The First Prince of Pain and Power

by Lillie Jean Andrews

After proving herself the true Queen of Drailia, Haven Montali Rionach has so much on her plate, it never leaves any room to think about her lost love. After facing betrayals from those closest, an internal struggle, various threats and warnings and overcoming all of them, one would think that life would get a little easier. Unfortunately, it is anything but. The threat of the Crown Regent is looming and Haven may be the only thing standing between him and the total destruction of her kingdom.



Nikolaus DaMareel has made mistakes in his life, leaving the love of his immortal life being the biggest. After escaping torture and brutal captivity, Nik finds a warning in dire need of being delivered. Making his way back those he’s left proves to be the easy part. Getting them to trust him again and convincing himself that he is worthy of being loved is a battle hard fought.

With the clock counting down, certain death and dark twists at every turn, can Haven and Nik come together with what little time they have left? And what happens when the clock runs out?

The First Prince of Pain and Power is the second installment in Lillie Jean Andrews, Of Passions and Thrones series. Expect brutal adventure, fiery passion and a bloody cliff hanger as Haven and those she loves find out if they have the strength to stand up for what is right and keep their kingdom from descending into war

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

Reviews

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, let’s talk about The First Prince of Pain and Power — what a whirlwind of emotions! This instalment felt like the calm before the storm, full of tension, scheming, and slow-burning build-up that promises an absolutely explosive book three. Even with all the anticipation, it was still such a fun, dramatic, and addictive read.

I still absolutely adore Haven — she’s fierce, powerful, and unapologetically herself. Getting a more in-depth look at her as queen was so fascinating; seeing how she balances strength, heart, and duty made me love her even more. And Haven and Nik? I’m obsessed. Their chemistry is chef’s kiss. A perfect blend of longing, banter, and genuine connection that makes every interaction electric.

If you enjoy fantasy romance that’s equal parts dark, emotional, and full of tension, this one’s for you. That cliffhanger? It lives in my mind rent-free, and I’m already counting down the days until book three.

Trigger warnings: sexually explicit content, graphic violence, death/murder

This might be the book for you if you enjoy:
💔 Second chance romance
🌙 Shadow magic
🦊 Shape shifting
🌈 LGBTQ characters
🔥 Medium spice
🛏️ They sleep better together
⚔️ A jaw-dropping cliffhanger

[Katie Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I dive deeper into my romantasy genre reading, this series has made that experience so enjoyable.

The First Prince of Pain and Power is just as powerful and detailed as The Last Daughter of Smoke and Shadows (Book 1). There’s a perfectly imperfect love story between Haven and Nik that continues to unfold that I easily devour. Whether it’s Haven’s quick wittiness or Nik’s deep passion and longing for her, their intense emotions shine through in every one of their interactions.

As Haven learns to use more of her powers, nothing feels overdone or forced; in fact, Haven’s first shapeshifting experience was one of my favorite scenes in this book. Haven overcomes hardships with grace and compassion which made it easier for me to relate to the protagonist, which I’m realizing I need in a fantasy novel.

I recommend this book to any reader, but specifically if you’re newer to the romantasy genre or know you love this genre! It’s equal parts fae realm, smut, and action. I truly can’t wait for the third installment to find out how this epic story unfolds for Haven and Nik. 🔥👑🦊

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super quick read in comparison to the first book. I enjoyed it overall but felt like it just zoomed through all the major parts that should’ve had a lot more info / details regarding. One minute Nik is captured and in jail and the next he’s already at the castle - like what happened in between? Plus with Haven and all of her training leading up to Evan coming to the castle.

I’m hoping I’ll remember to finish the series once the last book comes out. Overall this one gave me middle book vibes but maybe I enjoyed it a tiny bit more than the first book just bc we got to skip past the human elements.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. It was soooooooo good and I absolutely loved it! I mayyyyyyy have read it a smidge too fast (seeing as I started it Wednesday and it's Friday), but it kept me hooked from start to finish. Haven and Nik I absolutely love and can't wait to see what happens next after that ending. I hope Delroy, Binah, and Astrea are back in the next installment! Lillie, keep up the awesome work! 💖

[Tiana Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book number 2 did not disappoint. Being apart of Haven growing into being Queen and defending her people is so inspiring.
The friendships she built and the anticipation of when the crown regent will return is nail biting.

No spoilers but as much as I love Nik...im still not 100% sold on him being loyal to Haven.

She really captures the characters emotions and feelings making it relatable to her readers. Also I never realized Faes ate so many sandwiches....I'm not sure if anyone else realized that but I can to the conclusion they certainly love a good sandwich.

I'm sitting here desperately hoping there's a Book 3 because I am not ready to leave this world behind yet and NEED to know how it ends