The second book in a cozy romantasy small town monster romance series with mythology, fairy tales, and folk lore. Books are intersecting standalones and can be read out of order.
Sylvie, the faerie baker.
When I found Arcane Cove after my own people cast me out, I felt home for the first time. Monsters, witches, and all forms of magical beings welcomed me. And who knew my hidden calling would be magical baked goods? The Cove’s residents came to my bakery Muffin Compares to You for sugar and enchanted support, which I was quick to indulge.
Until the day a mysterious, bearded stranger with pointed ears came into my shop, sending my quaint world into a spiraling blizzard. He was off-putting, arrogant, and knew he was handsome. So, why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? And when he said he was looking for a woman, why did I deflate, knowing it wasn’t me?
Jack, the Winter King.
Every solstice offered the chance to find my mate. A portal opened in the lakes surrounding my kingdom, taking me to a randomly chosen realm. Given this solstice would be the thousandth time I’ve searched, I had little hope left.
When I arrived in Arcane Cove, I never expected such a small town to harbor her. I also never thought she’d work in a stuffy, toasty cloud of sugarplums and vanilla. Surely, it was the universe’s idea of nipping me in the butt. Could she truly be my fated mate? And if she was, would she accept me, powers and all, before time ran out? Or would the ice creature within me frighten her away?
An adult romance writer who has been writing since she could pick up a pencil. After the insanity of obtaining a bachelor’s and master’s degree in cybersecurity, creating worlds to escape to still ate at her very soul. She started writing FanFiction (which can still be found if you scour the internet 😉 ), and soon felt the need to get her original ideas on paper. And so the adventure began.
She lives in Colorado with her husband and two fur babies, and revels in an enemies to lovers trope with a slow burn.
This is the second book of The Mythical Mates of Arcane Cove. This is Sylvie's story. You meet Sylvie in the first book "Witches and Wine". Spice level I'd say about a 3 maybe. Bit of a slow burn but not terrible. There's plot and world building. Most of the characters you'll read about first in the first book. I would highly recommend reading and familiarize your self with Arcane Cove. Sylvie is a winter faerie and the only one. She was cast out of her family and taught to be ashamed of who she was. Jack brought her out of her shell and taught her it's okay to be you. It's s almost as if Sylvie was created just for Jack. In the beginning Jack can be a bit of an ass at first but don't worry he quickly gets his head on straight. I was so enthralled with Jack and how he helped her to be the best version of herself. Can't wait to see who's next !!! Maybe Tambie... Lastly I received this as an arc and am under no obligation to leave this review.
If winter magic, broody kings, and fae feelings are your thing, Faeries and Frost by Carly Spade is here to sprinkle frostbite on your heart—in the best way. We follow Sylvie, a winter faerie with emotions she’d rather keep on ice, and Jack Frost, the mysterious Winter King who is equal parts powerful and emotionally unavailable (classic).
Their romance simmers with icy tension, magical vibes, and just enough angst to keep things interesting. Arcane Cove is whimsical and cozy, packed with magical beings that make the world feel alive and slightly unhinged—in a fun way.
Is it tropey? Yes. Is it predictable at times? Also yes. Did I still enjoy the frosty flirting and emotional thawing? Absolutely.
Overall, this is a cute, magical, winter-kissed fantasy romance that doesn’t try to reinvent the genre—it just wants to give you vibes, feelings, and a Jack Frost you’ll side-eye and swoon over simultaneously.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Firstly, I want to thank the Author and BookSirens for the privilege of reading this book before publication.
It is a very cozy, low stress read and felt perfect for getting into the winter spirit.
There are many unique and interesting side characters. I think it is important to note that for the main plot line this book is okay to read on its own however it is book 2 of a spin-off series. Due to not having read her previous series or book 1 of this series, I wish I could have gotten to know all the characters more. I enjoyed the author's voice and writing style. Reading this book was like getting a warm squishy hug.
In the format I read it, it was 410 pages and I wish it had been expanded another 200-300 more pages to give the reader time to get to know everyone and explore their backgrounds, feelings and thoughts.
I found the beginning of the story was a little rocky. There was a point where I wasn’t sure that I would continue reading. But, I gave it a chance —it picks up!
I took issue in the opening with how the two main characters began talking like they know each other but just met less than 24 hrs earlier. The dialogue at the meet cute and second interaction was stilted and some of the action sequences were a bit confusing to visualize and had to be reread to try to understand. I felt like the conflict of why he can’t pick her needs to be built up a bit more (show us how she is not a good fit to be a queen -maybe this happened in book 1??).
Fun dialogue - at times it seemed to not quite match the characters but I also don't know them from previous series (like all of a sudden dropping F-bombs at the end of the story?)
There are some funny parts where I had to stifle my laughs so I didn't disturb those around me.
TLDR: loved the writing style and concept, wish it was longer and deeper so that I could spend more time with the characters, interested in reading other books by Carly and exploring the world of Arcane Cove more
Sweet but spicy, Faeries and Frost is the story of bakery owner/ winter faerie Sylvie and king of winter Jack Frost.
Jack is searching for his mate and queen and every solstice visits a different realm. Sylvie lives in Arcane Cove, a town for supernatural beings completely closed off from humans/ mortals. Sylvie is the only winter faerie around and runs the bakery in town, using her magic to help the town citizens in small ways. These two happen to meet and despite being unsure about each other to begin with, can’t deny the attraction they feel!
If you’re looking for a Frozen’s Elsa spicy romance this is a great choice for you! The story is a fast paced, light and easy read. It has all the classic fated mates tropes and is a very quick to grow romance with some spicy scenes and some claiming.
I would love to give this story 4 stars but unfortunately I just found the writing a bit cringey and felt that many of the characters interactions or responses were a little forced, unnatural or over exaggerated at times. Finally, I think the timeline of the story could have been more thoroughly established. The first 25% of the book read like it happened within the same day or so and really threw off the pacing.
Anyway, a fun and easy read that could help you out of a book slump or keep you occupied on a long flight! Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to receive a digital ARC!
This book is the perfect cozy read for winter. It’s the second book in the Arcane Cove series and while you don’t need to read the first one to enjoy it, it helps provide some general context to the town and knowledge of some of the other characters.
In this book, we join Jack Frost on his hunt to find his mate. The portal sends him to Arcane Cove and he isn’t sure about Sylvie being his mate. After all, she works in a bakery and he cannot handle anything related to heat.
As he gets to know her, he learns that from a young age, Sylvie has been hiding her true self and making herself smaller to make others comfortable. However, she wasn’t happy until coming to Arcane Cove. Even there, Jack could tell that she was still holding back her true power.
I love that we get to see Sylvie learn to accept herself with Jack’s encouragement. It’s slow going, but such a joy when she finally comes into her own. I also love that Jack left the ball to accept the mate bond in her court, which is rare for a lot of books involving mates. He showed Sylvie respect and love that she hadn’t had before and he is totally goals.
Thank you to the Booksprout for the opportunity to read this early with an ARC. I can’t wait to see who the next book in the series will be about!
“Faeries and Frost” is the second book of author Carly Spade’s Mythical Mates of Arcane Cove series, and I enjoyed it even more than Book 1!
When BookSirens offered me an ARC because I’d already reviewed the earlier Carly Spade title, I jumped at the opportunity. These are my opinions.
Our heroine Sylvie has found refuge in Arcane Cove, a delightful community filled with magical creatures of all kinds that is shielded from all of us mere mortals. Spade’s creativity shows in her vision of the Cove.
Sylvie has made a comfortable life for herself, yet we soon realize she is hiding even from her friends.
It takes a visit from the mysterious Jack to show us just how much Sylvie is hiding. Jack is an immortal that we’ve all encountered in other mythological stories. I very much enjoyed Spade’s treatment of Jack’s quest for a mate and the difficulties of his life as an immortal king.
Together, Sylvie and Jack are wonderful. Spade sets us up for a slow burn, although the clock is ticking, so it’s not quite as slow as Sylvie might want.
I enjoyed my return to Arcane Cove and cannot wait to see who Spade focuses on in the next title.
This was my first introduction to this author and I have to say I’m in love! This story had me absolutely hooked! I’m a big lover of winter and with a Winter King and Winter Faerie what more could I ask for! It was the perfect mixture of hallmark movie and drama, the characters were loveable - although it did take me a moment to warm up to Jack. I really did enjoy how detailed the descriptions were for not only settings but the clothing - Slyvie’s dresses sound utterly to die for! It really helped to set the scene and I felt it playing out in my head perfectly.
And our two animal companions are adorable and deserve the world, both fiercely protective and goofy when they want to be. Overall, this book had me hooked and I didn’t want to put it down, I really loved where the story took me and I definitely will be reading more of this series.
The story is funny,exciting, and scorching hot. It is a fun to read series. It is the holidays and Jack Frost ends up in the unique, and quirky town of Arcane Cove. A home to all kinds of paranormals, monsters ect. The town is protected from human discovery. Jack is not only in the cove to bring winter weather, but he is there hoping to find his fated mate! Due to a curse Jack has a limited time to find her if she is there. Sylvia is a sweet, and spunky winter fairy. Her kind is very rare so much so she had been told she would never have a fated mate! Even though she is a winter fairy. Sylvia owns and runs the bakery in town. When Jack is drawn to Sylvia he at fist can't believe she could be his mate. Because the beautiful woman works with ovens, and jack hates heat! Can fate prove to him ,and Sylvia are true mates! You will have so much fun reading this five star holiday paranormal Romance.
I received an Advanced Redear's Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Faeries and Frost. Living up to all your Elsa of Arrendelle and Jack Frost fanfic dreams.
"She’s a winter faerie, you’re winter itself. Oh my—it’s so perfect."
This is a cute small town fantasy romance with tons wintry magic, fated mates, and fierce but cuddly animal companions.
I read this is one night (when I should have been sleeping). So I definitely recommend as a light binge when you need some escapism and a little steam.
It was cool seeing elements of the Snow Queen, Frozen, and Jack Frost lote all woven into this new story.
This is also set in an existing universe of other mythical characters and creatures that creates an adorable found family for our two main characters. I can't wait to explore the other books in The Mythical Mates of Arcane Cove Series.
This was just a delightful short novel sugar coated with some holiday-ish magic.
This was my first book by Carly Spade and I did not read the first book in the series (but I will now).
4.5 rounded up 2.5 Spicy
Sylvie is a winter faerie who owns her own bakeshop. She uses her magic to sprinkle on her baked goodies to give the eater something Sylvie intuitively believes they need. While she lives in Arcane Cove, home to all magical and mythical creatures she hides her faerie wings and ears, as she was outcasted as a child from her community. She uses the village as a quiet place to heal and finally find a place to fit in.
Jack Frost or King Jakzer is the Winter King who has been searching for centuries to find his fated mated. When the portal leads him to Arcane Cove and he recognizes Sylvie immediately as his mate the moran readies himself to WALK AWAY because he doesn't understand why Sylvie hides her true nature.
While the storyline is just a cozy stroll as they learn more about each other. It does speed up some when Sylvie starts to attract the attention of the Snow Queen, endangering her life. Overall the book had a quick pace. It was somewhere between a short novel and novella which I finished in 1 sitting.
If you love: - animal (hello POLAR BEAR) companions - virgin FMC - fated mates - a group of girl friends who are all magical - Faerie who is also a monster
Thank you to the author Carly Spade for the ARC copy of the book.
Feel very lucky to have been able to read this book and leave a review. I’ve wanted to get into fantasy reading and this book was a good place to start, the character’s were lovable and relatable. The story had some good plot twists and ended in the best way and is easy to follow. There was a good balance of sexiness, romance and some little bits of humour. I felt like I wanted to keep reading and could have easily say and read this book in one sitting. The descriptions of the scenery and the characters were very good and painted a clear picture in your head and felt like you were right there in the magical kingdom.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A magical winter creature romance, with faeries and Jack Frost the Winter King!
Thank you to Carly Spade, and BookSirens for the ARC of this book.
Jack is on a mission to find his mate, and lands in Arcane Cove. He knows she's there somewhere and when he finds her, she isn't at all what he expected. Sylvie is just a baker in quiet little Arcane Cove. She sprinkles her magic into her treats that help make her patrons happier or get their desires. I loved getting Sylvie's story. Was it a little rough for her in the beginning, not knowing who she really is and who Jack is? Yeah. But does she quickly figure out the mate thing? Also yes! This was a fun, quick read for me. I enjoyed entering Arcane Cove again. Looking forward to the next book, maybe it will be Aelle's story? 😏
“I’m not sure I could ever convey to you in words how much that means to me. How much finding you means to me.”
This was an enjoyable read. I thought Sylvie was great especially with her sarcastic remarks she was making towards Jack. Jack was your Alpha male type in the beginning that didn't want Sylvie but then changed his mind and became this sweet caring man with a little bit of a monstrous side that would do anything for her. I enjoyed meeting some of the different characters in Arcane Cove. I really enjoyed Jack and Sylvie's animal companions. The plot was enjoyable and entertaining although I felt the coronation scene wasnt really needed. It did deal with the Snow Queen but it just didn't feel needed to me for some reason. Overall it was a good read.
A winter faerie + the winter king = Loads of icy tension and a icy heart that melts only for her ♥️
Jack has been looking for his mate for centuries and when the portal sends him to Arcane Cove and he sees Sylvie in her bakery, he knows, she is it - his mate. He is on a time limit, though. Will he be able to make her fall in love in time? Or will he have to go back to his kingdom without her and wait more centuries to find her again?
Jack and Sylvie are just absolutely adorable together and it was wonderful to see her be more and more herself and Jack showing her every single part of him 🥰
If you like good banter, small town vibes and a new take on old myths, this one is for you 🫶🏻
Jack is the Winter King and for centuries has been looking for his soulmate but has never found her . When the portal took him in Arcane Cove he could not believe that his mate was a faerie that owned a bakery and sang so beautiful . Sylvie the winter faerie was bullied from her own kind and she found a place to feel like she belong in Arcane Cove , but she kept her wings and pointy ears hidden . She is not sure that she wants to be his Queen but his action speaks louder than any word could . I loved Nanok and Fintan their trusting animals . I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I almost DNF this but I kept preserving then skipping pages to read bits and see what happened.
Unfortunately I didn’t feel the chemistry with the MCs, I’m not sure if it was supposed to be a hate to love? And there was weird inconsistencies with being super formal then not.
There was also no world building but I think if I’d read book 1 it would have made a lot more sense though it was advertised and interconnected stand alone, it didn’t feel like it.
I think read book 1 first then this book will be more endearing 😊
Well considering this book is about a Jack Frost no way is icy in anyway and i really enjoyed it this is second book of Carly's and it didn't disappoint. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What's not to love about a fae / monster king of jack frost and our loveable baker Sylvie, I didn't love the evil queen but she is the villain and in this story you don't fall for the villain.
Sylvie is a winter fairy and has been shunned by her people until she came to Arcane Cove and made to not feel good enough and she also should be scared of her power i love that jack loves her for exactly as she is and helps her embrace herself.
This is the first book I've read in this series, but unfortunately, I don't think I'll read the others.
In my opinion, the book made no sense at all. There was the main couple's plot, but there was another subplot that didn't make sense and added nothing to the story. It was resolved very easily.
I couldn't connect with the protagonists, and I didn't feel any chemistry between them, not even any attraction. It felt very forced, especially because they immediately started with sex.
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book, but I know this author is capable of writing great books.
I am loving this series, these MCs are a great pick for a wintery release! Perfect atmosphere for reading under a blanket on a rainy day. This felt slightly more plot driven than book 1, or maybe just slightly higher stakes. I really enjoyed the expansion of the universe with a new setting, can't wait to see more in future books. Easy and quick to read, I binged this and book 1 in one sitting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
-A cozy, magical return to Arcane Cove with Sylvie, a winter faerie learning to embrace who she truly is. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
The slow-burn romance with broody Jack Frost is full of icy tension, warmth, and emotional growth. A charming fantasy romance with strong world-building, gentle spice, and a satisfying ending.
First read by this author and I loved it!! I did read this one first and will go back and read book one. I do t think you need too but I think it will help flush out the world a bit more. I felt so bad for Sylvie when her family casted her out for being the only frost fairy. Jack helped her to see that she is indeed special and shouldn’t hide it.
I had the honor of arc reading Book two of mythical mates of arcane cove featuring Jack Frost and Sylvie the winter fairy and it was absolutely brilliant! I love the incorporation of animal sidekicks! The thought and detail of the myth of Jack Frost is amazing! Sylvie is down to earth and relatable. I loved the chemistry between them!
So good to be back in the cove. Jack frost is one of my favorite characters and seeing him and in love is everything. Loved this story so much. Arcane cove is such a fun setting because we get more from so many different cultures and pantheons. It makes this world unique
Jack (Frost) is searching for his mate. Every solstice he travels to different realms to search for her. He is known to the people by many names…The Winter King, The Ice King, King of Snow. He has a Polar bear named Nanok. Sylvie is a faerie residing in a place with no humans. What happens when her life is upended and changed. Is what her past family told her true, or is she up for an awakening. Sylvie learns to embrace her wings and pointed ears. This was my first book of the series! I want to run and read book 1 and can’t wait for the next one!
Ok my fave part of this was def the animal companions lol. I didn't really enjoy the way this couple started off, or some of their interactions. They just both seemed like they were being rude for rudeness sake. But I enjoyed the ending and their relationship did make better sense towards the end
I love Arcane Cove. This is a second standalone book of what I hope will be a series of books. The first book is Witches and Wine. You can read them out of order, but I do believe you get a better understanding of the World if you read the first book. Carly Spade does an amazing job taking you away to another place so you can get lost for awhile. If I could vacation in a fantasy world I would go to Arcane Cove. Sylvie and Jack freeze and melt your heart at the same time. Her muffins are magical. Spade also does an amazing job creating tension between characters and building up to the spice. The chemistry between the MC's feels believable and not overdone. This book is a good time. It is your favorite snack. If you are a mood reader this book is great whether your world is frosty or not.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you BookSprout and Carly Spade for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
DNF 30% This was advertised as a standalone, but you need to have read the previous book to know who almost all the characters are.
I couldn't finish this. The characters irritated me to the point I wanted to throw my Kindle across the room.
The worldbuilding is a bit lacking here. Then as soon as Jack gets to the Cove, we are immediately introduced to a whole bunch of random characters without a lot of context. It was confusing, and his reactions to stuff were really strange. The writing is very stilted, and there were some small inconsistencies here and there.
Jack pissed me off every time he came on the page. He is arrogant as hell, and around the 25% mark he started to be abusive towards Sylvie. He treats everyone like crap, and is haughty and kinda rude. I hated him so much.
Sylvie is so strange. She is sweet, quiet, and has been hiding her ears and wings for a really long time. There really isn't a reason why she does it. Then out of nowhere she stops hiding them just because she met Jack. I don't really understand how her magic works either. It seems to be mood based? It didn't make much sense.
After Jack started being abusive, I couldn't keep going with this book. He has no redeeming qualities.
On a good note, I really loved Jack and Sylvie's pets. The polar bear and white stag were so cute, and I thought they were adorable.