Bride of the Kalisars

by Dayna Styles

Two brothers. One bride. A crown sealed with blood.

The king was meant to marry my sister - until fate shoved me into her place and locked the gates behind me. Now I’m Queen of a fortress carved into the cliffs, where corridors whisper, shadows stretch too long, and the candles never burn quite bright enough.

There was a massacre here years ago. The culprit was never caught. And at night I feel eyes on me from the dark - watching, waiting. Could the killer still be hiding inside these walls… waiting for another victim?

Could it be me?

The king is cold, disciplined, impossible to read. His brother is all charm and danger, a smile hiding a blade. I shouldn’t want either of them, yet my married heart keeps betraying me, and my treacherous pulse answers to both.

If I don’t unearth the castle’s secrets before they consume me, the crown on my head may become my funeral shroud.


Bride of the Kalisars is a fantasy romance with a soft love triangle that becomes an MFM Why Choose. Expect all the pining, longing, and emotional ache of a triangle - without the toxicity or betrayal. This is a story where the FMC doesn’t have to choose. She gets both men and a HEA where everyone ends up (very) happy.

This is a standalone book set in the Enchanted Bloodlines world. You don't need to read the other books to enjoy this one.

Tropes: Why Choose (MFM), arranged marriage, royalty, mutual pining, forbidden love, characters 30+, murder mystery, one bed, half-brothers, hate-to-love, slow-burn suspense.

Genres: Romantasy

469 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 24, 2025

About the author

(A free novella available on my website😉⬆️)

Dayna Styles is a screenwriter and indie author. Once she discovered reverse harem romance, she was hooked. Because honestly, why choose? Her FMCs love being chased, and her MMCs are possessive, protective, and a little unhinged. It’s always sizzling, spicy, and deliciously naughty.

Reviews

[~*~Princess Nya Vasiliev~*~ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as my group's Aug/Sept LBR group read:
Midnight's Embrace

Where do I begin?? I struggled with this story for many different reasons. To the point that I had to step away for a bit and decide if I was going to return or not..

Thank you, Craig. My Love, for reading the rest of this book to me, even after you completed it for yourself beforehand.
💞💞💞💋

Now, this book is well written. I will say that. The first 10 chapters of this story I was really enjoying it. I loved the setting/backdrop for this world, and the mystery plot surrounding Arjun and his family..

But somewhere after chap 10 to the end, for me, I was not happy with the MCs of this story. The pacing of the story slows down a lot as well, once you reach chaps 11 and beyond..

Their plights dragged on for too long to me. Too much back and forth and take backs going on with them. I was also expecting a real MFM element to the story to go alongside the mystery plots, but no. That's not what this story is, even though that is what you're led to believe when you read the synopsis and title of the book.. Even though you get this element at the very end of the story, you don't have enough time to live in it, and bask with the MCs there. Especially since you still have to wrap up the other elements that took precedence in the book.

So, I would say there is a very small element of Why Choose/MFM here, but it's not a central part of this tale. Again, they don't become this until the very tail end of the story. On the romance front, this story really reminds me more of YA angst. Riya also lost her warrior shine in this story after chap 11..

Riya doesn't have a warrior's constitution mentally or emotionally. She whined internally ALOT. She never owned up to her actions either. Never owned her choices. The first 10 chaps I really liked her. I thought she was strong and bad a&&...But as the story moved, she regressed.

Also, full disclosure, I am not a fan of slow burn stories.. Never have been.. So when a story is exceptionally slow when it comes to the establishment of the characters, and their love/feelings and growth collectively, as well as individually; this does not incite happy joy joy feelings for me. It makes it harder for me to enjoy their journey.

At some point I'm always like:
Look, y'all need to sh^t or get off the pot.. Frfr Prolonged, torturous edging, especially when it's not warranted, has NEVER been my thing. After awhile my emotions and my Lotus dries right up.. And once this happens, forget it! It ain't coming back..

I'd say this book is definitely murder mystery. Plot twists and turns. Which were good.. But I needed balance with the love affair too. After awhile I just could not connect to the MCs at all. They annoyed the heck out of me to be honest..

I started off loving Arjun the best.. But he hurt and ticked me off and I just could never get over it. Especially when he had his head in his a&& more than once..

Then it took FOREVER to establish anything real with Riya and Karan.. OMG, just stop.. I give up.. ☹️ If anyone had the right to be the whiner here, it was Karan.. But his character arc just didn't really allow me to feel anything for the guy. I mean I don't hate him like I do his brother Arjun, but I don't like him either.. He's sort of.. neither here nor there for me. He did annoy me though, with many of his earlier interactions with Riya. He just came off as very childish to me.

Back to the mystery plots.. WTH?!! Those had moments where I was like OMG! 🤯
But, I still kinda feel like with all the time that was spent in this book on possible leads, in the mystery aspect, what we ultimately got in the ending for it, didn't quite match the anticipation behind that long, and often confusing journey, in order to get to the truth. So while certain things played out well here for the mystery, it still fell kinda flat for me when it all came out in the wash..

I would recommend this book for those who love a heavy emphasis on mystery plot twists. It really does have you guessing and paranoid as hell about EVERYONE in the book.. I was even giving the little servant boy the side eye very early on 🤨

But I wouldn't recommend this for those who like more intense progress with the romance, alongside the action and the suspense. If that's what you're hoping for then you will not get that from this book..

Ms. Dayna, thank you so much for joining us all on this book discussion. Giving us more insight to your characters and the teases you loved to give us as well.

[Craig Vasiliev · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rate this 3.5 stars.
The mystery element within this story played out nicely to its conclusion.
If you like books with a lot of twists and questions to the very end, I would recommend this book.

[Matthew Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book each time picked it up and read 50 pages I couldn't believe how fast time had flown by I really enjoyed reading about Riya how at first after agreeing to marry Arjan she felt trapped , all she wanted to to was be a warrior and through out the book she changed , she still kept up her fighting skills but she experienced what love could be and learned to take on her royal responsibilities

Karan I think he's great I like how he is laid back , likes to drink , is the fun brother. I like how he always teased Riya and was always there for her , even when early on he wanted to leave and he asked him to stay , he pushed aside what he was feeling and and stayed because she needed him, how he treated here when they got married and was patient and caring and didn't rush her,

Arjan , I think he is just as great as the others , he truly loves Riya would risk loosing her love to do the things he did to try and keep her safe , yes he did some ass hat things ,but I think a guy would do some crazy 💩 to keep the woman he loves alive , and on top of that his brother , his kingdom it was incredible , the laughter , the heart ache , the wait for the happiness that they find and what you find out at the end! 🤯🤯🤯

[Debbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm rating this 2 1/2 stars. Let me explain:

Okay, where to begin........

From the book cover, title, and synopsis, I had an expectation in my head of where this story would lead me. As I delved into the first several chapters, however, I realized it was quite different than my original expectations.

This is a VERY slow burn romance, BUT it adds a murder mystery-current danger element that takes a LOT of space in the story pretty early on. About that..........there were so many elements to the story concerning the mystery aspect (mainly all the mis-directions) that for me personally, I would have been happier to see more relationship-building between the MC's instead.

Now about the MC's............

First of all, our FMC Riya: She's supposed to be a warrior. In the beginning chapters, she seems to be skilled at fighting pretty decently and is strong-willed and determined. Someone I could respect. As the story continued on, however, she aggravated/exasperated me with some of her actions and attitudes. Warriors don't feel sorry for themselves, they rise up and meet challenges.

Now......King Arjun. (shaking my head) He showed promise when he first met and chose Riya to be his Queen. Then his actions after they marry totally confused me. Then I got to Chapter 28, and I thought "WOW", followed right after by "Gee, dude, you are a d^ck of epic proportions!" I mean, was this guy bi-polar, or what?!?

Now we get to King Arjun's half-brother Karan......
At first he got on my nerves a little, because he never seemed to take anything seriously and was an outrageous flirt and flaming man-whore. (rolling my eyes)
As the story goes on, however, I began to see the pain and insecurities behind the mask he was wearing, and my heart hurt for him. Truthfully, he ended up being my favorite of the three main characters. But just an FYI, Karan-the term "Darling" really makes me cringe a little😣😂😂😂

So, given everything I've shared here, I rated it 2 1/2 stars. It was a good read, but I would have loved to have seen more relationship development between the MC's throughout the whole of the book. Instead, there were numerous scenes that was one step forward, followed by ten steps back all the way through until almost the end of the book. This was very frustrating for me while reading.

I want to sincerely thank Dayna Styles, the author, for taking the time to be our discussion leader for our Group LBR for this book🤗😘🥰🤩

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was not what I was expecting, in the best possible way. The three main characters, perfectly imperfect! The intrigue and plot twists, amazing! I was completely caught up in this, which is rare for me. Don't let the MFM scare you away, it's there but, there is so much more to this book. This is romantic suspense at its best! I don't want to give too much away. Definitely in my top five books for the year! I will be reading more from this amazing author. I would highly recommend this book.

[Doris Plank · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great standalone in Dayna Style's Universe!
Two half brothers who have problems among themselves, a brave warrior heroine, romantic tension in abundance, great fights and as always very exciting sex scenes.
Family bonds are reaching out from "Enchanted Bloodlines". I love it!

[M. Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

I enjoyed this spinoff of the half blood series. The characters are well developed and evolve organically. It was wrapped up nicely with a satisfactory conclusion.

[Petra Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

There wasn’t much to surprise me here, mostly because the key plot twist is already a part of the title.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing the Enchanted bloodlines series of the author, I was soo excited to pick up the new book and it did not disappoint!! The world where everything is hapenning is the same as the enchanted bloodlines, but it‘s not necessary to first read the series, as this is mostly unrelated and new story with new characters. I reeeeally enjoyed the writing, the characters, the plot, and the romance - there is really such a perfect balance between all of these elements.
The romance triangle between main characters developed slowly, with plenty of tension and sizzle and the ending of the book was sweet and satisfying. Arjun is kind of reticent and cold in the beginning, but he soon thaws and warms up to Riya and I loooved every minute of this process. ❤️And the instant tension and sparks that Karan brought to the mix was just cherry on top ❤️‍🔥 ❤️‍🔥 ❤️‍🔥
This story totally checks all the boxes for me. It's sweet, it‘s dramatic, it has great plot with a hint of murder mystery, subtle humour where needed, and it touched my heart and my mind. No doubt about it, anything Dayna Styles writes from now on will be on my to read list ASAP! Thank you for a quality romance 🫶

[^Kalinka^ (Hiatus-C-U-On Jan 15th) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you, Dayna.
Thank you for leaving me dazed and confused about what I've read on these pages.
Many twists here. I fear if I say too much I will ruin the journey for others.

I would recommend this book for those who love plentiful murder mystery plots and intrigue, with a sprinkle of will they or won't they? angst.

[Jessica Leek · Rating 4 out of 5]

less dark version of feathers so vicious



Bride of the Kalisars Dayna Styles

Kindle unlimited 8 hour read time


4 Out of 5

So this was a Facebook ad recommendation for me and as most of those I go in with an open mind. I was pleasantly surprised.
I enjoyed the story about a woman who chooses to give up her dreams for her family but in doing so she finds more than she ever dreamed of.

For spicy scenes they are good though few and far between.

The hidden threat was surprisingly hidden and I enjoyed the turn of events. I enjoyed the angst and the pinning up of love for two men that you are not supposed to love but I felt like that could have been made so much more panties soaking.

Overall its a good read made me think of a less dark version of feathers so vicious

[Maja Birks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit of a random pick

I picked it up accidentally and because I liked the cover, but it did not disappoint, different, romantic, funny, with an interesting story line. I would definitely recommend

[GoldenMole · Rating 2 out of 5]

She’s so petulant and childish. Perhaps there would be character growth down the line and i should keep reading… but im not in the right mood to give this a chance.

[Faye Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

Read through start to finish in one day. Excellent storyline with competent characters to support it. The relationship build up was engaging.