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The Unsealing #1
Nightwild Rising
In the mortal world fae are hunted for sport.
They are collared, caged, and their bodies reshaped into trophies before being released into warded hunting grounds. Nobles pay to hunt them down and mount their heads on walls.
My father has arranged a hunt for my birthday.
One day of excitement. One perfect kill.
What I get is a hunt that ends with the wrong body on the ground, and a fae quarry who refuses to stay in his place. By nightfall, I'm the captive of the most dangerous thing this world has ever tried to turn into game.
A fae warrior with centuries of rage, and no intention of letting humans decide how his story ends.
They are collared, caged, and their bodies reshaped into trophies before being released into warded hunting grounds. Nobles pay to hunt them down and mount their heads on walls.
My father has arranged a hunt for my birthday.
One day of excitement. One perfect kill.
What I get is a hunt that ends with the wrong body on the ground, and a fae quarry who refuses to stay in his place. By nightfall, I'm the captive of the most dangerous thing this world has ever tried to turn into game.
A fae warrior with centuries of rage, and no intention of letting humans decide how his story ends.
564 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2026
About the author
L. Ann
52 books1,068 followersIf you are looking for gentle romps through the flowers, with lovers holding hands and never making mistakes, then my books are not for you.
I don't write heroes or heroines, I write people with baggage, history and problems. My characters are flawed, they're messy, they make disastrous mistakes that are hard to come back from. My stories are not sweet or kind, they are dark and, at times, cruel. They deal with uncomfortable subjects and I do not apologise for it.
If you like plot twists, characters you don't think you'll ever grow to love but eventually do, sarcasm, dark paths and messy relationships, then come on in. The water may be deep and shark-infested, but I know the way out ...I promise.
You can find L. Ann at the following locations:-
NEWSLETTER ➙https://lannauthor.com and get a FREE E-BOOK!
AMAZON -- https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B078...
FACEBOOK -- https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/
READER FB GROUP -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/lanns... - join her Reader Group on Facebook and be in with a chance to pick up ARCs and swag before anyone else.
BOOKBUB -- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-ann
INSTAGRAM -- https://www.instagram.com/lee_ann_aut...
TWITTER -- https://twitter.com/LeeAnn_Author
VIP Reader Group - https://clubdamnation.com
I don't write heroes or heroines, I write people with baggage, history and problems. My characters are flawed, they're messy, they make disastrous mistakes that are hard to come back from. My stories are not sweet or kind, they are dark and, at times, cruel. They deal with uncomfortable subjects and I do not apologise for it.
If you like plot twists, characters you don't think you'll ever grow to love but eventually do, sarcasm, dark paths and messy relationships, then come on in. The water may be deep and shark-infested, but I know the way out ...I promise.
You can find L. Ann at the following locations:-
NEWSLETTER ➙https://lannauthor.com and get a FREE E-BOOK!
AMAZON -- https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B078...
FACEBOOK -- https://www.facebook.com/LAnnAuthor/
READER FB GROUP -- https://www.facebook.com/groups/lanns... - join her Reader Group on Facebook and be in with a chance to pick up ARCs and swag before anyone else.
BOOKBUB -- https://www.bookbub.com/profile/l-ann
INSTAGRAM -- https://www.instagram.com/lee_ann_aut...
TWITTER -- https://twitter.com/LeeAnn_Author
VIP Reader Group - https://clubdamnation.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dark, addictive and full of rage. Exactly what I needed after so many insta love wannabe enemies to lovers stories.
I was absolutely obsessed from the very first chapter. L. Ann always knows how to hook me and then proceed to reel me in with trauma while never actually releasing that hook or giving me air to breathe. It's a fun ride lol
This is set in a world where fae have been imprisoned for the last 300 years. You've got a tortured Fae warrior with lots of damage and rage being hunted by a pretty princess human. What could go wrong? 😬 I'll just say Alleria does not have a good birthday 🤣
If you're like me and have been looking for a story with actual hate between the main characters you need this book. If you also love books that give you delicious side characters L Ann delivers. There might be a certain fae male I claimed when I met him. Yup that inner voice said "mine" and now I need more of him please 😏
I cannot wait for book 2! Give me all the drama and the pain Lee. Bring it on!
I was absolutely obsessed from the very first chapter. L. Ann always knows how to hook me and then proceed to reel me in with trauma while never actually releasing that hook or giving me air to breathe. It's a fun ride lol
This is set in a world where fae have been imprisoned for the last 300 years. You've got a tortured Fae warrior with lots of damage and rage being hunted by a pretty princess human. What could go wrong? 😬 I'll just say Alleria does not have a good birthday 🤣
If you're like me and have been looking for a story with actual hate between the main characters you need this book. If you also love books that give you delicious side characters L Ann delivers. There might be a certain fae male I claimed when I met him. Yup that inner voice said "mine" and now I need more of him please 😏
I cannot wait for book 2! Give me all the drama and the pain Lee. Bring it on!
March 27, 2026
2.75 stars
This started off really good, but went down hill pretty fast due to the lack of world building and major plot holes. This read very much so like an outline of an epic fantasy romance. The elements were all there but it just ended up feeling hollow due to the lack of character descriptions and world building. Nothing ever felt fully fleshed out. I think this author has potential, they just need to spend more time on descriptions etc.
This started off really good, but went down hill pretty fast due to the lack of world building and major plot holes. This read very much so like an outline of an epic fantasy romance. The elements were all there but it just ended up feeling hollow due to the lack of character descriptions and world building. Nothing ever felt fully fleshed out. I think this author has potential, they just need to spend more time on descriptions etc.
May 29, 2026
Holy crap that ending!!!!! 🤯 This book had me wrapped in from the absolute start! I’m in a book hangover for sure. 😩😫
A princess is set to hunt fae for sport when things take a turn and she ends up the captive. This was like watching a car crash where I was repulsed by the FMCs thoughts and feelings but couldn’t look away because I *needed* to know what happened. So freaking good!!!!!!!!!! ✨✨✨
A princess is set to hunt fae for sport when things take a turn and she ends up the captive. This was like watching a car crash where I was repulsed by the FMCs thoughts and feelings but couldn’t look away because I *needed* to know what happened. So freaking good!!!!!!!!!! ✨✨✨
May 30, 2026
This is horrifying. I find it hard to see any romance the book is just disturbing and sad. The experiences of the MMC and the slavery of him and the fae is horrifying and disgusting, as is the SA, imprisonment and treatment of the FMC by the MMC.
An eye for an eye is the only way to describe it.
I just can’t see how any romance will form from this which is in any way healthy and loving. This feels like torture porn and I think the TW or past SA needs to include present.
Would give 0 stars if I could.
An eye for an eye is the only way to describe it.
I just can’t see how any romance will form from this which is in any way healthy and loving. This feels like torture porn and I think the TW or past SA needs to include present.
Would give 0 stars if I could.
March 10, 2026
Was it perfect? No. Could it have used more depth in the world-building and characters? Yes. However, it has some really interesting concepts, and I found the story captivating enough to overlook that most of the time. I’m very much looking forward to the next book
August 17, 2026
I think the timing of me reading something about fae was perfect. After the insane boom of faes left and right, mating bond here, there, we all get a mating bond, the trend with the copy paste shadow daddies going away combined with a pretty good interpretation of a romantasy staple, I ended up reading an amazingly fast paced story that somehow managed to both be romance/character and plot driven.
Let me start with what I did not like. The FMC. She’s a sheltered 21 years old princess and my issue with her is that she’s a blank canvas. She wasn’t annoying, wasn’t stabby or bratty and I actually think her reactions for the most part were very believable and appropriate, but she was way too one dimensional. Very easy to self insert into which I know sometimes is done on purpose (really hate that, I want to read about characters with their own traits and flaws), but hopefully that is not the case here and we will see some character growth in the next book.
Beyond that I have absolutely zero reproaches. We got a little slow in some parts, around 40-60% I’d say but not unbearably so. The MMC has been tortured and enslaved for 300 years and I really enjoyed how him trying to comeback into himself and come to terms with some of his feelings was done. I will forever be biased to the emo sadboys tho if any man ever is entitled to feel that way, it’s definitely this one for me. The enemies to lovers part was chefs kiss, the tension was so thick you could cut it with Allerias butter knife (iykyk). The romance itself moved a teeeeensy bit quick for me, but I only say that because I was really enjoying the aforementioned tension. For some reason that’s really hard to find in books these days I feel.
Cliffhanger? Brutal. Lucky for me book 2 is out but I fear for my mental in waiting for #3 😂
Let me start with what I did not like. The FMC. She’s a sheltered 21 years old princess and my issue with her is that she’s a blank canvas. She wasn’t annoying, wasn’t stabby or bratty and I actually think her reactions for the most part were very believable and appropriate, but she was way too one dimensional. Very easy to self insert into which I know sometimes is done on purpose (really hate that, I want to read about characters with their own traits and flaws), but hopefully that is not the case here and we will see some character growth in the next book.
Beyond that I have absolutely zero reproaches. We got a little slow in some parts, around 40-60% I’d say but not unbearably so. The MMC has been tortured and enslaved for 300 years and I really enjoyed how him trying to comeback into himself and come to terms with some of his feelings was done. I will forever be biased to the emo sadboys tho if any man ever is entitled to feel that way, it’s definitely this one for me. The enemies to lovers part was chefs kiss, the tension was so thick you could cut it with Allerias butter knife (iykyk). The romance itself moved a teeeeensy bit quick for me, but I only say that because I was really enjoying the aforementioned tension. For some reason that’s really hard to find in books these days I feel.
Cliffhanger? Brutal. Lucky for me book 2 is out but I fear for my mental in waiting for #3 😂
April 13, 2026
Ooh it kinda pains me to not give this 4 stars (I want to round up but it wouldn’t be accurate). I actually find this one hard to rate because there are things that push it to 4 stars and even to 5 but also things that tore me out of the fluidity of the story and irked me enough to make updates.
I’ll start with the writing - found it excellent and not too much telling (vs showing), enjoyable to read
Characters - I liked all characters especially Cairn and our main girl. Ensemble and background characters also felt well fleshed out so I could distinguish them uniquely.
Story - I really really enjoyed the story and how Alleria (arellia?) unlearned her prejudices and how the story dealt with making me understand them.
What I didn’t enjoy was the pacing or rather I did enjoy it all the way up until about 70ish percent and then there was an abrupt shift. We’re doing a slow burn and there’s excellent learning on both sides and then it descends into Cairn not being so otherworldly but just being an alpha male fae who’s super powerful. I guess there are things that get answered in the alternating POV but personally for me it threw me off when they just started acting ~different~ a little too soon
I’ll start with the writing - found it excellent and not too much telling (vs showing), enjoyable to read
Characters - I liked all characters especially Cairn and our main girl. Ensemble and background characters also felt well fleshed out so I could distinguish them uniquely.
Story - I really really enjoyed the story and how Alleria (arellia?) unlearned her prejudices and how the story dealt with making me understand them.
What I didn’t enjoy was the pacing or rather I did enjoy it all the way up until about 70ish percent and then there was an abrupt shift. We’re doing a slow burn and there’s excellent learning on both sides and then it descends into Cairn not being so otherworldly but just being an alpha male fae who’s super powerful. I guess there are things that get answered in the alternating POV but personally for me it threw me off when they just started acting ~different~ a little too soon
Review of advance copy received from Author
A heartstoppingly stunning read. Nightwild Rising is the first part of a dark fae fantasy romance. The fae have been caged, abused, controlled and hunted for 300 years. They have no access to their magic and they are seemingly broken. Until the day of Alleria's birthday hunt. Alleria sees beyond the fae stories she has been told and sees their degradation for what it is. The fae she is supposed to kill, Cairn, becomes an unexpected alliance with the two of them becoming something more powerful that either could've predicted.
As with every L.Ann book, you are best to read blind. Spoilers will only serve to detract from the tension and beauty of this story. L.Ann has put her soul into creating these characters, their strengths and flaws, their chemistry and their potential. It is hard to describe without going into too much plot detail. Just be assured it is a gripping and dark read. Heed the TWs as this touches on captivity and past trauma. Be prepared for an epic story which will leave you breathless and frustrated in equal measure.
As with every L.Ann book, you are best to read blind. Spoilers will only serve to detract from the tension and beauty of this story. L.Ann has put her soul into creating these characters, their strengths and flaws, their chemistry and their potential. It is hard to describe without going into too much plot detail. Just be assured it is a gripping and dark read. Heed the TWs as this touches on captivity and past trauma. Be prepared for an epic story which will leave you breathless and frustrated in equal measure.
June 16, 2026
I don’t know how to feel about this book. I loved the story, the unique plot, and definitely wanted to know how it ended. But so much bothered me.
This was the least descriptive book I’ve ever read. I have no idea what any character looks like or what the setting looks like. About 60% in to the book the MMC says the FMC has copper in her hair when the sun shines on it. That’s all I know about the FMC. She has copper in her hair. The MMC? He has gold eyes. That’s all I know. The other 6 very present side characters? One has a shaved head. That’s all I know.
The ending really angered me. It was all just too convenient and felt rushed. The middle part was entertaining though!
This was the least descriptive book I’ve ever read. I have no idea what any character looks like or what the setting looks like. About 60% in to the book the MMC says the FMC has copper in her hair when the sun shines on it. That’s all I know about the FMC. She has copper in her hair. The MMC? He has gold eyes. That’s all I know. The other 6 very present side characters? One has a shaved head. That’s all I know.
The ending really angered me. It was all just too convenient and felt rushed. The middle part was entertaining though!
May 26, 2026
1.65 stars
Dnf @30%
Good concept but got boring quickly
Dnf @30%
Good concept but got boring quickly
June 29, 2026
Night Wild Rising by L. Ann is exactly the kind of fantasy romance that reminds me why I fell in love with this genre.
From the very first page, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. This is a dark fantasy filled with action, suspense, unforgettable characters, and one of the best enemies-to-lovers romances I've read in a long time. And when I say enemies to lovers... I mean true enemies. More than once, I found myself wondering who the real enemy actually was.
L. Ann has created a rich, immersive world populated by deeply developed characters whose growth feels authentic and incredibly emotional. I became completely invested in their journey, and this story touched me in ways I didn't expect.
As a dark fantasy romance, the book explores some heavy themes, so I definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.
Everything came together perfectly for me—the plot, the character development, the emotional depth, the tension, and the beautifully executed slow-burn romance. By the time I turned the final page, I was completely swept away.
An easy 5⭐ from me.
Now comes the hardest part... waiting until after my vacation for book two. Honestly, it already feels unbearable.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Fantasy Romance
⚔️ True Enemies to Lovers
🐌 Slow Burn
✨ Rich Fantasy World
❤️ Character-Driven Story
🔥 Action & Suspense
From the very first page, I was completely hooked and couldn't put it down. This is a dark fantasy filled with action, suspense, unforgettable characters, and one of the best enemies-to-lovers romances I've read in a long time. And when I say enemies to lovers... I mean true enemies. More than once, I found myself wondering who the real enemy actually was.
L. Ann has created a rich, immersive world populated by deeply developed characters whose growth feels authentic and incredibly emotional. I became completely invested in their journey, and this story touched me in ways I didn't expect.
As a dark fantasy romance, the book explores some heavy themes, so I definitely recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.
Everything came together perfectly for me—the plot, the character development, the emotional depth, the tension, and the beautifully executed slow-burn romance. By the time I turned the final page, I was completely swept away.
An easy 5⭐ from me.
Now comes the hardest part... waiting until after my vacation for book two. Honestly, it already feels unbearable.
Tropes:
🖤 Dark Fantasy Romance
⚔️ True Enemies to Lovers
🐌 Slow Burn
✨ Rich Fantasy World
❤️ Character-Driven Story
🔥 Action & Suspense
March 4, 2026
Holy Hannah this book! The author took a Fae romantasy and gave us something new and different. She built a world filled with everything you would expect and so much more. Alleria may be a princess when the story starts but when this book ends she has grown to so much more. I never anticipated how the story would go. The author took us for a ride in a world that made all other fae stories pale in comparison. Each chapter furthered the story and every seemingly innocent bit of information turned out to be vitally important. The author transported me into a fantasy world that was well built and ever growing. And that ending!!!! I was on. The edge of my seat and couldn’t believe she left off there!! I need more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brilliant, exceptional, amazing!!
I don't know what having read a good book looks like to you, but for me it leaves me desperate to read more, with the characters still living inside my head and constantly thinking about what I've just read to the extent I can't pick up another book. ....... well Nightwild Rising left me with all this and oh so much more.
I am so in love with all the characters that L Ann has created and the story she has woven with her words that I don't think I will ever be the same again.
This book is the beginning of another epic fantasy series from an exceptional author and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It will keep you enthralled and enchanted from first to last page and probably haunt you for a very long time.
Enjoy
I don't know what having read a good book looks like to you, but for me it leaves me desperate to read more, with the characters still living inside my head and constantly thinking about what I've just read to the extent I can't pick up another book. ....... well Nightwild Rising left me with all this and oh so much more.
I am so in love with all the characters that L Ann has created and the story she has woven with her words that I don't think I will ever be the same again.
This book is the beginning of another epic fantasy series from an exceptional author and I cannot recommend it highly enough. It will keep you enthralled and enchanted from first to last page and probably haunt you for a very long time.
Enjoy
March 16, 2026
Excuse meeee! Finished this book in under 24hours! Amazing storyline, great pace, love the characters! Please tell us book 2 is releasing tomorrow? 🤭🤩
5 star read without hesitations
5 star read without hesitations
April 26, 2026
Ok I LOVED this. I so unexpectedly loved this. So few review on all her books, but I'm so glad I took the chance. I will not be able to stop thinking about it. It grabbed me from the first chapter. My theories were wrong, I didn't see the twist until like 4 sentences before it came and I'm going to hate all the days between now and book 2. Yes please, more Cairn and more Alleria!
March 23, 2026
I loved this book. If you enjoyed L. Ann's Veinbound trilogy, you will enjoy this, too. Completely different stories but similar vibes. I was invested from the beginning. Now, the long wait until book 2 is released.
July 13, 2026
Me 🤝 book with the slowest of slow burns. 10/10 😮💨
June 29, 2026
My 800th read!
And this one was SUPER addicting, a totally different fantasy from usual fated mates - shadow daddy fae romances out there.
Humans and Fae are at war in the human world and the humans cut off the fae's portal to their world, Underhill. There is a badass general called Thorn Hill of the Nightwild who with his cadre of 12 warriors goes missing.
300 years pass and our MMC Cairn who happens to be thee Thorn hill has been made into a sex slave at a 'fae refuge.' It's dark, it's twisted. Your heart is ripped out from what this poor guy and his friends have been through. Being a sex slave keeps him under the radar. But because he's so handsome and physically appealing, his luck runs out and he's chosen by the king to be a prey for his daughter's 21st birthday. She wants to kill him and chop off his head and taxidermy it to her bedroom wall. Things head south fast because our girl Alleria is delusional and under prepared to take on thee Thorn Hill aka Cairn.
He takes her as captive. Cuts her hand open to free his collar and drinks her bloody palm like a caprisun. Even though he's 1000 years old, that does some fae binding shit that he's oblivious too and Nightwild magic adds her to his cadre. He reunites with his homies. We meet Therin who IMO is thee babe of the story. Alleria realizes everything she's been taught about the fae was a lie and has some serious character development happen. The banter is funny. The spice is spicey. The sex scenes are chefs kiss.
It's cringey and campy at times but it works. There is something about it that is SO addicting and all consuming. I had an absolute blast reading this. 4.5 stars ⭐️
And this one was SUPER addicting, a totally different fantasy from usual fated mates - shadow daddy fae romances out there.
Humans and Fae are at war in the human world and the humans cut off the fae's portal to their world, Underhill. There is a badass general called Thorn Hill of the Nightwild who with his cadre of 12 warriors goes missing.
300 years pass and our MMC Cairn who happens to be thee Thorn hill has been made into a sex slave at a 'fae refuge.' It's dark, it's twisted. Your heart is ripped out from what this poor guy and his friends have been through. Being a sex slave keeps him under the radar. But because he's so handsome and physically appealing, his luck runs out and he's chosen by the king to be a prey for his daughter's 21st birthday. She wants to kill him and chop off his head and taxidermy it to her bedroom wall. Things head south fast because our girl Alleria is delusional and under prepared to take on thee Thorn Hill aka Cairn.
He takes her as captive. Cuts her hand open to free his collar and drinks her bloody palm like a caprisun. Even though he's 1000 years old, that does some fae binding shit that he's oblivious too and Nightwild magic adds her to his cadre. He reunites with his homies. We meet Therin who IMO is thee babe of the story. Alleria realizes everything she's been taught about the fae was a lie and has some serious character development happen. The banter is funny. The spice is spicey. The sex scenes are chefs kiss.
It's cringey and campy at times but it works. There is something about it that is SO addicting and all consuming. I had an absolute blast reading this. 4.5 stars ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2026
OMFG THIS WAS SO FUCKING GOOD!! 10 FREAKING STARS!
A true enemies to lovers story. No insta-love, not even an ounce of attraction between the MCs until later when they're forced to spend time together. I just love a cruel hero whose defenses will be slowly torn down by love.
For 300 years, CAIRN has suffered under the hands and torturous whims of human, especially noblewomen who wanted him in their beds without his consent. The rest you can figure out. A majestic being brought low by defeat, his hatred and fury knows no bounds, his simmering rage for revenge slowly building. His freedom comes in the form of a naive human Princess who wanted his head for a birthday present, only for her to fall into his vicious hands.
And oh my, was Cairn BRUTAL. No love lost when ALLERIA nearly died at his hands when they first met. To secure his freedom, Cairn abducted her and formed a blood bond to use the Princess, only for the connection to turn into something more, something uncontrollable.
I loved when the involuntary connection makes him curious about the human female he was supposed to hate. As I mentioned, Cairn has only known human brutality and selfishness, but ALLERIA was an innocent young woman - in many ways, and this provides Cairn a safe space for him to heal again. Despite retaliating upon her how he was treated, he was unable to truly destroy her innocence, instead her difference drew him in, and soon they start developing feelings for each other through a very fine line of love and hate.
ALLERIA was a pampered young Princess who enjoyed hunting. Don't see her in a bad light, I felt so sorry for her, being so powerless and swept aside like nothing important despite being of noble birth. Basically, she has nothing going on for her. Being with Cairn for that short period of time will open her eyes to the brutality of how the Fae were being treated. The girl has a bleeding heart. And that will save her, ultimately. I understood why her character wasn't strong or tough, but she's no weakling or pushover too. When push comes to shove, she shows up and delivers a mental fortitude that will surprise you. Knowledge is power, and this poor Princess just didn't have all the facts. She's also a fighter, one who is young but learning.
In a nutshell, her relationship with Cairn is complicated and turbulent, but she's also the foil to his hardness. The sheathe to his sword *smirks*. Innocence, virgin and naivette. Put together it doesn't sound great, but remember that Cairn is the exact opposite of her. Had the heroine been a hardass bitch, I doubt he would have softened for her.
OVERALL I can't wait for the next book because there's so much left to be explored! How will Cairn and Alleria's reunion be, and will they finally acknowledge their love for each other? And how are the fae going to retaliate against the humans, how will it all play out? I'm dying to know!
PS : This reminded me of Quinn Blackbird's DARK FAE series if anyone is interested to pick up something similar and it's also completed, so you don't have to wait.
A true enemies to lovers story. No insta-love, not even an ounce of attraction between the MCs until later when they're forced to spend time together. I just love a cruel hero whose defenses will be slowly torn down by love.
For 300 years, CAIRN has suffered under the hands and torturous whims of human, especially noblewomen who wanted him in their beds without his consent. The rest you can figure out. A majestic being brought low by defeat, his hatred and fury knows no bounds, his simmering rage for revenge slowly building. His freedom comes in the form of a naive human Princess who wanted his head for a birthday present, only for her to fall into his vicious hands.
And oh my, was Cairn BRUTAL. No love lost when ALLERIA nearly died at his hands when they first met. To secure his freedom, Cairn abducted her and formed a blood bond to use the Princess, only for the connection to turn into something more, something uncontrollable.
I loved when the involuntary connection makes him curious about the human female he was supposed to hate. As I mentioned, Cairn has only known human brutality and selfishness, but ALLERIA was an innocent young woman - in many ways, and this provides Cairn a safe space for him to heal again. Despite retaliating upon her how he was treated, he was unable to truly destroy her innocence, instead her difference drew him in, and soon they start developing feelings for each other through a very fine line of love and hate.
ALLERIA was a pampered young Princess who enjoyed hunting. Don't see her in a bad light, I felt so sorry for her, being so powerless and swept aside like nothing important despite being of noble birth. Basically, she has nothing going on for her. Being with Cairn for that short period of time will open her eyes to the brutality of how the Fae were being treated. The girl has a bleeding heart. And that will save her, ultimately. I understood why her character wasn't strong or tough, but she's no weakling or pushover too. When push comes to shove, she shows up and delivers a mental fortitude that will surprise you. Knowledge is power, and this poor Princess just didn't have all the facts. She's also a fighter, one who is young but learning.
In a nutshell, her relationship with Cairn is complicated and turbulent, but she's also the foil to his hardness. The sheathe to his sword *smirks*. Innocence, virgin and naivette. Put together it doesn't sound great, but remember that Cairn is the exact opposite of her. Had the heroine been a hardass bitch, I doubt he would have softened for her.
OVERALL I can't wait for the next book because there's so much left to be explored! How will Cairn and Alleria's reunion be, and will they finally acknowledge their love for each other? And how are the fae going to retaliate against the humans, how will it all play out? I'm dying to know!
PS : This reminded me of Quinn Blackbird's DARK FAE series if anyone is interested to pick up something similar and it's also completed, so you don't have to wait.
June 23, 2026
50% through this, i was sure this was going to be a 4star… and then.. we jumped off a cliff?? MAN im so disappointed. First off I’d like to say that the first half of this was delicious, I am the first to LAP up some hurt/comfort and buckets of trauma to sift through in angst. More than that, the premise was GREAT and the delivery was absolutely living up to my imagination.
The second half however… what was character growth suddenly turned out to be a cancerous cell: multiplying and eroding healthy tissue at break neck speed. everyone is having earth-shattering-180-degree-turning-personality-changes. What was a TRUE heart-wrenching enemies-to-lovers, was suddenly a love story built on a foundation about as shaky as a jenga tower. And dont even talk to me about the plot. What i thought was going to be a well thought/complex captor/captive saga - suddenly blew up in my face.
Anyway. On a more serious note. There is a consent problem. The love story here is deeply, inextricably intertwined with a story about sexual abuse. So obviously massive TW for off-page and recalled SA. The problem is though - SO MUCH dub-con between the 2 MCs. The first few sexual-ish experiences here are quite clearly -to me- dub-con. Moreover, even when the story attempts to portray sexual content as explicitly consenting - it is undermined by clear themes of coercion (sex for freedom), exploitative power dynamics (captor/captive), and a lack of informed consent (*magical* sexual impulses is unexplained to MC).
I’m not saying this to be police how sexual content should be written in romance holistically - but specifically in this book - where SA and consent play such massive roles (consistently explored on-page), I think much greater care should have been put into writing scenes that actually showed -not told- consent.
Also, and this is a side note, there is a scene where a thousand yr old fae essentially plays a flirty 21 questions (fae’s version) with a 21 yr old human girl. It was kinda cringe.
I would absolutely read another book from this author (though not this series) bc i loved the vibes, but, GALS, we are in 2026… if you want to write a sexy consenting scene.. make sure to it’s acc consenting lol.
The second half however… what was character growth suddenly turned out to be a cancerous cell: multiplying and eroding healthy tissue at break neck speed. everyone is having earth-shattering-180-degree-turning-personality-changes. What was a TRUE heart-wrenching enemies-to-lovers, was suddenly a love story built on a foundation about as shaky as a jenga tower. And dont even talk to me about the plot. What i thought was going to be a well thought/complex captor/captive saga - suddenly blew up in my face.
Anyway. On a more serious note. There is a consent problem. The love story here is deeply, inextricably intertwined with a story about sexual abuse. So obviously massive TW for off-page and recalled SA. The problem is though - SO MUCH dub-con between the 2 MCs. The first few sexual-ish experiences here are quite clearly -to me- dub-con. Moreover, even when the story attempts to portray sexual content as explicitly consenting - it is undermined by clear themes of coercion (sex for freedom), exploitative power dynamics (captor/captive), and a lack of informed consent (*magical* sexual impulses is unexplained to MC).
I’m not saying this to be police how sexual content should be written in romance holistically - but specifically in this book - where SA and consent play such massive roles (consistently explored on-page), I think much greater care should have been put into writing scenes that actually showed -not told- consent.
Also, and this is a side note, there is a scene where a thousand yr old fae essentially plays a flirty 21 questions (fae’s version) with a 21 yr old human girl. It was kinda cringe.
I would absolutely read another book from this author (though not this series) bc i loved the vibes, but, GALS, we are in 2026… if you want to write a sexy consenting scene.. make sure to it’s acc consenting lol.
May 12, 2026
another fae book 😔
May 14, 2026
DNF @ 35%
This started out so, so good. But it slowly started to unravel for me because the plot holes were so distracting I couldn’t enjoy the story.
The tropes listed only past SA but the MMC very clearly SA the FMC.
This started out so, so good. But it slowly started to unravel for me because the plot holes were so distracting I couldn’t enjoy the story.
The tropes listed only past SA but the MMC very clearly SA the FMC.
March 19, 2026
SWEET BABY HUMMUS I NEED THAT SECOND BOOK. Bitch you got me in your grips.
June 23, 2026
FANTASTIC! Infinity stars! I knew this was going to be good (as things by L. Ann tend to be), but I was still not prepared for just how good it was! HOW are more people not talking about this book??!
I thought L. Ann's Veinbound trilogy was great, but this? THIS is a f*cking masterpiece! The conflict between humans and fae is not a new concept for this genre. However, I've not seen any book put such an unusual spin on it as Nightwild Rising does. I was enthralled from page one, and all I want to do is read the next book!
L. Ann's dark stories always toe the line, and she's not afraid to use violence, fear and a shock factor to make the situations in her books feel authentic and controversial to incite visceral feelings from her readers. I love her for this! But read with caution if graphic violence (especially toward women) is a trigger for you.
Centuries after a war where humans defeated fae, the world has buried the history in stories of half truths and lies, and fae are enslaved by humans, treated no better than animals. The story opens with Alleria, princess to the reigning king and a hunter (albeit one who seems to have been a bit sheltered). For her birthday present, Alleria is "gifted" a fae to hunt on a preserve where they have been altered to look like animals. If this is not a shocking enough concept, the attitudes of the humans themselves toward "the prey" should send your feelings into a tailspin.
Alleria accidentally finds herself the hunted instead and what ensues is fast-paced, shocking, unexpected and terrifying.
This story did things to my soul that I don't know how to put into words. As Alleria's eyes are opened to the atrocities her people have committed against the fae, I FELT every moment of shame and guilt and disgust that she did. Every time her emotions were conflicted, and she understood the fae’s need for retribution after their escape, the sense of responsibility she felt for what her people had done, I understood why. I teared up so many times at the suffering she witnessed, and I don't know how to explain how a book made me feel so many conflicting emotions so strongly!
The history that unravels, the graphic battle scenes, the unexpected found family, the strange magic, the violence, the expert way the author moves Alleria and MMC Cairn from feelings of hate and fear toward one another to understanding to reluctant acceptance to something more, something so fragile and beautifully devastating - UGH! It's all pure perfection! I will not get over this story, and I never want to!
If you want something different that has not been done before, something fast-paced but emotionally charged, complex characters who've suffered and are broken but have clawed their way to survival, and a love that feels like it's going to be epic, this is for you. READ this book, I beg of you!
I thought L. Ann's Veinbound trilogy was great, but this? THIS is a f*cking masterpiece! The conflict between humans and fae is not a new concept for this genre. However, I've not seen any book put such an unusual spin on it as Nightwild Rising does. I was enthralled from page one, and all I want to do is read the next book!
L. Ann's dark stories always toe the line, and she's not afraid to use violence, fear and a shock factor to make the situations in her books feel authentic and controversial to incite visceral feelings from her readers. I love her for this! But read with caution if graphic violence (especially toward women) is a trigger for you.
Centuries after a war where humans defeated fae, the world has buried the history in stories of half truths and lies, and fae are enslaved by humans, treated no better than animals. The story opens with Alleria, princess to the reigning king and a hunter (albeit one who seems to have been a bit sheltered). For her birthday present, Alleria is "gifted" a fae to hunt on a preserve where they have been altered to look like animals. If this is not a shocking enough concept, the attitudes of the humans themselves toward "the prey" should send your feelings into a tailspin.
Alleria accidentally finds herself the hunted instead and what ensues is fast-paced, shocking, unexpected and terrifying.
This story did things to my soul that I don't know how to put into words. As Alleria's eyes are opened to the atrocities her people have committed against the fae, I FELT every moment of shame and guilt and disgust that she did. Every time her emotions were conflicted, and she understood the fae’s need for retribution after their escape, the sense of responsibility she felt for what her people had done, I understood why. I teared up so many times at the suffering she witnessed, and I don't know how to explain how a book made me feel so many conflicting emotions so strongly!
The history that unravels, the graphic battle scenes, the unexpected found family, the strange magic, the violence, the expert way the author moves Alleria and MMC Cairn from feelings of hate and fear toward one another to understanding to reluctant acceptance to something more, something so fragile and beautifully devastating - UGH! It's all pure perfection! I will not get over this story, and I never want to!
If you want something different that has not been done before, something fast-paced but emotionally charged, complex characters who've suffered and are broken but have clawed their way to survival, and a love that feels like it's going to be epic, this is for you. READ this book, I beg of you!
June 20, 2026
This book started out great. I was very excited about the tone and vibe as it reminded me of an old school fae romantasy before the market was flooded with them. The plot was interesting and fast paced, and chock full of some fun albeit graphic revenge.
Unfortunately at about 60% I started to realize we weren't getting any sort of character development of Arellia, and her relationship with Cairn quickly turned from enemies to instalust due to the whole blood bond/fated mates thing. That trope is one I never enjoy since it feels unearned and unauthentic, and there was literally nothing attractive beyond the physical about Arellia. We knew nothing about who she was as a person and the two of them didn’t really seek to learn anything about each other beyond his experiences as a slave and hers as a spoiled princess. All their conversations were very surface level. Cairn as an individual though felt fully fleshed out. He was a bit meaner of an mmc than I'm used to (he has his reasons), and was definitely the highlight of the book.
The cliffhanger at the end was exciting and I’m hopeful the events of the last 10% will help shape our fmc into someone a bit more interesting in book 2.
Unfortunately at about 60% I started to realize we weren't getting any sort of character development of Arellia, and her relationship with Cairn quickly turned from enemies to instalust due to the whole blood bond/fated mates thing. That trope is one I never enjoy since it feels unearned and unauthentic, and there was literally nothing attractive beyond the physical about Arellia. We knew nothing about who she was as a person and the two of them didn’t really seek to learn anything about each other beyond his experiences as a slave and hers as a spoiled princess. All their conversations were very surface level. Cairn as an individual though felt fully fleshed out. He was a bit meaner of an mmc than I'm used to (he has his reasons), and was definitely the highlight of the book.
The cliffhanger at the end was exciting and I’m hopeful the events of the last 10% will help shape our fmc into someone a bit more interesting in book 2.
May 31, 2026
spectacularly good
I devoured this book after not really feeling high fantasy for a while but this is SO well written that I just had to keep reading and finished it in a day.
The world is vivid, and you're just THERE, immersed in it. I love the two main characters and the fact that it feels real. They don't have the 'I hate you but really I don't' vibe you get when it's all for show-they have legitimate reasons for their feelings and it takes real time and work to change them. You feel her isolation and frustration and the unlikeliness of the romance which is a slow build. And you really understand both sides of the fae/human divide through them.
Nothing is easy or simple just because they're fae and have magic, so again it feel super realistic -this is a really grown up version of a fae story. I love it!
I devoured this book after not really feeling high fantasy for a while but this is SO well written that I just had to keep reading and finished it in a day.
The world is vivid, and you're just THERE, immersed in it. I love the two main characters and the fact that it feels real. They don't have the 'I hate you but really I don't' vibe you get when it's all for show-they have legitimate reasons for their feelings and it takes real time and work to change them. You feel her isolation and frustration and the unlikeliness of the romance which is a slow build. And you really understand both sides of the fae/human divide through them.
Nothing is easy or simple just because they're fae and have magic, so again it feel super realistic -this is a really grown up version of a fae story. I love it!
March 30, 2026
Ever since I found this author with the Veinbound trilogy I have been hooked. I love her style of writing, her stories are captivating and in depth. She’s become a one click author for me before even reading the blurb of what she writes next because everything I’ve read so far is a 5 star rating. And this book did NOT disappoint. It was raw, and really tugged at the heart strings. It had everything I was hoping it would. The slow burn and journey it took to get there was the chef’s kiss. I loved the characters, and how they built up together and become close. The end had the best of cliff hangers, and I don’t know how I will survive waiting for the second book…. All in all, I very rarely write reviews, but this author and this book whole heartedly deserves it! I absolutely loved it!!!
September 4, 2026
3⭐️’s.. This is one of the most frustrating books I’ve read in a while. The story was fantastic, unfortunately it was bogged down with so many useless words repeating the same points over and over. I had to weed through it all to get to the meat of the plot which made it tedious, and slow, and so boring.
For every chapter of plot, there was a following chapter of inner monologue dissecting the previous chapter. So you’re basically reading the same chapter twice. Why does that need to happen? I understood the first time. Plus the dual POV’s were often repeating the same actions and dialogue.
I continued reading because I was invested but I was also so frustrated. Cut out half the book and it’d be a five star banger for sure.
For every chapter of plot, there was a following chapter of inner monologue dissecting the previous chapter. So you’re basically reading the same chapter twice. Why does that need to happen? I understood the first time. Plus the dual POV’s were often repeating the same actions and dialogue.
I continued reading because I was invested but I was also so frustrated. Cut out half the book and it’d be a five star banger for sure.
September 5, 2026
I really enjoyed this book!! It was a true Enemies to Lovers and not an insta love situation.
My only true complaint is we get little to no detail on what the characters look like. We get more descriptions of the MMC than any other description. I don't even know the FMC eye color until about 70-80% in and still don't know what her hair color is. It's my biggest book pet peeve. We get eye shape for the side characters, some eye colors, and hair cut styles, but not true details. The descriptions for the characters are said in passing and mentioned maybe once or twice.
Other than that I actually really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading book 2.
My only true complaint is we get little to no detail on what the characters look like. We get more descriptions of the MMC than any other description. I don't even know the FMC eye color until about 70-80% in and still don't know what her hair color is. It's my biggest book pet peeve. We get eye shape for the side characters, some eye colors, and hair cut styles, but not true details. The descriptions for the characters are said in passing and mentioned maybe once or twice.
Other than that I actually really enjoyed the story and look forward to reading book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Tropes/Trigger Warnings: Dark Fantasy, Fae, enemies to lovers, TW: captivity, past SA
Coupling Type: MF
Characters: MFC: Alleria MMC: Cairn
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Favorite Quote/scene: If you heard their hoofbeats, you were already dead. That's what the humans used to say about us. Mothers used stories of my warriors to frighten children into obedience. No one outran them. No one hid from them. And no one who saw them ride ever saw anything else again.
Over all thoughts on book and/or author: Wow just wow! That was one wild ride! I can't even began to describe the emotional rollercoaster this book had me on. This is one of the best dark fae books I've ever read. It had me hooked from the very first page. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2. I'm definitely in my angry fae era.
Tropes/Trigger Warnings: Dark Fantasy, Fae, enemies to lovers, TW: captivity, past SA
Coupling Type: MF
Characters: MFC: Alleria MMC: Cairn
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Favorite Quote/scene: If you heard their hoofbeats, you were already dead. That's what the humans used to say about us. Mothers used stories of my warriors to frighten children into obedience. No one outran them. No one hid from them. And no one who saw them ride ever saw anything else again.
Over all thoughts on book and/or author: Wow just wow! That was one wild ride! I can't even began to describe the emotional rollercoaster this book had me on. This is one of the best dark fae books I've ever read. It had me hooked from the very first page. I absolutely cannot wait for book 2. I'm definitely in my angry fae era.
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