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Beguiled: The Dark Secrets Series

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When Talya is dragged from her mundane life into the glittering, cutthroat world of the fae, she’s thrust into a game of power she never asked to play. Crowned by fate and pushed into the heart of a fae court on the brink of war, Talya must navigate treacherous politics, unravel her mysterious past, and master the fire that burns within her.
She finds herself betrothed ito a male who is noble, kind, and utterly wrong for her. It’s the dangerous man in the shadows who truly sets her soul alight. As tension builds, Talya must decide who to trust, who to love, and just how far she’s willing to go to claim her crown.

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

12 people are currently reading
26 people want to read

About the author

Fay Messina

2 books3 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Laci O’Reilly.
43 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2025
I think the story overall had the potential to be really good.

I think it probably could have used another round or two of editing.

There were parts where it seemed like paragraphs were added as an afterthought
There was a lot of telling rather than showing, the characters would often state their intentions rather than having their actions speak.

That being said the story itself was good. The writing was well done, no crazy grammatical errors or anything like that.

I have high expectations when it comes to being pulled into a world when I read and it was just hard to get pulled into this world for me.
Profile Image for Susan Vanderlaan.
94 reviews11 followers
October 14, 2025
Everything I could ask for from a fantasy book!

Enemies to Lovers
Love Triangle
Fated Mates
Morally Grey MMC

Talya is living in a shitty situation I’m and has a very mundane life. She lives with her “aunt” as her parents have passed on, only she doesn’t remember anything about them or her life before . She soon finds out that’s because she isn’t from the mortal world! She gets thrusted into the Fae realm of which she was born, where she has to relearn who she is, who she was meant to be and how to rule as the Queen her mother once was. This book made me laugh and cry and the surprise of spice towards the end 🥵
Profile Image for Maddie Hernandez.
99 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2025
4.5 stars arc review!! The imagery in this book is to die for!! i fell in love with this world and the characters instantly. the pace is perfect, i was truly never bored. if you enjoy fantasy, check out this book!! there’s even some spice at the end 😌
Profile Image for Melissa Fletcher.
158 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2025
3.25 stars

Thank you Bookworm Books for sending me this copy!
I'll start with the good things. This was really well written! Lots of very good descriptive language used and kept the tone of the book all the way through.
I did like Talya as our FMC. She was sassy and fierce and passionate, she never let anyone tell her what to do or who to be she always followed her own heart. Did she do some questionable things that I didn't agree with? Sure. But she was still great.
The plot was very interesting. A girl in the modern world who's really a lost Queen to a Fae Kingdom? Sign me up. The book had a really strong start and strong finish. The beginning was so good seeing snippets of this other world in the mortal realm before being fully fledged into it and the end had a big plot twist I didn't see coming! I feel the pace did lull a bit in the middle and some things needed to be shortened but it was still a good book.
I love both our MMC's. Casimir was daring and loyal and Rune was brooding and passionate. Both are qualities I look for in a fantasy MMC. Will admit Casimir did annoy me a bit keep trying to get Talya to marry him. Take a hint man!
I love Drina and Renier!! In fact I think I loved them more than the main characters and would have loved the whole book to be just about them 😹
Now onto what I think could be improved. As I said before the pacing was a bit off. It had a really strong start and a strong finish but the middle just seemed to lose its pacing a tad and I my interest got a little bit lost. Having said that I am still going to read the next one as I do want to know how it ends.
I think the relationships between the main characters just needed fleshing out just a tad more. She kept bouncing between brothers, one minute she was all into Casimir then she was totally into Rune and I was like woman please just pick a man! That might just be my deep rooted hatred for love triangles though.
Profile Image for Brandy.
163 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2025
This book gets a good 4 stars from me. This book is a good story and was fun to read. I did feel that there could have been more backstory to this book with certain characters. Also there is a spot where Talya learns of the betrayer but no one tells those that are in need to know. Some things like making sure these details were added would have made this book a 5 star read. Plus this book has murder, betrayal and kidnapping! OH MY!

So this story is about a girl, Talya, living in the mortal realm. As she gets closer to her birthday and the time when she would have her power (would have liked to know more about how this works as well), she is in danger. There is a seelie court and unseelie court. There is a prophecy that pertains to Talya. While in the mortal realm, she meets a glamoured Taren who is a pixie. I love this character. His banter and lovable character was great. I just wish there was more of him after half of the book. It was like he just disappeared after helping train Talya. Talya is betrothed to Casimir but there is a connection with Rune. Oh the love triangle with the brothers is great! So the first half is about teaching Talya the way of being queen and then the second half is more the fights. I will say the final battle scene had me in tears as I did feel a connection to the main characters. I would like to see another book that will maybe explain more of the "why" and how things happen and maybe a happy happy ending with Talya and her kingdom.

Again, I did enjoy this book. I felt that there could have been a couple things added that would have made this book much better but it was still enjoyable. Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy.
Profile Image for Susan (Purplegalaxyreads94).
158 reviews
October 26, 2025
Huge thank you to Fay Messina and torchlitink for the gifted eARC copy to read and review!

Beguiled follows the life of our FMC, Tayla, who grows up in horrible conditions with her aunt. Struggling in her current living environment, Tayla just wants to feel peace and happiness. One day she meets Casimir and Steven, two people who have appeared in her life like a god send. With her new found friendships and her new found crush, her world soon gets turned upside down when Casimir has to take her back to her rightful place…the seelie court. Not only is she thrust into a world of magic and mythical creatures, she also is told that she is the Queen and that she also will have powers of her own as well as having to marry Casimir. On top of all of that, she has this strange bond to Rune, Casimir’s brother, that she can’t seem to shake and memories of her younger years start flooding in piece by piece that only leave more questions in her wake.

Fay Messina created a fantasy world that was so fun to be in. The love triangle between Tayla, Casimir and Rune was beautiful to witness along with the memories that revealed themselves to Tayla the more time she spent with them. Tayla is a strong queen who doesn’t want others to suffer due to her so she isn’t afraid to jump in and fight for her throne and for her people. I really loved some of the side characters and felt like it was a nice found family situation which is one of my favorite tropes. The threat of the unseelie court as well as the shadows and betrayals of people nearby, it made the environment feel like danger was lurking around every corner. I am curious to see how the second installment is like and cannot wait to see more of these characters in the future!
Profile Image for Hannah.
37 reviews
October 22, 2025
ARC Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Amazing! I was hooked from the first page. For me, reading Beguiled felt like a cross between reading A Court of Thorns and Roses and watching Once Upon a Time.

We begin the book with our FMC, Talya, living in an unhappy situation in the mortal world. However, when she’s suddenly dragged off to the glittering fae realm, Talya finds herself thrust into a game of power that she never asked to play. With the fae court on the brink of war, Talya must navigate treacherous politics, unravel her mysterious past, and master the fire that burns within her…

Throughout the book, Talya finds herself torn between two brothers. If you’re anything like me though, you’ll have an instant favourite. Tall, dark and brooding fae male anyone? Despite being engaged to one of the brothers, Talya can’t stop herself being drawn to the other. I’m a huge fan of the forbidden love trope, and the tension and yearning in Beguiled is delicious!

As well as the two love interests, we’re introduced to a host of loveable characters who become a great support network for Talya. They help her to discover who she is and the power that she wields, providing us with lots of witty banter along the way. There’s also a romance between two side characters that I became very invested in!

Beguiled leaves us with so many unanswered questions and possibilities - I’m excited to see where the story takes us. Thankfully, I don’t have to wait long as book two is out later this year!

Thank you so much to Fay Messina and Torch Lit Ink for my ARC.

Tropes:
✨ Mortal world x Fae realm
✨ Lost memories
✨ Prophecy
✨ Forbidden love
✨ Fated mates
✨ Elemental magic
Profile Image for Batty Squeaks.
47 reviews
October 16, 2025
Beguiled is a fun read with many fantasy elements.  I thoroughly enjoyed the story that was told of Talya and her court.  Talya is the ‘missing heir' of the Seelie (fae) court.  She has been living in the mortal world unaware of her own history and what is to come. 

You meet a great cast of characters throughout for the main cast. The villain is still mostly faceless throughout the story but I don't think that takes away from the story.  Of course, their is court intrigue and plotting occuring.  Some people are bound to be helpful, some are working for what they think is the good, and others want to share much more. 

The only negative I found with the story was the pacing.  I feel like the story moved very quickly through some things that could have taken more detail and added more depth to the story.  This is very character driven which is fine but I feel like some of the characters would have railed against some of decisions and there could have been more tension or development of some. 

Overall I enjoyed reading Beguiled.  I think that if you enjoy: 
-Fated mates
-Fae court shenagains 
-Hidden past
-Tension between characters
-Will-they/won't they
-A murder (or few) most foul

You would enjoy reading Beguiled! 

Overall scores

Story: 2.5 of 5
World Build: 2.25 of 5
Spice: 3 of 5
The tension though..:4 of 5
Characters: 3.5 of 5
Profile Image for Paige.
105 reviews
October 11, 2025
This book gave me every spark I needed to fall, claw, and burn for its world. The tension in the enemies to lovers and love triangle setup had me hooked early, but it was the fae lore and the promise of fated mates that made me stay up past my bedtime.

The FMC is fire. She stands her ground, fights when she has to, and even when everything is stacked against her, she refuses to be just someone’s rescue. The MMCs, both of them, had me torn, but Rune? Rune ruined me. I was screaming for her to end up with him instead of her betrothed. The chemistry, the danger, the pull… it was all too much in the best way.

The stakes feel real. The lore feels sacred. And the way Fay builds her world is sharp, immersive, and beautifully brutal. Beguiled doesn’t just give you romance, it demands your heart.

And maybe it’s because I had just crawled out of the emotional wreckage that is Zodiac Academy 9, but this book was exactly what I needed to remind me why I love fantasy romance so much. Fay Messina gave me magic, longing, and something new to obsess over.
Profile Image for Rima Ayoub .
119 reviews16 followers
November 10, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Steamy, Emotional, and Hard to Put Down

Beguiled by Fay Messina is a gripping and emotionally charged romance that keeps you hooked from start to finish. She has a talent for creating characters that feel real and multidimensional, each with their own flaws, desires, and secrets, which makes the story both engaging and relatable.

The pacing is excellent, balancing steamy, romantic moments with suspense and tension that steadily builds throughout the book. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable, and their emotional journey is compelling, with moments of vulnerability that feel authentic rather than forced.

If I had one small critique, it’s that a few plot twists felt a bit predictable, but the strong character development and immersive writing style more than makes up for it.

Overall, Beguiled is an exciting, well-written romance with depth, passion, and just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages. Definitely a satisfying read that I’d recommend to fans of contemporary romance with a touch of suspense. Will check out more books written by her. Xo
Profile Image for Tina Myers.
1 review2 followers
December 30, 2025
promising but fell flat

Book had a promising plot but too much time spent on unnecessary scenes and details while other parts were rushed. The love story was dry. The love triangle was completely pointless given Casimir dies. His dying ruined the significance of the mate bond with Rune for me. The time Talya spends in the mortal realm could have been completely removed from the plot line because it does not have any influence on the storyline later. Her human friend was all but forgotten. And Talya as her “human” name? Sounds more fae than human to me. Silly but annoying detail. The side story about Reiner and Drina was interesting but was not well integrated into the main plot. The assassin at the end was a ridiculous way to wrap up the book. The character arcs were underdeveloped and lacked depth. Many phrases were overused - background melting away when couples stared at each other was the worst repeat offending one. Also, calling out things as fae magic and evil magic was lame and lack luster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Betty.
19 reviews2 followers
October 16, 2025
ARC REVIEW

Tropes: Fated Mates, Amnesia, Prophecies

Beguiled is a fast paced romatasy with a FMC (Talya) who is raised in the mortal world to protect her when she develops amnesia and is actually the heir to the Seelie Court. Her love interest are brothers and stewards of the throne while she has been away. There is a prophecy which unfolds and you watch how it unites the Unseelie Court in a tidy manner. I'm most drawn to Drina the Unseelie Kings assassin & Reiner a Seelie Knight and the Seelie Queen's brother, they have a banter which I'd like to see more of in the next book.
The bones of this book are good its just moving entirely too fast, events are occurring which should be fleshed out and given more details. Character development which could be part of the readers enjoyment is over looked and sometimes happens off page. I look forward to seeing how the two courts will co exist and where the rest of the series takes us.
Profile Image for OooLaLa Reads.
510 reviews38 followers
October 17, 2025
Crowned by Fate, Claimed by Trouble

OMG Besties... a Dark Romantasy to add to your TBR! "Beguiled" drags you straight into a glittering fae court dripping with secrets, betrayal, and that slow-burn danger we eat up. Talya goes from ordinary to crown-bound real quick, tossed into a power game where everyone’s got an angle—and Rune? That morally grey, dangerous-in-all-the-right-ways MMC? Yeah, he’s the one that makes you forget how to breathe.

Now, I’ll be real—it’s written in 3rd person (not my cup of tea), but it was still a nice read. Fay Messina spins a world that feels lush and d€adly, balancing romance, politics, and magic like it’s her 2nd nature. If you love fated mates, fae courts, and tension so thick it crackles, this one’s for you.

🔥 Tropes: Amnesia ▪︎ Fated Mates ▪︎ Love Triangle ▪︎ Enemies to Lovers ▪︎ Morally Grey MMC

My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5

🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Profile Image for Jessica.
39 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2025
5⭐️ Emotional, captivating, and completely worth it

I read Beguiled as an ARC back in March 2025 and loved it. Then Fay pulled it for another round of edits, and wow… it was so worth the wait! The extra edits added even more depth, and by the end I was a total emotional mess. 💔🥹

If you love:
🏰 Fantasy that blends in the real world
📚 Emotional intensity and twists
💔 FMC torn between two brothers
✨Magical amnesia and unlocking her
hidden past

Then you need to read Beguiled now! I cannot wait for the next installment in the series.

💖 Thank you Fay Messina for the chance to read this early copy.

Disclosure: I read this early copy as part of the author’s official street team, but this review is my honest opinion — I received no compensation and was under no obligation to post this review. 🫶🏻

43 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2025
I'm currently dipping my toe into fantasy. I'm not sure I belong in the full fantasy realms with the crazy world building, but Beguiled was perfect for me.

Talya has no memory of her life in the fae realm. She's grown up in the mortal world and has a job in a bar. One day all of that is revealed to be a lie and she's thrown into a world she knows nothing about. Facing danger she is unprepared for.

Through training and learning her powers and stamina build. Alongside the impending doom, Talya is also facing an internal battle with her heart torn between two brothers and flickers of memories returning.

This is a tale of betrayal, battle, destruction and heartbreak. It is also one of found family and love.

I found it fairly easy to follow and I do love elemental magic. A solid four star read.

I received an advance review copy of this book.
Profile Image for Haley R. .
236 reviews26 followers
October 22, 2025
This was so much more than I expected!

What I absolutely loved most was the multiple storylines and how they intertwine seamlessly, creating a fastmoving narrative that still feels rich and sooo immersive. And the writing style?! The pacing is brisk for a fantasy novel, but the world building and explanations never slow things down. But it never lets up and then comes the twist. Holy Moly! It was sharp, emotional, and completely devastating. We can't forget to mention the incredible side characters! Their communication and verbiage offered humor, heart, and strong connections! Finally, the romance stays subtle, which I loved for this plot. The author had it built on tension and longing rather than explicit scenes, which perfectly matches the tone of the story. Overall, it’s a compelling and highly engaging start to what’s sure to be an addictive fantasy series.
Profile Image for NyckiD .
41 reviews2 followers
October 15, 2025
A Good Fae Fantasy Romance That Keeps Your Interest🧚

Talya is taken from the only life she knew and thrust into her true identity. But destined to become a queen in an unfamiliar world full of intrigue, secrets, politics, betrayal and danger has its challenges. Caught between two men she shared a childhood past with, they each share a deep connection to Talya but only one has a bond tethered to her that will define them both.
Well written with intricate strong characters that have passionate emotions. The plot of the story is interesting and builds up with tension as the story progresses. There are some sensitive moments in this book-violence,kidnapping, murder, elemental magic, angst, spice 🌶️🌶️. A very good detailed fae fantasy book that keeps your interest.🧚‍♂️
Profile Image for Marsha Graniel.
467 reviews13 followers
November 10, 2025
Beguiled is a fast pace and adventurous Romantasy between the Seelie and Unseelie courts. This is Tayla’s story filled with secrets and fated mates. I love how we get a glimpse of the world’s mortal and fae, but also the hidden threat of the Unseelie King trying rule over the courts. With the threat from the enemies, she had been away from her true home until it was time for her to be Queen. I love the connections she has with Casimir and Rune, but also her brother Renier, Taren, and Her Guards. I love how she finds herself again and is regaining her memories. Her story is filled magic and finding love again. I really enjoyed her story and those twist! I can’t wait to read more!!

I voluntarily leave an honest review of this gifted advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Kaari.
82 reviews9 followers
November 10, 2025
3 ⭐️’s Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This one follows a mortal raised heroine with amnesia who discovers she’s the heir to the Seelie Court. There’s fae magic, secrets, and a tension filled connection between two brothers that was written so well, It kept me wanting to see how her emotions and relationships would develop throughout the story.

I really liked the concept and think the story has a strong foundation but the pacing felt a bit too fast for me. Some big moments happened so quickly that I didn’t get enough time to connect with the characters or world. I enjoyed it overall and appreciate the ARC opportunity. It had some really fun moments, especially for fae fantasy lovers!!
Profile Image for Kasey.
65 reviews
October 15, 2025
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🩸 Love Triangle
🌒 Fated Mates
🔥 He Falls First
🌑 Dark Romantasy
💀 Betrayal

You know I can’t resist a good love triangle — and this one had me completely hooked. Every character, from the leads to the side cast, felt so vivid and real that it pulled me even deeper into the story.

And Talya? I adored her from the first page. She’s fierce, grounded, and so easy to root for. Honestly, I’d trade places with her in that triangle any day 😈

If you’re craving a dark romantasy with high tension, emotional twists, and chemistry that burns slow and deep, Beguiled is one to add to your list.
Profile Image for Mandy Britt.
318 reviews9 followers
October 4, 2025
​Torn from her mundane existence, Talya is thrust into a world of glittering fae and dangerous politics. As fate crowns her queen of a court on the verge of war, she’s forced to confront a world she never knew existed. To survive, she must untangle a mysterious past and master the raw, fiery magic that courses through her veins. Her unwanted betrothal to a noble male is overshadowed by her undeniable pull toward a dark, magnetic figure. Caught between duty and desire, Talya must decide who she can trust and how much she's willing to sacrifice to seize her destiny.
Profile Image for Nancy Downing.
42 reviews
October 12, 2025
I can’t honestly remember if I’ve read any romantasy books before now, but this is one of the best romantasy books I have ever read! This is an otherworldly journey that you will absolutely love! If you enjoy anything having to do with the fae, and want to jump into a book where the lines blur between fantasy and reality, where the chemistry between characters is electric and intoxicating – you want to pick up a copy of this book! So good that I blew through this and can’t wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Ashley Hool.
63 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2025
Beguiled by Fay Messina
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Fay and Torch Lit Ink for this ARC!

👑Beguiled brings you into a world of mortals and fae. A world Talya doesn’t remember and memories the prince’s will never forget.

I enjoyed this book but had a difficult time connecting with the writing, especially at the beginning. I am always a huge fan of high fae novels, (which I did enjoy that) but it was hard for me to jump so quickly through the plot without more time to unfold everything.

I loved the love triangle aspect of this book and was fighting over which one should win out. How cruel and lovely to make a girl choose between two gorgeous brothers 😍
Profile Image for Cartera.
142 reviews8 followers
October 20, 2025
The sarcasm and banter between the main characters in this book are fantastic. The future queen of the realm has been hidden away in the mortal world with amnesia and returns to find she is betrothed to one twin and is bonded to the other. This love triangle was well written and I loved it. I read this book from start to finish within a few hours and I didn't put it down until I finished the last page. This is book one of a duet and I cannot wait for book two.
Profile Image for A Court of Everflame.
52 reviews
October 22, 2025
An engaging book full of fiesty fiery women! I love a strong FMC and Talya certainly is that! Her world gets flipped on its head and instead of curling into a "woe is me ball" she does what is needed to take back control of her life. I loved the supporting characters! Taren and Drina are my personal favorites. Both are full of wit and sarcasm, perfectly balancing out tense scenes. There are some great twists at the end and I am excited to see what happens in the next installment!
Profile Image for Amber.
283 reviews17 followers
October 27, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up
I loved this romantasy so much .. it has all the workings of an epic story…. Enemies to lovers… love triangle … fated mates… elemental magic… I was hooked and could not put it down !!! I loved all the characters … I teared up .. laughed.. and had my heart full … the spice was perfectly written in … it was a great read and I am thankful for being able to get an advanced readers copy of it .. I cannot wait to read more from the author ..
15 reviews
December 30, 2025
THAT WAS AMAZING!!!!

I have been trying to get into romantasy more and this book definitely did not disappoint. I am not the biggest fan of love triangles but I was not upset about how it was portrayed in the book. Without giving too much away prepare to be on the edge of your seat, stakes high, and emotions haywire. Book 2 is currently out so feel free to also read my review on that. All in all I really enjoyed reading this book and can’t wait to read more from Fay!!
Profile Image for Michelle Shamy.
976 reviews56 followers
October 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I loved how it was set in two different worlds. The character development was beautiful.
I loved Tal and Steven. but Casimir and Ruin were just so perfect. She was definitely betrothed to the wrong guy!
I loved all the twists and turns and chaos and romance. this book was just so full of great moments. I loved every minute of it.
Profile Image for Sarah Truscott.
Author 1 book2 followers
October 17, 2025
Received this as an ARC and I must say at a time when I was stressed, this was a welcome reprieve. At first I was a little slow in reading but when the character's personality bloomed safe to say I couldn't put the book down. Can't wait to see what comes next from this author.

I will definitely be recommending this to anyone who asks! :)
50 reviews
October 22, 2025
It took me a few chapters to get into this book. Once I got into it I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters, and the world itself. There was some Spice, Betrayal, Murder, and kidnapping.

Next Book Please!!!!

I was lucky and received this book as an ARC, I decided to leave an honest review
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