A Fated Kiss: An Epic Adventure Romantasy

by Daniela A. Mera

She's betrothed to the king, while mated to another.

Arlet crossed into the elven kingdom to save Enduvida from war. To do so, she must become everything the court demands—graceful, obedient, and a vessel for as many heirs as King Arion desires.

In the weeks that lead up to her wedding, she is thrown into a court full of intrigue and chaos.

The main problem? King Arion's conflict with his sister Mrath.

Vann stands at the enemy’s side, aiding a coup that could shatter the throne itself. He swears he is fighting for Arlet. For their future. But his lies once nearly destroyed them—and trust, once broken, is not easily restored.

As rebellion brews and crowns begin to crack, Arlet must Will she marry the king to save her people… or risk everything on the mate who betrayed her?A Fated Kiss is the epic romantasy sequel to A Cursed Bite. It's perfect for fans of Ruby Dixon, Laura Thalassa, and Rebecca Yarros.

Genres: Romantasy

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2026

About the author

Daniela A. Mera was born into a royal Fae family in Scotland. She was a free spirit who loved traveling and cloud watching while laying velvet-soft grass. When she came of age, her mother forced her to travel to Las Vegas in order to kill a dragon and conquer a neighboring kingdom.

The dragon turned out to be a man, whom she fell wildly in love with. The couple ran away to the gentle hills of Mexico where Daniela ate lots of tacos and fruits the size of her head.

Something along those lines, anyway.

She writes whimsical tales full of lore all around the world, full of emotionally available men and women who run the world. She can be found listening to sappy romance ballads while writing scenes meant to emotionally damage her readers.

When not writing, Daniela can be found doing yoga and playing video games. Join her newsletter for freebies at: www.danielaamera.com

Reviews

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for providing me an ARC copy. This review is in my own words, left of my own volition.

Vann and Arlet, last I was with them, they were torn apart. Her on a ship, him on an island of witches. This is exactly where A Fated Kiss begins.

This duet is very character driven. It is Arlet's journey as she is cursed and traded. As she finds herself while being buried by others. Figuring out who really loves her. This installment was particularly heartbreaking. She is tortured and lost. Broken down and humiliated. She loses hope... but hope doesn't lose her.

There is a depth to Arlet that spoke to me. I felt her sorrow, her pain, her loss. I rejoiced for her when she found strength. She finds love too in a softer way.

I loved this duet, the careful consideration Arlet has for each being. Her love of life and wanting the best. The cruelties she faces that mirror tragedies that could happen in real life. The beauty and tenderness throughout and particularly at the end. This is fantasy that questions and heals. That low key says, you have a strength too, you only need search.

Highly recommended read!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Forced Marriage
✨ Fated Mates
✨ Political Intrigue
✨ Magic and Curses
✨ Angst & Redemption
✨ Groveling Hero
✨ High-stakes Romance
✨ HEA
🌶️🌶️

A Fated Kiss by Daniela A. Mera, book two in a duet, is one of those stories where the emotional weight really stays with you.

Arlet’s journey pulled at my heart the most. She’s forced into an impossible situation, choosing a path shaped by pain but believing it’s the right one—and all the while, she’s being used as a pawn in King Arion’s game. That tension between duty and desire made her story feel especially powerful.

And then there’s Vann… who fully knows he messed up—and messed up badly. But what makes him unforgettable is that he doesn’t run from it. He owns it. He’s relentless in his love, determined to earn Arlet back no matter the cost, and honestly… can we take a moment to appreciate a man who refuses to give up on the woman he loves? Because yes, I absolutely swooned.

The story is layered with court intrigue, power dynamics, and a strong sense of stakes that keeps everything feeling tense and immersive. And of course, the fated mates element delivers exactly what you want: that undeniable pull, the angst of separation, the longing, the yearning. It’s a slow, emotional burn filled with betrayal, healing, and the kind of love that has to be rebuilt—not just claimed—and it delivers exactly the kind of emotional payoff you want from a romantasy.

After everything these characters endure—the heartbreak, the missteps, the impossible choices—the ending feels earned. It’s joyful in a way that doesn’t erase the pain, but honors it. The kind of ending that makes you sit back, exhale, and think: yes… this is what we were fighting for. If you love romantasy, this duet is absolutely one to pick up.

Special thanks to the author for the gifted copy 🫶🏻

[Christina Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fated Kiss by Daniela A. Mera is the second installment in the series following A Cursed Bite, and centers on Vann and Arlet’s story.

I’d recommend reading Entangled with the Enduar first, as it adds helpful context and makes for a more enjoyable experience overall.

I really enjoyed Arlet and Vann’s journey. Their story felt stronger to me, and I loved the adventure that ultimately brings them together. The romance is a great mix of grumpy/sunshine and enemies-to-friends-to-lovers, and I appreciated that it wasn’t instant love. The slow build made their connection feel more meaningful.

I’m giving this 4 stars mainly due to some repetitive moments throughout the story. Other than that, it was an engaging read, and I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment, Liana’s story.

I received an ARC for my honest review.

[Beth’s Book Collection · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re very brave,” she says, voice nearly a whisper. “I don’t feel brave.”
“Brave doesn’t have to be a feeling.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

What you'll find in this book:
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Monster Romance
• Grovelling
• Masquerade Ball
• Fated Mates
• Who Did This To You
• Trauma Healing
• Forced Proximity

I am a huge fan of Daniela's writing having been reading her books since The Blood Tournaments series, and this duet has exceeded my expectations and then some. Intertwining with the Entangled with the Enduar series we return to this gorgeously crafted world that Daniela has created following the nothing short of heartbreaking ending to book one, getting to explore the wider reaches of what there is to offer and what a wild ride that it is. We jump straight back into the action for a pulse pounding and emotion packed journey to try and reach that happily ever after that Arlet and Vann so deserve following everything that they have been through. There is grovelling, there is yearning and there is a fated love that is built to withstand all of the tests thrown up against it.

I cannot sufficiently articulate how much I respect the fertility representation and trauma healing that Daniela captures within this duet, how she ensures that this is hard hitting and impactful, as it rightly should be, while being so careful and considerate. This is a massive part of Arlets past and shapes who she has become and feels like such an important part of the story that would feel remiss if it didn't feature in the way that it does. Arlet is so unbelievably strong despite how she begins to feel during this book, how when all hope appears to be lost she still finds that spark of hope inside herself to fight for herself and for the bond between herself and Vann. Despite how frustrating her decisions can be she does everything with the best intentions at heart, willing to sacrifice herself and her happiness for the betterment of those around her. Vann has got a hill to climb in this book, with the actions he has taken coming back to bite him he has some serious making up to do and damn does he deliver.

Packed to the brim with emotions, this book made me cry, with slow moments that broke my heart intermingled with pulse pounding moments where the stakes couldn't be higher and time running out. With Arlet having to navigate the nuances and political subtleties of the Elven Court with Vann racing to save her in time from her fate this conclusion to the duet is bound to have you captivated. Using a unique magical system that we continue to explore in this book, as well as the introduction of the elven magical system this continues to elevate this book into the fresh and unique one that it is. With both old and new characters coming to the forefront within this story, I am beyond excited to see where Daniela takes the next story set in this world.

Thank you so much to the author for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.

Author: Daniela A. Mera
Series: Bound to the Enduar
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: April 3rd, 2026
Pages: 386

[Kasey Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for a review of this book. Spoilers below!

I am a huge fan of Daniela's writing and the world she's created with the Enduar series. I was so drawn in by the first duology and then fell in love with Arlet and Vann's relationship. I enjoyed A Cursed Bite and had high hopes for A Fated Kiss. There were some elements of the storyline and writing that grabbed me and other portions fell short.

I enjoyed the evolving dynamics between Nehvaris and Arlet, but I felt like there was room for more. This was a central part of Arlet finding her strength and I found myself wanting additional pages devoted to it. I also think that the development and eventual reveal of her powers could've used more fleshing out. It seemed like we got glimpses here and there but the build up didn't land when the truth came out. I wanted more scenes between Castien and Arlet. It feels like her magical training was very brief and skimmed over.

I also felt like the cruelty of King Arion and his court plateaued after a certain point, which highlighted how resigned Arlet was becoming to her situation. The slowly dawning horror of the consequences of Arlet's decision was very compelling. Her interactions with the elves and losing all of her autonomy made this portion of this book a tough read. They wanted her pristine and docile down to leeching the freckles out of her body, starving her, and collaring her. This all heightened the poignance of the moment where Arlet thinks she's hallucinating Vann. She's tucked her psyche so far inside herself to survive that she can no longer tell what's real anymore.

I thought the interactions between Vann and the Brujas were interesting. It seems like he traded one debt for another when he begged for his heart back. I'm curious how that will pan out in future books and what the consequences may be if Vann or Teo can't deliver. Vann's twofold reaction to regaining his heart underscored his journey back to himself and to Arlet. His physical and emotional warmth redeveloping impacted his relationships. It also helped him regain his mate. I also found it interesting that the Brujas who were isolated to the island were revealed to have knowledge of the enslaved humans. It raises questions about their motives for not intervening.

The portions of the book that fell short for me included the need for additional editing and slow plot development. It seemed like there were missing words or other parts of the book. There were also apostrophes and quotation marks that were not connected to sentences. The beginning of the book is slow and it was hard to get into the story until much later in the book.

Overall I would rate the book 4/5 stars. The spice level was minimal and I would give it a 2/5.

[Xanthe De Backer · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC review

I enjoyed the first book and the main characters so I was looking forward to how Arlet and Vann's story would continue. I am a bit disappointed, I have to say. I think there was a lot of potential in the story, but, at least for me, the author didn't really succeed this time in showing that.

Throughout the book there are quite some issues with the timeline, at one page it will say something about two weeks having passed and a few pages later the characters indicate the passing of months. Then at one point something happens, two days pass and on the third day the characters talk about that thing that happened while saying it happened just the day before. This really threw me out of the story every time.

In addition, the movements of the characters also don't always add up or make sense. At one point someone has to avoid an attack and it is mentioned they back up, implyig they take a step back, but then they are attacked from the back. That means they had their back to their attacker, but knew they were being attacked at stepped toward the attacker... Who would do that? Again, this really threw me out of my willing suspension of disbelief.

For the first part of the book Arlet's chapters don't really move the story forward. She is just waiting it seems. Only towards the 50% marker of the book the main story really started to unfold. In Arlet's chapters before that there is mainly a framing of how bad the bad guys are, but honestly the good versus the bad people are portrayed so black and white that the characters really fell flat and besides that I felt like I got the message after 3 chapters and the other 10 or so weren't really necessary for the development of the story and they just felt like filler.

There are also quite some grammatical errors, where sentences are lacking words or the words are in the wrong order, as well as typos still left in the book (eg Thorn instead of Thorne and Van instead of Vann). I sometimes felt like this work hadn't be proofread and edited. I understand that it is almost impossible to have no errors left in a book of over 400 pages, but there were so many that again I was thrown out of the story quite often. Also because some of these sentences just didn't make sense in the way they were written in the book.

Next, sometimes important seems to happen, like when a warning was being issued, but then the meaning of the content of that warning was so unclear that I just didn't understand what the seriousness of the action actually would entail. At another point, Arlet mentions a funny phrase she is supposed to use very often regarding Vann, but I really don't know what was being referenced there. I really didn't catch on any phrase she used often regarding him.

Finally, building on that last remark. There was all this building up in the book toward Vann having to make up for the events of the 1st book and it just didn't come. I don't even know if Arlet knows why he did what he did, because he didn't really give a reason or explain it. I did really have the feeling that Vann wanted to make up for it, but it feels like he didn't really know how and Arlet didn't really seem motivated to forgive him, until she just did? It wasn't really clear what happened. Because of that they also didn't really feel as the special duo they were supposed to be, a feeling that I did have in the first book.

I did finish it, but I really had to take breakes because I lost my willing suspension of disbelief so often, which is really a shame.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I read a book in this series, I find myself wishing my husband had a tail. Every time. Daniela Mera's "A Fated Kiss“ is book two in Arlet and Vann's duet in the "Bound to The Enduar" romantasy series. Reminding me of lands from Tolkien, we experience the Elven culture in a way we haven't yet in this universe.

𝑨𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝑽𝒂𝒏𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑩𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕, 𝑨𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒓𝒖𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆. 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑶𝒏𝒆, 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘. 𝑽𝒂𝒏𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒇-𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 50 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑨𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒕. 𝑵𝒐𝒘, 𝒉𝒆'𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒏𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔.

"A Fated Kiss“ takes us across Mera's world into the Elven land. All of it reminded me of LOTR- from the land of the Wood Elves to the capital of Rivendell. Mera's equivalent of Rivendell was as cutthroat as it was beautifully opulent. Even the Elven king reminded me of Thranduil.

This book focuses on a lot of political mind games, but the action scenes were vivid and exciting. Arlet and Vann fighting together against beasts was the coolest, and I wish I had more of them! Arlet's power with the Cursed One changes so much in this book, too, and I wonder just how far this power could develop.

🌶. 5 - Vann has some hardcore grovelling to do, and he has a world to travel across to do it. Their relationship takes a backseat (although it's not too far) until they're back together, and it feels like coming back home. The spice is relatively low compared to previous books in the universe, but the love lost and returned is what really shines.

This book also touches on Liana and Castien's storyline, which goes back well over a century. Setting the stage for book three, it is a storyline emerging from the background that was intriguing and intricately woven into this story that has left me wanting more.

I do want to add that this book touches on topics that may be triggering to some readers. As I read, I felt that Mera guided us through these moments with gentleness and care; however, I recommend reviewing the triggers all the same.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author, and so a huge shout out to Daniela A. Mera. This is a spin off of the Entagled in Enduar series, that starts with To Steal A Bride.
In this second installment of the Bound to the Enduar we meet back up with Arlet and Vann. Arlet is a former human Slave that was kept by the Giants ambit was liberated by the Enduarians aka Trolls. Many of her fellow humans have found mates under the mountain and she desperately wants that.
The king of the Elves comes to make an alliance with the trolls and his ask is for a bride. Arlet, is approached as a lady of the court to be this bride. She agrees. But she quickly learns something is amiss with this elf king.

Arlet and Vann try to solve this mystery of what the elf king is really up to and Arlet ends up being captured. But not after her and Vann start to develop feelings but no mate song sings. Arlet learns that Vann lied to her and years ago had his heart removed after his significant other died.

Hurt Arlet agrees to go with the Elf King. This is where book 2 picks up. Arlet is in the elf kingdom and she is supposed to marry the cruel elf king in a matter of weeks. She is viewed as less than by the court but the elves population is dwindling and they need humans to repopulate.

Vann desperately tries to get back to her as he realizes he loves her. But it’s not so easy. While Arlet is preparing for her nuptials Vann is working to steal her away along with Mrath, the kings sister and rightful heir to the throne.

Arlet goes throigh with the wedding only to be attacked and Vann’s attempt to rescue her is thwarted. The king sentences them to a trial where they must fight together 3 rounds of beasts. On their 3rd trial mrath and her assassins attack they’re successful.

Arlet finds out she is pregnant and her and Vann go back to under the mountain where she gives birth to a baby girl.

This was a slow burn, second chance, found family book. There is fade to black and almost no spice. But the yearning is great!

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book!✨

After the cliffhanger of “A cursed bite” I was counting the days ‘till I could get my hands on the sequel.
However, the first impression wasn’t the best. I had to push through the first chapters, I say about 5-10 %. Until Arlet reaches the Elven kingdom basically. But even then, I find that there majority of world building was achieved through the character talking to herself and musing about stuff, which in the long run felt repetitive and tedious.
Staying on Arlet, I get what her storyline was meant to represent but I think, based on how everything was laid, it needed more time to be fully explored and flashed out. It was too rushed. She went from accepting her hate and her “choice” to marry Arion and bear his child to wanting to overthrow him in the span of one night?
The conflict with Vann wasn’t dealt with in a proper way too. I mean, in life-threatening situations most disputes can be laid to the side in the face of peril. But after? We only got one proper conversation between the two and I don’t know but I would’ve loved to see more grovelling.
As it often happens with main characters, they can be a bit annoying and insufferable and unfortunately Arlet doesn’t beat this allegation.
Once the action picked up though, I was fully immersed in the story and eat it up quickly.
As everything was coming to an end I honestly thought that the series was going to be a trilogy, especially after the whole Lord of Shadows and “inner-demons” subplot was introduced. But that just goes to further cement my point that every plot line was rushed and not given the proper attention and justice.

All in all, I did enjoy the political scene and machinations but I feel like it fell flat after the expectations set by the first book.

[Fedythereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I’m on my knees, thanking the author for allowing me the pleasure and honour of reading this beautiful book!!

“I have a little time left to fix this or lose her forever”

“Power is a river, little doe. It flows where it’s earned”

The way I have been dreading and hoping for this book is beyond me. And I was right. Every second was masterful beauty. I had missed these characters so damn much. Arlet and Vann … are the live story I didn’t know I needed. They are the hopeless romantic we all want our own stories to be like. An hopeful young woman who has lost so much and still thinks better times will come who has everything stripped from her, only to be always ready to sacrifice herself for the people she loves. And a grumpy idiot who loves her more than life itself but still thinks he is unworthy of the goodness and love she bestows upon him. But he will do everything in his power to save her. Their moments together and their moments apart. The longing. The hoping. The action sequences (what in the Anakin and Padme trial was that?), the love sequences … I was desperate for them. I was desperate for Vann to just do it !!! And for Arlet to find once again the strength they had taken from her. This book had tough scenes to read (so check your trigger warnings) but these characters have such depth that it was impossible to ignore their emotions and consider them foreign. It was overwhelmingly beautiful. And I will never stop thinking about them!!!! I cannot wait for another story in the Enduar universe !!!!

“I would welcome death if it meant you would touch me again”

“If I speak words, it is because they are true, my flame-haired goddess”

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review for my honest thoughts

I absolutely loved the first book, Vann and Arlet was my absolute favorite couple and book two was one of my most anticipated reads for 2026! I even did a reread of A Curse Bite so I can jump into the next story refreshed.

Overall this story was a good story but Im not going to lie I struggled to stay in the story. There seems to be gaps in the writing, like there was missing sentences or pages. I had to reread to make sure I didnt space out or something but no when I went back I was still confused. Timelines were confusing to understand as it often contradicted itself.

I was hoping for more feminine rage from Arlet after everything she has been through I wished there was more. Arlet went through so much pain and suffering. She is selfless, to the point she constantly putting her self in harms way to protect those she loves. And after everything she had been through in the elf court (I wont spoil) I was looking forward to some kick ass moment.

With that being said the book was still good with some edits I know this can be a 5 star read! I still enjoyed the vibes and the experience and I really enjoyed Mother Lianas point of view and What all is going on with her and the shadows. 😉

This book has a tiny bit of spice. The King and her has a moment, So please see the trigger warnings.

I cant wait to see what else comes out because there is still unanswered questions

some songs that came to mind when reading

Something in the orange by zach bryan
Work song by Hozier
Ash In your eyes by Drunken Night
Love lies by Jessie Murphy
dont let me go by Raign
Never knew Shaya Zamora

[Melissa Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anxiously awaiting this book ever since I flew through A Cursed Bite. The way I absolutely LOATHED the Elf Kind and just wanted to hurt him just as much as Vann speaks to the impressive way Daniela writes her villain. I flew through this book in 24 hours. It was THAT good. The story was paced well, the characters well written and the unexpected new friend Arlet makes had me on the edge of my seat. Finding out WHO the Cursed One is made me sad both for Thorne and his sister.

I also loved the nod Daniella kept giving to Liana and her old flame who comes back into the picture in this book. We get to see a little of what their relationship is like and learn more about Castien. That made me excited for Liana's book next! All in all, learning more about Arlet and her experiences as well as how she was shaped by them really touched me. She found strength in herself and The Cursed One helped her remember her strength which was incredible to see.

I'm so happy for Vann and Arlet. I'm so happy for their future together. Especially at the end when she has her baby and she's scared to open her eyes, scared that Violetta will be the same as her first daughter that she lost. That made me cry. There were so many feelings I had throughout this book.

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 because it checked all the boxes off for me. It was fast paced, there was excellent character development, romance, spice, a tragic backstory and a wonderful ending!

[Selenovert99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fated Kiss Arc Review:


Wow how do I begin? The conclusion of Arlet and Vann’s story was such a beautiful and emotional read. Arlet is such a fiery fierce woman and her development through this story is nothing short of beautiful. Arlet will do anything to protect the people she loves. To prevent a war from waging she betroths herself to the Elven king and produce him an heir. Vann, now separated from Firelocks, will stop at nothing to find her and fight for her. After hurting Arlet with lies about being mated, he now faces the risk of no longer being able to be with her. I loved that we saw even deeper into Vann. He was willing to do anything to get Arlet back even if he faced rejection. While Arlet is being made into everything the king and his court need, she beings to lose hope the closer it gets to marrying the king but her curse helps her. Arlet being able to find her strength the way she did had me in tears. She is a character I resonate with so much and her development through pain and loss was truly beautiful. This story highlights that the strength you need is inside you. You just need to believe it. Arlet and Vanns ending in this book was everything I was hoping for cause they deserve so much happiness. I am sad their story is over but I’m so happy and grateful that I got to read it. Thank you Daniela for letting me ARC read for you! I am excited to see where the next book takes us!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ REVIEW
{This is book 2 of 2 in Vann and Arlene Duet.}

We left off with Arlet leaving with the Elf King to save her people with the bargain she made. A chance to try and save the Elven line by marrying humans and Elves just like the Enduar. She was betrayed by Vann and it makes leaving easier.

Arlet and Vann saw the deepest parts of each other or so she thought. Letting Vann see her true self, was healing and liberating. He knew of her hurts, she knew of the family she couldn’t have.
What she didn’t know what that there was a piece of himself that he held back.

Now in the Kingdom of the Elves, Arlet is realizing the mistake she made. This very well may kill her and if not physically, definitely emotionally and spiritually. Her curse still lingers, but it has become a voice to her in times of need.

This book carried the tension of betrayal and the chance at redemption. We read the frustration of separation and wanting to see them united. This was a super anticipated read for me for this year! I was so excited to be chosen as an ARC reader.

TROPES
Fated Mates
Political Betrothal/Arranged Marriage
Lies and Betrayal
Redemption Arc
Political Coup
Self Determination
Mine

[Isa Newbury | reading_isa · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**

4 ⭐️
2🫑(little scenes, nothing super spicy)

◇As always, please reads the TWs for this series!!◇

I want to start off with: I am so happy Vann and Arlet got their happy ending. I have been WAITING since the very first book, To Steal A Bride, when they were introduced to each other.

Now. I did enjoy this one- it definitely felt like a more heavy fantasy than a monster romantasy. Vann and Arlet are separated for about 70% of the book, and a lot happens emotionally, but I feel like having them apart for most of the book is detrimental to Vann's apology. Unfortunately, this is not my favorite Enduar book. Book 1, A Cursed Bite, was marketed as a stand-alone duology, meaning you do not have had to have read the first 3 books (and Liana's short story) but this one just cemented that you DO, so if you are interested in this series, I really suggest starting at the beginning.

I do think this book in particular could have used another round or two of editing. I know the Author has a lot going on in her life right now, but that's just my personal opinion.

☆fated mates
☆rejected mates
☆forced marriage
☆magic & curses
☆rescue mission
☆discussion of grief and trauma

[Denise O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 of Arlet and Vann’s story and I took my time reading it because I honestly didn’t want their story to end. Both of have been through such terrible loss and heartbreak in their lives that could have broken them but in each other they find their strength and ultimately happiness .

The story continues where Arlet at the end of a Cursed Bite has left Vann, reeling from his secret that he lied to her and sets sail with her betrayer Thorne to the Elf King.

She realises the king is cruel only wants her so his bloodline can continue that there will be no love in their marriage. Vann feeling the weight of what his lie has done sets about getting Arlet back for his mating song sings for her.

But Arlet is strong, even with all she has been through she never lost her kindness or her gentleness and that she will survive the Elf King. Vann is coming for her and he will sacrifice everything to keep her safe. 💕

✨For Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed ✨

This was a beautifully, emotional story and if you love fantasy romance with trolls, elves, humans and a dragon, this is a must read! The yearning and emotional depth throughout the story it was a wonderful conclusion to their story.

[Shelby M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish we had half star rating options because this would probably be a 3.5 for me. I LOVE the Enduars and every single book in this universe. The tone of the writing in this one just felt different, though I can't really put my finger on it. Don't get me wrong, it was still good and I enjoyed it because it wrapped up Arlet and Vann's story. I'm so glad she got her happy ending 😭

The chapters with Liana's POV were very confusing IMO since I didn't have her backstory with the Shadow. I realized at the end that we will be getting their story, but it was really all I could focus on throughout the book, like I had missed a vital book before this one. I think a novella would have been good to have before A Fated Kiss, just to have a little bit of that backstory before it was mentioned so much in this one.

I was very much looking forward to finally getting my hands on this book, but it didn't really hit the way I thought it would. I am forever a Daniela Mera fan though, so I am rounding up on the rating.

[Kyla Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is a spin-off of the Entangled in Enduar series and continues the Bound to the Enduar storyline. We’re back with Arlet and Vann, and the stakes feel even higher this time around.

Arlet, a former human slave freed by the Enduarians, is still searching for a true connection like so many others have found. When the Elf King proposes an alliance and requests a human bride, Arlet is chosen. What starts as an honor quickly turns into something far more unsettling as she realizes the king isn’t what he seems.

Meanwhile, her connection with Vann continues to grow, even with secrets between them—especially the truth about his past. Their relationship has tension, emotion, and just enough heartbreak to keep you invested.

The story really picks up once Arlet enters the elf kingdom. The court dynamics, the looming marriage, and the sense that something is off all build great suspense. Vann’s determination to get back to her adds another layer of urgency, and the trials they’re forced into raise the stakes even more.

By the end, there’s action, betrayal, and a twist that leaves you wanting more—especially with that final reveal.

Overall, this was a solid continuation with drama, romance, and plenty of tension. If you enjoy fantasy romance with high stakes and complicated relationships, this one is definitely worth the read.

[Elizabeth McGibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a general rule, a sequel will never rise to the level of the first book in a series, but I am thrilled to say that "A Fated Kiss" not only met "A Cursed Bite" but exceeded it magnificently. This story centres primarily around the FMC's growth, as she comes to understand she is not responsible for the misfortunes of others. That this realisation comes while she is trapped in a world that is built on blaming women for men's ills certainly made my inner feminist smile. The deeper exploration of social sexism is simply superb, and any woman who has wondered whether it is safe for her to walk home alone will recognise the dark underbelly of the elvish kingdom in this book. Other social justice issues, including poverty, statelessness and the treatment of refugees, flesh out the themes in this book, and feminine rage makes an appearance as a manifested demon. An all round excellent read with a well-deserved happily ever after.

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

I thought this was a good ending to Vann’s and Arlen’s story. I like that this book starts out with a recap of what happened in the previous book. Arlet, believing that she is saving her people from the elf king has decided that she will go with him willingly to be his bride. Once she gets into his city, however she realizes that he treats his people awful, and that he does not treat her any better. Several of the people working in the elf court are playing both sides with the king and with the coup.Vann does come after her, but he needs to stop and use his brain before he just jumps in there like an idiot. I thought this was a good ending to the story, but it was a bit long.

[Cierra Lent · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I was so absolutely in love with the first book and obsessed with Arlet and Vann’s love story. But genuinely this second book disappointed me. It dragged along in the beginning and then the time jumps from literally the end of one sentence to another really didn’t make any sense. Almost like there was missing paragraphs or pages or something. It didn’t flow nicely. The reuniting and forgiving and becoming true mates was so skipped over for me. It didn’t even feel like they were in love anymore. The epilogue was the best part I guess. Giving two stars purely for the sake of how much I loved them in book one.

[julia martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review.
wow. welcome back to Enduvida indeed. I binged all of the enduar books last year and genuinely went into withdrawal. when I started a Fated Kiss I felt welcomed back to the world in ways that few romantasy worlds feel. it felt like returning to hogwarts.

I personally love all the different points of view we are getting in this book, and the story lines for our two main characters get so twisted and wrap up so well. I never wanted it to end.

the level of detail used to describe the other kingdom is fantastic and world building but is somehow not overdone, etc. the politics are intriguing and you can't help but root for both Arlet and Vann.

more please.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bound to the Enduar book 2

I loved the first book of this new series but for some reason the second book fell flat. I’m not sure what happened exactly but I loved Van but by the end of this book wasn’t quite a fan anymore. Arlet’s inner dialogue became repetitive and annoying. I think the author lost the plot a bit in this story, some of it was actually confusing and the direction it ended up going was a tad bafflingly. Also editing and proof reading needs improving. I find it so annoying when the wrong word is used and breaks the rhythm while reading the story :) it’s like if you are trying to produce a gourmet meal would you serve it on a chipped or dirty plate…?

[Bailey Gaddis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am very glad we got the second part of Vann and Arlet’s story. This book was broken into three parts and while they were all good I feel like the second part dragged on a little. It was only supposed to be about 2 weeks, but I feel like it was much longer. The story was well written and I enjoyed the ending. It showed the true strength in Arlet and the true character of the elves. I really wish there was more troll culture and characters in this one because I enjoy that aspect much more. I am glad Vann and Arlet got the ending they deserved!

[Andrea Bouffard · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I totally forgot to post my review 🥺

Like A Cursed Bite, I had the privilege to read this as part of the ARC team of Daniela A Mera.

This second part of Arlet and Vann duet start exacly we're A Cursed Bite finished. I love Arlet so much. I love how we see her journey, not always happy, and how she find her strength. But as someone who doesn't want child, the huge part of the book about Arlet healing and wanting kids didn't really reach me.

And Vann ! He knows he hurt her but still go to get her !

After everything they've been through, the end is just wow !

[Smut S Sisters]

This is the next book in the Bound to the Enduar duet, after A Cursed Bite, featuring Arlet & Vann. I love Daniela’s imagination with her world building and she’s one of the only authors where I truly forget the MMC is a literal monster (he’s a troll but trust me, it works). Thank you again for this gifted ARC!

Read this for:
-monster romance
-fake marriage
-forced proximity
-second chance
-fated mates
-grumpy x sunshine
-masquerade ball
-royal wedding
-groveling
-infertility trope
-yearning with low spice

[Skyler Buckner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the first book, I absolutely couldn’t wait for the second to come out. I hadn’t even realized it was out until a few days ago and I jumped right in and couldn’t put it down!

I love Vann and Arlets story. The slow burn was perfect!

The first book (in my opinion) had a tad more spice. This was maybe a 🌶️.5/ 5


I’m so happy Arlet got her happy ending. So much sadness in her life and to finally have a man to have unending protection and love with her.

I do hope to see a bit of their story continue in Lianas book next! Can’t wait to read.

[Meg (bookish.apothecary) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oof my heart is so full. Vann and Arlet getting their well earned HEA after so much heartbreak and loss. Struggles with infertility and pregnancy loss are something I don’t come across too often in fantasy books and these topics were portrayed with such raw honesty. The grief, the doubts, the fragile hope. Arlet is such a resilient character, with the courage to keep caring for others despite being let down so many times in the past. I wanted groveling in this book and Vann gave it his all. So many new characters with interesting dynamics are introduced and I’m looking forward to reading their stories! Greatly enjoyed this one. Thanks to the author for the eARC!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really needed the end to the story, and I finally got it. This pair had so much to overcome, and they definitely for there in the end. The spice is completely gone in this story. Although this authors work has never been overly spicy, this one is definitely what I would term as clean or very close too. Mildly disappointing as the chemistry of the characters in the first half of this duet was exceptional. But the story itself is still there, a tad slow but still incredibly beautiful.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved the recap of Book 1, A Cursed Bite, at the beginning of the book. Every book should have this! I felt everything for Arlet — her defiance, her pain, her struggles, and her ultimate surrender. Her breakdown was expertly written with so many parallels to how women have been or are treated in society. I loved the plot twists and unexpected revelations. That ending made me cry!! Excellent conclusion to Vann and Arlet’s story!