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Through the Twisted Vines
Separated by time, and a sea, what might have been two happily ever afters were darkened by destiny.
Althea knows her truth now–or, at least she thinks she does. The only thing she is certain of as she voyages to her birthland is the steady presence of her unlikely ally, Adathan.
Otherwise, she is faced with doubt at every turn. In Ciaragen, and the secrets she keeps. In Atlas, as she balances a new distrust with her lingering affections. And in Emelina, the woman whose life Althea led as the human princess she thought she was.
Together, they journey from one continent to another, learning as much about themselves as they do about each other.
Meanwhile, Dion’s tormented past is brought to light. What did he endure for those twenty-one years separating his past from Althea’s present? Only one person knows. And he just happens to be on a ship headed to Eshelle.
Althea knows her truth now–or, at least she thinks she does. The only thing she is certain of as she voyages to her birthland is the steady presence of her unlikely ally, Adathan.
Otherwise, she is faced with doubt at every turn. In Ciaragen, and the secrets she keeps. In Atlas, as she balances a new distrust with her lingering affections. And in Emelina, the woman whose life Althea led as the human princess she thought she was.
Together, they journey from one continent to another, learning as much about themselves as they do about each other.
Meanwhile, Dion’s tormented past is brought to light. What did he endure for those twenty-one years separating his past from Althea’s present? Only one person knows. And he just happens to be on a ship headed to Eshelle.
- GenresRomantasy
684 pages, Hardcover
Published September 25, 2025
24 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
October 9, 2025
IBOF was an INCREDIBLE read & this was just as good!
Easily in my top 3 fav fantasy romance series ever. GIVE ME BOOK THREEE RIGHT MEOW.
Adathan.. you are HIM.
Easily in my top 3 fav fantasy romance series ever. GIVE ME BOOK THREEE RIGHT MEOW.
Adathan.. you are HIM.
September 24, 2025
Suing for emotional distress. You WILL be hearing from my lawyer, Jess Layne. HOW COULD YOUUU 😫😫😫
This was so beautiful! & heartbreaking! and also SPICY 😏 Adathan really be doing his thang in this one lmaoooo
Speaking of, I'm gonna tattoo I love Adathan Zale Evestre across my forehead I stg. Everything that comes out of that man's mouth is just so ughhh 🤌🏻 & he's the yearniest yearner to have ever yearned.
I. LOVE. HIM.
“I am not a knight in shining armor, Thea. Not a gallant lordling that might kiss your lips gently for a heartbeat, and call it enough. I am not good; I am Death with his scythe, and I would take from you whatever you gave me. And, if you give me this…I would never fucking let you go.”
“Your desire, love. I can scent it on you. And it’s driving me out of my fucking mind.”
All of the "side" characters too?? I'm so emotionally invested. I love them all.
Do yourself a favor and start In Beds of Flowers right neowww.
This was so beautiful! & heartbreaking! and also SPICY 😏 Adathan really be doing his thang in this one lmaoooo
Speaking of, I'm gonna tattoo I love Adathan Zale Evestre across my forehead I stg. Everything that comes out of that man's mouth is just so ughhh 🤌🏻 & he's the yearniest yearner to have ever yearned.
I. LOVE. HIM.
“I am not a knight in shining armor, Thea. Not a gallant lordling that might kiss your lips gently for a heartbeat, and call it enough. I am not good; I am Death with his scythe, and I would take from you whatever you gave me. And, if you give me this…I would never fucking let you go.”
“Your desire, love. I can scent it on you. And it’s driving me out of my fucking mind.”
All of the "side" characters too?? I'm so emotionally invested. I love them all.
Do yourself a favor and start In Beds of Flowers right neowww.
September 15, 2025
"Rage is easy. Sorrow is hard."
If you read In Beds of Flowers and thought "nothing can beat this", you're wrong. Through the Twisted Vines showed up and showed out. Jessica's prose continues to flourish as she provides all of the heart wrenching emotions, a seamless storyline that is compelling and complex, romance that has you begging for air, a twist that leaves you speechless, and a yearning so viscerally felt throughout. T3V did not suffer from "second book syndrome". It set the tone for what's coming in book 3.
Picking up where we left off in book 1, we are thrown onto the boat of discoveries as we journey to Eshelle. Pasts and truths are spilled, while Althea is warring with when and who to forgive- not only herself, but those she felt should've been honest with her from the beginning. Being the only person who understands her wholly, Adathan remains a constant and is who Thea leans on the most. Not only do we get to see their friendship blossom, we get to experience the most stunning romance. Every moment, every touch, and every emotion is earned. The pacing was so carefully nourished and organic to both Thea and Adathan. I couldn't get enough of them!
I don't know how Jessica does it, but she has a way of making you love all of her characters. The story doesn't exist without them either! Dion's tragic POV intercepts with the current timeline. I won't lie to you- it had to be one of the most heartbreaking POV's to be in, but valuable. His constant drive to get back his happiness and his soul aching tether to his love, Ciaragen- was what gave him the strength to fight longer despite the consequences. While Adathan is Althea's most trusted confidant, she learns to let in someone new. Lina becomes fast friends with Thea. Her honesty and loyalty broke down solid walls Thea had built. Her character development, while new, is one of my favorites and I'm eager to see how the events in book 2 shape her futher.
Jessica's style of writing and emotional conviction is unparalleled. Thank you so much for allowing me the pleasure to beta read for you and for setting the standard. One of my favorites of 2025.
If you read In Beds of Flowers and thought "nothing can beat this", you're wrong. Through the Twisted Vines showed up and showed out. Jessica's prose continues to flourish as she provides all of the heart wrenching emotions, a seamless storyline that is compelling and complex, romance that has you begging for air, a twist that leaves you speechless, and a yearning so viscerally felt throughout. T3V did not suffer from "second book syndrome". It set the tone for what's coming in book 3.
Picking up where we left off in book 1, we are thrown onto the boat of discoveries as we journey to Eshelle. Pasts and truths are spilled, while Althea is warring with when and who to forgive- not only herself, but those she felt should've been honest with her from the beginning. Being the only person who understands her wholly, Adathan remains a constant and is who Thea leans on the most. Not only do we get to see their friendship blossom, we get to experience the most stunning romance. Every moment, every touch, and every emotion is earned. The pacing was so carefully nourished and organic to both Thea and Adathan. I couldn't get enough of them!
I don't know how Jessica does it, but she has a way of making you love all of her characters. The story doesn't exist without them either! Dion's tragic POV intercepts with the current timeline. I won't lie to you- it had to be one of the most heartbreaking POV's to be in, but valuable. His constant drive to get back his happiness and his soul aching tether to his love, Ciaragen- was what gave him the strength to fight longer despite the consequences. While Adathan is Althea's most trusted confidant, she learns to let in someone new. Lina becomes fast friends with Thea. Her honesty and loyalty broke down solid walls Thea had built. Her character development, while new, is one of my favorites and I'm eager to see how the events in book 2 shape her futher.
Jessica's style of writing and emotional conviction is unparalleled. Thank you so much for allowing me the pleasure to beta read for you and for setting the standard. One of my favorites of 2025.
August 26, 2025
So grateful to have this as my first ARC experience! How many stars would I give to T3V? The limit does not exist. My bff Whitney recommend IBOF and thank goodness I was able to get an ARC for this book, because I could not put this series down. I love Althea’s growth especially, but the development across multiple characters was amazing. Excited we got some more world building and more insight into the magic of this world. I am in desperate need of book 3, this book hangover is Onyx Storm level. I’ve said it before- I don’t know why more people aren’t talking about this series yet- this is a MUST READ.
August 23, 2025
I received an advance reader copy for this book and was able to finish it early. This series is, without a doubt, a top tier Romantasy series. The character development, plot, story arcs, symbolism, and romance are unmatched. I thought In Beds of Flowers was a work of art, and I couldn’t imagine how Through the Twisted Vines could compare. But Jess Layne is an author in a class of her own pedigree. I am begging EVERYONE I know to read this series. I’m foaming at the mouth for book #3 to drop. I’m leaving this review spoiler-free since it hasn’t released yet, but I can’t wait to discuss with anyone and everyone who will listen to me yap about my love for these characters and their stories. I wish I could give this book 10 stars!
October 1, 2025
Do you like strong badass women? Spice? The yummiest slow burn?
This is the series for you! T3V picks up where book 1 leaves off (In Beds of Flowers) so I recommend reading that first for best story enjoyment.
T3V is so addicting, I couldn't stop reading it! The yearning, the banter, the romance, multiple POVs and the plot twists.
THE BETRAYAL *Silently Screams* she's a thick book but I enjoyed every moment of it (even when I cried.) Some chapters still live rent free in my head.
Add to your TBR if you like:
* Found Family
*He Falls First
*Who did this to you?
*Fated Mates
*Shadow Mommy
*Forced Proximity
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. I cannot wait for book 3!
This is the series for you! T3V picks up where book 1 leaves off (In Beds of Flowers) so I recommend reading that first for best story enjoyment.
T3V is so addicting, I couldn't stop reading it! The yearning, the banter, the romance, multiple POVs and the plot twists.
THE BETRAYAL *Silently Screams* she's a thick book but I enjoyed every moment of it (even when I cried.) Some chapters still live rent free in my head.
Add to your TBR if you like:
* Found Family
*He Falls First
*Who did this to you?
*Fated Mates
*Shadow Mommy
*Forced Proximity
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book. I cannot wait for book 3!
September 17, 2025
This is the second book in The Canviant Trilogy. I was excited to read this one, especially how book 1 ended.
I knew I was going to find out more about our characters but I wasn’t expecting to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster.
First, Adathan completely grew on me! His patience and loyalty had me feral and instantly protective over him (he can do no wrong). And then Dion… reading his chapters were truly hard. This is the part of the book where I recommend to check the trigger warnings because my heart broke for him.
By the end, I was destroyed. The emotional damage is real, and then Jess hit us with that ending?! Like, excuse me, how am I supposed to wait for book three?!
I seriously love every single character in this series. They’re all so layered, and Jess’s writing just pulls you in. It’s been a long time since a series has made me feel this much. The diversity, the depth, the fierce FMC, it’s everything. I’m beyond excited (and low-key desperate) for the finale!
Thank you Jess for letting me be part of your ARC team! I’m obsessed with your writing and I can’t wait for the final book!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I knew I was going to find out more about our characters but I wasn’t expecting to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster.
First, Adathan completely grew on me! His patience and loyalty had me feral and instantly protective over him (he can do no wrong). And then Dion… reading his chapters were truly hard. This is the part of the book where I recommend to check the trigger warnings because my heart broke for him.
By the end, I was destroyed. The emotional damage is real, and then Jess hit us with that ending?! Like, excuse me, how am I supposed to wait for book three?!
I seriously love every single character in this series. They’re all so layered, and Jess’s writing just pulls you in. It’s been a long time since a series has made me feel this much. The diversity, the depth, the fierce FMC, it’s everything. I’m beyond excited (and low-key desperate) for the finale!
Thank you Jess for letting me be part of your ARC team! I’m obsessed with your writing and I can’t wait for the final book!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
September 22, 2025
“we compose and write and create. we are poems brought to life.”
where do i even start with this book? how do i adequately express how undeniably perfect this story is? i don’t think i have the words to, but i’m going to try regardless. strap tf in y’all.
this is easily the best book i have ever read. jess’ writing is impeccable and heart wrenchingly beautiful. it’s real and raw and vulnerable. the shining star of this series has been and remains the characters and the space created to let them feel their emotions. they are not made to look weak or lesser than or wrong for what they feel. the characters are given the space to FEEL no matter what. emotions do not make us weak. or flawed. they are the backbone of what makes us human, of what brings us together. you feel the emotions through each page. you laugh with them, you love with them, you grieve with them.
now let’s get into some specifics. let me first talk about thea. sweet, powerful, incredible thea. the way she handles everything that is thrown at her, the way she reshapes and molds herself into the person she’s becoming. the way she lets herself be emotional, lets herself grieve and love and hope and mourn. ugh i could go on forever about our incredible althea.
and ADATHAN. dear god can that boy yearn. every single pov of his left my heart wringing itself out. i have never read a pov before that is filled with such never ending devotion and longing. he doesn’t believe that he deserves thea, and that makes him that more desperate to devote himself to her. that boy invented yearning.
some of the most devastating chapters to read were the ones in dion’s pov. dion, my sweet, wretched, traumatized dion. i don’t even know how to explain how much i love him. how much i want to wrap him up in a blanket and feed him soup. his grief, his numbness, his self loathing. they all pour out of each page and sink into you like daggers to the heart. the only thing that keeps him going is the love of his people, his court, his mate.
i could talk all day about every single character (clearly). the “side” characters never feel like side characters. they are integral to the story. to the plot, yes. but also the interpersonal connections that weave throughout. i want to particularly shout out sione, the nonbinary winged faerie. as someone who is nonbinary themselves, it made me feel a little brighter, a little softer, seeing a character like me who was strong, and funny, and unapologetically themselves. the way this world is not only queer friendly but queer normative, as if there’s never been any question of its rightness, cracks me open.
this is not just a fantasy book (although don’t get me wrong, the fantasy and world building in this is top tier). this is a story built on the vulnerability of us all, the emotions and experiences that shape and create us. from joy to grief to yearning to an unending devotion to the feeling of absolute darkness. simply put, this is a story about love in all its forms.
where do i even start with this book? how do i adequately express how undeniably perfect this story is? i don’t think i have the words to, but i’m going to try regardless. strap tf in y’all.
this is easily the best book i have ever read. jess’ writing is impeccable and heart wrenchingly beautiful. it’s real and raw and vulnerable. the shining star of this series has been and remains the characters and the space created to let them feel their emotions. they are not made to look weak or lesser than or wrong for what they feel. the characters are given the space to FEEL no matter what. emotions do not make us weak. or flawed. they are the backbone of what makes us human, of what brings us together. you feel the emotions through each page. you laugh with them, you love with them, you grieve with them.
now let’s get into some specifics. let me first talk about thea. sweet, powerful, incredible thea. the way she handles everything that is thrown at her, the way she reshapes and molds herself into the person she’s becoming. the way she lets herself be emotional, lets herself grieve and love and hope and mourn. ugh i could go on forever about our incredible althea.
and ADATHAN. dear god can that boy yearn. every single pov of his left my heart wringing itself out. i have never read a pov before that is filled with such never ending devotion and longing. he doesn’t believe that he deserves thea, and that makes him that more desperate to devote himself to her. that boy invented yearning.
some of the most devastating chapters to read were the ones in dion’s pov. dion, my sweet, wretched, traumatized dion. i don’t even know how to explain how much i love him. how much i want to wrap him up in a blanket and feed him soup. his grief, his numbness, his self loathing. they all pour out of each page and sink into you like daggers to the heart. the only thing that keeps him going is the love of his people, his court, his mate.
i could talk all day about every single character (clearly). the “side” characters never feel like side characters. they are integral to the story. to the plot, yes. but also the interpersonal connections that weave throughout. i want to particularly shout out sione, the nonbinary winged faerie. as someone who is nonbinary themselves, it made me feel a little brighter, a little softer, seeing a character like me who was strong, and funny, and unapologetically themselves. the way this world is not only queer friendly but queer normative, as if there’s never been any question of its rightness, cracks me open.
this is not just a fantasy book (although don’t get me wrong, the fantasy and world building in this is top tier). this is a story built on the vulnerability of us all, the emotions and experiences that shape and create us. from joy to grief to yearning to an unending devotion to the feeling of absolute darkness. simply put, this is a story about love in all its forms.
September 23, 2025
Through the Twisted Vines is a hauntingly beautiful story that tears you apart and pieces you back together. It made me laugh, cry, it had me shouting into my pillow, and it left me shaken to my core. At its heart, it’s a story about discovering light within darkness, resilience within grief, and love hidden behind the walls of hate.
What I loved most about Through the Twisted Vines (T3V) was the unwavering support Althea received from her found family. After so much loss and heartbreak, she discovers strength and joy in their presence; silence when she craves it, a steady hand when she needs it, and unconditional love as she battles her grief. It was beautiful to witness just how deeply she was cared for. Like in IBOF, we once again experience multiple POVs from both beloved and new characters. Each perspective enriched the story, offering unique insight into the hearts and minds of those around Althea. I especially loved stepping into Lina and Adathan’s viewpoints. Adathan with his quiet devotion and unspoken love, and Lina with her sharp wit and longing to be truly seen.
Additionally, the twists and turns drive the story forward and keep us on the edge of our seats. I was constantly torn between turning the pages to see what would happen next and wanting to slow down and savor every word. I didn’t want it to end, but knowing book three is on the horizon makes the wait more than worth it.
Huge congratulations to Jess! Just when I thought this series couldn’t possibly get any better, it did. I feel so lucky to have experienced this story as a Beta reader, and I cannot wait to hold the physical copy in my hands so I can 1) marvel at its beauty and 2) shed happy tears because I’m beyond proud of Jess. I’m so excited (and nervous) to see what comes next! Can’t wait for book 3!
What I loved most about Through the Twisted Vines (T3V) was the unwavering support Althea received from her found family. After so much loss and heartbreak, she discovers strength and joy in their presence; silence when she craves it, a steady hand when she needs it, and unconditional love as she battles her grief. It was beautiful to witness just how deeply she was cared for. Like in IBOF, we once again experience multiple POVs from both beloved and new characters. Each perspective enriched the story, offering unique insight into the hearts and minds of those around Althea. I especially loved stepping into Lina and Adathan’s viewpoints. Adathan with his quiet devotion and unspoken love, and Lina with her sharp wit and longing to be truly seen.
Additionally, the twists and turns drive the story forward and keep us on the edge of our seats. I was constantly torn between turning the pages to see what would happen next and wanting to slow down and savor every word. I didn’t want it to end, but knowing book three is on the horizon makes the wait more than worth it.
Huge congratulations to Jess! Just when I thought this series couldn’t possibly get any better, it did. I feel so lucky to have experienced this story as a Beta reader, and I cannot wait to hold the physical copy in my hands so I can 1) marvel at its beauty and 2) shed happy tears because I’m beyond proud of Jess. I’m so excited (and nervous) to see what comes next! Can’t wait for book 3!
September 29, 2025
I loved :
- ADATHAN (greenest flag man I've ever seen)
- The political schemes (even if I'd like to see them a little more explained)
- The at least 6 POV : each character give a new light on the past and future events
- The psychological development of the characters (mainly Althéa and Adathan)
- The relationship between Althéa and Adathan : their feelings, how they were born and how they grow, all of that is fluid and so good to read.
However, I feel that there was too much spice, especially in the ~200 last pages : it seems to me that they weren't as important as the other spice scenes, and I felt like they were weighting the story down a little. I'd preferred more action scenes instead, for example, but that's just my thought !
- ADATHAN (greenest flag man I've ever seen)
- The political schemes (even if I'd like to see them a little more explained)
- The at least 6 POV : each character give a new light on the past and future events
- The psychological development of the characters (mainly Althéa and Adathan)
- The relationship between Althéa and Adathan : their feelings, how they were born and how they grow, all of that is fluid and so good to read.
However, I feel that there was too much spice, especially in the ~200 last pages : it seems to me that they weren't as important as the other spice scenes, and I felt like they were weighting the story down a little. I'd preferred more action scenes instead, for example, but that's just my thought !
October 21, 2025
Maybe 3.5- dragged a bit at times but excited to see where things go in book 3!!
October 14, 2025
This book was so good. Loved the twists and turns. Heart wrenching at times and the right amount of smut. I hate that it was left on a cliffhanger and I have no idea when book 3 will be out!
August 21, 2025
⭐️ 4.5
"Until then, until you permit me to leave this world, I will love you with everything I have, and everything I am. I will love you, Thea, until the heart you created stops beating from natural causes, in a millennium, and centuries more. And when my soul is a forgotten wind over the barrens of the Void, even the gods-damned sound it makes will be your name."
This story has me in a chokehold and I fear I will not recover until I get the resolution, and even then is questionable. I am deeply, truly, and irrevocably in love with these characters.
Once again we get dual POV’s and timelines but in a less competitive way than were in the first book. The second timeline with Dion leading up to merge with the rest of the groups present timeline comes in much shorter chapters and fewer switches this time, but they are not any less of an impact.
The character development and relationship building is incredible to watch as they all adapt and become this family. I love the additions of Lina, Tali, Sione and Javi and all of their own storylines keep you just as invested in them.
Thank the GODS we get all the spiciness in this book 🥵 Adathan …. What a male. I think there’s never been a more perfect one written. He has my whole heart. Althea deserves absolutely nothing less. Adathan and Althea are just … incredible together. Their devotion, patience, understanding for one another is heart warming.
However ….. I am BEGGING for whatever this residual tension with Atlas to NOT turn into some 3 way thing. It just doesn’t seem the right progression for how utterly devoted to each other A&A are. Althea MADE HER CHOICE and I would hate to watch her backtrack on it. I hope Atlas finds his happiness elsewhere by the end of the final book but when it comes down to it, Althea chose Adathan, and Atlas deserves to be someone’s first choice as well. This shouldn’t be a “why choose” couple and I really fear that’s what it’ll end up being. This is really what kept this book from being 5 stars for me because every time something with this happened I cringed.
There are once again some (but fewer) twist, turns and reveals that make you have a jaw drop reaction. The action is perfectly mixed in with the romance and character storylines.
The cliffhanger at the end is torture. It’s brilliant, but it’s torture. I really cannot wait for the final book and am so thankful to the author for this eARC !! I will be here devoted until the end.
Tropes:
- Found family
- Fae and Magic
- Stabby female
- Touch her and die
- Mates
- “F*ck it” moment
- Praise kink
Favorite Quotes:
- "Hit me, cut me, kill me, love. I won't stop you."
- "The breath you take after you're no longer in pain," softly comes Adathan's voice from across the table. "The taste of peace after agony; fresh, and warm."
- "For the first time, I'd looked into your eyes. And I was yours. I was happy for you to kill me then, because it was enough. To have loved you and to have been yours, even if you would never be mine. It was enough, because you should never be tied to someone like me.
- "I love you, Thea." A kiss to the apex of my cheekbone. "Deeply." Another to the corner of my jaw. "Truly." Open lips travel across my jawline. "Irrevocably."
- If it was self-ish, I will wear that description proudly. If it was cruel to take that end from you, as I had from him, then cruelty is my badge of honor. Because I could not live in a world where you don't exist, Thea, and wouldn't want to even if I could. And maybe me living isn't something that matters, but until the gods-damned Void takes me, I will make sure that your life-the beautiful thing that is your fucking existence-goes on."
- "I'm not usually one to give up control, love," he growls against my lips. "So understand that if you use me right now, I will let you. But when you let me put my fingers and tongue on you, when you take my cock, I'll make it so you'll never wish to come again unless I'm the one making you do it."
- "Give me those eyes, love," he orders, and I do, not having realized I'd closed them again. "Gods, you'll have me on my knees just for those eyes. Worshipping at your fucking feet like the goddess you are for even a glimpse of them."
- The gods might hear me call out for him, yet I don't care. My god kneels between my legs, and his name is the one I pray to.
- "Althea Maria Cardenia, you are the love of my existence. You have more power over me than you know.
- "No, you are not. You are my male. My love. My Death."
- "Ciaragen told me what a mate was last week, and I knew right away that you are mine. I was a coward to not admit to it, holding onto the human sort of love that was all I'd known before. But I don't want to love you with limitations, Adan. I want to love you completely, in every way my heart and soul are capable of. I'm sorry I let you be alone in it for longer than you had been already. If you'll have me...it would be my greatest joy to be your mate."
- "You are mine, Thea. My every thought, my very heartbeat. My reason for existence. My mate."
- "This is us, my Thea. Bonded: heart, body, soul, and mind. Right now, it's more potent, because it's new. It's harder to separate my feelings from yours, your thoughts from mine. But, already, I can hear your voice in them. Feel your heart in them. And, of course, we can learn how to mute it. You're entitled to your privacy, and I don't want you to-"
- "Let this be the only time I interrupt you, love, and with good reason. You claiming me, under your rule, nearly had me forgoing all sense and taking you from there so that I could sit you on my face and show you just how well I plan to serve you. As a matter of fact," he twists me around, and one hand finds the small of my back, the other my face, his thumb hitching on my bottom lip. "Take your trousers off, or they'll be a scrap of fabric on the floor if I have to do it myself."
- "Thea, calling you my mate and my wife will be the greatest privilege I could ever know."
- "Until then, until you permit me to leave this world, I will love you with everything I have, and everything I am. I will love you, Thea, until the heart you created stops beating from natural causes, in a millennium, and centuries more. And when my soul is a forgotten wind over the barrens of the Void, even the gods-damned sound it makes will be your name."
"Until then, until you permit me to leave this world, I will love you with everything I have, and everything I am. I will love you, Thea, until the heart you created stops beating from natural causes, in a millennium, and centuries more. And when my soul is a forgotten wind over the barrens of the Void, even the gods-damned sound it makes will be your name."
This story has me in a chokehold and I fear I will not recover until I get the resolution, and even then is questionable. I am deeply, truly, and irrevocably in love with these characters.
Once again we get dual POV’s and timelines but in a less competitive way than were in the first book. The second timeline with Dion leading up to merge with the rest of the groups present timeline comes in much shorter chapters and fewer switches this time, but they are not any less of an impact.
The character development and relationship building is incredible to watch as they all adapt and become this family. I love the additions of Lina, Tali, Sione and Javi and all of their own storylines keep you just as invested in them.
Thank the GODS we get all the spiciness in this book 🥵 Adathan …. What a male. I think there’s never been a more perfect one written. He has my whole heart. Althea deserves absolutely nothing less. Adathan and Althea are just … incredible together. Their devotion, patience, understanding for one another is heart warming.
However ….. I am BEGGING for whatever this residual tension with Atlas to NOT turn into some 3 way thing. It just doesn’t seem the right progression for how utterly devoted to each other A&A are. Althea MADE HER CHOICE and I would hate to watch her backtrack on it. I hope Atlas finds his happiness elsewhere by the end of the final book but when it comes down to it, Althea chose Adathan, and Atlas deserves to be someone’s first choice as well. This shouldn’t be a “why choose” couple and I really fear that’s what it’ll end up being. This is really what kept this book from being 5 stars for me because every time something with this happened I cringed.
There are once again some (but fewer) twist, turns and reveals that make you have a jaw drop reaction. The action is perfectly mixed in with the romance and character storylines.
The cliffhanger at the end is torture. It’s brilliant, but it’s torture. I really cannot wait for the final book and am so thankful to the author for this eARC !! I will be here devoted until the end.
Tropes:
- Found family
- Fae and Magic
- Stabby female
- Touch her and die
- Mates
- “F*ck it” moment
- Praise kink
Favorite Quotes:
- "Hit me, cut me, kill me, love. I won't stop you."
- "The breath you take after you're no longer in pain," softly comes Adathan's voice from across the table. "The taste of peace after agony; fresh, and warm."
- "For the first time, I'd looked into your eyes. And I was yours. I was happy for you to kill me then, because it was enough. To have loved you and to have been yours, even if you would never be mine. It was enough, because you should never be tied to someone like me.
- "I love you, Thea." A kiss to the apex of my cheekbone. "Deeply." Another to the corner of my jaw. "Truly." Open lips travel across my jawline. "Irrevocably."
- If it was self-ish, I will wear that description proudly. If it was cruel to take that end from you, as I had from him, then cruelty is my badge of honor. Because I could not live in a world where you don't exist, Thea, and wouldn't want to even if I could. And maybe me living isn't something that matters, but until the gods-damned Void takes me, I will make sure that your life-the beautiful thing that is your fucking existence-goes on."
- "I'm not usually one to give up control, love," he growls against my lips. "So understand that if you use me right now, I will let you. But when you let me put my fingers and tongue on you, when you take my cock, I'll make it so you'll never wish to come again unless I'm the one making you do it."
- "Give me those eyes, love," he orders, and I do, not having realized I'd closed them again. "Gods, you'll have me on my knees just for those eyes. Worshipping at your fucking feet like the goddess you are for even a glimpse of them."
- The gods might hear me call out for him, yet I don't care. My god kneels between my legs, and his name is the one I pray to.
- "Althea Maria Cardenia, you are the love of my existence. You have more power over me than you know.
- "No, you are not. You are my male. My love. My Death."
- "Ciaragen told me what a mate was last week, and I knew right away that you are mine. I was a coward to not admit to it, holding onto the human sort of love that was all I'd known before. But I don't want to love you with limitations, Adan. I want to love you completely, in every way my heart and soul are capable of. I'm sorry I let you be alone in it for longer than you had been already. If you'll have me...it would be my greatest joy to be your mate."
- "You are mine, Thea. My every thought, my very heartbeat. My reason for existence. My mate."
- "This is us, my Thea. Bonded: heart, body, soul, and mind. Right now, it's more potent, because it's new. It's harder to separate my feelings from yours, your thoughts from mine. But, already, I can hear your voice in them. Feel your heart in them. And, of course, we can learn how to mute it. You're entitled to your privacy, and I don't want you to-"
- "Let this be the only time I interrupt you, love, and with good reason. You claiming me, under your rule, nearly had me forgoing all sense and taking you from there so that I could sit you on my face and show you just how well I plan to serve you. As a matter of fact," he twists me around, and one hand finds the small of my back, the other my face, his thumb hitching on my bottom lip. "Take your trousers off, or they'll be a scrap of fabric on the floor if I have to do it myself."
- "Thea, calling you my mate and my wife will be the greatest privilege I could ever know."
- "Until then, until you permit me to leave this world, I will love you with everything I have, and everything I am. I will love you, Thea, until the heart you created stops beating from natural causes, in a millennium, and centuries more. And when my soul is a forgotten wind over the barrens of the Void, even the gods-damned sound it makes will be your name."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2025
Jess Layne DOES IT AGAIN. The second novel in her trilogy is yet another masterpiece and has stolen my heart. I had said in my review of the first book, In Beds of Flowers (IBOF), that I anticipated it to be my favorite read of 2025, but I have to say that Through the Twisted Vines (T3V) somehow surpasses and will undoubtedly be my actual favorite read of 2025!
This book is for you if you are a fan of: Fae, human mages, enemies to lovers, found family, tension and yearning, slow burn, fated mates, and multi-POV.
Like IBOF, T3V focuses heavily on the character’s feelings, experiences, and motives to drive the plot. The author fully immerses you in their individual minds so you really get an understanding of who each of the characters are and why they do what they do. It is truly amazing that one author can write the perspective of so many characters and each of them still has their own unique voice.
Jess brings us new characters in the form of a found family for Thea and my heart is just so full thinking about them. Thea is navigating grief, heartbreak, and betrayal and her new family is with her every step of the way. And Emelina is absolutely my new bestie. She brings the fun, the sass, the sarcasm, and a lightness that the book really needs.
The romance in IBOF was great, but the romance in T3V? TOP TIER. The tension and yearning is absolute perfection. Every hand flex or lingering eye had me locked in and ready to read all night long. The love is just so pure and also unrestrained in the best way possible. Jess knows how to write a MAN and that man knows how to please a woman.
This book took me through every roller coaster of emotions - happiness, sadness, heartbreak, lust, grief, hope. I cannot even begin to convey how masterful Jess is as a writer. To feel so wholly enveloped in a world and have every character and action feel so real is inspiring and breath-taking.
Through the Twisted Vines will be released on September 25. Thank you, Jess, for having me as your ARC reader!
This book is for you if you are a fan of: Fae, human mages, enemies to lovers, found family, tension and yearning, slow burn, fated mates, and multi-POV.
Like IBOF, T3V focuses heavily on the character’s feelings, experiences, and motives to drive the plot. The author fully immerses you in their individual minds so you really get an understanding of who each of the characters are and why they do what they do. It is truly amazing that one author can write the perspective of so many characters and each of them still has their own unique voice.
Jess brings us new characters in the form of a found family for Thea and my heart is just so full thinking about them. Thea is navigating grief, heartbreak, and betrayal and her new family is with her every step of the way. And Emelina is absolutely my new bestie. She brings the fun, the sass, the sarcasm, and a lightness that the book really needs.
The romance in IBOF was great, but the romance in T3V? TOP TIER. The tension and yearning is absolute perfection. Every hand flex or lingering eye had me locked in and ready to read all night long. The love is just so pure and also unrestrained in the best way possible. Jess knows how to write a MAN and that man knows how to please a woman.
This book took me through every roller coaster of emotions - happiness, sadness, heartbreak, lust, grief, hope. I cannot even begin to convey how masterful Jess is as a writer. To feel so wholly enveloped in a world and have every character and action feel so real is inspiring and breath-taking.
Through the Twisted Vines will be released on September 25. Thank you, Jess, for having me as your ARC reader!
September 29, 2025
4.5⭐️ This was one of my most anticipated books this year after reading the 1st. This was a 6⭐️ book up until about 85% in. So the positives: I adored Adathan and Althea's love story. I enjoy meeting Li and getting to know her and the other side characters, like Sione. I was cheering on Dion and hoping for him to be reunited with Ciara. The story and characters were perfect in my mind until 85% in. But then things took a weird turn for me. I will type it so there are no spoilers but stop if you don't want to read it.
An event happened, which upset person A so badly they have basically said they will never forgive person B for as long as they live and will always live with anger towards them. I see the act of person B as heroic and brave while person A saw it as a complete betrayal. I feel the words and actions of person A after this event seemed out of character for them and was confused by how they were acting. It seemed very childish to me and kind of selfish of person A since I saw the act of person B as selfless.
Then you'll know when you come to this other complaint of mine after this event regarding mates. I will not say who is hinted to be mated. If it happens the way it is being hinted, though, I will be disappointed as it doesn't seem to fit the first 90% of the book. This seemed to come out of left field for me and didn't see it coming. To me it just doesn't fit in the storyline and feels like it is being added just because, not because it makes sense to who the characters are. It will ruin one of my favorite storylines so far in the book if it happens. Maybe if it happens it'll be written in such a way that it will eventually make sense and seem natural. But as of right now, I don't like it.
Ok there, it probably seems like I didn't like this book because of my 2 long paragraph complaints. But I still love this series and will be open to see where the story goes from here.
An event happened, which upset person A so badly they have basically said they will never forgive person B for as long as they live and will always live with anger towards them. I see the act of person B as heroic and brave while person A saw it as a complete betrayal. I feel the words and actions of person A after this event seemed out of character for them and was confused by how they were acting. It seemed very childish to me and kind of selfish of person A since I saw the act of person B as selfless.
Then you'll know when you come to this other complaint of mine after this event regarding mates. I will not say who is hinted to be mated. If it happens the way it is being hinted, though, I will be disappointed as it doesn't seem to fit the first 90% of the book. This seemed to come out of left field for me and didn't see it coming. To me it just doesn't fit in the storyline and feels like it is being added just because, not because it makes sense to who the characters are. It will ruin one of my favorite storylines so far in the book if it happens. Maybe if it happens it'll be written in such a way that it will eventually make sense and seem natural. But as of right now, I don't like it.
Ok there, it probably seems like I didn't like this book because of my 2 long paragraph complaints. But I still love this series and will be open to see where the story goes from here.
August 24, 2025
I have to start off by saying thank you, for allowing me to be apart of something special! This was book was definitely a roller coaster of emotions. Like Thea, I went through the 5 stages of grief! IBOF was so so good and set up T3V beautifully. I really enjoyed reading Thea grow into her powers and own everything about herself and taking what she wanted😭 I loved that she finally took the leap and gave into the tension 🫣 also, finding her made family and friends that were her (quite literally!!) ride or dies. A scene that will live in my heart is when she allows herself and Hiela heal a little bit by allowing that tender moment where she lays on her lap, it made my heart melt and I sobbed for like the millionth time lol. I loved how beautiful it was written and like IBOF I was able to get in this beautiful world of colors and sights and how everything was explained so well that it left like I was there watching everything unfold. The spicy scenes were 1000/10 and had me yelling into pillows and probably making me look a little crazy at the parent pick up line after school but it was so worth it.. I am beyond excited for what the future holds with this marvelous tale. I can’t wait! ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
This picks up exactly where book 1 left us … and if you haven’t read book 1 you absolutely need to, so you can gain all the knowledge that led to this moment! More characters are introduced and NOTHING is as it was or how it seemed!!!!!
Thea- WTF am I and why is this all happening now? No man actually needs their balls to get it up right? I must become stronger faster and hit harder to take down Olin! But I need to meet my actual birth parents who are < redacted > WHAT am I actually
Emelina - well hey there I was supposed to be YOU, so you wanna be friends? I love you and want to always see you succeed as everything you were meant to be!!
Ciaragan- would everyone just calm down? We need a plan, not JFC so much chaos!!!!!
Atlas- we’ll see if I’ve truly lost friend or not. Or if I have gained more family to myself just from being said friend.
Adathan - hey I’m just following Thea as long as she wants me here I shall be ✨ Bodyguard Pose ✨ because < redacted redacted redacted>
Dion- iron ugh! Someone please come get me? Bro is crazy! Why am I forgetting what am I forgetting? My MATE….
Olin- evil laughter over a chessboard is how I imagine him scheming to get her
I am SCREAMING and need book 3 NOW
Thea- WTF am I and why is this all happening now? No man actually needs their balls to get it up right? I must become stronger faster and hit harder to take down Olin! But I need to meet my actual birth parents who are < redacted > WHAT am I actually
Emelina - well hey there I was supposed to be YOU, so you wanna be friends? I love you and want to always see you succeed as everything you were meant to be!!
Ciaragan- would everyone just calm down? We need a plan, not JFC so much chaos!!!!!
Atlas- we’ll see if I’ve truly lost friend or not. Or if I have gained more family to myself just from being said friend.
Adathan - hey I’m just following Thea as long as she wants me here I shall be ✨ Bodyguard Pose ✨ because < redacted redacted redacted>
Dion- iron ugh! Someone please come get me? Bro is crazy! Why am I forgetting what am I forgetting? My MATE….
Olin- evil laughter over a chessboard is how I imagine him scheming to get her
I am SCREAMING and need book 3 NOW
August 23, 2025
This book is a BEAST- She takes you on never ending, unexpected turns that makes you consider calling in sick to work so that you can keep reading. Genuinely, I lost multiple nights of sleep because of this book- even after finishing it 😭
This sequel picks up right where we left off with In Beds of Flowers- navigating grief, betrayal and absolute heartbreak (I’m being vague for those who still need to read the first book). There is an in depth world building guide in the beginning that helps as a quick reference if it’s a been a bit since reading the first book, which I found incredibly helpful (my TBR was too long this month for a re-read of IBOF before jumping in).
In order to keep this spoiler free, I’ll end this review by saying this is a true masterpiece - and got me out of a massive reading slump thanks to the Plated Prisoner series. 10000/10 recommend reading, and I’ve already pre-ordered my physical copy.
Thank you so much Jess for offering me an advanced readers copy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have read this book in advance of its release, even if it means I’m dying on the inside waiting for the last book of this trilogy.
This sequel picks up right where we left off with In Beds of Flowers- navigating grief, betrayal and absolute heartbreak (I’m being vague for those who still need to read the first book). There is an in depth world building guide in the beginning that helps as a quick reference if it’s a been a bit since reading the first book, which I found incredibly helpful (my TBR was too long this month for a re-read of IBOF before jumping in).
In order to keep this spoiler free, I’ll end this review by saying this is a true masterpiece - and got me out of a massive reading slump thanks to the Plated Prisoner series. 10000/10 recommend reading, and I’ve already pre-ordered my physical copy.
Thank you so much Jess for offering me an advanced readers copy. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have read this book in advance of its release, even if it means I’m dying on the inside waiting for the last book of this trilogy.
October 10, 2025
If you haven't already read book one In Beds of Flowers in this trilogy you absolutely must because just like IBOF, Through the Twisted Vines is another 5 🌟 read!!
Going into it I knew I would once again be going through all the emotions and the anticipation of what secret will be uncovered next. Everytime you think you know what will happen BAM something shocking is revealed. A special thanks to a bookish friend for letting me message you with all my theories and OMG moments because trust me... there were plenty
Jess you did an astounding job pulling this reader your writing is incredible. The carefully drawn out plot that keeps you guessing 24/7, the characters are relatable and so well written and unique. I adore each and every one of them and I desperately want more of all their stories because they all deserve the best. 😭
I am so excited for book three (and the future heart breaks and mended hearts that come with it) and any future books 🖤
This was an arc copy and I am voluntarily leaving this review ❤️
Going into it I knew I would once again be going through all the emotions and the anticipation of what secret will be uncovered next. Everytime you think you know what will happen BAM something shocking is revealed. A special thanks to a bookish friend for letting me message you with all my theories and OMG moments because trust me... there were plenty
Jess you did an astounding job pulling this reader your writing is incredible. The carefully drawn out plot that keeps you guessing 24/7, the characters are relatable and so well written and unique. I adore each and every one of them and I desperately want more of all their stories because they all deserve the best. 😭
I am so excited for book three (and the future heart breaks and mended hearts that come with it) and any future books 🖤
This was an arc copy and I am voluntarily leaving this review ❤️
August 30, 2025
This is a really well written sequel, that has some nuances of an epic fantasy. After reading book one, I adored how evil the villain truly was and I was so excited to see where it would go in book two. But sadly, he was left out for 95% of the story, at times it even felt like, why was he set up so much in book 1, to practically disappear in this sequel? There was also a lot of open ended story lines from book one, that I'd hoped to be concluded or at least developed upon but they weren't. Spoiler warning now! The reader isn't told what's going on, because of Adans blood oath, but this is removed in book 2 and he still doesn't tell us or the FMC these secrets to who she is, what Olin wants with her etc. The book read well and you can tell thought and care has gone into it, but it really needs an added depth of plot evolution. I'm not sure I'd continue the series.
August 23, 2025
First off a huge thanks to the author for allowing me to read this as an arc reader 😭
Secondly this book, is worth the 5 stars. It not only held me captive, shattered my soul, but in some weird sense it healed me.
The dedication and devotion that Layne put into this book shows in every line and chapter.
The teasing to read one more chapter makes it hard get anything done but that's the price I will gladly pay ( who needs a clean house lol)
I will be recommending this book for a book club!
Please please keep writing!
Secondly this book, is worth the 5 stars. It not only held me captive, shattered my soul, but in some weird sense it healed me.
The dedication and devotion that Layne put into this book shows in every line and chapter.
The teasing to read one more chapter makes it hard get anything done but that's the price I will gladly pay ( who needs a clean house lol)
I will be recommending this book for a book club!
Please please keep writing!
September 24, 2025
This series is, without a doubt, top-tier Romantasy. The character development, plot twists, story arcs, and romance are simply unmatched. I thought In Beds of Flowers was phenomenal, and I honestly couldn’t imagine how Through the Twisted Vines could compare—but Jess Layne proved me wrong in the best way.
I’m begging EVERYONE I know to pick up this series. Adathan and Thea are the fated mates every Romantasy reader dreams of, and I don't know how I'll survive until book 3 drops!
I’ll keep this spoiler-free, but trust me when I say: this is an absolute must-read.
I’m begging EVERYONE I know to pick up this series. Adathan and Thea are the fated mates every Romantasy reader dreams of, and I don't know how I'll survive until book 3 drops!
I’ll keep this spoiler-free, but trust me when I say: this is an absolute must-read.
August 23, 2025
Jess Layne did it again. T3V is an amazing story that dove deep into the characters’ feelings of self-sacrifice and self-hatred. They’re all so incredibly unique and lovable (minus Olin) in their own way. Adathan & Althea’s love story is perfect, and I became so invested in Dion & Ciaragen again after the last book. I’m excited to have everyone in the same timeline!! And of course there’s a wicked cliffhanger that’s going to torture me until the release of book 3. :) <3
September 23, 2025
**received as an ARC
i think this has so much potential but it felt like it dragged on foooorever. so much happened because a lot of it was unnecessary filler. did i need an entire chunk about them playing football? to give them all more personality maybe, but this wasn’t the only instance of something like this happening. also not a fan of them dropping the possibility of a second mate at our feet like 80% of the way through the second book. come on.
i think this has so much potential but it felt like it dragged on foooorever. so much happened because a lot of it was unnecessary filler. did i need an entire chunk about them playing football? to give them all more personality maybe, but this wasn’t the only instance of something like this happening. also not a fan of them dropping the possibility of a second mate at our feet like 80% of the way through the second book. come on.
September 25, 2025
Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I really enjoyed this sequel. The devotion and pining from multiple characters was top tier. ADATHAN!!!! There were a lot of characters/subplots/POVs, which slowed things down at times. It was worth it though because the side characters deserved main character treatment. I loved Thea's found family and their dedication to each other. I will definitely read the next book.
September 26, 2025
OMG that was amazing!!! There were so many twists and turns that I didn't expect and wow. Just wow.
There were some points where certain characters felt a bit immature for their age, and some of the inner monologues went on a bit too long, but I still enjoyed the dynamics and story.
Also, Adathan? A perfect example of a redemption arc character.
There were some points where certain characters felt a bit immature for their age, and some of the inner monologues went on a bit too long, but I still enjoyed the dynamics and story.
Also, Adathan? A perfect example of a redemption arc character.
August 25, 2025
This was an amazing second book in this Canviant Trilogy. Strong female characters? Plot twists? Found family? Say less. This book made me cry, laugh, scream, giggle, and everything in between. Already waiting impatiently for the third and last book😭
September 13, 2025
OBSESSED 😍
October 9, 2025
ALL OF THE STARS!!
Top read of 2025!!
♾️ 🌟
This book consumed me! When I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I obsessed over it. I lost sleep over it. I SOBBED! I raged! I was so completely absorbed that I forgot how to function in the real world. I loved everything about it! The world-building was vast, the characters had depth, and even the side characters were well fleshed out.
I need the next book as soon as possible! I can’t stop thinking about THAT ENDING! These characters go through hell and I NEED to see them on the other side. Please don’t leave me hanging!! 😭
Top read of 2025!!
♾️ 🌟
This book consumed me! When I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. I obsessed over it. I lost sleep over it. I SOBBED! I raged! I was so completely absorbed that I forgot how to function in the real world. I loved everything about it! The world-building was vast, the characters had depth, and even the side characters were well fleshed out.
I need the next book as soon as possible! I can’t stop thinking about THAT ENDING! These characters go through hell and I NEED to see them on the other side. Please don’t leave me hanging!! 😭
September 30, 2025
It’s an excellent book! I love all of the characters and the world building is top notch. It’s got enemies to lovers with undying devotion. Slow burn with several sets of characters with just enough spice. I laughed, cried and held my breath through part. It has everything we want in a "romantasy". Plus, LQBTQIA+ and disability representation. It was so good and I’m an emotional mess. Definitely recommend this series.
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