Love of the Bladed Dove

by Alexia Gray, Mandi Ann (Editor)

He's cold steel. She's wildfire. And between them, a kingdom will burn.

Princess Layla Eradellian was raised to sacrifice love for duty- but duty shatters the moment her kingdom falls to a brutal invasion. Forced into exile and taken captive by a tribe of fierce warriors, she comes face to face with Theron the brooding, disciplined heir to a people who see her as nothing more than a political threat.

Theron is bound by honor, hardened by war, and infuriatingly unreadable. But when sparks ignite between prisoner and captor, desire proves impossible to resist. Layla challenges everything he's sworn to uphold- and threatens to unravel the walls he's spent a lifetime building.

Kain Drakaren, Theron's reckless younger brother, wears his heart on his blade. He teases, tests, and tempts Layla at every turn... yet when the world turns cruel, which brother will stand by her in the fire and risk everything?

As passion flares and alliances crumble, Layla must navigate a treacherous path between loyalty and longing, war and surrender.

Enemies-to-lovers heat, forbidden romance, and high-stakes betrayal collide in this intoxicating fantasy of fierce hearts and fated destinies.

383 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Alex Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, this story pulls you into a world of danger, passion, and loyalty. Layla is a princess with both strength and vulnerability, and her journey is one of courage, unexpected connections, and heart-pounding twists. The romance is beautifully layered—equal parts tender and intense—while the fantasy setting is rich with vivid imagery and high-stakes tension. The author masterfully balances moments of breathtaking love with thrilling action and intrigue.

This debut novel is the kind of book you can’t put down—it’s emotional, gripping, and leaves you aching for more. If you love stories with fearless heroines, morally complex warriors, and a blend of love and danger that keeps you guessing, this is a must-read!

[Kylie Clemons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think maybe I have a more strict rating system than the other reviewers here. So let me preface with my rating system:
⭐️DNF
⭐️⭐️ Not worth the Read
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable, room for improvement
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Loved, would definitely recommend
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Literally lost sleep thinking about it

This is a DEBUT novel from a DEBUT author and I think that under those circumstances 3 stars is a very solid rating!!

The book starts off strong with some action but then the pacing drops off until the midway point. I enjoyed the second half of the book exponentially more than the first half. It definitely makes up for it in the end.

I had a hard time believing the “love story” with Theron because he basically only says a handfull of words to her in the whole first half of the book. Which could maybe have worked if there had been more angst. I also felt like he didn’t really know the true Layla and was projecting a helpless little girl onto her like that’s what he was into. Gave Dain Aetos vibes…ew.

But. Then. Kain. Meooooow.

Overall I enjoyed that book and am super impressed with Alexia and know we are going to see amazing things from her. I think the book could have easily used another 50-100 pages of relationship building because the action is THERE!

Came for Theron, stayed for Kain.
Can’t wait to see what’s next in this story.

[Jill Vincente · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read from a gifted new author!!

I really liked the pace, the writing style and the action! I liked how different the kingdoms were that the FMC found herself living in, which was a nice change for this genre—not just another castle with servants etc.

The scenes with Kain flowed easier and connection was more believable. I wanted more of that! I’m on his team, even with blonde hair! Theron and her barely even had conversations…it felt like he didn’t actually know her, while Kain did on a whole different level, but maybe that was by design.

Overall, I enjoyed it fully and would highly recommend!

[Blake Hardeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very fast paced, easy to read, and kept me guessing the whole time! I loved the story line and seeing Layla grow and adapt throughout the book. Being such a strong woman in a place that didn’t value women as leaders and watching her fight her way through it was very fun to read! The romance was also great I think each brother brought out a different side of her and I caught myself cheering for each of them at times! The ending was wiiilllld and I know there has to be more to laylas story. Can’t wait for the next one to come out and see what happens next!

[Sierra Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in less than a day. It kept me wanting to read more. I loved the story and the strong female lead character. I love a book or storyline with two brothers who are very different who would do anything for the girl. It definitely made me want to read more. Can't wait to see what else the author writes. Great job!

[Kristy Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a 5-star read—fast-paced, addictive, and full of tension. The storyline kept me guessing at every turn, constantly wondering what would happen next. It’s packed with action, romance, and betrayal in all the best ways.

Layla and Theron’s slow-burn chemistry is chef’s kiss, and the love triangle with Kain adds even more heat. The spice level? Definitely high. There’s no fade-to-black here—just intense, emotional, and steamy scenes that are perfectly woven into the plot. A must-read for fantasy romance fans who love heart-pounding stakes and seriously spicy moments.

[Elizabeth Piehler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I literally can't wait to find out what happens next, and this debut novel technically isn't even out yet!

Layla is relatable AF and a freaking badass. Kain and Theron are brothers, hot, and as different as can be - 100% sold on that front. I struggled with the attraction between Theron and Layla as his innate need to protect his delicate little Layla wasn't who she was. And then Kain comes in with his "You can't pick which parts of her to love" energy and the bad boy vibe, and I was sold. The world building, unlike some other novels, did not drag on and was done with action and intrigue mixed in, keeping the pace of the novel up. I loved the dynamic settings and the relationship development between Layla and the Antonins. The moms both piss me off. Graystonia's patriarchal kingdom can eff right off. And that ending? I did NOT see that coming. Part of me is devastated by it, the logical side recognizing that it is a traumatic and fitting ending. The delulu side hopes for a massive plot twist, knowing the kind of drama that would entail and being so here for it.

Either way, this was a fantastic debut novel from a brand new author, and I can't wait to see what else she will create for us!

[Bryton Crider · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. I’m pretty sure I’ve left permanent finger marks on the cover. The world is completely immersive, and the main characters will have you kicking, screaming, and falling in love right alongside them. The banter is sharp and hilarious. I found myself giggling at 3 a.m. more than once. I’ve loved every single page. The Love of the Bladed Dove has left me absolutely reeling, and I already can’t wait to see what comes next.

[Brook Rutz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect read for Valentine’s Day! I was not prepared for that ending at all. This was such an impressive debut novel. I could not decide which mmc I loved more. Looking forward to the next one in this series.

[Lynsie Fuller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was nothing short of exciting. The characters had big personalities that let me really picture them. I loved that the book was easy to read and always kept you wondering! There was always something going on which made it go quick and not want to put it down!

I felt like the highs started off high and the lows came at the perfect time just for it to pick back up and end with a bang!

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love of the Bladed Dove gives us something you don't see enough: a heroine who's both graceful and deadly. Layla owns her femininity instead of rejecting it, which was such a nice change from the usual "not like other girls" trope. She proves you can love pretty things and still be a badass.

The fight sequences really delivered. They had great energy and kept me hooked. I also appreciated how much thought went into building the world. Everything felt lived-in and believable, which made it easy to get lost in the story.

My one complaint is the main romance didn't totally work for me. Theron and Layla just didn't spend enough time together to build real emotional depth, so it felt more like lust than love? Theron kept wanting her to stay in this box of being a dainty, helpless damsel when she's clearly so much more capable than that. It clashed with her whole journey of proving she's not just some weak ornament.

Now, Kain? He was my favorite by far. I'm a sucker for witty, roguish characters, and he nailed it. More importantly, he saw Layla as she truly was rather than projecting some fantasy onto her. The dialogue between characters sparkled too. Genuinely funny moments that made me laugh.

The pacing was a little uneven, not gonna lie. It grabbed me right away, then kind of dragged in the middle before picking back up for a really exciting ending that I basically devoured in one sitting. Still a really solid debut. The characters stuck with me, the world was fun to explore, and the action delivered. I'm already ready for book two.

[Niki Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love of the Bladed Dove"
☆☆☆☆☆☆
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This book captured me from the beginning. Anyone who knows me knows I love WAR books, any genre!!! A little spice also makes reading nice. I love a good romantasy book! 😉 Literally, a few paragraphs in and I said out loud to my husband, "OH, this is gonna be a good book!"

I read this in a single day. THAT is how captivating it is—And I have ADD, so sitting still and reading a book in a single day means that this book kept my brain constantly ready and anticipating what was going to happen page after page!

I am in awe, that this is the author's debut book! Writing is very clearly, something Alexia Gray is meant to do! I cannot wait to read the next book! I rate this 5 stars, easily. And this book also made me cry, which gets another honorary star! 6/5 stars!!

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"They had wanted her to choose love. Real love. Like theirs. But love was a luxury now. Alliances needed forging. The kingdom needed protection. The crown demanded sacrifice. And so the dream died, quietly and nobly."

"Her entire body was shaking, not from fear, but from something deeper- purpose."

"She ran because she had to survive. And because one day… she would make them pay."

"Those teachings had once been gospel ..... Now they felt like chains, rusted and cold."

"She didn’t want to cry. She couldn’t. She was a princess—trained to endure, to survive the worst with her head held high."

"He didn’t move. Didn’t blink. Just stared at her so fiercely it was as if he were trying to memorize her. Brand her into his vision."

"No one touches her again. Not while I breathe. But first—first, he had to make sure she never looked at him with fear again. That, more than anything, was what he couldn’t bear. Not from her."

"They wielded death like it was another tool on their belt. She wielded it like a last resort."

"He already had too many pieces of her she hadn’t meant to give."

"War didn’t wait for lust. Or love."

"This night was supposed to be her escape. Her beginning. Instead, it had turned into another wound she didn’t know how to stop bleeding from."

"For once in her life, she hadn’t been a princess. She hadn’t been a symbol, a pawn, or a future queen. She had just been Layla, and she had been wanted."

"There was strength in her, buried beneath the softness. Steel, waiting in silence. A fire that no longer flickered, but burned with direction. Purpose. Resolve. She wasn’t just a princess in exile. She was a wildfire. A warrior. And she was ready to go to war for her kingdom."

"To the world, she was beauty and grace. To her daughters, she was steel. But even steel could break."

"He had shattered something in her. Maybe something in himself too. He would ride into hell to fix it."

"Here, she was not a warrior or a survivor. She was a daughter. A symbol. A womb. Her voice was a whisper. Her wrists, too delicate. Her future already written by men who hadn’t bled for it."

[Our Spicy Book Club · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love of the Bladed Dove by Alexia Gray is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was chosen as an ARC reader for the second book in the series, Rise of the Wounded Dove, and decided to read this first to familiarize myself with the world and the characters. We’re introduced to a new fantasy realm and it centers around the royalty from two of the kingdoms - the princess of Graystonia, Layla our FMC, and the princes of Antonin, Theron and Kain our MMCs.

What drew me in initially was Layla, and the circumstances she finds herself in where she finds inner strength to fight, unlike other women from her kingdom. Coming from a patriarchal society where the queen is only fit to find a king and bear heirs, she comes into her own in the society of Antonin which is currently run by a fierce queen. Women and men hold equal positions in the society and the two princes meet the demands of their mother in their own ways. Theron is the uncompromising warrior while Kain is the bringer of levity and moral justice.

It was an interesting set up, but the essential character development was lacking. While we see Layla come into her own while she’s in Antonin, and we see her begin to develop friendships, we don’t see any reason for why she’s falling in love with one of the two princes. The romantic plot feels forced and unsupported by anything we see on the page. I’m all for instalove if that’s what’s happening, but that’s not how it’s set up in this story. It’s set up as a deepening love over time which seems plausible on his part since we see her character development, but completely unrealistic for her with the six (if I’m being generous) one-word and grunted replies we see one MMC give over the few weeks he knows her. It’s for this reason that it took me much longer than I’d have expected to finish it, making it a 2* read for me and it has 1-2 basic and formulaic love scenes which is why I’ve rated it as 2 peppers for spiciness. This book needed more constructive criticism and edits before it was released. Despite this, the ending was intriguing enough that I wanted to give the author and her characters a chance by moving on to the ARC I’d signed up for despite my misgivings.

[Caitlyn Posts · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Some people are meant to write; I believe Alexia is one of those people. This story is women living in a man’s world, it’s about love, loyalty, sacrifice. choosing between following the rules or following what you know is right.

The pacing is so well done. Layla was likable, fiercely loyal to her family, her kingdom.
Theron was the embodiment of sex on legs and “ a product of your environment.”
In terms of Layla and his relationship, it felt kind of like Stockholm syndrome, to me. I mean, he was protecting her, but he followed orders to a fault, as if he didn’t have a mind of his own. So only protecting her from anyone outside his mother. They hardly talked, so they essentially knew little to nothing about each other. And outside of that environment, what did they have? He loves her for who she was in that situation, but not for who she is. He needed to be needed, but what happens when she doesn’t “need” him?

Kain is ornery, cocky, and charming. His interactions with Layla felt more natural and.. real. He saw her for who she is, outside of the situation she was in when they met. He pushed boundaries to help her from the beginning, seemingly without a second thought. I never doubted how important she was to him. A true friend to her when she felt completely alone.

I had no idea which way the story was going, I found it captivating and unexpected. And I know I’ve connected and fallen in love with the characters when I get emotional while reading.

Such a phenomenal read. Can’t wait to start book 2!!

[Sydney Hein · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Love of the Bladed Dove” gave me imagery I could drown in, characters I could argue about for days, and fight scenes that had just the right amount of grit without dragging on. The writing flows so beautifully that even the brutal moments feel like poetry — and the gentle ones? Chef’s kiss.

I was completely charmed (and occasionally stressed) by the character dynamics — there’s loyalty, rivalry, wit, and more than a few moments that had me holding my breath. And yes, I’ve walked away with a STRONG new fictional crush.

Some moments deserve permanent residence in my brain: ✨the Varyn ritual✨

I cannot wait to see the chaos that’s clearly brewing for book two. I’m bracing for the mess, the drama, and maybe some nobles getting their expectations flipped upside down.

If you love immersive fantasy, complex sibling dynamics, slow-burn-but-fiery romance, and characters you want to both hug and yell at,
Love of the Bladed Dove is for you.🕊️

[Shelby Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will definitely be a new comfort read for me! I loved seeing Layla navigate this world that doesn’t think women are strong enough, and then having her rise above everyone’s expectations. Love me some badass FMCs! 10/10 on witty banter between the characters too, it had me rolling!

This story was fast paced enough to keep me on the edge of my seat, and I was so engrossed in the storyline didn’t even notice I had reached the end until the epilogue jumped out at me. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Ashton Taye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, LOVED THIS BOOK! It was a book I had a hard time putting down. I would get lost within the chapters. Dying to know what happened next! I had to know what they were feeling! The story is well written, feeling like you are right there with the characters. Experiencing their every move through their eyes and feeling the emotions deep within. Their passion, love, fear, sorrow, guilt, and bravery. I was sad when I finished the book wanting it to never end. I can say I will for sure be rereading this book again in the future! Definitely worth the read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely pulled me in and left me wanting more. Layla is a strong, emotionally layered heroine, and her journey through loss, captivity, and shifting loyalties is compelling from start to finish. The slow-burn tension between her and Theron is perfectly done—full of restraint, unspoken emotion, and undeniable chemistry. Kain adds a reckless, tempting energy that keeps the stakes high and the dynamics unpredictable. Gritty, emotional, and addictive, this story balances romance and danger beautifully. I finished it desperate for the next book.

[Megan McClanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The suspense carried through the entire book. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what would happen next. Now I’m impatiently waiting for the second book to come out. The main character energy is fire, and booooy, the men have me sweating. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a story that keeps you on edge and fully invested from start to finish.

I knew I would want to read it again before the second book drops so I ordered the hardcover and it’s so pretty

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love castles, and villages, and brothers and I do mean brother(S) if you catch my drift…. Love of the Bladed Dove is a must read for Romantasy lovers! The author gets you excited from the very beginning and it’s easy to imagine yourself as the main character…you know if you were a fierce princess with fighting skills able to swing two of the sexiest men in the region…

The spice is the perfect level to keep you hooked and I’m literally salivating waiting to see what happens next!

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting here like… what just happened?!?! Stunning debut novel from Alexia Gray and I can’t wait for more of the trilogy!! I was hooked from the very beginning. The world building is easy to follow, the pace is perfect, and Layla’s story is powerful. The characters in this book will capture your heart!! I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds, I’m patiently waiting to meet these characters again.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly amazing debut novel! A unique spin on a love triangle between brothers. I have been an audiobook girl for the last couples years and was worried reading would be tough to get back into. Once I started this book, I truly couldn't put it down. I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see how the story continues! Thank you Alexia for creating Graystonia and characters that tug on our heart strings!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!

I was captivated from the first page. The characters are lovable, defiant, enchanting and witty. This book had me wanting more as soon as I was done…. crying at the ending, of course.
Tropes to name a few:
-he fell first 😍
-female rage 😡
-one bed 🛌
-enemies to lovers 😏
-touch her and die 💀
-betrayal 💔
-found family 🥰
-witty banter 🤭

Looking forward to reading book two as I received it as an arc. Thank you Alexia! Time to get back to these characters 💕

[Jill Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t normally read fantasy romance, but I couldn’t put this book down! From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Layla’s world. The characters are unforgettable, and the emotional depth caught me by surprise in the best way.

Watching Layla grow from a princess to a fierce & determined force was amazing - and the tension between her and the two warrior brothers? That kept me turning pages late into the night.

Even as someone outside the usual audience for this genre, I was hooked – and I’ll be counting down the days until the next book is released.

[Autumn Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love of the Bladed Dove was an absolute page-turner. From the very first page, I was completely entranced. Alexia masterfully paces the story, drawing us into Layla’s world and making us root for her right away. I’m so excited to see what Alexia has planned next for what I hope is just the beginning of a series 👀

[Cooleen Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love of the Bladed Dove swept me away from the very first chapter. Layla is a fierce, free-spirited heroine whose strength and heart shine through every page.
Kain and Theron? Let’s just say they both left a mark. 😍
I laughed, I gasped, I almost threw my phone—and I loved every second.
Can’t wait for what’s next! ❤️

[Ashley Vander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked from the intro!! Was super immersed in the world pretty quickly. The FMC is a total badass and don’t even get me started on the men in this book lol. Writing was awesome and flowed really well, never felt like I was missing out on anything. The imagery I had was awesome too, highly recommend, I need more!

[katherine snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished this book and thoroughly enjoyed it! The writing was engaging and easy to follow, and once I started, I found myself completely hooked. I finished it in just three days, which is no small feat with a busy schedule. I’m already looking forward to the next book and can’t wait to see where the story goes from here.

[Kayla Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

the hook begins early and never goes away

Love of the bladed dove did not take chapters and chapters to reel me in. I was hooked from chapter 2. The love triangle is there but in such a respectful, delicate way that I loved. The character development was realistic, not just a solid crescendo but with ebbs and flows leaving you wanting more.

[Jassica Sun · Rating 3 out of 5]

with this plot, it should have been 4 Stars. but didn't really connect with the plot or writing. Maybe it just feels a little abrupt.