A Fated Reckoning

by Jamye Smith

In this slow-burn second chance romantic fantasy a vampire and fae warrior must survive deadly trials to break a soul-shattering curse before time runs out.

I loved him once. Now I cling to the hate, currently measured in the inches of steel I've driven into his chest.

Two centuries ago, Mikael didn't just break my heart--he shattered us. The vampire I trusted above all others betrayed me and ignited a war that left our people in ruins. To end the slaughter, I bargained with the Fates and drained the land of magic, and broke myself in ways time can't mend. What survived was a fae warrior turned city ruler, burying her past beneath liquor, duty, and the bond I severed.

When Mikael returns, alive when he shouldn't be, I do what any rational woman would: stab him in the heart.

But death isn't on the table for him. He's come back with a confession, and a curse--the amulet he stole came with a price. The one you love most will die.

My soul has fractured into four pieces. To break the curse before it kills me, we must recover each fragment. Riddles sear themselves into our skin, igniting with every touch--skin to skin, bond to bond--dragging us into the closeness I swore never to endure again.

As the curse frays, so does the magic suppressing our bond, unraveling every feeling I've spent two centuries trying to destroy. Each fragment recovered cracks the walls I've built wider, revealing truths I buried beneath denial and rage.

When the final riddle is solved, I'll face the cruelest truth of all: breaking the curse may cost me the person I love most.

I'm terrified it's still him.

Genres: Romantasy, Fantasy Romance, Fae, Vampires

ebook

Reviews

[ℛℰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
“You are what I desire in the daylight, and what fills my dreams at night.”

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

❤️‍🔥Forbidden romance
⚔️Second Chance romance
❤️‍🔥Vampire x fae
⚔️Trials & curses
❤️‍🔥Fated mates
⚔️The MMC is down bad on his knees for her
❤️‍🔥 she stabs him

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚ ༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

I finished this book in less than 24 hours. This was full of romance and trials and action. I loved the main characters and their chemistry. I loved that they would do anything for each others. I must admit it was a little boring and in the middle, I felt meh and like they were going in circles around each other but anyway that didn’t last long. I also loved that second chance romance usage in the story . It is rarely used in romantasy in fact I cannot recall if I have read a second chance romance in a romantasy before.
The end was PERFECT but I wanted more and more. I didn’t want to leave the story or the main characters . Also the MMC’s name is Mikael and she calls him Kai and I love that name so it is a bonus for me. Did I mention that he has light blond hair. Do not get me started on the gorgeous fanarts. You have to see them!!


ఌ︎𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭ꨄ

The e-arc is finally in my hands!!! Last Jan author Jamye sent the first four chapters and let me tell you I couldn’t put them down till I finished them I literally had an exam the next day and I had to wake up early but I couldn’t just leave the book and I waaaas in deep need for the rest of the chapters !! And now it is in my hands!!!!

[Margaret Gregg · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ⭐️ | 2 🌶️

Thank you Jamye Smith for the opportunity to be a part of the ARC team. I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

First and foremost, I rarely give below a 3-star review, and am an avid ARC reader – which made me extremely excited for this ARC opportunity. The premise of a fae falling in love with a vampire, only to have her heart broken by a crushing betrayal immediately caught my attention and was the main reason I signed up for the ARC. I appreciated the way the history between Bryn and Mikael was revealed gradually, and I enjoyed learning more about their past as the story unfolded.

The story is told from Bryn’s POV. I usually enjoy single-POV standalones, but in the case of A Fated Reckoning, I struggled to connect with Bryn as a character. Her inner conflict between loving and hating Mikael was intense, and the quick shifts between those powerful emotions made it difficult for me to stay grounded in her perspective – I was getting some serious whiplash. There were also hints that Bryn might be struggling with alcoholism, which is a heavy topic and one I would have been interested in being explored more in depth alongside the main storyline.

The pacing of the story felt fast for me. A lot happens throughout the storyline, as Bryn and Mikael face terrorizing trails to regain parts of Bryn’s soul. Sometimes, I found myself wishing there had been more detail exploring the locations of each trial and the challenges and less focus on the sexual tension between our FMC and MMC. Slowing down in those moments might have added more depth to the world building and the character’s journey.

Mikael was another area where the delivery fell short of my expectations. I love a morally grey MMC with a wicked tongue and dark humor, but at times his laid-back attitude made me want to say, “seriously dude?” and shake my head.

Overall, A Fated Reckoning had interesting ideas and a premise that really drew me in. While the story didn’t fully work out for me personally, I can see readers who enjoy a face-paced romantasy enjoying this story.

As an ARC reader, it’s never easy for me to leave a less-than-stellar review. I am grateful for the chance to read and review this book early and appreciate the opportunity to support the author.

[Alice K · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨ ARC Review ✨

✨ Lovers to enemies to lovers
✨ Stabby FMC
✨ Magic and Trials

This book was very easy to read and fast-paced. I feel like the ending could have been drawn out a bit longer. I'm not a huge fan of miscommunication to create tension, and this was the bulk of the text when the plot could have been more focused on. The plot is really interesting, but I found it hard to relate to the characters and their decisions.

I found it a bit unbelievable that in 200 years it never occurred to Bryn that magic may have played a role in Mikael's betrayal of her. You're a centuries-old fae, and this doesn't occur to you? I couldn't understand it.

✨Thank you to the author and her team for my ARC copy! ✨

[Wynter-Daisy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now Playing:
"The 1975 - About You"★
02:16 ━━━●───── 05:25
ㅤ ㅤ◁ㅤ ❚❚ ㅤ▷ ㅤㅤ↻ ♡

𝓐 𝓕𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓡𝓮𝓬𝓴𝓸𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓫𝔂 𝓙𝓪𝓶𝔂𝓮 𝓢𝓶𝓲𝓽𝓱 is bringing back the vibes of starring in your own ROMCOM after your heart heart has been broken & your in the taxi watching the rain roll down your window.

I was giggling but I was also in torment because ah Kai !! He has so so much love for Bryn but without Bryn knowing the truth, she is hellbent on never ever forgiving him & IT BREAKS MY HEART !!

Bryn is fricken hilarious, seriously this woman deserves a gold star for brilliance. She goes on her own journey of self-discovery and it is filled with healing and leaning away from old coping mechanisms. The ability to see through your own pain is a hard veil to pull down and oftentimes causes us to fabricate our own realities. To me, this is what the trials were all about - she needed to find her truth and rediscover herself after spending so much time in hate.

Kai, my sweet sweet vampire who just wants to find his way back to the other half of his soul. He is gentle, kind and holds nothing but admiration for Bryn. It totally contradicts his warrior-like description and his abilities with a blade but it had me right there swooning with Bryn (even though we were supposed to be mad at him - right, Bryn? 🤭).

Honestly, this whole story just felt so fun! The curse, the trials and adventure, the resolution - it was a perfect standalone is a series of standalones. I feel like there were a few easter eggs dropped throughout the book for plots in future books & that makes me extremely excited for the rest of the series!

Picture divine powers of Gods & Goddesses vs those of the ancient and old, the Dragons. There was just so much left open for interpretation which made it a thrilling read! Perfect for fans who love -

💔 Hate-to-Love
🔥 Fated Mates/Soul Bond
🗡️ Second Chance Romance
🧛 Vampire x Fae Warrior
🔒 Forbidden Love
⚔️ She’s Mine
🐌 Slow Burn
⛓️ Forced Proximity
💀 Deadly Trials
✨Immortals
⛰️High Fantasy world

[Mischief Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC review✨️

First of - Jamye Smith, thank you for giving me the honor to be among the first readers to dive into this story. You did an amazing job building this world and writing a love story that made me go trough all of the emotions.

This book takes you on an adventure filled with heartbreak, deadly trials, self-discovery, yearning, and shows you what true love looks like.

You'll fall in love with Mikael - the greenest flag in the vampire history of green flags. He knows what he wants and, most importantly (for me), communicates it loud and clear. And let me tell you, this man has lines that will make your heart stutter!
And in Bryn as well - the strong willed fae FMC that opens this book with the ultimate badass statement: "It’s my city and these f*ckers are going to pay.". From a mess that keeps escaping the pain she carries, to a woman that faces the most hidden parts of herself - she is a character that keeps evolving throughout the whole book, but she stays consistent in one thing - she is a warrior (in any and every sense).

One of the most refreshing things for me was the flow and how this story kept developing organically. It's fast paced and full with new tidbits of info that you learn along the way, but at the same time is easy to read and digest everything that is being unraveled.

If you're a romantasy fan, you love immersing yourself in new magical worlds and you love love, add this one to your TBR and thank me later.

And, get ready to be smitten, angry, hopeful, surprised, and to witness a chef’s kiss character growth, with a little bit of 🌶😉

[Dariia · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review

2,5 ⭐️
I don't know. It wasn't bad, just didn't have wow effect that I expected. Also, writing style wasn't for me.

The "enemy" part in the "from enemy to lovers" might be good (there were pretty cool banter moments), unless it was hella quick. Instead of hatred, we fell into a pit of self-flagellation. Bryn's thoughts were kinda annoying. It tried to be like Helga Pataki style: "I hate him, but I love him. He betrayed me, but jeez, he's so hot." Like nope, thanks. Girl, I know it hurts like hell, but it was 200 years ago. Stop crying over him; stab him one more time. Forget or forgive.
Relationship between MCs also doesn't match my expectation. It feels like Mikael forced to be cool on the pages, spaying all over his alpha energy. His push-pull - "I want you to want me" - thing pissed me off toward the end of the book.

The whole "betrayal" plot was pretty predictable from the very beginning. You wouldn't find anything new in this story. Even though the book isn't very long, it still took me quite a while to read it. There are a lot of repetitive thoughts all over again. The FMC definitely wins the grand prize for self-reflection. Instead of the same things, it would be cooler to read more about their past or the battle flashbacks. Overall the book's concept is great, but the execution leaves something to be desired.

[Jenn | bookdragonbrunette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really fun book filled with trials for Bryn and Mikael to complete as they try to break the curse on Bryn.

I loved the second chance romance. There are hidden reasons it ended (and not for something nasty like cheating). Mikael is so down bad for Bryn that even though they have spent 200 years apart, she is all he thinks about.

There is a lot of good PTSD and anxiety rep here. Bryn definitely starts off as a hot mess in denial and running away from everything, so it was nice to see her character grow over the course of the book.

There was way more world building than I was expecting and I could definitely see more stories coming out of this world! It had a good pace though with the trials, everything kept moving along quickly. And since it's a standalone, everything was wrapped up well in the end.

Also, DRAGONS! I didn't expect them and so it was fun to come across! They're not in there for very long, but they still had quite the personalities!

Read if you love:
-Second chance romance
-Vampires vs fae
-Forbidden love
-Curses & trials
-Dragons
-MMC down bad

Thank you to the author for the eARC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date: 3/6/26, Release date: 6/24/26

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and ARC copy from the author and I was so pleasantly surprised by this book. I read half the book the first day because I couldn't stop myself. The story develops so organically - there is obviously quite a bit of backstory and premise for the main characters' complicated relationship, but it never feels like there's too much exposition or like we are stabbing in the dark looking for explanations. I think this was an interesting take on a fated mates story- we don't start with their first meeting, or get swept up in their love story unfolding. Instead, this is a kind of relatable story of two people (yes, they are super magical, powerful fae and vampire people, but they are people) whose love was ripped apart, and we go on a journey where they are, against all odds, able to rediscover that love. I loved the way the story unfolded. Bryn and Kai go on a journey together that not only repairs the bond that Bryn thought she had broken off, but also repairs the damage that was forced on their world. Bryn is a smartass, she is deadly, and even when she is a mess, I loved her. Mikael (Kai) is still hopelessly in love with her, and has major "you touch her, you die" vibes- so how can I not love that too? I would definitely recommend this book to other people!

[Brooke Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I want to say Thank you for allowing me to read this ARC!

Dang what a ride!! That whole book took me on an emotional roller coaster!
Especially our FMC with her feelings (which understandable) has her really feeling the feels
But can I just say ugh Kai, that man! He really was so sweet and tender in reality and I loved that for a vampire :)

The story really just keeps you going as they go through the motions of trying to figure out her trials. It never slumps or gets burning. Genuinely felt like there was always something around the corner!

I knew it was a standalone going into it but by the time it ended, I wanted more but that’s more of a me problem lol
I always want more! I want to know how everything goes!!! What will they face moving forward!
What’s happens to her father now that he chose his crown instead??

Ultimately this story was brilliant and different and made me feel like I was actually reading a new story! I wasn’t sure how I would feel about second chance romance since I haven’t read many but I was positively happy with the outcome!

Thank you again for this opportunity! ❤️

[Bianca Vecchio · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting. Firstly thank you to Jamye and her team for the ARC! I just love getting to review ARCs.

I really enjoyed this story! I demolished it in a day! Overall great plot, great characters, really interesting take on trials without being in a competition or academic Romantasy setting. I think that’s was my favourite part it felt new and fresh!

I think the pacing was a bit off. It was so fast and so much plot I did not particularly feel the chemistry between the FMC and MMC this was also impacted by the sheer amount of pain both are in I never really felt there was the right time for spice.

I liked both leads and their dialogue was beautiful but at times there was some juvenile turn of phrases that threw me out of the story.

Miscommunication is my least favourite trope I think this story skirted a little to close to that trope for me but thankfully was never fully immersed in that.

Over all 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Spice 🌶️🌶️
Enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers

[Andersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fated Reckoning was an enjoyable read! The trials were one of my favorite parts. Each felt unique and creative, which kept the story moving and made the journey to break the curse really engaging.

Mikael’s devotion absolutely stole my heart. The man spent centuries yearning for the woman he loves, and that level of loyalty and longing was so dreamy to watch unfold. On the other hand, Bryn needed to rebuild herself and heal old wounds, which made their dynamic even more compelling.

The tension between them works so well because of that history, love, betrayal, and centuries of unresolved emotion all tangled together.

The ending wrapped up nicely, but I definitely wanted just a little more. Even a short epilogue would’ve been perfect to spend a bit longer with these characters after everything they went through.

Overall, this was a solid fantasy romance with creative trials, emotional tension, and a devotion-heavy love story that was easy to root for.

[FerryLassReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. Thank you to Jayme Smith for the ARC of A Fated Reckoning. From the very beginning I was hooked and ended up finishing it in just a couple of days because I couldn’t put it down.

The mix of second chance romance, deadly trials, and incredible world building made this such a great read. The world felt immersive without being overwhelming, and I loved discovering more about it as the story unfolded. The characters were also really relatable, which made it easy to become invested in their journeys.

One of my favourite aspects was the lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers dynamic. The tension between the characters kept me turning the pages, and their history added so much depth to their relationship.

Overall, this was a fantastic fantasy romance that completely pulled me in, and I’m so glad I had the chance to read it early.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You have been my northern star. The light that kept me from succumbing to my darkest hours.”

YESSSSS! All of the stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ x ♾️

What a ride! A Fated Reckoning by Jamye Smith, is a captivating story about betrayal, love, and trust. The FMC, Bryn, is beyond heartbroken. She's self destructive and a total mess. The MMC, Mikael, after enduring his own form of torture for centuries, is also fighting heartbreak, but they need to put their differences aside and work together to break a curse. Both characters are relatable and easy to feel for.

This book has humor, action, drama, and a bit of spice (🌶.5) mixed with vampires, fae, dragons, pixies, sirens, and other fantasy faves.

In my opinion, the ending felt a bit rushed...but maybe that's just me wanting more? Either way, I highly recommend.

[Hannah Seid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy shit… what did I just read? I need book two right now? The way the author ended it was perfect because if she decides not to continue, you’re happy but if she does decide to continue, you’re happy.

This story has trials, but not the kind you’re expecting. Two fated/bonded mates, who are enemies, from different species, and haven’t seen each other in 200 years are suddenly forced to complete them together. You feel the genuine distrust. You feel the longing the hate but also unrequited love or at least that’s what you think right? 🧐🤨🤔

The problem? They don’t even know how the trials work, what they are or where to start, and everything seems to be working against them!

And the clock is ticking…
She might only have days left to live if that!

[Beth fairie tails · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously?
That ending was DIABOLICAL! I was TRYING to do my laundry but had to keep stopping to yell at my kindle.
This is a WONDERFUL standalone romantasy! We have vampires and fae and Dead Lands. Fated bonds and fathers who we just don’t trust, but friends we do.
And it’s SPICY but not the purpose of the book.
This is a book about love, forgiveness and destiny.
About finding a path forward despite having convinced yourself you don’t deserve one.
I honestly loved this story and the author did a beautiful job telling it. It felt like a story and folk I know and care about; it was immediately relatable.
If you are worn out after the sequels on sequels but still want a well thought out fantasy, I highly recommend you add this to your tbr.
It is definitely one I will revisit again.

[Souha S · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book for me was a straight 4.5 stars (would've been 5 if Mikael wasn't fictional😤) the yearning and the angst plus the slow burn k*lled me 😫😫 their chemistry was so so good!!! I had the pleasure of receiving the ARC a couple days back and this book is all I've been thinking of since. In terms of emotions, this book feels very human and is beautifully written. ❤️❤️

The way Mikael spoke to Bryn was oh so soft and sexy! The man literally worshipped the ground Bryn walked on & was a 100% green forest. A vert hot green forest 😏 Bryn was....a baddie through and through *chef's kiss*

My favorite scene has to be their trial when they go to the Temple of Sin and that's about all I'm gonna say to keep it spoiler free. 👀❤️

[BookishBiologist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start!? This freaking book just exploded my heart and healed it again. I devoured this book from cover to cover, and already started a reread. It's obvious Jamye is one of us; she wrote us the Romantasy we all needed.
I'm not usually a fan of second chance romances but something about vampire and fae separated by 200 years following betrayal... GIMME. Every single trope I love was included in this book, but flipped, shifted, or spun in a way that felt new and exciting.
I love Kai and Bryn so freaking much. The premise sold me, the artwork killed me, and this book itself revived me.
Thank you Jamye for an ARC of this book. I'll treasure this always and can't wait for the special editions to join it on my shelf.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryn is a hot mess express fae with a slight drinking problem. She hides away in a town that she runs after being banished to it, centuries after her bonded vampire mate Mikael betrayed her. Eventually, he shows up telling her that she's cursed and chaos ensues. I really liked how she was forced to work with Mikael in order to be saved from the curse. Mikael was snarky and spicy but so down bad for her. I really enjoyed their banter and they had good chemistry, especially when she was trying to stab him. The riddles were fun and I liked the trials that they had to go through to resolve the curse. Overall, it was a great book and I really enjoyed it.

[Staci Guenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fated Reckoning by Jamye Smith; this book had EVERYTHING I love in a romantasy.

✨ Fate that refuses to be ignored
✨ Intense emotional stakes
✨ Characters that feel real and complicated
✨ The kind of tension that keeps you turning pages at midnight

The connection between the characters felt so powerful, and the story constantly kept me guessing. Every twist raised the stakes and made the journey even more addictive.

If you love fated destiny, emotional depth, and fantasy worlds with romance woven into the story, you’re going to want this one on your TBR.

I’m already thinking about rereading parts of it.

[Samantha B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read; I have a soft spot for second chance romance - especially when the MMC’s grovel and don’t hold back:

“‘You are insufferable.’ Mikael’s gray eyes are hungry and possessive. “You’ll always be mine, until my dying breath.”

Brynn must join the mate who betrayed her 200 years ago and has now also accidentally enacted a curse on her that will lead to her death if they don’t break it (sheesh, talk about an awkward encounter with your ex 😂).

Brynn’s internal struggle with feelings of unworthiness and loneliness make you want to hug her, and cheer her on as she finally stops hiding from them and Mikael.

Plus, this story has fae, vampires, and dragons. 🫶🏼

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this book. And I am really happy it is a standalone. The story does not need to be contiuned on paper, just in my mind.

From page one you are pulled deep down in the mind of FMC Bryn and her struggles, both current and past. You experience the characters personal growth, trust issues, hurt and confidence. There are some twists, but (sadly?) not of the mind blowing kind. A fast paced page turner.

Thank you for the gifted eARC and for the opportunity to read this book pre publishing date.

[Miryam Drakon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I applied for the ARC after seeing the tropes, and I hadn’t had the pleasure of reading the author’s work before.

This was an interesting read with its ups and downs. At one point, I almost wanted to DNF it, but I decided to keep going, and I’m glad I did, because it got better after that.

I really liked the leads and found the premise quite interesting. I’ll probably be looking forward to reading more of the author’s works in the future.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I've returned to the place where I'll meet my Reckoning. Where it began and will end."

Excuse me while I recover from the final third of this book.

Jamye has such an interesting take on the fated mates trope. I really enjoyed the direction it took.
Kai's perpetual yearning is unmatched. To be on the receiving end of that devotion....
His hallway scene... *chef's kiss*
Bryn is a great character. She’s messy, hurting and healing, which makes her journey really compelling.

[Katie Jenion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was such a journey — emotionally and physically.

A true redemption arc filled with growth, healing, and characters learning who they really are beneath their mistakes. I loved watching them fight for something better.

And the fun sexy moments? SO good. The sharp banter, the tension, the sparks — it balanced the heavier themes perfectly.

[Tiffany Kaylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this book! Received an early copy of the 1st chapter and knew I wanted more! Received the ARC and it had me hooked! It has everything I love in a book! A strong female main character, a yearning morally gray male, lots of cool trials, too much to list! Do yourself a favor and GO READ this when it comes out!!!!!!!!!

[Jessica Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has all of my favorite things in one—the banter, the tension, the yearning, the trials. Immaculately done. It is a very fun, action packed ride that will have you feeling all of the feels. Mikael and Brynn’s love for each other will have you wondering at the end—how much will you sacrifice for the one you love? How far will you go?

[G S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. I can’t thank Jamey Smith enough for sending it to me. I throughly enjoyed this book. A great love and adventure story. Can’t wait to read her other stories. Well worth the time to read.

[María · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me an mmc with white blond hair and I’m sat.

All this story is missing is an unforgettable sidekick. It’s got twists, yearning, healing, trials and all the right tropes.

That ending had me pacing the room.

Thanks to the author for the eARC.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to ARC read. I fell in love with this story. The emotional journey the FMC has to embark on is so well done. The world building is great. The MMC is everything we love. Such a great story. It made me laugh, cry, kick my feet and had my jaw on the floor.

[Blinky's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a beta read review and y'all are going to want to read this one!!!!