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Royal Sins #2
Moonmarked
I thought the worst was behind me.
Arriving at the Seelie Court to heal the sick prince who saved my life when I was five was supposed to be the end of my nightmarish (for the most part) trip through the fae realm.
I should have been on my way home already, far away from fae and their politics.
Instead, I’m running through unfamiliar woods with a furry friend at my heels, and magic that’s changing me from the inside out—and not in a cute “glow-up” kind of way.
The worst part? No one knows what’s happening to me—not even Rune, the drop-dead gorgeous Midnight fae who risked everything to protect me, and stole all my good senses (and my heart) in the process.
Now I’m hunted by sorcerers, wanted by the fae I left behind, and tangled in secrets I was never meant to discover.
Soon, they catch me, though. Drag me back to the Seelie Court--and even though I’m supposed to be a guest, I soon realize just how deadly a smiling fae can truly be. The Queen’s Palace is far more dangerous than the woods of Mysthaven. If it wasn't for Rune, I'd have never survived all those thorns hidden below perfect velvet petals.
Until he's gone, too, and I’m left all alone to face the fae royalty.
They are not what they seem, and apparently, neither am I. If I want to survive this madness, I’ll have to choose carefully who to trust. I just hope I don’t end up placing my heart—and my life—in the hands of someone who’ll break both.
**Oh, and did I mention there's a bizarre, uhm...coincidence involving me and the Ice Queen that Rune supposedly killed when he was six?**
Arriving at the Seelie Court to heal the sick prince who saved my life when I was five was supposed to be the end of my nightmarish (for the most part) trip through the fae realm.
I should have been on my way home already, far away from fae and their politics.
Instead, I’m running through unfamiliar woods with a furry friend at my heels, and magic that’s changing me from the inside out—and not in a cute “glow-up” kind of way.
The worst part? No one knows what’s happening to me—not even Rune, the drop-dead gorgeous Midnight fae who risked everything to protect me, and stole all my good senses (and my heart) in the process.
Now I’m hunted by sorcerers, wanted by the fae I left behind, and tangled in secrets I was never meant to discover.
Soon, they catch me, though. Drag me back to the Seelie Court--and even though I’m supposed to be a guest, I soon realize just how deadly a smiling fae can truly be. The Queen’s Palace is far more dangerous than the woods of Mysthaven. If it wasn't for Rune, I'd have never survived all those thorns hidden below perfect velvet petals.
Until he's gone, too, and I’m left all alone to face the fae royalty.
They are not what they seem, and apparently, neither am I. If I want to survive this madness, I’ll have to choose carefully who to trust. I just hope I don’t end up placing my heart—and my life—in the hands of someone who’ll break both.
**Oh, and did I mention there's a bizarre, uhm...coincidence involving me and the Ice Queen that Rune supposedly killed when he was six?**
528 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2025
399 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 11, 2025
Just finished the eARC for book 2 of the Royal Sins series by D.N. Hoxa. Moonmarked comes out June 17th! If Romantasy is your genre, you need to read this series! I finished book 1 at the end of May and have devoured book 2. Fae, vampires, werewolves, incubi, succubi, giants, sorcerers, dragons, different courts, magic, illusions and the mystery of the past to unravel! The chemistry/banter between the FMC and MMC is perfection! You never really know who is good or who is bad, who to trust or who is telling the truth! It’s just so good! I love this series! It does end on a cliffhanger but honestly I was just so glad to see there will be another book because I am invested in the characters and this world and I am not ready for it to be over! Cannot wait for book 3! Seriously great job to the author!
June 22, 2025
Omg that cliffy. I med the next book ASAP. Truly another amazing read that had me glued to my kindle. These characters will be stuck in your head for a while.
July 13, 2025
MC is annoying. MC: omg I have so many anxiety attacks and I hyperventilate at every fae creature and situation. Also MC: hmm let me confront the scariest fae being I’ve ever seen and let me explore the creepiest hiding places. Hang it up. Love DN Hoxa and the story line and Rune but good Lord I was excited for a baddie fmc who originally seemed like she was going to hold it down and then she just became annoyingly dependent, naive, and obtusely impulsive .
September 12, 2025
Nilah and Rune, book 2
I’ve often found that the 2nd book in a trilogy always ends up the worst of the bunch. After the buildup of a really good book 1, the sequel often falls flat in character and plot progression. Until this series.
Book 2 starts almost immediately after book 1. Both main characters have openly talked about their feelings and their attraction. They’re opening up about their past, their trauma, family dysfunction. It’s the normal getting to know you phase, except with magic and faes. Nilah is still annoying and I really wish she’d stop using her childhood bullying to explain away all her questionable decisions. And it’d be nice if Rune would just communicate better about his plans and intents. No woman constantly wants to be told to “just trust me” whenever she asks what’s going on.
Anyway, there’s lots of moving around for these two, both together and separately. There’s so much emotion, love and romance between them. The plot has intrigue, mystery, betrayal and redemption.
Book 1 didn’t have any chapters with Rune’s POV but this book does towards the end. Otherwise this is written only from Nilah’s POV, like book 1. Can’t wait for the last book.
I’ve often found that the 2nd book in a trilogy always ends up the worst of the bunch. After the buildup of a really good book 1, the sequel often falls flat in character and plot progression. Until this series.
Book 2 starts almost immediately after book 1. Both main characters have openly talked about their feelings and their attraction. They’re opening up about their past, their trauma, family dysfunction. It’s the normal getting to know you phase, except with magic and faes. Nilah is still annoying and I really wish she’d stop using her childhood bullying to explain away all her questionable decisions. And it’d be nice if Rune would just communicate better about his plans and intents. No woman constantly wants to be told to “just trust me” whenever she asks what’s going on.
Anyway, there’s lots of moving around for these two, both together and separately. There’s so much emotion, love and romance between them. The plot has intrigue, mystery, betrayal and redemption.
Book 1 didn’t have any chapters with Rune’s POV but this book does towards the end. Otherwise this is written only from Nilah’s POV, like book 1. Can’t wait for the last book.
June 9, 2025
rcvd an advanced reader copy from the author for giving my review voluntarily. noooooooooo....what a cliffhanger!! We left the previous book where Nilah was accused of hurting the prince. She hears Runes voice in her head to jump off the balcony. she does and the next thing she knows she's running for her life throughout a land she knows nothing about. When Nilah crosses over to Mysthaven she knows she's in trouble. Rune told her to stay away as there are sorcerers there. but when Nilah frees a mangy dog from a cage she never quite thought it would be a werewolf. Nilah must remember nothing is ever as it seems. Nilah must make is back to Blackmoon so she can get a message to Rune. When she is captured by the Queens guards she has no choice but to go back and face the consequences but what she comes face to face with makes things a whole lot more complicated.
June 14, 2025
** HUGE THANK YOU to the author for sending me this arc. I am so grateful to be reading this series and I highly recommend it **
DORI!!!!! I had so much anxiety the whole time she’s been trapped in the castle and you end it like this 😭 beyond excited for what comes next because I’m dying to be rid of L and I just KNOW there’s something up your sleeve. I have some guesses.
The middle got a little bit long, but I also understand how it all came together for the plot. This book was really edging what’s about to happen and I’m so excited for the next installment. Since it’s called Moonmarked I assumed there would be more on that piece of the plot, but I know it’s all going to come around. Hoping some of what we got will turn out to be Easter eggs (and I have theories about this too)
DORI!!!!! I had so much anxiety the whole time she’s been trapped in the castle and you end it like this 😭 beyond excited for what comes next because I’m dying to be rid of L and I just KNOW there’s something up your sleeve. I have some guesses.
The middle got a little bit long, but I also understand how it all came together for the plot. This book was really edging what’s about to happen and I’m so excited for the next installment. Since it’s called Moonmarked I assumed there would be more on that piece of the plot, but I know it’s all going to come around. Hoping some of what we got will turn out to be Easter eggs (and I have theories about this too)
August 26, 2025
Annnddd I Fell Out...
4⭐️/3🔥
Moonmarked, book 2 in the Royal Sins series, picks up where book 1 left off. Our FMC does a LOT of traveling in this one, but we learn more about who she is...or at least, we think we do! Rune, our MMC, is still amazing and I have no critiques for him LOL. Left on a cliffy, I fell out immediately because wth are you doing to me?! I need some justice and QUICK!
4⭐️/3🔥
Moonmarked, book 2 in the Royal Sins series, picks up where book 1 left off. Our FMC does a LOT of traveling in this one, but we learn more about who she is...or at least, we think we do! Rune, our MMC, is still amazing and I have no critiques for him LOL. Left on a cliffy, I fell out immediately because wth are you doing to me?! I need some justice and QUICK!
June 15, 2025
I got this ARC and am giving my review freely ... When I say I didn't expect the cliffhanger at the end..D.N. Hoxa takes you on an adventure with FMC Nilah... there's betrayals..hidden secrets..spice..a shadow daddy...and there all these creatures she meets...let's just say I can't wait for book 3 to be here...go grab the first in the series Lifebound...
December 19, 2025
Yeah...I'll keep reading because I have to know but...
From the beginning it's like Nilah completely forgot what Rune told her about Lifebounds: the only way to kill them is decapitation or removing the heart. So, Nilah expecting death after certain events, i.e., after palace jumping (falling?) and the cliff, is annoying.
And for f**** sake, can she quit saying "for real." Magic is real! You're in a magical fae realm. Stop being so GD surprised. I wanted to throw my phone or better, I wish could punch Nilah in the face when she said, "whether this is real or not" during the werewolf confrontation. And while I'm on that gripe train, she was supposedly a fantasy book/movie fan while growing up and she's confounded by the ideas of a wolf and human sharing the same body? You know, like it's portrayed in almost every fantasy book, movie, or show? GTFO 😤
I actually really hate that I'm so interested in this story despite how much I dislike the FMC. But alas, I do feel compelled to see what happens next. **shakes fist at sky**
From the beginning it's like Nilah completely forgot what Rune told her about Lifebounds: the only way to kill them is decapitation or removing the heart. So, Nilah expecting death after certain events, i.e., after palace jumping (falling?) and the cliff, is annoying.
And for f**** sake, can she quit saying "for real." Magic is real! You're in a magical fae realm. Stop being so GD surprised. I wanted to throw my phone or better, I wish could punch Nilah in the face when she said, "whether this is real or not" during the werewolf confrontation. And while I'm on that gripe train, she was supposedly a fantasy book/movie fan while growing up and she's confounded by the ideas of a wolf and human sharing the same body? You know, like it's portrayed in almost every fantasy book, movie, or show? GTFO 😤
I actually really hate that I'm so interested in this story despite how much I dislike the FMC. But alas, I do feel compelled to see what happens next. **shakes fist at sky**
July 29, 2025
Mehh
I got bored.
I skipped to the end at 50% just to know how it ended. We all knew what Lylle was up to.
Book 1 was interesting because it was an adventure, didn't know what to expect. But I should have known with the ending of book 1 that book 2 was going to be tedious to read. There is so much repetition in book 2. The whole thing is just going backwards and forwards. At about 50% my mind was wandering.
Thing is, we already know the heroine has something to do with the ice queen. Right from the get go, the prologue, we were told. The queen and her brother Heild told us again a few chapters in. So using 2 books to drag out what us the reader already know is lacklustre. I didn't find myself excited about finding out what the heroine was supposed to be.
The heroine is 18 and both books show her maturity level. So there are bits where you have to roll your eyes and keep it going. If not for the explicit smut scenes I would say this book is Y/A.
Rune the MMC, started off sounding very powerful in book 1, in book 2 he's a low level magic user. That killed any of his allure so to speak. We were just left with the heroine going on and on about him every 5 seconds, I found it annoying.
Suffice to say I won't be reading book 3.
I got bored.
I skipped to the end at 50% just to know how it ended. We all knew what Lylle was up to.
Book 1 was interesting because it was an adventure, didn't know what to expect. But I should have known with the ending of book 1 that book 2 was going to be tedious to read. There is so much repetition in book 2. The whole thing is just going backwards and forwards. At about 50% my mind was wandering.
Thing is, we already know the heroine has something to do with the ice queen. Right from the get go, the prologue, we were told. The queen and her brother Heild told us again a few chapters in. So using 2 books to drag out what us the reader already know is lacklustre. I didn't find myself excited about finding out what the heroine was supposed to be.
The heroine is 18 and both books show her maturity level. So there are bits where you have to roll your eyes and keep it going. If not for the explicit smut scenes I would say this book is Y/A.
Rune the MMC, started off sounding very powerful in book 1, in book 2 he's a low level magic user. That killed any of his allure so to speak. We were just left with the heroine going on and on about him every 5 seconds, I found it annoying.
Suffice to say I won't be reading book 3.
August 14, 2025
If you love your fantasy romance dripping with danger, layered with political intrigue, and wrapped in slow-burn tension that could set fire to the Seelie throne room, Moonmarked is your next fae-fueled addiction.
D.N. Hoxa has gifted us with a heroine worth rooting for and a love interest worth losing your mind over.
Thrown back into fae chaos when she should've been on her way home, Nilah faces rogue magic, royal secrets, and one dangerously irresistible fae protector named Rune. The Seelie Court is beautiful but deadly and survival means trusting the one man who could break her heart and save her soul.
D.N. Hoxa has gifted us with a heroine worth rooting for and a love interest worth losing your mind over.
Thrown back into fae chaos when she should've been on her way home, Nilah faces rogue magic, royal secrets, and one dangerously irresistible fae protector named Rune. The Seelie Court is beautiful but deadly and survival means trusting the one man who could break her heart and save her soul.
July 21, 2025
not going to lie…
Not going to lie < that phrase was in there NINE times.
The story had enough twists and turns to keep me interested. But it was a struggle. I felt book one was much better. Not just the flow of the story, and the dialogue of characters, but editing as well. The ERRORS in this one were a shock for sure. There were a few moments where it seems like a feeling or moment was basically copied/pasted instead of rewritten with more/new descriptive elements.
I still want to read book 3, because I want to know about the dead queen. But I’m going in at a more leisure read as opposed to all in/day off work reading.
Not going to lie < that phrase was in there NINE times.
The story had enough twists and turns to keep me interested. But it was a struggle. I felt book one was much better. Not just the flow of the story, and the dialogue of characters, but editing as well. The ERRORS in this one were a shock for sure. There were a few moments where it seems like a feeling or moment was basically copied/pasted instead of rewritten with more/new descriptive elements.
I still want to read book 3, because I want to know about the dead queen. But I’m going in at a more leisure read as opposed to all in/day off work reading.
June 9, 2025
First let me say that I could not put this book down! I stayed up all night reading this book and do not regret doing so, it was just that good. In an effort to not give too much away, I will try to keep this short and sweet which will not be easy.
Nilah has survived the fae realm, saved the prince, and been accused of murder. With a little help from Rune, she manages to escape the castle, but is on the run through the Fae realm, alone. Determined to make it to Blackmoon in the hopes that the fae woman Raja will send a message to Rune so he can rescue her. Unfortunately, she will end up in Mysthaven, home of the sorcerers, and a place that Rune was adamant about avoiding. She is nearly captured by one of the sorcerers but manages to escape with the help of the dog she freed from a cage which turns out to be an alpha werewolf. When she finally makes it to Blackmoon, Raja turns her in, and she is taken prisoner and returned to the Seelie palace. While the prince insists that she is his guest, Nilah quickly realized that she is more prisoner than guest, which is made obvious by the three armed guards that follow her everywhere. Unfortunately, Rune will end up participating in a “game” he had no intention of joining and ends up dead....
I cannot get enough of these characters, all of them are utterly fascinating and absolutely breathtaking in their complexity. Nilah and Rune have fallen hard and fast so this is a very steamy romantasy that just might set your e reader on fire. There is also an intricate and well-developed system of magic that this author has made easy to understand and a world where nothing is as it seems, this book is impossible to put down. Magic, murder, suspense, political intrigue, bloody battles, steamy interludes between the main characters and enough twists and turns in the plot to leave a reader dizzy, and with one h3ll of a cliffhanger that made me gasp. I highly recommend this book however I must add that it is essential to read the first book in the series before reading Moonmarked which is the second book in the Royal Sins series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received by the author.
Nilah has survived the fae realm, saved the prince, and been accused of murder. With a little help from Rune, she manages to escape the castle, but is on the run through the Fae realm, alone. Determined to make it to Blackmoon in the hopes that the fae woman Raja will send a message to Rune so he can rescue her. Unfortunately, she will end up in Mysthaven, home of the sorcerers, and a place that Rune was adamant about avoiding. She is nearly captured by one of the sorcerers but manages to escape with the help of the dog she freed from a cage which turns out to be an alpha werewolf. When she finally makes it to Blackmoon, Raja turns her in, and she is taken prisoner and returned to the Seelie palace. While the prince insists that she is his guest, Nilah quickly realized that she is more prisoner than guest, which is made obvious by the three armed guards that follow her everywhere. Unfortunately, Rune will end up participating in a “game” he had no intention of joining and ends up dead....
I cannot get enough of these characters, all of them are utterly fascinating and absolutely breathtaking in their complexity. Nilah and Rune have fallen hard and fast so this is a very steamy romantasy that just might set your e reader on fire. There is also an intricate and well-developed system of magic that this author has made easy to understand and a world where nothing is as it seems, this book is impossible to put down. Magic, murder, suspense, political intrigue, bloody battles, steamy interludes between the main characters and enough twists and turns in the plot to leave a reader dizzy, and with one h3ll of a cliffhanger that made me gasp. I highly recommend this book however I must add that it is essential to read the first book in the series before reading Moonmarked which is the second book in the Royal Sins series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC received by the author.
June 16, 2025
--ARC Review--
This sequel picked up right where Book 1 ended, which I always appreciate; it made slipping back into the story effortless. The first half of the book moved more slowly than the second, but it laid such a strong foundation of questions and theories that the build-up felt entirely worth it. Just when I thought I was getting answers, Hoxa masterfully pulled the rug out from under me again with a twist I didn’t see coming. Only a handful of my questions were addressed by the end, leaving me desperate for more.
★ " Trust me. " ★
Nilah’s character development was a standout element. Watching her grow more confident and assertive as she navigated the fae realm was incredibly satisfying, and I have no doubt Book 3 will explore her evolution even further after all the revelations dropped in this installment. I was also relieved to see that Rune, who I adored in Book 1, still had a strong presence. I feared he'd be sidelined after the previous ending, but I was mostly wrong; his possessiveness, vulnerability, and growing feelings for Nilah made his chapters a highlight. I especially loved the inclusion of his POV, even if I wish we had more of it.
★ "I am never leaving your side again. You're stuck with me for the rest of your life." ★
And that ending? Absolutely brutal! It felt like being pushed off a cliff with no warning. I’ve never hated the words “The End of Book 2” more in my life.
Spice: 3/5
Other Quotes:
★ "I love you...And I'm well aware that I am not worthy of you, but if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying..." ★
★ "In life and in death, you're mine." ★
★ "You're just like her...Too damned brave. Too damned stubborn, even if the whole world might bleed for it." ★
Tropes Include:
🌙 Touch Her & ☠️
🌙 Shadow Daddy
🌙 "Mine"
🌙 Secrets & Intrigue
This sequel picked up right where Book 1 ended, which I always appreciate; it made slipping back into the story effortless. The first half of the book moved more slowly than the second, but it laid such a strong foundation of questions and theories that the build-up felt entirely worth it. Just when I thought I was getting answers, Hoxa masterfully pulled the rug out from under me again with a twist I didn’t see coming. Only a handful of my questions were addressed by the end, leaving me desperate for more.
★ " Trust me. " ★
Nilah’s character development was a standout element. Watching her grow more confident and assertive as she navigated the fae realm was incredibly satisfying, and I have no doubt Book 3 will explore her evolution even further after all the revelations dropped in this installment. I was also relieved to see that Rune, who I adored in Book 1, still had a strong presence. I feared he'd be sidelined after the previous ending, but I was mostly wrong; his possessiveness, vulnerability, and growing feelings for Nilah made his chapters a highlight. I especially loved the inclusion of his POV, even if I wish we had more of it.
★ "I am never leaving your side again. You're stuck with me for the rest of your life." ★
And that ending? Absolutely brutal! It felt like being pushed off a cliff with no warning. I’ve never hated the words “The End of Book 2” more in my life.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Spice: 3/5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other Quotes:
★ "I love you...And I'm well aware that I am not worthy of you, but if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying..." ★
★ "In life and in death, you're mine." ★
★ "You're just like her...Too damned brave. Too damned stubborn, even if the whole world might bleed for it." ★
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tropes Include:
🌙 Touch Her & ☠️
🌙 Shadow Daddy
🌙 "Mine"
🌙 Secrets & Intrigue
June 19, 2025
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Moonmarked by D. N. Hoxa, and I’ve got to say, I loved it. Being the second book in the Royal Sins series, Moonmarked picks up almost immediately after Lifebound ended.
A lot of the first half if this book is Nilah fleeing from the Seelie Court after being accused of murdering Prince Lyall, her lifebound. With the help of Rune’s shadows, she’s able to escape the castle. She then tries to make her way to back to Blackmoon to find Raja, knowing she’s a friend of Rune’s. Of course, the journey is not easy, but with the help of a few friends she makes, she’s finally able to make it to Raja.
I loved the adventure that Nilah had to go on alone. Being a human in the fae realm puts her at a great disadvantage, and puts her life in constant danger. Yet being the stubborn, determined woman that she is, she does whatever she can to survive and get to where Rune can find her safely.
The rest of the book involves Nilah being a guest/prisoner at the Seelie Court. She has free range to explore the court, with at least the guards following her around at all times. No one really talks to her, and she finds herself alone more often than not. Occasionally, she finds herself being summoned to play some fae games, and activities.
Honestly, some of these parts in the book were kinda slow for me. Maybe it was due to the crazy adventure from book one and the scary adventure from the first part of this book. Regardless that things good a little slow, it didn’t last long before things picked back up. Then when it looked like things would end with a happy ever after, shit hit the fan and we were left with a massive cliffhanger, again.
All in all, I loved this book. It was crazy and full of surprises. I absolutely can’t wait to read book 3, wherever that comes out!
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Moonmarked by D. N. Hoxa, and I’ve got to say, I loved it. Being the second book in the Royal Sins series, Moonmarked picks up almost immediately after Lifebound ended.
A lot of the first half if this book is Nilah fleeing from the Seelie Court after being accused of murdering Prince Lyall, her lifebound. With the help of Rune’s shadows, she’s able to escape the castle. She then tries to make her way to back to Blackmoon to find Raja, knowing she’s a friend of Rune’s. Of course, the journey is not easy, but with the help of a few friends she makes, she’s finally able to make it to Raja.
I loved the adventure that Nilah had to go on alone. Being a human in the fae realm puts her at a great disadvantage, and puts her life in constant danger. Yet being the stubborn, determined woman that she is, she does whatever she can to survive and get to where Rune can find her safely.
The rest of the book involves Nilah being a guest/prisoner at the Seelie Court. She has free range to explore the court, with at least the guards following her around at all times. No one really talks to her, and she finds herself alone more often than not. Occasionally, she finds herself being summoned to play some fae games, and activities.
Honestly, some of these parts in the book were kinda slow for me. Maybe it was due to the crazy adventure from book one and the scary adventure from the first part of this book. Regardless that things good a little slow, it didn’t last long before things picked back up. Then when it looked like things would end with a happy ever after, shit hit the fan and we were left with a massive cliffhanger, again.
All in all, I loved this book. It was crazy and full of surprises. I absolutely can’t wait to read book 3, wherever that comes out!
June 6, 2025
5⭐️
3🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book! I was so excited to receive this, as I loved book 1!
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 ended, with Nilah being accused of murdering the prince that she had literally spent all of book 1 traveling to save. Backed into a corner, she needs to escape, find Rune, and go back home. She doesn’t know what’s going on or why she’s being called a murderer.
Along her journey, we meet some new species that were mentioned in book 1 but not physically scene. Everything in this realm seems to be dangerous and out to kill her. All while she’s still trying to figure out this mysterious magic insider her. No one and nothing is as it seems and she doesn’t know who she can trust…except Rune. Rune is her center and she’ll do everything she can to get back to him.
We do get a few chapters from Rune’s POV, which was nice. I enjoyed getting his mindset during the events of this book and everything going on with him and his own seal of power.
As always, we get good spice 🌶️ in this installment, so thank you for that D.N.! Rune is honestly a top tier book boyfriend. Nilah never doubts whether Rune believes her or believes IN her. They both are truly devoted to one another and will do anything to be together. Their reunion is 🥵🥵🥵🥵 and I love that it’s just this raw love and passion between the two (and a little dirty talk 😜)
Book 2 ends on another cliffhanger and quite the doozy! But I know the author said she’s already working on book 3! And she churns out her books pretty quickly but the plot and books don’t feel like they were rushed at all. Excellent storytelling! (Book 1 came out in May, book 2 in June!). I am so excited for book 3!!
3🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book! I was so excited to receive this, as I loved book 1!
Book 2 picks up right where book 1 ended, with Nilah being accused of murdering the prince that she had literally spent all of book 1 traveling to save. Backed into a corner, she needs to escape, find Rune, and go back home. She doesn’t know what’s going on or why she’s being called a murderer.
Along her journey, we meet some new species that were mentioned in book 1 but not physically scene. Everything in this realm seems to be dangerous and out to kill her. All while she’s still trying to figure out this mysterious magic insider her. No one and nothing is as it seems and she doesn’t know who she can trust…except Rune. Rune is her center and she’ll do everything she can to get back to him.
We do get a few chapters from Rune’s POV, which was nice. I enjoyed getting his mindset during the events of this book and everything going on with him and his own seal of power.
As always, we get good spice 🌶️ in this installment, so thank you for that D.N.! Rune is honestly a top tier book boyfriend. Nilah never doubts whether Rune believes her or believes IN her. They both are truly devoted to one another and will do anything to be together. Their reunion is 🥵🥵🥵🥵 and I love that it’s just this raw love and passion between the two (and a little dirty talk 😜)
Book 2 ends on another cliffhanger and quite the doozy! But I know the author said she’s already working on book 3! And she churns out her books pretty quickly but the plot and books don’t feel like they were rushed at all. Excellent storytelling! (Book 1 came out in May, book 2 in June!). I am so excited for book 3!!
August 17, 2025
A great bridge between books.
I always think second books are tough as they’ve got to continue the momentum and bring on new things to hold you and also resolve just a smidge so you feel you’re getting somewhere. Wow, did this deliver!
Book two picks up right where book one left off with the accusations flying at Nilah after prince Lyall wakes up. She runs to save herself and gets herself into all kinds of fun trying to survive. I loved the need for her to save herself more than rely on Rune and felt she was developing into a real FMC that you can root for. She was willing to save the dog she found being used by sorcerers which speaks to her empathy above all else. While she still acts like a teen I really liked that about her because she is eighteen and I get frustrated when teens who are saving the world in these books act like they’re middle aged. She’s a teen, so it makes sense she has teen impulses and thoughts.
Her return to the Seelie Court after being caught was just as exciting as her escape. She’s thrust back into the craziness of the far world and gets to plot and plan how she can keep going not knowing who she might really be after things are revealed at the Whispering Ball.
And then the cliffhanger — such a brutal ending!
Overall, I’m really glad I stumbled on this series after book three is out so I don’t have to wait because I’m really intrigued to see how this plays out with all the moving parts.
I always think second books are tough as they’ve got to continue the momentum and bring on new things to hold you and also resolve just a smidge so you feel you’re getting somewhere. Wow, did this deliver!
Book two picks up right where book one left off with the accusations flying at Nilah after prince Lyall wakes up. She runs to save herself and gets herself into all kinds of fun trying to survive. I loved the need for her to save herself more than rely on Rune and felt she was developing into a real FMC that you can root for. She was willing to save the dog she found being used by sorcerers which speaks to her empathy above all else. While she still acts like a teen I really liked that about her because she is eighteen and I get frustrated when teens who are saving the world in these books act like they’re middle aged. She’s a teen, so it makes sense she has teen impulses and thoughts.
Her return to the Seelie Court after being caught was just as exciting as her escape. She’s thrust back into the craziness of the far world and gets to plot and plan how she can keep going not knowing who she might really be after things are revealed at the Whispering Ball.
And then the cliffhanger — such a brutal ending!
Overall, I’m really glad I stumbled on this series after book three is out so I don’t have to wait because I’m really intrigued to see how this plays out with all the moving parts.
June 17, 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Woah… that was a crazy sequel! Crazy amazing! I absolutely loved it, I loved the introduction to new characters, the many on the edge of your your seat moments, the romance of course, but what I really loved was watching Nilah’s growth and coming into her own in this book! Moonmarked picked up exactly where Lifebound ended, and after being accused of harming the Prince, Nilah is on the run, and there’s only one person she can trust and that’s Rune. After a flurry of twists and turns and dangerous moments Nilah thinks she’s found a safe haven *spoiler warning* only to end up arrested by the guard and drug back to the castle…. Where perhaps things aren’t as cut and dry as Nilah thought, or maybe things are just as dangerous if not more so. So if you’re looking for a book with plenty of suspense, a forbidden romance filled with tons of chemistry, spice, political intrigue and a cliffhanger ending that’ll leave you gasping and ready for book three immediately!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Woah… that was a crazy sequel! Crazy amazing! I absolutely loved it, I loved the introduction to new characters, the many on the edge of your your seat moments, the romance of course, but what I really loved was watching Nilah’s growth and coming into her own in this book! Moonmarked picked up exactly where Lifebound ended, and after being accused of harming the Prince, Nilah is on the run, and there’s only one person she can trust and that’s Rune. After a flurry of twists and turns and dangerous moments Nilah thinks she’s found a safe haven *spoiler warning* only to end up arrested by the guard and drug back to the castle…. Where perhaps things aren’t as cut and dry as Nilah thought, or maybe things are just as dangerous if not more so. So if you’re looking for a book with plenty of suspense, a forbidden romance filled with tons of chemistry, spice, political intrigue and a cliffhanger ending that’ll leave you gasping and ready for book three immediately!
June 21, 2025
Thank you SO much for sending me book 2 I absolutely am so mad about that cliff hanger but so happy to have another book in the series! This series has me in a chokehold! I was completely hooked again! It had m😱rder and mystery! Magic, suspense, plot twists keeping me hooked! I couldn’t put it down! Steamy spice! Political intrigue, bloody batttles.
Nilahs growth coming in to her own, was magic in its own! Feeling she can only trust one person rune who is shadow daddy let’s just say!, the tension and chemistry between Nilah and Rune was 🥵 Starting right off where Lifebound left us hanging, Nilah is now on the run after being accused of harming the prince. She gets captured and becomes a guest/ prisoner of the seelie court.
I don’t wanna give too much away but I’m absolutely LOVING this series and CANNOT wait for book 3!! If you’re a fantasy lover and romance lover I 💯 recommend this series!
“What is she to you then?” Raja demanded.
“Everything.” The simplest truth I’d ever spoken.
Mysterious magic
Shadow daddy
Nicknames
“Mine!”
World building
Touch her and ☠️
Pining
Nilahs growth coming in to her own, was magic in its own! Feeling she can only trust one person rune who is shadow daddy let’s just say!, the tension and chemistry between Nilah and Rune was 🥵 Starting right off where Lifebound left us hanging, Nilah is now on the run after being accused of harming the prince. She gets captured and becomes a guest/ prisoner of the seelie court.
I don’t wanna give too much away but I’m absolutely LOVING this series and CANNOT wait for book 3!! If you’re a fantasy lover and romance lover I 💯 recommend this series!
“What is she to you then?” Raja demanded.
“Everything.” The simplest truth I’d ever spoken.
Mysterious magic
Shadow daddy
Nicknames
“Mine!”
World building
Touch her and ☠️
Pining
June 17, 2025
I received an ARC for this for my honest review! Thank you!
5 out of 5 ⭐
I'm already screaming about needing book three in this series because oh my God. this was incredible. The storyline had me so hooked. I could not put down this book. I could not stop reading. the way it painted such an amazing picture in my mind had me feeling like I was watching a movie. The spice was just right. it wasn't too much or too little. It was such a good balance. and Rune 🥵🥵🥵 His relationship and dynamic with Nilah is just what book dreams are made of. Also Rune's MOUTH! listen. listen. just....ugh. I'm in love. it's not very often that I read a book that just has me completely fixed into the story like this series has. I have a feeling I'm going to be thinking about this for a very long time. it's just so beautiful written in the story is just so perfect to me. I'm so glad I was able to read this. My only suggestion would be more POVs from Rune. I would love to see more POVS of him.
5 out of 5 ⭐
I'm already screaming about needing book three in this series because oh my God. this was incredible. The storyline had me so hooked. I could not put down this book. I could not stop reading. the way it painted such an amazing picture in my mind had me feeling like I was watching a movie. The spice was just right. it wasn't too much or too little. It was such a good balance. and Rune 🥵🥵🥵 His relationship and dynamic with Nilah is just what book dreams are made of. Also Rune's MOUTH! listen. listen. just....ugh. I'm in love. it's not very often that I read a book that just has me completely fixed into the story like this series has. I have a feeling I'm going to be thinking about this for a very long time. it's just so beautiful written in the story is just so perfect to me. I'm so glad I was able to read this. My only suggestion would be more POVs from Rune. I would love to see more POVS of him.
June 14, 2025
What the heck!!! was not expecting that ending!
I have so many theories, but alas, must wait for the next book! I am so excited for this.
The author makes such a beautiful world, I love the MMC, and am so excited to learn more about his backstory! If you are looking for a shadowdaddy, this would be him!
I just know the main female character is going to shock us all!
I was picking up on the protagonist throughout the second book, so I was able to prepare for the turn.
I am so excited to see what comes, and will be waiting extremely impatiently!!
There is yearning, spice, conflict, adventure, beauty, betrayal, chaos. Some twists I wasnt expecting.
For those that LOVE ACOTAR, I would recommend this!
I have so many theories, but alas, must wait for the next book! I am so excited for this.
The author makes such a beautiful world, I love the MMC, and am so excited to learn more about his backstory! If you are looking for a shadowdaddy, this would be him!
I just know the main female character is going to shock us all!
I was picking up on the protagonist throughout the second book, so I was able to prepare for the turn.
I am so excited to see what comes, and will be waiting extremely impatiently!!
There is yearning, spice, conflict, adventure, beauty, betrayal, chaos. Some twists I wasnt expecting.
For those that LOVE ACOTAR, I would recommend this!
June 16, 2025
“Trust me” -Rune
😭
That cliffhanger!!!!
While book 1 is still my favorite for it having more of Rune than book 2, and the bigger adventures/spice. This book was still a fun read. Still SO many questions, if not more so than book 1.
Rune is still the best shadow daddy though I was bummed this book didn’t have more of his character. Though I hope book 3 allows more of his pov like this book had towards the end. The cliffhanger though, exactly like in book 1…..it leaves you thoroughly upset as literally it happens the last couple sentences. I’m so ready for them to have a HEA 🥺 💔
Also, never trust the perfect good looking princes in books. I prefer the dark shadow ones that have been banished 😉
😭
That cliffhanger!!!!
While book 1 is still my favorite for it having more of Rune than book 2, and the bigger adventures/spice. This book was still a fun read. Still SO many questions, if not more so than book 1.
Rune is still the best shadow daddy though I was bummed this book didn’t have more of his character. Though I hope book 3 allows more of his pov like this book had towards the end. The cliffhanger though, exactly like in book 1…..it leaves you thoroughly upset as literally it happens the last couple sentences. I’m so ready for them to have a HEA 🥺 💔
Also, never trust the perfect good looking princes in books. I prefer the dark shadow ones that have been banished 😉
July 20, 2025
50/10!! Holy Cow! D.N. Hoxa knocked this one out of the ball park!!! Still trying to process all that happens in this next installment of the Royal Sins Series!! With no shortage of action packed scenes, heart-wrenching tension, steamy passion and unexpected curveballs thrown into the mix… you literally can’t put the book down and are on the end of you seat the whole ride through!!! As Nilah’s mission takes an unprecedented turn for the worst, she must rely on Rune to once again get her to safety. But with the Seelie Court hunting her as a suspected threat to their Prince, and Rune nowhere to be seen, she must rely on her own instincts and abilities. With danger around every corner, she fights her way back to Rune’s side at all costs.
June 15, 2025
The sequel to Lifebound has me shooketh! When I say I devoured it, I mean it devoured me! Picking up immediately where Lifebound left off, you are whisked away into the Seelie Court with Nilah as she runs for her life!
Nilah navigates the Fae world on her own, trying to reunite with Rune. To get Home. Through many trials and dangers, she ends up back in front of the Seelie Queen where nothing makes sense. No one believes her yet again.
She’s mortal. Just a mortal. Or is she?
The cliffhanger this book ends on has me checking my fingertips for cracked, broken, and bloody fingernails!!
Thank you so much for the absolute honor and pleasure to ARC read this!
Nilah navigates the Fae world on her own, trying to reunite with Rune. To get Home. Through many trials and dangers, she ends up back in front of the Seelie Queen where nothing makes sense. No one believes her yet again.
She’s mortal. Just a mortal. Or is she?
The cliffhanger this book ends on has me checking my fingertips for cracked, broken, and bloody fingernails!!
Thank you so much for the absolute honor and pleasure to ARC read this!
June 16, 2025
The second book in the series picks up right where the first book ends, and we see Nilah running for her life. It was really fun getting to see other mythical creatures be explored. You see a lot of character development with Nilah as she’s becoming her own person and figuring out what to do when put in a difficult situations with no one else to rely on which made me happy to see! Getting introduced to Maera was hands down one of my favorite parts of the book. I really hope we get to see her again!! Lyall annoyed me, but the moments we had with Nilah and Rune made up for it. The cliffhanger ending had me gasp and has me suckered in for book 3! Can’t wait to see what happens next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
3.5 stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is book 2 of the series and Chapter 1 picks up right where the previous book ended. The things that bothered me about Nilah in book 1, still bother me in book 2 (she is believably 18ish), and unfortunately, I think that means this series just isn't for me. I will likely still read the next book in the series at some point because I would like to see how it resolves, because yeah, that's quite the cliffhanger…
I liked Rune’s POV because he's more mature than Nilah, so it wasn't as frustrating to read.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and also borrowed it on KU.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is book 2 of the series and Chapter 1 picks up right where the previous book ended. The things that bothered me about Nilah in book 1, still bother me in book 2 (she is believably 18ish), and unfortunately, I think that means this series just isn't for me. I will likely still read the next book in the series at some point because I would like to see how it resolves, because yeah, that's quite the cliffhanger…
I liked Rune’s POV because he's more mature than Nilah, so it wasn't as frustrating to read.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and also borrowed it on KU.
June 21, 2025
Oh that cliffhanger!
After picking up where the first book left off, Nilah is on the run. And run she does, into every bit of trouble she could possibly find!
Hoxa masterfully builds her characters link by link. Nilah, theough all her trials, grows into a strong, capabale character among so many who are out to cause her harm. And then there is Rune. Sweet, moody, incredible Rune. He becomes a man among men with each turn of the page.
The world building is, as her usual, of the charts. The reader is easily transported to each location with little effort of the mind. So, so good.
While the story is a slow burn, it is well worth the read…
After picking up where the first book left off, Nilah is on the run. And run she does, into every bit of trouble she could possibly find!
Hoxa masterfully builds her characters link by link. Nilah, theough all her trials, grows into a strong, capabale character among so many who are out to cause her harm. And then there is Rune. Sweet, moody, incredible Rune. He becomes a man among men with each turn of the page.
The world building is, as her usual, of the charts. The reader is easily transported to each location with little effort of the mind. So, so good.
While the story is a slow burn, it is well worth the read…
August 2, 2025
Moonmarked picks up right where the first book left off, and I was instantly pulled back into Nilah’s journey. While the first installment had Rune to guide us through this realm, this sequel starts into Nilah’s navigation in this new world, giving us a raw and powerful exploration of her identity and inner strength.
The world-building expands in all the best ways—especially as we dive into the complex web of the fae politics. And that ending? Absolutely gut-wrenching. I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger, and beyond grateful that the next book is just around the corner.
If you loved book one (Lifebound), Moonmarked will not disappoint!
The world-building expands in all the best ways—especially as we dive into the complex web of the fae politics. And that ending? Absolutely gut-wrenching. I’m still reeling from that cliffhanger, and beyond grateful that the next book is just around the corner.
If you loved book one (Lifebound), Moonmarked will not disappoint!
December 29, 2025
FMC= weak weak weak
Nilah started out strong… hurt but strong. Then she cried 1,000,000,000 times over EVERYTHING and could not be consoled by anything or anyone except Rune. The banter and frenemies to lovers was too quick and then just too much desperation.
She didn’t even try to become stronger for herself. I thought she almost made it when she met Maera. But nope. Ran straight to Rune.
I don’t even care about the cliffhanger. Because I’m sure she will be separated yet again from Rune and cry cry cry all the way home on her journey to get back to him.
No thanks. Will not be reading the next book.
Nilah started out strong… hurt but strong. Then she cried 1,000,000,000 times over EVERYTHING and could not be consoled by anything or anyone except Rune. The banter and frenemies to lovers was too quick and then just too much desperation.
She didn’t even try to become stronger for herself. I thought she almost made it when she met Maera. But nope. Ran straight to Rune.
I don’t even care about the cliffhanger. Because I’m sure she will be separated yet again from Rune and cry cry cry all the way home on her journey to get back to him.
No thanks. Will not be reading the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2025
I knew this book was going to wreck me, and the ending truly did. I don’t know how to process the evil that is Lyall. I knew he wasn’t to be trusted but to be that evil.
Nilah was so strong in this book and the way she dealt with everything truly makes her a strong FMC. I wish she would have believed what so many were trying to tell her. That’s she’s not human but something more.
Rune our damaged king, I hope now that he’s free of his mark he will be able to bring the world down for her. If Rune was a song it would be Half a Man by Dean Lewis.
Until book 3…
Nilah was so strong in this book and the way she dealt with everything truly makes her a strong FMC. I wish she would have believed what so many were trying to tell her. That’s she’s not human but something more.
Rune our damaged king, I hope now that he’s free of his mark he will be able to bring the world down for her. If Rune was a song it would be Half a Man by Dean Lewis.
Until book 3…
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