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Under the Cygnet Moon: An Enemies-to-Lovers Fantasy Romance
An arranged marriage. A deadly secret. A love that could ruin everything.
As the fractured kingdom of Serendith teeters on the edge of ruin, Elara—a sheltered, powerless princess—is forced into a perilous marry her enemy or condemn her family to death.
Trapped in a royal engagement neither of them wants, Elara becomes a prisoner in her own palace, navigating a court of secrets and faking a love she never meant to feel. But the deeper she falls for Caelan—a powerful, infuriatingly charming watermage—the harder it becomes to tell ally from enemy.
Beneath the silvery glow of the Cygnet Moon, ancient magics and deadly prophecies stir. Secrets unravel and the line between duty and desire blurs. Now, Elara must decide who to trust—and how much she’s willing to sacrifice—for her family, for her kingdom…and for a love that could destroy them all.
Under the Cygnet Moon is the start of a spellbinding new fantasy series perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash!
As the fractured kingdom of Serendith teeters on the edge of ruin, Elara—a sheltered, powerless princess—is forced into a perilous marry her enemy or condemn her family to death.
Trapped in a royal engagement neither of them wants, Elara becomes a prisoner in her own palace, navigating a court of secrets and faking a love she never meant to feel. But the deeper she falls for Caelan—a powerful, infuriatingly charming watermage—the harder it becomes to tell ally from enemy.
Beneath the silvery glow of the Cygnet Moon, ancient magics and deadly prophecies stir. Secrets unravel and the line between duty and desire blurs. Now, Elara must decide who to trust—and how much she’s willing to sacrifice—for her family, for her kingdom…and for a love that could destroy them all.
Under the Cygnet Moon is the start of a spellbinding new fantasy series perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and From Blood and Ash!
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
1 person is currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 4, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an eArc through netgalley for this book!
It grabbed my attention from the first few chapters and kept you on your toes with the plot twists throughout. It was a fast-paced romantasy read, with enemies to lovers, new found strength, he falls first... all the good things. The only thing i would have changed would be for the romance to be more of a slow burn... But overall, a fab read!
Can't wait for book 2.
It grabbed my attention from the first few chapters and kept you on your toes with the plot twists throughout. It was a fast-paced romantasy read, with enemies to lovers, new found strength, he falls first... all the good things. The only thing i would have changed would be for the romance to be more of a slow burn... But overall, a fab read!
Can't wait for book 2.
December 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
I'm a sucker for beautiful covers when it comes to romantasy and paranormal romance books (as many of us, I'm sure, since they're almost always so pretty, right?), so when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it.
My most recent read happened to be a cozy romantasy (funnily also with the focus on the moon, but a lot stronger) so diving into this was a wild ride for me, especially with how fast everything seemed to be happening. While it had my attention all the time and I kept wondering what will happen next, since we were in a constant action almost all the time, once we did slow down, it was immediately noticable for me, despite it lasting only for a short moment compared to the whole.
I enjoyed the training sessions between Elara & Caelan and I wish there were more of them. I feel like if the book slowed down a little and let us have us some more of those moments, it would have been a lot better.
Dual points of view were another part I liked, since it did help us to understand Elara & Caelan better.
Sera's magic? Those were one of the coolest parts in the whole book in my opinion, but you will have to read for yourself to know what I'm talking about.
We also have a familiar and I it's another part I wish was explored more (I'm a sucker for familiars, especially cat ones).
Overall, I liked it and I will definitely be looking out to the second book, especially since the last chapter (not talking about the epilogue) was a surprise for me and had me going a big hold up moment.
I'm a sucker for beautiful covers when it comes to romantasy and paranormal romance books (as many of us, I'm sure, since they're almost always so pretty, right?), so when I saw this one, I knew I had to read it.
My most recent read happened to be a cozy romantasy (funnily also with the focus on the moon, but a lot stronger) so diving into this was a wild ride for me, especially with how fast everything seemed to be happening. While it had my attention all the time and I kept wondering what will happen next, since we were in a constant action almost all the time, once we did slow down, it was immediately noticable for me, despite it lasting only for a short moment compared to the whole.
I enjoyed the training sessions between Elara & Caelan and I wish there were more of them. I feel like if the book slowed down a little and let us have us some more of those moments, it would have been a lot better.
Dual points of view were another part I liked, since it did help us to understand Elara & Caelan better.
Sera's magic? Those were one of the coolest parts in the whole book in my opinion, but you will have to read for yourself to know what I'm talking about.
We also have a familiar and I it's another part I wish was explored more (I'm a sucker for familiars, especially cat ones).
Overall, I liked it and I will definitely be looking out to the second book, especially since the last chapter (not talking about the epilogue) was a surprise for me and had me going a big hold up moment.
September 30, 2025
Thank you to the author and the publisher, Sylvan Lake Press, for sharing an ARC of this book with me on NetGalley!!
“I have a proposal for you. In exchange for your family’s lives, you will wed my son”
This book was … such a sweet and action packed and politically intriguing fantasy to read !!! I’m so glad I had this chance. There’s something about the force’s marriage between two people who suddenly become allies that always draws me in in books and this one was no exception. I felt engaged, going through Elara and Caelan’s story and I didn’t want to stop reading. The way their story unfolds is captivating and the complication of their dynamic with the constant doubts and uncertainty of trusting one another … definitely entertaining. The magical aspect of BER heritage and the powers and prophecies in the book made the atmosphere even better both in terms of it being a fantasy book and in terms of themes. And, as it happens the romance blossoming is always an appreciated journey in the story. I cannot wait for more in this series!!
“You’re my responsibility now, Elara. Mine. I’ll help you”
“I don’t want to be alone anymore”
“You’re not alone. I’m here - you’ll never be alone again”
“I have a proposal for you. In exchange for your family’s lives, you will wed my son”
This book was … such a sweet and action packed and politically intriguing fantasy to read !!! I’m so glad I had this chance. There’s something about the force’s marriage between two people who suddenly become allies that always draws me in in books and this one was no exception. I felt engaged, going through Elara and Caelan’s story and I didn’t want to stop reading. The way their story unfolds is captivating and the complication of their dynamic with the constant doubts and uncertainty of trusting one another … definitely entertaining. The magical aspect of BER heritage and the powers and prophecies in the book made the atmosphere even better both in terms of it being a fantasy book and in terms of themes. And, as it happens the romance blossoming is always an appreciated journey in the story. I cannot wait for more in this series!!
“You’re my responsibility now, Elara. Mine. I’ll help you”
“I don’t want to be alone anymore”
“You’re not alone. I’m here - you’ll never be alone again”
September 21, 2025
3 ⭐️
From the very first page, I was completely swept away by the atmosphere of this book. The setting was so vivid and enchanting that it felt like stepping directly into another world, and Jennifer L. Adams’ writing was nothing short of beautiful without being overdone, pulling me into every scene with ease. I loved how the story unfolded, and the direction it was heading kept me turning the pages.
That being said, the romance itself moved a little too quickly for my taste. While I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters, I personally prefer when love interests face more challenges and growth together before those big “I love you” moments.
Still, I closed this book with a smile. The gorgeous writing style and the captivating setting made for an interesting read!
From the very first page, I was completely swept away by the atmosphere of this book. The setting was so vivid and enchanting that it felt like stepping directly into another world, and Jennifer L. Adams’ writing was nothing short of beautiful without being overdone, pulling me into every scene with ease. I loved how the story unfolded, and the direction it was heading kept me turning the pages.
That being said, the romance itself moved a little too quickly for my taste. While I really enjoyed the dynamic between the two main characters, I personally prefer when love interests face more challenges and growth together before those big “I love you” moments.
Still, I closed this book with a smile. The gorgeous writing style and the captivating setting made for an interesting read!
September 13, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy through NetGalley
From the first paragraph, I was dropped into Elara's life and swept away.
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot would twist and prove me wrong. I devoured this book in 2 days!
The main characters drew me in, but also had my brain wondering what they were hiding. I love when there is an air of mystery!
It's a fast-paced fantasy with a truly unique magic system,. The plot is filled with intrigue and dangerous secrets .
Enemies to Lovers
Betrayal
He falls first
FMC that finds her strength
Burnt cinnamon roll MMC
All in all an excellent debut by Jennifer L Adams!
I definitely will read book 2!
From the first paragraph, I was dropped into Elara's life and swept away.
This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot would twist and prove me wrong. I devoured this book in 2 days!
The main characters drew me in, but also had my brain wondering what they were hiding. I love when there is an air of mystery!
It's a fast-paced fantasy with a truly unique magic system,. The plot is filled with intrigue and dangerous secrets .
Enemies to Lovers
Betrayal
He falls first
FMC that finds her strength
Burnt cinnamon roll MMC
All in all an excellent debut by Jennifer L Adams!
I definitely will read book 2!
September 17, 2025
A fun fantasy read. A Princess prisoner, a fiancé with a devil for a father, magic but only for some, long lost druids, enemies and an arranged marriage. A plot against the royal bloodline with unknown motives, and profecies and visions controlling more than one character.
October 8, 2025
I was really drawn to all the tropes – arranged marriage, forbidden love, powerful magic, and a princess saving her kingdom. The idea of Elara falling for her enemy, Caelan, was super compelling, and the 'Throne of Glass' comparisons had me excited. While the book delivered on these elements, I found that the execution didn't always have the full spark I was hoping for. The chemistry between Elara and Caelan was there, but it didn't consistently ignite, and I felt like some of the character development could have been explored more deeply. It's a decent read if you're looking for a specific set of fantasy romance tropes, but it just didn't quite reach that 'obsessed' level for me personally.
November 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Possible spoilers
In the kingdom of Serendith, a reckless king rules and a powerless princess is left to watch the consequences of his decisions.
That is, until an arranged marriage goes terribly wrong, and the only way for Princess Elara to save her family is to marry the enemy, Caelen, an enigmatic water mage.
Forced into becoming a prisoner in her own castle, neither of them wants the marriage, but Elara has no choice if she wants to protect the people she loves.
As tensions rise and trust begins to form, something will eventually have to give. Will it be her family, her kingdom, or the love that was never meant to bloom?
This is a fast-paced romantasy with an equally quick romantic development and a mystery that weaves through the entire story, keeping you guessing throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy.
Possible spoilers
In the kingdom of Serendith, a reckless king rules and a powerless princess is left to watch the consequences of his decisions.
That is, until an arranged marriage goes terribly wrong, and the only way for Princess Elara to save her family is to marry the enemy, Caelen, an enigmatic water mage.
Forced into becoming a prisoner in her own castle, neither of them wants the marriage, but Elara has no choice if she wants to protect the people she loves.
As tensions rise and trust begins to form, something will eventually have to give. Will it be her family, her kingdom, or the love that was never meant to bloom?
This is a fast-paced romantasy with an equally quick romantic development and a mystery that weaves through the entire story, keeping you guessing throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley for my review copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2025
Absolutely devoured this book! Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fantasy, romance, so much to love. I am beyond excited to read the next book!
October 1, 2025
The book had royal intrigue, a prince and princess, a forced marriage that turns to love, and magic. It was great to follow Elara's growth into a powerful and strong queen. I also enjoyed the magical world, especially the healing magic and look forward to what will happen next.
Thanks to the publisher Sylvan Lake Press and NetGalley for the early review copy!
Thanks to the publisher Sylvan Lake Press and NetGalley for the early review copy!
paused
October 14, 2025A solid enemies to lovers romantasy that moves at a break-neck pace. I think the pacing was perhaps a bit too fast, given that the leads are flirting way too quickly for my personal taste given the experiences they're in but since we had both of their perspectives it did help us understand their motives a bit more.
I love a forced proximity romance so this was right up my alley, i just wish we spent a bit more time in the enemies territory. The leads never really felt antagonistic towards each other so much as both being in the situation they are in because of their parents whims. Which, is a completely reasonable situation but it takes the edge out of 'enemies' to loves when they dont really view the other as the enemy as much as a pawn in the game they both have to play.
I think it was a solid debut and i'm interested to see where Adams goes from here.
I love a forced proximity romance so this was right up my alley, i just wish we spent a bit more time in the enemies territory. The leads never really felt antagonistic towards each other so much as both being in the situation they are in because of their parents whims. Which, is a completely reasonable situation but it takes the edge out of 'enemies' to loves when they dont really view the other as the enemy as much as a pawn in the game they both have to play.
I think it was a solid debut and i'm interested to see where Adams goes from here.
December 26, 2025
So good! Going into I didn't think I'd like it very much but the character development and enemies-to-lovers was great.
September 13, 2025
"Where Enemies Burn and Lovers Bloom"
Under the Cygnet Moon by Jennifer L. Adams is a compelling enemies‑to‑lovers fantasy romance that mostly delivers on its promises: magic, tension, danger, and complicated hearts. The premise is strong — a world where divine or supernatural powers collide with human vulnerabilities, two characters forced into proximity despite mistrust and hurt, and a rising threat that demands they overcome their differences. Adams builds a setting with interesting lore, vivid scenes, and emotional stakes that draw you in.
One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its characterization and romantic tension. The leads are both flawed, and the push‑pull between them feels authentic: mistrust, secrets, desire, maybe betrayal, all woven in. Their emotional arcs are satisfying: seeing how their perspectives shift, how their walls come down, and how trust is earned makes many of their interactions feel earned. The magic system and worldbuilding are engaging; Adams doesn’t dump everything at once, instead revealing bits of the mystical and the dangerous gradually, which helps maintain suspense.
However, the book isn’t without its drawbacks. Sometimes pacing wavers: the middle stretch at points feels slower, where world‑detail or internal conflict takes center stage at the expense of plot momentum. Some plot threads take longer to resolve than the reader might prefer, and there are moments when the enemies‑to‑lovers arc’s tension slackens because the conflict becomes repetitive. Also, while many secondary characters are memorable, some blend into the background, lacking distinctive enough voices or stakes so their fates or contributions don’t always feel fully meaningful.
Also, there are occasional tonal shifts that feel abrupt — a serious magical consequence, then a romantic flirt, then danger — sometimes these transitions pull you out of immersion. I also wished for a bit more clarity early on in some of the magical rules; certain stakes or constraints seem implied but not well established until later.
Verdict: Under the Cygnet Moon is a strong, satisfying entry in the fantasy romance space. It hits many of the marks — emotional tension, good worldbuilding, romantic payoff — while also showing places where tightening might elevate it further. I give it four stars: definitely worth reading for enemies‑to‑lovers lovers, romantasy fans, and anyone who enjoys magic plus moral complexity.
Enemies‑to‑Lovers 🥀➡️🌹 — Two leads who begin in conflict or mistrust but develop romantic feelings.
Slow Burn Romance ⏳❤️ — Attraction builds gradually, with tension, misunderstandings, secrets, etc.
Secret Identity / Hidden Truths 🤐 — One or both characters have secrets or hidden sides (magical lineage, powers, past hurts) that are revealed over time.
Magic / Supernatural Elements ✨ — Fantasy setting, magic, supernatural stakes.
Dual Point of View / Shifting Perspectives 🔄 — Likely switching between the two romantic leads’ viewpoints to show internal conflict / misunderstandings.
Intrigue / Political / Social Power Struggle ⚔️ — Given the fantasy setting, probably conflicts beyond just romance: rival houses, societal expectations, magical balance, etc.
Protective Male Lead / “Dangerous Attraction” 🛡️🔥 — One lead may be more hardened, dangerous or morally grey, nature of protecting vs being drawn to risk.
Trauma / Healing 💔➡️🕯️ — Emotional wounds, past betrayals or losses that affect characters’ behavior, and their journeys include healing.
Found Family / Supporting Cast Loyalty 👥 — Secondary characters who serve as confidants/allies; loyalty outside romance matters.
Forbidden Magic or Taboo Powers ⚠️🪄 — Magical powers or actions that are risky, outlawed, or with heavy consequences.
Under the Cygnet Moon by Jennifer L. Adams is a compelling enemies‑to‑lovers fantasy romance that mostly delivers on its promises: magic, tension, danger, and complicated hearts. The premise is strong — a world where divine or supernatural powers collide with human vulnerabilities, two characters forced into proximity despite mistrust and hurt, and a rising threat that demands they overcome their differences. Adams builds a setting with interesting lore, vivid scenes, and emotional stakes that draw you in.
One of the novel’s biggest strengths is its characterization and romantic tension. The leads are both flawed, and the push‑pull between them feels authentic: mistrust, secrets, desire, maybe betrayal, all woven in. Their emotional arcs are satisfying: seeing how their perspectives shift, how their walls come down, and how trust is earned makes many of their interactions feel earned. The magic system and worldbuilding are engaging; Adams doesn’t dump everything at once, instead revealing bits of the mystical and the dangerous gradually, which helps maintain suspense.
However, the book isn’t without its drawbacks. Sometimes pacing wavers: the middle stretch at points feels slower, where world‑detail or internal conflict takes center stage at the expense of plot momentum. Some plot threads take longer to resolve than the reader might prefer, and there are moments when the enemies‑to‑lovers arc’s tension slackens because the conflict becomes repetitive. Also, while many secondary characters are memorable, some blend into the background, lacking distinctive enough voices or stakes so their fates or contributions don’t always feel fully meaningful.
Also, there are occasional tonal shifts that feel abrupt — a serious magical consequence, then a romantic flirt, then danger — sometimes these transitions pull you out of immersion. I also wished for a bit more clarity early on in some of the magical rules; certain stakes or constraints seem implied but not well established until later.
Verdict: Under the Cygnet Moon is a strong, satisfying entry in the fantasy romance space. It hits many of the marks — emotional tension, good worldbuilding, romantic payoff — while also showing places where tightening might elevate it further. I give it four stars: definitely worth reading for enemies‑to‑lovers lovers, romantasy fans, and anyone who enjoys magic plus moral complexity.
Enemies‑to‑Lovers 🥀➡️🌹 — Two leads who begin in conflict or mistrust but develop romantic feelings.
Slow Burn Romance ⏳❤️ — Attraction builds gradually, with tension, misunderstandings, secrets, etc.
Secret Identity / Hidden Truths 🤐 — One or both characters have secrets or hidden sides (magical lineage, powers, past hurts) that are revealed over time.
Magic / Supernatural Elements ✨ — Fantasy setting, magic, supernatural stakes.
Dual Point of View / Shifting Perspectives 🔄 — Likely switching between the two romantic leads’ viewpoints to show internal conflict / misunderstandings.
Intrigue / Political / Social Power Struggle ⚔️ — Given the fantasy setting, probably conflicts beyond just romance: rival houses, societal expectations, magical balance, etc.
Protective Male Lead / “Dangerous Attraction” 🛡️🔥 — One lead may be more hardened, dangerous or morally grey, nature of protecting vs being drawn to risk.
Trauma / Healing 💔➡️🕯️ — Emotional wounds, past betrayals or losses that affect characters’ behavior, and their journeys include healing.
Found Family / Supporting Cast Loyalty 👥 — Secondary characters who serve as confidants/allies; loyalty outside romance matters.
Forbidden Magic or Taboo Powers ⚠️🪄 — Magical powers or actions that are risky, outlawed, or with heavy consequences.
October 16, 2025
This book was a wild ride, the kind that makes you lose track of time, forget your to-do list, and maybe even question your emotional stability just a little. For me, this was an easy 4 star read, and honestly, I’d give an extra half star just for how beautifully messy and empowering it made me feel.
From the very first page, Jennifer L. Adams dropped me into a world that felt like moonlight and fire had collided; ethereal yet fierce. She built a realm that doesn’t just exist on paper; it hums beneath your skin and at the heart of it all? Elara.
Elara. This woman isn’t just a heroine, she’s a force of nature. She’s strength wrapped in vulnerability, power tangled with purpose. Watching her unravel and rebuild herself through every trial felt like watching the moon wax and wane, beautiful, inevitable, and full of aching truth. She isn’t perfect (thank the gods), but she owns every scar, every choice, every spark of her evolution. She’s who I wish I could be on my best day and who I am on my hardest ones.
And then there’s Caelan. Broken and beautifully human despite his power. I swear, this man has “I’ll burn the world for you” energy, but not in a toxic way, in a he finally knows his worth kind of way. His story hit me in the chest because he didn’t just fall for Elara; he rose for her. Sometimes love isn’t about being saved and it’s about being seen, and that’s exactly what Elara and Caelan did for each other.
Their romance started off rocky (aren’t all the best ones a little dangerous?), but it bloomed into something so pure and fiery that I found myself whispering, “Please don’t let this end.” Together, they redefine strength and not as dominance, but as devotion.
Jennifer L. Adams.… I bow to your world-building sorcery. You crafted a universe so intricate yet so emotionally grounded that I could taste the starlight, feel the battles, and ache with the characters. Every word was placed with purpose; every emotion felt earned. She doesn’t just write fantasy; she writes truth dressed in moonlight and magic.
By the time I closed the book, I wasn’t the same person who’d opened it. My heart felt full, my brain was spinning, and my soul whispered, “Read it again.”
Final Thoughts:
If you crave stories that make you feel seen, that blend fierce love with unflinching self-discovery, Under the Cygnet Moon is your next obsession. Jennifer L. Adams gave us a world worth getting lost in and a heroine who teaches us that sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is be yourself under the moonlight. 🌙✨
From the very first page, Jennifer L. Adams dropped me into a world that felt like moonlight and fire had collided; ethereal yet fierce. She built a realm that doesn’t just exist on paper; it hums beneath your skin and at the heart of it all? Elara.
Elara. This woman isn’t just a heroine, she’s a force of nature. She’s strength wrapped in vulnerability, power tangled with purpose. Watching her unravel and rebuild herself through every trial felt like watching the moon wax and wane, beautiful, inevitable, and full of aching truth. She isn’t perfect (thank the gods), but she owns every scar, every choice, every spark of her evolution. She’s who I wish I could be on my best day and who I am on my hardest ones.
And then there’s Caelan. Broken and beautifully human despite his power. I swear, this man has “I’ll burn the world for you” energy, but not in a toxic way, in a he finally knows his worth kind of way. His story hit me in the chest because he didn’t just fall for Elara; he rose for her. Sometimes love isn’t about being saved and it’s about being seen, and that’s exactly what Elara and Caelan did for each other.
Their romance started off rocky (aren’t all the best ones a little dangerous?), but it bloomed into something so pure and fiery that I found myself whispering, “Please don’t let this end.” Together, they redefine strength and not as dominance, but as devotion.
Jennifer L. Adams.… I bow to your world-building sorcery. You crafted a universe so intricate yet so emotionally grounded that I could taste the starlight, feel the battles, and ache with the characters. Every word was placed with purpose; every emotion felt earned. She doesn’t just write fantasy; she writes truth dressed in moonlight and magic.
By the time I closed the book, I wasn’t the same person who’d opened it. My heart felt full, my brain was spinning, and my soul whispered, “Read it again.”
Final Thoughts:
If you crave stories that make you feel seen, that blend fierce love with unflinching self-discovery, Under the Cygnet Moon is your next obsession. Jennifer L. Adams gave us a world worth getting lost in and a heroine who teaches us that sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is be yourself under the moonlight. 🌙✨
September 23, 2025
4 🌟
This book is extremely fast-paced and bingeable, you can finish it in one sitting. I am grateful to have received the ARC for it. Our FMC, Elara's character development was organic and believable. She does not magically become overpowered overnight - instead, she gradually discovers her abilities and grows as a person through her experiences and decisions. You will identify with her when you are in her POV.
Our morally grey MMC, Caelan, carries the first 40% of the novel. The dialogue is hilarious, you will be giggling at 3am in the morning. The banter is great.
There's political intrigue - it gives off Cruel Prince vibes, lots of plotting, scheming, training and some action/fights. There is also telepathic communication with animals, if you are into that! It is also a multiple POV - we love to see this!
🩷 Romance:
Enemies-to-lovers/Forbidden romance with trainer-trainee trope - The progression from enemies to allies to lovers is well paced and realistic. The romance develops in a refreshingly realistic and grounded way that sets it apart from many typical romantasy books. Instead of the usual instant attraction or rushed passion, these characters get to know each other in a very human way, that the fantasy genre currently lacks. The FMC and MMC have meaningful conversations, and genuinely get to know each other as people - it is authentic.
You'll actually believe in their connection because it's built on genuine understanding and shared experiences.
🌶️ Spice:
Closed door - Fade to black
Perfect for readers who want their romantasy with emotional depth and realistic relationship development! I am definitely invested, and would love to read Jennifer's next book.
🎶The Serendith Saga Playlist
Castle Crumbling – Taylor Swift
Florida!!! – Taylor Swift & Florence + The Machine
Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Lorde
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me? – Taylor Swift
Princesses Don’t Cry – Aviva
Warriors – Imagine Dragons
Nightshade – The Lumineers
This book is extremely fast-paced and bingeable, you can finish it in one sitting. I am grateful to have received the ARC for it. Our FMC, Elara's character development was organic and believable. She does not magically become overpowered overnight - instead, she gradually discovers her abilities and grows as a person through her experiences and decisions. You will identify with her when you are in her POV.
Our morally grey MMC, Caelan, carries the first 40% of the novel. The dialogue is hilarious, you will be giggling at 3am in the morning. The banter is great.
There's political intrigue - it gives off Cruel Prince vibes, lots of plotting, scheming, training and some action/fights. There is also telepathic communication with animals, if you are into that! It is also a multiple POV - we love to see this!
🩷 Romance:
Enemies-to-lovers/Forbidden romance with trainer-trainee trope - The progression from enemies to allies to lovers is well paced and realistic. The romance develops in a refreshingly realistic and grounded way that sets it apart from many typical romantasy books. Instead of the usual instant attraction or rushed passion, these characters get to know each other in a very human way, that the fantasy genre currently lacks. The FMC and MMC have meaningful conversations, and genuinely get to know each other as people - it is authentic.
You'll actually believe in their connection because it's built on genuine understanding and shared experiences.
🌶️ Spice:
Closed door - Fade to black
Perfect for readers who want their romantasy with emotional depth and realistic relationship development! I am definitely invested, and would love to read Jennifer's next book.
🎶The Serendith Saga Playlist
Castle Crumbling – Taylor Swift
Florida!!! – Taylor Swift & Florence + The Machine
Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Lorde
Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me? – Taylor Swift
Princesses Don’t Cry – Aviva
Warriors – Imagine Dragons
Nightshade – The Lumineers
September 14, 2025
Under the Cygnet Moon by Jennifer L. Adams
I was incredibly fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book. Thank you to the publishers.
You can consider my Flabber well and truly Gasted by the final scenes in ‘Under the Signet Moon’. I was left with my jaw dropped and my eyes bugging: This is a novel to really stick with until the end.
Elara Eversong is heir to the throne and is thrust into deadly politics and a race against time to save everything she holds dear, and boy do the twists and turns along the way really have you reading “just one more chapter” until the very end. After a slow start, I wasn’t convinced I was going to click with the characters, which is important to me in a book; however, I persevered through the first 1/3 of the book, and I’m delighted that I did, because those twists and turns that came soon after had me devour the final 2/3 of the book in one afternoon! The book's theme deals heavily with grief and loss, which takes on many forms throughout, and you see each of the characters, in various depths, dealing with this in their own way. For readers who may be sensitive to some of the loss or those who have dealt with a loss of any kind, I recommend reading a trigger warning list before diving into this journey.
This definitely rates a 3.5 - 4 star read for me, and I look forward to continuing this saga in future instalments!
Enemies to Lovers
Mystery/Hidden Truths
Magic
Slow Burn Romance
Trauma/Grief/Loss
Betrayal
#UndertheCygnetMoon #NetGalley #ARC #bookreview #newadult #romance #fantasy
I was incredibly fortunate to receive an ARC copy of this book. Thank you to the publishers.
You can consider my Flabber well and truly Gasted by the final scenes in ‘Under the Signet Moon’. I was left with my jaw dropped and my eyes bugging: This is a novel to really stick with until the end.
Elara Eversong is heir to the throne and is thrust into deadly politics and a race against time to save everything she holds dear, and boy do the twists and turns along the way really have you reading “just one more chapter” until the very end. After a slow start, I wasn’t convinced I was going to click with the characters, which is important to me in a book; however, I persevered through the first 1/3 of the book, and I’m delighted that I did, because those twists and turns that came soon after had me devour the final 2/3 of the book in one afternoon! The book's theme deals heavily with grief and loss, which takes on many forms throughout, and you see each of the characters, in various depths, dealing with this in their own way. For readers who may be sensitive to some of the loss or those who have dealt with a loss of any kind, I recommend reading a trigger warning list before diving into this journey.
This definitely rates a 3.5 - 4 star read for me, and I look forward to continuing this saga in future instalments!
Enemies to Lovers
Mystery/Hidden Truths
Magic
Slow Burn Romance
Trauma/Grief/Loss
Betrayal
#UndertheCygnetMoon #NetGalley #ARC #bookreview #newadult #romance #fantasy
September 15, 2025
Under the Cygnet Moon- Jennifer L. Adams
Thank you to netgalley for an ARC of this book!
The idea of this book was so very intriguing to me, I love romantasy and enjoy slow burns. For me the slow burn in this book ended too soon, but I enjoyed the romance otherwise.
The book itself is well written, but the execution of the whole idea of the book didn't hit for me. I felt it was moving fast but also really slow the whole time.
spice: 🌶️
rating: ⭐️⭐️
Thank you to netgalley for an ARC of this book!
The idea of this book was so very intriguing to me, I love romantasy and enjoy slow burns. For me the slow burn in this book ended too soon, but I enjoyed the romance otherwise.
The book itself is well written, but the execution of the whole idea of the book didn't hit for me. I felt it was moving fast but also really slow the whole time.
spice: 🌶️
rating: ⭐️⭐️
September 17, 2025
My debut novel is coming out in October! Add to your TBR if you love:
-Enemies to lovers
-Arranged marriage
-He trains her
-Royalty
-Prisoners in gilded cages
-Prophecies
-He falls first
-She's also morally gray
-Secrets
-Elemental (& more!) magic
-Enemies to lovers
-Arranged marriage
-He trains her
-Royalty
-Prisoners in gilded cages
-Prophecies
-He falls first
-She's also morally gray
-Secrets
-Elemental (& more!) magic
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews