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A Tale of Love and Betrayal
Hers was a story of love and betrayal.
In a world where unusual abilities are commonplace and tensions simmer between the human and Fae territory, Efa has carved a name for herself in the shadows. Twenty-two years after her home fell to fire and treachery, she's bound to the Nevedeno, a brutal underground gang. But Efa doesn't flinch from danger. She thrives in Melrith's underworld, smuggling narcotics, jewels, and anything else that pays.
Until, high up in the rugged peaks of the Ferras Mountains, among snow and pines, she meets Emrys, a man whose presence feels less like coincidence and more like fate. He offers her a retrieve a stolen relic from a southern temple. She doesn't need the coin or the risk, but something about him draws her in. So, she says yes.
Their journey takes them through ancient forests and long-abandoned ruins, where threats gather, prophecies whisper through the trees, and a rebellion begins to stir. With each passing day, the lines blur between ally and enemy, truth and deception, fate and desire.
But neither is quite who they claim to be, and the secrets they carry could destroy everything that they've come to trust.
**A note to readers
This book contains mature subject matter, including violence, explicit sexual content, drug use and misuse, and references to sexual assault. Reader discretion is advised.
340 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 17, 2025
This is a great book for those that love a good classic fantasy story line with well rounded characters that you will either love or hate rather quickly. For me, this is a 4.5 star rounded up. I really enjoyed the character dynamics between the two main povs (MFC Efa and MMC Emrys) and each of the main supporting characters. The writing style not only had me despising the antagonists, but also has me wanting to learn more about why they behave as they do. Efa isn’t perfect and her flaws give her a believable edge while also wanting to delve deeper into the mysteries of Emrys. It’s an easy read with great pacing that I stayed up way too late because I didn’t want to put it down. The only reason this is my 4.5 rounded up is that while I am good with spice, I feel that it needs to enhance the pages. Her placement and timing of the spice sprinkled was on point, but the scenes themselves are the only times in the book that had me feel like the scenes weren’t quite in character. Otherwise, this is a fantastic story and I wish I wasn’t working today so that I could start book 2 already. This is the first book of a trilogy and I have to send a wish to SR Phillips to continue writing about this world and let us delve further into different characters including Emrys’ companions.
Thank you to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book to review!
Thank you to the author for gifting me with a copy of this book to review!
February 20, 2026
Why don’t I see this series recommended? This book was STUNNING.
The world building is generous without being intense or overwhelming. Characters have great personalities and some excellent banter. The magic system is interesting and varied. The writing style is warm and inviting, and so easy to follow and enjoy.
All that, and the FMC and MMC are both in their thirties!
Overall this is a really cozy fantasy with a little bit of spice and some good tropes to enjoy:
✨found family
✨forced proximity
✨Gods-fated romance
✨”touch her and die”/“who did this to you?”
The world building is generous without being intense or overwhelming. Characters have great personalities and some excellent banter. The magic system is interesting and varied. The writing style is warm and inviting, and so easy to follow and enjoy.
All that, and the FMC and MMC are both in their thirties!
Overall this is a really cozy fantasy with a little bit of spice and some good tropes to enjoy:
✨found family
✨forced proximity
✨Gods-fated romance
✨”touch her and die”/“who did this to you?”
December 12, 2025
Where do I even begin? This book didn't just tell a story; it grabbed my heart in a vice grip and refused to let go. From the first page, the secrets were a palpable force, thick enough to taste. Even as a seasoned reader, the tantalizing sense of dread, that tiny, persistent doubt, kept me glued to the pages. The author masterfully maintains this edge-of-your-seat tension right up until the final, explosive reveal.
The world construction is nothing short of brilliant. The intricate tapestry of political intrigue and the complex, beautiful brutality of the magical powers make every turn of the page a descent into a deeper, more dangerous mystery. But what truly sets this narrative ablaze is the constantly unfolding background story. It serves not as simple exposition, but as insidious whispers, muddying the waters and making it utterly impossible to discern the true loyalties and intentions of any character. The excitement level was perpetually at a fever pitch!
But the emotional core, the aching, undeniable connection between Efa and Emrys, is what broke me. Watching Efa shed her defenses and become so vulnerable and comfortable around him felt like witnessing fate itself folding in on them. Theirs is a pure, loving, and searingly intense connection, a bond that runs deeper than any difference could divide.
Yet, it was the end, the ultimate, unforeseen devastation, that literally reduced me to tears alongside Efa. I felt the crushing weight of the betrayal and the lies, the seismic shift that rocked her world. The ensuing reaction from our strong-minded FMC was everything I hoped for and more.
This ending was a punch to the gut, leaving me with a profound ache. All I can do now is desperately hope that things find a way to heal in the second book. I am ruined, I am excited, and I am starting the second book now (as an arc)
The world construction is nothing short of brilliant. The intricate tapestry of political intrigue and the complex, beautiful brutality of the magical powers make every turn of the page a descent into a deeper, more dangerous mystery. But what truly sets this narrative ablaze is the constantly unfolding background story. It serves not as simple exposition, but as insidious whispers, muddying the waters and making it utterly impossible to discern the true loyalties and intentions of any character. The excitement level was perpetually at a fever pitch!
But the emotional core, the aching, undeniable connection between Efa and Emrys, is what broke me. Watching Efa shed her defenses and become so vulnerable and comfortable around him felt like witnessing fate itself folding in on them. Theirs is a pure, loving, and searingly intense connection, a bond that runs deeper than any difference could divide.
Yet, it was the end, the ultimate, unforeseen devastation, that literally reduced me to tears alongside Efa. I felt the crushing weight of the betrayal and the lies, the seismic shift that rocked her world. The ensuing reaction from our strong-minded FMC was everything I hoped for and more.
This ending was a punch to the gut, leaving me with a profound ache. All I can do now is desperately hope that things find a way to heal in the second book. I am ruined, I am excited, and I am starting the second book now (as an arc)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I liked that the FMC is in her 30s, that the love interest between the main characters comes to fruition quickly and that there is tension, action and passion throughout. I read it so quickly as I needed to know what happens next constantly! The cliff hanger at the end is epic and I can't wait for the second book in the series to arrive so I can find out what happens next between Efa and Emerys.
January 2, 2026
4.5 🌟 stunning first book, I ate this up in a day. I got a bit lost in the initial world building but this really picked up throughout the book. TOUCH HER AND DIE BABY!!!! 👏
December 2, 2025
An excellent start to a trilogy! I adored every character, they each carried depth that made them come alive.
Only complaint is some of the worldbuilding was a lot of telling instead of showing with some info dumping. This became better as the story developed.
Greatly looking forward to the sequel!
Only complaint is some of the worldbuilding was a lot of telling instead of showing with some info dumping. This became better as the story developed.
Greatly looking forward to the sequel!
April 1, 2026
The pacing, characters (I freaking LOVE Efa) and that ending?!!!! Also the covers on these are gorgeous!
So, Efa is a 30-something year old FMC who is a member of an underground smuggling gang. The descriptive writing of ancient runes, mountains, forests made me feel like it was either Celtic or Viking -inspired. The book was full of betrayal, love and deception and I’ve already picked up the second book to read ASAP!
So, Efa is a 30-something year old FMC who is a member of an underground smuggling gang. The descriptive writing of ancient runes, mountains, forests made me feel like it was either Celtic or Viking -inspired. The book was full of betrayal, love and deception and I’ve already picked up the second book to read ASAP!
November 24, 2025
A Tale of Love and Betrayal is the debut novel by S.R. Phillips, and what a debut it is. This fantasy romance follows Efa, a skilled smuggler navigating a world shared by humans, fae, and demi-fae. When she feels an inexplicable pull toward a mysterious man named Emrys, she agrees to work with him to retrieve a stolen relic—an alliance built on tension, secrets, and a whole lot of slow-burning attraction.
Their journey is packed with danger and emotional stakes as Efa slowly uncovers that both she and Emrys are hiding truths that could destroy more than just their growing connection. The friendships in this story absolutely shine, the stakes feel genuinely high, and the yearning? Perfection. Also, we must protect Morgan at all costs. I do not make the rules.
One of my favourite things about this book is the dedication:
“For the women over thirty imagining themselves as the heroine. We always were. We still are. May our stories be bold, and our magic undimmed.”
In a genre overflowing with nineteen-year-old heroines, having an older FMC who is capable, confident, and utterly kick-ass felt refreshing and validating. Efa isn’t discovering who she could be—she already knows. And she’s incredible.
I devoured this book in less than 24 hours—stayed up until 2 a.m., rolled out of bed, and finished it immediately. A fantastic debut, and a solid 5 stars from me.
Their journey is packed with danger and emotional stakes as Efa slowly uncovers that both she and Emrys are hiding truths that could destroy more than just their growing connection. The friendships in this story absolutely shine, the stakes feel genuinely high, and the yearning? Perfection. Also, we must protect Morgan at all costs. I do not make the rules.
One of my favourite things about this book is the dedication:
“For the women over thirty imagining themselves as the heroine. We always were. We still are. May our stories be bold, and our magic undimmed.”
In a genre overflowing with nineteen-year-old heroines, having an older FMC who is capable, confident, and utterly kick-ass felt refreshing and validating. Efa isn’t discovering who she could be—she already knows. And she’s incredible.
I devoured this book in less than 24 hours—stayed up until 2 a.m., rolled out of bed, and finished it immediately. A fantastic debut, and a solid 5 stars from me.
January 22, 2026
I LOVED this book! Amazing and engrossing fantasy story with powerful characters and a plot full of twists and turns you don’t always see coming.
Efa, FLC, is a complex, resilient and genuinely compelling character. She feels real rather than idealised and it’s easy to get emotionally invested in her journey. The world-building draws you in quickly but it’s the characters that really carry for story.
Beautifully written, totally absorbing, pure escapism and difficult to put down. I am straight onto sequel to continue the story.
A rare 5 and deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Efa, FLC, is a complex, resilient and genuinely compelling character. She feels real rather than idealised and it’s easy to get emotionally invested in her journey. The world-building draws you in quickly but it’s the characters that really carry for story.
Beautifully written, totally absorbing, pure escapism and difficult to put down. I am straight onto sequel to continue the story.
A rare 5 and deserved ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I was gripped from the first chapter and genuinely didn’t want to put it down.
What makes this story shine is the character work. Efa is the kind of heroine I adore; capable, confident, sharp-edged in all the right ways, yet quietly aching for more than the life she’s been forced into. She’s relatable without ever feeling passive; her strength is earned, lived-in, and deeply compelling. Watching her step out of the shadows and into a world that challenges everything she thought she knew, was captivating.
And then there’s Emrys… the kind of MMC we all fall for. Haunted, honourable, quietly intense. The kind of man who would burn the world down for the people he loves. Their dynamic hooked me instantly.
The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric: snow-laced mountains, ancient forests, authentic towns, whispered prophecies… it’s the perfect blend of danger, magic, and mystery. The pacing never lets up, and the tension (in every sense) is perfect.
Tropes I loved:
- Instalove (not usually my favourite, but this one sold me immediately)
- Fated mates
- Found family
- Dangerous quests
- Two people who are not who they claim to be
If you love character-driven romantasy with grit, heart, and a slowly unfolding sense of destiny, this one is a must-read. I’m already diving into Book 2 and cannot wait to see where Efa and Emrys go next.
What makes this story shine is the character work. Efa is the kind of heroine I adore; capable, confident, sharp-edged in all the right ways, yet quietly aching for more than the life she’s been forced into. She’s relatable without ever feeling passive; her strength is earned, lived-in, and deeply compelling. Watching her step out of the shadows and into a world that challenges everything she thought she knew, was captivating.
And then there’s Emrys… the kind of MMC we all fall for. Haunted, honourable, quietly intense. The kind of man who would burn the world down for the people he loves. Their dynamic hooked me instantly.
The worldbuilding is rich and atmospheric: snow-laced mountains, ancient forests, authentic towns, whispered prophecies… it’s the perfect blend of danger, magic, and mystery. The pacing never lets up, and the tension (in every sense) is perfect.
Tropes I loved:
- Instalove (not usually my favourite, but this one sold me immediately)
- Fated mates
- Found family
- Dangerous quests
- Two people who are not who they claim to be
If you love character-driven romantasy with grit, heart, and a slowly unfolding sense of destiny, this one is a must-read. I’m already diving into Book 2 and cannot wait to see where Efa and Emrys go next.
December 14, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ~ 5 STARS!
A Tale of Love and Betrayal.
For full disclosure I was gifted a free copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book so much that I devoured it in two days, I liked the world building and the character building, the descriptions of what was happening to the characters really made you feel like you were right there with them experiencing it.
The book dedication, I LOVED IT, we all need the reminder!
I like that Efa is a strong woman, not reliant on a man to save the day, because she can hold her own! (Who needs another wet lettuce FMC, not me).
I particularly liked all the little surprises along the way, just when you think you’ve got a good idea of where the story is going, it twists to something else all together and I love that, the unpredictability!
I couldn’t read this quick enough and by the time I finished the book it felt like I was going through a break up; I was that upset I’d finished!
You will not regret reading this book; I cannot wait to read the rest! 🤍
A Tale of Love and Betrayal.
For full disclosure I was gifted a free copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
I loved this book so much that I devoured it in two days, I liked the world building and the character building, the descriptions of what was happening to the characters really made you feel like you were right there with them experiencing it.
The book dedication, I LOVED IT, we all need the reminder!
I like that Efa is a strong woman, not reliant on a man to save the day, because she can hold her own! (Who needs another wet lettuce FMC, not me).
I particularly liked all the little surprises along the way, just when you think you’ve got a good idea of where the story is going, it twists to something else all together and I love that, the unpredictability!
I couldn’t read this quick enough and by the time I finished the book it felt like I was going through a break up; I was that upset I’d finished!
You will not regret reading this book; I cannot wait to read the rest! 🤍
October 22, 2025
It’s so refreshing to read a book with a FMC in her 30s who is an absolute bad ass! I loved the main character Efa from the beginning. She is loyal to an end, doesn’t trust people easily but when she does she will defend them with her life. The world building is very detailed at the beginning of the book but it does give you the history needed to understand the unravelling plot (and I love the East Sussex Easter eggs hidden in there). The book has all the tropes we love: fated mates, who did this to you, touch her and die, found family, slow burn…and the cliffhanger!!!! Definitely add this to your TBR. Special shout out to Morgan who was my favourite side character and needs more air time in the second book!
December 8, 2025
The Valtana Series has taken a very high spot as one of my favorite reads of 2025. The FMC, Efa, was a breath of fresh air, in her 30s, confident, fearless and a complete badass Shadow Queen.
I was hooked from the very first chapters of book 1 with just how quick we got into the storyline, there was no messing around and it was FANTASTIC.
The characters had me laughing, cringing, gasping and were all written to be loved so easily.
The storyline follows Efa, a smuggler queen who is offered the escape she has yearned for, by a stranger who her shadows accept as part of her own soul. This storyline is one of love, loyalty, adventure and of course an overwhelming amount of betrayal .
And I can guarantee you that the ending of book 1 will have you reaching for the second.
I was hooked from the very first chapters of book 1 with just how quick we got into the storyline, there was no messing around and it was FANTASTIC.
The characters had me laughing, cringing, gasping and were all written to be loved so easily.
The storyline follows Efa, a smuggler queen who is offered the escape she has yearned for, by a stranger who her shadows accept as part of her own soul. This storyline is one of love, loyalty, adventure and of course an overwhelming amount of betrayal .
And I can guarantee you that the ending of book 1 will have you reaching for the second.
December 12, 2025
I stepped into this series not knowing what to expect, and to my delight it pulled me in from the very first chapters. I found myself reading on the go, completely absorbed, unable to put it down. The plot is full of twists I never saw coming, each one tightening the tension until the final chapters left me absolutely shattered—in the best possible way.
The slow-burn romance was beautifully done, and I was fully invested in Efa’s journey. Her longing to finally live for herself, to choose her own path, made her a heroine I couldn’t help but root for. She is a strong, determined woman, written with depth and quiet resilience, and her character lingered with me long after I finished the book. I genuinely enjoyed every page.
The slow-burn romance was beautifully done, and I was fully invested in Efa’s journey. Her longing to finally live for herself, to choose her own path, made her a heroine I couldn’t help but root for. She is a strong, determined woman, written with depth and quiet resilience, and her character lingered with me long after I finished the book. I genuinely enjoyed every page.
November 21, 2025
Just finished reading this and just could not put it down. It has everything I wanted from my next fantasy read. With a confident smuggler FMC in her 30s and a tall handsome stranger, I loved their slowburn fated mates romance sprinkled with a little spice when the slow burn finally burst into full flames. But the romance didn't overpower the rest of the story. We still had betrayal, magic, prophecies and a lost princess.
I'm so glad I have book 2 ready to read (ARC) otherwise the cliffhanger that book one ended on would have me running to buy book 2!
I'm so glad I have book 2 ready to read (ARC) otherwise the cliffhanger that book one ended on would have me running to buy book 2!
December 9, 2025
This has to be one of the most enjoyable books of 2025 for me.
A female main character in her 30s?
A world full of magic, bonds, suspense, and betrayal?
With twists and turns throughout, beautifully written characters that you feels for, a gorgeous yet deadly world and an epic cliffhanger, this book will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and grinning like a fool the next.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy story with an older group of MCs, being in my 30s myself it made the story and characters so much more relatable. Very excited to see what comes next with book two.
A female main character in her 30s?
A world full of magic, bonds, suspense, and betrayal?
With twists and turns throughout, beautifully written characters that you feels for, a gorgeous yet deadly world and an epic cliffhanger, this book will have you on the edge of your seat one minute and grinning like a fool the next.
It was refreshing to read a fantasy story with an older group of MCs, being in my 30s myself it made the story and characters so much more relatable. Very excited to see what comes next with book two.
June 8, 2026
It is wild to me that this book isn't talked about more because it is such a fantastic start to a fantasy series. I love a badass FMC and Efa is definitely that, but i also love a 'touch her and die' trope and Emrys does this so well.
The whole premise was just so interesting and i spent so much time trying to figure out who could be trusted as there was an underlying tension to the story that was making me hold my breath.
I was captivated by the world building, its beautifully done, i found the magic system really interesting and i loved the depth and complexity that there was to the storyline.
For a book to steal my heart there has to be an amazing found family and S.R Phillips has written a great one, i enjoyed all of the characters, but Morgan, Cadoc and Bran are just pure magic on the page and i ate up every single interaction they had with Efa in particular.
The ending cliffhanger was suitably brutal, ensuring that i will be reading book two very shortly as i just am too attached to these characters now to not continue.
The whole premise was just so interesting and i spent so much time trying to figure out who could be trusted as there was an underlying tension to the story that was making me hold my breath.
I was captivated by the world building, its beautifully done, i found the magic system really interesting and i loved the depth and complexity that there was to the storyline.
For a book to steal my heart there has to be an amazing found family and S.R Phillips has written a great one, i enjoyed all of the characters, but Morgan, Cadoc and Bran are just pure magic on the page and i ate up every single interaction they had with Efa in particular.
The ending cliffhanger was suitably brutal, ensuring that i will be reading book two very shortly as i just am too attached to these characters now to not continue.
March 4, 2026
Beautifully written, perfect characters. There is a balance between action, world building and character building.
No drop of pace.
Emrys is so ... Hot and dreamy 🔥
No drop of pace.
Emrys is so ... Hot and dreamy 🔥
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews