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Forbidden Fusion

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Betrayed, bound, and broken, Rayleigh's fight is far from over.

Imprisoned in Niccodra, Rayleigh finds herself enslaved to a member of the royal family, a pawn in a game she does not yet understand. Her world crumbles further when the person she once trusted is celebrated as a hero and honored with a series of events, any of which could change the course of her journey.

As she navigates these unpredictable occasions, Rayleigh begins to unlock the full potential of her magic, discovering both its power and its cost. Along the way, her unexpected bond with Kyler’s dragon offers her a glimmer of hope—but even that connection is threatened by Kyler himself, whose loyalty hangs by a thread. Is he the man she once knew or was all of that part of the plan to get her here?

In a kingdom built on deception, Rayleigh must master her magic, protect her secrets, and decipher friend from foe. Because in Niccodra, the truth is as dangerous as any lie—and survival depends on more than just strength.

536 pages, Paperback

Published May 22, 2025

3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read

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Kelsey Leign

2 books60 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
73 reviews
October 12, 2025
I stayed up way later than I expected to finish this book! That is when you know the book is good and has you in a chokehold. Please note I’m going to be going through the stages of grief while waiting for book 3 because what in the name of cliffhangers is that ending.
Profile Image for ErinLikesReading.
382 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2025
Okay, so I had a teensie obsession with book one, and I literally wouldn’t shut up about it. But SOMEHOW Kelsey has outdone herself. Book two is even better. The world building is bigger, the story is beautifully written and so interesting and exciting. The characters are SO intriguing.

Gah, the way I’ve read and reread this book since I got my grubby little hands on it is probably obsessive. I absolutely love these characters, the romantic tension, the suspense, the QUESTIONS.

This one delves deeper into the world Rayleigh is originally from, Niccodra! There is a lot of beauty in Niccodra that we don’t really get to see because EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING. The politics, a scary king, worries about Ray’s friends and mom and brother— not to mention Ray is trying to learn how to use her powers, and the Drakalasson are running around claiming fae! IT IS BONKERS, and the stakes are HIGH.

We meet some new Fae, new Drakalasson, new DRAGONS… so many new dragons 😍

From the end of book one I NEEDED answers, and while I got a few answers in this book, I really came away with a TON more questions, a broken heart, some giant worries for some of my favorite characters, and maybe a little hope.

IF you haven’t started this series, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Start it now!
Profile Image for Heph.
28 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2025
I read the ARC of this book ages ago and I kept meaning to write my review… but life happened. That said, this story never left me. I think about it way more often than I should admit.

Let me start by saying: I DEVOURED this book—twice. Literally. I read it, then went back and read it again—and both times it hit just as hard.

From the very first chapter, I was completely pulled in. The writing had this smooth, immersive flow that just carried me effortlessly through the story. I remember pausing at one point just to message my book pal and I told her, “I’m reading a potential bestseller right now.”🤣🤣💜 That’s how hooked I was.

What’s funny is—I didn’t even know I liked dragon books like that. I picked this one up kind of on a whim. The cover had this mysterious, fairytale vibe (it gave off Snow White vibes). But what I found was so much more than I expected. The pacing, the tension, the emotional pull—I felt everything. There were moments I had to set the book down just to recover from what was happening on the page. I was wriggling through the first few chapters. I felt the torture in my bones😭😭 I was considering skipping but I didn’t want to miss out on anything 😭😭 And I sobbed a lot in the last few chapters, gripping everything I could lay my hands on😹

The torture scenes were brutal. The emotional payoff was worth it and this book had sooo many twists and turns. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, another reveal came in and knocked me sideways😭

The world-building was rich but never overwhelming, and the character arcs were beautifully done. There was depth, growth, heartbreak, and healing. Every character felt like they had a purpose—no one was just “there.” I genuinely cared about them all, and that’s rare for me💜

This was a solid 5-star read from the start. You know when you just feel it in your bones? Yeah. That. 😹💜 I FELT IT IN MY BONES FROM THE FIRST PARAGRAPH 🤣Kelsey absolutely did not disappoint, and now I’m kicking myself for not having read Book 1 first. But I will be circling back, because I need more from this world—and from these characters.

Highly, highly recommend. PLEASE READ THIS BOOK.
Profile Image for Marissa Black.
217 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2025
While yes, I have completed this book, it has absolutely FINISHED me!

Thank you Kelsey for the opportunity to read this book early!

The last 100 pages specifically had me crying, laughing, and gasping in shock. This was the perfect continuation to Forgotten Flare and answered so many questions while also leaving me wanting more in the next book!!

Kelsey creates characters you can’t help but feel things for (good and bad). And the incredible world she has created in this book is just beautiful and magical!
Profile Image for Sydney.
1 review
May 1, 2025
This book literally starts off at a SPRINT and you’re invested all the way through. I loved learning about this new world with Ray (fmc) and already miss hanging out with her. This book will have you on a roller coaster full of magic, dragons, bonds, sexual tension, banter, wit, and lots of badassery. 10/10 recommend i need more
Profile Image for xClockworkx28.
14 reviews
May 22, 2025
Wow. Just wow. This book. The ending has me at a lost for words and I GOT QUESTIONS. At first I wasn’t too into the book because I felt like it was just going in circles. When it finally hit its stride, just wow. It took off. I loved it and don’t regret reading it. I am so happy I got to read this early and can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Stefani June.
2 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2025
Most of the things I want to say would give some spoilers but WHAT THE HECK my brain is fried and my heart is feeling ALL the feels! The best and the worst things happen in this book! A great continuation of book one, while adding SO much to new and existing relationships. Absolutely a FANTASTIC read!
Profile Image for Rachael Pisarski.
20 reviews
April 27, 2025
I was immediately enthralled with the story from the very first page and thrown back into this fantasy world that Kelsey created. The writing was beautifully done and I felt like I was right alongside Rayleigh on her journey filled with hope, heartbreak, and the navigation of learning her newly found powers. I adore the way Rayleigh stays true to herself and her loyalty to her friends remains unyielding. I very much looked forward to reading this book everyday after work and now that it’s over I’m so sad that I have to wait for the next book to figure out what happens next. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves fantasy, adventure, magic and dare I say….slow burn 👀
Profile Image for What Cat Reads.
57 reviews1 follower
May 22, 2025
I’m so thankful I got to be an arc reader for this book! I read the first one and was absolutely destroyed. So, obviously, I couldn’t wait to read the second!


If you’re the type of person who says “ I loved that book! It ruined my day and made me physically ill” or “oh yeah that book gave me heart palpitations” then this book is for you!!

There was a lot of build up to the main event…but man it’s worth it. Think SJM style where the final pages are explosive and you literally cannot put it down.


Kelsey is not a Happily Ever After writer (as she so rudely reminded me during one of my read rants) so if that’s what you’re looking for, turn around. But also the dreamer in me is hoping by the end we’ll have *some* happiness. Even though we’re getting dragged through the mud and rocks and stomped all over to get there.

I love this story.
I love these characters.
I love the feeling of my heart being ripped out and destroyed by these books.
Profile Image for Michelle.
3 reviews
October 21, 2025
Can I give this 10 stars?!?⭐️ oh my goodness!! I was on a roller coaster of emotions!! I could not put this book down from page one. When I had to do adulting things (ugh), I could not stop thinking about it and wanting to read more! I am obsessed with this world and these characters!! The slow burn between characters, the deep emotions you feel for them, the heartbreak, the anger!! It has everything!!
Profile Image for nikki.readsbooks.
96 reviews
May 22, 2025
An Emotional Rollercoaster I'd Ride Again

Well folks, she's done it again.
Kelsey grabbed me by my collar, said "we're done with this reading slump" and smacked me in the face with the second installment of my favorite YA romantasy series to date, Forbidden Fusion.
Now this book had so much action. So many twists and turns. I expect nothing less from this author however I didn't realize how emotionally attached to these characters i had become.
From the characters development evident througout the pages to the descriptive and intense fight scenes, I was hooked. The romance sure didn't hurt either, iykyk. The highs were so high but the lows hurt so good.. The slowness of this burn and the tension you could feel was agonizing as a reader. I just want my girl, Rayleigh, to be happy! I just love her so much.
Now, I sit here now impatiently waiting for book three. Im rooting for our FMC to just get her happy ending at this point. I BEG.
Another banger, Kelsey. Couldn't have asked for anything more.
Profile Image for Beth.
454 reviews2 followers
May 18, 2025
Deception & secrets
Coming into powers
Dragons
Mind speak
Curses, oaths, & bonds
TWISTY
Magic

Book 2 delivered! Forbidden Fusion is a twisty and elegantly crafted story that thrilled me from beginning to end. This is the type of book that will keep you on your toes while you are flipping each page. A true page turner filled with DRAGONS, coming-into-powers, mind speak, bonds, curses, and magic.

I am obsessed with our FMC and this cast of characters. Book 2 had me on an absolute roller coaster. Kelsey’s writing grips you in and holds on tight. The plot and characters keep you glued to your sit reading to find out what happens next. I couldn’t decide if I loved or hated Kyler. Was Kaleb genuine or full of it? Is there a possibility of a love triangle with a new character introduced in this book, Ollie? I am hooked and need book 3 ASAP.
Profile Image for Crystal.
29 reviews
April 20, 2025
OMG! This book was chef's kiss!!! I loved it so much! I gobbled this one up so quickly! I will need to digest and do a re-read soon.

To me, this book was flawless; it was just pure perfection!

The story arc and character development were written so well! I loved every minute; ok, maybe not every minute, as some hard things happen...lol! But those hard parts were written so well too that you were living those moments in the story as you read it.

Thank you so much, Kelsey, for giving me the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Forbidden Fusion! I am so grateful🥰

I will read anything you write!!!🤩
Profile Image for Shannon Beasley.
211 reviews6 followers
May 18, 2025
Well, we start off with Rayleigh in a dungeon. Yeah, I know not very nice. She is full of unanswered questions. One of which is why is she there? Where exactly is she? Where are her family? And who in the world can she trust? Rayleigh is of course the standout lead character. K & K = one is a walking contradiction, and one is absolutely no longer the person Rayleigh remembers or trusts. Forbidden Fusion is a sequel without the dreaded sequel syndrome. Trust and betrayal run deep withing Forbidden Fusion. Raw. Emotional. Dark. Tense. Dry humor. Fleeting hope. The only other thing I can say is...

Let the claiming begin...
Profile Image for cozygirlsread.
3 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2025
This book was a wild ride from start to finish. The storyline was not only enjoyable but also incredibly well paced, I flew through it in no time! The plot twists were also amazing, just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another sharp turn that I never saw coming. It kept me guessing the entire time. Even with all the surprises, the writing was easy to follow, whilst being layered enough to keep me hooked. I'm still thinking about the ending. Thank you so much to the author for the chance to read this incredible book early, I can't wait for more people to read this!
Profile Image for LeeAnne Key.
11 reviews
May 1, 2025
This book is everything I have been waiting for since I read Forgotten Flare. There was so much angst and so much drama in this book.

The ending of this book is so amazing but I need more. I need the next book like today even though it hasn’t even came out yet.

Everything that I’ve learned in this book I’m so excited for the rest of this series. Kelsey, thank you for this book, but I’m gonna need you to pay for my therapy Thank you.

10 out of 10 recommend this book.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Profile Image for Cassi Sweet.
16 reviews
May 2, 2025
My jaw was on the floor pretty much this entire book. The rollercoaster of emotions this book sent me through was WILD! I laughed, cried, screamed, and was giggling and kicking my feet. And the ending!!! Come on! The amount of growth of all the characters in this book had was phenomenal. Speaking of growth... The writing from book 1 to this one?!? Out of this world! or Should I say, not of this realm! Anyway... when is book 3 coming out because I'm not ok...
9 reviews
April 26, 2025
I actually have no words but I'm going to try my best...OMG Kelsey, a masterpiece! I literally was either reading it or thinking about when the next time I get to read it was. The storyline, the drama, the slow burn, the relationship building, the HEARTBREAK 😭😭😭😭

Pretty sure I also said this for book 1 but I AM STILL RECOVERING. I need more.
Profile Image for Ally kaye.
7 reviews
May 21, 2025

I got this book as an arc. And I can say, with my whole chest, give me book 3 now.

The world building, characters, and magic is everything you would hope it would be and more. The characters are passionate, sassy, funny, smart, determined. Every chapter had me wanting more. I can’t wait to share this with everyone I know.
Profile Image for Daisy_fixtion.
71 reviews7 followers
May 21, 2025
Ok yes it took me this long to read/I have been busy with uni assignments. But first of all thx to the author for an arc of this.

I was An arc reader on the first book and really really enjoyed it and sooo could not wait for this book to come out and it soooo lived up to the hype. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions and Kelsey can make you feel something for characters.

Def recommend this book (and the first one)!!!!
Profile Image for Katherine Wolf.
17 reviews
May 17, 2025
Read this book as an ARC and HOLY SMOKES PUT THIS ON YOUR SHELF IMMEDIATELY. This book is better than its predecessor and is jam packed with dragons, magic, romance (SLOWWWWW BURN), and you don’t know who to root for. Brava, Kelsey. I can’t wait to see what you do next. 💕💕
Profile Image for Tyeler.
8 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2025
Holy wowwww! What an adventure!
Haven’t been this invested in a book in a while. Absolutely fell in love with the characters and this world has sucked me in! Book 2 in the series was perfect and left me wanting more. 10/10 do recommend if you’re looking for a new fantasy series!
Profile Image for Hannah Bryan.
49 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2025
Thank you so much for the chance to arc read this masterpiece.
I was obsessed with the first book and just as obsessed with the second book. I am utterly broken 💔 yet I can't wait for book 3. I will definitely be rereading these very soon.
26 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2025
Well Kelsey has gone and done it again. I didn't think I could love this book more than the first one but I did. The twists and turns in this book will make you question everything and everyone. And leave you just as flustered and frustrated as the main character Rayleigh. I highly recommend this series. And once again, I can't wait for the next book to come out.
Profile Image for Krystal Cruz.
44 reviews3 followers
May 2, 2025
Plot twists throughout the book will have you feeling like 🤯
Profile Image for Tiffany Holliday.
6 reviews
May 7, 2025
Kelsey has done it again! The book was good! So many good twists and turns and we got some more answers from the first book and then more questions! Thank you for the laughs and the cries! And thank you for letting me part of the group to get to read it before it comes out!
Profile Image for Ramina.
21 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
I LOVED every second of this book. Oliver??? Nikylo??? 11/10

Profile Image for Bones Bailey.
17 reviews
May 31, 2025
This is a late Beta read, but nonetheless here it is. This book surprised me. I found myself more into the sequel than the first novel. I felt that the author had grown, allowing for previous criticism to change her for the better. The characters felt more complete. This was good for her style of writing and it allowed for me to engage in the plot and storyline more. I found the first book difficult to start and it was hard to pay attention to, but this one held my attention for a while. I’m glad the author allowed me to give them a second chance with this series. Hopefully I will be able to read the next one, I’m waiting for more.
Profile Image for BlackberrySpark.
2 reviews
July 31, 2025
Story/fun: 4.5
Writing/craft: 3

Short of it: fun read, incredibly interesting world, high stakes

Long of it:
The first book was incredibly fun and I was ready to dive into book 2, but the first half was a rough go for me. A lot of cyclic writing and extended internal monologuing from the main character made it drag. Despite the first 60% being only a handful of days it felt like I was stuck in an eternity with Rayleigh inside her head. I had to question if there was an editor on the book and was a little shocked to see there was. It was almost difficult for me to be IN the moments of all that was happening because it was happening so fast, and instead of fruitful pauses to digest it was paragraphs of internal spiral that led nowhere. I’m not sure what editing rounds looked like but I think it needed a lot more polishing to shine the way it could have.

World building was brilliant, but I think we need a little more showing over telling in general, though I had this thought with the first book as well so that was expected. This is the author’s second book so I can afford grace there. Hope to see growth though in the next books in that regard because it really is a stunning and refreshing take on fantasy.

The second half of the book felt a lot more like the first, with movement/more showing/action. The first half took over week to get through, but once I hit the 60% mark I devoured it in hours like the first book.

Overall an incredibly fun and fresh fantasy romp, but I do think the author could benefit from a stronger editor who could make this gem fully sparkle.
Profile Image for McKinnley McClellan.
16 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2025
🐉🍃ARC REVIEW 🍃🐉

Y’ALL I WAITED A YEAR+ FOR THIS ONE AND IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! 😮‍💨 Book 2 was every bit as exciting and thrilling as book 1, I honestly felt like i was on a freaking rollercoaster! Every time things in the book would start to slow down some new obstacle, or twist came into light and we were shot off in a new direction lol. This 2nd book takes place immediately after book 1 left off, so for those who read the 1st and have been dying with that cliffhanger, no worries, we jump right back into this crazy fae magically world lol. This book takes place in Niccodra, the magical world that Rayleigh and the other’s are from. We get to explore and experience new lands, foods, fae, dragons, friends and foes and etc. my only critique would be we need some spice lolololol but seriously if you like,

-Dragons
-Touch Her and You Die
-Magic
-Strong Female Characters
-Dare I say a potential Shadow Daddy 🤔👀😂
-Fae
-Politics/Monarchy
-Twist and Turns
-Romantic Tension
-Forbidden Romance
-Forced Proximity
-Love Triangles
-Some DUAL POV

this is 10000000% a series you need to read!!

Once again a BIG THANK YOU to Kelsey Leign for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your ARC team again! I love love love being apart of your team and the discord group you’ve created(even tho i sucked at communicating this time around 🤦🏻‍♀️) I can’t wait for book 3 to come out! I NEED ANSWERS AND TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!! 😩😩 Also bless you for those DUAL POV chapters 😮‍💨 i loveeeee having the MMC’s POV in books 🫶🏼
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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