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Blackwarden
Rosalin Greene knows one thing for sure: the Dark Fae are monsters.
When her younger sister is selected to be the town’s sacrifice to the Dark Fae Rosalin volunteers in her place. She’s dragged to a creepy mansion where she’s completely surrounded by magic for the first time in her life and left with nothing but the Gatehouse and its secretive Gatekeeper, Keres, as company.
But there’s something off about Keres. It’s not just that he’s an unnaturally beautiful, terrifying Dark Fae. He’s hiding something, and she fears it’s dreadfully important. Her curiosity grows with every question he avoids, but she’s determined to figure out what’s going on before she faces her final fate.
Keres has long since given up on trying to break the curse that imprisons him. He accepted his fate centuries ago. He must take a human maiden through the portal every five years, whether he likes it or not. But there’s something different about Ms. Greene. Something that makes it very hard for him to keep her at arm’s length. In eight days he’ll use his shadow magic to take her through to the Unseelie Court like all the others, but this time, he has a decision to make.
One that will quite literally determine the rest of his life and likely hers as well.
When her younger sister is selected to be the town’s sacrifice to the Dark Fae Rosalin volunteers in her place. She’s dragged to a creepy mansion where she’s completely surrounded by magic for the first time in her life and left with nothing but the Gatehouse and its secretive Gatekeeper, Keres, as company.
But there’s something off about Keres. It’s not just that he’s an unnaturally beautiful, terrifying Dark Fae. He’s hiding something, and she fears it’s dreadfully important. Her curiosity grows with every question he avoids, but she’s determined to figure out what’s going on before she faces her final fate.
Keres has long since given up on trying to break the curse that imprisons him. He accepted his fate centuries ago. He must take a human maiden through the portal every five years, whether he likes it or not. But there’s something different about Ms. Greene. Something that makes it very hard for him to keep her at arm’s length. In eight days he’ll use his shadow magic to take her through to the Unseelie Court like all the others, but this time, he has a decision to make.
One that will quite literally determine the rest of his life and likely hers as well.
274 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2025
109 people are currently reading
9429 people want to read
About the author
Ciara Hartford
4 books132 followersCiara (Keara) is a Romantic Fantasy and Romantasy writer of character driven love stories full of magic, heartache, bloody action, flawed characters, and brutal cliffhangers. When she's not writing she's working on illustration and graphic design freelance, as well as reading every fantasy book she can get her hands on. She lives near Cleveland, Ohio with her mad scientist husband and amazingly talented daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
July 12, 2025
I had such high hopes for this and I wanted to like it so badly. I didn’t hate it at all and maybe 2 is a tad unfair because there was nothing wrong with the story, I just vastly disliked the fmc. It has potential and maybe it gets better, but Rosalin irritated me so much I couldn’t make myself continue.
Thank you so much for the ARC, I’m so sorry I couldn’t rate it higher.
Thank you so much for the ARC, I’m so sorry I couldn’t rate it higher.
September 5, 2025
4.5 🌟
"“Can you make someone attracted to you? Can you make someone want you?”
“Do you want me, Ms. Greene?” His voice was smooth, melting into something luscious that settled in my core. His glare was unyielding as it burned into me, my heart rate spiking." (Ch 5)
Rosalin made a sacrifice for her sister, such as, "I volunteer as tribute", more or less. She had had her fair share of cruel fate, and it was one last act in order to protect her sister.
But, of course, the Gatehouse is more than she expected, more than she bargained for. There are terrors to haunt and tormet her, and a dark fae, Keres, who tempts her as no other.
"Rosalin’s curiosity was like a single candle in the dark halls of my home, growing brighter the longer it burned." (Ch 6)
Eloquently written of forbidden love and longing, of fear and resignment. It wraps you into dark, brooding, encapsulating imagery. Taunts you with small crumbs of hope and rips it away again with threats of heartbreak. Keres reminds me of Maleficent, in a way, but male, of course. As fairytales go, no matter the darkness, there might be a HEA waiting patiently in the end if only they can find their way to break through the barriers that force them apart.
"How was I even having these thoughts? I had just been frozen with terror, and now I was thinking of sinking my teeth into a secretive, frankly frustrating, Dark Fae?" (Ch 5)
eARC courtesy of Ciara Hartford
"“Can you make someone attracted to you? Can you make someone want you?”
“Do you want me, Ms. Greene?” His voice was smooth, melting into something luscious that settled in my core. His glare was unyielding as it burned into me, my heart rate spiking." (Ch 5)
Rosalin made a sacrifice for her sister, such as, "I volunteer as tribute", more or less. She had had her fair share of cruel fate, and it was one last act in order to protect her sister.
But, of course, the Gatehouse is more than she expected, more than she bargained for. There are terrors to haunt and tormet her, and a dark fae, Keres, who tempts her as no other.
"Rosalin’s curiosity was like a single candle in the dark halls of my home, growing brighter the longer it burned." (Ch 6)
Eloquently written of forbidden love and longing, of fear and resignment. It wraps you into dark, brooding, encapsulating imagery. Taunts you with small crumbs of hope and rips it away again with threats of heartbreak. Keres reminds me of Maleficent, in a way, but male, of course. As fairytales go, no matter the darkness, there might be a HEA waiting patiently in the end if only they can find their way to break through the barriers that force them apart.
"How was I even having these thoughts? I had just been frozen with terror, and now I was thinking of sinking my teeth into a secretive, frankly frustrating, Dark Fae?" (Ch 5)
eARC courtesy of Ciara Hartford
August 17, 2025
I love Keres and Rosalin so much! I'm also obsessing over the sentient mansion and that almost everything is black! 🤭🖤 Being able to summon whatever I desire to eat and have it appear, like this mansion does, is a dream of mine!
I loved the dark, mysterious, Gothic vibes of this book. I had all the questions Rosalin had and was grateful for Keres' POV chapters to get a little insight into who he was and what was going on. I love the dual POV of this book!
I am feral for Keres!!! Keres had me swooning with his shadows and the mysterious air about him. You've seen the cover of the book, I know many of you are already swooning too, as you should be! He's an angsty, gorgeous shadow daddy, and if this is your thing, you'll also be melting for Keres. No spoilers, just trust me… 😮💨
This book has a more laid-back, casual pace, but it really starts moving about a third of the way through. At this point, I could not put the book down and without intending to, I finished it in one sitting! Once they went to the Unseelie Court, I devoured the book, needing to know what was going to happen and how this book would come to a close!
Blackwarden is currently a standalone, but I'll be keeping an eye out to see if that changes because I would love to return to this world!
I highly recommend reading the content warnings before reading this book, there are some pretty serious triggers I have not mentioned. The warnings can be found in the first few pages of the book and on @ciarahartford.author's Instagram.
Thank you so much for my ARC copy of Blackwarden, Ciara Hartford, I loved it! 🖤🔥
I loved the dark, mysterious, Gothic vibes of this book. I had all the questions Rosalin had and was grateful for Keres' POV chapters to get a little insight into who he was and what was going on. I love the dual POV of this book!
I am feral for Keres!!! Keres had me swooning with his shadows and the mysterious air about him. You've seen the cover of the book, I know many of you are already swooning too, as you should be! He's an angsty, gorgeous shadow daddy, and if this is your thing, you'll also be melting for Keres. No spoilers, just trust me… 😮💨
This book has a more laid-back, casual pace, but it really starts moving about a third of the way through. At this point, I could not put the book down and without intending to, I finished it in one sitting! Once they went to the Unseelie Court, I devoured the book, needing to know what was going to happen and how this book would come to a close!
Blackwarden is currently a standalone, but I'll be keeping an eye out to see if that changes because I would love to return to this world!
I highly recommend reading the content warnings before reading this book, there are some pretty serious triggers I have not mentioned. The warnings can be found in the first few pages of the book and on @ciarahartford.author's Instagram.
Thank you so much for my ARC copy of Blackwarden, Ciara Hartford, I loved it! 🖤🔥
July 7, 2025
5💎
1.5🌶️
ARC reader ‼️
📕Wow the start gave me all the feels
📕Keres is the shadow daddy that cannot hold back his feelings. Such a big softy.
📕Rosalin is nothing if not persistent and curious, unraveling all the mysteries. Love her for this
📕The mystery behind Keres is so intriguing and I loved how it was gradually uncovered
📕Oh my, the pain emanating from Keres just leaks through the pages
📕This was written so well and I smashed it in a few hours, couldn’t get enough of these 2
**Apologies there were so many quotes I loved 🤭🤭
🍷He was gorgeous. And truly terrifying.
🍷“Why is this one so different?” I grumbled, as I eased into the shadows, determined to be the terrifying Dark Fae monster Rosalin feared. And monsters didn’t falter, because monsters didn’t feel.
🍷The heat that had been building in my core soared into my cheeks. The flicker of realization in his eyes terrified me more than anything else. He felt it all. Every. Terrifying. Desire. My hunger. My need. My shame.
🍷I touched my chin where the echo of his fingers remained. How could I be so terrified, and, yet, so attracted to him? Attracted to a Dark Fae—to a monster!
🍷I wanted her. “Just a little more time,” I choked out, gasping in pain, my eyes rimmed with tears I hadn’t shed in centuries. “Please.”
🍷“Your infernal questions, Ms. Greene.”
🍷“I want you to ask me all your questions.” His voice was a tight whisper. “I want all of your curiosity.”
🍷I wanted Keres to destroy me entirely. I wanted him to tear my desires apart and reshape them into his desires. I wanted him to leave me with nothing but more wanting.
🍷She was the opposite of me in so many ways, with demanding emotions that ignited a spark in my cold, dark heart that hadn’t been there for hundreds of years.
🍏forced proximity
🍏forbidden love
🍏curses
🍏slow burn
🍏dark fae and humans
🍏dual POV
1.5🌶️
ARC reader ‼️
📕Wow the start gave me all the feels
📕Keres is the shadow daddy that cannot hold back his feelings. Such a big softy.
📕Rosalin is nothing if not persistent and curious, unraveling all the mysteries. Love her for this
📕The mystery behind Keres is so intriguing and I loved how it was gradually uncovered
📕Oh my, the pain emanating from Keres just leaks through the pages
📕This was written so well and I smashed it in a few hours, couldn’t get enough of these 2
**Apologies there were so many quotes I loved 🤭🤭
🍷He was gorgeous. And truly terrifying.
🍷“Why is this one so different?” I grumbled, as I eased into the shadows, determined to be the terrifying Dark Fae monster Rosalin feared. And monsters didn’t falter, because monsters didn’t feel.
🍷The heat that had been building in my core soared into my cheeks. The flicker of realization in his eyes terrified me more than anything else. He felt it all. Every. Terrifying. Desire. My hunger. My need. My shame.
🍷I touched my chin where the echo of his fingers remained. How could I be so terrified, and, yet, so attracted to him? Attracted to a Dark Fae—to a monster!
🍷I wanted her. “Just a little more time,” I choked out, gasping in pain, my eyes rimmed with tears I hadn’t shed in centuries. “Please.”
🍷“Your infernal questions, Ms. Greene.”
🍷“I want you to ask me all your questions.” His voice was a tight whisper. “I want all of your curiosity.”
🍷I wanted Keres to destroy me entirely. I wanted him to tear my desires apart and reshape them into his desires. I wanted him to leave me with nothing but more wanting.
🍷She was the opposite of me in so many ways, with demanding emotions that ignited a spark in my cold, dark heart that hadn’t been there for hundreds of years.
🍏forced proximity
🍏forbidden love
🍏curses
🍏slow burn
🍏dark fae and humans
🍏dual POV
July 7, 2025
Black Warden is hands-down the best ARC I’ve read! It’s a hauntingly beautiful blend of Beauty and the Beast and The Picture of Dorian Gray, with a gothic atmosphere set within a sentient mansion. Keres is a cursed man who is forced to take a human maiden through a portal every 5 years. Rosalin is widowed and decides to take her younger sister’s place as a sacrifice for the Dark Fae. This story shares heartbreak, hope, and a mysterious journey to break a 500-year-old curse. Best of all? It’s a standalone and no cliffhanger 😏
Content warning ⚠️
There is physical abuse and 🍇. Not between the main characters**
Content warning ⚠️
There is physical abuse and 🍇. Not between the main characters**
August 17, 2025
Now, I didn’t know what to expect from a dark fantasy romance pitched as ‘Beauty and the Beast meets Dorian Gray’, but Blackwarden turned out to be an even wilder ride than I ever could have imagined. I mean, I probably wasn’t totally the right target audience for this dark gem of a book, yet I somehow could not stop myself from devouring it in a single day anyway.
To me, the opening chapter of Blackwarden honestly could not have been stronger, as we see our human FMC Rosalin Greene (which is a great name btw, in my totally unbiased opinion) pulling a classic Katniss Everdeen when she volunteers to take the place of her little sister to go as a sacrifice to the Dark Fae. And so she’s whisked away to the Gatehouse, a creepy, gothic, sentient mansion, where she will have to survive the next eight days in the company of none other than the the enigmatic Dark Fae Gatekeeper before he drags her off to the Unseelie Court.
Honestly, Blackwarden delivers exactly what it promises, which is either going to be a good or a bad thing depending on your tastes. I personally really enjoyed the first half of this book in the Gatehouse, which almost had a bit of a grimdark cozy vibe to it as we see Rosalin trying to figure out the mysteries of the mansion and its monstrous yet irresistibly alluring Gatekeeper Keres (whose own short POV chapters reveal him to be a true tortured babe with a huge flair for the dramatic, and I love him for it). Hartford does a brilliant job of building up the intrigue, tension and suspense, which just had me in an absolute chokehold from the very first page.
Moreover, I think it really shows that Hartford has a background in art and graphic design, because the way that she painted these characters and the setting was so richly immersive and just breathtakingly beautiful to me. The gothic aesthetics are absolutely delicious, and I loved that the ever-changing mural that Rosalin discovers in the Gatehouse came to play such an integral role in the unravelling of Keres’ curse and her own fate.
However, this is first and foremost a romance story, and unfortunately it just fell quite flat for me in that aspect. See, I am a true slow-burn lover at heart, so I simply could not suspend my disbelief enough to get on board with the fact that this level of character growth and relationship development happened over the course of EIGHT… DAYS, especially considering that we spend so much time just spiralling inside these characters' heads instead of seeing them interact in meaningful ways. Moreover, the story took a diabolically dark turn in the second half when we got to the Unseelie Court, which I am sure will be pure kryptonite for the dark romance girlies, but that is not me.
Yes, I knew from both the author’s marketing and the trigger warnings at the start of the book that Blackwarden was going to go down some dark paths, but I wasn’t quite prepared for what Hartford had in store. On the one hand, I really appreciated the exploration of difficult themes of trauma, grief, sacrifice, psychological abuse and sexual assault (NOT between the FMC & MMC) yet on the other hand I also can’t deny that I personally felt uncomfortable by some of the graphic scenes (which is really more of a ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ case).
All that said, I think it’s a true testament to Hartford’s storytelling skills that I somehow never wanted to stop reading, even if I was mostly turning the pages out of morbid curiosity rather than any emotional investment or enjoyment at some point. Not to mention, in a (sub)genre overflowing with excessively long series, I found it very refreshing and impressive how Hartford wrapped this standalone story up in such a satisfying and cathartic way.
Ultimately, Hartford's take on the darkly romantic Fae fantasy in her The Sundering of Rhend series is way more to my taste, but I think Blackwarden will be a true gem for the right target audience. If you like the sound of a gloriously gothic Fae fantasy romance with a sprinkle of dark fairytale vibes and a whole lot of trauma, then this is absolutely the book for you.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Blackwarden is scheduled for release on September 4, 2025.
To me, the opening chapter of Blackwarden honestly could not have been stronger, as we see our human FMC Rosalin Greene (which is a great name btw, in my totally unbiased opinion) pulling a classic Katniss Everdeen when she volunteers to take the place of her little sister to go as a sacrifice to the Dark Fae. And so she’s whisked away to the Gatehouse, a creepy, gothic, sentient mansion, where she will have to survive the next eight days in the company of none other than the the enigmatic Dark Fae Gatekeeper before he drags her off to the Unseelie Court.
Honestly, Blackwarden delivers exactly what it promises, which is either going to be a good or a bad thing depending on your tastes. I personally really enjoyed the first half of this book in the Gatehouse, which almost had a bit of a grimdark cozy vibe to it as we see Rosalin trying to figure out the mysteries of the mansion and its monstrous yet irresistibly alluring Gatekeeper Keres (whose own short POV chapters reveal him to be a true tortured babe with a huge flair for the dramatic, and I love him for it). Hartford does a brilliant job of building up the intrigue, tension and suspense, which just had me in an absolute chokehold from the very first page.
Moreover, I think it really shows that Hartford has a background in art and graphic design, because the way that she painted these characters and the setting was so richly immersive and just breathtakingly beautiful to me. The gothic aesthetics are absolutely delicious, and I loved that the ever-changing mural that Rosalin discovers in the Gatehouse came to play such an integral role in the unravelling of Keres’ curse and her own fate.
However, this is first and foremost a romance story, and unfortunately it just fell quite flat for me in that aspect. See, I am a true slow-burn lover at heart, so I simply could not suspend my disbelief enough to get on board with the fact that this level of character growth and relationship development happened over the course of EIGHT… DAYS, especially considering that we spend so much time just spiralling inside these characters' heads instead of seeing them interact in meaningful ways. Moreover, the story took a diabolically dark turn in the second half when we got to the Unseelie Court, which I am sure will be pure kryptonite for the dark romance girlies, but that is not me.
Yes, I knew from both the author’s marketing and the trigger warnings at the start of the book that Blackwarden was going to go down some dark paths, but I wasn’t quite prepared for what Hartford had in store. On the one hand, I really appreciated the exploration of difficult themes of trauma, grief, sacrifice, psychological abuse and sexual assault (NOT between the FMC & MMC) yet on the other hand I also can’t deny that I personally felt uncomfortable by some of the graphic scenes (which is really more of a ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ case).
All that said, I think it’s a true testament to Hartford’s storytelling skills that I somehow never wanted to stop reading, even if I was mostly turning the pages out of morbid curiosity rather than any emotional investment or enjoyment at some point. Not to mention, in a (sub)genre overflowing with excessively long series, I found it very refreshing and impressive how Hartford wrapped this standalone story up in such a satisfying and cathartic way.
Ultimately, Hartford's take on the darkly romantic Fae fantasy in her The Sundering of Rhend series is way more to my taste, but I think Blackwarden will be a true gem for the right target audience. If you like the sound of a gloriously gothic Fae fantasy romance with a sprinkle of dark fairytale vibes and a whole lot of trauma, then this is absolutely the book for you.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Blackwarden is scheduled for release on September 4, 2025.
July 13, 2025
I knew I was going to instantly LOVE this book! I read her first series and loved it! The tension between Keres and Rosalin is tangible and the passion that develops feels so reel. I LOVE her writing, I devoured this book. This is romantasy!
"The physical pain was torturous. I couldn't answer her questions. I couldn't lie. I was a prisoner trapped in a cage of Roselin's curiosity." Rosalin is mature and intelligent, she knows what she must do even through the fear. And Keres, I am obsessed with the author's art of this character (she is the artist!)
"Tell me, Ms. Greene, what do you see when you look at me? A monster? A beast sent to destroy you? To drag you to a vengeful queen?"
The way she moves these characters across the pages just enchanted me! The last 2/3 of the book made me hold my breath, I was so worried for the characters but I just loved the ending. She writes the perfect evil queens. If you love a brooding Fae MMC matched with a beautiful and brave FMC then pick up this book September 4th!
"The physical pain was torturous. I couldn't answer her questions. I couldn't lie. I was a prisoner trapped in a cage of Roselin's curiosity." Rosalin is mature and intelligent, she knows what she must do even through the fear. And Keres, I am obsessed with the author's art of this character (she is the artist!)
"Tell me, Ms. Greene, what do you see when you look at me? A monster? A beast sent to destroy you? To drag you to a vengeful queen?"
The way she moves these characters across the pages just enchanted me! The last 2/3 of the book made me hold my breath, I was so worried for the characters but I just loved the ending. She writes the perfect evil queens. If you love a brooding Fae MMC matched with a beautiful and brave FMC then pick up this book September 4th!
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July 10, 2025NEED
September 19, 2025
This story was an absolute Dark Gothic Romantasy delight! 🥀 It had that beauty and the beast vibe I’m obsessed with 🏰 paired with the deliciously dark & mysterious shadow daddy fae MMC, Keres. >>>>> Rosalin is a strong, intelligent, and feisty FMC who arrives to the sentient gatehouse after volunteering as tribute in her sister’s place to be sacrificed to the fae as part of a peace treaty.
>>>>> The two have WONDERFUL banter (and ALL OF THE YEARNINNNGGGG) as the mystery and feelings unfold. This book was truly hard to put down. I gasped, and teared up and yelled with excitement throughout the entire story. I HATEDDDDDDD the hag queen (in the best way). Such a well written villain. Trauma, loss, healing, grief, and self-worth were also explored in a beautiful way (but as always pls check trigger warnings)
Thank you SO MUCH to the author, Ciara Hartford, and R&R book tours for my free digital eARC. I loved this story and am so happy to share my review.
While this book was part of my “31 reads of halloween” list, it could be read and devoured ALL YEAR LONG 🤩
Rating: 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Read if you love:
• dark gothic romantasy
• dual POV
• shadow daddy
• cursed MMC
• sentient mansion
• forced proximity
• slow burn
• banter
• touch her/him and die
• creepy mural
>>>>> The two have WONDERFUL banter (and ALL OF THE YEARNINNNGGGG) as the mystery and feelings unfold. This book was truly hard to put down. I gasped, and teared up and yelled with excitement throughout the entire story. I HATEDDDDDDD the hag queen (in the best way). Such a well written villain. Trauma, loss, healing, grief, and self-worth were also explored in a beautiful way (but as always pls check trigger warnings)
Thank you SO MUCH to the author, Ciara Hartford, and R&R book tours for my free digital eARC. I loved this story and am so happy to share my review.
While this book was part of my “31 reads of halloween” list, it could be read and devoured ALL YEAR LONG 🤩
Rating: 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Read if you love:
• dark gothic romantasy
• dual POV
• shadow daddy
• cursed MMC
• sentient mansion
• forced proximity
• slow burn
• banter
• touch her/him and die
• creepy mural
July 4, 2025
ARC Review! I am so glad I got the opportunity to be on the ARC team for this book and I devoured it in 2 days (would have in 1 if I wasn’t working haha). This book drew me in from the first time I saw the cover reveal. I already pre-ordered the hardcover before I even got the arc and I’m so excited to have it for my shelf because I loveee the cover. Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC to read and review ☺️
I absolutely loved this story and especially love the MMC Keres. This was a really unique story compared to anything I have read so far. It had a vibe of suspense to it as the FMC adjusts to the fae world and her inquisitive nature constantly searching for answers to her questions. The magically creepy mansion was a fun aspect too. I appreciated that MMC was cocky but still emotionally vulnerable and that the FMC was also emotionally vulnerable. As someone in touch with their emotions, it irritates me when characters are avoidant about their emotions / use humor to hide them constantly / they have to be forced to discuss how they feel. I appreciated that there was a level of emotional softness between the main characters & that crying was mentioned casually and not tried to be hidden. I also loved the dual POV and getting both perspectives. Fantastic book.
As mentioned in the trigger warnings, there were some scenes that were difficult to read, so check the trigger warnings. The scenes did give background to the characters though and I appreciated that they were in only a piece of the book and not a large part of the plot on the page.
🚨Possible Spoilers Below 🚨
I confidently rate this 5 stars but I think the book or epilogue could have been a little longer to tie up the story more. Though the story clearly wraps up, I still was wondering about a few things including: the possibility more portals will be opened, justice/revenge for Bastion’s death, and human reaction to dark fae. I’m also a little confused that his hair is midnight blue in the story but on the cover it appear black, I think the hair on the cover could have had more a blue tone to it because I LOVE that he has blue hair in the story.
I absolutely loved this story and especially love the MMC Keres. This was a really unique story compared to anything I have read so far. It had a vibe of suspense to it as the FMC adjusts to the fae world and her inquisitive nature constantly searching for answers to her questions. The magically creepy mansion was a fun aspect too. I appreciated that MMC was cocky but still emotionally vulnerable and that the FMC was also emotionally vulnerable. As someone in touch with their emotions, it irritates me when characters are avoidant about their emotions / use humor to hide them constantly / they have to be forced to discuss how they feel. I appreciated that there was a level of emotional softness between the main characters & that crying was mentioned casually and not tried to be hidden. I also loved the dual POV and getting both perspectives. Fantastic book.
As mentioned in the trigger warnings, there were some scenes that were difficult to read, so check the trigger warnings. The scenes did give background to the characters though and I appreciated that they were in only a piece of the book and not a large part of the plot on the page.
🚨Possible Spoilers Below 🚨
I confidently rate this 5 stars but I think the book or epilogue could have been a little longer to tie up the story more. Though the story clearly wraps up, I still was wondering about a few things including: the possibility more portals will be opened, justice/revenge for Bastion’s death, and human reaction to dark fae. I’m also a little confused that his hair is midnight blue in the story but on the cover it appear black, I think the hair on the cover could have had more a blue tone to it because I LOVE that he has blue hair in the story.
March 13, 2025
I had the pleasure of beta reading this. Kere's is the Dark Fae you are supposed to fear, what happens if you realize he is not quite what he seems?
Grab the book to find out!
Grab the book to find out!
July 22, 2025
This was a human/Fae romantic fantasy novel done SO well.
Easy, descriptive prose. Characters to love...and hate...and a sentient house that plays a predominant role in the story. I always love a sentient house with a little attitude!
First...let's peep that cover! the artwork done by Ciara herself is stunning and really sets the stage for the story within.
Second...let's fall in love with both Rosalin and Keres as main characters. Both have trauma and history that colours their perception of the present situation. Both are keeping secrets. As those secrets start to unfold, the inevitable happens....they start to fall in love. The cold truth stares Keres in the face though...he must do what he's ordered to do, deliver Rosalin to the Hag Queen. Rosalin tries desperately to figure out a way out of the fate she volunteered for. Together they do what they must.
There is a darkness to this story, outside of the love our main characters share, so read the trigger warnings. There are a few scenes in the later half of the story that may trigger some.
My rating is 4.5 rounded for GR
Thank you to the author for this ARC to read and review. My thoughts are my own.
Easy, descriptive prose. Characters to love...and hate...and a sentient house that plays a predominant role in the story. I always love a sentient house with a little attitude!
First...let's peep that cover! the artwork done by Ciara herself is stunning and really sets the stage for the story within.
Second...let's fall in love with both Rosalin and Keres as main characters. Both have trauma and history that colours their perception of the present situation. Both are keeping secrets. As those secrets start to unfold, the inevitable happens....they start to fall in love. The cold truth stares Keres in the face though...he must do what he's ordered to do, deliver Rosalin to the Hag Queen. Rosalin tries desperately to figure out a way out of the fate she volunteered for. Together they do what they must.
There is a darkness to this story, outside of the love our main characters share, so read the trigger warnings. There are a few scenes in the later half of the story that may trigger some.
My rating is 4.5 rounded for GR
Thank you to the author for this ARC to read and review. My thoughts are my own.
October 14, 2025
Updated review- I keep thinking about this book and for that I believe it’s a 5 star read!
I really enjoyed this Dark Romantasy- think a dark Beauty & The Beast retelling, and the beast is a Dark Fae with shadow magic…
I really enjoyed this Dark Romantasy- think a dark Beauty & The Beast retelling, and the beast is a Dark Fae with shadow magic…
July 27, 2025
Amazing read!!! Read in 1 day and couldn't put it down!!!! Every page had details and every page had my heart racing in either anticipation, anger, frustration, giddiness or thrill.
When Rosalin finds herself taking her sister's place to have to upkeep the treaty between the humans and the Unseelie court of the Dark Fae, she finds herself at the Gatehouse.
The gatekeeper is a dark fae, Keres who is tasked to host the human maidens for 8 days, then escort them to Unseelie Court to the Hag Queen. On repeat every 5 years.
The magic between the Gatehouse, Rosalin and her questions and Keres and his restrains were absolutely mouthwatering and tantalizing. ✨️📚✨️
When Rosalin finds herself taking her sister's place to have to upkeep the treaty between the humans and the Unseelie court of the Dark Fae, she finds herself at the Gatehouse.
The gatekeeper is a dark fae, Keres who is tasked to host the human maidens for 8 days, then escort them to Unseelie Court to the Hag Queen. On repeat every 5 years.
The magic between the Gatehouse, Rosalin and her questions and Keres and his restrains were absolutely mouthwatering and tantalizing. ✨️📚✨️
September 3, 2025
A beautiful Romantasy brimming with mystery, tension, secrets, vulnerability, sacrifice and hope.
Rosalin trades her life for her sister's, and is taken to the realm of dark Fae. There she meets the gatekeeper, a mysterious Fae who evades her questions and tempts her desires. Her curiosity drives her to uncover what the mansion is hiding, and what her purpose is.
Keres is cursed and broken, he is forced to do his Queen's bidding and transport humans to her, but in 500 years, Rosalin is different and is the spark needed to erupt chaos.
It's a dark and emotional journey, with enemies to hate, a forbidden love to pine for, and a broody shadow daddy to adore.
Rosalin trades her life for her sister's, and is taken to the realm of dark Fae. There she meets the gatekeeper, a mysterious Fae who evades her questions and tempts her desires. Her curiosity drives her to uncover what the mansion is hiding, and what her purpose is.
Keres is cursed and broken, he is forced to do his Queen's bidding and transport humans to her, but in 500 years, Rosalin is different and is the spark needed to erupt chaos.
It's a dark and emotional journey, with enemies to hate, a forbidden love to pine for, and a broody shadow daddy to adore.
August 30, 2025
This just sucked me from the start and I could not stop reading it !!
Rosalin takes her sister’s place as a sacrifice to the Hah Queen because she is a widow and her sister has a full life ahead of her .
The gatekeeper has to keep Rosalin for 8 days before he takes her through the Portal to the Unseelie realm to deliver her to the Hag Queen. But something is different about Rosalin, is she the one to break his curse ?
Rosalin takes her sister’s place as a sacrifice to the Hah Queen because she is a widow and her sister has a full life ahead of her .
The gatekeeper has to keep Rosalin for 8 days before he takes her through the Portal to the Unseelie realm to deliver her to the Hag Queen. But something is different about Rosalin, is she the one to break his curse ?
August 31, 2025
3.5 I liked this story! The spice, the banter, and the slow burn!
As a standalone, I liked the ending but was hoping there would be more! There are so many things that need to be said 🤭
Check trigger warnings just in case.
- beauty and the beast vibes
- enemies to lovers
- dark fae / humans
- forbidden love
As a standalone, I liked the ending but was hoping there would be more! There are so many things that need to be said 🤭
Check trigger warnings just in case.
- beauty and the beast vibes
- enemies to lovers
- dark fae / humans
- forbidden love
July 8, 2025
Thank you Ciara for allowing me to be part of the ARC team! I love this cover!! I give Blackwarden 3.75 stars. The writing was good, and I really enjoyed the characters, especially Keres 🖤. I loved the overall vibe and the sentient Gatehouse. I'm a big Beauty & the Beast fan. The overall story and magic system left me wanting with some leads that were never followed up on. I would love to have seen some of these elements hashed out and taken farther. However this is a quick and easy read, especially for a fantasy!
July 8, 2025
It was a really interesting and cute romantasy that felt like a fantasy retelling of Snow White crossed Beauty and the Beast.
I loved the pacing and how quick and easy it was to read. I read it in one evening and thought it had a nice flow. Both characters are a little passive while their world takes them through their journey, but I quite liked it. I would have loved a little more character growth, but for being just this really fun instalust/love romance, it worked well.
The world building was perfection and actually had a few unique takes on portal fantasy/fae fantasy while still using a lot of the things we love about fae. It felt comfortable and had a cozy feel to it.
I also absolutely love sentient mansions, so that was a really fun aspect added in. We spent over 50% of the time in the mansion, and I adored those scenes.
The mmc was darling and the fmc a sweet woman. Their dialogue was also pretty cute.
All in all, a quick romantasy with some thrilling moments and some instant chemistry and adorable main characters.
4.5 stars
I loved the pacing and how quick and easy it was to read. I read it in one evening and thought it had a nice flow. Both characters are a little passive while their world takes them through their journey, but I quite liked it. I would have loved a little more character growth, but for being just this really fun instalust/love romance, it worked well.
The world building was perfection and actually had a few unique takes on portal fantasy/fae fantasy while still using a lot of the things we love about fae. It felt comfortable and had a cozy feel to it.
I also absolutely love sentient mansions, so that was a really fun aspect added in. We spent over 50% of the time in the mansion, and I adored those scenes.
The mmc was darling and the fmc a sweet woman. Their dialogue was also pretty cute.
All in all, a quick romantasy with some thrilling moments and some instant chemistry and adorable main characters.
4.5 stars
July 19, 2025
The first half of this book was very slow. Once it started to pick up and got more interesting in Rosaline trying to get her memory back, I couldn’t put it down! Some of the sexual content I didn’t not enjoy reading about containing the Hag Queens and her weird obsession regarding “entertainment.”
July 19, 2025
*ARC Review*
Thank you for the ARC. I really wanted to love this, but it was just ok. It had potential but it felt like it dragged on and in some parts it was just repetitive.
Thank you for the ARC. I really wanted to love this, but it was just ok. It had potential but it felt like it dragged on and in some parts it was just repetitive.
December 31, 2025
When Rosalin Greene’s younger sister is chosen as a sacrifice to the Dark Fae, Rosalin volunteers in her place without hesitation. She’s taken to a looming mansion steeped in magic and left under the watch of Keres, the enigmatic Gatekeeper tasked with delivering her to the Unseelie Court in eight days. Keres is everything she was taught to fear: ancient, terrifying, and undeniably beautiful, but he’s also clearly hiding something. As Rosalin awaits her fate, curiosity and defiance push her to uncover the truth behind the curse binding him, even as the clock runs out.
Blackwarden excels at building a tense, intimate atmosphere, anchored by two compelling leads. Rosalin and Keres are both well-developed characters, and their chemistry feels organic rather than forced. I especially appreciated how dark the story is willing to go; it doesn’t flinch from uncomfortable themes, and that commitment gives the emotional stakes real weight. The writing is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to picture both the setting and the subtle shifts in body language that define their relationship. The premise itself is strong, and for the most part, the execution lives up to it.
That said, while I generally liked that this was a standalone with a clear arc and resolution, the book’s two main settings felt uneven. One worked beautifully, while the other raised more questions than it answered and ultimately felt either underdeveloped or unnecessary. I found myself wishing that portion had been either trimmed down or expanded enough to fully explore its implications. Still, this didn’t outweigh what the book does well. Dark and emotionally charged, Blackwarden is a satisfying standalone that isn’t afraid to push boundaries—but readers should absolutely heed the content warnings before diving in.
4/5 A standalone dark fae romance that leaves a lasting mark.
Blackwarden excels at building a tense, intimate atmosphere, anchored by two compelling leads. Rosalin and Keres are both well-developed characters, and their chemistry feels organic rather than forced. I especially appreciated how dark the story is willing to go; it doesn’t flinch from uncomfortable themes, and that commitment gives the emotional stakes real weight. The writing is vivid and descriptive, making it easy to picture both the setting and the subtle shifts in body language that define their relationship. The premise itself is strong, and for the most part, the execution lives up to it.
That said, while I generally liked that this was a standalone with a clear arc and resolution, the book’s two main settings felt uneven. One worked beautifully, while the other raised more questions than it answered and ultimately felt either underdeveloped or unnecessary. I found myself wishing that portion had been either trimmed down or expanded enough to fully explore its implications. Still, this didn’t outweigh what the book does well. Dark and emotionally charged, Blackwarden is a satisfying standalone that isn’t afraid to push boundaries—but readers should absolutely heed the content warnings before diving in.
4/5 A standalone dark fae romance that leaves a lasting mark.
October 2, 2025
I was so very excited to have won a signed copy of Blackwarden !
Rosalin is an older FMC which I LOVE, she’s been married before and is confident in what she wants. It’s so refreshing to see an older character who’s got experience and can really think for herself. And of course we have an age gap with a 500(ish) year old Dark Fae.. who is delicious!! He’s been cursed to be the one to bring a young maiden to the Queen every 5 years.. she’s volunteered to be taken to the Unseelie court before the Queen in place of her sister…
Whilst staying in his gatehouse before the trip to the Unseelie Court they discover more about each other. And even through the memory loss of entering a Fae Court, they still find their way back to each other in a heart wrenching story!
There are scenes which are triggering, but there is a list of warning to read before you decide if this book is for you!
Discover a new magic system with shadows and mirrors, glamour and curses, and enter the Gatehouse! Looks aren’t everything, and a pretty face can be deceptive, in a world filled with magic, you have to keep your wits about you. And remember, and Apple is just and Apple…
I really enjoyed this read, and the characters were written beautifully!
Thank you so much again!! This will be a book I will cherish always 🤍
Rosalin is an older FMC which I LOVE, she’s been married before and is confident in what she wants. It’s so refreshing to see an older character who’s got experience and can really think for herself. And of course we have an age gap with a 500(ish) year old Dark Fae.. who is delicious!! He’s been cursed to be the one to bring a young maiden to the Queen every 5 years.. she’s volunteered to be taken to the Unseelie court before the Queen in place of her sister…
Whilst staying in his gatehouse before the trip to the Unseelie Court they discover more about each other. And even through the memory loss of entering a Fae Court, they still find their way back to each other in a heart wrenching story!
There are scenes which are triggering, but there is a list of warning to read before you decide if this book is for you!
Discover a new magic system with shadows and mirrors, glamour and curses, and enter the Gatehouse! Looks aren’t everything, and a pretty face can be deceptive, in a world filled with magic, you have to keep your wits about you. And remember, and Apple is just and Apple…
I really enjoyed this read, and the characters were written beautifully!
Thank you so much again!! This will be a book I will cherish always 🤍
July 11, 2025
I love, love, love this book. It was written well, great plot, amazing pacing. All that stuff is great. But beyond that.. Keres, the handsomely stunning Fae MMC is arrogant for the best reasons, and that arrogance leaves you wanting more of him right from the start. This whole review shouldn't be just about the MMC, but he is my new book boyfriend, and I love him. Rosalin, the FMC, is determined and strong-minded, maybe even a little hard-headed, and she's human. The forbidden love and yearning had me yearning myself, it was so well done. Through portals and realms, they are brought together for horrible reasons. Rosalin has no choice and Keres has a job to do. I highly recommend this book, I hope there is more to come! In the meantime, I am going to read Ciara's other series
July 12, 2025
A Dark Fae with a secret, and a human woman with too much of a curious mind come together in this romantasy. Rosalin was a strong FMC, who actually used her intelligence, and was noticed/adored for her inquisitive nature. That alone made it a five star read. Because we all know dumb blonde is an attractive feature for whatever reason.
The plot was tense and written beautifully. The way Ciara wrote her depictions of Keres (swoon) *hear me out* and the murals/portraits in the gatehouse were amazing. It was vivid without being long and drawn out. The gatehouse and Keres gave me a “howls moving castle” vibe and I ate that right up!
Do yourself a favor and dive headfirst into this novel without spoiling any specific details about the books plot, and enjoy!
The plot was tense and written beautifully. The way Ciara wrote her depictions of Keres (swoon) *hear me out* and the murals/portraits in the gatehouse were amazing. It was vivid without being long and drawn out. The gatehouse and Keres gave me a “howls moving castle” vibe and I ate that right up!
Do yourself a favor and dive headfirst into this novel without spoiling any specific details about the books plot, and enjoy!
July 7, 2025
First, I want to thank the author and publisher for giving me the opportunity to provide an ARC review!
We get to follow Rosalin Greene's journey where she volunteers as tribute in place of her sister to uphold the deal that the humans made with the Hag queen of the Unseelie Court to sacrifice a girl every 5 years in attempt to end war. Rosalin already loathes the dark fae due to prior experiences but then she meets the hottest dark fae that has ever been written into existence, Keres. At first she's very wary of Keres, but the more she gets to know him, her loathing turns into longing. As Keres gets to know Rosalin, the mental walls that he has built to protect himself slowly start to crumble.
This book is written in first person (my favorite) and has duo POV. I love that we get to see both main characters POV. I feel like this gives the reader the opportunity to have a deeper connection with the characters. I would rate this book at a 1.5-2 spice. The spice that this book contains was well written and I never found myself cringing due to wording, which has happened with other books. The pacing was also great. At no point was I bored and I was able to finish this book in less than 7 hours because I could not put it down.
I loved this book! It had everything I look for: dark fae, secretes, and romance. I would recommend this book to anyone who is into dark romantasy and is looking for a quick read.
Thank you again for the opportunity!!!
We get to follow Rosalin Greene's journey where she volunteers as tribute in place of her sister to uphold the deal that the humans made with the Hag queen of the Unseelie Court to sacrifice a girl every 5 years in attempt to end war. Rosalin already loathes the dark fae due to prior experiences but then she meets the hottest dark fae that has ever been written into existence, Keres. At first she's very wary of Keres, but the more she gets to know him, her loathing turns into longing. As Keres gets to know Rosalin, the mental walls that he has built to protect himself slowly start to crumble.
This book is written in first person (my favorite) and has duo POV. I love that we get to see both main characters POV. I feel like this gives the reader the opportunity to have a deeper connection with the characters. I would rate this book at a 1.5-2 spice. The spice that this book contains was well written and I never found myself cringing due to wording, which has happened with other books. The pacing was also great. At no point was I bored and I was able to finish this book in less than 7 hours because I could not put it down.
I loved this book! It had everything I look for: dark fae, secretes, and romance. I would recommend this book to anyone who is into dark romantasy and is looking for a quick read.
Thank you again for the opportunity!!!
Want to read
July 7, 2025This sounds amazing
July 3, 2025
Rosalin and Keres were freaking perfection!!! I need this in paperback ASAP. They went through so much that I wasn’t even prepared for! And oh my god sweet Keres that sweet man was 10/10. I thoroughly loved this arc read and ate this book up. It’s a quick read and was so easy to get through from start to finish.
September 15, 2025
I enjoyed this read! It was a bit slow at the beginning but picked up towards the end and had me invested! I give it three stars only because I felt there was a lack of character building, and I would’ve loved to know more about them. I would’ve liked a bit more world building as well, but it was a great amount for the length of the book.
August 31, 2025
Y’all. This book was everything! I thought I knew what to expect to happen by about the halfway mark of the book, but I was pleasantly surprised by the turn the story took instead.
Keres, Rosalin, and even the Gatehouse completely stole my heart in this one. I was so happy that we got both Keres’ and Rosalin’s POVs! I always love the to have the MMC’s POV, especially in a story like this where having it really does make a difference for your understanding of what’s really going on.
Rosalin’s courage and curiosity were admirable throughout the story, and I loved that she was an older FMC than we typically see in similar fantasy books. Keres had so many layers, and I loved watching Rosalin peel some of them back as the story progressed. Also, he’s a consent king who wields shadows. What more could you possibly want in a MMC? 🖤 And the Gatehouse - a sentient mansion - was the perfect mix of gothic and cozy, which I absolutely adored.
Their time spent in the Unseelie Court made my heart ache for both Rosalin and Keres, but they found a way through it together. By the time we see them in the Unseelie Court, I could not put this book down because I had to know what would happen next!
If you’re looking for a new standalone dark fantasy romance full of tension, yearning, and banter, then definitely don’t miss Blackwarden! Just be sure to check the content warnings first before starting this one to make sure this book is right for you.
Thank you so much to Ciara Hartford and QP Book Tours for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Keres, Rosalin, and even the Gatehouse completely stole my heart in this one. I was so happy that we got both Keres’ and Rosalin’s POVs! I always love the to have the MMC’s POV, especially in a story like this where having it really does make a difference for your understanding of what’s really going on.
Rosalin’s courage and curiosity were admirable throughout the story, and I loved that she was an older FMC than we typically see in similar fantasy books. Keres had so many layers, and I loved watching Rosalin peel some of them back as the story progressed. Also, he’s a consent king who wields shadows. What more could you possibly want in a MMC? 🖤 And the Gatehouse - a sentient mansion - was the perfect mix of gothic and cozy, which I absolutely adored.
Their time spent in the Unseelie Court made my heart ache for both Rosalin and Keres, but they found a way through it together. By the time we see them in the Unseelie Court, I could not put this book down because I had to know what would happen next!
If you’re looking for a new standalone dark fantasy romance full of tension, yearning, and banter, then definitely don’t miss Blackwarden! Just be sure to check the content warnings first before starting this one to make sure this book is right for you.
Thank you so much to Ciara Hartford and QP Book Tours for the opportunity to read this ARC!
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