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Of Mates and Crowns
I died a queen’s death—betrayed by the king I loved.
Cedric was my mate, my king, my choice. I stood by his side through war, blood, and lies. And when I finally defied him in an attempt to stop him from slaughtering innocents, he drove a blade through my heart.
I thought that was the end. Until, somehow, I woke up five years in the past, on the day I’d chosen him.
This time, I won’t.
Instead, I bind myself to Azrael, the Northern Lycan King. A man the South calls a monster. A savage beast forged in frost and cruelty. In my old life, he used to be feared for his ruthlessness, but unlike my former mate, he hadn’t killed me.
And right now, he’s the only one who might stand a chance against Cedric.
I never meant to get involved with another lycan royal. Only to survive. I may have died for a king once, but I won’t bow to one again. Yet as war builds and my past claws at my heels, I feel the faintest stirrings of something I hadn’t thought trust.
I’ve been given a second chance, and this time, I’ll take Cedric down before I ever let him take me again—even if it means falling for a king who might be worse than the first.
***
Of Mates and Crowns is the first book in a duet featuring royal romance, wolf shifters, and a powerful second-chance romance forged through betrayal and blood. Expect a strong warrior female lead, an emotionally guarded lycan king, and a slow burn laced with revenge, court intrigue, and destiny. With secret pasts, rival kingdoms at war, and a psycho villain twisting past and future, the story weaves rebirth, sacrifice, and forbidden love into a world where loyalty kills and love rewrites fate.
Cedric was my mate, my king, my choice. I stood by his side through war, blood, and lies. And when I finally defied him in an attempt to stop him from slaughtering innocents, he drove a blade through my heart.
I thought that was the end. Until, somehow, I woke up five years in the past, on the day I’d chosen him.
This time, I won’t.
Instead, I bind myself to Azrael, the Northern Lycan King. A man the South calls a monster. A savage beast forged in frost and cruelty. In my old life, he used to be feared for his ruthlessness, but unlike my former mate, he hadn’t killed me.
And right now, he’s the only one who might stand a chance against Cedric.
I never meant to get involved with another lycan royal. Only to survive. I may have died for a king once, but I won’t bow to one again. Yet as war builds and my past claws at my heels, I feel the faintest stirrings of something I hadn’t thought trust.
I’ve been given a second chance, and this time, I’ll take Cedric down before I ever let him take me again—even if it means falling for a king who might be worse than the first.
***
Of Mates and Crowns is the first book in a duet featuring royal romance, wolf shifters, and a powerful second-chance romance forged through betrayal and blood. Expect a strong warrior female lead, an emotionally guarded lycan king, and a slow burn laced with revenge, court intrigue, and destiny. With secret pasts, rival kingdoms at war, and a psycho villain twisting past and future, the story weaves rebirth, sacrifice, and forbidden love into a world where loyalty kills and love rewrites fate.
- GenresEnemies To Lovers
Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
January 16, 2026
Of Mates and Crowns is a powerful and addictive start to the Lycan Kings Series, and once again this author proves they live for leaving readers breathless and desperate for more. As the story unfolded, I kept wondering how on earth everything could possibly be wrapped up. There were too many threads, too much at stake and then the cliffhanger hit, leaving me reeling and in dire need of book two immediately, because I have to know what happens between Azrael and Saphira. Saphira’s second chance at life is utterly compelling as she’s forced to choose a new path to reshape her fate, and I loved watching her reclaim her power and unapologetically turn the tables on Cedric and her family. From there, the action is relentless and had me hooked from page to page, but it’s the slow-burning, electric tension between Azrael and Saphira that truly stole my breath! Every interaction crackles with intensity. This book delivers drama, emotion, and undeniable chemistry, and I have no doubt the storm ahead for these two will be fierce, passionate, and unforgettable.
January 18, 2026
Where do I even start?! I raaaan through this and have so many thoughts.
Saphira's story is born of epic heartache & betrayal, but as whatever powers-that-be intervene, she gets a chance to take a new path and bring down the true monster of the realm. For every woman who has ever been burned & abused by a man, we salute you, queen! Ruled by her past, she's determined to make different choices for the betterment of all the kingdoms, shocking them all at her betrothal ceremony.
Hardened by the treachery of her past, our Southern FMC and the beastly Northern King have a slow start filled with wariness and suspicion, but as time passes, things slowly morph to a tentative partnership and understanding, eventually leading to real trust, and hopefully, much more! With tension so thick you need a butcher knife to cut it, they work side by side to uncover dark truths to save their kingdom.
While I'm so angry at our girl for feeling like she has to take the world on alone to right wrongs that she didn't make, I can't wait to find out what happens next. Loved the dual POV - DEFINITELY looking for more Azrael insights in book 2!
Huge thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this.
Saphira's story is born of epic heartache & betrayal, but as whatever powers-that-be intervene, she gets a chance to take a new path and bring down the true monster of the realm. For every woman who has ever been burned & abused by a man, we salute you, queen! Ruled by her past, she's determined to make different choices for the betterment of all the kingdoms, shocking them all at her betrothal ceremony.
Hardened by the treachery of her past, our Southern FMC and the beastly Northern King have a slow start filled with wariness and suspicion, but as time passes, things slowly morph to a tentative partnership and understanding, eventually leading to real trust, and hopefully, much more! With tension so thick you need a butcher knife to cut it, they work side by side to uncover dark truths to save their kingdom.
While I'm so angry at our girl for feeling like she has to take the world on alone to right wrongs that she didn't make, I can't wait to find out what happens next. Loved the dual POV - DEFINITELY looking for more Azrael insights in book 2!
Huge thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this.
January 22, 2026
You can find this review of Of Mates and Crowns on my blog, Heart's Content!
A big shout out and thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of Of Mates and Crowns in exchange for an honest review!
Of Mates and Crowns was without doubt one of the easiest books I have experienced reading this year, thus far. I just have to mention this, just in case there’s someone out there looking to find something that’s quite immediately compelling and draws you in and lets you experience it without strain.
The writing in OMaC, I would say, is one of the strongest, most powerful elements of the book. From page one, it draws you in, captures you, engages you and in exactly one chapter, you’re invested. That’s all it took for me, at least. The author leans heavily on emotion in this book, and I thought it was an extremely fitting approach to take, given the nature of the theme and situation of the FMC set up in the story. I think the author has ensured that the thread of this emotional storytelling is reinforced and even called back on at the end and it adds nicely to the overall plot as well. I enjoyed that aspect a lot, personally.
The theme of this story is what initially drew me to it. I haven’t read too many books that follow this set-up—where a character dies and goes back in time—but I do think that among the few I have read, OMaC has done a really good job of melding the different elements together even while moving the story forward. There’s an emotional thread, a strategic thread, an everyday situational thread, a romantic one (of course), a political one and more! All this is then slowly wound around and through the primary thread that set this story going from the beginning.
The plot of this story is multi-fold. Much like the above mentioned threads, they’re all ever-present and simultaneously (sometimes) hidden from view. I will also say that a large part of what we experience in the book is very immediate to each day’s events and emotional experiences of the MCs. However, a large hint about the thickest, most prominent plot thread is revealed closer to the end of the book and I’m very curious to see where the author and the characters are going to journey through the series.
From an emotional standpoint (yes, I know I’ve said this a lot, there’s just a lot of it in this book!) I thoroughly enjoyed how much the book showcases the various phases of the FMC’s life. Her past/future life and relationships and the effect they have on her life and how they bleed into her new present. The decisions she takes to manoeuvre around her past mistakes and the choices she makes despite them, are all a part of what we see in this book. I enjoyed being in her mind and thought she was a great narrator. She’s easy to love, easier to understand and your heart hurts for her a lot. She’s our primary storytelling—though the book is interspersed with the MMC’s perspectives too—and our own understanding of the world is based, and mainly dependent, on her.
The world in this story is fairly familiar in the way books written in the genre of shifter fantasy are. The world building is thus, extremely easy to follow. There are some additional details and features to the world—such as the different kingdoms or the unique inherent nature of each shifter—but they’re all positioned across extremely comfortable intervals, giving us a lot of time to find our feet with the characters and their personal lives before the layering of the world begins.
Like I said before, this book was such an easy read.
The characters in this book are, quite frankly, many. But the author has done a great job introducing them in an evenly-spaced out manner and reinforcing their roles, names and personalities each time they appear. Additionally, the dual perspective only further establishes what we know.
Five stars! Please check trigger warnings as always, as there are themes in this book that can be difficult for some.
A big shout out and thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of Of Mates and Crowns in exchange for an honest review!
Of Mates and Crowns was without doubt one of the easiest books I have experienced reading this year, thus far. I just have to mention this, just in case there’s someone out there looking to find something that’s quite immediately compelling and draws you in and lets you experience it without strain.
The writing in OMaC, I would say, is one of the strongest, most powerful elements of the book. From page one, it draws you in, captures you, engages you and in exactly one chapter, you’re invested. That’s all it took for me, at least. The author leans heavily on emotion in this book, and I thought it was an extremely fitting approach to take, given the nature of the theme and situation of the FMC set up in the story. I think the author has ensured that the thread of this emotional storytelling is reinforced and even called back on at the end and it adds nicely to the overall plot as well. I enjoyed that aspect a lot, personally.
The theme of this story is what initially drew me to it. I haven’t read too many books that follow this set-up—where a character dies and goes back in time—but I do think that among the few I have read, OMaC has done a really good job of melding the different elements together even while moving the story forward. There’s an emotional thread, a strategic thread, an everyday situational thread, a romantic one (of course), a political one and more! All this is then slowly wound around and through the primary thread that set this story going from the beginning.
The plot of this story is multi-fold. Much like the above mentioned threads, they’re all ever-present and simultaneously (sometimes) hidden from view. I will also say that a large part of what we experience in the book is very immediate to each day’s events and emotional experiences of the MCs. However, a large hint about the thickest, most prominent plot thread is revealed closer to the end of the book and I’m very curious to see where the author and the characters are going to journey through the series.
From an emotional standpoint (yes, I know I’ve said this a lot, there’s just a lot of it in this book!) I thoroughly enjoyed how much the book showcases the various phases of the FMC’s life. Her past/future life and relationships and the effect they have on her life and how they bleed into her new present. The decisions she takes to manoeuvre around her past mistakes and the choices she makes despite them, are all a part of what we see in this book. I enjoyed being in her mind and thought she was a great narrator. She’s easy to love, easier to understand and your heart hurts for her a lot. She’s our primary storytelling—though the book is interspersed with the MMC’s perspectives too—and our own understanding of the world is based, and mainly dependent, on her.
The world in this story is fairly familiar in the way books written in the genre of shifter fantasy are. The world building is thus, extremely easy to follow. There are some additional details and features to the world—such as the different kingdoms or the unique inherent nature of each shifter—but they’re all positioned across extremely comfortable intervals, giving us a lot of time to find our feet with the characters and their personal lives before the layering of the world begins.
Like I said before, this book was such an easy read.
The characters in this book are, quite frankly, many. But the author has done a great job introducing them in an evenly-spaced out manner and reinforcing their roles, names and personalities each time they appear. Additionally, the dual perspective only further establishes what we know.
Five stars! Please check trigger warnings as always, as there are themes in this book that can be difficult for some.
January 18, 2026
We follow the story of Saphira, through her eyes.
The story starts strong with Saphira, who is running for her life. She is a strong and calculated woman, who is willing to do everything to take revenge against the one who betrayed her.
The connection with Saphira feels intense. I was so engaged in this story that I couldn’t put this book away.
This first installment end with a cliffhanger, a very promising ending for what’s coming next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story starts strong with Saphira, who is running for her life. She is a strong and calculated woman, who is willing to do everything to take revenge against the one who betrayed her.
The connection with Saphira feels intense. I was so engaged in this story that I couldn’t put this book away.
This first installment end with a cliffhanger, a very promising ending for what’s coming next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2026
I have a feeling that cliff hanger is going to make book two real interesting from the start!
For starters, I just want to say this is the first wolf shifter romance I’ve read. I’ve always been a little put off my them because my brain automatically goes to Twilight and it just kinda makes me cringe, but I read the blurb for this book and it caught my interest. I was not expecting to be hooked from the first page, and almost finish this book in one entire sitting! We follow Saphira, Queen of the South, running for her life from the start. After being killed, she’s given a second chance by being sent five years in the past, and changes her future by changing one crucial decision. Enter Azrael, King of the North, who immediately gives off the icy MMC vibes we all know and love. I really enjoyed the dual POV’s and getting to see the inner turmoil of both Saphira and Azrael as they adjust to the mating bond, all while Saphira battles with her “future past.” While there was world building and character introduction, it was not as difficult to understand and comprehend as some books I’ve read, so it definitely made it an easy flowing read.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! If you’re looking for a fast paced, ensnared from the start read, this is the book for you!
For starters, I just want to say this is the first wolf shifter romance I’ve read. I’ve always been a little put off my them because my brain automatically goes to Twilight and it just kinda makes me cringe, but I read the blurb for this book and it caught my interest. I was not expecting to be hooked from the first page, and almost finish this book in one entire sitting! We follow Saphira, Queen of the South, running for her life from the start. After being killed, she’s given a second chance by being sent five years in the past, and changes her future by changing one crucial decision. Enter Azrael, King of the North, who immediately gives off the icy MMC vibes we all know and love. I really enjoyed the dual POV’s and getting to see the inner turmoil of both Saphira and Azrael as they adjust to the mating bond, all while Saphira battles with her “future past.” While there was world building and character introduction, it was not as difficult to understand and comprehend as some books I’ve read, so it definitely made it an easy flowing read.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! If you’re looking for a fast paced, ensnared from the start read, this is the book for you!
January 16, 2026
"God, the way he said my name. He spoke it like it was a sacred vow that he made a point to pronounce every single letter."
5⭐️⭐️This was so good....
This story just pulled me right in. Literally 3 hours passed, like in a blink of an eye.
What if you loved someone so completely, only for them to lie to you, betray you, and then kill you? This was like a Greek tragedy meets Groundhogs day! It was so epic!
Saphira chose Cedric as her mate. She stood by his side through a war, blood and lies. Yet when she tried to stop him from killing a city of innocent people, he hunted and brutally killed her. However, instead of dying, she wakes up 5 years in the past with a chance to change everything . To choose a different mate and stop Cedric.
I absolutely love Saphira as an FMC. She is a battle hardened soldier and leader. But within the first few pages, the depth of betrayal and pain she feels not only at her mate but at her soldiers is just beautifully written and hooks you right in.
Azreal( our MMC), who has always believed she would choose Cedric, is very slow to trust her. I did get a little frustrated when he just wanted to keep her locked up at times.
But that cliffhanger was brutal and has me on the edge of my seat for book 2.
5⭐️⭐️This was so good....
This story just pulled me right in. Literally 3 hours passed, like in a blink of an eye.
What if you loved someone so completely, only for them to lie to you, betray you, and then kill you? This was like a Greek tragedy meets Groundhogs day! It was so epic!
Saphira chose Cedric as her mate. She stood by his side through a war, blood and lies. Yet when she tried to stop him from killing a city of innocent people, he hunted and brutally killed her. However, instead of dying, she wakes up 5 years in the past with a chance to change everything . To choose a different mate and stop Cedric.
I absolutely love Saphira as an FMC. She is a battle hardened soldier and leader. But within the first few pages, the depth of betrayal and pain she feels not only at her mate but at her soldiers is just beautifully written and hooks you right in.
Azreal( our MMC), who has always believed she would choose Cedric, is very slow to trust her. I did get a little frustrated when he just wanted to keep her locked up at times.
But that cliffhanger was brutal and has me on the edge of my seat for book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"God, the way he said my name. He spoke it like it was a sacred vow that he made a point to pronounce every single letter."
5⭐️⭐️This was so good....
This story just pulled me right in. Literally 3 hours passed, like in a blink of an eye.
What if you loved someone so completely, only for them to lie to you, betray you, and then kill you?
Saphira chose Cedric as her mate. She stood by his side through a war, blood and lies. Yet when she tried to stop him from killing a city of innocent people, he hunted and brutally killed her. However, instead of dying, she wakes up 5 years in the past with a chance to change everything . To choose a different mate and stop Cedric.
I absolutely love Saphira as an FMC. She is a battle hardened soldier and leader. But within the first few pages, the depth of betrayal and pain she feels not only at her mate but at her soldiers is just beautifully written and hooks you right in.
Azreal( our MMC), who has always believed she would choose Cedric, is very slow to trust her. I did get a little frustrated when he just wanted to keep her locked up at times.
But that cliffhanger was brutal and has me on the edge of my seat for book 2.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
5⭐️⭐️This was so good....
This story just pulled me right in. Literally 3 hours passed, like in a blink of an eye.
What if you loved someone so completely, only for them to lie to you, betray you, and then kill you?
Saphira chose Cedric as her mate. She stood by his side through a war, blood and lies. Yet when she tried to stop him from killing a city of innocent people, he hunted and brutally killed her. However, instead of dying, she wakes up 5 years in the past with a chance to change everything . To choose a different mate and stop Cedric.
I absolutely love Saphira as an FMC. She is a battle hardened soldier and leader. But within the first few pages, the depth of betrayal and pain she feels not only at her mate but at her soldiers is just beautifully written and hooks you right in.
Azreal( our MMC), who has always believed she would choose Cedric, is very slow to trust her. I did get a little frustrated when he just wanted to keep her locked up at times.
But that cliffhanger was brutal and has me on the edge of my seat for book 2.
Thank you for choosing me to be an ARC Reader
January 16, 2026
Of Mates and Crowns is book one of the Lycan Kings Series.
As I was reading I forgot that is lovely author likes to give us an ending which keeps us coming back. As the story was progressing I was wondering how everything was going to come to a conclusion as there was a lot that needed to be resolved. And then I discovered the cliffhanger! Now I need book two ASAP, as I need to know what happens between Azrael and Saphira.
It started off very interesting. We get a life redo for Saphira and she has to decide which direction to go in order to change her future. I loved her choice and how she went about doing it. Definitely sticking it to Cedric and her family. And then as the story progresses there is a lot of action. I was riveted for every moment. Then we get to delve into the actual relationship between Azrael and Saphira. The tension was off the charts. I just can't wait to see where we go with these two. I'm sure we have a lot of drama and intensity ahead of us.
As I was reading I forgot that is lovely author likes to give us an ending which keeps us coming back. As the story was progressing I was wondering how everything was going to come to a conclusion as there was a lot that needed to be resolved. And then I discovered the cliffhanger! Now I need book two ASAP, as I need to know what happens between Azrael and Saphira.
It started off very interesting. We get a life redo for Saphira and she has to decide which direction to go in order to change her future. I loved her choice and how she went about doing it. Definitely sticking it to Cedric and her family. And then as the story progresses there is a lot of action. I was riveted for every moment. Then we get to delve into the actual relationship between Azrael and Saphira. The tension was off the charts. I just can't wait to see where we go with these two. I'm sure we have a lot of drama and intensity ahead of us.
January 16, 2026
I love this story so far and cannot WAIT to read the next book!
It's written well enough to keep me engaged throughout the whole book even though, honestly, the story is pretty slow. It seems to be a deliberate precursor to the remaining book(s) to ensure the reader is absorbed with the proper amount of suspense to really HURT you at the end with a massive cliffhanger. It's brilliant, really.
Typically this would annoy me, however the author has made an (unusual) accomplishment with:
Keeping the story on point,
Building a world without dragging
Keeping the story moving even though there isn't much of a climax (yet)
Building suspense
Keeping reader engagement
There is so much depth in the FMC and MMC personalities, and their blooming relationship is building into something HOT!
The secrets that Saphria carry are making me antsy and I want her to spill!
It's written well enough to keep me engaged throughout the whole book even though, honestly, the story is pretty slow. It seems to be a deliberate precursor to the remaining book(s) to ensure the reader is absorbed with the proper amount of suspense to really HURT you at the end with a massive cliffhanger. It's brilliant, really.
Typically this would annoy me, however the author has made an (unusual) accomplishment with:
Keeping the story on point,
Building a world without dragging
Keeping the story moving even though there isn't much of a climax (yet)
Building suspense
Keeping reader engagement
There is so much depth in the FMC and MMC personalities, and their blooming relationship is building into something HOT!
The secrets that Saphria carry are making me antsy and I want her to spill!
January 16, 2026
4.25/4.5 Of Mates and Crowns was such a fun read. It hooked me from the very beginning and kept me engaged all the way through. The characters are enjoyable and well done, with Thora easily being my favorite. While the FMC can come across as more reckless and selfish than expected given her age and life experience, it feels intentional and leaves room for growth, which I’m excited to see in future books. The fast-paced plot makes the story easy to jump into without feeling overwhelming, while still offering a fully developed and immersive world. Overall, it’s a fantastic start to the series, and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me hooked from page 1! I couldn't put it down. I loved the characters and the storyline had me on my toes. From excitement to tears to suspense, this book has it all.
This was my first book by this author, and I am looking forward to book 2!
This was my first book by this author, and I am looking forward to book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
rcvd an ARC from the author.
wow what a read. I couldn't put it down. we meet Saphira, wolf shifter and mate of the Southern Kingdom king Cedric, who is running for her life from those she trusted. however instead of dying, she wakes up 5 years prior before everything happened. saphira is irate and vows to do things differently. at the ceremony when Cedric waits for her to choose him, bc of course she did in thr past, Saphira surprises everyone in thr kingdoms by choosing Azreal, the Lycan King of the north. Azreal doesn't know what to make of his new mate. he never expected to bring home a wife as everyone knew the warrioress was destined for southern. saphira tried to navigate the northern kingdom thr best she can and its not what she was told about it. she needs to earn the respect of the people while simultaneously keeping one step ahead of Cedric bc she knows he won't stand down. but things get dicey when rogues start attacking the patrols and seem to be targeting Saphira. Can Saphira stop what she knows will pass or will her choice be for nothing.
wow what a read. I couldn't put it down. we meet Saphira, wolf shifter and mate of the Southern Kingdom king Cedric, who is running for her life from those she trusted. however instead of dying, she wakes up 5 years prior before everything happened. saphira is irate and vows to do things differently. at the ceremony when Cedric waits for her to choose him, bc of course she did in thr past, Saphira surprises everyone in thr kingdoms by choosing Azreal, the Lycan King of the north. Azreal doesn't know what to make of his new mate. he never expected to bring home a wife as everyone knew the warrioress was destined for southern. saphira tried to navigate the northern kingdom thr best she can and its not what she was told about it. she needs to earn the respect of the people while simultaneously keeping one step ahead of Cedric bc she knows he won't stand down. but things get dicey when rogues start attacking the patrols and seem to be targeting Saphira. Can Saphira stop what she knows will pass or will her choice be for nothing.
January 17, 2026
I was hooked from page 1, what a brilliant start to a book, usually I would hate that kind of beginning, but honestly, it works, it flows, it's warranted.
Have you ever seen the saying "the first 50% of a book and the last 50% of a book are not the same length" that's how this books feels, the first 50% was so good, so much world building, character developments, story progression, everything, then the last 50% felt like 3 pages because I was so hooked, I couldn't stop reading, I didn't want to put the book down. It ended too soon and I'm dyign for the next book.
The slow burn was everything, the looks, glances, the thoughts, feelings, me slapping my husband and telling him it's finally happening with a look of awe in my eyes.
I feel like shifter books can sometimes be hard to do, because honestly, sometimes i cringe at the thought of them, but not this book, it stood out from other shifter books.
Saphira is a force to be reckoned with, she is strong, smart, ok a bit hot headed but she's there to change the world, she saw she was wrong, she knew she'd made mistakes, she could have hidden away and done nothing, but from the get go she's been plotting and planning to right the wrongs of the past.
Thora, ok let's just talk about this for a minute, i LOVE the alpha / beta relationship, she was the only steady woman in Azreals life and then Saphria came about, this woman was not jealous, or catty, or horrible to her, she made sure her King was in no danger and then befriended Saphira and I love to see it, it's so refreshing to not have to deal with the competition between 2 women, instead we have a blossoming friendship, trust and a plan.
Azreal, honestly no notes, I adore him, he's guarded but not cruel, he's not once cruel to Saphira, or not in my eyes, he also doesn't just give her orders, he explains his reservations and reasoning to her as his equal, not a threat or an enemy. I love him.
Cedric? Well I once had a rat in my attic named Cedric so enough said really.
Everyone needs to jump into this book and this world.
Have you ever seen the saying "the first 50% of a book and the last 50% of a book are not the same length" that's how this books feels, the first 50% was so good, so much world building, character developments, story progression, everything, then the last 50% felt like 3 pages because I was so hooked, I couldn't stop reading, I didn't want to put the book down. It ended too soon and I'm dyign for the next book.
The slow burn was everything, the looks, glances, the thoughts, feelings, me slapping my husband and telling him it's finally happening with a look of awe in my eyes.
I feel like shifter books can sometimes be hard to do, because honestly, sometimes i cringe at the thought of them, but not this book, it stood out from other shifter books.
Saphira is a force to be reckoned with, she is strong, smart, ok a bit hot headed but she's there to change the world, she saw she was wrong, she knew she'd made mistakes, she could have hidden away and done nothing, but from the get go she's been plotting and planning to right the wrongs of the past.
Thora, ok let's just talk about this for a minute, i LOVE the alpha / beta relationship, she was the only steady woman in Azreals life and then Saphria came about, this woman was not jealous, or catty, or horrible to her, she made sure her King was in no danger and then befriended Saphira and I love to see it, it's so refreshing to not have to deal with the competition between 2 women, instead we have a blossoming friendship, trust and a plan.
Azreal, honestly no notes, I adore him, he's guarded but not cruel, he's not once cruel to Saphira, or not in my eyes, he also doesn't just give her orders, he explains his reservations and reasoning to her as his equal, not a threat or an enemy. I love him.
Cedric? Well I once had a rat in my attic named Cedric so enough said really.
Everyone needs to jump into this book and this world.
January 17, 2026
Of Mates and Crowns completely swept me off my feet and dropped me into a world of politics, passion, and powerful bonds — and I happily stayed there.
From the very beginning, Clement gives us a heroine who is far more than a pawn in a crown-driven game. Our FMC isn’t just navigating mates — she’s navigating power, legacy, and the emotional weight of choices that affect entire kingdoms. Watching her step into her strength while still grappling with vulnerability was one of the most satisfying arcs I’ve read in a while.
The MMCs are chef’s kiss — distinct, layered, and emotionally grounded. Each one brings something different to the table: protection, strategy, softness, tension, and loyalty. Their dynamic with her doesn’t feel like a checklist of tropes; it feels intentional, earned, and emotionally resonant. I genuinely cared about each bond, not just the romance but the way they function as a unit within the larger political landscape.
Plot-wise, this book is doing real work. We’re talking court intrigue, power struggles, alliances, betrayals, and long-game strategy — not just vibes and vibes alone (though the vibes are immaculate). The pacing is excellent, balancing political maneuvering with emotional development and spice so nothing ever feels rushed or dragged out.
And yes — the spice is there, and it’s very good, but what really sold me was the emotional payoff. The trust-building, the protective instincts, the moments of vulnerability — those hit just as hard as the heat.
If you love:
strong FMCs navigating power,
mate bonds that feel earned,
court politics with real stakes,
and found family energy wrapped in romance,
then Of Mates and Crowns is absolutely one for your TBR — and probably your reread pile.
I closed this book fully satisfied and immediately wanted more, which honestly is the best compliment I can give.
From the very beginning, Clement gives us a heroine who is far more than a pawn in a crown-driven game. Our FMC isn’t just navigating mates — she’s navigating power, legacy, and the emotional weight of choices that affect entire kingdoms. Watching her step into her strength while still grappling with vulnerability was one of the most satisfying arcs I’ve read in a while.
The MMCs are chef’s kiss — distinct, layered, and emotionally grounded. Each one brings something different to the table: protection, strategy, softness, tension, and loyalty. Their dynamic with her doesn’t feel like a checklist of tropes; it feels intentional, earned, and emotionally resonant. I genuinely cared about each bond, not just the romance but the way they function as a unit within the larger political landscape.
Plot-wise, this book is doing real work. We’re talking court intrigue, power struggles, alliances, betrayals, and long-game strategy — not just vibes and vibes alone (though the vibes are immaculate). The pacing is excellent, balancing political maneuvering with emotional development and spice so nothing ever feels rushed or dragged out.
And yes — the spice is there, and it’s very good, but what really sold me was the emotional payoff. The trust-building, the protective instincts, the moments of vulnerability — those hit just as hard as the heat.
If you love:
strong FMCs navigating power,
mate bonds that feel earned,
court politics with real stakes,
and found family energy wrapped in romance,
then Of Mates and Crowns is absolutely one for your TBR — and probably your reread pile.
I closed this book fully satisfied and immediately wanted more, which honestly is the best compliment I can give.
January 18, 2026
This book immediately drew me in and I was hooked right up to the cliffhanger!
Of Mates and Crowns opens with Saphira, Queen of the South, running for her life from the soldiers that she trained. Saphira chose Cedric as her mate and stood by him through many difficult times, but he betrayed her and killed her. What she didn't expect was to wake up five years in the past on the day she chose her mate. Now she has the chance to change her decision. Enter Azrael, the stoic and mysterious Lycan King of the North who she chooses as her mate instead. Will she be able to change the future to avoid the atrocities she has seen? And how will she handle a mate bond with Azrael who just might be worse than Cedric?
I absolutely loved Saphira's character. I was intrigued immediately by her intelligence and strength. She defied all expectations by choosing Azrael as her mate when she got a second chance at her life and didn't flinch when neither court was happy with her decision. I loved seeing how she tried to stay ahead of Cedric without revealing the truth about her past to anyone. Also, I loved how she refused to bow to Azrael's command and was determined to prove that she belonged in his court. Azrael was also such an interesting character. He could tell that there was more going on with Saphira than she was saying and it made him reluctant to trust her. It was really fascinating to see both POVs and how they were able to work towards trusting each other and working together. The cliffhanger at the end of the book was absolutely savage and I cannot wait for book 2!
I received a free advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Of Mates and Crowns opens with Saphira, Queen of the South, running for her life from the soldiers that she trained. Saphira chose Cedric as her mate and stood by him through many difficult times, but he betrayed her and killed her. What she didn't expect was to wake up five years in the past on the day she chose her mate. Now she has the chance to change her decision. Enter Azrael, the stoic and mysterious Lycan King of the North who she chooses as her mate instead. Will she be able to change the future to avoid the atrocities she has seen? And how will she handle a mate bond with Azrael who just might be worse than Cedric?
I absolutely loved Saphira's character. I was intrigued immediately by her intelligence and strength. She defied all expectations by choosing Azrael as her mate when she got a second chance at her life and didn't flinch when neither court was happy with her decision. I loved seeing how she tried to stay ahead of Cedric without revealing the truth about her past to anyone. Also, I loved how she refused to bow to Azrael's command and was determined to prove that she belonged in his court. Azrael was also such an interesting character. He could tell that there was more going on with Saphira than she was saying and it made him reluctant to trust her. It was really fascinating to see both POVs and how they were able to work towards trusting each other and working together. The cliffhanger at the end of the book was absolutely savage and I cannot wait for book 2!
I received a free advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
January 21, 2026
I received an Arc copy of this book but i am leaving this review Voluntarily.
I LOVED this book and Louise knows how to take you on a journey. This book is mainly about the FMC Saphira, and it starts right out the gate with her being killed by her mate Cedric. Next thing she knows she wakes up 5 years in the past with full memory of how and why she died. Shes taken back to the day where she can change everything...
Saphira is a very strong willed woman and extremely stubborn and i will be honest there are parts of the book where i really did roll my eyes as you cant help thinking... just why... why did you do that... but it does all lend into her Character arc and the reasons she has behind it.
Azreal is caught off guard when she names him in the choosing ceremony and assumes its some elborate ploy to spy and get information about his Kingdom. He tests Saphira and pushes her away not allowing her too close.
You see these two grow and change whilst navaigating what Azrael believes to be a political only marriage. Saphira chooses him as a way to save herself from the past, with no expectations of it being anything romantic at all. They test each other and she shows up every damned time... earning respect from some in Azraels inner circle. Things do eventually turn spicy but its seems natural and not forced and its towards the end of the book.
If i could ask for one thing in the next book, it would be more insight into Azrael. I hope they have 'tell all truths' moment as they touch on a few things from his POV that i think we need more info on lol.
This does end on a cliffhanger... and i cannot wait to read the next book in the series..
I LOVED this book and Louise knows how to take you on a journey. This book is mainly about the FMC Saphira, and it starts right out the gate with her being killed by her mate Cedric. Next thing she knows she wakes up 5 years in the past with full memory of how and why she died. Shes taken back to the day where she can change everything...
Saphira is a very strong willed woman and extremely stubborn and i will be honest there are parts of the book where i really did roll my eyes as you cant help thinking... just why... why did you do that... but it does all lend into her Character arc and the reasons she has behind it.
Azreal is caught off guard when she names him in the choosing ceremony and assumes its some elborate ploy to spy and get information about his Kingdom. He tests Saphira and pushes her away not allowing her too close.
You see these two grow and change whilst navaigating what Azrael believes to be a political only marriage. Saphira chooses him as a way to save herself from the past, with no expectations of it being anything romantic at all. They test each other and she shows up every damned time... earning respect from some in Azraels inner circle. Things do eventually turn spicy but its seems natural and not forced and its towards the end of the book.
If i could ask for one thing in the next book, it would be more insight into Azrael. I hope they have 'tell all truths' moment as they touch on a few things from his POV that i think we need more info on lol.
This does end on a cliffhanger... and i cannot wait to read the next book in the series..
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yes, i will be joining everyone with their pitchforks. Thank you very much. aint no way you let me be THIS EARLY FOR a CLIFFHANGER😫
“I was raised to believe loyalty was everything. That devotion could make someone love you. That if you gave enough of yourself, people would value you for it. “
I ate this book up! The plot had me hooked. i couldn't put this book down the whole concept of living her fate and going back and being able to change it???? OBSESSED. This book kind of gave me ACOTAR vibes with the running away to villain thing, and im so here for it, and im god damn dying to read more.
When we ask for a badass fmc this is what we wanted, no pitty party when dealt a bad hand, no trying to be overly quirky and most importantly doesn’t relay on playing 21 questions to give the details. I loved Saphira. She can carry her own, selfless (to a fault), and appreciates honestly even if it's not nice to hear all the time. That being said, the same goes for all the characters they were all so real, not overly exaggerated, just perfectly imperfect.
While i wouldn’t necessarily consider this enemy to lovers, purely as they may have been rivals, they never hated each other more, so just weary of one another. I would absolutely consider this a true slow burn! The romance wasn’t rushed if anything they rejected the idea of them having intimacy for alot of the book so it was so refreshing to see rather than like 2 pages of wanting 😵💫 only critique is id of liked to see some more yearning but otherwise i wouldnt of changed a thing.
“I was raised to believe loyalty was everything. That devotion could make someone love you. That if you gave enough of yourself, people would value you for it. “
I ate this book up! The plot had me hooked. i couldn't put this book down the whole concept of living her fate and going back and being able to change it???? OBSESSED. This book kind of gave me ACOTAR vibes with the running away to villain thing, and im so here for it, and im god damn dying to read more.
When we ask for a badass fmc this is what we wanted, no pitty party when dealt a bad hand, no trying to be overly quirky and most importantly doesn’t relay on playing 21 questions to give the details. I loved Saphira. She can carry her own, selfless (to a fault), and appreciates honestly even if it's not nice to hear all the time. That being said, the same goes for all the characters they were all so real, not overly exaggerated, just perfectly imperfect.
While i wouldn’t necessarily consider this enemy to lovers, purely as they may have been rivals, they never hated each other more, so just weary of one another. I would absolutely consider this a true slow burn! The romance wasn’t rushed if anything they rejected the idea of them having intimacy for alot of the book so it was so refreshing to see rather than like 2 pages of wanting 😵💫 only critique is id of liked to see some more yearning but otherwise i wouldnt of changed a thing.
January 16, 2026
This is my first shifter romance and I didn’t know what to expect but man I was not disappointed!!! This is one of those fantasy books that is enjoyable simply because it’s not so complicated that you feel like you need to take notes but it is detailed enough to still be engaing.
I loved our FMC, Saphira. She is a woman I can get behind. She is smart, capable, and determined. She is a powerful warrior but not so perfect it makes you roll your eyes. From the very first pages you see her strong spirit as she tries to undo the damage that she knows will end in not only her death but also a danger to the future of the realms.
And how to describe our MMC other than OH MY GODS? Because broody, quiet, growly, strong, possessive, and sexy just don’t cover it. Azrael is a book daddy. He is a king who struggles to trust but finds himself part of a plan he knows nothing about. With Phira binding herself to him without any warning, he takes it in stride and takes her under his protection.
Their relationship is like a dance with them learning the steps and fumbling along the way, but once they work together they are perfection. As they both slowly learn to trust you realize how good they will be together when they finally reveal everything to each other. There is some nice spice in the book but it’s not overdone. I really enjoy their sexual tension and the yearning you see between them.
This book ended on the cliffhanger of death and I am not okay. I cannot wait until I get my hands on book 2!
4.25/5
I loved our FMC, Saphira. She is a woman I can get behind. She is smart, capable, and determined. She is a powerful warrior but not so perfect it makes you roll your eyes. From the very first pages you see her strong spirit as she tries to undo the damage that she knows will end in not only her death but also a danger to the future of the realms.
And how to describe our MMC other than OH MY GODS? Because broody, quiet, growly, strong, possessive, and sexy just don’t cover it. Azrael is a book daddy. He is a king who struggles to trust but finds himself part of a plan he knows nothing about. With Phira binding herself to him without any warning, he takes it in stride and takes her under his protection.
Their relationship is like a dance with them learning the steps and fumbling along the way, but once they work together they are perfection. As they both slowly learn to trust you realize how good they will be together when they finally reveal everything to each other. There is some nice spice in the book but it’s not overdone. I really enjoy their sexual tension and the yearning you see between them.
This book ended on the cliffhanger of death and I am not okay. I cannot wait until I get my hands on book 2!
4.25/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2025
Gosh darn woman you’ve done it again with your cliffhangers!! You have bamboozled me again. You have also sucked me in once again. I read this in one sitting, start to finish. Bypassed all my other reads because the plot for this read was just too interesting and captivating I had to immerse myself and dive in and I was not disappointed. Saph and Azrael my babies I love them. Def go for the broody king if you get a second chance because your first husband killed you in your first life. Although after that cliffhanger smh. Not like choosing a different route helped much. Ugh. The way I wish I was a wolf just so I could rip apart Cedric myself I would so badly. This was a 10/10 and I cannot wait for book two. I can’t wait for Azrael to do some burning the world down for his wife. I can’t wait to more of of Saph being such a baddie. And more of Thora because she’s such a good beta and side character as well. Therefore make sure you add this to your TBR because this one you are not gonna want to put it down. I mean cmon. Your husband kills you and you get thrown five years in the past and hopefully get to change your path in hopes that you can prevent that from happening and plan revenge against him. Does that not sound amazing. Because it is and it’s wild. And it does not turn out how you think it would. So add to your TBR to see what choice she makes and if it can spare that future from coming true.
January 3, 2026
I have a feeling that cliff hanger is going to make book two real interesting from the start!
For starters, I just want to say this is the first wolf shifter romance I’ve read. I’ve always been a little put off my them because my brain automatically goes to Twilight and it just kinda makes me cringe, but I read the blurb for this book and it caught my interest. I was not expecting to be hooked from the first page, and almost finish this book in one entire sitting! We follow Saphira, Queen of the South, running for her life from the start. After being killed, she’s given a second chance by being sent five years in the past, and changes her future by changing one crucial decision. Enter Azrael, King of the North, who immediately gives off the icy MMC vibes we all know and love. I really enjoyed the dual POV’s and getting to see the inner turmoil of both Saphira and Azrael as they adjust to the mating bond, all while Saphira battles with her “future past.” While there was world building and character introduction, it was not as difficult to understand and comprehend as some books I’ve read, so it definitely made it an easy flowing read.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! If you’re looking for a fast paced, ensnared from the start read, this is the book for you!
For starters, I just want to say this is the first wolf shifter romance I’ve read. I’ve always been a little put off my them because my brain automatically goes to Twilight and it just kinda makes me cringe, but I read the blurb for this book and it caught my interest. I was not expecting to be hooked from the first page, and almost finish this book in one entire sitting! We follow Saphira, Queen of the South, running for her life from the start. After being killed, she’s given a second chance by being sent five years in the past, and changes her future by changing one crucial decision. Enter Azrael, King of the North, who immediately gives off the icy MMC vibes we all know and love. I really enjoyed the dual POV’s and getting to see the inner turmoil of both Saphira and Azrael as they adjust to the mating bond, all while Saphira battles with her “future past.” While there was world building and character introduction, it was not as difficult to understand and comprehend as some books I’ve read, so it definitely made it an easy flowing read.
Thank you to the author for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! If you’re looking for a fast paced, ensnared from the start read, this is the book for you!
January 19, 2026
Of Mates and Crowns by Louise Clement
Genre: Romantasy
Pages: 313
Rating: 5 ⭐
Spice: 1/5
This is the first book in the Lycan Kings series and follows Saphira and Azrael. It is also told in dual POV.
Tropes:
Fantasy
❤️ ❤️ Rebirth
Shifters
Revenge
Romance
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
📖 My Review 📖
Holy shit, this book had me hooked on the first page and I literally could not put it down. I finished it in one day and I need the next book now because the cliffhanger really left me hanging and I need more of Saphira and Azrael.
I loved this book and all the characters. I also loved the pacing and writing. The plot was so good and I had such a good time with this book. I don't have a single complaint about this story.
I love stories with Rebirth, it's almost always going to be a good book to me. And add in shifters and I don't even know what to say at that point. I was so invested in the story and in Saphira and Azrael. I was so entertained and had a good time.
I am definitely going to be reading more books by Louise Clement because I can only imagine how good they will be.
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who like a good rebirth story where she gets a second chance to fix her regrets and fall in love again.
Genre: Romantasy
Pages: 313
Rating: 5 ⭐
Spice: 1/5
This is the first book in the Lycan Kings series and follows Saphira and Azrael. It is also told in dual POV.
Tropes:
Fantasy
❤️ ❤️ Rebirth
Shifters
Revenge
Romance
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
📖 My Review 📖
Holy shit, this book had me hooked on the first page and I literally could not put it down. I finished it in one day and I need the next book now because the cliffhanger really left me hanging and I need more of Saphira and Azrael.
I loved this book and all the characters. I also loved the pacing and writing. The plot was so good and I had such a good time with this book. I don't have a single complaint about this story.
I love stories with Rebirth, it's almost always going to be a good book to me. And add in shifters and I don't even know what to say at that point. I was so invested in the story and in Saphira and Azrael. I was so entertained and had a good time.
I am definitely going to be reading more books by Louise Clement because I can only imagine how good they will be.
I would 100% recommend this book to anyone who like a good rebirth story where she gets a second chance to fix her regrets and fall in love again.
January 17, 2026
The author is said to be the Queen of cliffhangers, and let me tell you... It's true. This shifter romantasy book shows you that you can't always trust the ones you think you can. The FMC is a Queen who was killed by the man she pledged her loyalty to, the Southern King. She blindly believed and followed everything he said as he love bombed her over and over. Finally that came to an end when she learned who he really was, but unfortunately, it was too late and he killed her. Somehow she comes back to life 5 years previously, before she makes her choice to be with him and chooses the Northern King to bind herself to instead, hoping to fix her mistakes and take down the Southern King once and for all. The whole book keeps you on your toes, wondering what will happen next. Then we get to the end and the Queen has to make a choice... The choice might be her downfall once again, but what choice will she make. I can't wait for the next book to come out, so that I can know what happens!
This first book has a lot more revenge and fantasy aspects to it versus romance. While it's sprinkled in there, I felt like it was a really good option if you enjoy fantasy but don't want too much romance. If you enjoy romance, you'll still get some, so still read it.
This first book has a lot more revenge and fantasy aspects to it versus romance. While it's sprinkled in there, I felt like it was a really good option if you enjoy fantasy but don't want too much romance. If you enjoy romance, you'll still get some, so still read it.
January 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Of Mates and Crowns by Louise Clement completely pulled me in from the first page. The writing is smooth, easy to read, and totally addictive — one of those books you promise yourself you’ll read “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
I absolutely loved the main characters, Saphira and Azrael.
Saphira is fiercely independent, headstrong, loyal, and driven by a strong sense of justice. Yes, her stubbornness gets her into trouble more than once, and she definitely made me want to shake her at times — but she’s also a total badass, and I couldn’t help but admire her strength and determination.
Azrael, the King of the North, was everything I love in an alpha hero: strong, stoic, emotionally closed-off, and intensely protective. He doesn’t show much on the surface, but that just made his character even more compelling.
Their relationship develops naturally as they’re forced to work together, building trust over time rather than rushing into anything. I really appreciated the slow burn and how earned their connection felt.
And of course… Louise Clement strikes again with a brutal cliffhanger. The emotional damage is real. 😩 Bring on Book 2!
Thank you for the ARC. 💚
Of Mates and Crowns by Louise Clement completely pulled me in from the first page. The writing is smooth, easy to read, and totally addictive — one of those books you promise yourself you’ll read “one more chapter” and suddenly it’s 2 a.m.
I absolutely loved the main characters, Saphira and Azrael.
Saphira is fiercely independent, headstrong, loyal, and driven by a strong sense of justice. Yes, her stubbornness gets her into trouble more than once, and she definitely made me want to shake her at times — but she’s also a total badass, and I couldn’t help but admire her strength and determination.
Azrael, the King of the North, was everything I love in an alpha hero: strong, stoic, emotionally closed-off, and intensely protective. He doesn’t show much on the surface, but that just made his character even more compelling.
Their relationship develops naturally as they’re forced to work together, building trust over time rather than rushing into anything. I really appreciated the slow burn and how earned their connection felt.
And of course… Louise Clement strikes again with a brutal cliffhanger. The emotional damage is real. 😩 Bring on Book 2!
Thank you for the ARC. 💚
January 21, 2026
Saphira gets brutally murdered by the love of her life, and wakes up alive and well 5 years in the past. This time she will choose differenty.
This story starts of really strong, and immediately pulled me in. The story has a unique take on the second chance trope, and I absolutely loved it!
I loved how Saphira used her second chance to do things completely different, how she stood up for herself and the innocent lives that would have been lost otherwise. And then there’s Azrael, dark, broody and pretending he doesn’t care. Their burn is slow, their build-up a bumpy road yet beautiful.
I loved the way the story was written, getting the perspectives from both Azrael and Saphira. Both of them are so stubborn (I’m told repeatedly that I’m a very stubborn person, but I wanted to smack these two on the back of their heads), seriously..I was yelling at my kindle…a lot.
I absolutely loved the plot, and that cliffhanger! 😱 Are you kidding me!? In the afterword I read something about a pitchfork gang? Seriously, where can I sign up? To say I’m looking forward to book 2 in this duet would be a massive understatement, because I NEED to know how this story ends!
This story starts of really strong, and immediately pulled me in. The story has a unique take on the second chance trope, and I absolutely loved it!
I loved how Saphira used her second chance to do things completely different, how she stood up for herself and the innocent lives that would have been lost otherwise. And then there’s Azrael, dark, broody and pretending he doesn’t care. Their burn is slow, their build-up a bumpy road yet beautiful.
I loved the way the story was written, getting the perspectives from both Azrael and Saphira. Both of them are so stubborn (I’m told repeatedly that I’m a very stubborn person, but I wanted to smack these two on the back of their heads), seriously..I was yelling at my kindle…a lot.
I absolutely loved the plot, and that cliffhanger! 😱 Are you kidding me!? In the afterword I read something about a pitchfork gang? Seriously, where can I sign up? To say I’m looking forward to book 2 in this duet would be a massive understatement, because I NEED to know how this story ends!
January 17, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Of mates and crowns is book one of a shifter Romance. Saphrina is fatally wounded by her mate after she tries to stop him from killing innocents when with a twist of fate is thrown back five years. She has a decision to make, follow her past self’s mistake, or rewrite history!
The beginning and unexpected twist had me instantly sitting at attention! The writing was superb, the plot twist and turns were unexpected and the building tension of war was nerve wracking. Azrael is a brutal and cruel beast, a monster, or at least that’s what they claim, but Saphrina learns that not all rumours are true.
This was a slow burn with a nice dose of spice, although felt like it maybe lacked the typical build up and sexual tension but it didn’t take away from the relationship that is beginning to develop. FMC character continues to put herself in danger in fear of her secret being exposed and her drive to protect her new kingdom. That cliff hanger was killer and exciting build up of what’s to come next
Of mates and crowns is book one of a shifter Romance. Saphrina is fatally wounded by her mate after she tries to stop him from killing innocents when with a twist of fate is thrown back five years. She has a decision to make, follow her past self’s mistake, or rewrite history!
The beginning and unexpected twist had me instantly sitting at attention! The writing was superb, the plot twist and turns were unexpected and the building tension of war was nerve wracking. Azrael is a brutal and cruel beast, a monster, or at least that’s what they claim, but Saphrina learns that not all rumours are true.
This was a slow burn with a nice dose of spice, although felt like it maybe lacked the typical build up and sexual tension but it didn’t take away from the relationship that is beginning to develop. FMC character continues to put herself in danger in fear of her secret being exposed and her drive to protect her new kingdom. That cliff hanger was killer and exciting build up of what’s to come next
January 25, 2026
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” Of Mates and Crowns. Saphira is a fiercely strong willed and stubborn character whose choices can be frustrating at times, yet those moments ultimately serve her character arc and deepen the understanding of her past. Her growth feels earned rather than convenient.
Azreal is caught off guard when Saphira names him during the choosing ceremony, initially believing her actions to be a calculated political move. Guarded and suspicious, he keeps her at arm’s length, testing her resolve at every turn. What follows is a slow, deliberate evolution of respect and trust as they navigate what Azreal believes is a purely political marriage.
Their relationship develops naturally, with tension and chemistry building towards the end rather than overwhelming the story early. By the final pages, their growth both individually and together left me fully invested and eager to see where their journey leads next. Book two cannot come soon enough.💛
Azreal is caught off guard when Saphira names him during the choosing ceremony, initially believing her actions to be a calculated political move. Guarded and suspicious, he keeps her at arm’s length, testing her resolve at every turn. What follows is a slow, deliberate evolution of respect and trust as they navigate what Azreal believes is a purely political marriage.
Their relationship develops naturally, with tension and chemistry building towards the end rather than overwhelming the story early. By the final pages, their growth both individually and together left me fully invested and eager to see where their journey leads next. Book two cannot come soon enough.💛
December 28, 2025
This book is going to live rent free in my head. I’m not even sure where to begin.
I’m not a big shifter book reader. Honestly, they usually make me internally cringe. BUT, this author has definitely gone against that reaction for me. I’ve read other books of hers and they haven’t inspired my usual reaction. It’s not cheesy at all, which is a huge bonus in my book.
The plot wasn’t something I’ve read before and it sucked me into this world instantly. Action was immediately present in the first chapter, and since reading that first chapter, I hadn’t wanted to put it down.
Saphira and Azreal are great characters and I’m obsessed with their enemies to lovers dynamic.
If you just want romance, this isn’t the book for you. There’s action, betrayal, fighting, training, etc. It’s so much more than falling for someone.
Also, it should be illegal for that big of a cliffhanger, but alas, I will be counting the days down until the second book comes out.
I’m not a big shifter book reader. Honestly, they usually make me internally cringe. BUT, this author has definitely gone against that reaction for me. I’ve read other books of hers and they haven’t inspired my usual reaction. It’s not cheesy at all, which is a huge bonus in my book.
The plot wasn’t something I’ve read before and it sucked me into this world instantly. Action was immediately present in the first chapter, and since reading that first chapter, I hadn’t wanted to put it down.
Saphira and Azreal are great characters and I’m obsessed with their enemies to lovers dynamic.
If you just want romance, this isn’t the book for you. There’s action, betrayal, fighting, training, etc. It’s so much more than falling for someone.
Also, it should be illegal for that big of a cliffhanger, but alas, I will be counting the days down until the second book comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let’s try and do this without spoilers & giving much away. 😂
Absolutely loved this book! 🎉💕🐺
It’s got shifters/lycans, enemies to lovers, rebirth, secrets, a bit of “he falls first” (in my opinion lol)
From the confrontation with The Southern King to the 2nd chance. The beginning sucked me right in!
The growing bond between Sephira and the Northern King, I ate up. You would think we all the grumpiness and head butting, we’d come to a standstill. But no. Just when it was getting good and I was wanting more. More of them, more of her plans, more of what’s going to come. BAM 💥 CLIFFHANGER. That should be illegal haha
Regardless, the depiction of imagery for where they lived, the different kingdoms, the people, the attacks and everything else was 💯 it felt like I was there, & if I wasn’t, I could paint the picture in my head. Love that in a book 👏🏻💕
I can’t wait to be able to read the next installment!
Absolutely loved this book! 🎉💕🐺
It’s got shifters/lycans, enemies to lovers, rebirth, secrets, a bit of “he falls first” (in my opinion lol)
From the confrontation with The Southern King to the 2nd chance. The beginning sucked me right in!
The growing bond between Sephira and the Northern King, I ate up. You would think we all the grumpiness and head butting, we’d come to a standstill. But no. Just when it was getting good and I was wanting more. More of them, more of her plans, more of what’s going to come. BAM 💥 CLIFFHANGER. That should be illegal haha
Regardless, the depiction of imagery for where they lived, the different kingdoms, the people, the attacks and everything else was 💯 it felt like I was there, & if I wasn’t, I could paint the picture in my head. Love that in a book 👏🏻💕
I can’t wait to be able to read the next installment!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Of Mates and Crowns is book one of the Lycan Kings Series.
As I was reading I forgot that is lovely author likes to give us an ending which keeps us coming back. As the story was progressing I was wondering how everything was going to come to a conclusion as there was a lot that needed to be resolved. And then I discovered the cliffhanger! Now I need book two ASAP, as I need to know what happens between Azrael and Saphira.
It started off very interesting. We get a life redo for Saphira and she has to decide which direction to go in order to change her future. I loved her choice and how she went about doing it. Definitely sticking it to Cedric and her family. And then as the story progresses there is a lot of action. I was riveted for every moment. Then we get to delve into the actual relationship between Azrael and Saphira. The tension was off the charts. I just can't wait to see where we go with these two. I'm sure we have a lot of drama and intensity ahead of us.
As I was reading I forgot that is lovely author likes to give us an ending which keeps us coming back. As the story was progressing I was wondering how everything was going to come to a conclusion as there was a lot that needed to be resolved. And then I discovered the cliffhanger! Now I need book two ASAP, as I need to know what happens between Azrael and Saphira.
It started off very interesting. We get a life redo for Saphira and she has to decide which direction to go in order to change her future. I loved her choice and how she went about doing it. Definitely sticking it to Cedric and her family. And then as the story progresses there is a lot of action. I was riveted for every moment. Then we get to delve into the actual relationship between Azrael and Saphira. The tension was off the charts. I just can't wait to see where we go with these two. I'm sure we have a lot of drama and intensity ahead of us.
January 19, 2026
From the very first chapter, I was completely hooked. The writing pulled me in immediately and never let go, balancing intense emotion, rich world-building, and a gripping time-travel revenge plot that made every chapter feel urgent.
Saphira is an incredible FMC—strong, determined, and unapologetically badass. Her second chance at life is fueled by heartbreak and resolve, and watching her refuse to be betrayed again was so satisfying. Azrael, the Northern Lycan King, is intense, layered, and quietly magnetic. Their dynamic is full of banter, forced proximity, and simmering tension as they work together against Cedric.
The dual POV adds depth to both characters, the slow burn is perfectly paced, and the spice is well written and earned. The backstory is heavy in the best way, adding real emotional weight to the plot.
And that ending… a major cliffhanger that left me desperate for book two.
If you love shifter romance, lycan kings, contract-marriage vibes, and a fierce female lead who refuses to bow again, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Saphira is an incredible FMC—strong, determined, and unapologetically badass. Her second chance at life is fueled by heartbreak and resolve, and watching her refuse to be betrayed again was so satisfying. Azrael, the Northern Lycan King, is intense, layered, and quietly magnetic. Their dynamic is full of banter, forced proximity, and simmering tension as they work together against Cedric.
The dual POV adds depth to both characters, the slow burn is perfectly paced, and the spice is well written and earned. The backstory is heavy in the best way, adding real emotional weight to the plot.
And that ending… a major cliffhanger that left me desperate for book two.
If you love shifter romance, lycan kings, contract-marriage vibes, and a fierce female lead who refuses to bow again, this book is absolutely worth picking up.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
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