way that made her seem so childish and with the age gap , everything felt wrong between the couple.
Her mental illness was represented in a very flat way that made her seem so childish and with the age gap , everything felt wrong between the couple.
December 5, 2025
ok
A little disappointed in the story line, I wanted more from them as a couple. My least favourite in the series I think
A little disappointed in the story line, I wanted more from them as a couple. My least favourite in the series I think
December 20, 2025
Read for bookclub!
December 25, 2025
ARC REVIEW
Fable Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Goodreads Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Genre: Dystopian Romance
Tropes:
🖤mf romance
🖤hero obsessed
🖤age gap
🖤forbidden romance
🖤ptsd and age regression
Format: ebook
Pages: 464
Spice: 4 🌶️
S/S: The Cradled Common
Check trigger warnings for any book
These books are so good. I can’t wait for more. Whose story is next?
Lillian - @lillianbookreviews on instagram
Fable Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Goodreads Rating: 5/5 ⭐
Genre: Dystopian Romance
Tropes:
🖤mf romance
🖤hero obsessed
🖤age gap
🖤forbidden romance
🖤ptsd and age regression
Format: ebook
Pages: 464
Spice: 4 🌶️
S/S: The Cradled Common
Check trigger warnings for any book
These books are so good. I can’t wait for more. Whose story is next?
Lillian - @lillianbookreviews on instagram
Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews