Court of the Runaway Fae: An enemies to lovers fantasy romance

by Lexi Spence

He was supposed to be my enemy.
Now I’m wearing his ring, sleeping in his palace—and carrying the kind of magic that could start a war.

I didn’t want a throne.
I wanted out of Glacia, out of a marriage forged in frost and ambition.

But running away wasn’t the answer.
When I collapse in a cursed Maze, it’s not death that finds me. It’s him.

Prince Daelan of Elarion.
He speaks in shadows. Moves like smoke. Rules a court where power is bartered in secrets.

He should’ve left me.
Instead, he takes my offer—a political marriage with teeth.

I try not to want him.
But I do.

And I fall—despite the warnings, into something reckless and real.

The closer we get, the more our bond unearths something ancient—etched in the land, written in flame.
An ancient mark is blooming on my skin. Whispers say I’m heir to a forgotten bloodline.

If that’s true, I’m not just in danger.
I am the danger.

And loving him might not break the prophecy.
It might set it ablaze.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2025

Reviews

[Adrianna Heaney-velu · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But some truths don’t wait for good timing.”

“Court of the Runaway Fae,” by Lexi Spence

I liked the plot of a runaway bride who starts a new marriage contract to get out of the old one, I always like that type of plot. The book did have an insta-love type aspect to it, but it was still really good. It has lots of political intrigue and the characters are really good. I liked the shadow daddy x fire wielder going on. Overall, it was a good book, solid 4 out of 5 stars.

-Insta-love
-Political Intrigue
-Shadow Daddy X Fire Wielder

Thank you for the ARC, Booksprout.

[stephanie cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re craving a romantic fantasy that blends fierce heroines, forbidden magic, and an enemies-to-lovers dynamic that burns slow but smolders hot, then Court of the Runaway Fae is the kind of book that will steal your weekend—and your heart.

From the start, I was hooked. The premise is classic but compelling: a runaway bride, a cursed maze, and an accidental entanglement with a fae prince who was never supposed to be anything more than her political enemy. But what Lexi Spence does brilliantly is elevate this setup into something rich, emotionally layered, and impossible to put down.

The world of Glacia is stunningly crafted—icy courts, deadly magic, ancient bloodlines—and the tension between duty and desire hums on every page. When the heroine finds herself bound to her enemy by more than politics (hello, ancient magic and mysterious marks!), the stakes skyrocket. And yet, the story never loses its emotional depth.

Let’s talk characters:
💍 The FMC is strong, stubborn, and deeply human—equal parts vulnerability and fire.
👑 The fae prince? Morally gray with just the right mix of sharp edges and soft moments. You will fall for him.
🔥 Their slow-burn chemistry is everything.

And beyond the romance, there’s magic, court intrigue, betrayal, and the unraveling of a forgotten bloodline that could literally bring kingdoms down.

Why you’ll love it:
🌪 Enemies-to-lovers tension that delivers
👸 A heroine who refuses to be a paw
✨ Lush worldbuilding and magic systems
💣 Political games, ancient secrets, and epic stakes
🖋️ Creative writing and fast pacing that keeps the pages flying

This book checked every box for me—romantic tension, high fantasy, layered characters, and writing that flows like a spell. I can’t wait to see where this series goes next.

[Mariel]

Court of the Runaway Fae: An enemies to lovers fantasy romance
by Lexi Spence
I received a complimentary copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Court of the Runaway Fae is a rich and fast-paced fantasy romance that blends enemies-to-lovers tension with high-stakes political intrigue. Princess Lyra of Solterra is thrust into chaos when her mother betrays her, arranging a forced marriage to the cold and cruel King Valtor of Glacia. Fleeing for her life, Lyra is saved by Daelan, the shadowbound Prince of Elarion, and now possibly her only salvation.

From the very start, the story dives into war, betrayal, forbidden magic, and an urgent need to break with tradition. The alliance between Daelan and Lyra, one of shadow and flame, carries emotional weight and tension, as they must prove their union is more than political convenience. Through whispered secrets, shifting loyalties, and a bond constantly tested, their connection grows stronger even as the world around them threatens to fall apart.

There is a lot packed into this novel: treason, magic, hidden histories, and romance, which keeps the story dynamic, though at times a little overwhelming. I occasionally wished for more focus on Daelan’s background, especially his father’s history.
Still, the romance is compelling, the stakes are high, and the epilogue leaves just the right amount of intrigue. A thrilling read for fans of dramatic fantasy and romantic tension. I’ll definitely be reading the next one!

[Crissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Court of Runaway Fae was an okay, steamy paranormal read with a lot of action. However, there is so much going on that I feel as if the author didn't give readers enough time to really get to know and enjoy the characters. It's also mentioned by the main characters Lyra and Daelan that they didn't know each other well and after the bonding ceremony, they spent little to no time together. There was sex between them then little else. I felt as if they bonded and then spent most of their time alone with Daelan searching for those betraying the crown and Lyra searching and gaining little knowledge about her powers. It's as if the story had too much of one thing and not enough on other matters so it was hard to connect with the characters because you read the story and still feel as if you don't know them. I will say that this story is full of threats, deaths, mystery, suspense, war, action, steamy scenes, betrayal, secrets, more and it ends with a cliffhanger. I would consider this a one-time read for me simply because there was no time to really enjoy and get to know the characters with all that was going on. It wasn't a bad read but it is a series I have no interest in continuing.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyra, the poor thing, is at the mercy of her mother, and basically sold into marriage. This story opens up on her escape…
Daelan - his introduction was nothing short of amazing. He comes in to save the day, then gives her a mouthful of attitude. Love me a grumpy hero.
I wasnt sure on Myra to begin with, but one particular phrase ensured that I liked her, and I spent the entire book hoping that the she stayed on Lyra and Daelan’s side.
“You’re making her choice for her,” she says bitterly like a wound. “Just like every other b***rd who’s tried to use her.”
Girl… you are spot on…
And Daelan’s dad? My hero!!! He drops some hard truths and reminds him who’s actually king…

I love romantasy books - the creation of new worlds, epic battles and fights, along with glorious tales of love. In this case, an marriage bargain, hidden identities and bloodlines, wars between kingdoms, and plenty of betrayals. This story had it all. There was a lot going on, and at times it became a bit confusinf, but still worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows a heroine who flees an unwanted marriage only to find herself entangled with Prince Daelan of Elarion, a ruler who thrives in a court where power is bartered in secrets. Their political marriage turns into something far more dangerous as an ancient mark appears on her skin, hinting at a forgotten bloodline that could ignite war. If you enjoy seductive, spellbinding romantic fantasy with epic stakes, fierce heroines, magic, intrigue, slow-burn romance, and morally gray heroes you will enjoy this book.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had my attention from the beginning. Lyra is running from the person her mother has engaged her to. She is fighting to stay free. She ends up being rescued by Daelen, who is also not a friend, but more likeable. She is a princess and Daelen is a leader. She suggests they marry to forge bonds between their kingdoms. There is an attraction there that neither will admit to.

We have battles and mysteries. This is a romantasy after all. Well worth reading.

I received this book as an ARC. My review is completely voluntary.

[girlbooklife · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book and loved it! I couldn’t put it down and read it in less than 24 hrs lol! If you like enemies to lovers and forced proximity, this is right up your alley! I continued to fall in love with the FMC & the MMC throughout the entire story. The love and bond they have is undeniable! Loved seeing the transformation of Lyra throughout the book especially! She is badass!!! I’m excited for when the second book comes out! Also this book is absolutely stunning as well!!!

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally hooked from the beginning! The characters were wonderfully complex and well-developed, and the world-building was immersive. The story had a lot of plot twists and kept me guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed this first book in the Phoenix Queen series, and I can't wait to read the sequel!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Yesilovesreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and short. I didn’t love it or hate it. It was good. The first half of the book moved so fast. They met accidentally when she crosses into his territory they immediately tie the knot because she is ruining away from a ruthless king she’s being forced to marry and immediately start a war. The second half did get better. There was a total of 3 spicy scenes so I’m giving 3.5 stars because they were good.

[Jo Fouracre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it captured you from page one. I struggled to put it down. Elemental magic, warriors, war ! It’s so fast paced I’d love to have got to understand a little before the whirlwind hit. But it’s a fantastic read. Can’t wait for the next

[Scishellgmail.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ancient magic, ancient secrets, hidden traitors, danger, politics, prophecy, power, betrayal and war. With a hint of romance.
A gripping adventure with so many unexpected twists and turns you won't know what is coming next.

[Danielle Coughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so good! The fantasy with the battle and the coming into her powers with a touch of romance! Books like these are great for those who love fantasy with a touch of romance. That its not in your face but its there. This story is so well written and I can't wait to read more

[Anna Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

a masterpiece

It’s seldom you get to read a book where every sentence is a poem. The cadence flows so beautifully and it draws me in.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ze was op de vlucht en hij redt haar op het laatste moment.
Samen laten ze oude krachten ontwaken, maar niet iedereen is het daarmee eens.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved

This is a fabulous read. I have been waiting for a long time to find a book that could capture my attention. Well done. I will definitely read more from this author.

[Raeleane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! An absolutely attention grabbing first book in a new series by Lexi Spence. This book starts out with action and is action-packed throughout the entire story. I couldn't put the book down. So many twists and turns, lots of magic, and betrayal. The characters are all engaging and their growth throughout the story is well done with room to grow in future books. Lexi Spence beautifully and brilliantly blended her world building creatively and magically throughout the story! The story leaves off on a cliff hanger! I absolutely highly recommend this book and I can't wait for the next book!