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The Bounty of Blood and Nails
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7 days and 01:31:17
3 copies available
U.S. only
Tam is a heartless, ruthless bounty hunter—or so her handler would have you believe.
With her ability to use forbidden blood magic, Tam tracks and captures her prey. The same blood magic that curses her to a life of servitude under a cruel handler—one wrong move and not only her life, but her family’s will be at stake. But when she’s sent to a remote, superstitious northern town where even a glimmer of magic will send you to the gallows, she’s forced to confront the darker consequences of her work.
After the murder of her bounty, innocent townspeople are blamed—and Tam’s conscience begins to stir. But there’s no turning back. Her handler raises the stakes, and her next mission is even more infiltrate the royal castle and capture the enigmatic Prince Bellinor. Disguised as a maid, Tam is drawn into a world of deadly secrets, where her words are whispered into the prince’s ears through an ancient magic she’s never faced before.
To get close to the prince, she befriends his loyal bodyguard, Clement, but the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that Clement’s destiny is tied to the prince. With time running out and the castle tightening, Tam is forced to watch the trial of the people blamed for her own prior actions. But will she complete the mission—or risk it all as she falls in love with the person whose life she must destroy?
In this fast-paced, thrilling tale of magic, betrayal, and forbidden love, Tam will have to decide if being the bad guy is worth losing everything.
With her ability to use forbidden blood magic, Tam tracks and captures her prey. The same blood magic that curses her to a life of servitude under a cruel handler—one wrong move and not only her life, but her family’s will be at stake. But when she’s sent to a remote, superstitious northern town where even a glimmer of magic will send you to the gallows, she’s forced to confront the darker consequences of her work.
After the murder of her bounty, innocent townspeople are blamed—and Tam’s conscience begins to stir. But there’s no turning back. Her handler raises the stakes, and her next mission is even more infiltrate the royal castle and capture the enigmatic Prince Bellinor. Disguised as a maid, Tam is drawn into a world of deadly secrets, where her words are whispered into the prince’s ears through an ancient magic she’s never faced before.
To get close to the prince, she befriends his loyal bodyguard, Clement, but the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that Clement’s destiny is tied to the prince. With time running out and the castle tightening, Tam is forced to watch the trial of the people blamed for her own prior actions. But will she complete the mission—or risk it all as she falls in love with the person whose life she must destroy?
In this fast-paced, thrilling tale of magic, betrayal, and forbidden love, Tam will have to decide if being the bad guy is worth losing everything.
302 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 3, 2026
43 people are currently reading
3984 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 14, 2026
This was so fun! Tam is the sassiest of assassins with just a touch of magic. She gets herself into impossible situations and it’s hard to be mad at her shenanigans. And there are MANY shenanigans. This book is short, punchy, and action packed. I loved Tam’s vibe through the whole thing, especially when she let her guard down for a certain…guard. Yeah ok that sentence could have been written better. It’s Clement. He’s brooding. He’s mysterious and stubbornly quiet. Match made in well, whatever you want to call that danky castle. There’s also Tam’s mysterious past that’s all set up and ready for the next book (she says hopefully!) Definitely pick this one up when it hits shelves March 3!
Humongous thanks to The Nerd Fam and N.K. Brown for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
Humongous thanks to The Nerd Fam and N.K. Brown for the gifted eARC. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2026
The Bounty of Blood and Nails by N.K. Brown, book one of The Devil’s Huntress series
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3.5 stars (rounded up.)
Wave a story with bounty hunters and blood magic at me and I’m in like Flynn.
I’ve seen it noted that this is supposed to be a Dark Romantasy read? I mean, there IS romance but it’s not really the focus or THE driving factor of the story. This is definitely more aligned with Dark Fantasy/Horror. Gothic Fiction? Magical elements? Palpable fear and dread? Horror-ish and morbid tones? Check, check, check and check.
I really, really liked the premise of this novel. I struggled a bit with the pacing of this book. I felt like the all-over-the-place story telling left me whiplashed and at times, confused.
The timeline jumps to the past frequently, which I don’t mind at all. The issue I had is that it wasn’t a smooth transition back and forth. I found myself having to stop and reread parts of the book where the shift in time happened but I didn’t quite catch it. (Not every time jump but often enough.) There was also some confusion for me on where Tam’s handler came from. Just willy nilly out of the blue found a person in need that could be easily manipulated? I mean, I guess it’s possible given who the handler turns out to be?
Tam’s morally conflicted character grew on me. A spitfire little assassin with deadly, forbidden blood magic traipsing around the world taking out her targets. But again, I was confused on how she obtained this magic, (was she born with it?) Also how her targets were chosen and why Tam was in the situation she was in. (Some of my questions were answered towards the end of the book however I do wish I was given more to chew on earlier in the story.)
While I loved Tam and Clement’s sarcastic banter and needling at each other, it was hard to believe that there was enough substance for them to move past friendly colleagues. I felt the same way with the friendship between Tam and Lillyanna. *shrugs*
Aside from those things, there is a good cast of interesting characters. The enigma that is Siobhan, Tam herself (FMC,) The Prince, the guards, Lillyanna—They all have a necessary role to play. The castle itself was a unique surprise. The magic had impressive qualities. Oh, and the gore. THE GORE. I personally loved this aspect (people expecting a Romantasy may be turned off by high stakes action!)
I was a bit confused by the ending (again.) It sort of felt like it was a rushed afterthought. Like the story was written and then oh! We need an ending that segue’s into the next installment.
Overall, I still enjoyed the story. I’m left with a list of questions and am interested enough to read the next book and find out what happens with Tam and how her life will adapt to the new circumstances. I hope to have more answers and world building in the sequel.
Thank you to The NerdFam, City Owl Press and the author for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date: March 3rd
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
3.5 stars (rounded up.)
Wave a story with bounty hunters and blood magic at me and I’m in like Flynn.
I’ve seen it noted that this is supposed to be a Dark Romantasy read? I mean, there IS romance but it’s not really the focus or THE driving factor of the story. This is definitely more aligned with Dark Fantasy/Horror. Gothic Fiction? Magical elements? Palpable fear and dread? Horror-ish and morbid tones? Check, check, check and check.
I really, really liked the premise of this novel. I struggled a bit with the pacing of this book. I felt like the all-over-the-place story telling left me whiplashed and at times, confused.
The timeline jumps to the past frequently, which I don’t mind at all. The issue I had is that it wasn’t a smooth transition back and forth. I found myself having to stop and reread parts of the book where the shift in time happened but I didn’t quite catch it. (Not every time jump but often enough.) There was also some confusion for me on where Tam’s handler came from. Just willy nilly out of the blue found a person in need that could be easily manipulated? I mean, I guess it’s possible given who the handler turns out to be?
Tam’s morally conflicted character grew on me. A spitfire little assassin with deadly, forbidden blood magic traipsing around the world taking out her targets. But again, I was confused on how she obtained this magic, (was she born with it?) Also how her targets were chosen and why Tam was in the situation she was in. (Some of my questions were answered towards the end of the book however I do wish I was given more to chew on earlier in the story.)
While I loved Tam and Clement’s sarcastic banter and needling at each other, it was hard to believe that there was enough substance for them to move past friendly colleagues. I felt the same way with the friendship between Tam and Lillyanna. *shrugs*
Aside from those things, there is a good cast of interesting characters. The enigma that is Siobhan, Tam herself (FMC,) The Prince, the guards, Lillyanna—They all have a necessary role to play. The castle itself was a unique surprise. The magic had impressive qualities. Oh, and the gore. THE GORE. I personally loved this aspect (people expecting a Romantasy may be turned off by high stakes action!)
I was a bit confused by the ending (again.) It sort of felt like it was a rushed afterthought. Like the story was written and then oh! We need an ending that segue’s into the next installment.
Overall, I still enjoyed the story. I’m left with a list of questions and am interested enough to read the next book and find out what happens with Tam and how her life will adapt to the new circumstances. I hope to have more answers and world building in the sequel.
Thank you to The NerdFam, City Owl Press and the author for the digital advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Expected publish date: March 3rd
Review of advance copy received from Author
"This is not how I pictured my life going."
When Tam, a bounty hunter in possession of forbidden blood magic, finishes her latest assignment she's hopeful that she'll be able to take a much needed rest. However, fate - or more accurately her handler - isn't so kind. Her next target may prove to be the deadliest of them all: Prince Bellinor himself.
Sent northward with a deadline snapping at her heels, Tam must infiltrate the Prince's castle and use her magic to mark him so that the Collectors can do their job. But the Prince doesn't seem like a criminal and Tam's pesky conscience starts to get in the way. But something is going on in the castle. And if Tam doesn't figure it out and get her priorities straight fast enough, more than just her life will be at stake. But it would be a whole lot easier for her to stick to her task if the Prince's guard would stop looking at her like that...
The Bounty of Blood and Nails is an excellent first installment to a thrilling new dark romantic fantasy series by author N.K. Brown. From the very first page Brown draws you in, weaving an atmosphere full of gothic imagery and magic. The world she has created is as mysterious as it is intense. I particularly liked the way she chose to introduce us to Tam - mid job and in her element. Reluctant as she might be, Tam is good at her job and watching her work her marks is a treat.
I found myself completely captivated and hungry for more the entire time I read. In particular, I can't help but wonder why blood magic is forbidden, what exactly the Queens have against magic users. I feel like there is a bigger story here and I really hope this is explored in future installments.
The easy going banter between Tam and Clement as well as Tam and Lilyanna brought some much needed levity to situations that otherwise might have remained tense. Their camaraderie brought a balancing force to the story and allowed the reader to see that while a lot of the tale was doom and gloom, there were still things worth fighting for. There are still people worth saving.
Overall, I was thoroughly enchanted and I cannot wait to read more from N.K. Brown. Thank you to the author and City Owl Press for providing an advance copy of this work for me to honestly review.
When Tam, a bounty hunter in possession of forbidden blood magic, finishes her latest assignment she's hopeful that she'll be able to take a much needed rest. However, fate - or more accurately her handler - isn't so kind. Her next target may prove to be the deadliest of them all: Prince Bellinor himself.
Sent northward with a deadline snapping at her heels, Tam must infiltrate the Prince's castle and use her magic to mark him so that the Collectors can do their job. But the Prince doesn't seem like a criminal and Tam's pesky conscience starts to get in the way. But something is going on in the castle. And if Tam doesn't figure it out and get her priorities straight fast enough, more than just her life will be at stake. But it would be a whole lot easier for her to stick to her task if the Prince's guard would stop looking at her like that...
The Bounty of Blood and Nails is an excellent first installment to a thrilling new dark romantic fantasy series by author N.K. Brown. From the very first page Brown draws you in, weaving an atmosphere full of gothic imagery and magic. The world she has created is as mysterious as it is intense. I particularly liked the way she chose to introduce us to Tam - mid job and in her element. Reluctant as she might be, Tam is good at her job and watching her work her marks is a treat.
I found myself completely captivated and hungry for more the entire time I read. In particular, I can't help but wonder why blood magic is forbidden, what exactly the Queens have against magic users. I feel like there is a bigger story here and I really hope this is explored in future installments.
The easy going banter between Tam and Clement as well as Tam and Lilyanna brought some much needed levity to situations that otherwise might have remained tense. Their camaraderie brought a balancing force to the story and allowed the reader to see that while a lot of the tale was doom and gloom, there were still things worth fighting for. There are still people worth saving.
Overall, I was thoroughly enchanted and I cannot wait to read more from N.K. Brown. Thank you to the author and City Owl Press for providing an advance copy of this work for me to honestly review.
February 13, 2026
My rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌖
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
•This was SUCH an interesting read! We follow the story of Tam, a bounty hunter with the rare power of blood magic. She uses her magic to mark her targets and then the elusive collectors come and finish the job off. Tam has to stave off her handlers demands and avoid failure, or else her family perish.
•We start off with Tam masquerading as a seer in a travelling fayre, which gives us an insight into how the whole operation works, she is given a target, she assumes a role and marks the target with her blood magic. She succeeds, and the woman she is indebted to provides her with a new target, but it’s not just any old target- it’s Prince Bellor, who has a long and unseemly list of dead fiancées and mystery surrounding him.
•Tam infiltrates the castle, under the guise of a ladies maid to the Princes newest betrothed, Lady Lilliana, a badass with a sabre but a lil less confident in every other department. A fast friendship forms and derails Tam’s plan to mark the Prince and get out of there castle that’s filled with ghosts of those who came before.
•She then starts to form a friendship with a guard, which eventually leads to more… making things even more complicated. Pair that with a sentient castle, a looming deadline and strange occurrences and she has a hell of a lot to handle.
•Overall- I found the story really interesting! The magic system was easy to understand and follow, the plot was very intriguing and Tam is a funny narrator! The love story moves fairly quickly and the plot twists were absolutely twisting!
Thank you SO much to the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy, all views and opinions are my own.
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
•This was SUCH an interesting read! We follow the story of Tam, a bounty hunter with the rare power of blood magic. She uses her magic to mark her targets and then the elusive collectors come and finish the job off. Tam has to stave off her handlers demands and avoid failure, or else her family perish.
•We start off with Tam masquerading as a seer in a travelling fayre, which gives us an insight into how the whole operation works, she is given a target, she assumes a role and marks the target with her blood magic. She succeeds, and the woman she is indebted to provides her with a new target, but it’s not just any old target- it’s Prince Bellor, who has a long and unseemly list of dead fiancées and mystery surrounding him.
•Tam infiltrates the castle, under the guise of a ladies maid to the Princes newest betrothed, Lady Lilliana, a badass with a sabre but a lil less confident in every other department. A fast friendship forms and derails Tam’s plan to mark the Prince and get out of there castle that’s filled with ghosts of those who came before.
•She then starts to form a friendship with a guard, which eventually leads to more… making things even more complicated. Pair that with a sentient castle, a looming deadline and strange occurrences and she has a hell of a lot to handle.
•Overall- I found the story really interesting! The magic system was easy to understand and follow, the plot was very intriguing and Tam is a funny narrator! The love story moves fairly quickly and the plot twists were absolutely twisting!
Thank you SO much to the author for providing me with an advanced reader copy, all views and opinions are my own.
February 13, 2026
“I love surrounding myself with strong women.”
WOW. This book took me completely by surprise. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Tam is a ruthless bounty hunter who uses her blood magic to catch her prey. She is give a bounty to infiltrate the royal castle and hunt down the prince- and only 6 weeks to do it.
I absolutely loved the characters in this story. Tam is ruthless and fearless, but as the story progresses we can see she is struggling with her conscience.
Clement is a brooding, grumpy guard of the prince who seems to be watching Tam’s every movement and numerous times warns her to always stay with the princess and do her job. The banter between Tam and Clement brought good breaks in tense situations. The blood magic was really interesting to me, and I can’t wait to learn more about why it is forbidden hopefully in the next installment of the series.
Overall, I was really captivated and drawn in by The Bounty of Blood and Nails. Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
WOW. This book took me completely by surprise. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Tam is a ruthless bounty hunter who uses her blood magic to catch her prey. She is give a bounty to infiltrate the royal castle and hunt down the prince- and only 6 weeks to do it.
I absolutely loved the characters in this story. Tam is ruthless and fearless, but as the story progresses we can see she is struggling with her conscience.
Clement is a brooding, grumpy guard of the prince who seems to be watching Tam’s every movement and numerous times warns her to always stay with the princess and do her job. The banter between Tam and Clement brought good breaks in tense situations. The blood magic was really interesting to me, and I can’t wait to learn more about why it is forbidden hopefully in the next installment of the series.
Overall, I was really captivated and drawn in by The Bounty of Blood and Nails. Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
February 12, 2026
The Bounty of Blood and Nails was such a pleasantly surprising read for me! The opening chapters were really interesting and completely drew me in. They set the scene, giving dark gothic vibes, and introduce us to our FMC, Tam who is fierce, stubborn, sarcastically witty and perfectly morally grey!!
After the first few chapters I found the pacing slowed quite a bit until about 45% in when things begin to pick up again and the plot is moved forward. From this point on, I found the plot really intriguing and it kept me hooked. There is lots of mystery around what happened to the princes previous fiancés, the woman disappearing in the town, the castle and the prince himself and I was desperate to try figure it out!
Lilyanna and Tams relationship was really beautiful to watch develop into a sisterhood. I loved their banter with each other and how protective they became of each other. However, I was a bit shocked at the ending as Tam had spent the whole book doing one thing and then did the opposite at the end so I’m intrigued how this will play out in book 2 (I don’t want to say anything else for spoilers).
The romance between Tam and Clement developed organically, their chemistry and the tension was so palpable, and their flirtatious banter was fun! I never really got the vibe of enemies to lovers so wouldn’t personally class this book as that. The spice was really well done, it didn’t distract from the plot at all. I’d definitely say this book was more plot focused with the romance being more of a subplot.
I believe there is meant to be a love triangle but I did not get this vibe at all and I’m not actually too sure who the love triangle is meant to be between! There was maybe attraction to a 3rd party but it didn’t feel like it would ever amount to anything. This was just my interpretation when reading this book and i didn’t read it expecting a love triangle so it didn’t have any impact on my enjoyment of this book but know other readers may appreciate my thoughts on the ‘love triangle’ element.
A lot happens in the last 25% and many things are revealed! Although it is heavily hinted at who the villain is very early on in my opinion, the plot twist was definitely unpredictable!!
I have so many questions about blood magic and why it’s outlawed, the queens, Tams parents, what the deal is with Siobhan, how the magic system actually works!! There is definitely a lot that isn’t explored in this book, but I’m hopeful that these will be explored and the series progress.
I’ll definitely be continuing this story and would recommend it to anyone that loves DARK fantasy books, forbidden magic, morally grey character, horror elements, mystery and intrigue, grumpy x sunshine.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #thebountyofbloodandnails #thenerdfam. All opinions are my own.
After the first few chapters I found the pacing slowed quite a bit until about 45% in when things begin to pick up again and the plot is moved forward. From this point on, I found the plot really intriguing and it kept me hooked. There is lots of mystery around what happened to the princes previous fiancés, the woman disappearing in the town, the castle and the prince himself and I was desperate to try figure it out!
Lilyanna and Tams relationship was really beautiful to watch develop into a sisterhood. I loved their banter with each other and how protective they became of each other. However, I was a bit shocked at the ending as Tam had spent the whole book doing one thing and then did the opposite at the end so I’m intrigued how this will play out in book 2 (I don’t want to say anything else for spoilers).
The romance between Tam and Clement developed organically, their chemistry and the tension was so palpable, and their flirtatious banter was fun! I never really got the vibe of enemies to lovers so wouldn’t personally class this book as that. The spice was really well done, it didn’t distract from the plot at all. I’d definitely say this book was more plot focused with the romance being more of a subplot.
I believe there is meant to be a love triangle but I did not get this vibe at all and I’m not actually too sure who the love triangle is meant to be between! There was maybe attraction to a 3rd party but it didn’t feel like it would ever amount to anything. This was just my interpretation when reading this book and i didn’t read it expecting a love triangle so it didn’t have any impact on my enjoyment of this book but know other readers may appreciate my thoughts on the ‘love triangle’ element.
A lot happens in the last 25% and many things are revealed! Although it is heavily hinted at who the villain is very early on in my opinion, the plot twist was definitely unpredictable!!
I have so many questions about blood magic and why it’s outlawed, the queens, Tams parents, what the deal is with Siobhan, how the magic system actually works!! There is definitely a lot that isn’t explored in this book, but I’m hopeful that these will be explored and the series progress.
I’ll definitely be continuing this story and would recommend it to anyone that loves DARK fantasy books, forbidden magic, morally grey character, horror elements, mystery and intrigue, grumpy x sunshine.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #thebountyofbloodandnails #thenerdfam. All opinions are my own.
February 12, 2026
From the very first page, The Bounty of Blood and Nails pulled me into its shadowy, gothic world. 🖤 The atmosphere felt rich and dangerous, with every corner hiding secrets. I enjoyed how the story blended high-stakes missions, forbidden magic, and emotional turmoil into something that felt both thrilling and deeply personal.
We follow Tam, a bounty hunter feared for her ruthlessness — or at least that’s what her handler wants everyone to believe. 🩸 Gifted (and cursed) with forbidden blood magic, she has spent her life tracking targets while living under the constant threat that one mistake could cost her family everything. When a mission in a suspicious northern town went terribly wrong and innocent people were blamed, I felt the first cracks in her hardened exterior. That guilt lingered and shaped everything that followed.
Her next assignment? Infiltrate the royal castle and capture the mysterious Prince Bellinor. No pressure. 😅 Disguised as a maid, Tam stepped into a nest of political tension, whispered magic, and deadly secrets. The closer she got to the prince, the more complicated everything became — especially when she formed an unexpected bond with Clement, the prince’s fiercely loyal bodyguard.
Let me just say… Clement. 🥵 That rugged, grumpy energy had me swooning. Beneath the steel was someone protective, layered, and impossible not to love. His dynamic with Tam was electric — full of resistance, respect, and that delicious slow-burn tension.
And Prince Bellinor? Whew. I was intrigued… until I absolutely was not. 😤 The emotional whiplash was real, and yet the chemistry still simmered whenever he and Tam shared a scene. The author did an incredible job keeping loyalties murky. Truly — trust no one.
Tam herself was phenomenal. 💥 Bold. Unapologetic. Smart. Dangerous. Yet quietly vulnerable. Watching her wrestle with whether completing her mission was worth losing her humanity made the story hit even harder.
The plot delivered twist after twist, and I genuinely never felt comfortable guessing what would happen next. ⚔️ I especially loved the threads surrounding forbidden blood magic, the Collectors, and the history of the queens — I’m already craving more backstory.
This book felt fast-paced without sacrificing emotional depth. By the end, I was equal parts satisfied and desperate for book two.
✨ Perfect for fans of:
🗡️ Badass assassin FMC
🩸 Forbidden magic
🏰 Castle intrigue
😤 Grumpy bodyguard
🔥 Slow-burn tension
💔 Moral dilemmas
👑 Dangerous princes
🌫️ Dark gothic vibes
🔪 Twist-filled fantasy
❤️ Forbidden attraction
Thank you so much to N.K. Brown and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity. I’m beyond excited to see where this series goes next!
We follow Tam, a bounty hunter feared for her ruthlessness — or at least that’s what her handler wants everyone to believe. 🩸 Gifted (and cursed) with forbidden blood magic, she has spent her life tracking targets while living under the constant threat that one mistake could cost her family everything. When a mission in a suspicious northern town went terribly wrong and innocent people were blamed, I felt the first cracks in her hardened exterior. That guilt lingered and shaped everything that followed.
Her next assignment? Infiltrate the royal castle and capture the mysterious Prince Bellinor. No pressure. 😅 Disguised as a maid, Tam stepped into a nest of political tension, whispered magic, and deadly secrets. The closer she got to the prince, the more complicated everything became — especially when she formed an unexpected bond with Clement, the prince’s fiercely loyal bodyguard.
Let me just say… Clement. 🥵 That rugged, grumpy energy had me swooning. Beneath the steel was someone protective, layered, and impossible not to love. His dynamic with Tam was electric — full of resistance, respect, and that delicious slow-burn tension.
And Prince Bellinor? Whew. I was intrigued… until I absolutely was not. 😤 The emotional whiplash was real, and yet the chemistry still simmered whenever he and Tam shared a scene. The author did an incredible job keeping loyalties murky. Truly — trust no one.
Tam herself was phenomenal. 💥 Bold. Unapologetic. Smart. Dangerous. Yet quietly vulnerable. Watching her wrestle with whether completing her mission was worth losing her humanity made the story hit even harder.
The plot delivered twist after twist, and I genuinely never felt comfortable guessing what would happen next. ⚔️ I especially loved the threads surrounding forbidden blood magic, the Collectors, and the history of the queens — I’m already craving more backstory.
This book felt fast-paced without sacrificing emotional depth. By the end, I was equal parts satisfied and desperate for book two.
✨ Perfect for fans of:
🗡️ Badass assassin FMC
🩸 Forbidden magic
🏰 Castle intrigue
😤 Grumpy bodyguard
🔥 Slow-burn tension
💔 Moral dilemmas
👑 Dangerous princes
🌫️ Dark gothic vibes
🔪 Twist-filled fantasy
❤️ Forbidden attraction
Thank you so much to N.K. Brown and The Nerd Fam for the ARC opportunity. I’m beyond excited to see where this series goes next!
February 16, 2026
A very dark and haunting romantasy, this book gives all the spooky vibes of a dark romance!
You start out with and FMC, who’s spent much of her life in the debt of someone with a hold over her, and must find and then collect people for them by sinking her nails in them to mark them for death. After succeeding with her most recent mark, she’s tasked with a new one that ends up being the prince of her kingdom, who’s been somehow related to the mysterious deaths of several previous women he was engaged to, and maybe the disappearances of several other women in the surrounding towns. She must find her way into the castle to serve his latest fiancé and discover the secrets of the dark and spooky castle he resides in before her time runs out.
This book is very dark and haunting so make sure to check the trigger warnings. It gave the most chilling vibes and made my skin crawl hearing about the creepy things going on in the castle. As you move through the story and learn more about the FMC and how she got trapped in the situation she’s in, I really started to feel for her. I also enjoyed how she slowly started to care both for the lady she was watching and the guard that she felt protective of them when she’s been alone most her life. There was plenty of tension and banter between her and the guard to make this an exciting romance. Overall my rating 4.2/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
You start out with and FMC, who’s spent much of her life in the debt of someone with a hold over her, and must find and then collect people for them by sinking her nails in them to mark them for death. After succeeding with her most recent mark, she’s tasked with a new one that ends up being the prince of her kingdom, who’s been somehow related to the mysterious deaths of several previous women he was engaged to, and maybe the disappearances of several other women in the surrounding towns. She must find her way into the castle to serve his latest fiancé and discover the secrets of the dark and spooky castle he resides in before her time runs out.
This book is very dark and haunting so make sure to check the trigger warnings. It gave the most chilling vibes and made my skin crawl hearing about the creepy things going on in the castle. As you move through the story and learn more about the FMC and how she got trapped in the situation she’s in, I really started to feel for her. I also enjoyed how she slowly started to care both for the lady she was watching and the guard that she felt protective of them when she’s been alone most her life. There was plenty of tension and banter between her and the guard to make this an exciting romance. Overall my rating 4.2/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!
February 7, 2026
Thank you to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of The Bounty of Blood and Nails! I SO enjoyed this world and these characters.
Your mission, should you choose to accept: infiltrate the royal castle and capture the enigmatic Prince Bellinor. (Mission Impossible, anyone?)
Just kidding, Tam didn’t really have a choice. I mean, she does, but… you’ll see. No spoilers here!
The world building is fire, with a dark gothic vibe that I love! Our FMC, Tam, is a totally badass bounty hunter (or as Clement says, “a maid that moonlights as an assassin” 😂) she’s such a complex character. She’s bold, unapologetic, smart and so easy to connect with.
There are some lil twisty twists and you literally never know where loyalties lie. As Fox Mulder would say, “Trust No One”.
Ugh… Clement, I just love that sexy, rugged grump.
"I've been trying to protect you, Tam. Ever since I saw you, but you make it impossible."
"I don't want a protector. There are enough people in my life trying to control me, Clement. I want an equal."
And then we have Prince Bellinor… who I was really digging until I decided I fucking hate him. You will too. But, the tension between them was still pretty hot!
“Where are your guards?”
"Sometimes I like to shake them, experience a little freedom. They'll be here any second, though. What shall we do to pass the time, Tam? It's not often we're both allowed this close to one another unprotected."
I’m hoping for more backstory as far as the forbidden blood magic goes and the Collectors, and more history about the queens and WHY everything is the way it is. Super excited to get into more of Clement’s sisters story too!
Overall, this was a fast paced, fun Romantasy and I’m looking forward to book 2!!
Your mission, should you choose to accept: infiltrate the royal castle and capture the enigmatic Prince Bellinor. (Mission Impossible, anyone?)
Just kidding, Tam didn’t really have a choice. I mean, she does, but… you’ll see. No spoilers here!
The world building is fire, with a dark gothic vibe that I love! Our FMC, Tam, is a totally badass bounty hunter (or as Clement says, “a maid that moonlights as an assassin” 😂) she’s such a complex character. She’s bold, unapologetic, smart and so easy to connect with.
There are some lil twisty twists and you literally never know where loyalties lie. As Fox Mulder would say, “Trust No One”.
Ugh… Clement, I just love that sexy, rugged grump.
"I've been trying to protect you, Tam. Ever since I saw you, but you make it impossible."
"I don't want a protector. There are enough people in my life trying to control me, Clement. I want an equal."
And then we have Prince Bellinor… who I was really digging until I decided I fucking hate him. You will too. But, the tension between them was still pretty hot!
“Where are your guards?”
"Sometimes I like to shake them, experience a little freedom. They'll be here any second, though. What shall we do to pass the time, Tam? It's not often we're both allowed this close to one another unprotected."
I’m hoping for more backstory as far as the forbidden blood magic goes and the Collectors, and more history about the queens and WHY everything is the way it is. Super excited to get into more of Clement’s sisters story too!
Overall, this was a fast paced, fun Romantasy and I’m looking forward to book 2!!
February 10, 2026
The Bounty of Blood and Nails exceeded my expectations in every way. The story is dark, intense, and full of complex characters. Tam is a great protagonist, and the supporting characters add great depth and humor to the story. I LOVED the easy going banter between her and Clement. I also loved the relationship between Tam and Lilyanna. The world-building is rich and immersive, and the magic system for this world is fascinating. My lone criticism is that I felt some of the side characters and overall forbidden magic story could have used a bit of additional development, but I’m hoping thats just going to be covered in the next book! Overall, this is a fantastic start to a new series! The romance adds a nice touch to the story without overpowering it. The ending was perfect, it left me wanting more and I’m excited to dive into the next book. N.K. Brown has done an excellent job of drawing me into this world and I’m excited to see where the story goes from here.
Thank you to N.K. Brown and City Owl Books for providing an advance copy of this work for me to review (and enjoy!)
Thank you to N.K. Brown and City Owl Books for providing an advance copy of this work for me to review (and enjoy!)
Review of advance copy
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC 🖤
#thebountyofbloodandnails #thenerdfam
Phew! The last 50 pages of this were a WILD ride. I loved so much about this book. It’s a dark, lush fantasy, and for a huge portion of it I was constantly guessing: what was really happening, who could be trusted, and where it was all going. I love a story that keeps me unsettled like that.
Plot-wise, I really appreciated how unpredictable it felt and how much was left unsaid. Tam was a fantastic FMC: feisty, sharp, and morally grey in a way that actually worked. I was fully rooting for her. The side characters added depth, and the villain? Properly heinous. Exactly what we want.
Romance-wise, the banter and tension were great, and the spice was well balanced - present, well written, but never overpowering the plot. That said, something stopped me from fully buying into the relationship. I kept feeling like the other shoe was about to drop… and I’m not convinced they’re endgame yet 👀 Maybe that’s one for book two.
Overall, this was a really fun read. If you like dark fantasy, blood magic, deals with the devil, enemies to lovers, and a touch of spice, this one is definitely worth picking up.
#thebountyofbloodandnails #thenerdfam
Phew! The last 50 pages of this were a WILD ride. I loved so much about this book. It’s a dark, lush fantasy, and for a huge portion of it I was constantly guessing: what was really happening, who could be trusted, and where it was all going. I love a story that keeps me unsettled like that.
Plot-wise, I really appreciated how unpredictable it felt and how much was left unsaid. Tam was a fantastic FMC: feisty, sharp, and morally grey in a way that actually worked. I was fully rooting for her. The side characters added depth, and the villain? Properly heinous. Exactly what we want.
Romance-wise, the banter and tension were great, and the spice was well balanced - present, well written, but never overpowering the plot. That said, something stopped me from fully buying into the relationship. I kept feeling like the other shoe was about to drop… and I’m not convinced they’re endgame yet 👀 Maybe that’s one for book two.
Overall, this was a really fun read. If you like dark fantasy, blood magic, deals with the devil, enemies to lovers, and a touch of spice, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Review of advance copy
"It would have been amusing had her nail marks not been indelibly imprinted onto my arm, tattooing her anxiety onto my flesh."
Lilyanna and Tam's friendship was a highlight for me, as we watch as they become protective over each other in their survival; a necessity considering the disappearance of women. A love triangle was promised and delivered but I kind of wish Lilyanna and Tam were a couple because every moment they have together feels like a testament to love, especially when Tam slept beside Lilyanna so that she'd be safe.
I thought I was so smart figuring out who the villain was but the real plot twist shocked me. I shan't spoil it but I will say, keep an eye out for chapter 30.
Ultimately, I had a great time reading this and want more. I'm left with so many questions!
Main one being, why was magic forbidden?
💀 Why'd Clement (King's guard and main love interest) not question Tam about kissing Siobhan?
💀How did Tam end up in her job role? (I know who done it to her but wonder as to why)
I'm sure this will all be delved into in the next book, but I love that as readers we have the space to conjecture plotlines, though some of mine may be far fetched.
Lilyanna and Tam's friendship was a highlight for me, as we watch as they become protective over each other in their survival; a necessity considering the disappearance of women. A love triangle was promised and delivered but I kind of wish Lilyanna and Tam were a couple because every moment they have together feels like a testament to love, especially when Tam slept beside Lilyanna so that she'd be safe.
I thought I was so smart figuring out who the villain was but the real plot twist shocked me. I shan't spoil it but I will say, keep an eye out for chapter 30.
Ultimately, I had a great time reading this and want more. I'm left with so many questions!
Main one being, why was magic forbidden?
💀 Why'd Clement (King's guard and main love interest) not question Tam about kissing Siobhan?
💀How did Tam end up in her job role? (I know who done it to her but wonder as to why)
I'm sure this will all be delved into in the next book, but I love that as readers we have the space to conjecture plotlines, though some of mine may be far fetched.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this book I received an eARC and it was not what I was expecting it to be. The magic system and the court dynamics were very well thought out. I wish there was a little bit more character development, though on some of the side characters. There were just a couple times I wish I got a little bit more backstory, and that could be something that the author is planning to do in the next book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It has very dystopian Court vibes and I feel like there’s a lot of potential for it to become a good series. You do not see the ending coming and I feel like the way it was left off as a wee bit of a cliffhanger so there’s a lot to grow from moving forward.
4.5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It has very dystopian Court vibes and I feel like there’s a lot of potential for it to become a good series. You do not see the ending coming and I feel like the way it was left off as a wee bit of a cliffhanger so there’s a lot to grow from moving forward.
4.5 ⭐️ 2.5 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Finished ARC read 100% 4.5* 1pov
Dark Romantasy
Good read overall. Strong FMC with strong feminine camaraderie. I was a bit sad not to see a toxic pairing go further than it did. It seemed to take a while to get towards the spice but once it did there was enough to tide me over. The ending seemed a bit rushed after all the build up though. All questions were mostly answered by book end. I enjoyed it.
Dark Romantasy
Good read overall. Strong FMC with strong feminine camaraderie. I was a bit sad not to see a toxic pairing go further than it did. It seemed to take a while to get towards the spice but once it did there was enough to tide me over. The ending seemed a bit rushed after all the build up though. All questions were mostly answered by book end. I enjoyed it.
February 16, 2026
I was gifted an advanced reader copy of this book and my goodness, this was such a good read. I fell in love with this world and these characters. Tam, our FMC, is a sassy, bounty hunter/assassin with a bit of magic she doesn’t fully understand, who’s assigned an almost impossible bounty where she crosses paths with Clement, our MMC. Their dynamic was so fun and I’m already so invested in where their story is headed next. The tension, the twists, the gothic romantasy vibes, it all was done so well and I will be on the edge of my seat for book two.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I admit I was skeptical because of the cover, and I probably applied for the ARC either because of the tropes or the character art. But wow… this turned out to be such an intriguing read.
I hate love triangles and usually avoid them at all costs, but this one had me on the edge of my seat. The world-building was easy to understand, the story was easy to follow, and the pacing kept me hooked.
And THAT ending???
This was definitely one of those never judge a book by its cover moments for me, because it ended up being so good.
I hate love triangles and usually avoid them at all costs, but this one had me on the edge of my seat. The world-building was easy to understand, the story was easy to follow, and the pacing kept me hooked.
And THAT ending???
This was definitely one of those never judge a book by its cover moments for me, because it ended up being so good.
February 10, 2026
I liked the premise, I liked the characters, I liked the tension and I liked the writing style. The only thing that really bugged me is that the FMC made so many mistakes that I thought her character an unbelievable assassin for a time, which I believe might be the point. Not a bad read overall. Thank you for the ARC. I’ll be interested to see where book 2 goes.
June 6, 2025
I got to read this as a beta and it’s GOLD. I can’t wait to buy a copy of it when it’s published next year.
February 18, 2026
Thank you NetGalley & the author for this ARC ✨
I really liked the way this book began. You’re immersed right in the moment with Tam and what she does for a living. As a bounty hunter, she’s sent up north to make her mark on a prince. In a kingdom that bans all magic although she wields blood magic gifted from her captor.
She goes undercover as a maid for a princess that’s newly assigned to marry the prince.
I loved the pacing and the characters however it is confusing that a lot of this story is very surface level. I hope to see a bit more background if there is to be another book. I was slightly confused on Siobhan’s background in correlation to the Prince and his Queen mother’s.
Tam’s character is fun, sassy, and clever. Her banter with basically everyone is witty.
I honestly wouldn’t consider this a romantasy but maybe a horror/gothic fantasy??? The romance is more of a subplot but the relationship isn’t really important or play a big role.
Anyway, this was a vibe read for me and I had a lot of fun reading it! I would recommend it for someone who’s looking for something quick, immersive, dark, and vibey.
I really liked the way this book began. You’re immersed right in the moment with Tam and what she does for a living. As a bounty hunter, she’s sent up north to make her mark on a prince. In a kingdom that bans all magic although she wields blood magic gifted from her captor.
She goes undercover as a maid for a princess that’s newly assigned to marry the prince.
I loved the pacing and the characters however it is confusing that a lot of this story is very surface level. I hope to see a bit more background if there is to be another book. I was slightly confused on Siobhan’s background in correlation to the Prince and his Queen mother’s.
Tam’s character is fun, sassy, and clever. Her banter with basically everyone is witty.
I honestly wouldn’t consider this a romantasy but maybe a horror/gothic fantasy??? The romance is more of a subplot but the relationship isn’t really important or play a big role.
Anyway, this was a vibe read for me and I had a lot of fun reading it! I would recommend it for someone who’s looking for something quick, immersive, dark, and vibey.
February 18, 2026
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC!
★ ★ ★.5 / ☆ ☆
I really liked the premise of this book. A bounty hunter is sent to kill a prince after the countless disappearances and murders of young women who cross his path. However, once she gets there, things are not as they seem, and more is at stake than she initially thought.
The setbacks and frustrations in this book felt very real. I liked the descriptions of the food, the clothing, and the environment a lot. I loved the general creepiness of the castle, especially with its off-kilter prince and labyrinthine magic.
What fell short for me was the way relationships formed and faltered between our characters. To me, our FMC and her love interest felt too insta-lovey, their sexual tension short-lived and sated in a kind of mundane way. And her relationship with her employer was just uncomfortable at times to read. I liked her sisterly dynamic with Lilyanna though: a perfect embodiment of (platonic) grumpy x sunshine.
Overall, I still really liked this book. I just wish it were longer though, to give these relationships a little more time to develop at a pace that didn’t feel stunted.
THE BOUNTY OF BLOOD AND NAILS comes out on 03/03/2026!
★ ★ ★.5 / ☆ ☆
I really liked the premise of this book. A bounty hunter is sent to kill a prince after the countless disappearances and murders of young women who cross his path. However, once she gets there, things are not as they seem, and more is at stake than she initially thought.
The setbacks and frustrations in this book felt very real. I liked the descriptions of the food, the clothing, and the environment a lot. I loved the general creepiness of the castle, especially with its off-kilter prince and labyrinthine magic.
What fell short for me was the way relationships formed and faltered between our characters. To me, our FMC and her love interest felt too insta-lovey, their sexual tension short-lived and sated in a kind of mundane way. And her relationship with her employer was just uncomfortable at times to read. I liked her sisterly dynamic with Lilyanna though: a perfect embodiment of (platonic) grumpy x sunshine.
Overall, I still really liked this book. I just wish it were longer though, to give these relationships a little more time to develop at a pace that didn’t feel stunted.
THE BOUNTY OF BLOOD AND NAILS comes out on 03/03/2026!
Read
February 17, 20264.75***
Grateful for the ARC read of this, and what a read it was!!
The beginning starts following Tam who has this mysterious air surrounding her and with a “job” that she has been tasked to complete by who we find out to be this ancient unfair being - Siobhan.
Her next task allows some for some great dialogue between herself and the Lady of the Castle, whilst learning that some things are amiss in this otherwise positively described land. There is a perfect mixture of mystery and fantastic inner dialogue that run throughout this book.
At the 50% mark, there was so much development to the story that I’m trying to remain as spoiler free as physically possible. Her relationship with the Lady is likened to a sisterly relationship, which I’m all for as respite for Tam and her loneliness 🥹 then we move onto Clement: he’s grumpy and more importantly so sick of Tam’s shit 90% of the time.. though his air of care and worry for her is EVERYTHING. I love him. The Prince has been a big fat question mark above my head from the beginning and I love that I wasn’t able to figure out the twists and turns until the exact right moment. That last chunk of the book was a lot, i gripped the kindle so hard and stayed up later than I should have as I could not put it down. I think it ended perfectly.
Grateful for the ARC read of this, and what a read it was!!
The beginning starts following Tam who has this mysterious air surrounding her and with a “job” that she has been tasked to complete by who we find out to be this ancient unfair being - Siobhan.
Her next task allows some for some great dialogue between herself and the Lady of the Castle, whilst learning that some things are amiss in this otherwise positively described land. There is a perfect mixture of mystery and fantastic inner dialogue that run throughout this book.
At the 50% mark, there was so much development to the story that I’m trying to remain as spoiler free as physically possible. Her relationship with the Lady is likened to a sisterly relationship, which I’m all for as respite for Tam and her loneliness 🥹 then we move onto Clement: he’s grumpy and more importantly so sick of Tam’s shit 90% of the time.. though his air of care and worry for her is EVERYTHING. I love him. The Prince has been a big fat question mark above my head from the beginning and I love that I wasn’t able to figure out the twists and turns until the exact right moment. That last chunk of the book was a lot, i gripped the kindle so hard and stayed up later than I should have as I could not put it down. I think it ended perfectly.
February 8, 2026
Thank you to the author and the publisher, Victory Editing NetGalley co-op, for sharing an ARC of this book with me !!!
“No one should be trapped by another”
Wonderful. I find myself in awe. This is such a unique book. Wow. Dark circus vibes. Dark magic. Blood magic. Bounty Hunter ready to go and unalive the prince just to be free of the powers chaining them to a life of servitude. And then … love. Blossoming where you least expect it. Tam’s story was spellbinding and enchanting. I found myself so excited to read more, than I simply couldn’t put the book down. I needed to know what she was doing. How she would have responded to the things happening around her. And how she would have reacted to the forbidden yet undeniable attraction to someone she definitely should have not let in!! And underneath this all, the powerful magic, the intricate characters’ dynamics and the plot twists happening throughout the book, made it so that I could not do anything else but love it!! I cannot wait for more !!!
“This is not how I pictured my life going”
“I have a date with the devil”
“No one should be trapped by another”
Wonderful. I find myself in awe. This is such a unique book. Wow. Dark circus vibes. Dark magic. Blood magic. Bounty Hunter ready to go and unalive the prince just to be free of the powers chaining them to a life of servitude. And then … love. Blossoming where you least expect it. Tam’s story was spellbinding and enchanting. I found myself so excited to read more, than I simply couldn’t put the book down. I needed to know what she was doing. How she would have responded to the things happening around her. And how she would have reacted to the forbidden yet undeniable attraction to someone she definitely should have not let in!! And underneath this all, the powerful magic, the intricate characters’ dynamics and the plot twists happening throughout the book, made it so that I could not do anything else but love it!! I cannot wait for more !!!
“This is not how I pictured my life going”
“I have a date with the devil”
February 16, 2026
This book absolutely held my attention from the slow burn, adventure and let's not forget about the plot! FMC Tam has dealings in blood magic, life imprisonment, and is trying to get out of her life sentence. She gets an offer she can't refuse and the job —kill the Prince who is heavily guarded. How guarded let's just say he has a guard every 3 feet oh and no one is allowed to touch him unless he says. Did I also mention that the castle the prince is haunted by spirits....?!
A Bounty Of Blood And Nails releases March 3rd 2026! Also be on the look out for book 2 set to release 2027
⭐️ 5
🌶️ 1.5
A Bounty Of Blood And Nails releases March 3rd 2026! Also be on the look out for book 2 set to release 2027
⭐️ 5
🌶️ 1.5
Review of advance copy received from Author
Atmospheric, twisty and gripping, i could not put this down!
This had me gasping, laughing and kicking my feet!
If you love a story with magic and castles but on the darker side then this book is for you!
I found the pacing of the story perfect and really enjoyed the FMC not being a damsel in distress or too independent, I really warmed to her personality and I just could not predict how the story was going to go!
The book synopsis tells you all you need to know about this book, dive in as soon as you can!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted ebook, this is a great read, i highly recommend!
This had me gasping, laughing and kicking my feet!
If you love a story with magic and castles but on the darker side then this book is for you!
I found the pacing of the story perfect and really enjoyed the FMC not being a damsel in distress or too independent, I really warmed to her personality and I just could not predict how the story was going to go!
The book synopsis tells you all you need to know about this book, dive in as soon as you can!
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted ebook, this is a great read, i highly recommend!
February 16, 2026
02/13/2026-02/16/2026
Thank you Nerd Fam for the gifted digital proof of “The Bounty of Blood and Nails” by N.K. Brown 🩸
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Coming 03/03/2026)
This book was enchanting! I was confused at first by the transitions in the first few chapters but I ate this one up! 👏🏻
However, I need a heart to heart about that ending because wtf?! So many open doors, so much cliffhanging, so many “what?” Or “what about so and so?”
My heart hurts, my head hurts, and any book that entices emotions is a GREAT book! 😭❤️
This was truly a dark fantasy and the amount of twisted horror combined inside of it was a work of art! 😘
Thank you Nerd Fam for the gifted digital proof of “The Bounty of Blood and Nails” by N.K. Brown 🩸
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Coming 03/03/2026)
This book was enchanting! I was confused at first by the transitions in the first few chapters but I ate this one up! 👏🏻
However, I need a heart to heart about that ending because wtf?! So many open doors, so much cliffhanging, so many “what?” Or “what about so and so?”
My heart hurts, my head hurts, and any book that entices emotions is a GREAT book! 😭❤️
This was truly a dark fantasy and the amount of twisted horror combined inside of it was a work of art! 😘
Review of advance copy
loved this read! the magic system was somthing different and the whole thing kept me hooked throughout. quite an easy read with a few fun plot twists
February 20, 2026
Firstly thank you to the author and Nerd Fam for sending me the arc to review.
THERE WILL BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!
I didn’t know what I was expecting from this book as the blurb was a little confusing but I loved this book.
We follow Tam who has a rare kind of magic: blood magic, in a world where magic is punished. She is a bounty hunter and her new target is the prince Bellinor.
The world building for this was simple and easy to understand which is good when you’re diving into a new fantasy novel. However I don’t think it was as explored as it could be. The main character has this interesting and supposedly rare magic, but nothing more is explained or studied in detail. Blood magic could be so powerful, and it’s not till the end where Tam really pushes the boundaries she’s set against for her own magic system.
The plot line of being a bounty hunter is something I haven’t read about often but Brown does it really well. Tam is essentially owned until she pays off her debt, she ‘tags’ the victim and the Collectors finish them off. It’s a well written background to the character building especially since the end reveals that her parents are the ones responsible for her demise, which means I’ll definitely be reading the next book so I can found out more (assuming there is one).
The romance was top tier. Clement is an absolute grump and a stiffler for following the rules. Watching him slowly move out of his goody two shoes position and fall for Tam is deliciously done. It’s not insta-love. It’s not sudden. It’s beautifully written over the span of the book, and I’m here for it. There is a scene where Clement starts to flirt with Tam and it’s so good I squealed. Ugh the grumpy guard, finally letting go and dropping such good one liners.
The writing in this is great. It’s easy, flows well and the author is great at explaining emotion through action rather than telling us what’s happening. And brings a tense atmosphere to the book. There’s a scene that involves an ash hand print and creepy giggling down a hall and it made me tense and want to know what was happening.
There were a few things that weren’t answered in the book, like the weird magic in the castle, the diamond ceiling and the way smoke/black liquid was used to hurt clement and tam though the princes power was said to be controlling wealth. So there’s much about the magic and reasoning left open.
However, the ending was left with the idea that another book is to come, so there’s a good chance the small plot holes could be filled and come to light.
Overall, this is a really interesting book, and one I haven’t come across either, so I believe the plot to be unique and individual. I’ll definitely recommend this book and be ready to read anything else by Brown.
THERE WILL BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!
I didn’t know what I was expecting from this book as the blurb was a little confusing but I loved this book.
We follow Tam who has a rare kind of magic: blood magic, in a world where magic is punished. She is a bounty hunter and her new target is the prince Bellinor.
The world building for this was simple and easy to understand which is good when you’re diving into a new fantasy novel. However I don’t think it was as explored as it could be. The main character has this interesting and supposedly rare magic, but nothing more is explained or studied in detail. Blood magic could be so powerful, and it’s not till the end where Tam really pushes the boundaries she’s set against for her own magic system.
The plot line of being a bounty hunter is something I haven’t read about often but Brown does it really well. Tam is essentially owned until she pays off her debt, she ‘tags’ the victim and the Collectors finish them off. It’s a well written background to the character building especially since the end reveals that her parents are the ones responsible for her demise, which means I’ll definitely be reading the next book so I can found out more (assuming there is one).
The romance was top tier. Clement is an absolute grump and a stiffler for following the rules. Watching him slowly move out of his goody two shoes position and fall for Tam is deliciously done. It’s not insta-love. It’s not sudden. It’s beautifully written over the span of the book, and I’m here for it. There is a scene where Clement starts to flirt with Tam and it’s so good I squealed. Ugh the grumpy guard, finally letting go and dropping such good one liners.
The writing in this is great. It’s easy, flows well and the author is great at explaining emotion through action rather than telling us what’s happening. And brings a tense atmosphere to the book. There’s a scene that involves an ash hand print and creepy giggling down a hall and it made me tense and want to know what was happening.
There were a few things that weren’t answered in the book, like the weird magic in the castle, the diamond ceiling and the way smoke/black liquid was used to hurt clement and tam though the princes power was said to be controlling wealth. So there’s much about the magic and reasoning left open.
However, the ending was left with the idea that another book is to come, so there’s a good chance the small plot holes could be filled and come to light.
Overall, this is a really interesting book, and one I haven’t come across either, so I believe the plot to be unique and individual. I’ll definitely recommend this book and be ready to read anything else by Brown.
Review of advance copy
First off I want to thank The Nerd Fam for the eARC of this book!
3.5 Stars
I have honestly really struggled with how to rate this book! I'm incredibly torn because I'm so impressed with the authors ideas and originality- but I did find quite a few things that bothered me a bit.
The pacing was probably my number one complaint. Certain parts felt very rushed and others incredibly slow and overall a bit disjointed. I had a really hard time believing that all the characters were actually able to establish relationships in such a short amount of time.. and with a huge lack of actual conversations. I felt no emotional connection between them or to them on my end.
I also struggled with the imagery. I understand that this is a Romantasy- i.e. doesn't take place in our real work- but I for the life of me couldn't picture the "time period" in which it was inspired by. The usage of certain words and clothing felt modern while the castle aspect felt medieval. The author chose odd times to be really descriptive and other times very vague. This, along with the pacing, had me very confused quite a bit of the book.
In the end I had soooo many unanswered questions. I usually like a shorter, fun, fast read- but I felt like with this one it could have used some more length to explain certain aspects of the story. I really don't understand the magic system, the world building was lacking a bit, and I don't feel like I know or understand any of the characters.
Now- with all the being said, the idea behind the book is great. It is definitely a DARK romantasy with element of horror and paranormal activity. I have seen some reviews stating that it is being marketed incorrectly as a Romantasy- but I would disagree with those. There are magic and romantic elements. But it is dark. If you are not someone who can handle dark and gory, it may not be for you. There is so much potential here. I am really excited to see this authors journey and I am rooting for her to succeed. She is obviously quite talented and has great ideas. I will also add that this book looks physically stunning! I will probably still read the next book if the series continues as I am curious if some of my questions will be answered.
As I mentioned above- I did read an eARC so I'm sure if some of these will be fixed in the final, edited edition. Also, all these opinions are my own. Reading is subjective and I still encourage people to give this one a shot!
3.5 Stars
I have honestly really struggled with how to rate this book! I'm incredibly torn because I'm so impressed with the authors ideas and originality- but I did find quite a few things that bothered me a bit.
The pacing was probably my number one complaint. Certain parts felt very rushed and others incredibly slow and overall a bit disjointed. I had a really hard time believing that all the characters were actually able to establish relationships in such a short amount of time.. and with a huge lack of actual conversations. I felt no emotional connection between them or to them on my end.
I also struggled with the imagery. I understand that this is a Romantasy- i.e. doesn't take place in our real work- but I for the life of me couldn't picture the "time period" in which it was inspired by. The usage of certain words and clothing felt modern while the castle aspect felt medieval. The author chose odd times to be really descriptive and other times very vague. This, along with the pacing, had me very confused quite a bit of the book.
In the end I had soooo many unanswered questions. I usually like a shorter, fun, fast read- but I felt like with this one it could have used some more length to explain certain aspects of the story. I really don't understand the magic system, the world building was lacking a bit, and I don't feel like I know or understand any of the characters.
Now- with all the being said, the idea behind the book is great. It is definitely a DARK romantasy with element of horror and paranormal activity. I have seen some reviews stating that it is being marketed incorrectly as a Romantasy- but I would disagree with those. There are magic and romantic elements. But it is dark. If you are not someone who can handle dark and gory, it may not be for you. There is so much potential here. I am really excited to see this authors journey and I am rooting for her to succeed. She is obviously quite talented and has great ideas. I will also add that this book looks physically stunning! I will probably still read the next book if the series continues as I am curious if some of my questions will be answered.
As I mentioned above- I did read an eARC so I'm sure if some of these will be fixed in the final, edited edition. Also, all these opinions are my own. Reading is subjective and I still encourage people to give this one a shot!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of The Bounty of Blood and Nails by N K Brown in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
I really loved this one. This is a dark fantasy romance with a morally grey heroine, court intrigue, forbidden magic, and a love dynamic that kept me guessing for a while. It hooked me early and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
Tam is a bounty hunter bound to her cruel handler through blood magic. She tracks her targets and delivers them, even when it costs her. She’s sharp, stubborn, and unapologetic. I appreciated that she doesn’t suddenly turn soft just because romance enters the picture. She’s complicated. She’s done things she’s not proud of. And she’s trying to survive in a system that owns her.
When her next target is Prince Bellinor, things get messy. She goes undercover in the castle as a maid, trying to get close enough to “mark” him. But he’s not the villain she expects. He seems kind, observant, hard to hate. Their interactions are tense and layered, and you can feel her starting to question everything.
Then there’s Clement, the prince’s bodyguard. Protective. Loyal. Guarded. The tension between him and Tam builds slowly, and I honestly wasn’t sure at first which direction the romance would go. That uncertainty made it even more compelling.
The castle setting was one of my favorite parts. The walls whisper. Magic lingers in the corridors. It feels alive and dangerous the whole time. There’s always the sense that something bigger is happening beneath the surface.
The spice is a slow build and I’d rate it around 3.5/5. It’s explicit but not over the top, and it fits the story rather than taking it over.
Overall, this was dark, emotional, and addictive. If you like morally grey FMCs, bodyguard tension, court politics, and forbidden magic, I definitely recommend picking this one up. I’m very curious to see where the series goes next.
I really loved this one. This is a dark fantasy romance with a morally grey heroine, court intrigue, forbidden magic, and a love dynamic that kept me guessing for a while. It hooked me early and I genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
Tam is a bounty hunter bound to her cruel handler through blood magic. She tracks her targets and delivers them, even when it costs her. She’s sharp, stubborn, and unapologetic. I appreciated that she doesn’t suddenly turn soft just because romance enters the picture. She’s complicated. She’s done things she’s not proud of. And she’s trying to survive in a system that owns her.
When her next target is Prince Bellinor, things get messy. She goes undercover in the castle as a maid, trying to get close enough to “mark” him. But he’s not the villain she expects. He seems kind, observant, hard to hate. Their interactions are tense and layered, and you can feel her starting to question everything.
Then there’s Clement, the prince’s bodyguard. Protective. Loyal. Guarded. The tension between him and Tam builds slowly, and I honestly wasn’t sure at first which direction the romance would go. That uncertainty made it even more compelling.
The castle setting was one of my favorite parts. The walls whisper. Magic lingers in the corridors. It feels alive and dangerous the whole time. There’s always the sense that something bigger is happening beneath the surface.
The spice is a slow build and I’d rate it around 3.5/5. It’s explicit but not over the top, and it fits the story rather than taking it over.
Overall, this was dark, emotional, and addictive. If you like morally grey FMCs, bodyguard tension, court politics, and forbidden magic, I definitely recommend picking this one up. I’m very curious to see where the series goes next.
Review of advance copy
This was such a fun read!
Tam is a bounty hunter with blood magic, a very rare and very illegal type of magic. She uses her blood magic to "tag" her bounties with a small scratch, which then allows her Collectors to trace her bounties and kill them. She's been tasked with tagging Prince Bellinor and has been given a job as a lady's maid to his bride-to-be in the Prince's castle. However things are not as simple as she thought they would be!
Things I loved:
* Tam's brazenness and attitude.
* Tam's and Clement's slow-burn-ish romance. Their flirting, their banter!
* Tam's friendship with Lilyanna - Lilyanna was completely different to how I thought she'd be, and I hope we learn more about her in the next book too!
* The pace of the book! As soon as Tam arrived at the castle, it had me curious to know what was going to happen next and kept me turning the page!
* The way the bounty-hunting is set up - bounty hunters tied to Collectors. Really interesting and it really ups the stakes in the story.
* Prince Bellinor. Really liked his character but I can't say much more without spoilers!
This is marketed as a dark romantasy, but fair warning there's isn't a ton of romance in this book which may put people off. I mean, there's some spice but it's more towards the second half of the book and the relationship isn't the main focus of the story (which is fine by me!).
Things I wish there'd been more of:
* Worldbuilding. I'm dying to know more about the different kinds of magic in this world, who are the queens? Who the heck is Tam's boss, what is she, and are there more people like her?
I have my suspicions but still......
* Some more backstory for some of the characters.
Neither are deal-breakers to me as I enjoyed the book so much, but I hope we got some more of these in book 2!
Massive thanks to Nerd Fam and N.K. Brown for the gifted eARC! All opinions are my own.
Tam is a bounty hunter with blood magic, a very rare and very illegal type of magic. She uses her blood magic to "tag" her bounties with a small scratch, which then allows her Collectors to trace her bounties and kill them. She's been tasked with tagging Prince Bellinor and has been given a job as a lady's maid to his bride-to-be in the Prince's castle. However things are not as simple as she thought they would be!
Things I loved:
* Tam's brazenness and attitude.
* Tam's and Clement's slow-burn-ish romance. Their flirting, their banter!
* Tam's friendship with Lilyanna - Lilyanna was completely different to how I thought she'd be, and I hope we learn more about her in the next book too!
* The pace of the book! As soon as Tam arrived at the castle, it had me curious to know what was going to happen next and kept me turning the page!
* The way the bounty-hunting is set up - bounty hunters tied to Collectors. Really interesting and it really ups the stakes in the story.
* Prince Bellinor. Really liked his character but I can't say much more without spoilers!
This is marketed as a dark romantasy, but fair warning there's isn't a ton of romance in this book which may put people off. I mean, there's some spice but it's more towards the second half of the book and the relationship isn't the main focus of the story (which is fine by me!).
Things I wish there'd been more of:
* Worldbuilding. I'm dying to know more about the different kinds of magic in this world, who are the queens? Who the heck is Tam's boss, what is she, and are there more people like her?
I have my suspicions but still......
* Some more backstory for some of the characters.
Neither are deal-breakers to me as I enjoyed the book so much, but I hope we got some more of these in book 2!
Massive thanks to Nerd Fam and N.K. Brown for the gifted eARC! All opinions are my own.
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