What do you think?
Rate this book
The Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows #3
A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue
Not yet published
Expected 2 Dec 25They stole her throne and took her captive. Now, the only way to reclaim her crown is to trust the man who was meant to be her worst enemy.
Are you ready for Allie and Ryker’s story? Description coming soon!
Each duology of The Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows fantasy romance series can be read as a standalone, but to enjoy the full mystery, I suggest you read the books in
Duology #1 - The Crown
A Crown of Tears and Treason
A Crown of Victory and Vengeance
Duology #2 - The Dagger
A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue
A Dagger of Fire and Fate
Duology #3 - TBD
Duology #4 - TBD
Duology #5 - TBD
Are you ready for Allie and Ryker’s story? Description coming soon!
Each duology of The Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows fantasy romance series can be read as a standalone, but to enjoy the full mystery, I suggest you read the books in
Duology #1 - The Crown
A Crown of Tears and Treason
A Crown of Victory and Vengeance
Duology #2 - The Dagger
A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue
A Dagger of Fire and Fate
Duology #3 - TBD
Duology #4 - TBD
Duology #5 - TBD
Audio CD
First published October 3, 2025
134 people are currently reading
754 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 15, 2025
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔄 𝔇𝔞𝔤𝔤𝔢𝔯 𝔬𝔣 ℑ𝔠𝔢 𝔞𝔫𝔡 ℑ𝔫𝔱𝔯𝔦𝔤𝔲𝔢 𝔟𝔶 𝔙𝔢𝔯𝔞 ℜ𝔞𝔶𝔢 (𝔗𝔥𝔢 ℭ𝔲𝔯𝔰𝔢 𝔬𝔣 𝔖𝔦𝔩𝔳𝔢𝔯 𝔖𝔢𝔠𝔯𝔢𝔱𝔰 𝔞𝔫𝔡 ℭ𝔯𝔲𝔢𝔩 𝔖𝔥𝔞𝔡𝔬𝔴𝔰 #3)
Release Date: October 3, 2025
5⭐️3.5🌶
This book was absolutely delectable, and if Vera Raye wasn't already (she was) on my auto-read
author list, then she most definitely is now. While this is technically the third book in the series, it is a first in it's own duology. While you don't need to read the first two books to understand this store, I would recommend it, just for better understanding of what is happening elsewhere in this world.
Allie is the First Protectorate daughter and as such, she's been raised expecting that she would inherit the Protectorate Crown from her father and all of it's duties. However, when her eldest paternal cousin's wedding goes sideways, she ends up in her enemy clan's territory with no easy way of getting out.
Allie has been able to contact her other cousins since the wedding that turned into a massacre and all of them are fine. But her father's youngest brother has decided to take the Protectorate crown for himself. Has he been planning this for years? Did he orchestrate the massacre on her family at her cousin's wedding? Or did he only take the throne because he was the eldest royal Protectorate family member left on the island after the massacre?
While Allie comes to turns with what happened, she's also trying to determine where she's being kept in the Blood Brotherhood kingdom. Ryker is the most feared the vicious warrior in the Blood Brotherhood Kingdom, and while "The Shadow" lets her roam free within his winter wonderland of a city, Allie knows that there's truly no where for her to go. She would freeze to death if she even attempted to leave without help, and her uncle would probably kill her if she arrived home.
The emotional turmoil and sexual tension in this book was delicious, and I can't wait to devour the next book in the series. I will literally be counting the days until I have it in my hands.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Shadow Daddy
🍁Arranged Marriages
🍁Princess of her Kingdom
🍁Untapped Magical Powers
🍁Betrayal by a family member
🍁Court Machinations
TW:
✨Violence
✨Murder
✨Violence by magic
✨Betrayal by a family member
✨Death of a parent
✨War between clans
Release Date: October 3, 2025
5⭐️3.5🌶
This book was absolutely delectable, and if Vera Raye wasn't already (she was) on my auto-read
author list, then she most definitely is now. While this is technically the third book in the series, it is a first in it's own duology. While you don't need to read the first two books to understand this store, I would recommend it, just for better understanding of what is happening elsewhere in this world.
Allie is the First Protectorate daughter and as such, she's been raised expecting that she would inherit the Protectorate Crown from her father and all of it's duties. However, when her eldest paternal cousin's wedding goes sideways, she ends up in her enemy clan's territory with no easy way of getting out.
Allie has been able to contact her other cousins since the wedding that turned into a massacre and all of them are fine. But her father's youngest brother has decided to take the Protectorate crown for himself. Has he been planning this for years? Did he orchestrate the massacre on her family at her cousin's wedding? Or did he only take the throne because he was the eldest royal Protectorate family member left on the island after the massacre?
While Allie comes to turns with what happened, she's also trying to determine where she's being kept in the Blood Brotherhood kingdom. Ryker is the most feared the vicious warrior in the Blood Brotherhood Kingdom, and while "The Shadow" lets her roam free within his winter wonderland of a city, Allie knows that there's truly no where for her to go. She would freeze to death if she even attempted to leave without help, and her uncle would probably kill her if she arrived home.
The emotional turmoil and sexual tension in this book was delicious, and I can't wait to devour the next book in the series. I will literally be counting the days until I have it in my hands.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Shadow Daddy
🍁Arranged Marriages
🍁Princess of her Kingdom
🍁Untapped Magical Powers
🍁Betrayal by a family member
🍁Court Machinations
TW:
✨Violence
✨Murder
✨Violence by magic
✨Betrayal by a family member
✨Death of a parent
✨War between clans
September 18, 2025
5⭐️
2🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book!
Another amazing installment to this series! Gobbled this up within 24 hours! 😍
A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue is the beginning of the second set of duologies in The Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows series. The first duology (completed) followed Evie and Zandyr, and now this starts Allie and Ryker’s story. Technically can be read as standalone but I recommend reading Evie and Zandyr’s story first. It just helps everything make sense (and it’s amazing as well ❤️) Note: this duology is taking place at the same time as the first one but happening from different characters. So, there is overlap but at the same time, it’s 2 completely different stories and settings.
Allie was raised to be a leader. After her cousin, Evie, went missing with her parents as a child, Allie became the heir to the Protectorate Clan. Known as the Huntress, she will do anything to protect her clan and family. Upon Evie’s return to the clan and sudden wedding to an enemy clan heir, Allie wonders if she truly is meant to rule. That wonder becomes a reality when the wedding is attacked and Allie is swept away by the Blood Brotherhood clan and its notorious Commander. He claims it was for her protection. Someone was trying to kill her and now with her father dead, her Uncle had seized the throne. To make matters even worse. The Clan Council has declared her betrothal to the Commander. A man she despises and raised to hate. But behind the facade of the Commander, is just Ryker, a man ruling his own part of the clan and trying to survive from others peacefully. Allie knows she shouldn’t get attached or start to fall in love with her new home, or it’s infuriating Commander, but there’s magic here that’s beckoning her to stay and Allie comes to learn more about herself not only as the Huntress, but as Allie too.
I loved Evie and Zandyr but I think I’m going to love Allie and Ryker even more 😍 We have two warriors not afraid to fight for those they love and bicker at each other. I love both of their characters because they both have had to grow up being this impenetrable force on the outside, but on the inside having self doubt. This is a dual POV story but you mostly get to be in Allie’s head as she handles everything going on around her, which is a LOT! And the enemies to lovers growth between her and Ryker is natural and doesn’t feel forced.
We get 1 spicy 🌶️ scene in here but it’s a good one. And again, I loved Evie and Zandyr, but I like how Allie and Ryker’s spice I think will be leading to more intense and kinkier 😜 which bring it on! I think they’re both secretly kind of freaks in the sheets and I’m loving it! We’re still waiting on the scene I think of those 2 discussing Allie’s issues with past relationships and I hope we get that because I think it’s needed. Plus, I’m hoping we get a bit of a cross over of what’s concurrently happening with Evie and Zandyr into Allie and Ryker’s relationship because I do think THAT would be an interesting conversation scene between those two (relating to the ending/cliffhanger of book 1 for Evie and Zandyr. If you know, you know lol).
Speaking of cliffhangers, our Vera girl left us on another nasty cliffhanger with this book! Didn’t see THAT coming! Now I’m even more intrigued. We have so much mystery going on around this story and I have so many questions I need answered lol 😂
Again, thank you for the arc, I can’t wait for the next book and hope it comes soon!!! ❤️❤️
2🌶️
Thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book!
Another amazing installment to this series! Gobbled this up within 24 hours! 😍
A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue is the beginning of the second set of duologies in The Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows series. The first duology (completed) followed Evie and Zandyr, and now this starts Allie and Ryker’s story. Technically can be read as standalone but I recommend reading Evie and Zandyr’s story first. It just helps everything make sense (and it’s amazing as well ❤️) Note: this duology is taking place at the same time as the first one but happening from different characters. So, there is overlap but at the same time, it’s 2 completely different stories and settings.
Allie was raised to be a leader. After her cousin, Evie, went missing with her parents as a child, Allie became the heir to the Protectorate Clan. Known as the Huntress, she will do anything to protect her clan and family. Upon Evie’s return to the clan and sudden wedding to an enemy clan heir, Allie wonders if she truly is meant to rule. That wonder becomes a reality when the wedding is attacked and Allie is swept away by the Blood Brotherhood clan and its notorious Commander. He claims it was for her protection. Someone was trying to kill her and now with her father dead, her Uncle had seized the throne. To make matters even worse. The Clan Council has declared her betrothal to the Commander. A man she despises and raised to hate. But behind the facade of the Commander, is just Ryker, a man ruling his own part of the clan and trying to survive from others peacefully. Allie knows she shouldn’t get attached or start to fall in love with her new home, or it’s infuriating Commander, but there’s magic here that’s beckoning her to stay and Allie comes to learn more about herself not only as the Huntress, but as Allie too.
I loved Evie and Zandyr but I think I’m going to love Allie and Ryker even more 😍 We have two warriors not afraid to fight for those they love and bicker at each other. I love both of their characters because they both have had to grow up being this impenetrable force on the outside, but on the inside having self doubt. This is a dual POV story but you mostly get to be in Allie’s head as she handles everything going on around her, which is a LOT! And the enemies to lovers growth between her and Ryker is natural and doesn’t feel forced.
We get 1 spicy 🌶️ scene in here but it’s a good one. And again, I loved Evie and Zandyr, but I like how Allie and Ryker’s spice I think will be leading to more intense and kinkier 😜 which bring it on! I think they’re both secretly kind of freaks in the sheets and I’m loving it! We’re still waiting on the scene I think of those 2 discussing Allie’s issues with past relationships and I hope we get that because I think it’s needed. Plus, I’m hoping we get a bit of a cross over of what’s concurrently happening with Evie and Zandyr into Allie and Ryker’s relationship because I do think THAT would be an interesting conversation scene between those two (relating to the ending/cliffhanger of book 1 for Evie and Zandyr. If you know, you know lol).
Speaking of cliffhangers, our Vera girl left us on another nasty cliffhanger with this book! Didn’t see THAT coming! Now I’m even more intrigued. We have so much mystery going on around this story and I have so many questions I need answered lol 😂
Again, thank you for the arc, I can’t wait for the next book and hope it comes soon!!! ❤️❤️
September 22, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue. It's one of my most anticipated reads this year!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this series is so underhyped! From the moment I found out Ryker and Allie were paired together, I knew I was going to love their story. I was especially happy with the ending. I was worried it might leave me feeling angsty (which I typically looove) but it wrapped up in such a satisfying way, while still leaving me surprised (cliffhanger alert) and craving more. I can’t wait to dive into the second book!
It's crazy to see the wedding from Allies' pov vs. Evies. There was so much more going on, other than of course Evie being "stolen" away by the dragon. It'll be interesting to see the rest of the cousins povs, someday hopefully 😏
Uhhh....Ryker has some kinks! I'll just leave that there and let y'all discover what they are.
I’m really hoping we’ll get more troll interactions, and of course, more glimpses into the rest of the Vegheara cousins. But really... give us moooore troll interactions. I can see them being allies in the next book!
Also... I can already tell Dax’s story is going to be a fan favorite!
When's the next one coming out!? lol
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this series is so underhyped! From the moment I found out Ryker and Allie were paired together, I knew I was going to love their story. I was especially happy with the ending. I was worried it might leave me feeling angsty (which I typically looove) but it wrapped up in such a satisfying way, while still leaving me surprised (cliffhanger alert) and craving more. I can’t wait to dive into the second book!
It's crazy to see the wedding from Allies' pov vs. Evies. There was so much more going on, other than of course Evie being "stolen" away by the dragon. It'll be interesting to see the rest of the cousins povs, someday hopefully 😏
Uhhh....Ryker has some kinks! I'll just leave that there and let y'all discover what they are.
I’m really hoping we’ll get more troll interactions, and of course, more glimpses into the rest of the Vegheara cousins. But really... give us moooore troll interactions. I can see them being allies in the next book!
Also... I can already tell Dax’s story is going to be a fan favorite!
When's the next one coming out!? lol
September 17, 2025
Excellent enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance.. Intense, suspenseful, and simply amazing.. Awesome, emotional characters.
September 19, 2025
After reading A Crown of Tears and Treason, and a Crown of Victory and Vengeance, Allie and Ryker’s pairing intrigued me the most and left me (im)patiently waiting for their book.
I loved every part of their story, it was amazing to see an alternative perspective on Evie’s failed wedding to Fabian, and get more insight into Zandyr’s plans, and then to see the fall out of what happened after Zandyr made his objections and get more detail about how the arranged marriages for the protectorate heirs came about.
The tension between Allie and Ryker was there from the beginning. The way Ryker is a quiet presence in the background for Allie while she explores her new fate is the best way to introduce their relationship.
Allie is used to being strong, determined, dependable and she’s just had the rug pulled from under her. From book 1&2 you know that Allie has a soft spot for the people she loves, and Ryker and his “family” quickly become part of her inner circle.
Allie is a complex character who has experienced a lot of heartache for someone so “stoic” - she’s been raised to be the “first daughter” and the “Huntress” who has no emotion, where nothing can touch her but in reality, she’s desperate to be loved, which is what makes her so relatable and loveable. She’s someone who deserves all the love languages thrown at her to destroy the demons that haunt her.
Ryker is the perfect, ideal candidate for Allie, so long as she allows him to get close enough to show her he’s genuine. When they finally come together - * 😉 ahem* - Ryker is so patient, and vocal with his reassurances, he wants to ravish Allie but he holds back to not just tell her but SHOW her how good they can be together.
I loved the pace that their relationship developed at, although when they met at their connecting door and he was in just a towel, and he did the arms on top of the doorframe move phooowee 🥵 that girl Allie has some determination as I’d have been a puddle 😆.
The fantasy elements in this book grew and took the story to a new depth, the magic system is lightly explained in book 1&2 but goes into more detail which is the perfect blend of fantasy/romance that hooks you in and keeps your attention and intrigue, I love the idea of the “fallen star” and I’m so eager to find out Allie’s link to it - I’m praying for another set of fated mates (hint hint Vera 😉).
The ending was like a smack in the face - ending with Ryker’s chapter and the dagger (no spoilers here) WHAAAAT?!! How could it just end like that?!
Sign me up for book 4 immediately please!!!
I loved every part of their story, it was amazing to see an alternative perspective on Evie’s failed wedding to Fabian, and get more insight into Zandyr’s plans, and then to see the fall out of what happened after Zandyr made his objections and get more detail about how the arranged marriages for the protectorate heirs came about.
The tension between Allie and Ryker was there from the beginning. The way Ryker is a quiet presence in the background for Allie while she explores her new fate is the best way to introduce their relationship.
Allie is used to being strong, determined, dependable and she’s just had the rug pulled from under her. From book 1&2 you know that Allie has a soft spot for the people she loves, and Ryker and his “family” quickly become part of her inner circle.
Allie is a complex character who has experienced a lot of heartache for someone so “stoic” - she’s been raised to be the “first daughter” and the “Huntress” who has no emotion, where nothing can touch her but in reality, she’s desperate to be loved, which is what makes her so relatable and loveable. She’s someone who deserves all the love languages thrown at her to destroy the demons that haunt her.
Ryker is the perfect, ideal candidate for Allie, so long as she allows him to get close enough to show her he’s genuine. When they finally come together - * 😉 ahem* - Ryker is so patient, and vocal with his reassurances, he wants to ravish Allie but he holds back to not just tell her but SHOW her how good they can be together.
I loved the pace that their relationship developed at, although when they met at their connecting door and he was in just a towel, and he did the arms on top of the doorframe move phooowee 🥵 that girl Allie has some determination as I’d have been a puddle 😆.
The fantasy elements in this book grew and took the story to a new depth, the magic system is lightly explained in book 1&2 but goes into more detail which is the perfect blend of fantasy/romance that hooks you in and keeps your attention and intrigue, I love the idea of the “fallen star” and I’m so eager to find out Allie’s link to it - I’m praying for another set of fated mates (hint hint Vera 😉).
The ending was like a smack in the face - ending with Ryker’s chapter and the dagger (no spoilers here) WHAAAAT?!! How could it just end like that?!
Sign me up for book 4 immediately please!!!
October 1, 2025
I really loved this book!
This is the second duology in the series. It follows Allie and Ryker in the aftermath of Evie’s wedding and the clan council’s decision for the marriage arrangements for all the Vegheara cousins.
I’m a huge fan of Vera’s books and was so excited for this story. I love the way she develops her characters and writes such beautifully portrayed emotions for them. Then weaves these elements together intricately through fast paced, descriptive and suspenseful storylines.
I enjoyed the fact that this book is part of the same world as the previous duology, so the style and flow of the story is familiar and recognisable. However, because it is a new couple we are following it has a whole different feel and energy to it. There is a whole new setting, with its own background and lore which really adds depth to the world building within this series. There are a whole host of fantastic new characters to get to know along with a few familiar faces. It adds a whole new layer to an already intriguing and unique storyline.
This story has action, mystery and secrets galore alongside some really gentle and heartfelt moments. I would definitely recommend reading the first duology as there are crossover events that will make more sense. I really liked that we got to see Evie’s clan wedding from different povs and got to know so much more detail about the events and characters involved in it.
I love Ryker and Allie as the MCs - I love their slow burn chemistry and how their relationship develops throughout the book. I just completely adore Ryker! I love how he acts towards Allie and shows such a strong level of empathy and understanding towards her before they even know each other properly. They have both suffered loss and are grieving in their own ways. Added to that they have huge pressures on their shoulders to lead and protect their people. I love how well matched they are.
I liked the way this book ended . A different type of cliffhanger that I predict could cause some big ripples going forward! I am so looking forward to the next book. I can’t wait to see how Allie and Ryder’s story unfolds.
I feel very privileged to have received an advanced reader copy of this book, so a huge thank you to Vera Raye. All thoughts and opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
This is the second duology in the series. It follows Allie and Ryker in the aftermath of Evie’s wedding and the clan council’s decision for the marriage arrangements for all the Vegheara cousins.
I’m a huge fan of Vera’s books and was so excited for this story. I love the way she develops her characters and writes such beautifully portrayed emotions for them. Then weaves these elements together intricately through fast paced, descriptive and suspenseful storylines.
I enjoyed the fact that this book is part of the same world as the previous duology, so the style and flow of the story is familiar and recognisable. However, because it is a new couple we are following it has a whole different feel and energy to it. There is a whole new setting, with its own background and lore which really adds depth to the world building within this series. There are a whole host of fantastic new characters to get to know along with a few familiar faces. It adds a whole new layer to an already intriguing and unique storyline.
This story has action, mystery and secrets galore alongside some really gentle and heartfelt moments. I would definitely recommend reading the first duology as there are crossover events that will make more sense. I really liked that we got to see Evie’s clan wedding from different povs and got to know so much more detail about the events and characters involved in it.
I love Ryker and Allie as the MCs - I love their slow burn chemistry and how their relationship develops throughout the book. I just completely adore Ryker! I love how he acts towards Allie and shows such a strong level of empathy and understanding towards her before they even know each other properly. They have both suffered loss and are grieving in their own ways. Added to that they have huge pressures on their shoulders to lead and protect their people. I love how well matched they are.
I liked the way this book ended . A different type of cliffhanger that I predict could cause some big ripples going forward! I am so looking forward to the next book. I can’t wait to see how Allie and Ryder’s story unfolds.
I feel very privileged to have received an advanced reader copy of this book, so a huge thank you to Vera Raye. All thoughts and opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
September 18, 2025
Review:
5/5 Stars
3/5 spice
**SPOILERS!**
"So this is what happiness felt like."
I am OBSESSED with this book! It gave me everything and more! I read through it in two days, and I have to go back and re-read it because I don't want it to be over yet!
Note, I am definitely biased because I was already in love with Allie from the events of "A Crown of Tears and Treason" but this book was so incredibly good! Allie is a fantastic heroine. I love how brutally honest she is. She's fierce and loving and so incredibly passionate. She felt so relatable and real to me. Anyone who has had to be the "strong one" and the "reliable one" will relate to her. She's struggling with the responsibilities and the weight of being the First Daughter, but has to keep a brave face and never reveal her struggles. Always being perfect, coupled with having a devastating heartbreak previously has made our poor Allie battered and bruised, but never broken. Seeing her emerge triumphant and be so kick-ass was incredible!!! I cried so many times reading this. Allie struggling, falling apart, and coming back together stronger absolutely broke me. Ugh I related so hard, so this book did a number on me.
And if watching Allie's comeback wasn't emotional enough, her romance with the Commander killed me. Holy shit, everyone needs a man like the Commander. Bad-ass but loyal and honorable to a fault. He's so supportive and strong and refuses to let Allie cower or doubt her self. I am in love!! He won't admit it yet, but he worships Allie, in more ways than one.
This book was so so good!! I am eagerly awaiting on book 4 in the series (book 2 in the duology) and I plan on spending all of my free time reading the previous books!
Disclosure notice: I received this as a free eARC from the author. Thank you so much for letting me read this book early!!
5/5 Stars
3/5 spice
**SPOILERS!**
"So this is what happiness felt like."
I am OBSESSED with this book! It gave me everything and more! I read through it in two days, and I have to go back and re-read it because I don't want it to be over yet!
Note, I am definitely biased because I was already in love with Allie from the events of "A Crown of Tears and Treason" but this book was so incredibly good! Allie is a fantastic heroine. I love how brutally honest she is. She's fierce and loving and so incredibly passionate. She felt so relatable and real to me. Anyone who has had to be the "strong one" and the "reliable one" will relate to her. She's struggling with the responsibilities and the weight of being the First Daughter, but has to keep a brave face and never reveal her struggles. Always being perfect, coupled with having a devastating heartbreak previously has made our poor Allie battered and bruised, but never broken. Seeing her emerge triumphant and be so kick-ass was incredible!!! I cried so many times reading this. Allie struggling, falling apart, and coming back together stronger absolutely broke me. Ugh I related so hard, so this book did a number on me.
And if watching Allie's comeback wasn't emotional enough, her romance with the Commander killed me. Holy shit, everyone needs a man like the Commander. Bad-ass but loyal and honorable to a fault. He's so supportive and strong and refuses to let Allie cower or doubt her self. I am in love!! He won't admit it yet, but he worships Allie, in more ways than one.
This book was so so good!! I am eagerly awaiting on book 4 in the series (book 2 in the duology) and I plan on spending all of my free time reading the previous books!
Disclosure notice: I received this as a free eARC from the author. Thank you so much for letting me read this book early!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2025
I very much enjoy these series and this book being a new duology in the same world reminded me of so many things. I have to highlight that if reading this before the other two books, you will have no problem with the story. The author really gave a complete storytelling without having a new reader lost. Since I read the previous duology, I already knew what we were stepping into. But I very much appreciated this new insight and POV into that wedding scene. Seeing this protectorate clan through Allie’s eyes is so very different than Evie. Allie was the future leader of the clan vs Evie being the lost heir. So Allie’s perspective gives more details about the protectorate. I loved reading her thoughts in this one. She is definitely a mystery at first with her confidence but getting to know Allie as a full character gave her more humanity.
I was surprised to learn about this new clan through Ryker. They are still blood brotherhood clan but their story as a clan is way more complicated. I warn every reader, this one is a very slooow burn. Yes Rykes and Allie are in a future arranged marriage but their story definitely has the connection to blossom. I have to give Ryker bonus points for taking care of Allie without her asking. He definitely falls first in this book. I’m not gonna lie, after reading the previous duology I thought the end of this book would also kill me. But no, it does deliver a full action sequence and still keeps us in the mystery but I was relieved to see the cliffhanger was okay. It still hints at more trouble coming and I’m definitely looking forward to it.
I was surprised to learn about this new clan through Ryker. They are still blood brotherhood clan but their story as a clan is way more complicated. I warn every reader, this one is a very slooow burn. Yes Rykes and Allie are in a future arranged marriage but their story definitely has the connection to blossom. I have to give Ryker bonus points for taking care of Allie without her asking. He definitely falls first in this book. I’m not gonna lie, after reading the previous duology I thought the end of this book would also kill me. But no, it does deliver a full action sequence and still keeps us in the mystery but I was relieved to see the cliffhanger was okay. It still hints at more trouble coming and I’m definitely looking forward to it.
October 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Dark, icy, and deliciously addictive—this romantasy had me hooked!
From the very first page—waking up in a coffin after a disastrous Clan wedding—I knew this book was going to be brutal, intense, and exactly my kind of story. Vera Raye doesn’t ease you in; she throws you straight into betrayal, blood, and vengeance, and I loved every second of it.
The heroine is everything I look for in a fantasy lead—resilient, sharp, and unwilling to bend even when the world crumbles around her. Watching her claw her way back from loss to reclaim her crown had me rooting for her the whole time. And then there’s him—the ruthless Commander. Dangerous, magnetic, and dripping with the kind of lethal charm that makes my heart race even when I know I shouldn’t trust him. Their banter? Absolute fire. Their alliance? Deliciously tense. And the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers pull? Let’s just say I was practically yelling at them to give in already.
The world-building is just as captivating as the romance—icy landscapes, deadly clans, and secrets that could shatter everything. The political intrigue kept me guessing, and every twist had me turning the pages faster. But it’s the emotional stakes—the push and pull between duty, vengeance, and forbidden desire—that really made this book impossible to put down.
If you love slow-burn romantasy with fierce heroines, powerful enemies who make your pulse spike, and a story that only gets hotter and darker as it goes, A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue will be your next obsession. I’m already desperate for the next book.
From the very first page—waking up in a coffin after a disastrous Clan wedding—I knew this book was going to be brutal, intense, and exactly my kind of story. Vera Raye doesn’t ease you in; she throws you straight into betrayal, blood, and vengeance, and I loved every second of it.
The heroine is everything I look for in a fantasy lead—resilient, sharp, and unwilling to bend even when the world crumbles around her. Watching her claw her way back from loss to reclaim her crown had me rooting for her the whole time. And then there’s him—the ruthless Commander. Dangerous, magnetic, and dripping with the kind of lethal charm that makes my heart race even when I know I shouldn’t trust him. Their banter? Absolute fire. Their alliance? Deliciously tense. And the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers pull? Let’s just say I was practically yelling at them to give in already.
The world-building is just as captivating as the romance—icy landscapes, deadly clans, and secrets that could shatter everything. The political intrigue kept me guessing, and every twist had me turning the pages faster. But it’s the emotional stakes—the push and pull between duty, vengeance, and forbidden desire—that really made this book impossible to put down.
If you love slow-burn romantasy with fierce heroines, powerful enemies who make your pulse spike, and a story that only gets hotter and darker as it goes, A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue will be your next obsession. I’m already desperate for the next book.
September 26, 2025
Excuse me Commander Sir 🥵❤️🔥🔥!! What a book and it’s #3!!!
Omg add to cart immediately! I can’t wait for the next book. This series has been hands down a consistent top read for me and this did not disappoint. I’m actually going to go re-read it because I’m not ready for this book to end. The characters are incredibly written. I love them so much on an individual level and wow together it’s absolute fire 🔥🔥! The twists and turns, the world building, I literally can’t say enough! The writing is so detailed. You are going to want the whole series from the very beginning!! I love how this is organized. I can’t wait for more. And beyond the great storyline and the clans, it’s the balance of spice in this series! The spice, chemistry, dialogue, banter, and the buildup! The best! Top tier here! Vera Raye is such a gifted indie writer. I’m so glad to follow her on Amazon and her newsletter. Dying for the next book already!!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Omg add to cart immediately! I can’t wait for the next book. This series has been hands down a consistent top read for me and this did not disappoint. I’m actually going to go re-read it because I’m not ready for this book to end. The characters are incredibly written. I love them so much on an individual level and wow together it’s absolute fire 🔥🔥! The twists and turns, the world building, I literally can’t say enough! The writing is so detailed. You are going to want the whole series from the very beginning!! I love how this is organized. I can’t wait for more. And beyond the great storyline and the clans, it’s the balance of spice in this series! The spice, chemistry, dialogue, banter, and the buildup! The best! Top tier here! Vera Raye is such a gifted indie writer. I’m so glad to follow her on Amazon and her newsletter. Dying for the next book already!!
I received a free copy of this book via BookFunnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2025
This is the first book of the second duology and while you could just start here, the first duology will give you better insight to this story and it's also a great read. This is an enemies to lovers romance for two very complex characters. I love that Ryker fell first and he was careful of Allie's emotions and heart. He's also hot with a kinky side so yeah, be prepared when that scene happens ;P I will say this is a slow burn romance with great chemistry, so the romance rolls out at a pace that makes sense for them. Allie and Ryker are truly matched on all levels. Expect to get caught up in the fab world building, wonderful characters, multiple POVs, intrigue, mystery, action, forced proximity, tension and complicated romance when you dive into this one. Obviously, there's a cliffy but while it didn't happen as I expected, it wasn't terrible ;) I really enjoyed how this one unfolded and can't wait for the next installment to see how their story continues. Good fun!
October 2, 2025
This book gives a secondary view of the story and builds characters you already know into people you care about even more.
Allie “the huntress” was always shown as a strong character who doesn’t doubt any step she takes but now we see her inner monologue and the truth behind her act.
Ryker “the commander” was SUCH a great character to learn about. He’s also called the ghost and seeing why made me shiver each time.
The start to their relationship mirrors the main couple from the first duology with an essential “kidnapping turned romance” but the differences were astonishing.
They disarmed each other in beautiful ways and I can’t wait to get my hands in the next book!!
I also LOVED seeing more of the protectorate magic and how it worlds from the perspective of The First Daughter who is trying to train our dear Evie in the other two books.
World building: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Spice: 3/5 (I came for the romance and enjoyed the extra bits)
Allie “the huntress” was always shown as a strong character who doesn’t doubt any step she takes but now we see her inner monologue and the truth behind her act.
Ryker “the commander” was SUCH a great character to learn about. He’s also called the ghost and seeing why made me shiver each time.
The start to their relationship mirrors the main couple from the first duology with an essential “kidnapping turned romance” but the differences were astonishing.
They disarmed each other in beautiful ways and I can’t wait to get my hands in the next book!!
I also LOVED seeing more of the protectorate magic and how it worlds from the perspective of The First Daughter who is trying to train our dear Evie in the other two books.
World building: 5/5
Romance: 5/5
Spice: 3/5 (I came for the romance and enjoyed the extra bits)
October 2, 2025
A romantasy series with an amazing world full of magic, mystery and masterful action. This first book in the second duology of the Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows follows the same plot as the first duology, but features two different characters, Allie and Ryker. Allie is a protector of her clan and is kidnapped by Ryker, the Commander of her family’s rival clan. Their romance is a complicated, slow burn enemies-to-lovers…where grief and understand play a major role in the development of their trust and feelings. The world built, the magic systems created, the character arcs…all are just amazing, intricate and captivating (and easy to follow and understand for a reader where fantasy is not their main genre read!). I’m looking forward to the conclusion in this installment, and what is coming in the future.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
September 19, 2025
This was a great read. It kept me turning pages well into the night. This is the next book in the series and was well worth the wait. This book keeps up the overarching story of the wedding, the chaos that ensued and the Council order for multiple arranged marriages. A Dagger of Ice and Intrigue, tells the story from Allie and Ryker's perspectives. These two powerful leaders are forced together not only in proximity but also a soon to be arranged marriage. Having two strong and passionate personalities helps to make the couple’s chemistry off the charts. As the name says, the story has plenty of intrigue coming from a variety of directions. This ends on a cliff hanger. The next release cannot come fast enough.
October 9, 2025
I love this series so much, and I was so glad that the switch to a new couple didn’t diminish my love at all! This world is so interesting and the politics between and within the different groups are so complex. Not to mention the swoonworthy romances!
This book covers the same chunk of time as the first book so you could read it first, but I think it’s more effective in publishing order.
I liked Allie as our new FMC, she presents a fearless exterior but within she has a lot of doubts. At the start of the book she goes through a very traumatic event that she spends much of this book healing from in a way I found very realistic. I loved watching her find herself again.
As for the romance, I think this is one of the healthiest couples I’ve ever read about, especially once they start transitioning from enemies to lovers. The respect and space they gave one another was perfect, and I loved how they talked about their problems and found solutions. They’re attracted to each other for sure but it’s also so much more than that, they respect each other as people and like who they are around the other.
I’ll gobble up every entry in this series and can’t wait for the second part of this duology.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
This book covers the same chunk of time as the first book so you could read it first, but I think it’s more effective in publishing order.
I liked Allie as our new FMC, she presents a fearless exterior but within she has a lot of doubts. At the start of the book she goes through a very traumatic event that she spends much of this book healing from in a way I found very realistic. I loved watching her find herself again.
As for the romance, I think this is one of the healthiest couples I’ve ever read about, especially once they start transitioning from enemies to lovers. The respect and space they gave one another was perfect, and I loved how they talked about their problems and found solutions. They’re attracted to each other for sure but it’s also so much more than that, they respect each other as people and like who they are around the other.
I’ll gobble up every entry in this series and can’t wait for the second part of this duology.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
September 19, 2025
4.5⭐️ Thank you to Vera for the ARC copy! I love this book! I took off 1/2⭐️ because it was a little slow at the beginning for me and I was getting bored of the wedding battle scene, but once it picked up, I could not put it down. Ryker is perfection❤️ I had a feeling I knew what the twist was going to be at the end… but as far as the rest of the book, I liked that I didn’t know quite where it was going, and I couldn’t predict everything. I would definitely recommend.
September 27, 2025
You know how sometimes as a series continues it sometimes gets a little bland and feels a little copy and paste? Well that’s not the case here🤭🥰 Allie and the commander might be my new favorite couple of this series! I can’t wait to read the next one and see how that ending is going to play out… Vera you’re wild for what you did🥹
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
October 12, 2025
4.75 🌟. Different from previous two series book which I really liked. That was definitely more anxiety.
This one flowed better as it followed Ry and Allie. I loved their banter without it being such a forced hate/love forced to marry an enemy. They both had to learn to navigate a new normal.
This one flowed better as it followed Ry and Allie. I loved their banter without it being such a forced hate/love forced to marry an enemy. They both had to learn to navigate a new normal.
October 3, 2025
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book and was so excited for it after loving A Crown of Tears and Treason and A Crown of Victory and Vengeance. This book is is another perfect example of Vera Raye’s beautiful writing and ability to draw you in right away. The characters feel layered and the story has that spark that I have come to love for this author. Definitely eager for the next one!
October 7, 2025
I’ve been so looking forward to this book. Love the world-building, story-telling and romance in this series. Enjoyed seeing Evie’s wedding from Allie’s point of view – really helped with setting the scene and properly introducing us to Allie. Both she and Ryker were such strong powerful characters in their own right, it was a joy seeing them navigate from enemies to reluctant allies and more. Could literally feel the embers and sparks fuelling the slow burn of their relationship. Then the inferno when things took off! The drama throughout was superbly written too, expanding on this world and its lore, it’s magic and traditions. So many threads, so many threats, so many twists and turns. Thoroughly enjoyed this and can’t wait for the next book.
October 5, 2025
Allie and Ryker >>>>>>>>>>
October 7, 2025
Interesting!
The ending was wow! Loved this book, it was very detailed like the first two. I can’t wait to read the next one and of course the books of each of the cousins.
The ending was wow! Loved this book, it was very detailed like the first two. I can’t wait to read the next one and of course the books of each of the cousins.
October 12, 2025
I’m loving this world!
October 13, 2025
Most of the book was honestly a bit boring. It got interesting in the last 20% or so. The love scene was an excellent blend of tenderness and smut. Really liked it!
October 14, 2025
I LOVED this story, everything about the writing, the steam, the plot! Please don't make me wait until next year for the next installment.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews