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Prize for the King
“Marry me and I’ll let your father live.”
Princess Caliane is convinced she'll die. Her castle’s gates are torn open, her father, the king, bound and gagged on his throne, and in his throne room stands the Tyrant. His skin is gray, his teeth sharp, his hands tipped with black claws. When he smiles like a predator scenting prey, her stomach roils with terror.
The monster forces her to choose: her father’s life for her hand in marriage.
Nothing in the soft, demure life of a royal princess has prepared Caliane for being a wife to a beast. His manners are abrupt, his language crude, and his silver eyes shine with wit. During the brutal journey to his kingdom where humans are reviled, she is passed from warrior to warrior like chattel.
The Tyrant has three knights—and they share everything.
As she moves farther away from home, she must untangle the mess of her painful upbringing, decide whom to trust and what to fight for. The princess might not have the strength to wield a sword, but her mind is sharp, and her monstrous husband and knights, terrifying though they seem, might turn out to be exactly what she needs.
This standalone fantasy reverse harem romance contains dark and adult themes. Reader discretion is advised.
Princess Caliane is convinced she'll die. Her castle’s gates are torn open, her father, the king, bound and gagged on his throne, and in his throne room stands the Tyrant. His skin is gray, his teeth sharp, his hands tipped with black claws. When he smiles like a predator scenting prey, her stomach roils with terror.
The monster forces her to choose: her father’s life for her hand in marriage.
Nothing in the soft, demure life of a royal princess has prepared Caliane for being a wife to a beast. His manners are abrupt, his language crude, and his silver eyes shine with wit. During the brutal journey to his kingdom where humans are reviled, she is passed from warrior to warrior like chattel.
The Tyrant has three knights—and they share everything.
As she moves farther away from home, she must untangle the mess of her painful upbringing, decide whom to trust and what to fight for. The princess might not have the strength to wield a sword, but her mind is sharp, and her monstrous husband and knights, terrifying though they seem, might turn out to be exactly what she needs.
This standalone fantasy reverse harem romance contains dark and adult themes. Reader discretion is advised.
610 pages, Paperback
Published October 23, 2025
579 people are currently reading
1624 people want to read
About the author
Layla Fae
46 books2,162 followersSign up for my newsletter: here.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
October 31, 2025
I have read a number of other books by Layla Fae in the Security Agency series. However, those were all short stories. This one was quite significant... I should also mention that there were multiple characters in this particular installment as well.
In this installment, we have a few male main characters... the new tyrant king and three loyal knights... There's the king, and I must admit, I really fell for him... to me, he resembled a giant teddy bear... Then we have Khay, Magnar’s first knight... he was the first male I truly fell in love with... Next is Raduna, whose backstory will help you connect with him on a deeper level... Lastly, there's Avri, who you'll find yourself falling in love with very quickly as well.
Before Magnar's people went to war, his father attempted to peacefully join the Eleven Kingdoms and make Roharra the twelfth. However, the humans denied his people a place at their table. Eventually, someone suggested that he should marry into one of the dynasties. For years, he dispatched emissaries to all of the Eleven Kings, seeking to arrange a marriage between Magnar and a human princess. Unfortunately, no king was willing to consider it. Many were quite disrespectful, as marrying an Agnidari is seen as a disgrace for a woman of royal lineage.
Princess Caliane found herself in a challenging predicament, having to decide between marrying the Agnidari who stormed her castle or rescuing her father's life. After being sheltered all her life, she was uprooted from her home and thrown into a reality that is utterly confusing to her. With a strong will to survive, Caliane is eager to discover a way to escape. Unfortunately, her previous beliefs about the Agnidari monsters being wild, cruel, and terrifying now seem to be a serious misunderstanding, complicating her ability to accept that her entire education might have been wrong.
If you enjoy a spicy fantasy with reverse harem romance, enemies becoming lovers, and themes of forced marriage, along with monster lovers and a touch of court politics, then this is one for you.
November 4, 2025
dnf
“why, oh why, would his organ get hard?”
my bad for not stopping right then and there. i HATE dumb bitch princess fmcs. like i get that she was sheltered all her life but she really knows nothing??? girl please
all she knew about sex came from animal mating manuals so if you think you can imagine how cringe she might sound in any sexual situations whatsoever… think again
also i’m a size difference girly every day of the week but wdym their dicks were so huge she could fully stroke them from inside her stomach 😃😃😃
“why, oh why, would his organ get hard?”
my bad for not stopping right then and there. i HATE dumb bitch princess fmcs. like i get that she was sheltered all her life but she really knows nothing??? girl please
all she knew about sex came from animal mating manuals so if you think you can imagine how cringe she might sound in any sexual situations whatsoever… think again
also i’m a size difference girly every day of the week but wdym their dicks were so huge she could fully stroke them from inside her stomach 😃😃😃
December 5, 2025
Well that was spicy but long
November 6, 2025
Let me start this by saying Layla is the bomb.com!! She somehow comes up with these stories that not only rock my freaking world but get my heart beating like a drum. I mean who doesn’t love super tall, buff monsters with humongous dang-a-langs and they talk you through anxiety attacks. Honestly after the first day I was have been caught up one night love affair style and true love would have surely found me there!!!
But onto the meat and potatoes this stories follows our lovely princess Caliane and the flip flopping Tyrant. Unlike the wishes of her father in the middle of a siege she does not listen.. Literally not her MO at all and instead stays dressed as a freaking princess and unlike she was told they do not kill all the royals. Ohh and the Tyrant happens to be looking for someone to make his Queen.
This book gave me all the feels and the moments when I wanted to clutch my invisible pearls where it. I have gone so crazy lately about this freaking romantsy books and this is no exception. The only difference is this gave me slow burn energy with super sexy scenes, crazy action and that little bite of comedy even isn’t he most insane situations that I have grown to love about all things Mrs. Fae.. Ohhh time to read this again and this time leave highlights so I can entice the girlies to give this a twirl during their midnight bath.
Happy Reading everyone 😍
But onto the meat and potatoes this stories follows our lovely princess Caliane and the flip flopping Tyrant. Unlike the wishes of her father in the middle of a siege she does not listen.. Literally not her MO at all and instead stays dressed as a freaking princess and unlike she was told they do not kill all the royals. Ohh and the Tyrant happens to be looking for someone to make his Queen.
This book gave me all the feels and the moments when I wanted to clutch my invisible pearls where it. I have gone so crazy lately about this freaking romantsy books and this is no exception. The only difference is this gave me slow burn energy with super sexy scenes, crazy action and that little bite of comedy even isn’t he most insane situations that I have grown to love about all things Mrs. Fae.. Ohhh time to read this again and this time leave highlights so I can entice the girlies to give this a twirl during their midnight bath.
Happy Reading everyone 😍
October 26, 2025
Love, love, love.
This book is a beast (get it?) of a novel, and it's so good. I loved the FMC and all of the MMCs.
It was the perfect amount of spice. The FMC was sassy and bold and ended up being the heroine I was absolutely hoping she would be. All of the MMCs were written so well. I'm a sucker for a traumatic back story, and they way the MMCs take care of her and help her heal was so satisfying. I can already tell this book is one I will be rereading.
I definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Fae comes out with next!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is a beast (get it?) of a novel, and it's so good. I loved the FMC and all of the MMCs.
It was the perfect amount of spice. The FMC was sassy and bold and ended up being the heroine I was absolutely hoping she would be. All of the MMCs were written so well. I'm a sucker for a traumatic back story, and they way the MMCs take care of her and help her heal was so satisfying. I can already tell this book is one I will be rereading.
I definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait to see what Ms. Fae comes out with next!
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2025
Big Yikes
Where do I start? The AI cover should've served as a warning, because the rest of the book reads like AI as well. The characters didn't really have distinct personalities, and the FMC was an idiot. Like, not even in an endearing way. I got 70% through and there was no real conflict or plot to be found. DNF
Where do I start? The AI cover should've served as a warning, because the rest of the book reads like AI as well. The characters didn't really have distinct personalities, and the FMC was an idiot. Like, not even in an endearing way. I got 70% through and there was no real conflict or plot to be found. DNF
October 30, 2025
Oh I have to start with I don’t read the many partner romance novels. Not my thing.
But I absolutely loved this book.
They aren’t just 1️⃣ female to 4️⃣ Agnidari. Caliane has a different connection male in her found family.
❤️🔥Her husband Magnar, The Tyrant, is all intense and hard to get use to at first. But she soon sets on a path that sets her life up as happy. He needs a princess and she is the first he has found that he can claim for his own and his knights.
I found each male helps her improve herself and overcome different obstacles of her past that shaped her into the scared sheltered and abused princess/now queen 👸 she was.
🩵Khay her first knight, got her heart first. Which lol is unfair he was her safe place to start out her new life. Even though it was only cause Magnar knew she needed someone who didn’t destroy her last surviving family member.
Side note if I had her life I would have fell for Magnar first since he took her father out of the equation. That’s a whole can of worms you need to read to understand.
💚Raduna is the older soft knight. He is gentle and loving like a giant puppy 🐶 . You just listen when he explains things since he has all the patience’s for every situation. That is beside her or his kings safety.
🧡The youngest knight Arvi is our hot headed deadly warrior. He plays with knifes 🗡️ to pass the time. But he has a bad childhood like Caliane so they have a shared experience.
Add in the kingdom 🏰 issues and this story is just one minefield after another. They have to help Caliane adjust to her new life and surroundings while recovering over her traumas.
I felt for Magnar the most of all the characters. He was the one that needed love to the most to me and he was the last to get it🥺. I understood the storyline and why each event happened in the order it did but I just wanted to steal him and keep him. 😏
Biggest side note you will want to read this cause each of her males has a special 🍆 to share with her!!!
But I absolutely loved this book.
They aren’t just 1️⃣ female to 4️⃣ Agnidari. Caliane has a different connection male in her found family.
❤️🔥Her husband Magnar, The Tyrant, is all intense and hard to get use to at first. But she soon sets on a path that sets her life up as happy. He needs a princess and she is the first he has found that he can claim for his own and his knights.
I found each male helps her improve herself and overcome different obstacles of her past that shaped her into the scared sheltered and abused princess/now queen 👸 she was.
🩵Khay her first knight, got her heart first. Which lol is unfair he was her safe place to start out her new life. Even though it was only cause Magnar knew she needed someone who didn’t destroy her last surviving family member.
Side note if I had her life I would have fell for Magnar first since he took her father out of the equation. That’s a whole can of worms you need to read to understand.
💚Raduna is the older soft knight. He is gentle and loving like a giant puppy 🐶 . You just listen when he explains things since he has all the patience’s for every situation. That is beside her or his kings safety.
🧡The youngest knight Arvi is our hot headed deadly warrior. He plays with knifes 🗡️ to pass the time. But he has a bad childhood like Caliane so they have a shared experience.
Add in the kingdom 🏰 issues and this story is just one minefield after another. They have to help Caliane adjust to her new life and surroundings while recovering over her traumas.
I felt for Magnar the most of all the characters. He was the one that needed love to the most to me and he was the last to get it🥺. I understood the storyline and why each event happened in the order it did but I just wanted to steal him and keep him. 😏
Biggest side note you will want to read this cause each of her males has a special 🍆 to share with her!!!
November 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Possibly--
almost certainly--
okay definitely my favorite book of 2025
I read this book with dark shadows under my eyes from staying up to unholy hours. It was nearly impossible to put down, and I needed to know what would happen next as badly as I never wanted it to end.
Prize for the King has it ALL. First: the spice is absolutely off the charts. Even when it strays into the ‘that’s not anatomically possible’ arena, you’re still rapt and suspending disbelief without a second thought. Physical intimacy is treated as the highest form of emotional connection. But there's also a certain humor and irreverence that grounds you as the reader, keeping things fun. Trust me, this book will grab you and not let go.
Second: the characters. Goddess help me! Magnar, Khay, Raduna and Arvi have all come alive in my mind and made homes in my heart. They’re the most emotionally mature males to ever have existed--even on paper. But not in a way that feels forced or therapist-y. Each of the Agnidari men are unique and talented in different ways that still coexist well together, making their entire family unit feel real. And the reverence they have for their queen, Caliane, will absolutely melt your heart.
Third: Caliane, the fabulous FMC. I loved her from the very first page, for all her strengths and flaws and bravery and insecurities. Her struggles throughout the book are so lovingly depicted that it makes my heart ache both for Caliane and for whatever caused the personal well of pain @laylafaeauthor clearly drew from in this story, which she refers to in her afterward as one that “flew from dark and visceral parts within [her] soul.” Caliane’s growth thanks to the love she finds with her men is perfectly balanced with the growth that comes purely from her soul and her determination to fight for what she wants.
Endless stars forever. I can’t wait to read this again, and I look forward to exploring all of Layla Fey’s existing novels, and especially to discovering what comes next.
Possibly--
almost certainly--
okay definitely my favorite book of 2025
I read this book with dark shadows under my eyes from staying up to unholy hours. It was nearly impossible to put down, and I needed to know what would happen next as badly as I never wanted it to end.
Prize for the King has it ALL. First: the spice is absolutely off the charts. Even when it strays into the ‘that’s not anatomically possible’ arena, you’re still rapt and suspending disbelief without a second thought. Physical intimacy is treated as the highest form of emotional connection. But there's also a certain humor and irreverence that grounds you as the reader, keeping things fun. Trust me, this book will grab you and not let go.
Second: the characters. Goddess help me! Magnar, Khay, Raduna and Arvi have all come alive in my mind and made homes in my heart. They’re the most emotionally mature males to ever have existed--even on paper. But not in a way that feels forced or therapist-y. Each of the Agnidari men are unique and talented in different ways that still coexist well together, making their entire family unit feel real. And the reverence they have for their queen, Caliane, will absolutely melt your heart.
Third: Caliane, the fabulous FMC. I loved her from the very first page, for all her strengths and flaws and bravery and insecurities. Her struggles throughout the book are so lovingly depicted that it makes my heart ache both for Caliane and for whatever caused the personal well of pain @laylafaeauthor clearly drew from in this story, which she refers to in her afterward as one that “flew from dark and visceral parts within [her] soul.” Caliane’s growth thanks to the love she finds with her men is perfectly balanced with the growth that comes purely from her soul and her determination to fight for what she wants.
Endless stars forever. I can’t wait to read this again, and I look forward to exploring all of Layla Fey’s existing novels, and especially to discovering what comes next.
November 26, 2025
And just like that , I have to read another book by Layla Fae.
November 5, 2025
This ARC was freely provided to me by the author via Booksprout - thank you!
With that, ARCs are subject to change before the final publishing. Find Prize for the King out Halloween 2025!
Please note that, along with the CWs on the author's site, CSA (past tense) is a theme that is intregal to this story. It is not glorified, but it is there.
Team work makes the dream work. 👀
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4) | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3)
I zoomed through this in about eight hours, spread out over a day and a half. It was difficult to put down. I'm a small bit confused about where the "dark" part of the "dark romance" is, but I am willing to believe that I'm just biased. There are heavy themes, but the main relationship(s) don't feel dark to me.
I've only read a few other shorter stories by Fae - of those, they're all from the Monster Security Agency series. I didn't go in entirely unfamiliar, but I was excited to see the author's own original world building, outside of a series she shares with others!
I was not disappointed. We're given a land that has some personality, but not overly detailed in a way that made it hard to keep up. The Agnidari and their culture are interesting, and felt so... comfortable to learn about. I'm such a slut for the "They only taught me lies about your people. Now I'm learning, firsthand, that you and yours are more 'human' than mine ever were" trope. Fae does it deliciously.
Our MMCs are also delicious, each with his own personality, backstory, and (gasp!) hobbies. The pacing of the story had us meeting them at similar times, but each had their time to shine. Our FMC's relationship with each, individually, also develop at different paces that make sense. There is no "they're all hot, and I want to jump them all. Now we're all in love!" Well - not until it's an established relationship. And even then...
I enjoyed the plot, the feminine rage, the empowerment after a society has crushed you down - told you to be seen, not heard. That you are only acceptable when you make yourself palatable for others. You can tell and feel that Fae put her heart into expressing some of the trauma in this story. It hurts to read. Some parts made me sick to my stomach. Reading the realization and uncovering of a trauma was done so well.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed, which seemed very at odds with the rest of the book taking its time. I was happy with the ending regardless, and delighted that it left some strings to pluck, should the author continue to write in this world and form a series.
With that, ARCs are subject to change before the final publishing. Find Prize for the King out Halloween 2025!
Please note that, along with the CWs on the author's site, CSA (past tense) is a theme that is intregal to this story. It is not glorified, but it is there.
Team work makes the dream work. 👀
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4) | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3)
I zoomed through this in about eight hours, spread out over a day and a half. It was difficult to put down. I'm a small bit confused about where the "dark" part of the "dark romance" is, but I am willing to believe that I'm just biased. There are heavy themes, but the main relationship(s) don't feel dark to me.
I've only read a few other shorter stories by Fae - of those, they're all from the Monster Security Agency series. I didn't go in entirely unfamiliar, but I was excited to see the author's own original world building, outside of a series she shares with others!
I was not disappointed. We're given a land that has some personality, but not overly detailed in a way that made it hard to keep up. The Agnidari and their culture are interesting, and felt so... comfortable to learn about. I'm such a slut for the "They only taught me lies about your people. Now I'm learning, firsthand, that you and yours are more 'human' than mine ever were" trope. Fae does it deliciously.
Our MMCs are also delicious, each with his own personality, backstory, and (gasp!) hobbies. The pacing of the story had us meeting them at similar times, but each had their time to shine. Our FMC's relationship with each, individually, also develop at different paces that make sense. There is no "they're all hot, and I want to jump them all. Now we're all in love!" Well - not until it's an established relationship. And even then...
I enjoyed the plot, the feminine rage, the empowerment after a society has crushed you down - told you to be seen, not heard. That you are only acceptable when you make yourself palatable for others. You can tell and feel that Fae put her heart into expressing some of the trauma in this story. It hurts to read. Some parts made me sick to my stomach. Reading the realization and uncovering of a trauma was done so well.
I felt the ending was a bit rushed, which seemed very at odds with the rest of the book taking its time. I was happy with the ending regardless, and delighted that it left some strings to pluck, should the author continue to write in this world and form a series.
October 27, 2025
Forced to wed the Tyrant that stormed her castle and killed her father, Princess Caliane is set on survival, and hopefully an escape. Only everything she's been told about the Agnidari monsters being reckless, savage and gruesome beasts seams to be a lie, and it's costing her everything to realize her entire life's education may not have been what it seems.
*****
This book is peak Layla Fae. It's original, authentic, emotional, and decadent in it's depravity.
Prize for the King isn't for the faint of heart. It explores trauma and abuse in flashbacks that formed Caliane as she is today. She's taken from her home and tossed into a world that makes no sense to her after being sheltered her whole life, and she slowly grows into her voice as the story progresses. The male leads contrast her as confident, capable and sure. They're each unique and contain quiet depth and adoration that I loved to see so early on. As a group, they're fair, just, and ravenous for a queen to call their own, and it's shown in every action they take.
We see Caliane rise from the ashes of her meek resistance by being lovingly and coercively pushed to believe herself capable, intelligent and strong. I loved that the first half of the book was dedicated to the slow development of her relationship with each knight and her king, as we witnessed her connections growing with each lead, and why she fell for them as she did. It kept me emotionally on edge as Caliane worked to overcome her trauma to be open to loving each man. Also, the arrangement of how the knights service the king and queen created some obscenely detailed and dehydratingly spicy scenes. The degradation and humiliation was strong, and the dirty talk and free-use aspect? Impeccable.
Overall this book, despite it's length, absolutely flew by. It's thick and meaty, and gives you a fantasy realm woven into a monster romance that feels rich and detailed, while also easy to sink into. Knowing that the author is going to pursue interconnected standalones in the same world makes me thrilled for what she does next!
*****
Thank you to the author Layle Fae for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This book is peak Layla Fae. It's original, authentic, emotional, and decadent in it's depravity.
Prize for the King isn't for the faint of heart. It explores trauma and abuse in flashbacks that formed Caliane as she is today. She's taken from her home and tossed into a world that makes no sense to her after being sheltered her whole life, and she slowly grows into her voice as the story progresses. The male leads contrast her as confident, capable and sure. They're each unique and contain quiet depth and adoration that I loved to see so early on. As a group, they're fair, just, and ravenous for a queen to call their own, and it's shown in every action they take.
We see Caliane rise from the ashes of her meek resistance by being lovingly and coercively pushed to believe herself capable, intelligent and strong. I loved that the first half of the book was dedicated to the slow development of her relationship with each knight and her king, as we witnessed her connections growing with each lead, and why she fell for them as she did. It kept me emotionally on edge as Caliane worked to overcome her trauma to be open to loving each man. Also, the arrangement of how the knights service the king and queen created some obscenely detailed and dehydratingly spicy scenes. The degradation and humiliation was strong, and the dirty talk and free-use aspect? Impeccable.
Overall this book, despite it's length, absolutely flew by. It's thick and meaty, and gives you a fantasy realm woven into a monster romance that feels rich and detailed, while also easy to sink into. Knowing that the author is going to pursue interconnected standalones in the same world makes me thrilled for what she does next!
*****
Thank you to the author Layle Fae for the advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 1, 2025
WTF it's so good. I've only been reading novellas recently (and Ali Hazelwood books lol) and this beast is 600+ pages on my e-reader. That should tell you how good it is.
The character development and world building was phenomenal, and not at all boring!! There were even little political mysteries baked in, with twists that got revealed in the end. The ending was super satisfying in so many different ways. I normally don't read fantasy 'cause I can't be bothered with the world development, keeping track of who is who, and I really don't like being fed information without seeing its relevance... This, on the other hand, was superb! The characters were all distinct, the political intricacies were revealed through the heroine, and her personal connection to the information made it easy to remember and I was hungry for more! I just gobbled this book down, it was fantastic!
The character development and world building was phenomenal, and not at all boring!! There were even little political mysteries baked in, with twists that got revealed in the end. The ending was super satisfying in so many different ways. I normally don't read fantasy 'cause I can't be bothered with the world development, keeping track of who is who, and I really don't like being fed information without seeing its relevance... This, on the other hand, was superb! The characters were all distinct, the political intricacies were revealed through the heroine, and her personal connection to the information made it easy to remember and I was hungry for more! I just gobbled this book down, it was fantastic!
October 27, 2025
ARC read review - Totally loved this book!!!
This book was pure temptation wrapped in heartbreak and fantasy.
I was completely gone for tbis since the first couple of chapters — the tension, the danger, the pain…the forbidden pull between the characters had me breathless.
The chemistry between the heroine, the king, and his three knights is explosive — that perfect blend of dominance, devotion, and desire that makes your pulse race. Every glance, every touch, every stolen moment drips with tension and longing. Yet beneath all that heat, there’s so much emotion.
The romance burns hot, but it’s also deeply emotional — full of trust, sacrifice, and the slow, aching process of healing through love. It’s dark, intoxicating, and utterly addictive.
By the time I reached the end, I didn’t just want more — I needed it. This story is going to haunt me (and my daydreams) for a long time.
This book was pure temptation wrapped in heartbreak and fantasy.
I was completely gone for tbis since the first couple of chapters — the tension, the danger, the pain…the forbidden pull between the characters had me breathless.
The chemistry between the heroine, the king, and his three knights is explosive — that perfect blend of dominance, devotion, and desire that makes your pulse race. Every glance, every touch, every stolen moment drips with tension and longing. Yet beneath all that heat, there’s so much emotion.
The romance burns hot, but it’s also deeply emotional — full of trust, sacrifice, and the slow, aching process of healing through love. It’s dark, intoxicating, and utterly addictive.
By the time I reached the end, I didn’t just want more — I needed it. This story is going to haunt me (and my daydreams) for a long time.
November 7, 2025
Plot: 5/5 • Smut: 5/5 ———> LAYLA. HOLY FUCK. I devoured this book. I honest to the stars loved every single page of this. The passion, the drama, the lovers, the war, the need, the yearning, the healing. All of it.
A review from me won’t do this book justice.
Please note this standalone has mythical creatures, high passion, and even some good feminism.
If I could rate this higher I absolutely would. I can’t even tell you who my favorite knight was. I loved them all. But Magnar, he really did steal my heart.
So worth the time to read.
A review from me won’t do this book justice.
Please note this standalone has mythical creatures, high passion, and even some good feminism.
If I could rate this higher I absolutely would. I can’t even tell you who my favorite knight was. I loved them all. But Magnar, he really did steal my heart.
So worth the time to read.
November 5, 2025
3,25 ⭐
I loved some parts and almost hated others
I loved some parts and almost hated others
November 2, 2025
I am actually not sure what to say about this one...but spoilers.
Alright, so when I read the introduction I was like hmm. Am I down for what sounds like some pretty odd monster sex? After a couple of seconds I decided sure, I've liked a few of her other books it can't be that bad. However, I may have been wrong lol I mean I don't really care about the mechanics and nobody came here to argue anatomy of fake creatures, but I think what lead me to not like this book as much as almost every single spicy scene was just a little off for me, and the plot didn't make up for it.
We also get the child abuse aspect, which I must have missed the warning about in the blurb so that is on me if there was one. The fact that the abuse is a constant reminder for her, and something we talk about all book long was just not for me. dragging that confession and healing out until the end of the book just, no thanks mam.
The plot also fell on the back burner a little to much for being as involved and high drama as it was. Yes this is a smutty book but there were times I found myself skimming those scenes to see if there was something else happening. Not bad, just again a little odd And I didn't need 4 chapters in a row of just a sec scene.
Now again, if that's your cup of tea go for it! Some people do genuinely read just for that I just wanted a little bit more plot.
I also felt like this could've used some editing in the length. There are times it gets long and repetitive and we get the same or similar feeling scenes repeated and I'm not sure it added anything to the book, again just had me skimming to the next scene
Alright, so when I read the introduction I was like hmm. Am I down for what sounds like some pretty odd monster sex? After a couple of seconds I decided sure, I've liked a few of her other books it can't be that bad. However, I may have been wrong lol I mean I don't really care about the mechanics and nobody came here to argue anatomy of fake creatures, but I think what lead me to not like this book as much as almost every single spicy scene was just a little off for me, and the plot didn't make up for it.
We also get the child abuse aspect, which I must have missed the warning about in the blurb so that is on me if there was one. The fact that the abuse is a constant reminder for her, and something we talk about all book long was just not for me. dragging that confession and healing out until the end of the book just, no thanks mam.
The plot also fell on the back burner a little to much for being as involved and high drama as it was. Yes this is a smutty book but there were times I found myself skimming those scenes to see if there was something else happening. Not bad, just again a little odd And I didn't need 4 chapters in a row of just a sec scene.
Now again, if that's your cup of tea go for it! Some people do genuinely read just for that I just wanted a little bit more plot.
I also felt like this could've used some editing in the length. There are times it gets long and repetitive and we get the same or similar feeling scenes repeated and I'm not sure it added anything to the book, again just had me skimming to the next scene
October 26, 2025
I am so deeply luck to be part of a Layla Fae’s ARC team and to receive this book early to review it.
I was so excited to receive this in my inbox and I started it as soon as I was able. The book starts with a bang and has a great pace all the way through the story.
The characters are enjoyable and have layers. I even found my favorite character in a side character that you don’t meet until around the second half of the novel-Idrina, Magnar’s mother. She’s a delight.
Something I don’t think I’ve said in a review before is that I felt so deeply proud of a character while reading a book. I liked Caliane from the beginning and was happy to follow her on her journey. But I cheered her on from the first page and I feel utterly proud of her and her journey. She became so much more than she expected and it was a treat to see her grow into herself.
I enjoyed the characters of Magnar and the Knights, Khay, Raduna, and Arvi. I liked how the Knights’ personalities were rolled out first while Magnar’s was more teased. And how the reader falls for the characters at the pace Caliane does. I wouldn’t have minded even more pages in the aftermath of the final action.
And speaking of that. I got more and more anxious as the pages counted down while everything was so unresolved. And the way it all concluded? It was everything I had hoped for. Also, seriously rooting for Molly. I noticed this book is now part of a new series and I wondered if the way this story ended would lend itself to the new plots. Either way, I’ll be a happy reader to go along that journey.
While Layla Fae declared this book as a dark romance. Or at least darker than her other works, I’m not sure I would go that far. While the novel does touch on and dance around darker topics, they are not shown on the page or in terribly graphic detail (I am very grateful for this as two trigger warnings were torture of a horse to death and rape, amongst others. I don’t feel bad mentioning those here since they are outlined triggers that she warns about. These do not explicitly happen on the page which I believe pulls the story out of the dark romance category. It’s not firmly a romance but I don’t feel it has the sometimes in-your-face violence that a lot of books under the dark romance tag include (even if some of those books should be deemed more horror romance but that is neither here nor there).
Overall this book is chunky and a great ride. I hope we get to spend even more time with these characters and with the world of the Agnidari in further books. I personally would like to see more of the Agnidari people and their customs. They sound like the closest to a functioning utopia I’ve seen in a long time. The ending has a happy ever after for the full romantic entanglement of the king, queen, and the knights but it leaves many doors open for other characters and some unknown hurdles for the general world the book is set in.
I would happily recommend this book to other people and I’m extremely happy and lucky to have been given the opportunity to read and review it here. I can’t wait to snap up the published copy of this book.
I was so excited to receive this in my inbox and I started it as soon as I was able. The book starts with a bang and has a great pace all the way through the story.
The characters are enjoyable and have layers. I even found my favorite character in a side character that you don’t meet until around the second half of the novel-Idrina, Magnar’s mother. She’s a delight.
Something I don’t think I’ve said in a review before is that I felt so deeply proud of a character while reading a book. I liked Caliane from the beginning and was happy to follow her on her journey. But I cheered her on from the first page and I feel utterly proud of her and her journey. She became so much more than she expected and it was a treat to see her grow into herself.
I enjoyed the characters of Magnar and the Knights, Khay, Raduna, and Arvi. I liked how the Knights’ personalities were rolled out first while Magnar’s was more teased. And how the reader falls for the characters at the pace Caliane does. I wouldn’t have minded even more pages in the aftermath of the final action.
And speaking of that. I got more and more anxious as the pages counted down while everything was so unresolved. And the way it all concluded? It was everything I had hoped for. Also, seriously rooting for Molly. I noticed this book is now part of a new series and I wondered if the way this story ended would lend itself to the new plots. Either way, I’ll be a happy reader to go along that journey.
While Layla Fae declared this book as a dark romance. Or at least darker than her other works, I’m not sure I would go that far. While the novel does touch on and dance around darker topics, they are not shown on the page or in terribly graphic detail (I am very grateful for this as two trigger warnings were torture of a horse to death and rape, amongst others. I don’t feel bad mentioning those here since they are outlined triggers that she warns about. These do not explicitly happen on the page which I believe pulls the story out of the dark romance category. It’s not firmly a romance but I don’t feel it has the sometimes in-your-face violence that a lot of books under the dark romance tag include (even if some of those books should be deemed more horror romance but that is neither here nor there).
Overall this book is chunky and a great ride. I hope we get to spend even more time with these characters and with the world of the Agnidari in further books. I personally would like to see more of the Agnidari people and their customs. They sound like the closest to a functioning utopia I’ve seen in a long time. The ending has a happy ever after for the full romantic entanglement of the king, queen, and the knights but it leaves many doors open for other characters and some unknown hurdles for the general world the book is set in.
I would happily recommend this book to other people and I’m extremely happy and lucky to have been given the opportunity to read and review it here. I can’t wait to snap up the published copy of this book.
November 6, 2025
Rating: Obsessed
If you’ve been here a while, you already know that Layla Fae is one of my Mount Rushmore authors. She hooked me with Ghosts of Halloween, cemented her place in my heart with the Monsters Ever After series, and I’ve never looked back. I’m honestly going to fumble this review because this book is just that good and short of a full TED Talk, there’s no way I’ll do it justice.
Caliane feels like she lives inside every woman who’s ever existed. Her intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, and belief that she somehow deserves the bad things that happen (all while questioning every good thing) hit me on a cellular level. Watching her slowly start to believe the good things said about her, reclaim her voice, and choose to stand with Magnar and her knights rather than behind them was powerful. She doesn’t just become a queen by title...she becomes one by choice. It made me believe that I, too, can rise from my current dark times stronger than before.
When we first meet her, her castle is under attack and she’s already accepted her fate to die, but destiny has other plans. Magnar needs a queen, he just didn’t expect to find a partner. The slow burn between them (yes, basically the entire book) is exquisite. Magnar never wavers; he shows up for her, supports her healing, and proves his love through action and patience rather than pressure. He is determined to EARN her love and, boy, does he.
Her connection with her knights, Khay, Raduna, and Arvi, is beautifully distinct. She loves them all for different reasons, and they each love her far beyond duty. Their vulnerability, loyalty, and care made this story so much more than just fantasy. It was emotional and deeply human.
And, in true Layla Fae fashion…the spice be spicing. 🔥 The group dynamics, the one-on-one moments, and the playful post-spice gossip between the men (yes, they talk about it like high school girls) added so much warmth and humor amid the heat. The scenes are long, intense, and sometimes physically improbable, but that’s part of the magic. This is monster romance, after all. Layla even gives a heads-up at the start, reminding us to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the ride.
This book was empowering, emotional, and wildly hot. It's equal parts healing and fantasy, and I loved every single page.
Thank you, Layla, for the ARC.
If you’ve been here a while, you already know that Layla Fae is one of my Mount Rushmore authors. She hooked me with Ghosts of Halloween, cemented her place in my heart with the Monsters Ever After series, and I’ve never looked back. I’m honestly going to fumble this review because this book is just that good and short of a full TED Talk, there’s no way I’ll do it justice.
Caliane feels like she lives inside every woman who’s ever existed. Her intrusive thoughts, self-doubt, and belief that she somehow deserves the bad things that happen (all while questioning every good thing) hit me on a cellular level. Watching her slowly start to believe the good things said about her, reclaim her voice, and choose to stand with Magnar and her knights rather than behind them was powerful. She doesn’t just become a queen by title...she becomes one by choice. It made me believe that I, too, can rise from my current dark times stronger than before.
When we first meet her, her castle is under attack and she’s already accepted her fate to die, but destiny has other plans. Magnar needs a queen, he just didn’t expect to find a partner. The slow burn between them (yes, basically the entire book) is exquisite. Magnar never wavers; he shows up for her, supports her healing, and proves his love through action and patience rather than pressure. He is determined to EARN her love and, boy, does he.
Her connection with her knights, Khay, Raduna, and Arvi, is beautifully distinct. She loves them all for different reasons, and they each love her far beyond duty. Their vulnerability, loyalty, and care made this story so much more than just fantasy. It was emotional and deeply human.
And, in true Layla Fae fashion…the spice be spicing. 🔥 The group dynamics, the one-on-one moments, and the playful post-spice gossip between the men (yes, they talk about it like high school girls) added so much warmth and humor amid the heat. The scenes are long, intense, and sometimes physically improbable, but that’s part of the magic. This is monster romance, after all. Layla even gives a heads-up at the start, reminding us to suspend disbelief and just enjoy the ride.
This book was empowering, emotional, and wildly hot. It's equal parts healing and fantasy, and I loved every single page.
Thank you, Layla, for the ARC.
October 26, 2025
Another one of Layla’s books that I couldn’t put down, I spent 2 days looking for every chance I could to sneak in a chapter, to find time to turn another page.
If you love world and scene building, this book will pull you in nearly immediately. Layla does such an incredible job of describing everything in a way that builds the scene in front of you and plants you right in the middle with the characters. The character art? *chefs kiss*
Prize for the King follows meek, sheltered Princess Caliane who is thrust into a position she could have never imagined as her kingdom is being overthrown. Taught from an early age that the Agnidari are wild, savage and want nothing more than to rape, pillage and destroy, she’s faced with a staggering truth that has her questioning everything from her childhood.
The triggers are very important regarding her childhood, her trauma is discussed throughout the book regarding CSA and it is mentioned later in the book around other characters.
From the very start, I loved Khay, very quickly loved Avri, Raduna’s back story helped me connect more with him, I just wish it had been a bit earlier in the book… and Magnar? How can we not love the Tyrant who is nothing but a giant softie at heart for the woman he loves? There’s moments of utter frustration, where you will growl and wish you could shake the book/everyone in it at the same time to just TALK TO EACH OTHER, but I digress, it wouldn’t be fiction if not for a bit of miscommunication amongst characters to keep the story going, amiright?
I don’t think I can go back to my day to day life without having a Tyrant king and 3 loyal knights following me everywhere and taking care of my every need, sigh.
I disagree with the previous review that the book was too long, I love Layla’s style of writing with deep descriptive worlds and scenes, I put down the book and long to jump right back into it simply because of that. While I wish there had been a bit more lore around the Agnidari, I’m going to hope there may be sequels that share more of that world.
While I received this book as an ARC, I already very much look forward to every single of one Layla Fae’s new releases and this review is entirely my own.
If you love world and scene building, this book will pull you in nearly immediately. Layla does such an incredible job of describing everything in a way that builds the scene in front of you and plants you right in the middle with the characters. The character art? *chefs kiss*
Prize for the King follows meek, sheltered Princess Caliane who is thrust into a position she could have never imagined as her kingdom is being overthrown. Taught from an early age that the Agnidari are wild, savage and want nothing more than to rape, pillage and destroy, she’s faced with a staggering truth that has her questioning everything from her childhood.
The triggers are very important regarding her childhood, her trauma is discussed throughout the book regarding CSA and it is mentioned later in the book around other characters.
From the very start, I loved Khay, very quickly loved Avri, Raduna’s back story helped me connect more with him, I just wish it had been a bit earlier in the book… and Magnar? How can we not love the Tyrant who is nothing but a giant softie at heart for the woman he loves? There’s moments of utter frustration, where you will growl and wish you could shake the book/everyone in it at the same time to just TALK TO EACH OTHER, but I digress, it wouldn’t be fiction if not for a bit of miscommunication amongst characters to keep the story going, amiright?
I don’t think I can go back to my day to day life without having a Tyrant king and 3 loyal knights following me everywhere and taking care of my every need, sigh.
I disagree with the previous review that the book was too long, I love Layla’s style of writing with deep descriptive worlds and scenes, I put down the book and long to jump right back into it simply because of that. While I wish there had been a bit more lore around the Agnidari, I’m going to hope there may be sequels that share more of that world.
While I received this book as an ARC, I already very much look forward to every single of one Layla Fae’s new releases and this review is entirely my own.
November 2, 2025
This Book? Devoured. My mental state? Destroyed. My standard for men now? Impossibly high. I have never been so emotionally invested in a why choose romance book. I honestly fell in love just from the forward from the author. She set me up for what was to come and she did NOT disappoint. Complicated characters which in no way feel copy and pasted, straightaway I knew who each one was and their personalities. I’ve read so many why choose books where the men just seem to blur into each other which just makes me annoyed. No problem here with that! Also, the smut was hot, well written and what I wanted in a fantasy setting. You want realism? Go somewhere else. I’m happy here with three knights and a king.
November 3, 2025
Layla Fae is one of my ‘auto-read’ authors for monster romances and seriously she never disappoints! I absolutely loved this!
From start to finish I was absorbed blending monsters, princesses and why choose, I’m sold!
Being honest I not the biggest fan of slow burns but Layla has created such an interesting story and characters that I was invested in the actual storyline and the spice was a delightful bonus!
Just be mindful, there are dark themes in topics so be sure to check the TW/CW before diving in.
100% recommend this to all monster romance lovers out there.
From start to finish I was absorbed blending monsters, princesses and why choose, I’m sold!
Being honest I not the biggest fan of slow burns but Layla has created such an interesting story and characters that I was invested in the actual storyline and the spice was a delightful bonus!
Just be mindful, there are dark themes in topics so be sure to check the TW/CW before diving in.
100% recommend this to all monster romance lovers out there.
November 3, 2025
great characters, fantastic writing!
Layla is one of my favorite writers. Always great characters, storylines and world building. I loved theMMCs and the FMC were interesting, had depth. The storyline had me hooked right away. Ms. Fae is a truly talented writer. I’ve read all of her books and am waiting for her next installment of Jaga’s story in December. This book was another winner!
Layla is one of my favorite writers. Always great characters, storylines and world building. I loved theMMCs and the FMC were interesting, had depth. The storyline had me hooked right away. Ms. Fae is a truly talented writer. I’ve read all of her books and am waiting for her next installment of Jaga’s story in December. This book was another winner!
October 26, 2025
A well-written, fantastical, smutty book. I devoured it! It kept me entertained throughout. I was sad to let these characters go at the end. I loved their dynamic.
I fell in love with this author’s Jaga and the Devil series so I was ecstatic to jump at this one!
If you’re interested in an amazing, well thought so, reverse harem standalone, this is for you!
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Happy reading!🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
I fell in love with this author’s Jaga and the Devil series so I was ecstatic to jump at this one!
If you’re interested in an amazing, well thought so, reverse harem standalone, this is for you!
I received an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.
Happy reading!🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
October 24, 2025
3.75 ⭐ ARC Review
This book starts off with a bang and on such a hilarious note. I was laughing my way through the beginning. The things that came out of the Caliane's mouth was outrageously hilarious 🤣
I had to send my bestie snippets so she could laugh along with me.
After been suppressed for so long, seen how Caliane let loose was such a joy.
Our 4 MC's were amazing as well and so damn hot! 🥵
The character art in this book was out of this world! 🤩
I loved the growth of the MC's. How they all became the best versions of themselves and how they listened to each other especially the FMC.
The way they treated her and looked after her 🥹 My heart be still. They are the most loving men I have ever read. They treated Caliane as the Queen she is.
What I wasn't a fan off was the length of the book. If the plot was plotting and the romance happening it would have made sense. But because there was such a standstill towards the middle of the, the book felt too long and drawn out. I hate in books when everything gets resolved within the last 5 %
What annoyed me greatly was how Caliane acted with the main MMC (Magnor) I don't want to give too much away but I felt she could have talked to him about her fears and get him to understand what's going on with her, instead of hurting him so much. My heart went out to him 🥺
Ending was super sweet and I am very eager to read more from this series. Hope our other Queens get their own books especially Molly and Susan.
This was a sweet book and a quick read. I will definitely re-read my favourite parts.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC.
This book starts off with a bang and on such a hilarious note. I was laughing my way through the beginning. The things that came out of the Caliane's mouth was outrageously hilarious 🤣
I had to send my bestie snippets so she could laugh along with me.
After been suppressed for so long, seen how Caliane let loose was such a joy.
Our 4 MC's were amazing as well and so damn hot! 🥵
The character art in this book was out of this world! 🤩
I loved the growth of the MC's. How they all became the best versions of themselves and how they listened to each other especially the FMC.
The way they treated her and looked after her 🥹 My heart be still. They are the most loving men I have ever read. They treated Caliane as the Queen she is.
What I wasn't a fan off was the length of the book. If the plot was plotting and the romance happening it would have made sense. But because there was such a standstill towards the middle of the, the book felt too long and drawn out. I hate in books when everything gets resolved within the last 5 %
What annoyed me greatly was how Caliane acted with the main MMC (Magnor) I don't want to give too much away but I felt she could have talked to him about her fears and get him to understand what's going on with her, instead of hurting him so much. My heart went out to him 🥺
Ending was super sweet and I am very eager to read more from this series. Hope our other Queens get their own books especially Molly and Susan.
This was a sweet book and a quick read. I will definitely re-read my favourite parts.
Thank you to the author for gifting me this ARC.
October 26, 2025
He broke her chains. Then made her beg. Now she's their queen.
Princess Caliane never expects to survive the fall of her kingdom, let alone become queen to the monster who destroyed it. Her husband is cold-eyed, clawed, and feared by all. His three knights are just as dangerous. In a world that reviles humans, she's claimed, collared, and taken like a prize. What begins as survival becomes something far more dangerous: power.
Tyrant King Magnar is ruthless and possessive, but never lies about who he is. Khay gives affection without hesitation. Arvi sees through her walls and pulls her into the fire. Raduna watches, waits, and never lets go. Together they test her, protect her, and help her rise.
She enters their world as a prisoner but refuses to stay that way. Every cut, every scar, every lie becomes part of her weapon. She learns to speak, to fight, and to take what’s hers. This is not a rescue story. It’s a reckoning.
Caliane starts soft, quiet, conditioned to obey. But pain forces clarity. Magnar softens without losing edge. Khay deepens in devotion. Arvi lets her in. Raduna stays steady through every storm. None of them save her. She chooses to rise.
Their bond is forged through trust, pain, and choice. What starts as survival becomes a love that cuts deep. There’s no hierarchy here. No ownership. Just loyalty, fire, and something worth bleeding for.
A dark, steamy, explicit standalone fantasy reverse harem romance featuring forced marriage, enemies to lovers, monster lovers, court politics, and morally gray love. It explores trauma, healing, identity, survival, found family, and what it means to choose love without limits.
It’s not soft. It’s not safe. But it’s real. And once she claims it, no one takes it back.
The Elevator Pitch: A princess trades her freedom to save a king, only to be claimed by a monster and bound to his knights. In a realm of violence and desire, she rises from prisoner to power, reshaping fate with fire and cunning. Dark, seductive, and sharp-edged, this is a love story born in ruin and built on defiance.
Princess Caliane never expects to survive the fall of her kingdom, let alone become queen to the monster who destroyed it. Her husband is cold-eyed, clawed, and feared by all. His three knights are just as dangerous. In a world that reviles humans, she's claimed, collared, and taken like a prize. What begins as survival becomes something far more dangerous: power.
Tyrant King Magnar is ruthless and possessive, but never lies about who he is. Khay gives affection without hesitation. Arvi sees through her walls and pulls her into the fire. Raduna watches, waits, and never lets go. Together they test her, protect her, and help her rise.
She enters their world as a prisoner but refuses to stay that way. Every cut, every scar, every lie becomes part of her weapon. She learns to speak, to fight, and to take what’s hers. This is not a rescue story. It’s a reckoning.
Caliane starts soft, quiet, conditioned to obey. But pain forces clarity. Magnar softens without losing edge. Khay deepens in devotion. Arvi lets her in. Raduna stays steady through every storm. None of them save her. She chooses to rise.
Their bond is forged through trust, pain, and choice. What starts as survival becomes a love that cuts deep. There’s no hierarchy here. No ownership. Just loyalty, fire, and something worth bleeding for.
A dark, steamy, explicit standalone fantasy reverse harem romance featuring forced marriage, enemies to lovers, monster lovers, court politics, and morally gray love. It explores trauma, healing, identity, survival, found family, and what it means to choose love without limits.
It’s not soft. It’s not safe. But it’s real. And once she claims it, no one takes it back.
The Elevator Pitch: A princess trades her freedom to save a king, only to be claimed by a monster and bound to his knights. In a realm of violence and desire, she rises from prisoner to power, reshaping fate with fire and cunning. Dark, seductive, and sharp-edged, this is a love story born in ruin and built on defiance.
October 28, 2025
⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I am so truly thankful to be part of Layla Fae’s ARC team. Once again she has a book I struggled to put down! As always, her characters are layered, intriguing and the storyline keeps your attention throughout.
This why choose, reverse harem, monster romance had me in a chokehold.
I really enjoyed the character growth as the story progresses. We learn more and more about the Knights, while Magnar is a slower burn. We get to experience their relationship growth along with Caliane. Each of the MMC was unique, had their own past and made you fall for them for different reasons.
Our FMC who starts off sheltered grows more confident, bolder, learns to believe in herself and faces her trauma. All MC have trauma they help each other work through. I felt so proud of them all for their growth and felt myself cheering them on as they faced their pasts.
My favorite side character was absolutely the cantankerous MIL, Idrina. She had me chuckling every page she was on and I hope to be her when i’m old.
There are some triggers that people may want to check out but it’s almost all done completely off page, and it’s not as dark as some dark romance readers might expect.
It seems this might be part of a series and I would love to see more of the Agnidari people, cultures and kingdoms. I would also love to watch what happens with the other Queens, especially Molly!
Once again- the artwork included 🤩🤩🤩
I want to thank the author once more for the eARC and I would recommend this and her other works!!
Tropes:
- forced marriage
- Why choose
- monster romance,
- opposites attract
- enemies to lovers (with a short enemy phase)
- men who worship their woman
- lots of grooming (they wash her, brush her hair, massage her, carry her around etc.)
- fantasy royal politics subplot
- medieval-inspired fantasy world
- slow burn
- very spicy
🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
I am so truly thankful to be part of Layla Fae’s ARC team. Once again she has a book I struggled to put down! As always, her characters are layered, intriguing and the storyline keeps your attention throughout.
This why choose, reverse harem, monster romance had me in a chokehold.
I really enjoyed the character growth as the story progresses. We learn more and more about the Knights, while Magnar is a slower burn. We get to experience their relationship growth along with Caliane. Each of the MMC was unique, had their own past and made you fall for them for different reasons.
Our FMC who starts off sheltered grows more confident, bolder, learns to believe in herself and faces her trauma. All MC have trauma they help each other work through. I felt so proud of them all for their growth and felt myself cheering them on as they faced their pasts.
My favorite side character was absolutely the cantankerous MIL, Idrina. She had me chuckling every page she was on and I hope to be her when i’m old.
There are some triggers that people may want to check out but it’s almost all done completely off page, and it’s not as dark as some dark romance readers might expect.
It seems this might be part of a series and I would love to see more of the Agnidari people, cultures and kingdoms. I would also love to watch what happens with the other Queens, especially Molly!
Once again- the artwork included 🤩🤩🤩
I want to thank the author once more for the eARC and I would recommend this and her other works!!
Tropes:
- forced marriage
- Why choose
- monster romance,
- opposites attract
- enemies to lovers (with a short enemy phase)
- men who worship their woman
- lots of grooming (they wash her, brush her hair, massage her, carry her around etc.)
- fantasy royal politics subplot
- medieval-inspired fantasy world
- slow burn
- very spicy
November 1, 2025
A Prize For The King: Cruelly Arranged by Layla Fae is an amazing dark romantic fantasy. It's a pretty thick book so it took a few days to read despite spending every free minute reading it. Princess Caliane marries the Tyrant to save her father. However not everything is as it seems in this story. Magar, the Tyrant, appears a monster, and tales of his species terrify Caliane, but she's surprised that he's not what she expected. As they take off for his country with their 4 knights she finds a whole new world waiting for her, one where she is valued and not put down and abused. I don't want to give away too much but it had a wonderful plot with plenty of surprises for both characters and readers. Tons of character development really kept me engaged as I traversed this world with the characters.
As I said this is a dark one but the romance is sweet, pretty much from the start. The size difference was definitely a predominant theme in this book. I'd say this is an enemies to lovers theme but enemies might be a bit harsh, the reality is its more strangers to lovers. It is a forced relationship but I loved how open minded they all seemed to be while getting to know one another. It is a why-choose where the Knights are an extension of the king and are actively involved in the relationship, courting her in their own ways. I will share that there is mention of past physical and mental abu$e along with $A from her father. There is violence and gore but it's a minimal part of the story. There are some absolutely amazing steamy scenes that had my heart reading and toes curling in ways I've not often experienced reading. Fae's dedication said it best “For every size queen who wants to see him through her belly.” K!nk unlocked!
If you enjoy dark romantic fantasies, why choose, found family, enemies to lovers, size differences, forced marriage, forced proximity, slow burn, and super spicy then you must read this 5 star story right away!
As I said this is a dark one but the romance is sweet, pretty much from the start. The size difference was definitely a predominant theme in this book. I'd say this is an enemies to lovers theme but enemies might be a bit harsh, the reality is its more strangers to lovers. It is a forced relationship but I loved how open minded they all seemed to be while getting to know one another. It is a why-choose where the Knights are an extension of the king and are actively involved in the relationship, courting her in their own ways. I will share that there is mention of past physical and mental abu$e along with $A from her father. There is violence and gore but it's a minimal part of the story. There are some absolutely amazing steamy scenes that had my heart reading and toes curling in ways I've not often experienced reading. Fae's dedication said it best “For every size queen who wants to see him through her belly.” K!nk unlocked!
If you enjoy dark romantic fantasies, why choose, found family, enemies to lovers, size differences, forced marriage, forced proximity, slow burn, and super spicy then you must read this 5 star story right away!
October 31, 2025
There are some books that have an epic feel and this is one of them. This book travels to different courts, and has lush descriptors scattered throughout. It is a long book, but it doesn’t feel like it.
It starts with a war, where Princess Caliane meets the Tyrant Magnar, and his three Knights, Khay, Raduna and Arvi.
I love how this book has so many twists and turns, and veers from being super-sweet to bloodthirsty in the blink of an eye. I love the dark humour and couldn’t help giggling in the most inappropriate moments. I love it!
The relationship between the main 5 characters is the core of the story. There is no will-they, won’t-they scenario; They all want to make things work. The spicy scenes are steamy and there is some proportional license which makes me go ow! It is not over the top and fits the characters perfectly,
The thing that carries it through is the clever writing, that keeps you on your toes and wanting more! This is an excellent read.
It starts with a war, where Princess Caliane meets the Tyrant Magnar, and his three Knights, Khay, Raduna and Arvi.
I love how this book has so many twists and turns, and veers from being super-sweet to bloodthirsty in the blink of an eye. I love the dark humour and couldn’t help giggling in the most inappropriate moments. I love it!
The relationship between the main 5 characters is the core of the story. There is no will-they, won’t-they scenario; They all want to make things work. The spicy scenes are steamy and there is some proportional license which makes me go ow! It is not over the top and fits the characters perfectly,
The thing that carries it through is the clever writing, that keeps you on your toes and wanting more! This is an excellent read.
November 7, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book! I read it in 4 days and stayed up until nearly 3am every night, because I could not put it down. I ate this shit up! 😌
I’m new to monster romances and Layla Fae, her story sparked something within me. I am definitely going to read more of her work! I didn’t know Ms. Fae got down like this but I am all for it 😅
It’s a forced marriage, why choose between a queen, her king and their 3 knights. Delicious. I loved every single main character, they are all so different but complement each other beautifully. THE ARTWORK of the characters are stunning!!!
Check the triggers because there are dark themes and each character has their trauma. But to see them learn, heal, grow and love each other, was so good!!! They’re all so strong, vulnerable, relatable, and devoted to one another, ugh I love them!! 💖
The spice? Damn. BRACE YOURSELF GIRLS. The men know wtf they doing!!! Mama wants a knight, or 3 and a king. Imagine this on audiobook with full cast narration!!! 😏
I’m new to monster romances and Layla Fae, her story sparked something within me. I am definitely going to read more of her work! I didn’t know Ms. Fae got down like this but I am all for it 😅
It’s a forced marriage, why choose between a queen, her king and their 3 knights. Delicious. I loved every single main character, they are all so different but complement each other beautifully. THE ARTWORK of the characters are stunning!!!
Check the triggers because there are dark themes and each character has their trauma. But to see them learn, heal, grow and love each other, was so good!!! They’re all so strong, vulnerable, relatable, and devoted to one another, ugh I love them!! 💖
The spice? Damn. BRACE YOURSELF GIRLS. The men know wtf they doing!!! Mama wants a knight, or 3 and a king. Imagine this on audiobook with full cast narration!!! 😏
October 29, 2025
Thank you to Layla Fae for allowing me to be part of your ARC team. This is my honest review.
I’m always a fan of indulgent reads. This book was actually heavier than I was expecting. Diving into deep trauma all the characters experienced gave them all depth. We see Caliane develop from a princess to a feared queen. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of politics and plotting our FMC went through to get to the end. I love how each of our MMC had a struggle that Caliane empathized with which helps build their relationships. I did feel that her walls dropped too soon. The moment she connected with her knights she went all in with them. It was a long read but I was never bored. Oh and the spice was SPICY! If you’re not wearing pearls, go put some on to clutch while you read! (A reference to this book).
I’m always a fan of indulgent reads. This book was actually heavier than I was expecting. Diving into deep trauma all the characters experienced gave them all depth. We see Caliane develop from a princess to a feared queen. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of politics and plotting our FMC went through to get to the end. I love how each of our MMC had a struggle that Caliane empathized with which helps build their relationships. I did feel that her walls dropped too soon. The moment she connected with her knights she went all in with them. It was a long read but I was never bored. Oh and the spice was SPICY! If you’re not wearing pearls, go put some on to clutch while you read! (A reference to this book).
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