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Curses and Crowns #1
Rings of Fate: A breathtaking romantasy full of wit, adventure & slow-burn passion - DELUXE LIMITED EDITION
She’s a barmaid who doesn’t believe in fairy tales. He’s a prince cursed to live one.
Aren Bellamore has no interest in being anyone’s princess. She’s too busy running the Raven’s Beak tavern, fending off unwanted marriage proposals, and dreaming of escape. But when a brush with death and a dangerously handsome stranger upend her life, Aren finds herself bound to a bargain that could change everything.
Prince Dietan has carried the cursed Rings of Fate ancient weapons of devastating power since childhood. The magic is killing him, and the enemies are closing in. To make the journey to reverse his curse, he needs a bride to hide his secrets. Aren wants freedom. Pretending to be his fiancée should give them both what they want.
But as their perilous journey pits them against political schemes, monstrous Kilandrar, and a growing attraction neither can deny, the line between make-believe and destiny begins to blur. And the fate of two kingdoms may depend on whether a cynical barmaid and a cursed prince are willing to risk their hearts.
Aren Bellamore has no interest in being anyone’s princess. She’s too busy running the Raven’s Beak tavern, fending off unwanted marriage proposals, and dreaming of escape. But when a brush with death and a dangerously handsome stranger upend her life, Aren finds herself bound to a bargain that could change everything.
Prince Dietan has carried the cursed Rings of Fate ancient weapons of devastating power since childhood. The magic is killing him, and the enemies are closing in. To make the journey to reverse his curse, he needs a bride to hide his secrets. Aren wants freedom. Pretending to be his fiancée should give them both what they want.
But as their perilous journey pits them against political schemes, monstrous Kilandrar, and a growing attraction neither can deny, the line between make-believe and destiny begins to blur. And the fate of two kingdoms may depend on whether a cynical barmaid and a cursed prince are willing to risk their hearts.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 6, 2026
1776 people are currently reading
33057 people want to read
About the author
Melissa de la Cruz
187 books15.9k followersMelissa de la Cruz is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of many critically acclaimed and award-winning novels for teens including The Au Pairs series, the Blue Bloods series, the Ashleys series, the Angels on Sunset Boulevard series and the semi-autobiographical novel Fresh off the Boat.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
Her books for adults include the novel Cat’s Meow, the anthology Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys and the tongue-in-chic handbooks How to Become Famous in Two Weeks or Less and The Fashionista Files: Adventures in Four-inch heels and Faux-Pas.
She has worked as a fashion and beauty editor and has written for many publications including The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Allure, The San Francisco Chronicle, McSweeney’s, Teen Vogue, CosmoGirl! and Seventeen. She has also appeared as an expert on fashion, trends and fame for CNN, E! and FoxNews.
Melissa grew up in Manila and moved to San Francisco with her family, where she graduated high school salutatorian from The Convent of the Sacred Heart. She majored in art history and English at Columbia University (and minored in nightclubs and shopping!).
She now divides her time between New York and Los Angeles, where she lives in the Hollywood Hills with her husband and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews
January 19, 2026
2.5 ★— How pretty is this cover? How cool is that title? How enticing is that blurb?
It’s a shame, then, that this book ended up feeling so bland and uninteresting to me. Rings of Fate is an easygoing fantasy romance with a light, humorous tone that wants you to bask in its unserious vibes. You follow Aren, a barmaid who enters into a fake engagement with the prince of her kingdom and is then swept off on an adventure that promises the excitement she’s always craved.
With a book this light and clearly aiming to be fun, what could go wrong? A lot, unfortunately. First off, the romance felt like pure insta-love. The leads are almost immediately into each other because Aren is Not Like Other Girls™ and doesn’t care about being a princess or marrying him, which, of course, instantly intrigues him… yeah, no. There was no solid chemistry established, in my opinion, despite the book insisting they’re both completely smitten with each other. Even their supposed banter and bickering never really worked for me or felt particularly fun.
I do think my previous exposure to A.K. Caggiano’s books, which manage to be fun, humorous fantasy romances with actual tension and engaging exchanges, might have ruined me a bit here. But even setting that aside, the bigger issue is that outside of Aren and the prince’s dynamic, this book’s overarching plot is incredibly predictable, cookie-cutter, and bland. The journey Aren and Prince Dietan go on should’ve been a perfect opportunity for bonding and development between them, but instead it felt genuinely boring. It didn’t help that the side characters they meet along the way were just as uncompelling, and I found myself forcing my way through certain sections.
In the end, I can’t rate this any higher than the three stars I’ve given here. This feels like the kind of book that might work better as a lighthearted audiobook you half-listen to while doing something else, but as an actual read, it wasn’t worth it for me.
It’s a shame, then, that this book ended up feeling so bland and uninteresting to me. Rings of Fate is an easygoing fantasy romance with a light, humorous tone that wants you to bask in its unserious vibes. You follow Aren, a barmaid who enters into a fake engagement with the prince of her kingdom and is then swept off on an adventure that promises the excitement she’s always craved.
With a book this light and clearly aiming to be fun, what could go wrong? A lot, unfortunately. First off, the romance felt like pure insta-love. The leads are almost immediately into each other because Aren is Not Like Other Girls™ and doesn’t care about being a princess or marrying him, which, of course, instantly intrigues him… yeah, no. There was no solid chemistry established, in my opinion, despite the book insisting they’re both completely smitten with each other. Even their supposed banter and bickering never really worked for me or felt particularly fun.
I do think my previous exposure to A.K. Caggiano’s books, which manage to be fun, humorous fantasy romances with actual tension and engaging exchanges, might have ruined me a bit here. But even setting that aside, the bigger issue is that outside of Aren and the prince’s dynamic, this book’s overarching plot is incredibly predictable, cookie-cutter, and bland. The journey Aren and Prince Dietan go on should’ve been a perfect opportunity for bonding and development between them, but instead it felt genuinely boring. It didn’t help that the side characters they meet along the way were just as uncompelling, and I found myself forcing my way through certain sections.
In the end, I can’t rate this any higher than the three stars I’ve given here. This feels like the kind of book that might work better as a lighthearted audiobook you half-listen to while doing something else, but as an actual read, it wasn’t worth it for me.
Review of advance copy
What could possibly go wrong when a snarky, sharped tongue barmaid meets a handsome, cursed prince? Absolutely everything that you could think of.
This was exactly as I expected—fast paced, light, not too heavy on magic or world building. It’s perfect for those who are looking for something that reads like a fairytale, but one where he needs to be saved vs the damsel in distress. This is a slow burn with good but silly banter done in a perfect comedic timing.
Full RTF :)
This was my BOTM pick!
Publication date: January 6, 2025!
This was exactly as I expected—fast paced, light, not too heavy on magic or world building. It’s perfect for those who are looking for something that reads like a fairytale, but one where he needs to be saved vs the damsel in distress. This is a slow burn with good but silly banter done in a perfect comedic timing.
Full RTF :)
This was my BOTM pick!
Publication date: January 6, 2025!
December 16, 2025
Review of Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz
Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz is an enchanting romantasy about a witty barmaid and a cursed prince who agree to a pretend engagement to survive deadly magic and tangled political schemes in a vividly imagined fantasy world. From the smoky warmth of the Raven’s Beak tavern to the perilous landscapes where ancient magic pulses and danger lurks, this story wraps you in a romance that feels both tender and thrilling.
From the moment I met Aren Bellamore, I was drawn to her rugged humor and fierce independence, a heroine who refuses to bow to expectation even when fate pushes hard against her will. Aren’s voice felt so alive to me: sharp, resilient, and deeply human even amid swordplay and curses. Prince Dietan, bound to the destructive Rings of Fate and increasingly worn by their magic, is both vulnerable and magnetic, his struggle to save himself and his kingdom giving real emotional weight to his banter with Aren. Their chemistry simmered with sparks that surprised me again and again as they journeyed through political treachery, ancient threats like the monstrous Kilandrar, and moments where danger brought them closer. The pacing is lively, and the fantasy elements are rich without overwhelming the growing connection between these two very different souls. Some scenes made me laugh aloud, others softened my chest with longing, and all of them made me root for Aren’s freedom and Dietan’s redemption. Fans of Princess Bride vibes with a modern romantasy twist will find themselves enchanted by this tale’s blend of danger, heart, and wit.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because its emotional core and clever dialogue carried me through the story with genuine joy, even as the worldbuilding and stakes kept me turning pages. The relationship felt grounded, the fantasy felt imaginative, and Aren’s growth is something I will remember long after finishing. If you love characters whose journeys teach them about courage, belonging, and the surprising forms that love can take, this book offers a generous and satisfying experience.
Rings of Fate by Melissa de la Cruz is an enchanting romantasy about a witty barmaid and a cursed prince who agree to a pretend engagement to survive deadly magic and tangled political schemes in a vividly imagined fantasy world. From the smoky warmth of the Raven’s Beak tavern to the perilous landscapes where ancient magic pulses and danger lurks, this story wraps you in a romance that feels both tender and thrilling.
From the moment I met Aren Bellamore, I was drawn to her rugged humor and fierce independence, a heroine who refuses to bow to expectation even when fate pushes hard against her will. Aren’s voice felt so alive to me: sharp, resilient, and deeply human even amid swordplay and curses. Prince Dietan, bound to the destructive Rings of Fate and increasingly worn by their magic, is both vulnerable and magnetic, his struggle to save himself and his kingdom giving real emotional weight to his banter with Aren. Their chemistry simmered with sparks that surprised me again and again as they journeyed through political treachery, ancient threats like the monstrous Kilandrar, and moments where danger brought them closer. The pacing is lively, and the fantasy elements are rich without overwhelming the growing connection between these two very different souls. Some scenes made me laugh aloud, others softened my chest with longing, and all of them made me root for Aren’s freedom and Dietan’s redemption. Fans of Princess Bride vibes with a modern romantasy twist will find themselves enchanted by this tale’s blend of danger, heart, and wit.
I would rate this book a 4 out of 5 because its emotional core and clever dialogue carried me through the story with genuine joy, even as the worldbuilding and stakes kept me turning pages. The relationship felt grounded, the fantasy felt imaginative, and Aren’s growth is something I will remember long after finishing. If you love characters whose journeys teach them about courage, belonging, and the surprising forms that love can take, this book offers a generous and satisfying experience.
dnf
November 22, 2025DNF at 31%
Thank you to Entangled and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early. Unfortunately, this was not a book for me. All of the below is my own opinion.
There is a line in the summary, “And when Aren accidentally triggers [a Ring], she gets tied to the curse too. If he dies, so does the Kingdom. If she walks away, she will take the magic - and half the realm - with her.” At 31% into this book… this plot point has NOT happened yet. ☠️ Maybe it’s worded incorrectly and this never literally happens? I’m very frustrated about this and think it’s misleading… but if it’s in your summary, it needs to happen before 1/3 of the book!
This book was pitched as The Princess Bride meets Wheel of Time. There are VERY small details that are a tiny bit similar to both of these books but ultimately, I don’t think the comparisons measure up. There is a tiny bit of sass similar to The Princess Bride and it’s a sort-of gender bent version of the romance, but if you come looking for the hilarity and ingenuity the Princess Bride gives… you’ll be disappointed. As for WoT… it’s a lot to fill Robert Jordan’s shoes. There are certain plot points that kind of line up to WoT (an evil villain who controls creatures who attack people and the chosen one male who can’t control magic) - but the world-building is severely lacking and the magic system is now where near as cool.
The characters are very… bland in my opinion. We have the typical snarky female with a self-assured, kind of pompous prince. I’ve seen it done so many times, I’m just tired of it. Neither one brings any new elements to romantasy. I’m just bored with them. Their “banter” is typical and just… there.
He likes her immediately, says he’s “never met any girl like her” the moment he lays eyes on her. She says he’s so tall that he “makes her feel so womanly looking up at him.” No thank you. 🙂↔️
The writing style is surprisingly… stark? It’s not beautiful prose; it doesn’t enhance the experience of reading. It is a means to an end and that saddens me. This is the first book I’ve read by de la Cruz and I’m not excited to read more. (Unfortunately I have another ARC of hers. 😭)
I hope that others will like this book more than I do. I am deeply saddened that I did not like this as I thought I would with the comp titles. If you want a book that’s much more akin to The Princess Bride (and has a sassy female dragon, a cinnamon roll monk, and a feisty female who is not boring), try The Knight of the Trove by Holly Rose.
Thank you to Entangled and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book early. Unfortunately, this was not a book for me. All of the below is my own opinion.
There is a line in the summary, “And when Aren accidentally triggers [a Ring], she gets tied to the curse too. If he dies, so does the Kingdom. If she walks away, she will take the magic - and half the realm - with her.” At 31% into this book… this plot point has NOT happened yet. ☠️ Maybe it’s worded incorrectly and this never literally happens? I’m very frustrated about this and think it’s misleading… but if it’s in your summary, it needs to happen before 1/3 of the book!
This book was pitched as The Princess Bride meets Wheel of Time. There are VERY small details that are a tiny bit similar to both of these books but ultimately, I don’t think the comparisons measure up. There is a tiny bit of sass similar to The Princess Bride and it’s a sort-of gender bent version of the romance, but if you come looking for the hilarity and ingenuity the Princess Bride gives… you’ll be disappointed. As for WoT… it’s a lot to fill Robert Jordan’s shoes. There are certain plot points that kind of line up to WoT (an evil villain who controls creatures who attack people and the chosen one male who can’t control magic) - but the world-building is severely lacking and the magic system is now where near as cool.
The characters are very… bland in my opinion. We have the typical snarky female with a self-assured, kind of pompous prince. I’ve seen it done so many times, I’m just tired of it. Neither one brings any new elements to romantasy. I’m just bored with them. Their “banter” is typical and just… there.
He likes her immediately, says he’s “never met any girl like her” the moment he lays eyes on her. She says he’s so tall that he “makes her feel so womanly looking up at him.” No thank you. 🙂↔️
The writing style is surprisingly… stark? It’s not beautiful prose; it doesn’t enhance the experience of reading. It is a means to an end and that saddens me. This is the first book I’ve read by de la Cruz and I’m not excited to read more. (Unfortunately I have another ARC of hers. 😭)
I hope that others will like this book more than I do. I am deeply saddened that I did not like this as I thought I would with the comp titles. If you want a book that’s much more akin to The Princess Bride (and has a sassy female dragon, a cinnamon roll monk, and a feisty female who is not boring), try The Knight of the Trove by Holly Rose.
November 13, 2025
I read the physical ARC of this from the publisher and I flew through it. Abigail Owen's blurb for this book is "The Princess Bride for the romantasy era." Enough said for me. I enjoy Melissa de la Cruz and I enjoyed this book as well. This is adult romantasy. We have a prince who needs a bride so their countries will be allies. He settles on Aren, a barmaid, but it is all a ruse. He has a secret that is killing him and he needs Aren's help. She wants out of her small town life and agrees to go with the prince. They both know it could be a dangerous adventure but they do not realize just how dangerous it will be. Prince Dietan tries to get Aren to turn back multiple times when things get really bad, but she is in it for the long haul. They have fun enemies to lovers banter, and of course they fall in love while on their journey. This is the first book in a series and I am excited to continue the story with the next book.
-My plan could get us all killed, but isn't it better to die trying to do the right thing than live the rest of our lives in terror.
-My plan could get us all killed, but isn't it better to die trying to do the right thing than live the rest of our lives in terror.
November 29, 2025
Ok so I have LITERALLY just finished this book…the last 30% was so much better than the first part of the book, I have to admit I nearly DNF as I just found the beginning of the book so all over the place and jumpy and just very, very random. There didn’t seem to be a lot of character introduction or development and it was more just like oh yes these people are now in love! I think it would’ve been great if the side characters would’ve had some more page time too, Dietans mates seemed fun and also Arens sisters, would have been nice to get to know their relationship a bit more too. HOWEVER, I am very glad I stuck with this book because like I said, it got a lot better towards the end it was just a shame it was such a slog to get there! 3.5 stars from me, I would like to read book 2 if there is going to be one where we can hopefully get some more character development and back story.
January 7, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that was just released today called, Rings of Fate. This is about Aren, she is stuck in life; running the family bar, taking care of her father and sisters, and fending off unwanted marriage proposals from the local drunks. Then one day Prince Dietan comes to their town, looking for a bride. She makes sure her sisters are perfect to meet the prince and hopefully catch his eye, but she's the one who catches his eye instead. And before she knows it, she is being proposed to again, and this time by a prince who wants to make a deal with her. Prince Dietan is cursed, he has had the Rings of Fate trapped under his skin since he was a kid and they're killing him, he needs to be free of them. He needs a cover for traveling town to town to try and find someone to help rid him of the Rings, which is why he was "looking for a bride". He makes a deal with Aren, pretend to be his fiancé while he searches for someone to help him, and he will pay her enough she can finally be free to live whatever life she wants. But nothing is ever that simple or goes according to plan. Not with their travels, not with their deal, and not with them not catching real feelings for each other.
This romantasy was such an entertaining journey! The magic and world building was easy to understand and follow along with. The storyline was well thought out and it had me not wanting to put the book down. The characters felt authentic; they were complex, determined, and brave. I loved the banter and the attraction they didn't want to admit that was between Aren and Dietan throughout the book! This story also ended well which I always appreciate, there was no cliffhanger or high suspense moment where it ended. I really enjoyed this story! 🤍📚
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of Rings of Fate, in exchange for an honest review.
This romantasy was such an entertaining journey! The magic and world building was easy to understand and follow along with. The storyline was well thought out and it had me not wanting to put the book down. The characters felt authentic; they were complex, determined, and brave. I loved the banter and the attraction they didn't want to admit that was between Aren and Dietan throughout the book! This story also ended well which I always appreciate, there was no cliffhanger or high suspense moment where it ended. I really enjoyed this story! 🤍📚
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC of Rings of Fate, in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2026
Man I’ve gotta stop falling for pretty covers with edges when I choose my book of the month. They’re just disappointment after disappointment.
The biggest problem tho was our main character, Aren. She just… wasn’t likable. She argued for the sake of arguing. She “wasn’t like other girls.” She frequently would go BuT iM jUsT a BaRmAiD and then be mad about it. She spent the first quarter of the book going “I can’t wait to get out of this town” and then when offered the chance goes “no I don’t want to.” She was 25 but had never been kissed (and kept getting pissed about not being kissed but then refusing kisses) but suddenly was a sex goddess after touching 1 zucchini.
I think this might work as a good “bridge” to more adult romantasies if you’re like, just coming off YA stuff, but for me, my quest for a great fantasy romance to consume my heart continues.
The biggest problem tho was our main character, Aren. She just… wasn’t likable. She argued for the sake of arguing. She “wasn’t like other girls.” She frequently would go BuT iM jUsT a BaRmAiD and then be mad about it. She spent the first quarter of the book going “I can’t wait to get out of this town” and then when offered the chance goes “no I don’t want to.” She was 25 but had never been kissed (and kept getting pissed about not being kissed but then refusing kisses) but suddenly was a sex goddess after touching 1 zucchini.
I think this might work as a good “bridge” to more adult romantasies if you’re like, just coming off YA stuff, but for me, my quest for a great fantasy romance to consume my heart continues.
January 18, 2026
Rings of Fate Is A Spellbinding, High‑Drama Fantasy That Delivers Everything I Wanted
Rings of Fate is Melissa de la Cruz at her most addictive. This book sweeps you into a world of prophecy, power, and tangled destinies, and it never loosens its grip. From the very first chapter, the story pulses with tension, the kind of immersive, high-stakes fantasy that keeps you reading long after you meant to stop.
What makes this such a standout is how deftly de la Cruz blends court intrigue, forbidden romance, and mythic worldbuilding. Every scene feels cinematic, every twist lands with purpose, and the characters are flawed, ambitious, and achingly human, and it just pulls you deeper into the storytelling. The emotional beats hit just as hard as the action, creating a perfect balance of heart and meaty plot. Some characters are a little self-deprecating but easily overlooked with such an amazing cast.
The pacing is razor-sharp, the lore is rich without ever feeling heavy, and the relationships, both alliances and rivalries, crackle with energy. By the time the final chapters rolled around, I was fully invested in every choice, every sacrifice, every revelation.
If you love fantasy that’s lush, dramatic, and brimming with destiny-driven tension, Oh, and did I mention the BANTER, Rings of Fate is absolutely the book for you. Melissa de la Cruz delivers a story that feels both classic and fresh, and I’m already eager for whatever comes next in this world.
Rings of Fate is Melissa de la Cruz at her most addictive. This book sweeps you into a world of prophecy, power, and tangled destinies, and it never loosens its grip. From the very first chapter, the story pulses with tension, the kind of immersive, high-stakes fantasy that keeps you reading long after you meant to stop.
What makes this such a standout is how deftly de la Cruz blends court intrigue, forbidden romance, and mythic worldbuilding. Every scene feels cinematic, every twist lands with purpose, and the characters are flawed, ambitious, and achingly human, and it just pulls you deeper into the storytelling. The emotional beats hit just as hard as the action, creating a perfect balance of heart and meaty plot. Some characters are a little self-deprecating but easily overlooked with such an amazing cast.
The pacing is razor-sharp, the lore is rich without ever feeling heavy, and the relationships, both alliances and rivalries, crackle with energy. By the time the final chapters rolled around, I was fully invested in every choice, every sacrifice, every revelation.
If you love fantasy that’s lush, dramatic, and brimming with destiny-driven tension, Oh, and did I mention the BANTER, Rings of Fate is absolutely the book for you. Melissa de la Cruz delivers a story that feels both classic and fresh, and I’m already eager for whatever comes next in this world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5. The first 30% of this I binged, couldn't put it down. It was giving me some kind of magical My Lady Jane/Princess Bride/Cinderella mash-up and I was having a great time. A fun and easy fantasy with a sweet romance at the heart of it.
I really enjoyed Aren, the FMC and Dietan, the MMC, and their dynamic together. The plot was interesting. I did find that the pace slowed quite a bit in the middle of the book, not much was happening, or at least not much which gripped my attention the way the first third of the book did. I also thought some aspects of the magic and world could have been made clearer. That being said, I will definitely pick up the next book, and I think we'll be able to settle in to the world and magic system a bit more in that one. I'm looking forward to where Dietan and Aren's story goes next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
I really enjoyed Aren, the FMC and Dietan, the MMC, and their dynamic together. The plot was interesting. I did find that the pace slowed quite a bit in the middle of the book, not much was happening, or at least not much which gripped my attention the way the first third of the book did. I also thought some aspects of the magic and world could have been made clearer. That being said, I will definitely pick up the next book, and I think we'll be able to settle in to the world and magic system a bit more in that one. I'm looking forward to where Dietan and Aren's story goes next.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.
January 10, 2026
I have never read a book by this author, but looking at her previous books I see she did a lot of YA before cranking this out. I can see that. I can also see how his is a mixture of Wheel Time + Princess Bride.
I liked the angle of a prince who seems perfect but isn't due to a set of magical rings embedded in his skin making him wary of love and true connection. I liked the idea of a barmaid instead of a noble or a princess being his love interest. I liked that he was on a quest to get rid of the rings from his skin and use them to defeat some evil sorcerer who has returned to reek havoc on the lands.
... but that was it. I just liked the book.
The reason I could come up with is that I felt I read all these major plot elements in better books (Lord of the Rings, Princess Bride) that seeing them in a book not on that same level was a little jarring. It also felt very trope-y at times, where I could predict the outcome of certain reveals (probably, again, cause I seen them used in other books).
SO yeah. I am left with a book that I can honestly recommend if you're new to fantasy and looking to dip your feet into the water of what to read if you never read Wheel of Time, Lord of the Rings, and Princess Bride. Will I read book two? No. The characters really don't have any strong qualities besides being low-budget knock offs.
I liked the angle of a prince who seems perfect but isn't due to a set of magical rings embedded in his skin making him wary of love and true connection. I liked the idea of a barmaid instead of a noble or a princess being his love interest. I liked that he was on a quest to get rid of the rings from his skin and use them to defeat some evil sorcerer who has returned to reek havoc on the lands.
... but that was it. I just liked the book.
The reason I could come up with is that I felt I read all these major plot elements in better books (Lord of the Rings, Princess Bride) that seeing them in a book not on that same level was a little jarring. It also felt very trope-y at times, where I could predict the outcome of certain reveals (probably, again, cause I seen them used in other books).
SO yeah. I am left with a book that I can honestly recommend if you're new to fantasy and looking to dip your feet into the water of what to read if you never read Wheel of Time, Lord of the Rings, and Princess Bride. Will I read book two? No. The characters really don't have any strong qualities besides being low-budget knock offs.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Rings of Fate by Melissa De La Cruz was such a fun, banter-filled, adorable romantic fantasy adventure.
From the very first chapter I was hooked on our FMC, Aren. She’s fiercely loyal, does everything in her power to protect the people she loves, and somehow still manages to attract some very unwanted attention. She is peak feisty barmaid energy and I loved her immediately.
Dietan, our MMC, comes across as the classic arrogant, devastatingly handsome prince… but beneath that exterior he’s just a man trying to right past mistakes and keep his people safe. And yes, I ate that up.
The adventure itself was such a good time, and the tension between Aren and Dietan? Exactly what you want from a slow burn. While this isn’t a spicy read, the romance scenes we do get are incredibly satisfying. It’s mostly angst, longing, and tension for the majority of the book—and honestly, that made it even better.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and would absolutely read more from this world.
✨ Perfect for readers who love:
• Unique magic systems
• Slow burn romance
• Tension & angst
• A feisty barmaid FMC
• An arrogant prince MMC
• Secrets, lies & adventure
This one’s for you 💫
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for the proof copy of this amazing book—I’ll cherish it forever.
From the very first chapter I was hooked on our FMC, Aren. She’s fiercely loyal, does everything in her power to protect the people she loves, and somehow still manages to attract some very unwanted attention. She is peak feisty barmaid energy and I loved her immediately.
Dietan, our MMC, comes across as the classic arrogant, devastatingly handsome prince… but beneath that exterior he’s just a man trying to right past mistakes and keep his people safe. And yes, I ate that up.
The adventure itself was such a good time, and the tension between Aren and Dietan? Exactly what you want from a slow burn. While this isn’t a spicy read, the romance scenes we do get are incredibly satisfying. It’s mostly angst, longing, and tension for the majority of the book—and honestly, that made it even better.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and would absolutely read more from this world.
✨ Perfect for readers who love:
• Unique magic systems
• Slow burn romance
• Tension & angst
• A feisty barmaid FMC
• An arrogant prince MMC
• Secrets, lies & adventure
This one’s for you 💫
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for the proof copy of this amazing book—I’ll cherish it forever.
January 9, 2026
2.5 stars
idk why I keep trying with Red Tower Books
idk why I keep trying with Red Tower Books
December 14, 2025
A Barmaid who doesn't believe in fairytales and a Prince who's cursed by it...what can go wrong?
I loved this new start of a fantasy series by Melissa de le Cruz so much. It was fun, fast paced and delivered my catnip: magic, angsty characters and a fate that will not be denied. If you enjoy complex characters, a lot of humor in a setting that has me longonging to visit and more then get ready for the first book in the Curses and Crown series, Rings of Fate.
Melissa de le Cruz is a talented storyteller who is a master at keeping the story moving, giving readers characters that just brim with life within the pages and a story that completely captivated me all the way to the end. If you haven't checked out any of her books (she has several YA series and others) then I highly recommend you check her backlist out. This is truly an author who could teach a master class on writing such compelling books with complexly layered characters in fantastical worlds.
I was gifted the book ARC from Red Tower books and I give this a 5/5 and highly recommened.
I loved this new start of a fantasy series by Melissa de le Cruz so much. It was fun, fast paced and delivered my catnip: magic, angsty characters and a fate that will not be denied. If you enjoy complex characters, a lot of humor in a setting that has me longonging to visit and more then get ready for the first book in the Curses and Crown series, Rings of Fate.
Melissa de le Cruz is a talented storyteller who is a master at keeping the story moving, giving readers characters that just brim with life within the pages and a story that completely captivated me all the way to the end. If you haven't checked out any of her books (she has several YA series and others) then I highly recommend you check her backlist out. This is truly an author who could teach a master class on writing such compelling books with complexly layered characters in fantastical worlds.
I was gifted the book ARC from Red Tower books and I give this a 5/5 and highly recommened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"This woman is unlike any other I've met and I need to know more."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
What you'll find in this book:
• Fake Engagement
• Enemies to Lovers
• Cursed Hero
• Forced Proximity
• Feisty Barmaid x Cursed Prince
• Humour & Banter
• High Stakes Magic
• Swoon-Worthy Romantasy
This book was definitely the perfect choice to start of my 2026 reading journey. I mean what more could you want than a fantasy book featuring a barmaid, a prince, a fake engagement and a chaotic journey across the kingdom to defeat a great evil and stave off an impending war. The banter in this story is absolutely top tier, but underneath this layer of humour and comedy there is a more emotional side to the story that tugged at my heart strings. This book truly captures every factor that makes a traditional fantasy story so moreish, a tale that is as gripping as it is fun, where we journey with the characters across a fantastical land battling an evil threatening to enjoy the peace and magic that thrives in the land. I was gripped in this books grasp from the beginning to the end, there's romance, humour and a unique magical system to keep you hooked.
Aren Bellamore, hard working barmaid who doesn't believe in fairytales, keeps herself busy running the Raven's Beak tavern, dreaming of an eventual escape and fending off unwanted marriage proposals. However, when a dangerous handsome stranger comes to her rescue during a deadly situation Aren finds herself becoming a part of a bargain that is going to turn her world upside down. Prince Dietan, a cursed prince dreaming of a fairytale solution, has carried the powerful but cursed Rings of Fate within his body since a childhood accident put them there. Slowly, but surely his enemies are closing in and with his magic more likely to kill him than help him he is running out of time. In order to make the journey and reverse his curse, he needs a bridge in order to make him inconspicuous. With Aren wanting her freedom, Dietan sees a way to help them both with her pretending to be his wife. However, it quickly becomes clear that this journey will be a dangerous one for them both, with monsters chasing them and an undeniable growing attraction they must fight to risk their hearts for the sake of not just one kingdom but two.
Having two main characters that hold the majority of the story like it did in this one allows us to get to know Dietan and Aren to the fullest possible extent throughout the story. Their strengths, their flaws, their emotions and their character as it changes throughout the course of the story and how this is impacted by the actions they take and the hurdles they overcome. Aren is sassy in the best sent of the word, I love how when we meet her she knows exactly who she is and what she wants, but during the course of the story Aren comes to realise that what she had wasn't all that bad in the first place and at the same time the new future that is so close yet at the same time feels so far. Aren uses sarcasm as her biggest defence when it comes to putting others before herself, and I adore how this sarcasm goes up against Dietan's sarcasm. There is a sprinkle of the grumpy versus sunshine personalities which I really enjoyed and how this flips between the two main characters as the story progresses. Dietan comes so far during the course of the story, we initially meet a Prince who just wants to get rid of the power he has been cursed with, but as the he progresses on his journey to save himself and his kingdom we begin to see the determined strong man underneath the pretentious womanising princeling. It is not only us that realises this but also Aren as she falls hopelessly in love with the man underneath the mask, and as this happens Dietan falls for the girl who doesn't want him for the prince of for his power but for exactly who he is.
We travel far and wide across this fantastical world throughout the story, and this just goes go show the richly described world that Melissa has created. Every new area we travel to is clearly described making it so very easy to picture in the minds eye adding yet another aspect to an amazing story. The fake engagement aspect of this story was most definitely my favourite part, I am obsessed with this trope and it works perfectly as part of this story with these characters who couldn't be from more different circumstances if they tried. Oh and don't even get me started on the moments involving a frying pan that becomes infamous, absolutely hilarious and one of the highlights of this story for me. The slow developing romance that gently begins to grow into a raging fire is was a perfect fit to the story, there is something so satisfying about this and how it pans out between these characters. Honestly, if you love fantasy this is a must read that will sweep you up and carry you along for one heck of a ride.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Series: Curses and Crowns
Publisher: Red Tower Books
Release Date: January 8th, 2026
Pages: 396
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
What you'll find in this book:
• Fake Engagement
• Enemies to Lovers
• Cursed Hero
• Forced Proximity
• Feisty Barmaid x Cursed Prince
• Humour & Banter
• High Stakes Magic
• Swoon-Worthy Romantasy
This book was definitely the perfect choice to start of my 2026 reading journey. I mean what more could you want than a fantasy book featuring a barmaid, a prince, a fake engagement and a chaotic journey across the kingdom to defeat a great evil and stave off an impending war. The banter in this story is absolutely top tier, but underneath this layer of humour and comedy there is a more emotional side to the story that tugged at my heart strings. This book truly captures every factor that makes a traditional fantasy story so moreish, a tale that is as gripping as it is fun, where we journey with the characters across a fantastical land battling an evil threatening to enjoy the peace and magic that thrives in the land. I was gripped in this books grasp from the beginning to the end, there's romance, humour and a unique magical system to keep you hooked.
Aren Bellamore, hard working barmaid who doesn't believe in fairytales, keeps herself busy running the Raven's Beak tavern, dreaming of an eventual escape and fending off unwanted marriage proposals. However, when a dangerous handsome stranger comes to her rescue during a deadly situation Aren finds herself becoming a part of a bargain that is going to turn her world upside down. Prince Dietan, a cursed prince dreaming of a fairytale solution, has carried the powerful but cursed Rings of Fate within his body since a childhood accident put them there. Slowly, but surely his enemies are closing in and with his magic more likely to kill him than help him he is running out of time. In order to make the journey and reverse his curse, he needs a bridge in order to make him inconspicuous. With Aren wanting her freedom, Dietan sees a way to help them both with her pretending to be his wife. However, it quickly becomes clear that this journey will be a dangerous one for them both, with monsters chasing them and an undeniable growing attraction they must fight to risk their hearts for the sake of not just one kingdom but two.
Having two main characters that hold the majority of the story like it did in this one allows us to get to know Dietan and Aren to the fullest possible extent throughout the story. Their strengths, their flaws, their emotions and their character as it changes throughout the course of the story and how this is impacted by the actions they take and the hurdles they overcome. Aren is sassy in the best sent of the word, I love how when we meet her she knows exactly who she is and what she wants, but during the course of the story Aren comes to realise that what she had wasn't all that bad in the first place and at the same time the new future that is so close yet at the same time feels so far. Aren uses sarcasm as her biggest defence when it comes to putting others before herself, and I adore how this sarcasm goes up against Dietan's sarcasm. There is a sprinkle of the grumpy versus sunshine personalities which I really enjoyed and how this flips between the two main characters as the story progresses. Dietan comes so far during the course of the story, we initially meet a Prince who just wants to get rid of the power he has been cursed with, but as the he progresses on his journey to save himself and his kingdom we begin to see the determined strong man underneath the pretentious womanising princeling. It is not only us that realises this but also Aren as she falls hopelessly in love with the man underneath the mask, and as this happens Dietan falls for the girl who doesn't want him for the prince of for his power but for exactly who he is.
We travel far and wide across this fantastical world throughout the story, and this just goes go show the richly described world that Melissa has created. Every new area we travel to is clearly described making it so very easy to picture in the minds eye adding yet another aspect to an amazing story. The fake engagement aspect of this story was most definitely my favourite part, I am obsessed with this trope and it works perfectly as part of this story with these characters who couldn't be from more different circumstances if they tried. Oh and don't even get me started on the moments involving a frying pan that becomes infamous, absolutely hilarious and one of the highlights of this story for me. The slow developing romance that gently begins to grow into a raging fire is was a perfect fit to the story, there is something so satisfying about this and how it pans out between these characters. Honestly, if you love fantasy this is a must read that will sweep you up and carry you along for one heck of a ride.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an e-ARC to read and review early.
Author: Melissa De La Cruz
Series: Curses and Crowns
Publisher: Red Tower Books
Release Date: January 8th, 2026
Pages: 396
January 15, 2026
Rings of Fate was such a fun read, and I honestly didn’t expect to tear through it as fast as I did. The story follows Aren, a barmaid who is sick of drunken marriage proposals and has spent her entire life putting others first, and Dietan, a cursed prince with magic bound beneath his skin. When fate and a near-death moment push them together, they strike a bargain to fake an engagement so he can secretly search for a way to break his curse. Of course, nothing goes according to plan, and the journey quickly becomes dangerous, complicated, and very emotionally messy in the best way.
Aren is a great protagonist! She's sassy, sharp, practical, and so devoted to her family. She’s been taking care of her younger sisters and running her father's tavern since she was young, and she has put her own dreams on the back burner. That sense of responsibility shapes everything she does. She also doesn’t believe in fairy tales or Prince Charming, so watching her get pulled into a world of magic with Prince Dietan was fantastic.
I adored Dietan! He's so charming and confident on the surface, but underneath that is a man carrying an enormous amount of guilt, fear, and exhaustion from the curse he’s lived with since he was young. Seeing how isolated he feels and how carefully he guards his secret adds so much depth to his character and contrasts well with his charming, affable, and carefree facade. The chapters alternate between his and Aren's perspectives, and the dual POV works really well in showing their thoughts, feelings, and differences, as well as their growing connection.
And the romance? So good! The chemistry between Aren and Dietan is amazing from their very first meeting. Aren is so sassy, and she constantly challenges him, much to his delight. I love their various nicknames for each other! Their banter is packed with humor, teasing, and simmering tension, and Dietan gives as good as he gets. He’s so drawn to Aren, especially her sharp tongue and refusal to be impressed by his title, and I loved how much he genuinely respects her strength. She pushes him to see life beyond duty and destiny, while he shows her that wanting more doesn’t make her selfish. Coming from such different worlds only makes their connection richer, and watching them slowly stop pretending and start trusting each other was so lovely.
The secondary characters, including Aren's twin sisters and Dietan's best friends, are also interesting, and I could easily see them being the focus of future books. The world-building is great, too. The magic, political intrigue, and monsters Aren and Dietan face are immersive and intriguing, and the fast pacing makes everything feel intense, suspenseful, and high-stakes. It's definitely more dangerous than they anticipated, as Dietan searches for a way to save himself and his kingdom.
I really enjoyed this read! Fun and entertaining with great characters, fantastic banter, and a swoon-worthy romance, it's a fast-paced and memorable romantasy and a great start to a new series.
Aren is a great protagonist! She's sassy, sharp, practical, and so devoted to her family. She’s been taking care of her younger sisters and running her father's tavern since she was young, and she has put her own dreams on the back burner. That sense of responsibility shapes everything she does. She also doesn’t believe in fairy tales or Prince Charming, so watching her get pulled into a world of magic with Prince Dietan was fantastic.
I adored Dietan! He's so charming and confident on the surface, but underneath that is a man carrying an enormous amount of guilt, fear, and exhaustion from the curse he’s lived with since he was young. Seeing how isolated he feels and how carefully he guards his secret adds so much depth to his character and contrasts well with his charming, affable, and carefree facade. The chapters alternate between his and Aren's perspectives, and the dual POV works really well in showing their thoughts, feelings, and differences, as well as their growing connection.
And the romance? So good! The chemistry between Aren and Dietan is amazing from their very first meeting. Aren is so sassy, and she constantly challenges him, much to his delight. I love their various nicknames for each other! Their banter is packed with humor, teasing, and simmering tension, and Dietan gives as good as he gets. He’s so drawn to Aren, especially her sharp tongue and refusal to be impressed by his title, and I loved how much he genuinely respects her strength. She pushes him to see life beyond duty and destiny, while he shows her that wanting more doesn’t make her selfish. Coming from such different worlds only makes their connection richer, and watching them slowly stop pretending and start trusting each other was so lovely.
The secondary characters, including Aren's twin sisters and Dietan's best friends, are also interesting, and I could easily see them being the focus of future books. The world-building is great, too. The magic, political intrigue, and monsters Aren and Dietan face are immersive and intriguing, and the fast pacing makes everything feel intense, suspenseful, and high-stakes. It's definitely more dangerous than they anticipated, as Dietan searches for a way to save himself and his kingdom.
I really enjoyed this read! Fun and entertaining with great characters, fantastic banter, and a swoon-worthy romance, it's a fast-paced and memorable romantasy and a great start to a new series.
January 9, 2026
Round up to 3.75✨
“If I’d known kissing you was all it would take to shut you up, I might have done it sooner.
Aren Bellamore is a sarcastic, skillet-wielding barmaid who doesn’t believe in fairy tales just surviving another shift at the Raven’s Beak and dodging marriage proposals.
When a dangerous stranger saves her life, she’s dragged into a bargain that flips everything upside down. That stranger is Prince Deitan who cursed, charming, infuriating, and slowly dying from the Rings of Fate inside him.
With enemies closing in, he needs to travel across kingdoms in disguise… and Aren becomes his “wife.”
Their fake engagement turns into a tense, banter-filled journey packed with monsters, secrets, loyalty, and feelings neither wants to admit especially when the fate of two kingdoms hangs on the line
Tropes and vibes ✨
✨ Dual POV
✨ Cursed prince
✨ Grumpy barmaid
✨ Fake engagement
✨ Banter + emotional growth
✨ Kingdom-spanning quest
The first 30% absolutely hooked me and Princess Bride My Lady Jane energy with humour and heart. Aren is fiercely loyal and hilarious, and Deitan’s arc from arrogant prince to vulnerable, determined leader was so satisfying.
The middle slows during the travel sections and I wanted a bit more clarity in the magic but the banter, angst, frying-pan moments, and emotional payoff completely made up for it.
The ending clearly leaves room for more, and I’m excited to see where Aren and Deitan go next. If you love fake engagements, curses, road-trip fantasy, and romance that sneaks up on you this one is a must read!
“If I’d known kissing you was all it would take to shut you up, I might have done it sooner.
Aren Bellamore is a sarcastic, skillet-wielding barmaid who doesn’t believe in fairy tales just surviving another shift at the Raven’s Beak and dodging marriage proposals.
When a dangerous stranger saves her life, she’s dragged into a bargain that flips everything upside down. That stranger is Prince Deitan who cursed, charming, infuriating, and slowly dying from the Rings of Fate inside him.
With enemies closing in, he needs to travel across kingdoms in disguise… and Aren becomes his “wife.”
Their fake engagement turns into a tense, banter-filled journey packed with monsters, secrets, loyalty, and feelings neither wants to admit especially when the fate of two kingdoms hangs on the line
Tropes and vibes ✨
✨ Dual POV
✨ Cursed prince
✨ Grumpy barmaid
✨ Fake engagement
✨ Banter + emotional growth
✨ Kingdom-spanning quest
The first 30% absolutely hooked me and Princess Bride My Lady Jane energy with humour and heart. Aren is fiercely loyal and hilarious, and Deitan’s arc from arrogant prince to vulnerable, determined leader was so satisfying.
The middle slows during the travel sections and I wanted a bit more clarity in the magic but the banter, angst, frying-pan moments, and emotional payoff completely made up for it.
The ending clearly leaves room for more, and I’m excited to see where Aren and Deitan go next. If you love fake engagements, curses, road-trip fantasy, and romance that sneaks up on you this one is a must read!
January 8, 2026
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Release Date: January 6, 2026
📖 Summary: Aren Bellamore is a barmaid with no interest in being anyone's princess—until a dangerously handsome stranger upends her life. Prince Dietan carries the cursed Rings of Fate, ancient weapons that are slowly killing him, and he needs a fake bride to hide his secrets on a perilous journey. What starts as a bargain for freedom becomes something more as they face political schemes, monstrous Kilandrar, and an undeniable attraction that could change the fate of two kingdoms.
👑 What I Loved:
• Aren and Dietan's chemistry is perfection! Their banter and dynamic had me hooked from the start
• Aren is such a strong, caring, and relatable FMC! A badass who can also cook? Yes, please! Her attitude throughout the book and love for her family made her so easy to root for
• Dietan is charming, sweet, and everything you want in an MMC!
• The magic system was fascinating-I need to know more about it!
⚔️ Tropes:
- Dual POV
- Slow Burn
- Fake Engagement
- Touch Her and Die
- He Falls First
Final Thoughts: This was such a fun, engaging read! If you love slow-burn romance with great banter, strong characters, and a touch of magic, definitely pick this up when it releases! 🔥
Thank you Melissa De La Cruz, Red Tower Books and Entangled Publishing for the ARC! 📚
Spice: 🌶️
Release Date: January 6, 2026
📖 Summary: Aren Bellamore is a barmaid with no interest in being anyone's princess—until a dangerously handsome stranger upends her life. Prince Dietan carries the cursed Rings of Fate, ancient weapons that are slowly killing him, and he needs a fake bride to hide his secrets on a perilous journey. What starts as a bargain for freedom becomes something more as they face political schemes, monstrous Kilandrar, and an undeniable attraction that could change the fate of two kingdoms.
👑 What I Loved:
• Aren and Dietan's chemistry is perfection! Their banter and dynamic had me hooked from the start
• Aren is such a strong, caring, and relatable FMC! A badass who can also cook? Yes, please! Her attitude throughout the book and love for her family made her so easy to root for
• Dietan is charming, sweet, and everything you want in an MMC!
• The magic system was fascinating-I need to know more about it!
⚔️ Tropes:
- Dual POV
- Slow Burn
- Fake Engagement
- Touch Her and Die
- He Falls First
Final Thoughts: This was such a fun, engaging read! If you love slow-burn romance with great banter, strong characters, and a touch of magic, definitely pick this up when it releases! 🔥
Thank you Melissa De La Cruz, Red Tower Books and Entangled Publishing for the ARC! 📚
January 6, 2026
Rings of Fate is a fantasy romance with a sharp-witted barmaid and a cursed prince. In this story, the prince was the one needing saving and the barmaid was there to rescue him. There was sharp witted banter, sparks flying and twists in the plot. It was a refreshing and entertaining story.
❤️Fake Engagement
❤️Enemies to Lovers
❤️Cursed Hero
❤️Forced Proximity
❤️Humour
❤️Banter
❤️Magic
I received this ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily. Thank you Entangled publishing and author Melissa De La Cruz.
❤️Fake Engagement
❤️Enemies to Lovers
❤️Cursed Hero
❤️Forced Proximity
❤️Humour
❤️Banter
❤️Magic
I received this ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily. Thank you Entangled publishing and author Melissa De La Cruz.
January 15, 2026
It's Tangled meets Princess Bride. The FMC Aren takes sh*t from no one and completely holds her own. And Dietan?!Close enough, welcome back Dorian Havilliard! Dietan is so funny, charming and rakish. It's such a lighthearted and fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5
This was a fun and easy to read fantasy following a barmaid helping a prince on his quest. The story was refreshing, despite following a traditional style plot it managed to feel unlike anything I've read lately. I also really enjoyed having a less stereotypical fmc, a barmaid who was confident and not particularly feminine.
For the most part the book was fast paced but into the second half of the book there were some parts that I think could have been cut out to make for a more gripping story, but also some of the ending felt a little rushed.
Overall I had a really fun time reading Rings of Fate and would recommend it.
Thank you Penguin Michael Joseph for the early proof copy of this book.
This was a fun and easy to read fantasy following a barmaid helping a prince on his quest. The story was refreshing, despite following a traditional style plot it managed to feel unlike anything I've read lately. I also really enjoyed having a less stereotypical fmc, a barmaid who was confident and not particularly feminine.
For the most part the book was fast paced but into the second half of the book there were some parts that I think could have been cut out to make for a more gripping story, but also some of the ending felt a little rushed.
Overall I had a really fun time reading Rings of Fate and would recommend it.
Thank you Penguin Michael Joseph for the early proof copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5*
A really fun and nice read to start the year off!
A really fun and nice read to start the year off!
January 10, 2026
Plot: 8.5/10
Spice level: 2/5
Magic system: 2/5
Spice level: 2/5
Magic system: 2/5
January 8, 2026
2.5 stars
This had potential, but unfortunately a lot of things were missing for me.
The concept of the rings and magic system had so much potential & I was very intrigued but it just wasn’t fleshed out enough. The last half was a lot better than the first.
I personally didn’t connect with the characters or romance, there was no natural developement between the two, no tension at all.
Also, one of tagslines suggests that she takes the power & magic, but I can recall that happening??? Maybe i misunderstood
However, this is just my personal opinion but I do think there will be readers out there that will enjoy this, especially if you are new to romantasy.
This had potential, but unfortunately a lot of things were missing for me.
The concept of the rings and magic system had so much potential & I was very intrigued but it just wasn’t fleshed out enough. The last half was a lot better than the first.
I personally didn’t connect with the characters or romance, there was no natural developement between the two, no tension at all.
Also, one of tagslines suggests that she takes the power & magic, but I can recall that happening??? Maybe i misunderstood
However, this is just my personal opinion but I do think there will be readers out there that will enjoy this, especially if you are new to romantasy.
December 18, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0 stars.
I quite enjoyed this, it’s an easy engaging read. I was abit thrown off in the beginning about quite how big a roll marriage or the mirage of marriage would take, it does keep things intimate and unified though giving our characters a clear reason to follow through on this alliance.
The world building is good and I really do wonder if there’ll be another book because the ending made me feel like it’s not over and I’d absolutely be happy to continue the story. This is a lil spicy but it’s definitely a more plot focused read. I wish we got more of the side characters as I liked them on page and thought they would bring more to the table if I’m being honest.
I quite enjoyed this, it’s an easy engaging read. I was abit thrown off in the beginning about quite how big a roll marriage or the mirage of marriage would take, it does keep things intimate and unified though giving our characters a clear reason to follow through on this alliance.
The world building is good and I really do wonder if there’ll be another book because the ending made me feel like it’s not over and I’d absolutely be happy to continue the story. This is a lil spicy but it’s definitely a more plot focused read. I wish we got more of the side characters as I liked them on page and thought they would bring more to the table if I’m being honest.
January 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐️ (5/5)
I didn’t expect to head into 2026 and discover my new favorite romantasy, but Rings of Fate completely swept me off my feet! From the very first pages, I was pulled into a story filled with rich world-building, emotional depth, and a romance that had me completely hooked.
Dietan and Aren are such a compelling pair. Their relationship is full of yearning, flirtation, tenderness, and genuine care and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t kicking my feet like a schoolgirl during so many of their interactions.
Their connection felt incredibly real, especially during moments of misunderstanding and secrecy, which added emotional weight and even had me tearing up at times. The dual POV worked beautifully, allowing me to fully experience both of their emotional journeys and understand their choices on a deeper level.
The story’s central premise (a humble prince and a sassy barmaid) was a joy to read and felt perfectly balanced. The plot involving the rings themselves and traveling through different parts of the world was thoughtfully paced and never became repetitive. Instead, it enhanced the sense of adventure and discovery. The world-building was strong from the outset and only grew more immersive as the story progressed, clearly showcasing the author’s skill in creating engaging settings.
I finished this book genuinely sad to leave these characters behind and already know it’s one I’ll reread in the future.
I can’t recommend Rings of Fate enough and am so excited to continue with the series.
I didn’t expect to head into 2026 and discover my new favorite romantasy, but Rings of Fate completely swept me off my feet! From the very first pages, I was pulled into a story filled with rich world-building, emotional depth, and a romance that had me completely hooked.
Dietan and Aren are such a compelling pair. Their relationship is full of yearning, flirtation, tenderness, and genuine care and I would be lying if I said I wasn’t kicking my feet like a schoolgirl during so many of their interactions.
Their connection felt incredibly real, especially during moments of misunderstanding and secrecy, which added emotional weight and even had me tearing up at times. The dual POV worked beautifully, allowing me to fully experience both of their emotional journeys and understand their choices on a deeper level.
The story’s central premise (a humble prince and a sassy barmaid) was a joy to read and felt perfectly balanced. The plot involving the rings themselves and traveling through different parts of the world was thoughtfully paced and never became repetitive. Instead, it enhanced the sense of adventure and discovery. The world-building was strong from the outset and only grew more immersive as the story progressed, clearly showcasing the author’s skill in creating engaging settings.
I finished this book genuinely sad to leave these characters behind and already know it’s one I’ll reread in the future.
I can’t recommend Rings of Fate enough and am so excited to continue with the series.
January 16, 2026
Oof. If I ever get paid to review a book I'm gonna be honest no matter what. I really wanted to like this and I just couldn't. it had its moments sure and overall it was fine I suppose which feels generous.... I finished it because I always do even if I don't like it... but meh.
I don't even know how to pinpoint it - it's just so cheesy and if they described her by explaining her broad strong back one more time I was going to smack myself, and then they went on and described her that way 50 million more times. I truly can't even picture what she looks like... dark hair, pretty eyes and a beefy broad back thats strong and brut 🤣 I just dont know.
The prince and his two best friends were the saving grace in this book since she was distrusting and independent not in an endearing way... more like an annoying whiny strong backed brute way. Clearly I cant get over her broad back.
Also... the princes name is "Dietan Cornwallis Arthur William Maximillian Conrad Barclay-Bruce Armandale-Macrae, Crown prince of Loegria" .... I just cant. Save thi for an older teenager it will be fine for them.
I don't even know how to pinpoint it - it's just so cheesy and if they described her by explaining her broad strong back one more time I was going to smack myself, and then they went on and described her that way 50 million more times. I truly can't even picture what she looks like... dark hair, pretty eyes and a beefy broad back thats strong and brut 🤣 I just dont know.
The prince and his two best friends were the saving grace in this book since she was distrusting and independent not in an endearing way... more like an annoying whiny strong backed brute way. Clearly I cant get over her broad back.
Also... the princes name is "Dietan Cornwallis Arthur William Maximillian Conrad Barclay-Bruce Armandale-Macrae, Crown prince of Loegria" .... I just cant. Save thi for an older teenager it will be fine for them.
January 18, 2026
A new version of the beloved Cinderella tale. A barmaid and the reigning Prince. He, Dietan, holds the key to preventing war and saving the kingdom, but he needs assistance. He needs a cover story to travel across various lands, including the Great Waste, and choosing his Princess is perfect! Feisty, lovely tavern owner, Aren, thinks this will be a chance for her twin sisters to get noticed and increase their stability in life. But the Prince chooses Aren! Their journey together to save the kingdom means Aren will learn the truth about Dietan, but will it break them or bring them closer together?
January 7, 2026
Rings of Fate begins with a familiar premise, a princess competition, but Melissa de la Cruz quickly subverts expectations when our heroine Aren, a barmaid and unconventional choice for royalty, reluctantly befriends Prince Dietian. What follows is an engaging quest to save the kingdom, with the reluctant companions falling in love along the way.
The novel’s tone echos de la Cruz’s contemporary writing style in the Blue Bloods series, which occasionally feels at odds with the fantasy setting. No respectable fantasy prince uses the word “guys,” after all. However, Aren’s snarky one-liners and sharp attitude toward Dietian more than compensate for these questionable word choices, injecting genuine personality and humor into their dynamic.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is that despite being the first in a series, it delivers a complete and satisfying story. There’s no frustrating cliffhanger or sense of incompleteness, just a solid tale that stands on its own while leaving me eager to see where Dietian and Aren’s journey takes them next.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance with plenty of banter, a reluctant-companions-to-lovers arc, and a heroine who doesn’t fit the typical princess mold, Rings of Fate is worth picking up.
Received as an advanced reader copy from entangled books
The novel’s tone echos de la Cruz’s contemporary writing style in the Blue Bloods series, which occasionally feels at odds with the fantasy setting. No respectable fantasy prince uses the word “guys,” after all. However, Aren’s snarky one-liners and sharp attitude toward Dietian more than compensate for these questionable word choices, injecting genuine personality and humor into their dynamic.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is that despite being the first in a series, it delivers a complete and satisfying story. There’s no frustrating cliffhanger or sense of incompleteness, just a solid tale that stands on its own while leaving me eager to see where Dietian and Aren’s journey takes them next.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance with plenty of banter, a reluctant-companions-to-lovers arc, and a heroine who doesn’t fit the typical princess mold, Rings of Fate is worth picking up.
Received as an advanced reader copy from entangled books
January 8, 2026
recieved an arc from the publisher on release day, thabk you!
this was a fun fast paced read
I loved the banter and dynamic between Dietan and Aren.
the twins and their love interests were a bit on the nose but im here for it.
the ending was wrapped up nicely except for a few details so it'll be interesting to see how the second book with play into that.
this was a fun fast paced read
I loved the banter and dynamic between Dietan and Aren.
the twins and their love interests were a bit on the nose but im here for it.
the ending was wrapped up nicely except for a few details so it'll be interesting to see how the second book with play into that.
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