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Kingdom of Darkness and Trials
Don't Look at the Fae. Don't talk to the Fae. Don't marry the prince.
Adeline Duvall never thought she would get caught... especially by her best friend and prince. Uncertainty and trials shake Adeline's day to day as she tries to navigate life without her mate. All while trying to stay away from the prince and find out how to break the curse.
With the weight of everything on Adeline's shoulders, she doesn't know if she can continue on but one glance from her mate gives her determination to find the hidden book, no matter the consequences or trials.
Torn between trials and keeping secrets, Adeline will have to decide who to trust, the Fae who has helped her or the prince who has taken interest in her.
Adeline Duvall never thought she would get caught... especially by her best friend and prince. Uncertainty and trials shake Adeline's day to day as she tries to navigate life without her mate. All while trying to stay away from the prince and find out how to break the curse.
With the weight of everything on Adeline's shoulders, she doesn't know if she can continue on but one glance from her mate gives her determination to find the hidden book, no matter the consequences or trials.
Torn between trials and keeping secrets, Adeline will have to decide who to trust, the Fae who has helped her or the prince who has taken interest in her.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2026
7 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 12, 2026
Getting to ARC read the first book in this series was such a special experience, so being trusted to ARC read the second one? I am beyond happy. Stepping back into this world felt seamless, like no time had passed at all. The story flows perfectly from book one, building on everything that was set up without ever feeling repetitive or overwhelming.
The pacing is spot on, the stakes feel higher, and the emotional beats hit harder. And that ending… that cliffhanger… UGH. Absolutely cruel in the best way. No spoilers, but I can confidently say I stared at the last page in disbelief, already desperate for the next book.
Kiernan and Adeline’s bond in this installment is especially lovely. Their connection feels deeper, more settled, and yet still full of tension and longing. The way their relationship evolves feels natural and earned, and once again, Maeve Kensington proves she knows exactly how to write the most swoon-worthy fae. Kiernan continues to be everything I want in a fae MMC: devoted, dangerous, and utterly captivating.
I am already counting down the days until the next book because I need answers. This series has me fully hooked, and I cannot wait to continue reading not only what comes next here, but every future world Maeve Kensington decides to give us.
The pacing is spot on, the stakes feel higher, and the emotional beats hit harder. And that ending… that cliffhanger… UGH. Absolutely cruel in the best way. No spoilers, but I can confidently say I stared at the last page in disbelief, already desperate for the next book.
Kiernan and Adeline’s bond in this installment is especially lovely. Their connection feels deeper, more settled, and yet still full of tension and longing. The way their relationship evolves feels natural and earned, and once again, Maeve Kensington proves she knows exactly how to write the most swoon-worthy fae. Kiernan continues to be everything I want in a fae MMC: devoted, dangerous, and utterly captivating.
I am already counting down the days until the next book because I need answers. This series has me fully hooked, and I cannot wait to continue reading not only what comes next here, but every future world Maeve Kensington decides to give us.
January 19, 2026
We leave off continuing the story from the first book; Adeline & Kieran getting caught together by the prince and who she thought was her best friend. By making a deal with the prince, she would do everything to keep Kieran alive. They needed to be sneaky to be able to break this curse so she as well as the Fae will be free.
Adeline is strong and determined as ever, but at the same time she would make big decisions without thinking of it and thinking of how she would get out of it. She would constantly lie to the people who loved her and would keep her safe, and she kept feeling like she had nobody in her side when so many were asking to help her.
Even though I did like this story, I also felt like it wasn’t very memorable. There were a lot of repetitive parts, there were lots of times I wondered if something was actually necessary to the story. I feel like lots of what happened in the end could have been done sooner in the story, and it could have been a lot more eventful even if that meant making the book longer. It read more young adult, and it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’ll most likely still read the final book, but I just hope everything will have a stronger impact. I still did enjoy this, but just not as much as I had hoped.
Adeline is strong and determined as ever, but at the same time she would make big decisions without thinking of it and thinking of how she would get out of it. She would constantly lie to the people who loved her and would keep her safe, and she kept feeling like she had nobody in her side when so many were asking to help her.
Even though I did like this story, I also felt like it wasn’t very memorable. There were a lot of repetitive parts, there were lots of times I wondered if something was actually necessary to the story. I feel like lots of what happened in the end could have been done sooner in the story, and it could have been a lot more eventful even if that meant making the book longer. It read more young adult, and it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I’ll most likely still read the final book, but I just hope everything will have a stronger impact. I still did enjoy this, but just not as much as I had hoped.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thankfully, Book 2 picks up right where Book 1 leaves off, giving readers a quick resolution to that cliffhanger. The plot felt fast paced but I also felt like not a lot happened. This story gave me so much anxiety, which I imagine is how the Adeline feels the entirety of the book as she figures out how to get herself out of this situation. Her thought process was a little repetitive at times but accurately depicted her depression and anxiety spiral. I'm happy that her mom and Kieran were able to help her through those moments.
I absolutely hate the prince and I hope he gets whats coming to him. I need Kieran to make good on all of those promises. I'm still uncertain about Henry. I feel like he is on her side but there's more going on there. I totally called that ending and the identify of the witch during Book 1 and I'm so proud of myself.
This cliffhanger hurts more than the ending of Book 1. There's hope but also a lot of dread going into the next book. I can’t wait to see where the story goes fromARCS!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!
I absolutely hate the prince and I hope he gets whats coming to him. I need Kieran to make good on all of those promises. I'm still uncertain about Henry. I feel like he is on her side but there's more going on there. I totally called that ending and the identify of the witch during Book 1 and I'm so proud of myself.
This cliffhanger hurts more than the ending of Book 1. There's hope but also a lot of dread going into the next book. I can’t wait to see where the story goes fromARCS!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh man, I really hate cliffhangers! No doubt, they're amazing and add to the mystery, but they're also cruel and unusual punishment! Maeve Kensington has written another book that I loved from start to finish. Adeline is sweet, innocent, and there's just something about her that Prince Archie is drawn to. But she doesn't want the cruel Prince's attentions, she just wants to be left alone to be with her mate, Fae High Lord Kiernan.
I love the slow, slow burn and there are a few characters that I don't like 😉 I love the action, adventure, and feelings of foundness that this story evokes. I loved that Adeline and Kiernan can speak to each other mentally and the sweet words he says to her are heart-stopping!
I felt the danger in every pore of my body everything Prince Archie is around. He's despicable and thoroughly hated.
The world-building is fantastic and I can't wait to find out what happens to Adeline and Kiernan in book 3!
I love the slow, slow burn and there are a few characters that I don't like 😉 I love the action, adventure, and feelings of foundness that this story evokes. I loved that Adeline and Kiernan can speak to each other mentally and the sweet words he says to her are heart-stopping!
I felt the danger in every pore of my body everything Prince Archie is around. He's despicable and thoroughly hated.
The world-building is fantastic and I can't wait to find out what happens to Adeline and Kiernan in book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3🌟
🚫🌶
Thank you to Maeve Kensington for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the next Kingdom of Bellhollow series. Our story focuses on Adeline trying to find a way to save Kieran while sidestep Prince Archie and the discourage of breaking the one rule everyone knows. Don't talk to the fae. Adeline is forced into an agreement with the prince to save her mate, but instead of planning the wedding she continues to search for the one thing that will break the curse on the fae. The witch, who may be close than she thinks.
I was so excited for this story, but honestly was kinda disappointed. It didn't feel like anything happened to push the story forward until the last handful of chapters. I still enjoyed the story and am invested in Adeline and Kieran and their journey to break the curse.
🚫🌶
Thank you to Maeve Kensington for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the next Kingdom of Bellhollow series. Our story focuses on Adeline trying to find a way to save Kieran while sidestep Prince Archie and the discourage of breaking the one rule everyone knows. Don't talk to the fae. Adeline is forced into an agreement with the prince to save her mate, but instead of planning the wedding she continues to search for the one thing that will break the curse on the fae. The witch, who may be close than she thinks.
I was so excited for this story, but honestly was kinda disappointed. It didn't feel like anything happened to push the story forward until the last handful of chapters. I still enjoyed the story and am invested in Adeline and Kieran and their journey to break the curse.
January 18, 2026
Kingdom of Darkness and Trials is book two in the Kingdom of Bellhollow tetralogy, a slow burning romantasy about a sweet and innocent heroine, a swoony protective fae high lord and a cruel prince she can’t stand. The romance has so many of my favorite tropes: forbidden love, fated mates and he falls first (and harder). The main characters are utterly adorable together, and I am rooting for them! I loved seeing the heroine and her sister grow closer in this book and begin to mend their broken relationship. I especially loved the ending and can’t wait for the next installment in this series. If you need more ACOTAR vibes in your life, definitely pick up this series!
Thanks a million to Maeve Kensington for a copy of this ARC!
Thanks a million to Maeve Kensington for a copy of this ARC!
January 16, 2026
I am absolutely in love with this series so far! Everything about it is just amazing. Addie and Kieran have a special place in my heart already. They are just the sweetest couple there is. As much as I hate Prince Archie, I absolutely love how the author writes him. He is so evil and it’s perfect for the story. Meeting the king again was so interesting. He’s a different kind of character compared to his son. Watching Adeline try to make sense of herself in this world where she’s being pulled in different directions all at once is just so satisfying. She’s such a strong character. I definitely cannot wait for the 3rd book!
January 21, 2026
I really like how smoothly this transitioned from the end of the last book, it almost didn't feel like a sequel. I do really love this story and book two just made everything better. There was a lot more character development and I like how you find out more of the backstory of the faes. Adeline and Kieran are absolute goals, he wants to do anything for her and they are just so in love. Prince Archie makes me so angry and doesn't want Adeline to be her own person, just his doting wife. I went through this book so quickly and I loved every minute of it. I was so shocked by the ending and I'm so excited for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
📚📚 ARC Review 📚📚
Yay! Kieran and Adeline’s story continues!!
I was excited for this part to come out because I needed to know what happened after the ending to KoBaU, and I was not disappointed. There’s more character development and world building for our MCs, especially a bigger glimpse into fae life in Bellhollow.
There was once scene I recently wasn’t expecting and I’m left with two questions…
1. Who will be the main villain of the next book?
2. Will Prince Archie continue to be a the narcissist he is?
Yay! Kieran and Adeline’s story continues!!
I was excited for this part to come out because I needed to know what happened after the ending to KoBaU, and I was not disappointed. There’s more character development and world building for our MCs, especially a bigger glimpse into fae life in Bellhollow.
There was once scene I recently wasn’t expecting and I’m left with two questions…
1. Who will be the main villain of the next book?
2. Will Prince Archie continue to be a the narcissist he is?
January 20, 2026
Secrets, Swoons, and Emotional Whiplash
Kingdom of Darkness and Trials was a fun, fast paced continuation of the Bellhollow series. I really enjoyed the emotional tension, the secrets, and the trials woven throughout the story, it kept me turning pages. Adeline’s journey felt heavier and more intense this time, and I liked seeing her determination grow. A solid sequel that deepens the stakes and left me eager to see what comes next!
Kingdom of Darkness and Trials was a fun, fast paced continuation of the Bellhollow series. I really enjoyed the emotional tension, the secrets, and the trials woven throughout the story, it kept me turning pages. Adeline’s journey felt heavier and more intense this time, and I liked seeing her determination grow. A solid sequel that deepens the stakes and left me eager to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️
Guys, she did it again. @authormaevekensington wrote a damn good book that had me on the edge of my seat. I am unwell. Thank you but also how dare you 😅
This was a beautiful continuation of KoBaU. The anticipation, the YEARNING?! Im here for it and I cant wait for book 3 😍
Releases January 20, 2026 so add it to your list! You won't be disappointed!!
Guys, she did it again. @authormaevekensington wrote a damn good book that had me on the edge of my seat. I am unwell. Thank you but also how dare you 😅
This was a beautiful continuation of KoBaU. The anticipation, the YEARNING?! Im here for it and I cant wait for book 3 😍
Releases January 20, 2026 so add it to your list! You won't be disappointed!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a good sequel! It picks up right where book one leaves off. Things seem to get worse for Adeline as she’s separated from her fae mate and forced into a betrothal with the prince in exchange for her mate’s life. From there it’s a race to find a way to break the fae’s curse before the wedding. This leads to so much including a cliffhanger ending. Can’t wait for more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review*
I absolutely DEVOURED this book - I would have read it in one sitting, but alas, I am a mere mortal who requires sleep 😭
This picks up right where book 1 ended and takes you on a WILD ride. Honestly, the cliffhanger is almost more diabolical than book 1.
Prince Archie can eat a bag of dicks.
I absolutely DEVOURED this book - I would have read it in one sitting, but alas, I am a mere mortal who requires sleep 😭
This picks up right where book 1 ended and takes you on a WILD ride. Honestly, the cliffhanger is almost more diabolical than book 1.
Prince Archie can eat a bag of dicks.
January 21, 2026
Oh this picks up right where we left off with Kerian and Adeline there is so much going on and Adeline is under so much stress trying to find the book to break the Curse and free her mate and his people but, its not as easy as it sounds she has to deal with the obsession of the prince who is pushing to get married. Absolutely loved it! next book please!!
January 13, 2026
Tears were flowing from the first page to the last with this one.
The way I'm so beyond invested in this world, I need the next book like I need to breathe.
I love these characters so much, and I love their devotion to one another and their people.
Can't recommend this series enough!
The way I'm so beyond invested in this world, I need the next book like I need to breathe.
I love these characters so much, and I love their devotion to one another and their people.
Can't recommend this series enough!
January 16, 2026
ARC REVIEW: 4.5 rounded down to 4**
Going back to Bellhollow, picking up exactly after book 1’s dramatic ending, Adeline learns she has to make several potentially life-altering deals. The betrayal and loss of her only friendship start to really break her down but thankfully her mom steps up to allow her someone to talk to, which was a surprise considering how standoffish her mom acted in book 1. Also when you have a dreading feeling about someone the entire time and it ends up being true. IYKYK 😭
Going back to Bellhollow, picking up exactly after book 1’s dramatic ending, Adeline learns she has to make several potentially life-altering deals. The betrayal and loss of her only friendship start to really break her down but thankfully her mom steps up to allow her someone to talk to, which was a surprise considering how standoffish her mom acted in book 1. Also when you have a dreading feeling about someone the entire time and it ends up being true. IYKYK 😭
January 15, 2026
She’s done it again
First of all Prince entitlement? Yeah still loathe the dude. And if I thought he was bad in book 1, wait til you read book 2.
I’m hoping that book 3 you’re going to give me answers because I can’t keep living on a cliffhanger
Do I need more? Yes
Do i recommend
First of all Prince entitlement? Yeah still loathe the dude. And if I thought he was bad in book 1, wait til you read book 2.
I’m hoping that book 3 you’re going to give me answers because I can’t keep living on a cliffhanger
Do I need more? Yes
Do i recommend
January 20, 2026
Got to read this as an ARC and it is just as wonderful as the first book! I love Adeline and Kieran so much! We get to delve into Adeline’s relationships with others in this one and I love the world it’s building. Can’t wait for the next one! The angst and love have me in a chokehold.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maeve has continued this story beautifully!
I have been waiting for this book since book 1 was an arc and I am so grateful and honoured to have been chosen to arc read both books 1 & 2!
KoDaT drops us straight in where we left off at the end of book 1, Adaline and Kieran have been caught and are in hot water! I feel like the way the story played out through book 2 was brilliant, I figured some things out in book 1 but most of my questions are still confusing me so much!
Once again I can not wait to read the next one!
I have been waiting for this book since book 1 was an arc and I am so grateful and honoured to have been chosen to arc read both books 1 & 2!
KoDaT drops us straight in where we left off at the end of book 1, Adaline and Kieran have been caught and are in hot water! I feel like the way the story played out through book 2 was brilliant, I figured some things out in book 1 but most of my questions are still confusing me so much!
Once again I can not wait to read the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
another cliffhanger? ahh i want to know what happens so badly!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews