What do you think?
Rate this book
Monsters' Bride Market
Bought by the Raven King
A bride who climbed out of her own grave. A king who speaks to the dead. A cold that finally feels like home.
OLWEN
I've been faking a pulse for three months. Faking warmth. Faking breath. Counting petals to remind my heart how to beat, and how easily it could forget.
At the Bride Market, a wolf's heat nearly burns through my borrowed life. So I choose the monster in the corner instead. The one made of shadow and frost. The one they only whisper about.
The Raven King buys me with funeral coins and says he's purchasing my silence. I don't tell him I'm already dead. I don't tell him his cold is the first thing that hasn't hurt since I clawed my way out of the ground.
I just need to keep pretending long enough to vanish.
CADOR
I see the living. I see the dead. I see the ones trying very hard not to be either.
My new bride is none of them. A void where a soul should glow. A silence shaped like a woman. My ravens call her sister, and perhaps I should fear her.
I don't. She's hiding something impossible, and she's exhausted from holding it alone. I want to know what happens when she finally lets herself rest.
A spicy, dark gothic fantasy romance with a guaranteed HEA, complete as a standalone.
✓ Bride auction
✓ Monster hero / Death-speaker
✓ Undead heroine
✓ "What are you?" tension
✓ Touch-her-and-die energy
✓ Gothic dark romance
✓ Found family
She's faking a heartbeat. He's pretending not to notice. Two monsters circling each other in the dark.
Perfect for fans of Scarlett St. Clair's Hades x Persephone and Katee Robert's Dark Olympus who want a gothic death-king and an undead bride.
Welcome to the bride market! Monsters bid, you choose.
This is a spin-off series to Arranged Monster Mates. We're back on Alia Terra with steamy stories told by your favorite paranormal romance Eva Brandt, Lia Frost, Cara Wylde, and Ava York.
OLWEN
I've been faking a pulse for three months. Faking warmth. Faking breath. Counting petals to remind my heart how to beat, and how easily it could forget.
At the Bride Market, a wolf's heat nearly burns through my borrowed life. So I choose the monster in the corner instead. The one made of shadow and frost. The one they only whisper about.
The Raven King buys me with funeral coins and says he's purchasing my silence. I don't tell him I'm already dead. I don't tell him his cold is the first thing that hasn't hurt since I clawed my way out of the ground.
I just need to keep pretending long enough to vanish.
CADOR
I see the living. I see the dead. I see the ones trying very hard not to be either.
My new bride is none of them. A void where a soul should glow. A silence shaped like a woman. My ravens call her sister, and perhaps I should fear her.
I don't. She's hiding something impossible, and she's exhausted from holding it alone. I want to know what happens when she finally lets herself rest.
A spicy, dark gothic fantasy romance with a guaranteed HEA, complete as a standalone.
✓ Bride auction
✓ Monster hero / Death-speaker
✓ Undead heroine
✓ "What are you?" tension
✓ Touch-her-and-die energy
✓ Gothic dark romance
✓ Found family
She's faking a heartbeat. He's pretending not to notice. Two monsters circling each other in the dark.
Perfect for fans of Scarlett St. Clair's Hades x Persephone and Katee Robert's Dark Olympus who want a gothic death-king and an undead bride.
Welcome to the bride market! Monsters bid, you choose.
This is a spin-off series to Arranged Monster Mates. We're back on Alia Terra with steamy stories told by your favorite paranormal romance Eva Brandt, Lia Frost, Cara Wylde, and Ava York.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 7, 2026
About the author
Ava York
118 books142 followersReader, dreamer and frantic scribbler. I really do believe that love conquers all... and make terrible things for my characters to survive to prove it! (insert evil laugh here)
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 10, 2026
Why the hell is this rated so high? I had to FIGHT to finish it and it's so short.
The MMC had the tiniest bit of personality but the FMC had next to none. Her emotions were as dead as her body. Literally, after the first couple chapters, I started looking for sentences, phrases, words even, just ANYTHING that described or even alluded to her personality, and I was coming up empty. It was so hard to stay engaged in this, and by the last 20 pages I was skimming.
The concept seemed cool, but on paper, it just never quite hit the mark. There wasn't even much conflict, and I'd struggle to outline the plot structure or character progression. The MCs were indescribable, as in I don't know what they were like as individuals, nor what they looked like. I couldn't tell you anything about any other characters except maybe the aunt based on tropes. I couldn't explain what either MCs were in terms of magical people, though apparently the MMC was a king? I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I expect a lot more from this series and collection of authors, and this one just absolutely was not it. Not even the animal companion could save it.
The MMC had the tiniest bit of personality but the FMC had next to none. Her emotions were as dead as her body. Literally, after the first couple chapters, I started looking for sentences, phrases, words even, just ANYTHING that described or even alluded to her personality, and I was coming up empty. It was so hard to stay engaged in this, and by the last 20 pages I was skimming.
The concept seemed cool, but on paper, it just never quite hit the mark. There wasn't even much conflict, and I'd struggle to outline the plot structure or character progression. The MCs were indescribable, as in I don't know what they were like as individuals, nor what they looked like. I couldn't tell you anything about any other characters except maybe the aunt based on tropes. I couldn't explain what either MCs were in terms of magical people, though apparently the MMC was a king? I don't know, maybe it's just me, but I expect a lot more from this series and collection of authors, and this one just absolutely was not it. Not even the animal companion could save it.
June 21, 2026
Olwen was poisoned by her aunt who wanted her out of the way to claim her father's kingdom. But Olwen didn't die. She clawed her way out of her grave and to the Bride Market. She chose the dark being in the back. He claimed her before realizing something wasn't right. It took Cador time to realize what happened, but once he did he claimed Olwen fully, and she realized Death had blessed her.
Olwen was broken by life, and death. Cador didn't completely understand what happened, but he did, he set about rectifying it and doing whatever he had to to save Olwen. Once Olwen stared down her aunt and eliminated the last threat, her afterlife could truly begin.
This book, unlike other Bride Markets didn't have illustrations, which I felt detracted. The illustrations really brought the other books to life. I have a few others in this series that I'm looking forward to.
Olwen was broken by life, and death. Cador didn't completely understand what happened, but he did, he set about rectifying it and doing whatever he had to to save Olwen. Once Olwen stared down her aunt and eliminated the last threat, her afterlife could truly begin.
This book, unlike other Bride Markets didn't have illustrations, which I felt detracted. The illustrations really brought the other books to life. I have a few others in this series that I'm looking forward to.
March 18, 2026
i loved this book, didn't realize it was a series have now downloaded more. the mobsters realm was fascinating.
February 27, 2026
4.4 glowing stars! Despite some inconsistencies and gaps in the story, I loved it - the atmosphere was somewhat creepy and somber, but that was the appeal for me.
January 2, 2026
Some love stories begin with a spark.
This one begins with a murder.
Bought by the Raven King is dark, lyrical, and achingly intimate—a gothic fantasy romance that feels like standing in fresh snow beneath a sky full of ravens and finally realizing you’re not cold anymore. It’s a story about death, survival, and choosing someone not despite what they are… but because of it.
Olwen is already dead—or something close enough that it hurts. Murdered by the one person who should have protected her, she claws her way out of her own grave and spends months pretending to be alive. Faking warmth. Faking breath. Counting petals to remind her heart to keep beating. When she’s sold at the Bride Market, she doesn’t choose heat or safety or comfort.
She chooses the monster.
Cador, the Raven King, is frost and shadow and silence. A king who speaks to the dead, who understands absence the way others understand breath. He buys Olwen with funeral coins and claims he’s purchasing her silence—but from the moment he sees her, he knows she doesn’t belong to the living or the dead. And instead of fearing her emptiness, he’s drawn to it.
What makes this story unforgettable is how gently it unfolds its secrets. Olwen’s truth is revealed in fragments, each one painful and earned. Cador doesn’t rush her. He watches. Waits. Protects. And when the truth finally surfaces—that she is death-touched, broken, and powerful in ways even she doesn’t understand—he doesn’t recoil.
He chooses her.
Again. And again. And again.
Their bond is intense, consuming, and deeply emotional. This is touch-her-and-die energy wrapped in devotion, where the monster hero loves the heroine not in spite of what she is—but because of it. The found family, the raven spirits, the gothic atmosphere, and the quiet tenderness between two beings who shouldn’t exist make this story feel hauntingly beautiful.
Why this book will stay with you:
A death-speaker king who sees everything—and still chooses love
An undead heroine learning she deserves rest, safety, and desire
Bride auction + monster romance done dark and right
Gothic, wintry worldbuilding that feels like a fairytale for grown readers
A love that says you are not wrong—you are mine
This is for readers who love their romance shadowed, poetic, and emotionally rich. For those who adored Hades and Persephone retellings but wanted something colder, stranger, and more intimate.
Bought by the Raven King isn’t just a romance—it’s a reclamation of life after death, and a reminder that sometimes the safest place to rest is in the arms of another monster who understands exactly what it means to survive.
And when these two choose each other?
It’s everything. 🖤❄️🪶.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one begins with a murder.
Bought by the Raven King is dark, lyrical, and achingly intimate—a gothic fantasy romance that feels like standing in fresh snow beneath a sky full of ravens and finally realizing you’re not cold anymore. It’s a story about death, survival, and choosing someone not despite what they are… but because of it.
Olwen is already dead—or something close enough that it hurts. Murdered by the one person who should have protected her, she claws her way out of her own grave and spends months pretending to be alive. Faking warmth. Faking breath. Counting petals to remind her heart to keep beating. When she’s sold at the Bride Market, she doesn’t choose heat or safety or comfort.
She chooses the monster.
Cador, the Raven King, is frost and shadow and silence. A king who speaks to the dead, who understands absence the way others understand breath. He buys Olwen with funeral coins and claims he’s purchasing her silence—but from the moment he sees her, he knows she doesn’t belong to the living or the dead. And instead of fearing her emptiness, he’s drawn to it.
What makes this story unforgettable is how gently it unfolds its secrets. Olwen’s truth is revealed in fragments, each one painful and earned. Cador doesn’t rush her. He watches. Waits. Protects. And when the truth finally surfaces—that she is death-touched, broken, and powerful in ways even she doesn’t understand—he doesn’t recoil.
He chooses her.
Again. And again. And again.
Their bond is intense, consuming, and deeply emotional. This is touch-her-and-die energy wrapped in devotion, where the monster hero loves the heroine not in spite of what she is—but because of it. The found family, the raven spirits, the gothic atmosphere, and the quiet tenderness between two beings who shouldn’t exist make this story feel hauntingly beautiful.
Why this book will stay with you:
A death-speaker king who sees everything—and still chooses love
An undead heroine learning she deserves rest, safety, and desire
Bride auction + monster romance done dark and right
Gothic, wintry worldbuilding that feels like a fairytale for grown readers
A love that says you are not wrong—you are mine
This is for readers who love their romance shadowed, poetic, and emotionally rich. For those who adored Hades and Persephone retellings but wanted something colder, stranger, and more intimate.
Bought by the Raven King isn’t just a romance—it’s a reclamation of life after death, and a reminder that sometimes the safest place to rest is in the arms of another monster who understands exactly what it means to survive.
And when these two choose each other?
It’s everything. 🖤❄️🪶.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2026
2.5
"— La morte non sbaglia, piccola sposa. Se l’ha restituita, aveva un motivo. — Le sue labbra mi sfiorarono la fronte, gentili, quasi tenere. — E io ho intenzione di scoprire quale sia quel motivo. — E se non c’è nessun motivo? — La mia voce era piccola. — Se sono solo... sbagliata? Un errore? Una cosa che non dovrebbe esistere? La sua risata fu bassa e cupa. — Allora siamo ben assortiti. Mi hanno chiamato così da quando sono nato. Si ritrasse, e i suoi occhi incontrarono i miei, scuri, infiniti e, in qualche modo, incredibilmente caldi. — La morte l’ha rimandata indietro per uno scopo. Vuole sapere quale credo che sia? Annuii. — Me, — disse. — Credo che la morte l’abbia riportata indietro per me. Il fuoco si era ridotto a braci. La stanza era fredda e buia e piena di ombre. E io ero calda, avvolta nelle pelli, nel sangue e nelle braccia di un mostro che mi guardava con riverenza. Chiusi gli occhi."
Primo libro che leggo di quest'autrice, devo dire che ho apprezzato maggiormente le novità introdotte rispetto al resto della serie, qui infatti la sposa non è una normale donna umana anche se un tempo lo era... Bello anche il parallelismo tra i due protagonisti, tra colei che è tornata dalla morte, toccata da essa e cambiata per sempre, e colui che la domina e la custodisce, temuto dalla sua stessa gente. Tuttavia a dispetto di questo interessante incipit lo svolgimento mi ha convinta poco, a cominciare proprio dal temibile Re Corvo, di cui abbiamo solo un breve capitolo del suo POV (con un'incontro hot praticamente sotto droghe quindi ben poco coinvolgente XD), che rimane un personaggio imperscrutabile, e mi ha dato la forte impressione di aver scelto di spingersi così oltre con la sua sposa solo per curiosità e un profondo senso di solitudine... Non avendo nemmeno qualche indizio sul suo passato, o qualche momento tra i due di vera condivisione, la percezione è che chiunque non l'avesse approcciato con timore sarebbe andato bene XD Per quanto riguarda la protagonista, abbiamo qualche accenno del suo triste passato (ma si prenderò una bella e soddisfacente rivincita devo dire!) tuttavia per il resto rimane un personaggio freddo e apatico, non si riesce a provare grande empatia nei suoi confronti perché esprime ben poco i suoi sentimenti. Rimane sempre un poco distaccata, che sia per difesa o per paura non è dato sapere xD In conclusione romanticismo non pervenuto, personaggio secondari inesistenti, background carente e un gelo generale che non viene scaldato nemmeno dalle poche scene sensuali, peccato!
"— La morte non sbaglia, piccola sposa. Se l’ha restituita, aveva un motivo. — Le sue labbra mi sfiorarono la fronte, gentili, quasi tenere. — E io ho intenzione di scoprire quale sia quel motivo. — E se non c’è nessun motivo? — La mia voce era piccola. — Se sono solo... sbagliata? Un errore? Una cosa che non dovrebbe esistere? La sua risata fu bassa e cupa. — Allora siamo ben assortiti. Mi hanno chiamato così da quando sono nato. Si ritrasse, e i suoi occhi incontrarono i miei, scuri, infiniti e, in qualche modo, incredibilmente caldi. — La morte l’ha rimandata indietro per uno scopo. Vuole sapere quale credo che sia? Annuii. — Me, — disse. — Credo che la morte l’abbia riportata indietro per me. Il fuoco si era ridotto a braci. La stanza era fredda e buia e piena di ombre. E io ero calda, avvolta nelle pelli, nel sangue e nelle braccia di un mostro che mi guardava con riverenza. Chiusi gli occhi."
Primo libro che leggo di quest'autrice, devo dire che ho apprezzato maggiormente le novità introdotte rispetto al resto della serie, qui infatti la sposa non è una normale donna umana anche se un tempo lo era... Bello anche il parallelismo tra i due protagonisti, tra colei che è tornata dalla morte, toccata da essa e cambiata per sempre, e colui che la domina e la custodisce, temuto dalla sua stessa gente. Tuttavia a dispetto di questo interessante incipit lo svolgimento mi ha convinta poco, a cominciare proprio dal temibile Re Corvo, di cui abbiamo solo un breve capitolo del suo POV (con un'incontro hot praticamente sotto droghe quindi ben poco coinvolgente XD), che rimane un personaggio imperscrutabile, e mi ha dato la forte impressione di aver scelto di spingersi così oltre con la sua sposa solo per curiosità e un profondo senso di solitudine... Non avendo nemmeno qualche indizio sul suo passato, o qualche momento tra i due di vera condivisione, la percezione è che chiunque non l'avesse approcciato con timore sarebbe andato bene XD Per quanto riguarda la protagonista, abbiamo qualche accenno del suo triste passato (ma si prenderò una bella e soddisfacente rivincita devo dire!) tuttavia per il resto rimane un personaggio freddo e apatico, non si riesce a provare grande empatia nei suoi confronti perché esprime ben poco i suoi sentimenti. Rimane sempre un poco distaccata, che sia per difesa o per paura non è dato sapere xD In conclusione romanticismo non pervenuto, personaggio secondari inesistenti, background carente e un gelo generale che non viene scaldato nemmeno dalle poche scene sensuali, peccato!
January 7, 2026
She clawed her way out of a grave. He bought her with funeral coins. Neither expected to find home in the dark.
Olwen’s been faking life for three months. No heartbeat. No breath. Just ghost petals and grit. When she's sold at the Bride Market, she chooses the one figure colder than death itself, Cador, the Raven King. His silence is safer than the wolf’s fire. His cold doesn’t hurt.
Cador sees what others don’t. He sees death walking in a woman’s skin and doesn't turn away. She’s hiding something impossible. He waits for her to stop pretending and dares her to fall apart where he can catch her. The more her secrets unravel, the closer danger creeps.
The past comes clawing, but Olwen’s not the girl who was buried. She’s something else now. Their bond doesn’t just anchor her, it reshapes everything. She stops surviving and starts choosing. And Cador never once lets go.
Olwen starts as a woman cut off from the world, surviving in silence, but grows into her power as she claims her place. Cador begins as a king made of ice and shadow, but reveals a deep, steady loyalty that never wavers. Their connection shifts from suspicion to trust, from guarded glances to something real and lasting, two monsters finally choosing not to hide.
A dark, steamy, gothic romantasy with bride auction tension, a protective monster king, an undead heroine, a magical bond, and a slow burn that catches fire. It explores identity, autonomy, survival, trust, transformation, power, intimacy, and belonging. At its heart, it’s about choosing life when death feels easier, finding connection in the cold, and being seen without flinching. Not a story about being saved, but about choosing each other and rising stronger together.
The Elevator Pitch: A death-touched bride sold at auction is claimed by a cold, enigmatic king who speaks to the dead and sees through every lie she tells, sees what she is and wants her anyway. What begins as a slow game of power and restraint ignites into a bond forged through blood, heat, and undeniable need. Gothic, darkly romantic, and laced with tension, this is a love story born in the dark, burns slow, claims hard, and never lets go.
Olwen’s been faking life for three months. No heartbeat. No breath. Just ghost petals and grit. When she's sold at the Bride Market, she chooses the one figure colder than death itself, Cador, the Raven King. His silence is safer than the wolf’s fire. His cold doesn’t hurt.
Cador sees what others don’t. He sees death walking in a woman’s skin and doesn't turn away. She’s hiding something impossible. He waits for her to stop pretending and dares her to fall apart where he can catch her. The more her secrets unravel, the closer danger creeps.
The past comes clawing, but Olwen’s not the girl who was buried. She’s something else now. Their bond doesn’t just anchor her, it reshapes everything. She stops surviving and starts choosing. And Cador never once lets go.
Olwen starts as a woman cut off from the world, surviving in silence, but grows into her power as she claims her place. Cador begins as a king made of ice and shadow, but reveals a deep, steady loyalty that never wavers. Their connection shifts from suspicion to trust, from guarded glances to something real and lasting, two monsters finally choosing not to hide.
A dark, steamy, gothic romantasy with bride auction tension, a protective monster king, an undead heroine, a magical bond, and a slow burn that catches fire. It explores identity, autonomy, survival, trust, transformation, power, intimacy, and belonging. At its heart, it’s about choosing life when death feels easier, finding connection in the cold, and being seen without flinching. Not a story about being saved, but about choosing each other and rising stronger together.
The Elevator Pitch: A death-touched bride sold at auction is claimed by a cold, enigmatic king who speaks to the dead and sees through every lie she tells, sees what she is and wants her anyway. What begins as a slow game of power and restraint ignites into a bond forged through blood, heat, and undeniable need. Gothic, darkly romantic, and laced with tension, this is a love story born in the dark, burns slow, claims hard, and never lets go.
January 20, 2026
I've always given every novel I read a chance. I dig deep to try to understand the characters, the plot, what the author is trying to convey. This is the first time in decades I'm giving a novel low stars. Five stars for a great premise. But the execution was a bit lacking. Barely any character development, no relationship evolution. Who are the FMC and MMC? Why should I care, empathize about them and their story? The book is mostly from the FMC POV, which is something I don't really like. I want to read from his POV too. The main characters barely talked with each other. How did they get to know each other? Did their affection for each other even happen? When? How? Why not write a paragraph: "As the days progressed, he made it point to spent time we me. During these moments, he showed me around the castle and walked with me through the grounds. Our walks were revealing. He told me about himself, shared his philosophy on ruling over his people. He may be rough and hard, but was a fair and just ruler. In turn told him about myself...." Something like that (geez use AI to wordsmith). Point is that paragraph alludes to them spending a decent amount of time together. I feel like this book was very much rushed. The plot is creative and awesome. Glad for the HEA.
Review of advance copy
Bought by the Raven King is an interesting entry in the Bride Market series of books.
This one had me wondering what was going on with it’s MFC Olwen from the very beginning, especially after reading
“A bride who climbed out of her own grave.”
That was my first clue this story was going to be a good one.
With the help of a flowers special leaves Olwen has been dosing herself to give the pretense of life.
The Bride Market was just a means to an end because she needed a way to reach the Veil where she would be safe against human law, and why does she need that?
Cador the Raven King sees the living AND the dead, he also places the winning bid on Olwen so she is now his wife.
I did so enjoy this story and don’t want to give away too much because it really is an immersive read that should be savored, and its nuance’s discovered by the individual reader.
Loved the writing, and characters, tension, dark romance, magic, family dynamics, secrets, and surprises.
A wonderful journey that ended on an HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This one had me wondering what was going on with it’s MFC Olwen from the very beginning, especially after reading
“A bride who climbed out of her own grave.”
That was my first clue this story was going to be a good one.
With the help of a flowers special leaves Olwen has been dosing herself to give the pretense of life.
The Bride Market was just a means to an end because she needed a way to reach the Veil where she would be safe against human law, and why does she need that?
Cador the Raven King sees the living AND the dead, he also places the winning bid on Olwen so she is now his wife.
I did so enjoy this story and don’t want to give away too much because it really is an immersive read that should be savored, and its nuance’s discovered by the individual reader.
Loved the writing, and characters, tension, dark romance, magic, family dynamics, secrets, and surprises.
A wonderful journey that ended on an HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2026
A surface level novella that had the potential to be a fantastic story but fell as flat as its characters 🥴 Olwen was murdered, crawled out of her grave, and 3 months later finds herself on the auction block at the bride market. Bought by a cold (but not?) Raven King who recognizes the emptiness inside her, her journey into self-discovery and acceptance begins. Or so it should be. Olwen had about as much personality as a block of ice. Fitting since she’s so cold. No seriously, she’s cold ok? I loved her potential. Interesting concept, I love a quiet heroine. But she had no depth. No complexity. No layers. She was just…. Cold. Cador was slightly more interesting. Intense but warms to her quickly. Suspicious of what she is but drawn to her anyway. But still, he is only the surface of an interesting MMC. Literally as deep as a sheet of paper. Their interactions were bland, the spice was nearly nonexistent and about as spicy as plain toast. The world had potential but wasn’t fleshed out. In short? This was a story with potential that failed epically to deliver. So disappointed.
December 20, 2025
I am feral for this series and Olwen might be my favorite bride so far! Picked this up intending to read a chapter or two, could not put it down, finished in one sitting.
If you’re new to this series - no worries at all. This is a total stand alone, just in the same universe where women can choose to enter themselves in the Bride Market where monsters bid, but the human bride makes the final selection from the bidders.
The discovery of what makes Olwen different or “wrong” and how it happened is revealed piece by piece as the story unfolds. Cador is a broody raven king (hah ok sorry-not-sorry for the broody-bird pun) who is determined to figure out what is happening with his bride, and of course since we’re all here for the monster romance, loves her for exactly who and what she is.
A fantastic read - fairly fast paced, but not rushed. Would love more stories about the ravens and their kingdom.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you’re new to this series - no worries at all. This is a total stand alone, just in the same universe where women can choose to enter themselves in the Bride Market where monsters bid, but the human bride makes the final selection from the bidders.
The discovery of what makes Olwen different or “wrong” and how it happened is revealed piece by piece as the story unfolds. Cador is a broody raven king (hah ok sorry-not-sorry for the broody-bird pun) who is determined to figure out what is happening with his bride, and of course since we’re all here for the monster romance, loves her for exactly who and what she is.
A fantastic read - fairly fast paced, but not rushed. Would love more stories about the ravens and their kingdom.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2026
Bought by the Raven King was a nice twist on the series. Usually it is a desperate human woman who chooses to be won by a monstrous mate. In this case Olwen is more feared than the Raven King, at least once her human guise starts to fail.
Much of this book is about how cold Olwen is, both physically and emotionally. She doesn't belong in the world of the living but is also not one of the dead. She's detached from everything around her. I'm not sure that changes a lot by the end of the book. Olwen felt triumphant in her happy ending. She found a way to belong somewhere. But it felt more like she won the kingdom and her king, more than fell in love with them.
This story reminded me of old fairytales. It was poetic but I felt distant from the characters and the action. Cador, Olwen and their subjects were ideas of people not fleshed out. But this book was still very interesting and atmospheric.
Much of this book is about how cold Olwen is, both physically and emotionally. She doesn't belong in the world of the living but is also not one of the dead. She's detached from everything around her. I'm not sure that changes a lot by the end of the book. Olwen felt triumphant in her happy ending. She found a way to belong somewhere. But it felt more like she won the kingdom and her king, more than fell in love with them.
This story reminded me of old fairytales. It was poetic but I felt distant from the characters and the action. Cador, Olwen and their subjects were ideas of people not fleshed out. But this book was still very interesting and atmospheric.
Review of advance copy
On the lighter side of dark romance, the unique ‘Bought By The Raven King’ by Ava York, still checks all the ‘yes boxes’ for this dark romance loving dirty bird. Just be sure to bring tissues to your favorite reading spot when you settle in to read this little gem, there is an area or two that will break your heart—and Cador just might put tears in your eyes for another reason … the swoon-worthy delicious raven shifter that he is.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Olwen
FMC:
✨Cador
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Monster Bride Market
Tropes:
👉dark gothic romance
👉found family
👉undead fmc
👉death-speaker mmc
👉touch her and ☠️ energy
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥death
Burn Speed:
✨medium
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Olwen
FMC:
✨Cador
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Monster Bride Market
Tropes:
👉dark gothic romance
👉found family
👉undead fmc
👉death-speaker mmc
👉touch her and ☠️ energy
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥violence
💥death
Burn Speed:
✨medium
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2026
I can find interesting plot angles in this story with a rare kind of bride.
Sometimes it's good if a marriage can be undone with the king, and the king can be taken down from ruling, but here I don't want that possibility.
Cador doesn't seem such a "monster"; it's fortunate they were in the same place at the same time and noticed they're something special, different.
Sometimes it seems like humans are more horrible beings than so-called monsters.
Strange worlds I'm not fully familiar with, so I'm not sure how dangerous they are. Humans come and go in the non-human world; they're not afraid to be there.
They can attack to get Olwen, and no one is alerted until they reach their destination.
Conveniently, guards arrive when the assassin is dealt with.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sometimes it's good if a marriage can be undone with the king, and the king can be taken down from ruling, but here I don't want that possibility.
Cador doesn't seem such a "monster"; it's fortunate they were in the same place at the same time and noticed they're something special, different.
Sometimes it seems like humans are more horrible beings than so-called monsters.
Strange worlds I'm not fully familiar with, so I'm not sure how dangerous they are. Humans come and go in the non-human world; they're not afraid to be there.
They can attack to get Olwen, and no one is alerted until they reach their destination.
Conveniently, guards arrive when the assassin is dealt with.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2026
This paranormal shifter romance truly stands out from the crowd. Despite being a shorter book, it delivers an impressively rich world-building and an absolutely engaging, well-thought-out plot that feels both fresh and original within the genre.
The story doesn’t rely on the usual shifter romance formulas. Instead, it offers something different, which made reading it especially enjoyable. The world feels vivid and carefully constructed, and the plot pulls you in quickly without ever feeling rushed or incomplete—even with the shorter length.
Overall, this was a surprisingly strong and satisfying read. If you’re looking for a shifter romance that offers depth, originality, and an immersive world in a compact format, this book is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story doesn’t rely on the usual shifter romance formulas. Instead, it offers something different, which made reading it especially enjoyable. The world feels vivid and carefully constructed, and the plot pulls you in quickly without ever feeling rushed or incomplete—even with the shorter length.
Overall, this was a surprisingly strong and satisfying read. If you’re looking for a shifter romance that offers depth, originality, and an immersive world in a compact format, this book is definitely worth picking up.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 15, 2026
Truly different!
This starts off making the reader wonder, just what was going on with Olwen. Why was she cold, and faking a heartbeat. Cador was at the Bride market because of pressure from the council to take a bride, and produce an heir. It doesn't take long for the story to come out, and the reason after she died, but crawled out of the shallow grave. Due to a jealous ,evil Aunt who poisoned her to claim all her late father left to Olwen. Such an Interesting plotline for Cador, and his Death speakers clan. The familiar, who should have died with his late mother, looks like a zombie cat, yet recognized what Olwen was, and rubs and purrs for her. He never accepted anyone, but Cador after his mother's death. This one draws you in, and you want her to have what they both deserve. I recommend this, and the whole Monster's Bride Market series. Trish. A.
This starts off making the reader wonder, just what was going on with Olwen. Why was she cold, and faking a heartbeat. Cador was at the Bride market because of pressure from the council to take a bride, and produce an heir. It doesn't take long for the story to come out, and the reason after she died, but crawled out of the shallow grave. Due to a jealous ,evil Aunt who poisoned her to claim all her late father left to Olwen. Such an Interesting plotline for Cador, and his Death speakers clan. The familiar, who should have died with his late mother, looks like a zombie cat, yet recognized what Olwen was, and rubs and purrs for her. He never accepted anyone, but Cador after his mother's death. This one draws you in, and you want her to have what they both deserve. I recommend this, and the whole Monster's Bride Market series. Trish. A.
January 8, 2026
Part of the Monsters’ Bride Market series, a gothic fantasy romance introduces us to Olwen and Cador. Cador, the Raven King, is drawn to Olwen like a magnetic pull. Something about her presence is a puzzle he needs to figure out. Olwen, for her survival till the brides market, has been using special petals to seem as though she is a living thing. The chemistry between them is palpable from the moment they see one another. It’s a fast-paced read, but not in a way that feels rushed. The gothic tones create a vivid story that unfolds like a mystery, leaving you holding your breath in places. This, so far, is my favorite pairing in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 28, 2026
This is one of the books in the Monster's Bride Market collection. This is written by Ava York. I've had a chance to read a few of the books from this collection and I was hoping that this one would be just as good. Well, it was definitely good. The book is short and I was able to finish it in a single sitting. The story was well written with pacing that moved pretty fast. The characters are well developed and the author somehow made it so that even in the short span of the book, you got characters that were layered and nuanced. The plot line is relatively thick and the spice is definitely top tier. Overall, this was a good read. Definitely bingeable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 24, 2026
This is a short fast read. I enjoyed this book. We meet a woman on the Bride Auction Market. Olwen is practicing breathing to appear normal. She needs to get away. The auction is a scary place with many monsters looking for a woman, breeder, slave, many reason. The bidding starts with a wolf shifter then a snake but a high bid from the Raven King bids.
Olwen uses her Bride Coin ensuring she has a choice. She chooses the Raven King.
This story unfolds slowly as we get to know Olwen and why she wants to appear as a normal human. Cador, the Raven King is intrigued by Olwen. Could she be everything he is looking for?
Read more to find out Olwen's secret and who is chasing her.
I loved the familiar, Lowen.
Olwen uses her Bride Coin ensuring she has a choice. She chooses the Raven King.
This story unfolds slowly as we get to know Olwen and why she wants to appear as a normal human. Cador, the Raven King is intrigued by Olwen. Could she be everything he is looking for?
Read more to find out Olwen's secret and who is chasing her.
I loved the familiar, Lowen.
Review of advance copy received from Storygraph
3.5 stars. This novella is mostly female lead (Olwen) POV, well written and edited, and a fast-paced, fantasy romance between Cador, the Raven shifter king lead, and Olwen, the female bride he purchased at auction who doesn’t seem alive but isn’t undead either. I enjoyed Cador’s curiosity around Olwen’s state of existence, and his determination to protect her and provide what she needed. I empathised with Olwen’s history and her desire to remain alive. I enjoyed her active pursuit of life, and her response to her antagonist. I enjoyed the mystical feel of the story that suited the content.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 14, 2026
This is the next entry in the Monsters' Bride Market series and another favorite of mine. This is the story of Cador, the Raven King, and his bride Olwen, a being who has been mimicking life in order to stay in the land of the living. But the act of faking life has taken a toll on her and she puts herself on the Monsters Bride Market where she meets Cador. As with the other books in the series, this is beautifully written and brings out all of the emotions. Romantasy with a glimpse into the other world with a healthy does of heat, love, and a HEA.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2026
A new life for Olwen
This was an interesting read. There is a young woman named Olwen. Her father passed and her greedy aunt Maybn wanted Olwen’s inheritance, so she poisoned her. The problem happened when Olwen did not quite die but returned to the world as a void. Not knowing what she was or what to do next, Olwen put herself up for auction at the Monster’s Bride Market. By chance, the Raven King Cador happened to be at the auction. Olwen caught his eye because she was different. The auctioneer claimed that she was human, but actually she was not. This is their journey to be together. There is a happy ending. Read On!
This was an interesting read. There is a young woman named Olwen. Her father passed and her greedy aunt Maybn wanted Olwen’s inheritance, so she poisoned her. The problem happened when Olwen did not quite die but returned to the world as a void. Not knowing what she was or what to do next, Olwen put herself up for auction at the Monster’s Bride Market. By chance, the Raven King Cador happened to be at the auction. Olwen caught his eye because she was different. The auctioneer claimed that she was human, but actually she was not. This is their journey to be together. There is a happy ending. Read On!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Olwen has it rough. She losses her father then her aunt wants what she has so she offs her own niece. Thank heavens that it isn’t the ending for Olwen. She gets a fresh start with the Raven King Cador.
Cador goes against his people and find himself what he thinks is a human bride. But in fact gets his mate bond with a death-touched female. She has to be bound to the Raven Spirit to be protected by his people.
This was an intense mating but so good. She was lost and she still chose to be with Cador. Which made him pick her too. Over everything they chose each other.
Cador goes against his people and find himself what he thinks is a human bride. But in fact gets his mate bond with a death-touched female. She has to be bound to the Raven Spirit to be protected by his people.
This was an intense mating but so good. She was lost and she still chose to be with Cador. Which made him pick her too. Over everything they chose each other.
Review of advance copy
Well, this was a story that really pulled you in. Olwen's character is definitely one for the books. Initially I was a tad confused about her existence, but let me tell you, she is a survivor.
I thought that this was going to be a dark dark read. But when all is said and done, its a very powerful poetic love story that will inspire the coldest of hearts.
A page turner from start to finish with an epic ending......swoon 💜💜
The Raven King is commanding, alluring and addictive.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2026
Where You Belong
Wow. Olwen was some kind of Revenant, poisoned and buried alive. Only she didn’t die, she existed. She sells herself at the Monster Bride Market to the Raven King because she senses a strange kinship. Cador the King of Ravens, purchases Olwen because she stands straight and chooses him out of the other monster bidders. It was a strange relationship as he sought to discover her secrets and she fought to pretend to be normal. This couple was made for each other and their journey towards bonding was wild, strange and awesome. I enjoyed it.
Wow. Olwen was some kind of Revenant, poisoned and buried alive. Only she didn’t die, she existed. She sells herself at the Monster Bride Market to the Raven King because she senses a strange kinship. Cador the King of Ravens, purchases Olwen because she stands straight and chooses him out of the other monster bidders. It was a strange relationship as he sought to discover her secrets and she fought to pretend to be normal. This couple was made for each other and their journey towards bonding was wild, strange and awesome. I enjoyed it.
May 28, 2026
I love how it explains what was unexplainable
This book might be a book of fiction but I like others think no matter what the story legend or tale is, there’s always a kernal or speck of thrush there. Things folks can’t explain but exist or happen. So Ms. Ava York your book is a beautiful imaginative but honest creative masterpiece and I only wish they gave gold medals to writers like you. Bless you for sharing this pair of souls with anyone that’s dared to hit a button, turned up the volume or cracked open a physical book to get lost in this world of magic.
This book might be a book of fiction but I like others think no matter what the story legend or tale is, there’s always a kernal or speck of thrush there. Things folks can’t explain but exist or happen. So Ms. Ava York your book is a beautiful imaginative but honest creative masterpiece and I only wish they gave gold medals to writers like you. Bless you for sharing this pair of souls with anyone that’s dared to hit a button, turned up the volume or cracked open a physical book to get lost in this world of magic.
Review of advance copy
Death Blessed
Death gave her back when her aunt tried to kill her, but she's fading. At the bride market, Olwen chooses Cador - the Raven King - because she thought he was like her. He chooses her but knows she must change again so that he can keep her.
I loved this dark themed book and the characters draw you into their drama. Great read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Death gave her back when her aunt tried to kill her, but she's fading. At the bride market, Olwen chooses Cador - the Raven King - because she thought he was like her. He chooses her but knows she must change again so that he can keep her.
I loved this dark themed book and the characters draw you into their drama. Great read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ava York's Bought by the Raven King is unexpected. It's begins the Monsters' Bride Market series, featuring Olwen, who has died from poison served by her aunt but is still tethered to life by her soul. Knowing her aunt pursues her body as proof of death, she sells herself to the Raven King who takes her past the Veil to his kingdom. But auntie still persists and the only way to continue is to be bound to her mate and become like him. This was a darker story than York's normal work.
January 8, 2026
'A bride who climbed out of her own grave. A king who speaks to the dead. A cold that finally feels like home.'
The characters were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2026
The Cold of Death
Olwen has put herself up on the bride market to escape; she chooses Cador the Raven King to buy her, since he represents the cold of death. But what if, what Olwen’s running from, catches up with her? This book had such a vibe, all gothic, dark and deathly, that I was immediately drawn in. I was on pins and needles, waiting to find out what was so very wrong with Olwen. A fantastic and moody read.
Olwen has put herself up on the bride market to escape; she chooses Cador the Raven King to buy her, since he represents the cold of death. But what if, what Olwen’s running from, catches up with her? This book had such a vibe, all gothic, dark and deathly, that I was immediately drawn in. I was on pins and needles, waiting to find out what was so very wrong with Olwen. A fantastic and moody read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews