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Unwanted
Vera has always believed she was nothing more than an unwanted girl. Hunted by gods who despise what she is, torn between a destiny she never asked for and the fragile threads of a love she cannot let go, Vera discovers the she was never unwanted. She was fought for. She was loved. And she may be the only one who can defy the Gods themselves.
Unwanted is a sweeping romantasy full of aching devotion, cursed hunters, dangerous bargains, and the unyielding belief that love is worth fighting fate for.
Unwanted is a sweeping romantasy full of aching devotion, cursed hunters, dangerous bargains, and the unyielding belief that love is worth fighting fate for.
529 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2025
About the author
Anais Coker
11 books19 followersA self-published romantasy author and photographer based in North Brisbane, Anais spends her days capturing real-life emotion through her camera, and her nights crafting fantastical tales slow-burn romance and wild-hearted heroines.
Her debut novel Unwritten, the first in The Hollow Gods series, explores what it means to carry secrets, find strength in vulnerability, and walk beside someone even when the path is uncertain.
When she’s not writing or behind the camera, Anais is chasing after her two little ones, building fairy houses in the garden, or plotting her next story over a cup of tea. She believes in soft power, second chances, and the kind of magic that grows in the quiet places.
Her debut novel Unwritten, the first in The Hollow Gods series, explores what it means to carry secrets, find strength in vulnerability, and walk beside someone even when the path is uncertain.
When she’s not writing or behind the camera, Anais is chasing after her two little ones, building fairy houses in the garden, or plotting her next story over a cup of tea. She believes in soft power, second chances, and the kind of magic that grows in the quiet places.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 1, 2025
Unwanted
Hollow Gods Series - Book Two
By Anais Coker
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶
🔥 Emotionally Charged Fantasy
🗡 One Bed
🔥 Fierce FMC on the path of self discovery
🗡 Found Family
🔥 Training for w@r
🗡 Obsessive Lovers
🔥 Tracking Down Forgotten Gods
🗡 Touch her 💀
🔥 And so much more!
Vera and her group are back in this second instalment of the Hollow Gods Series and on a mission to find out what Vera's powers are exactly, as well as who she really is.
This book is full of Vera and Aedric's romance growing (and I mean full! Training? Bam, stolen moments constantly, even literally in the middle of a battle! It almost takes over the storyline for a while there...) full of monsters made from nightmares, battles, and of course the adventures that are all trying to unal¡ve them as Nerian would say (he is still my favorite) while trying to build their own side for an oncoming war, while the Gods long forgotten try to erase what should not exist before she unravels everything they are trying to hold together along with the power they hold.
I enjoyed most of this book and cannot wait for the next, because that cliffhanger was insane, I just think for me personally the sm0thering romance with an MMC I am not quite feeling may have just been a little much for me in this one, it took away from the fantasy adventure side of the story, but the last 25% of the book knocked it out of the park!
Unwanted releases October 1st 😘🖤
#fantasyromance #HollowGodsSeries #AnaisCrokerAuthor #bookreview #fantasybooktok
Hollow Gods Series - Book Two
By Anais Coker
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶
🔥 Emotionally Charged Fantasy
🗡 One Bed
🔥 Fierce FMC on the path of self discovery
🗡 Found Family
🔥 Training for w@r
🗡 Obsessive Lovers
🔥 Tracking Down Forgotten Gods
🗡 Touch her 💀
🔥 And so much more!
Vera and her group are back in this second instalment of the Hollow Gods Series and on a mission to find out what Vera's powers are exactly, as well as who she really is.
This book is full of Vera and Aedric's romance growing (and I mean full! Training? Bam, stolen moments constantly, even literally in the middle of a battle! It almost takes over the storyline for a while there...) full of monsters made from nightmares, battles, and of course the adventures that are all trying to unal¡ve them as Nerian would say (he is still my favorite) while trying to build their own side for an oncoming war, while the Gods long forgotten try to erase what should not exist before she unravels everything they are trying to hold together along with the power they hold.
I enjoyed most of this book and cannot wait for the next, because that cliffhanger was insane, I just think for me personally the sm0thering romance with an MMC I am not quite feeling may have just been a little much for me in this one, it took away from the fantasy adventure side of the story, but the last 25% of the book knocked it out of the park!
Unwanted releases October 1st 😘🖤
#fantasyromance #HollowGodsSeries #AnaisCrokerAuthor #bookreview #fantasybooktok
October 8, 2025
“You could break the sky, shatter the world, unmake everything we know..” he pulled back just enough so she could see the raw truth in his expression,”… and I would still find my way back to you.”
STOP 😭😭😭😭❤️❤️
Anais really said this book is for the romantics and the girlies who love a yearning MMC. I cannot !!!! Also this is a 4.5 star just to clarify!
I loved that from the moment I started book 2 it was like no time had passed and I was back in the world with Aedric & Vera. The consistency from book one to this book was effortless and flowed so well. Book 1 was a lot of world building but ‘Unwanted’ we really got to dive deep into the relationship of Vera and Aedric.
We saw his protective masculine side but we also saw the gentle side that only wanted to love and be loved. Also our fav Nerian was back with his witty lines and probably sick of seeing his brother make out with Vera all the time 🤣 oh and can we not forget our girl Lysara!
Okay Nerian we see you (incoming love story) 😍
The world building waaaas crazy good & the few plot twists had my jaw on the ground. Vera unleashes her new found potential and the story just goes from strength to strength. We learn more about who she truly is and what her life’s purpose is.
Absolutely loved ‘Unwanted’ and would recommend this book/series to all romantasy/romance readers.
Yet again another masterpiece from Anais and thanks so much for allowing me to ARC read for you 🫶🏽
STOP 😭😭😭😭❤️❤️
Anais really said this book is for the romantics and the girlies who love a yearning MMC. I cannot !!!! Also this is a 4.5 star just to clarify!
I loved that from the moment I started book 2 it was like no time had passed and I was back in the world with Aedric & Vera. The consistency from book one to this book was effortless and flowed so well. Book 1 was a lot of world building but ‘Unwanted’ we really got to dive deep into the relationship of Vera and Aedric.
We saw his protective masculine side but we also saw the gentle side that only wanted to love and be loved. Also our fav Nerian was back with his witty lines and probably sick of seeing his brother make out with Vera all the time 🤣 oh and can we not forget our girl Lysara!
Okay Nerian we see you (incoming love story) 😍
The world building waaaas crazy good & the few plot twists had my jaw on the ground. Vera unleashes her new found potential and the story just goes from strength to strength. We learn more about who she truly is and what her life’s purpose is.
Absolutely loved ‘Unwanted’ and would recommend this book/series to all romantasy/romance readers.
Yet again another masterpiece from Anais and thanks so much for allowing me to ARC read for you 🫶🏽
September 26, 2025
Review: Unwanted (The Hollow Gods #2)
Firstly, bless the book gods for sending me this ARC, I am beyond grateful to be traumatised early.
Now, onto the tea:.
This book is a full-blown rollercoaster. Sometimes thrilling, sometimes stomach-lurching, sometimes you’re just sitting there wondering if the ride operator fell asleep at the switch.
Like book one, Unwanted is dramatic, messy, swoony, brilliant, and occasionally frustrating enough to make me want to yeet my Kindle.
Full transparency? It’s too long. But also? I devoured every page like it was my last meal.
What it’s serving:
Vera has gone from small-town girl to divine wildcard at lightning speed. Forget hiding from shadow monsters, now she’s toe-to-toe with gods, curses, ancient prophecies, and the literal Dread-Father of Nightmares (hi Thalrath, we hate you).
Meanwhile, her heart is stuck between survival, destiny, and one very broody hunter who refuses to believe he’s worthy of a goddess’ love (spoiler: he is, and we are feral for him).
The highs (aka why I couldn’t stop reading):
✨ The romance. Aedric, who I once criticised for being flatter than week-old Coke, finally showed up. When he growled, <“You are mine, Vera. And I will be yours until the end of all things”> it nearly set my Kindle on fire. Fans self dramatically.
✨ Banter during chaos. Nothing sells a relationship like trading insults mid-battle: <“That was disgustingly romantic, Vaelthorne.” “Yeah, well. Don’t get used to it.”> Chef’s kiss.
✨ Nerian. Forever the comedic MVP. <“I hope something eats me in this damn forest.”> Sir, put that on merch.
✨ Lysara + Vera. Mentor/friend goals. When Lysara said, <“The pivot on which Eldros turns. Whether toward ruin or rebirth…”> I got chills. Actual goosebumps.
✨ Emotional gut-punches. Vera screaming <“No gods can take you away from me! Not even death!”> had me clutching my pearls. That’s main-character energy.
✨ The cliffhanger. Just cruel. Utterly, brilliantly cruel. And yes, I love it. My emotions are not ready for book three, but my soul is so ready.
The lows (aka why this isn’t a 5-star read):
❌ Repetition. How many times can Vera “truly know” something for the first time? Girl, we’ve known it for the past 400 pages, get with the program. It’s not that serious.
❌ Name overkill. No one says each other’s names this much unless they’re breaking up on The Bachelor.
❌ Draggy pacing. There are stretches where nothing happens except the prose trying really hard to be Important.
❌ Overcooked drama. When every moment is Big and Intense, some of the impact just… fizzles.
The verdict:
Did I get frustrated? Absolutely.
Did I swoon? Oh yes.
Did the ending emotionally obliterate me? Without a doubt.
And that cliffhanger? Deliciously cruel.
Final rating:
3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
It’s messy, dramatic, and addictive, the kind of chaos you can’t look away from.
And yes, I’ll be first in line for book three, probably crying.
Firstly, bless the book gods for sending me this ARC, I am beyond grateful to be traumatised early.
Now, onto the tea:.
This book is a full-blown rollercoaster. Sometimes thrilling, sometimes stomach-lurching, sometimes you’re just sitting there wondering if the ride operator fell asleep at the switch.
Like book one, Unwanted is dramatic, messy, swoony, brilliant, and occasionally frustrating enough to make me want to yeet my Kindle.
Full transparency? It’s too long. But also? I devoured every page like it was my last meal.
What it’s serving:
Vera has gone from small-town girl to divine wildcard at lightning speed. Forget hiding from shadow monsters, now she’s toe-to-toe with gods, curses, ancient prophecies, and the literal Dread-Father of Nightmares (hi Thalrath, we hate you).
Meanwhile, her heart is stuck between survival, destiny, and one very broody hunter who refuses to believe he’s worthy of a goddess’ love (spoiler: he is, and we are feral for him).
The highs (aka why I couldn’t stop reading):
✨ The romance. Aedric, who I once criticised for being flatter than week-old Coke, finally showed up. When he growled, <“You are mine, Vera. And I will be yours until the end of all things”> it nearly set my Kindle on fire. Fans self dramatically.
✨ Banter during chaos. Nothing sells a relationship like trading insults mid-battle: <“That was disgustingly romantic, Vaelthorne.” “Yeah, well. Don’t get used to it.”> Chef’s kiss.
✨ Nerian. Forever the comedic MVP. <“I hope something eats me in this damn forest.”> Sir, put that on merch.
✨ Lysara + Vera. Mentor/friend goals. When Lysara said, <“The pivot on which Eldros turns. Whether toward ruin or rebirth…”> I got chills. Actual goosebumps.
✨ Emotional gut-punches. Vera screaming <“No gods can take you away from me! Not even death!”> had me clutching my pearls. That’s main-character energy.
✨ The cliffhanger. Just cruel. Utterly, brilliantly cruel. And yes, I love it. My emotions are not ready for book three, but my soul is so ready.
The lows (aka why this isn’t a 5-star read):
❌ Repetition. How many times can Vera “truly know” something for the first time? Girl, we’ve known it for the past 400 pages, get with the program. It’s not that serious.
❌ Name overkill. No one says each other’s names this much unless they’re breaking up on The Bachelor.
❌ Draggy pacing. There are stretches where nothing happens except the prose trying really hard to be Important.
❌ Overcooked drama. When every moment is Big and Intense, some of the impact just… fizzles.
The verdict:
Did I get frustrated? Absolutely.
Did I swoon? Oh yes.
Did the ending emotionally obliterate me? Without a doubt.
And that cliffhanger? Deliciously cruel.
Final rating:
3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
It’s messy, dramatic, and addictive, the kind of chaos you can’t look away from.
And yes, I’ll be first in line for book three, probably crying.
October 3, 2025
Book two in The Hollow Gods series definitely raises the stakes. The brutal training sessions had me wincing, but I loved seeing the shift in dynamics, especially Aedric giving Nerian such a hard time over his very obvious feelings for Lysara. Their romance was sweet, though I really wished for a few chapters from their POV to experience their blossoming connection firsthand.
The plot takes us across Cyra, the Forest of Isleen, Aldrith, and Morana Cove, each location adding new layers of danger and intrigue. Old secrets come to light, loyalties are tested, and the looming threat of Aedric's curse casts a shadow over every victory.
Thalrath's cruelty grows more sinister, and with each confrontation, the cost of survival becomes higher.
What kept me hooked was the balance of light and dark. Aedric and Vera's banter had me laughing, Vera and Lysara's friendship turning into true sisterhood was heartwarming, and then there's the "sexy time with magic" that turned the heat up in unexpected ways.
The ending was absolutely heartbreaking, leaving me desperate to see how everything will unfold in the next installment. If you love fantasy with rich worldbuilding, complicated friendships, romance, gods and monsters, this series is definitely for you.
The plot takes us across Cyra, the Forest of Isleen, Aldrith, and Morana Cove, each location adding new layers of danger and intrigue. Old secrets come to light, loyalties are tested, and the looming threat of Aedric's curse casts a shadow over every victory.
Thalrath's cruelty grows more sinister, and with each confrontation, the cost of survival becomes higher.
What kept me hooked was the balance of light and dark. Aedric and Vera's banter had me laughing, Vera and Lysara's friendship turning into true sisterhood was heartwarming, and then there's the "sexy time with magic" that turned the heat up in unexpected ways.
The ending was absolutely heartbreaking, leaving me desperate to see how everything will unfold in the next installment. If you love fantasy with rich worldbuilding, complicated friendships, romance, gods and monsters, this series is definitely for you.
October 6, 2025
Unwanted is the second book in the series and boy did the slow burn IGNITE in this one!
It picked up right where the last one left off but from a different POV which I really enjoyed! It gave the story a good pacing from the very get-go.
The stakes have really ramped up in this book compared to book one. Our FMC really comes into herself and her training arc is insane. She unlocks her true potential and that moment is both satisfying and terrifying. (I'm really trying not to spoil anything here).
Also Aedric?!?! Our cranky broody male MELTED for her. The romance was romancing and some of his lines were downright poetic.
This book to me is a good comfort read. It wasn't a binge-read book, but rather something that I started and kept coming back to after work, between other books, etc.
Honestly, the same way I treat Supernatural as a comfort show!
The way this book is written is to be easy to follow. If you were to binge read it, you might find some parts repetitive, but in my opinion it should be treated like a good tv show, episodic in its chapters.
It picked up right where the last one left off but from a different POV which I really enjoyed! It gave the story a good pacing from the very get-go.
The stakes have really ramped up in this book compared to book one. Our FMC really comes into herself and her training arc is insane. She unlocks her true potential and that moment is both satisfying and terrifying. (I'm really trying not to spoil anything here).
Also Aedric?!?! Our cranky broody male MELTED for her. The romance was romancing and some of his lines were downright poetic.
This book to me is a good comfort read. It wasn't a binge-read book, but rather something that I started and kept coming back to after work, between other books, etc.
Honestly, the same way I treat Supernatural as a comfort show!
The way this book is written is to be easy to follow. If you were to binge read it, you might find some parts repetitive, but in my opinion it should be treated like a good tv show, episodic in its chapters.
October 28, 2025
This is Aedric and Vera’s story!
Continuing on with Vera’s story of self discovery we join with Aedric, Nerian and Lysara as they help Vera find her true self after absorbing Aedric’s curse at the end of Unwritten.
If I could sum this story up in two words - Fighting and f……. Well you get my drift. This book is a spicy one, plenty of V&A action after the yearning in book one. We even see the ever delightful Nerian get some action! And I mean seriously why wouldn’t he!
I would have loved to have seen more of the action from the first story. I really enjoy all the scenes in this book where they are battling or outwitting Gods! I am probably less of a fan of V&A’s love story than others, but again that’s just down to me. I love a bit of friction in my romance and I love an almost endless yearn and burn.
I can’t wait to see more of Vera in her new found self and also to see how Anais brings us back from that cliffhanger!!!
Continuing on with Vera’s story of self discovery we join with Aedric, Nerian and Lysara as they help Vera find her true self after absorbing Aedric’s curse at the end of Unwritten.
If I could sum this story up in two words - Fighting and f……. Well you get my drift. This book is a spicy one, plenty of V&A action after the yearning in book one. We even see the ever delightful Nerian get some action! And I mean seriously why wouldn’t he!
I would have loved to have seen more of the action from the first story. I really enjoy all the scenes in this book where they are battling or outwitting Gods! I am probably less of a fan of V&A’s love story than others, but again that’s just down to me. I love a bit of friction in my romance and I love an almost endless yearn and burn.
I can’t wait to see more of Vera in her new found self and also to see how Anais brings us back from that cliffhanger!!!
November 10, 2025
Unwanted, the follow-up to The Hollow Gods, hit me harder than I expected… and I’m here for it.
The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and the CLIFFHANGER? Absolutely brutal. When the author said this one was for the disgustingly romantic, she wasn’t wrong. I get how some might find Aedric’s love a bit much, but after everything Vera’s been through, always feeling alone and unwanted — I loved how devoted he was to her. It felt earned, not overbearing (but I am a romance girl!)
Nerian is back with his perfect comedic timing (his banter with Lysara had me cracking up), and the world-building was so good. There were a few plot twists that genuinely left me staring at the page in shock.
I’ve truly fallen in love with this series, the emotion, the mythology, the chaos, the romance.... all of it. I’m obsessed. I need the next book immediately. Also, bonus points to the author for being an Aussie from my city, love seeing local talent absolutely killing it. 💔✨
The stakes are higher, the emotions deeper, and the CLIFFHANGER? Absolutely brutal. When the author said this one was for the disgustingly romantic, she wasn’t wrong. I get how some might find Aedric’s love a bit much, but after everything Vera’s been through, always feeling alone and unwanted — I loved how devoted he was to her. It felt earned, not overbearing (but I am a romance girl!)
Nerian is back with his perfect comedic timing (his banter with Lysara had me cracking up), and the world-building was so good. There were a few plot twists that genuinely left me staring at the page in shock.
I’ve truly fallen in love with this series, the emotion, the mythology, the chaos, the romance.... all of it. I’m obsessed. I need the next book immediately. Also, bonus points to the author for being an Aussie from my city, love seeing local talent absolutely killing it. 💔✨
October 2, 2025
Unwanted: Hollow God Series (Book 2)
Anais has done it again! Left me broken and wanting more!
Book 2 kicks off where book 1 ended, moving in seamlessly, and putting me back together. Following with multiple highs and lows!
* Vera and Aedrics romance blossoms, with words to make you swoon “No Gods can take you away from me! Not even death”
* Vera learning more about her heritage, where she has come from and what she is!
* slow burn romance with Lysara and Nerian
* Nerian continues to brings his comedic banter
* They Prepare for war! “I came here because I know what is coming, because I know we must stand together, I will not lose, not today, not tomorrow, not ever”.
All in all a great read.
And can’t wait for the next instalment!
Anais has done it again! Left me broken and wanting more!
Book 2 kicks off where book 1 ended, moving in seamlessly, and putting me back together. Following with multiple highs and lows!
* Vera and Aedrics romance blossoms, with words to make you swoon “No Gods can take you away from me! Not even death”
* Vera learning more about her heritage, where she has come from and what she is!
* slow burn romance with Lysara and Nerian
* Nerian continues to brings his comedic banter
* They Prepare for war! “I came here because I know what is coming, because I know we must stand together, I will not lose, not today, not tomorrow, not ever”.
All in all a great read.
And can’t wait for the next instalment!
October 4, 2025
I definitely enjoyed this book a bit more then the first one,
I love how nerians character still stayed the same comedic type.
BUT they way i fell hard for Aedric this book 😩
The romance took more of the story line this time rather then action i think fit right up my alley. (More smutty the better in my opinion)
The only really annoying thing is the repetition.. it was like i was just reading names over and over again.
All in all its a good read!!
I would definitely recommend if you like fantasy type of stories mainly for young adults cause its an easy read
I love how nerians character still stayed the same comedic type.
BUT they way i fell hard for Aedric this book 😩
The romance took more of the story line this time rather then action i think fit right up my alley. (More smutty the better in my opinion)
The only really annoying thing is the repetition.. it was like i was just reading names over and over again.
All in all its a good read!!
I would definitely recommend if you like fantasy type of stories mainly for young adults cause its an easy read
October 6, 2025
A slow-burn fantasy series, in a dark & twisted immersive world where the layers of deception and deceit are so deep that it's hard to see the light from the dark. Although the romance ramps up significantly, the heartache is just soul destroying.
I was delighted to be gifted this sequel read as a ARC of Anais’s, a local author to me, thank you so much.
3.5 starts rounded to 4
I was delighted to be gifted this sequel read as a ARC of Anais’s, a local author to me, thank you so much.
3.5 starts rounded to 4
October 4, 2025
Follow Vera and her gang as they continue battling nightmare fueling monsters, all while Vera discovers herself.
The love story of Vera and Aedric is taken up a few notches and the banter between the characters is even better. Nerian is the best.
Coming back for book 3.
The love story of Vera and Aedric is taken up a few notches and the banter between the characters is even better. Nerian is the best.
Coming back for book 3.
December 11, 2025
I am truly in love with this series, such an amazing read – but that cliffhanger! I’m on the edge of my seat waiting for book 3. You won’t want to put this book down.
April 20, 2026
If you loved book 1, strap in for book 2. Its ramped up! More delicious romance that will leave you sobbing, more hilarious banter that will have you laughing out loud, more battles, more magick, more monsters, what more could we ask for? Congratulations on another amazing book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews