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The Rise of Northgall #2
The Beast Lord
New York Times bestselling author Juliette Cross delves back into her dark fae world with book 2 in the RISE OF NORTHGALL. Filled with old magick and mythical creatures where a skald fae princess is on the run and must trust a beast fae lord in order to survive.
Jessamine Glenmyr is on the run. She thought she’d fled far enough, living a life of obscurity in the Borderlands among rogues and outcasts. She was wrong. When her enemy finds her, she flees deeper into dark fae territory, risking death in the frozen woodlands. Anything is better than being used and forced to murder for the man who wants her. Or so she thinks until she’s attacked by mercenaries and left for dead in the woods.
Redvyr Vanglosa is annoyed when his wolf drags an unconscious and wounded light fae into his hunting camp. Their kind can never be trusted, and yet, as chief of his people, he is compelled to help her. The last thing Redvyr wants is a beautiful and beguiling fae wreaking havoc in his clan. But what bothers him most of all is how perfectly she calms the raging monster inside him—something no one else has ever done.
When grimlocks—foul creatures believed to be long-dead—crawl out of the mountains and begin abducting women and children, Redvyr finds an unlikely ally in Jessamine, who’s been hiding a secret magick all her own. And she’s willing to risk everything for the broody clan leader, even while knowing her power might guide her enemy straight to her.
But when they discover that the grimlocks serve a nefarious master deep under the mountain, there may be no magick in this world to stop the evil that’s coming…an evil that threatens to tear Jessamine and Redvyr apart and plunge their world into darkness.
Jessamine Glenmyr is on the run. She thought she’d fled far enough, living a life of obscurity in the Borderlands among rogues and outcasts. She was wrong. When her enemy finds her, she flees deeper into dark fae territory, risking death in the frozen woodlands. Anything is better than being used and forced to murder for the man who wants her. Or so she thinks until she’s attacked by mercenaries and left for dead in the woods.
Redvyr Vanglosa is annoyed when his wolf drags an unconscious and wounded light fae into his hunting camp. Their kind can never be trusted, and yet, as chief of his people, he is compelled to help her. The last thing Redvyr wants is a beautiful and beguiling fae wreaking havoc in his clan. But what bothers him most of all is how perfectly she calms the raging monster inside him—something no one else has ever done.
When grimlocks—foul creatures believed to be long-dead—crawl out of the mountains and begin abducting women and children, Redvyr finds an unlikely ally in Jessamine, who’s been hiding a secret magick all her own. And she’s willing to risk everything for the broody clan leader, even while knowing her power might guide her enemy straight to her.
But when they discover that the grimlocks serve a nefarious master deep under the mountain, there may be no magick in this world to stop the evil that’s coming…an evil that threatens to tear Jessamine and Redvyr apart and plunge their world into darkness.
424 pages, Hardcover
Published October 28, 2025
163 people are currently reading
740 people want to read
About the author
Juliette Cross
46 books4,732 followersFor upcoming news and releases, sign-up here: http://eepurl.com/XeKIn
JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.
Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...
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JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.
Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...
Follow JULIETTE on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/juliettecros...
Follow JULIETTE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette__Cross
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
November 21, 2025
RTC
4.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
4.5 Stars
3 on the spice scale
November 17, 2025
I am absolutely loving this series so much. I thought I liked the first one? I LOVED Jessa and Redvyr story so much that I easily finished this in one sitting. I could not put this book down.
Not only did I love the characters, but I love the world building. At no point at all do you feel like you get confused or feel the need to meet up with so much information in order to understand what is going on. I loved all of the minor characters as well. Like I loved every single one, except for the ones we obviously had to hate of course. And the ones who stole the show? Wolf. The way I need my own giant wolf, Wolf is just not okay. I need a big puppers like that in my life immediately. And lastly, the spice???? Like keep the fire extinguisher close by you because, LAWD. Seriously, just chefs kiss.
I honestly cannot wait for the next one and to see where the series goes and how it picks up with the minor cliffhanger.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
*Huge thank you to Juliette Cross and her team for the ARC!*
Not only did I love the characters, but I love the world building. At no point at all do you feel like you get confused or feel the need to meet up with so much information in order to understand what is going on. I loved all of the minor characters as well. Like I loved every single one, except for the ones we obviously had to hate of course. And the ones who stole the show? Wolf. The way I need my own giant wolf, Wolf is just not okay. I need a big puppers like that in my life immediately. And lastly, the spice???? Like keep the fire extinguisher close by you because, LAWD. Seriously, just chefs kiss.
I honestly cannot wait for the next one and to see where the series goes and how it picks up with the minor cliffhanger.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
*Huge thank you to Juliette Cross and her team for the ARC!*
October 29, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Beast Lord is the 2nd book in The Rise of Northgall series. I was highly anticipating this after loving The Wraith King earlier this year. Of course, Juliette Cross did not disappoint. She continues to expand the world, introducing different types of fae, more magic, and a scary new evil threat.
Jessamine is a Skald fae princess on the run from her father after he was forcing her into a marriage with a lord that wants to use her magic for evil. She has been living in the Borderlands for a while when they catch up to her, and she has to flee through the forest in cold winter conditions. Lord Redvyr's wolf rescues her, and he reluctantly takes her with him to his clan to protect her for the winter.
Lord Redvyr and Jessamine had such amazing chemistry and were perfect for each other. They had such a sweet connection, and their romance was exactly what I wanted, with Redvyr being the perfect cinnamon-roll hero. I also loved Jessamine's secret power and how strong she was. She was willing to put her life at risk for his clan when a new dangerous enemy revealed itself.
The found family was perfection in this book, and I adored all the side characters.
I loved the introduction of the scary new threat, and I am excited to see what happens next.
Thank you to Juliette Cross for providing the ARC.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Beast Lord is the 2nd book in The Rise of Northgall series. I was highly anticipating this after loving The Wraith King earlier this year. Of course, Juliette Cross did not disappoint. She continues to expand the world, introducing different types of fae, more magic, and a scary new evil threat.
Jessamine is a Skald fae princess on the run from her father after he was forcing her into a marriage with a lord that wants to use her magic for evil. She has been living in the Borderlands for a while when they catch up to her, and she has to flee through the forest in cold winter conditions. Lord Redvyr's wolf rescues her, and he reluctantly takes her with him to his clan to protect her for the winter.
Lord Redvyr and Jessamine had such amazing chemistry and were perfect for each other. They had such a sweet connection, and their romance was exactly what I wanted, with Redvyr being the perfect cinnamon-roll hero. I also loved Jessamine's secret power and how strong she was. She was willing to put her life at risk for his clan when a new dangerous enemy revealed itself.
The found family was perfection in this book, and I adored all the side characters.
I loved the introduction of the scary new threat, and I am excited to see what happens next.
Thank you to Juliette Cross for providing the ARC.
November 7, 2025
no ow/om drama
it makes me mad that he had plenty of women when she's a virgin and we found out at 60% of the book
it makes me mad that he had plenty of women when she's a virgin and we found out at 60% of the book
January 13, 2026
This series is getting better and better with each book.
I had an incredible time with it. From the first page itself I was hooked.
Redvyr was such an adorable grumpy hero. He was so protective of Jessamine throughout the book. I loved that he always gave her respect and cherished her. They had a special connection and chemistry.
I loved Jessamine. She was such a sweet and resilient heroine.
The world this author created is equal part enchanting and dangerous. I especially enjoyed all the incredible lores and backstories. It was so fascinating.
Writing style is fantastic. The story just flowed. I would say the plot took the cake.
Loved the secondary characters, especially Tessa. I think if someone is more obsessed with Jessamine than Redvyr, the it’s his Meer wolf names Wolf (duh!).
Overall a highly enjoyable book that’s written fantastically. I hope and pray that she writes a lot more books in this series. I can’t get enough of them and her storytelling.
Safe (No Ow drama).
-Beauty and the beast vibes.
-Heroine on run.
-Dark fae vs Light fae.
-Fated Mates.
-‘Who hurt you’.
-Sinister powers on play.
-Enchanting lores and amazing characters.
-Artwork 😍.
-KU, TW and recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
I had an incredible time with it. From the first page itself I was hooked.
Redvyr was such an adorable grumpy hero. He was so protective of Jessamine throughout the book. I loved that he always gave her respect and cherished her. They had a special connection and chemistry.
I loved Jessamine. She was such a sweet and resilient heroine.
The world this author created is equal part enchanting and dangerous. I especially enjoyed all the incredible lores and backstories. It was so fascinating.
Writing style is fantastic. The story just flowed. I would say the plot took the cake.
Loved the secondary characters, especially Tessa. I think if someone is more obsessed with Jessamine than Redvyr, the it’s his Meer wolf names Wolf (duh!).
Overall a highly enjoyable book that’s written fantastically. I hope and pray that she writes a lot more books in this series. I can’t get enough of them and her storytelling.
Safe (No Ow drama).
-Beauty and the beast vibes.
-Heroine on run.
-Dark fae vs Light fae.
-Fated Mates.
-‘Who hurt you’.
-Sinister powers on play.
-Enchanting lores and amazing characters.
-Artwork 😍.
-KU, TW and recommended.
I received an advance review copy and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2025
I'm not going to lie I screamed when I found out I was getting an ARC of The Beast Lord. I've loved reading Juliette Cross' books for years and to be able to read this new release was such a privilege.
As always Juliette delivers a book that readers can't help but devour! All of her characters are ones readers can fall in love with. Her world building is always complex and detailed in a way that never takes away from the story written.
This dark, paranormal fantasy series continues with book 2 which follows Jessamine (a princess) and Lord Redvyr who happen to have a chance meeting after Jessamine is escaping men who are chasing her. What starts as Redvyr offering her protection and safety in his clan turns to more as feelings between the two start to develop.
I absolutely love how sweet and down to earth Jessamine is despite her upbringing. How she is willing to jump head first into any situation and to help people out for the better. Lord Redvyr is determined not to make the same mistakes that his father did and in doing so, pushes his feelings for Jessamine to the side. I absolutely love the ribbing that Redvyr's righthand Bezaliel gives in regard to his feelings for Jessamine. I would definitely not be upset if we got Bezaliel and Tessa's story because I just love them as a couple! The side characters just added more to the story and I couldn't help but also fall in love with them- especially Wolf.
This story absolutely hits all the marks and is one that I will follow through with as she releases more books in the series. The Rise of Northgall series is filled with mayhem and magick, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships and relationships and love.
As always Juliette delivers a book that readers can't help but devour! All of her characters are ones readers can fall in love with. Her world building is always complex and detailed in a way that never takes away from the story written.
This dark, paranormal fantasy series continues with book 2 which follows Jessamine (a princess) and Lord Redvyr who happen to have a chance meeting after Jessamine is escaping men who are chasing her. What starts as Redvyr offering her protection and safety in his clan turns to more as feelings between the two start to develop.
I absolutely love how sweet and down to earth Jessamine is despite her upbringing. How she is willing to jump head first into any situation and to help people out for the better. Lord Redvyr is determined not to make the same mistakes that his father did and in doing so, pushes his feelings for Jessamine to the side. I absolutely love the ribbing that Redvyr's righthand Bezaliel gives in regard to his feelings for Jessamine. I would definitely not be upset if we got Bezaliel and Tessa's story because I just love them as a couple! The side characters just added more to the story and I couldn't help but also fall in love with them- especially Wolf.
This story absolutely hits all the marks and is one that I will follow through with as she releases more books in the series. The Rise of Northgall series is filled with mayhem and magick, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, family and friendships and relationships and love.
November 10, 2025
• “In Northgall, even beasts bow to fate—and love burns hotter than fire.”
The Beast Lord by Juliette Cross is the second book in The Rise of Northgall series — and it was absolutely amazing! This story gave me total Beauty and the Beast vibes, and I loved every second of it!
Redvyr is a brooding beast of a man — powerful, possessive, and every bit the king of his jungle. Princess Jessamine, on the run from her father King Morodon and the cruel Lord Gael (to whom she’s been sold), finds herself rescued by Redvyr’s loyal meer-wolf. When she’s brought to Redvyr’s camp, he feels obliged to help her… but soon finds himself drawn to the beautiful sklad witch in ways he never expected.
With forced proximity, sizzling chemistry, and a clash between duty and desire, Redvyr fights to keep his vow never to repeat his father’s mistakes — until fate, the gods, and danger itself force him to face the truth: Jessamine might be his fated mate.
Juliette Cross is a fabulous storyteller, and her characters — both main and secondary — are unforgettable. If you love romantasy filled with magic, danger, and smoldering hot steamy scenes, this is a must-read! I can’t wait for more from this author and the Northgall series!
From the shadows of Northgall rises a love fierce enough to change fate.”
💋❤️until next time Luv’s
The Beast Lord by Juliette Cross is the second book in The Rise of Northgall series — and it was absolutely amazing! This story gave me total Beauty and the Beast vibes, and I loved every second of it!
Redvyr is a brooding beast of a man — powerful, possessive, and every bit the king of his jungle. Princess Jessamine, on the run from her father King Morodon and the cruel Lord Gael (to whom she’s been sold), finds herself rescued by Redvyr’s loyal meer-wolf. When she’s brought to Redvyr’s camp, he feels obliged to help her… but soon finds himself drawn to the beautiful sklad witch in ways he never expected.
With forced proximity, sizzling chemistry, and a clash between duty and desire, Redvyr fights to keep his vow never to repeat his father’s mistakes — until fate, the gods, and danger itself force him to face the truth: Jessamine might be his fated mate.
Juliette Cross is a fabulous storyteller, and her characters — both main and secondary — are unforgettable. If you love romantasy filled with magic, danger, and smoldering hot steamy scenes, this is a must-read! I can’t wait for more from this author and the Northgall series!
From the shadows of Northgall rises a love fierce enough to change fate.”
💋❤️until next time Luv’s
November 1, 2025
The first half was okay and somewhat tolerable, but everything went downhill in the second half. The relationship felt rushed and mostly driven by lust rather than real connection. Redvyr also came off a bit desperate to me. It’s a bummer because I loved the first book
November 6, 2025
3.5 I feel safer when I'm with you Stars
First I love the covers for this series so far. They are fantastic!
Jessamine is a light fae on the run. Sold by her father to a truly abhorrent man, she chose to ditch everything she has ever known and hide instead of marrying him. But she has been found by his soldiers again. In her mad dash to get away she ends up half frozen in the woods and is saved by one of the Beast Fae.
Redvyr is Lord to one of the Beast fae clans. He was just out to clear his mind before moving his people for the winter when his wolf brings him a great prize. Well, maybe he didn't see it at that in the beginning. After saving the girl from the cold he agrees to help her disappear for a while, no one will come into his territory this winter. He vows to be her protector at least until the season changes.
This is a pretty standard love/mate story. While Redvyr is a bit of a grumpy gus, Jessamine brings out the best in him and calms his beast better than any other woman ever has. Their courtship seems very rushed and soon something larger is blooming between them. Jessamine needs to find her place in the clan if they truly are mates. She is everything their clan needs with the danger that has traveled south into their lands and is stealing women and children. Her magic may be the key to saving some of the clans children who were taken.
I will say that while I enjoyed the story it was kinda basic. That said Jessamine's magic is pretty cool and I loved that she finally found a home with people who didn't make her feel bad about her body.
The story did have a very satisfying conclusion and a hint of what the reader can expect in the next story set in this world. Although I do wish their was some hint or prophecy of how the Beast Fae might regain the magic lost to them so long ago.
First I love the covers for this series so far. They are fantastic!
Jessamine is a light fae on the run. Sold by her father to a truly abhorrent man, she chose to ditch everything she has ever known and hide instead of marrying him. But she has been found by his soldiers again. In her mad dash to get away she ends up half frozen in the woods and is saved by one of the Beast Fae.
Redvyr is Lord to one of the Beast fae clans. He was just out to clear his mind before moving his people for the winter when his wolf brings him a great prize. Well, maybe he didn't see it at that in the beginning. After saving the girl from the cold he agrees to help her disappear for a while, no one will come into his territory this winter. He vows to be her protector at least until the season changes.
This is a pretty standard love/mate story. While Redvyr is a bit of a grumpy gus, Jessamine brings out the best in him and calms his beast better than any other woman ever has. Their courtship seems very rushed and soon something larger is blooming between them. Jessamine needs to find her place in the clan if they truly are mates. She is everything their clan needs with the danger that has traveled south into their lands and is stealing women and children. Her magic may be the key to saving some of the clans children who were taken.
I will say that while I enjoyed the story it was kinda basic. That said Jessamine's magic is pretty cool and I loved that she finally found a home with people who didn't make her feel bad about her body.
The story did have a very satisfying conclusion and a hint of what the reader can expect in the next story set in this world. Although I do wish their was some hint or prophecy of how the Beast Fae might regain the magic lost to them so long ago.
October 22, 2025
I just finished my ARC copy of the Beast Lord and I might love it even more then the Wraith King.
Our FMC Jessamine is so sweet and kind to others. She was open to people and creatures different than she is.
Our MMC Redvyr has a strong sense of doing what's right and doesn't want to repeat the mistakes of Beast Fae before him.
This was fast paced and I loved every second of this adventure! I can't wait to see where Juliette takes us in the next book.
Overall ★★★★★/5
Spice ☆☆☆/5
Our FMC Jessamine is so sweet and kind to others. She was open to people and creatures different than she is.
Our MMC Redvyr has a strong sense of doing what's right and doesn't want to repeat the mistakes of Beast Fae before him.
This was fast paced and I loved every second of this adventure! I can't wait to see where Juliette takes us in the next book.
Overall ★★★★★/5
Spice ☆☆☆/5
November 30, 2025
Meh. I wasn’t impressed. It was pretty bland. There was a really cool twist that Cross could have used that she wrote into possibility and it’s like she got bored and overlooked it. She gave Jessamine fangs and venom to make anyone fall in love and worship her, but when she had a chance to use them against Selestos and gets prompted by her Goddess to “use the powers given to her,” she…. scratches him instead? Right. Makes sense. And then the confrontation with Gael was super rushed. The spice was boring and also kind of gave me the ick with all the “the gods have given us this” talk.
This book might have had a fighting chance if the romance hadn’t been the whole purpose. I don’t say that very often, but it’s true here.
This book might have had a fighting chance if the romance hadn’t been the whole purpose. I don’t say that very often, but it’s true here.
December 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️
Honestly so disappointed in this book, I DNFed after the first half. And I LOVE the book (The Wraith King) and novella (Kings and Bones) that came before--I still recommend them. But where those sucked me in and felt intentional and well-crafted, The Beast Lord was clunky, devoid of the author’s usual chemistry between characters, and poorly edited to boot.
I’m hoping and praying this is all a big error and what we got is the first pancake rough draft instead of the sparkling finished product. Fingers crossed! 🤞
Some examples of a poor attention to detail:
‘King Xakiel had been King Gollaya’s father before him.’
‘“Yes.” Redvyr’s voice had dropped deep, his hands and his hands flexed at his sides.’
‘She laughed, and my heart falling further into the wonder that was Jessamine.’
Honestly so disappointed in this book, I DNFed after the first half. And I LOVE the book (The Wraith King) and novella (Kings and Bones) that came before--I still recommend them. But where those sucked me in and felt intentional and well-crafted, The Beast Lord was clunky, devoid of the author’s usual chemistry between characters, and poorly edited to boot.
I’m hoping and praying this is all a big error and what we got is the first pancake rough draft instead of the sparkling finished product. Fingers crossed! 🤞
Some examples of a poor attention to detail:
‘King Xakiel had been King Gollaya’s father before him.’
‘“Yes.” Redvyr’s voice had dropped deep, his hands and his hands flexed at his sides.’
‘She laughed, and my heart falling further into the wonder that was Jessamine.’
November 6, 2025
It was good, kept my attention but really needed to be edited - lots of repetitive phrases, missing words, and general grammar issues.
November 5, 2025
Wow!!! And once again Juliette Cross has written a masterpiece that I could not put down and I demolished in a day!!
Welcome back to The Rise of Northgall series!! And OMFG I was hooked and obsessed again!!! Another hot pairing! More excellent storyline! A well written compelling novel that can be read alone or as part of the wider fantastic Rise of Northgall series! I am obsessed with this world and how Cross writes her romances 🥰
Our FMC Jessamine is smart, savvy and sweet light fae who has taken to extreme action to control her fate (yes girl we hear you!) The MMC Redvyr is a moody, growling and huge beast fae who is so desperate to be and do better than his parents ( also the cuddliest man ever 🥹).
These two meet in honeslty the cutest way (it may involve wolf/dog like match maker 😍) and are inseparable from that moment onwards. It is not insta love however their tentative truce turns to trust first. These two have so much chemistry I was literally kicking my feet and giggling!
I absolutely adore the world of this series and was so happy to be back in it! The underlying plot points that began in the first instalment and into the novellas are nearing completion and the build is so intense!
We got little visits from past favourites, nods to Goll and Murgha, which were so fun! Having met both our MMC and FMC briefly before in earlier novels it was fabulous to flesh out their characters particularly Jessamine who has so much mystery attached to her.
This book has me hooked I could not stop reading it! I love the magic systems, the romances, I love the different fae races and I love how Cross writes!
Spice: High
Romance: Medium
Enemies to lovers?: No more like annoyed companions to lovers 🤭
I would like to say thank you so much to Juliette for having me on her ARC team for The Beast Lord! This was my first ARC experience and I just loved it! I was beyond honoured to receive a copy!
Bring on the next one I am desperate to solve the mystery plaguing the Shadow Fae!
Welcome back to The Rise of Northgall series!! And OMFG I was hooked and obsessed again!!! Another hot pairing! More excellent storyline! A well written compelling novel that can be read alone or as part of the wider fantastic Rise of Northgall series! I am obsessed with this world and how Cross writes her romances 🥰
Our FMC Jessamine is smart, savvy and sweet light fae who has taken to extreme action to control her fate (yes girl we hear you!) The MMC Redvyr is a moody, growling and huge beast fae who is so desperate to be and do better than his parents ( also the cuddliest man ever 🥹).
These two meet in honeslty the cutest way (it may involve wolf/dog like match maker 😍) and are inseparable from that moment onwards. It is not insta love however their tentative truce turns to trust first. These two have so much chemistry I was literally kicking my feet and giggling!
I absolutely adore the world of this series and was so happy to be back in it! The underlying plot points that began in the first instalment and into the novellas are nearing completion and the build is so intense!
We got little visits from past favourites, nods to Goll and Murgha, which were so fun! Having met both our MMC and FMC briefly before in earlier novels it was fabulous to flesh out their characters particularly Jessamine who has so much mystery attached to her.
This book has me hooked I could not stop reading it! I love the magic systems, the romances, I love the different fae races and I love how Cross writes!
Spice: High
Romance: Medium
Enemies to lovers?: No more like annoyed companions to lovers 🤭
I would like to say thank you so much to Juliette for having me on her ARC team for The Beast Lord! This was my first ARC experience and I just loved it! I was beyond honoured to receive a copy!
Bring on the next one I am desperate to solve the mystery plaguing the Shadow Fae!
October 30, 2025
3.5! still really enjoying this series💛
spoilers.
I think what I liked about this is that we didn't have enemies to lovers in a fantasy. That has become the baseline for almost all fantasy books these days and while sometimes I get the appeal I don't need every single fantasy to start that way. It was a nice refreshing pace to have them be working together toward a goal and fall in love as mates.
I like the strength our main character has and I enjoyed her story quite a bit! I feel our main MMC could have been flushed out more, I think the author did him a disservice by just keeping him baseline animalistic at times, or having any real chapter he had be solely his thoughts on the main character. We don't get to go on a journey with him because of that.
overall my main critique is at times this felt rushed, we hurry through relationship building, hurry through the plot, then race to the end. I know it's because it's 300 some odd pages but I just wanted a little more connection not only to the main characters but between them as well.
overall I am enjoying this series and will be reading the next one!
spoilers.
I think what I liked about this is that we didn't have enemies to lovers in a fantasy. That has become the baseline for almost all fantasy books these days and while sometimes I get the appeal I don't need every single fantasy to start that way. It was a nice refreshing pace to have them be working together toward a goal and fall in love as mates.
I like the strength our main character has and I enjoyed her story quite a bit! I feel our main MMC could have been flushed out more, I think the author did him a disservice by just keeping him baseline animalistic at times, or having any real chapter he had be solely his thoughts on the main character. We don't get to go on a journey with him because of that.
overall my main critique is at times this felt rushed, we hurry through relationship building, hurry through the plot, then race to the end. I know it's because it's 300 some odd pages but I just wanted a little more connection not only to the main characters but between them as well.
overall I am enjoying this series and will be reading the next one!
October 29, 2025
This is the perfect book when you’re in the mood for something short and spicy but still filled with lovable characters and found family vibes.
Jessamine is a light fae princess on the run from her kingdom after refusing to marry a horrible male. During her escape, she crosses paths with a dark fae lord - king of the beast fae - who feels a primal compulsion to keep her (iykyk 😏). Thus begins a lovely romance that you won’t be able to put down until you finish the book.
This is a standalone in an interconnected series. I don’t think it’s necessary to read book 1 before diving into this one.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
Jessamine is a light fae princess on the run from her kingdom after refusing to marry a horrible male. During her escape, she crosses paths with a dark fae lord - king of the beast fae - who feels a primal compulsion to keep her (iykyk 😏). Thus begins a lovely romance that you won’t be able to put down until you finish the book.
This is a standalone in an interconnected series. I don’t think it’s necessary to read book 1 before diving into this one.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
October 31, 2025
Not as good as the first in the series, nor even as the 1.5 novella. I appreciated the additional worldbuilding, but honestly I found the hero and heroine a little flat and a little boring.
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October 31, 2025Having some issues rating this because I did not like this one. Which is another Juliette Cross I’ve read recently that I haven’t liked. No, I’m not saying this book was fine, I’m saying I actively did not like it. I was annoyed reading it and made grumpy faces the majority of the book. No swooning or smiling to be had. Just a lot of grumpiness. And it’s hard for me to rate because I love Juliette Cross and I don’t want to believe that this is happening!
Jessamine is on the run from her evil betrothed and falls unconscious in the snow for a big Wolf to come and snatch her up and take her back to his master, Redvyr. Redvyr is a beast fae lord and he’s gonna take care of this light fae because he just has to. Culturally, he’s gotta take care of people. It’s fine. We will just go with that, who cares. It’s immediately that Redvyr has the hots for Jessamine but there’s not a lot of on page chemistry. Or development. Or emotional intimacy. It’s just…BOOM, there! We have a little bit of him being like I can’t be with her because she’s a light fae, but that’s it. There’s zero stakes or reason for these two to not be together.
And then they’re in love! Because of course they are! Because the author says so! And because they’re mates! Look, all the work is done in this love story because of biology and the gods choosing them to be mates. Weeeeeeee!
The extra storyline was…blah. I just didn’t like it. Gah. Top to bottom. Just felt really disappointed because I like Juliette Cross. And maybe I’m just an old school romance reader because I don’t like steam for the purpose of steam. I like steam for the purpose of moving emotional intimacy and l o v e. This book just felt like a rush to get to steam cause that’s what the whole book is about. We don’t need people to fall in love! We just need people to bone. And I don’t like it.
I am a grumpy lady.
Jessamine is on the run from her evil betrothed and falls unconscious in the snow for a big Wolf to come and snatch her up and take her back to his master, Redvyr. Redvyr is a beast fae lord and he’s gonna take care of this light fae because he just has to. Culturally, he’s gotta take care of people. It’s fine. We will just go with that, who cares. It’s immediately that Redvyr has the hots for Jessamine but there’s not a lot of on page chemistry. Or development. Or emotional intimacy. It’s just…BOOM, there! We have a little bit of him being like I can’t be with her because she’s a light fae, but that’s it. There’s zero stakes or reason for these two to not be together.
And then they’re in love! Because of course they are! Because the author says so! And because they’re mates! Look, all the work is done in this love story because of biology and the gods choosing them to be mates. Weeeeeeee!
The extra storyline was…blah. I just didn’t like it. Gah. Top to bottom. Just felt really disappointed because I like Juliette Cross. And maybe I’m just an old school romance reader because I don’t like steam for the purpose of steam. I like steam for the purpose of moving emotional intimacy and l o v e. This book just felt like a rush to get to steam cause that’s what the whole book is about. We don’t need people to fall in love! We just need people to bone. And I don’t like it.
I am a grumpy lady.
November 8, 2025
The Beast Lord is one of my highly anticipated books this year! I was really intrigued by Redvyr as a character when he appeared in the first book, The Warith King, and the novella Kinds and Bones.
With that said, I was a little bit disappointed with this. Jessamine was an okay character, but I honestly did not think she had that much chemistry with Redvyr. What ultimately bugged me was that their romance felt a little rushed - especially since they didn't like each other when they first met.
I was also a little disappointed by the villain - I think it came out of nowhere since we last met him in The Wraith King. I think this book probably needed a prologue to explain how Jessamine was at the Borderlands. But as it is, the book opens with Jessamine having already escaped.
This was still an enjoyable book, despite my disappointment. I ultimately give this a 3.25 because I really love the characters in this series. I also love the world of Northgall, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
With that said, I was a little bit disappointed with this. Jessamine was an okay character, but I honestly did not think she had that much chemistry with Redvyr. What ultimately bugged me was that their romance felt a little rushed - especially since they didn't like each other when they first met.
I was also a little disappointed by the villain - I think it came out of nowhere since we last met him in The Wraith King. I think this book probably needed a prologue to explain how Jessamine was at the Borderlands. But as it is, the book opens with Jessamine having already escaped.
This was still an enjoyable book, despite my disappointment. I ultimately give this a 3.25 because I really love the characters in this series. I also love the world of Northgall, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
October 15, 2025
Irresistible from start to finish. Juliette’s writing always delivers.
October 25, 2025
Juliette Cross has created another fascinating, supernatural world with The Rise of Northgall series.
A light fae, Princess Jessamine escapes the clutches of her betrothed, the evil Lord Gael and ends up under the protection of a beast fae clan led by Lord Redvyr.
Jessamine, accustomed to the emotional abuse and manipulations of her father, is pleasantly and continuously surprised by the thoughtfulness and kindness of Redvyr despite his fierce demeanor. I loved how Jessamine learned to trust her magick and grow into her own self, while Redvyr learned to trust his feelings despite his family history. While The Beast Lord can be read and enjoyed without having read the other books in the series, there is a continuing theme throughout each book that I would recommend reading in order. I can’t wait for the continuation of this series!
A light fae, Princess Jessamine escapes the clutches of her betrothed, the evil Lord Gael and ends up under the protection of a beast fae clan led by Lord Redvyr.
Jessamine, accustomed to the emotional abuse and manipulations of her father, is pleasantly and continuously surprised by the thoughtfulness and kindness of Redvyr despite his fierce demeanor. I loved how Jessamine learned to trust her magick and grow into her own self, while Redvyr learned to trust his feelings despite his family history. While The Beast Lord can be read and enjoyed without having read the other books in the series, there is a continuing theme throughout each book that I would recommend reading in order. I can’t wait for the continuation of this series!
November 3, 2025
2.5 stars. THIS BOOK WAS NOT BAD but I just did not enjoy it. It felt too much like a shifter romance (omegaverse or whatever you call it) and that has never been my thing. They didn’t turn into wolves, but I was waiting for it the whole time.
One thing that didn’t sit right with me was supposedly Jessamine’s power was so strong that she was sold off for it, but every time she used her claws, they basically did nothing. She also supposedly had magic venom in her fangs to make her mate feel immense pleasure or kill him (50/50 shot she wasn’t sure) and then she bit Redvyr and the whole thing was completely glossed over.
I enjoyed the tension in the first 30%, but once they got together the dynamic shifted and Redvyr became controlling and Jessamine became boring.
I definitely enjoyed the first book more and liked seeing the tiny little appearance we got from Goll
One thing that didn’t sit right with me was supposedly Jessamine’s power was so strong that she was sold off for it, but every time she used her claws, they basically did nothing. She also supposedly had magic venom in her fangs to make her mate feel immense pleasure or kill him (50/50 shot she wasn’t sure) and then she bit Redvyr and the whole thing was completely glossed over.
I enjoyed the tension in the first 30%, but once they got together the dynamic shifted and Redvyr became controlling and Jessamine became boring.
I definitely enjoyed the first book more and liked seeing the tiny little appearance we got from Goll
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 11, 2025
•Fantasy Romance
•Knotting
•Mates
•Biting
•Virgin FMC
•Siren
I really enjoyed the fmc’s magic in this one, I need more books with similar magic. Just like the first book I really enjoy the lore and world building. There’s so much depth to the world and they all have their own mythology and languages and culture.
Book 1 is still my favorite, it will be hard to top it but I still enjoyed this one.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance where it’s not identical to a million others definitely read this series.
•Knotting
•Mates
•Biting
•Virgin FMC
•Siren
I really enjoyed the fmc’s magic in this one, I need more books with similar magic. Just like the first book I really enjoy the lore and world building. There’s so much depth to the world and they all have their own mythology and languages and culture.
Book 1 is still my favorite, it will be hard to top it but I still enjoyed this one.
If you’re looking for a fantasy romance where it’s not identical to a million others definitely read this series.
November 12, 2025
I love this world. These books are romance forward but the magic system and the mystery we are trying to uncover throughout is so interesting. They are fast paced reads but books that left an impact on me.
This series gives me happy vibes and is a nice break from reading super high stakes stories where everything goes to sh*t until the very last book (which I also love ofc but sometimes you just want a love story!)
Can’t wait for the next!
This series gives me happy vibes and is a nice break from reading super high stakes stories where everything goes to sh*t until the very last book (which I also love ofc but sometimes you just want a love story!)
Can’t wait for the next!
October 25, 2025
First of all, thank you, thank you, thank you to my favorite Juliette for letting me read this as an ARC. The worlds you create dazzle me and I’m always so happy to visit them.
The Beast Lord is book 2 in the Northgall series. If you haven’t read book 1, The Wraith King, you’re gonna need to do that pronto! This was everything I wanted this book to be, and I loved Halliziel! I loved that our friends from Kings and Bones made an appearance, and I’d love a pet like wolf. As always, I’d give this more than 5 stars if I could.
The Beast Lord is book 2 in the Northgall series. If you haven’t read book 1, The Wraith King, you’re gonna need to do that pronto! This was everything I wanted this book to be, and I loved Halliziel! I loved that our friends from Kings and Bones made an appearance, and I’d love a pet like wolf. As always, I’d give this more than 5 stars if I could.
October 29, 2025
I fell in love with the world of Northgall and it's beings when I first read The Wraith King. I already know I'm going to love any and all books in this series. I loved The Beast Lord for a lot of similar reasons to why I loved The Wraith King. (I mean the books but I love our beasty men too of course!). Juliette is so good at writing an atmospheric world with adventure and unique characters who love deeply.
Redvyr is the perfect grump at the beginning and I found myself giggling at him over and over. Especially when Jessamine just uses it to tease him and further his grumpy. And the way he stays a grump with his friends and warriors but is obviously so smitten with Jessamine. And I love a strong FMC. The way Jessamine is protective of others, she's so fierce and brave. Redvyr is protective of her but isn't afraid to let her lead and do what she is called to do.
I loved it!
Redvyr is the perfect grump at the beginning and I found myself giggling at him over and over. Especially when Jessamine just uses it to tease him and further his grumpy. And the way he stays a grump with his friends and warriors but is obviously so smitten with Jessamine. And I love a strong FMC. The way Jessamine is protective of others, she's so fierce and brave. Redvyr is protective of her but isn't afraid to let her lead and do what she is called to do.
I loved it!
November 15, 2025
Enjoyable enough if you’re in the mood for a quick, steamy paranormal escape, but not one of Cross's more memorable offerings.
December 17, 2025
I ate this one all the way uuuuuuup
October 26, 2025
I received an ARC of this & I devoured it!!
November 8, 2025
Just like the first I love the magic in this book. It’s very easy to understand the different Fae types. I will always love a “Who Hurt You” moment. I love me a possessive Fae man 💅🏻
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