An Alliance of Ash and Jade

by A.J. Skelly

Jade is desperate to win her father’s affection and her place among her clan. If she can win the Crown Challenges and appoint her brother the next heir apparent, her place in her father’s heart will be assured. But she can’t do it alone, so she agrees to an alliance with the cruel and devastatingly handsome Sky Prince—whom she has every intention of double crossing.

Ash is cursed. No powers. No wings. Without his magic, he cannot win the Crown Challenges to ascend the throne. His only recourse is a bold vow to kill the curse-caster. And wedding her will provide just the opportunity he needs. But just as Ash is ready to end his curse once and for all, an assassin attacks, and Jade saves his life. Now bound to a blood debt, he cannot kill her, nor remove his curse. Caught in the purgatory of betrayal and a fight to the death to win the Challenges, Ash has no choice but to trust the beguiling girl he’s now forced to protect.

As they battle to attain the crown, they’ll have to work together to beat the other contestants, and fight their growing, forbidden attraction. All while remembering that their tenuous alliance ends with the Challenges, and that their marriage is a sham. But something wicked hides in the shadows; forgotten secrets that threaten the very existence of the empire. Only by joining forces do Jade and Ash have any hope of overcoming the evil rising in the darkness...but even that might not be enough.

396 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

AJ Skelly (also writing as April J. Skelly) is an author, reader, and lover of all things fantasy, medieval, and fairy-tale-romance. And werewolves. She has a serious soft spot for them. As an avid life-long reader and a former high school English teacher, she's always been fascinated with the written word. She lives with her husband, children, and many imaginary friends who often find their way into her stories. They all drink copious amounts of tea together and stay up reading far later than they should.

You can read more of her short stories at www.ajskelly.com.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars.

⚔️ The vibes:
- Forced proximity
- Arranged marriage
- Enemy clans
- Standalone fantasy romance
- Closed door (make outs)

⚔️ My thoughts:
The Sky Clan, Earth Clan, and Water Clan send representatives to compete in the Crown Challenges. When Ash and Jade from enemy clans are forced to be married to increase their odds of winning the challenges, where will their loyalties land?

⚔️ I loved that this was a standalone fantasy romance. The Crown Challenges felt reminiscent of the Triwizard Tournament in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - which I thought was cool.

⚔️ I liked the plot and characters as a whole. I did want more in some places, and I was a little confused by some little things here and there (specifically with Jade and her special gift and the lost clan). Moments like that had me questioning my back knowledge or the world building, and it did pull me out of the story just a bit, but I felt like the story got stronger as it progressed.

⚔️ The dynamic shift from enemies to not enemies felt pretty quick. I definitely wanted more there, but by the end I thought they were pretty cute together.

⚔️ Overall, I enjoyed this one. I had a good time, really liked the romance, and would definitely read more from this author.

Note / spice content: closed door (make outs).
Release date: August 25, 2026.

Thank you so much to A.J. Skelly and Quill & Flame Publishing House for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.

[V. Romas Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received and early copy for endorsement*

A refreshing and exciting new adventure, An Alliance of Ash and Jade doesn't disappoint when it comes to electrifying chemistry and deadly tournaments. Skelly does excellent work at balancing humor, loss, love, and accepting oneself through fast-paced rhetoric and story-telling. With elemental themes and deadly oaths, this new novel is one you won't want to put down!

[A.M. Reynwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Y'all, being allowed to read books in advance to their wide release is an honor and a privilege. It also means I only have a select few fellows I can rant and rave to without publicly spilling spoilers, and that might not be quite so great?! Because this book has stuff to rant and rave about! (Rest assured, this is a spoiler-free zone)

I loved it. It's got a fascinating world with an inspired-culture mash that I fell for instantly. The Sky Clan is an Asian-fusion high in the mountains, while the Earth Clan feels very Gaelic, and the Water Clan gave my Atlantean vibes. They all worked together in such a way that it blended naturally into a completely believable world with legends and culture and fantastical magic. I was utterly delighted.

The characters are just as darling, moody and spirited with an enemies-to-lovers romance that is fierce on both swings. There was much cackling at the forced proximity, the awkwardness as the hatred born of lies melted under the heat of truth into attraction. The pretty girl. The hunky muscles. Oh, I cackled so much! And fanned myself, because a few moments get a bit heated (nothing inappropriate, though! It's totally safe, for those readers sensitive to 'spice' levels. The kissing is just more passionate than I usually read, but I knew that going in.)

It only took me two days to wolf this down because the writing was to engaging, the characters so compelling, and the story itself is layered. The empire is in the brink of collapse, with rival clans vying for terrible power and the future of all is on the line. But so are the hearts of the characters. Rejection. Shame. Responsibility. Expectation. Longing. Betrayal. Rage. Desperation. Nobility. Honor. Compassion. Sacrifice. Painful pasts and complicated emotions clash as Ash and Jade go through the motions of their respective positions, but greater and grander things than human ambition are in motion. It's not just a story about saving the world and the couple getting together. It's about the inherent value of life. Of love without condition. Of identity based on more than position. Of choices, their consequences, and the hope and work of healing. Of intentions for evil being used instead to the good of both individuals and ultimately the world as a whole.

There are deep and abiding truths woven throughout the epic and fantastical adventure, and I appreciated that! All in all, we laughed, we cried, we kicked butt and ate candied haws. It was great.

[Camille Mosemann · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

This book is soooooo bingeable! I loved it!

The world building was so creative, unique and immersive! This is my first A.J. Skelly book but it won’t be my last because I adored it! Somehow she blended Celtic and Asian and Atlantean culture together and it was amazing!!

Ash and Jade’s chemistry was off the charts! Enemies to more isn’t a trope I’m usually drawn to so that should tell you how well done this one was! Their gradual progression from enemies to allies to friends to finalyyyyyyy lovers was so satisfying and I truly adored it!

A side note about the romance: this is a marriage of convenience. There are a few heated makeouts (one on a bed) and a fade to black scene between a married couple. I didn’t have an issue with the romantic content, but some people might be more sensitive than me.

* I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Basemath Abernathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is my honest opinion.

Please be aware my review may contain some minor spoilers.



Still here? Let’s go!







Positives:
ASH AND JADE ARE GOLD!!!!!!!!! DUUDE!!!! THEY ARE SO GOOD!!!

I adored Ash’s home!! I bet it looks like something out of a historical c-drama. I wish I could visit. And Bao was the best! I love him so much. He was an amazing side character. I honestly thought that a certain person in the book was a villain, and he turned out not to be! I was a bit surprised. Which is cool because I usually can guess what will happen in books. I love the idea of the air breath thing!!! And that it had to be shared willingly, that was so cool! And makes perfect sense actually. I never think of altitude in regards to fantasy, usually characters just go up and down mountains and fly with no issues, but I loved that this book addressed that.

I loved how the death was handled in this book. It was so sad. I loved that it felt real, and how sad I was at the end. And how it was described, in waves.

Negatives:
The only reason this book isn’t a five star for me is because of the way the romance was handled. I personally am not a huge fan of how heated the makeout session got in the later half of the book. If you’ve read it you know the one I’m talking about. No, clothes weren’t flying, but it kind of felt like that’s what should have been happening with how heated it was. I know several other people who might be perfectly fine with this heat level, it’s just really not for me.
I was also bothered by the mention of hanging things in reference to Ash’s privates. I would understand one or two times towards the beginning, (I’d totally be considering cutting that off if the random guy I married who was my enemy tried anything with me) but it just continued being mentioned as a joke, and I just don’t see the reason.
I also don’t understand how Ash didn’t understand (the thing he didn’t understand) at the end of the book. It seemed pretty obvious to me from the begining. XD But this one is forgivable. I’m not sure I would figure this out if I was him.
The last chapter kind of felt rushed.

Content:
Romance: Heated Kisses and makeout sessions. Thoughts of how attractive the other’s bodies are.
Gore: There was a lot of blood, but I wouldn’t personally think it’s gory.
Violence: Yes, many fights. Bloody wounds
Cussing: None

Other considerations:
-Impactful death. Bring tissues.
-At least 5-10 mentions of “hanging things” referring to male privates. See review for more details.


Overall, I am not sure I will read it again because of the heat level. Which is sad because everything else about this book is amazing.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are lots of fun elements in this story, not the least the title one can fully appreciate only after having read it, and a unique, captivating world. And while I did enjoy it, and Jade and Ash were pretty well-rounded characters, the rest of the cast were a bit flat and the overall plot a bit stunted, especially for the length of the book.

While my attention was captured right of the bat, the beginning was a bit bogged down with the characters thoughts and feelings - which were a bit repetitive - and I wished that more of that page time was dedicated to Ash and Jade interacting and showing us how they felt about each while the world was unveiled, rather than just their thoughts about the upcoming tournament and their marriage alliance.

I did really enjoy the ending, and really appreciated how Skelly made Ash the leader and the protector, and Jade - who had just as important and difficult of a role - in more of a supporting role. I can’t tell you how tired I am of books pushing a narrative that men and women are no different, when anyone with siblings can tell you that’s a lie.

I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

SPOILERY THINGS BELOW

The one thing I really disliked was how the Oracle, a being of light and good, actively used evil things to bring about the right future. In the story, she’s kind-of like a god-figure, and God has nothing to do with evil - He doesn’t use it, He doesn’t make deals with it, nothing like that - yet the Oracle partners with a character to curse Ash. Coupled with the use of the Storm Hag to defeat the shadows, rather than requesting the Oracle’s help, in the battle, and both things left me with a bad taste because stories affect how we see the world, and misrepresentation of God and His character is never a good thing.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I honestly didn’t even plan on reading this yet... I was just reading a few lines to see if I was in the mood for it and well... clearly I was because I flew through it! It definitely helped that this had a marriage of convenience mixed with enemies to lovers because I could not flip the pages fast enough.

Ash and Jade make an alliance with each other. Ash is first motivated to marry her just to get close enough to kill her, believing she cursed him. Jade needs his help for the Crown Challenges, believing their alliance is the only way to win. But when an attack leads to her saving Ash’s life, he’s no longer able to kill her. Instead, he now has to protect her... along with the pesky requirement of kissing her daily. As the two fight together with their individual goals in mind, feelings begin to grow and their alliance becomes more personal, causing them both to question what they really want once their alliance is no longer needed.

Okay, the tension between these two was off the charts. The enemies to more vibes were perfect. The Crown Challenges were intense, and I could not figure out who the traitor was or who was truly to blame for their struggles. I loved the romance, though I did take away half a star because some of the innuendo was a bit more than I was expecting at times. Still, this was such an exciting romance. The action was intense, I was never bored, and now I definitely need to read more by this author.

I gave this 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

CW: fade to black in marriage, steamy kissing, violence/battle scenes on the page.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Kayla E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Alliance of Ash and Jade is a stand alone adult fantasy that blends the marriage of convenience trope with enemies to lovers: She enters the marriage alliance for an edge on the upcoming challenges that are part of crowning the next Emperor of All. He enters the marriage alliance for means to seek vengeance for the curse he believes she cast. Yet over time and with shared grief and hurt, feelings shift. But they’re from two different clans with two different goals—and their relationship has a set date to end.

I cannot gush over my favorite parts like I want to without spoilers but I will say the second challenge…!!!!

I must commend how wonderfully the author is able to dive into the backstories of the MCs and give them emotional connection for true feelings to develop. It’s just a really good love story with amazing world building. I truly, truly enjoyed this book (and stayed up way too late one night to finish it!)

A must read for fans of Rune by Victoria McCombs and Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan!

—————————

*CONTENT NOTE: There is a pretty intense makeout scene BUT there is no on-page s*x. Still, with the one steamy scene (they are married) and some innuendo/references throughout, this is definitely a book for adults only—even so, adult clean romance readers should, as always, practice discernment in what description level of physical intimacy they’re comfortable with.

**I received an ARC but am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nospicereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of the book felt a little disjointed, but i'm glad I continued reading. The story develops into a beautiful love story with twists that I did not see coming. The world building was pretty interesting and was easy to follow.

The plot was at times predictable but there were definitely twists I was not expecting. I feel the author succeeded in having a pace that didn't drag but revealed things in a way that didn't feel rushed.
The competition trials were interesting and had their own uniqueness but they felt a little glossed over at times.

The romance starts out with a marriage or convenience and it was interesting to see the mmc Ash have to come to terms with what he expected and what was reality. The growth the fmc Jade went through was impactful. I liked that the romance didn't feel rushed, but developed from reluctant allies to friends to more. The characters have time to learn about each other, and it didn't feel superficial.
Overall, the story was moderately paced with good world building, well rounded main characters and slow burn romance. I wish we were able to learn a little bit more about the world as a whole and more of the history, and a bit more of the other characters but Jade and Ash's story was wrapped up nicely.

I received an arc copy and all thoughts are my own.

[S.H. Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

[I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review]

Jade is an outcast among her clan, desperate to gain the love of her family. Ash is a Sky Prince, beloved by his family, but robbed of his wings by a mysterious curse. Against this backdrop, the Emperor's power wanes, signalling a competition for the new ruler.

Ash and Jade are forced to form an unlikely alliance--first for their own reasons, but even moreso when it becomes clear that sinister forces seek to claim the throne and threaten their world as they know it.

As complicated feelings arise between them and loyalties are tested, will the alliance of Ash and Jade survive?

I found this novel to be well-written, particularly for its genre (YA Romantasy). Thoughtful world building and weighted character motivations help to keep the story grounded. I also enjoyed the alternating POVs of Ash and Jade, as their personalities (and character voices) were different, which made their respective chapters feel fresh.

Without spoiling any details, there was one particular villain reveal that didn't feel surprising to me--but it did not affect my enjoyment of the novel or outweigh the strengths that I listed above!

To summarise, 'An Alliance of Ash and Jade' is an engaging read, with strong leads and a pace that steadily builds to its thrilling conclusion. 4/5 Stars!

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you A.J. Skelly for an early copy!

This book was a complete surprise for me, for all the best reasons. It has everything I love in a great fantasy story, and finishing it was so bittersweet. When a book is this amazing, you just don’t want to step away from the characters or leave their magical world behind.

A.J. Skelly is so imaginative and has such a way with words that reading her work is pure joy and an absolute breeze.

Right from the start, I was hooked. I was laughing out loud just a few pages in—so hard that I actually spilled my coffee!

I loved that the story was told from dual points of view, jumping between Ash - The Sky Prince and Jade, which made watching their relationship evolve from enemies to lovers so satisfying.

The worldbuilding is just magical, filled with distinct clans, challenges, battles, betrayal, and deep friendship. The suspense never ends. Surprises jump out at the reader on every page.

Plus, there are different creatures in the story, including dragons! (I would never say no to even more dragons, but I’ll gladly take what I got 😉).

Oh! And let’s not forget about the illustrations! This book has stunning artwork, and I am all for it.

I honestly don’t have enough words to express how much I adored this story! Highly recommended!

[Elizabeth Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The summary: I loved the story and the characters! There was a lightness to this book, even with the stakes and the tension, that made it an easy read. And I would definitely re-read it!

The good: I loved the two main characters, Ash and Jade, and how passionate they both were about protecting those they cared about. I really enjoy a book where the characters marry for a purpose and grow together throughout the book from enemies to friends to eventually more, and seeing Ash and Jade go on that journey together was really satisfying. I loved how both Ash and Jade gradually took more responsibility and agency in their lives and learn to make their own choices. Also, the world had a really unique combination of cultures, and it was fun to see them collide.

The okay: The beginning was a little harder to follow, but after a couple of chapters the story really gripped me, and I didn't have any trouble enjoying the rest of the plot. The book's world and magic are full of lore and history, but I wish we could have gone into them deeper.

I received an ARC of this book. These are my own thoughts!

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this no spice romantic fantasy and didn’t want to put it down! It sucked me in from page one and didn’t let up. A marriage of convenience where one of the parties wants to kill the other? Phenomenal. I loved the enemies to sweethearts moments with these royals, only one bed, a curse, a fox shifter, challenges, and magic.

Ash’s wings have been bound by a curse and he blames his new wife. Together they compete in challenges to determine who will be the next emperor of their world. These challenges are harrowing (hello Hunger Games vibes) and they leave you breathless. Twists and turns, murder, loss, and grief: these pages hold so much!

This is my new favorite book by this author and I cannot wait to read more! The romance is fade-to-black (with some steamy make out scenes) in marriage, intimacy level 3.

TW: Death, Loss of Loved One, Grief

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Dawnell Towning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness! Talk about swoon! An Alliance of Ash and Jade has it all: enemies to lovers, mortal peril, betrayal, yearning, and so much more!

A.J. Skelly drops you right in the action. She holds nothing back. Hunger Games has nothing on the Crown Challenges. Ash and Jade move from enemies to comrades with a common goal against an unknown adversary. They slowly lower their guards against each other.

Jade's loyalties and hope to finally win her family's respect and affections waivers the closer she grows to know Ash. But when her father finally sees her as a daughter rather than a stepping stone for his family to power, she will need to decide where her heart lies.

An amazing read that is good no matter the season! Curl up in a comfy spot. You will not want to put this book down.

[J. Grace Papponetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

A.J. Skelly writes romance very well, and An Alliance of Ash and Jade was my favorite book I’ve read by her. The premise of the story and its world are imaginative and exciting, and the writing felt cinematic. I truly enjoyed the experience of reading this book, and if you’re looking for an NA romarasy story this one is a great read. This book definitely gave me K-drama vibes, while avoiding feeling cliche. Even with something like the dual PoV between the male and female main characters, it made the story more intriguing instead of falling into the usual pattern of cheesy misunderstandings. I knew to expect a strong romantic storyline, and it was absolutely, unapologetically the heart of this book, portrayed in the midst of deadly challenges and political intrigue.

[Riley Perrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed this book. The action and tension pulled me in and kept me enthralled throughout the story. I especially loved Jade and Ash's love story and how it progressed, it felt natural and not at all like they hated each other and then suddenly fell in love for no good reason. There were even valid reasons for their hatred and opinions of each other. I loved the world-building and wish there had been more of the world in the story. I'm so curious about so much of the world and felt like some of it wasn't explained or explored. All in all, I'll definitely be returning to this story.

*I received an early review copy for my honest opinion.

[Jenna Pickford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alright alright alright, of course as you know I love a good YA romance, As usual I ate it up no doubt about that, The plot, the characters, the tension, the suspense and the way the challenges were all brought together CHEFS KISS😗 me being me, obviously My feelings were betrayed and hurt and I ended up crying and had to put the book down for a little while because WHYYY😭😭 Ugh my heart still hurts. Such a beautiful story, and I absolutely loved every minute of it.

I mean come on, Forced proximity, ONE BED, forced alliance, shifter, magic, elements, tension, love, hate, enemies to lovers, Cursed grumpy man + female hero PLEAASSEE😩 everything all in one book. I enjoyed this so so much.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this one. Sometimes when characters start as enemies, I dislike one of them or care for one more than the other, but I truly understood the motivations and hearts of both main characters, and they were incredibly easy to root for, both as individuals and a team.
The story is also laced with beautiful themes about the intrinsic value of life and what authentic love looks like.
(I'd recommend for older teens/new adults and up as some of the romance scenes -while between a married couple and not explicit-are a bit more descriptive.)

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING! I couldn’t put it down! I ended up reading most of it in one sitting. I loved the chemistry between Ash and Jade and how it evolved throughout the story. I also really enjoyed the message behind this book. This is definitely one that I would read again!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Birgit Lehmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy and I loved it. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, a new fascinating world and two people who hate each other but are thrown together in a marriage to save their world.
Very well character building and growth and a devasting betrayal. Awesome story!!!!

[Erika Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and read it in a few days as I just needed more! While I feel that the trials are kind of overdone in books at this point, ones in this book felt fresh and interesting. I adored the chemistry between Jade and Ash, and how it developed during the whole story. Dual POV was great. Definitely would recommend reading.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an incredible story from start to finish. I loved every moment. The beautiful way the characters grew closer together and learned to trust each other was *chefs kiss* perfection.
The twists had me twisting, and the turns had me turning. It had spectacular pacing and wonderful moments of humor that will have you laughing out loud.
I'm so thrilled I got to read this fabulous book early. I recommend it!

Thank you so much for an early copy, the review and thoughts are my own.

[Alex Sexton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Alliance of Ash and Jade was a breath of fresh air! As someone who voraciously reads fantasy, I began to notice a pattern in them. Most feature unhealthy love triangles, broody males, and hot and heavy sex scenes, especially in many popular BookTok novels. This book was nothing like them - it was better. The storyline had unique settings, diverse characters, and swoon-worthy enemies to lovers MCs. And I don't mean the kind who are annoyingly attracted to each other in the beginning either, I mean the kind who HATE each other! ⚔️ I never knew what was coming next. This book was funny as heck, too! I found myself laughing out loud all throughout the book. 😂 If you like no smut, healthy relationships, and no profanity, then An Alliance of Ash and Jade is for you! 💙