She took him captive. Now he’s sleeping in her bed.
When Princess George abducts a foreign earl, keeping him close seems safest—until her brilliant plan backfires and she falls for the charming prisoner who won’t stop making her laugh.
Lord Isahn knows he should be afraid. Instead, he’s captivated by the fierce woman hiding behind magical disguises, scheming against her tyrannical father while protecting everyone around her. She’s demanding, impulsive, and absolutely magnificent.
When he volunteers to join her rebellion, she installs him in her apartments as her fake personal aide. Proximity turns to passion—and passion into a love they’re loath to lose.
George has never trusted anyone like this. But the rebellion is reaching its breaking point, and the ancient magic binding the capital threatens to erase Isahn's memories, and with them, everything they've built together.
A steamy romantasy with captive-to-lovers, forced proximity, emotional healing, and a cinnamon-roll hero who falls first.
Lakewood's adult fantasy romance novels could be better described as fantasy romcoms. With plenty of wit, banter, and open-door steam, each of her books offers a complete love story with a satisfying happily-ever-after. Fast pacing and laugh-out-loud moments make her interconnected standalones the perfect choice for your next palate-cleanser read.
For a high fantasy setting where everyone has magic, check out the World of Duhra.
For a low fantasy setting where the cast is a mix of shifters and humans, check out Beckett Falls.
I read another one of Lakewood's books a few months ago and was super excited to get an ARC of this one. Suffice it to say, she has herself a fan. The way she writes in such a light and funny way even while dealing with somewhat dark and serious topics is impressive. While this book wasn't "dark" by most standards, it did feel too dark for the writing style, but the preface did warn about that and I am glad to know that her other books will be staying a little lighter.
The initial scenario that sets this book in motion was absolutely hilarious, and Isahn's response to pretty much everything that happens in the book, from being captured to posing as an aide (essentially a slave), just gave such good feels. I appreciated all the humor and slight absurdity of the story, and absolutely adored the characters - from our MCs to the side characters. George was strong and hilarious, and Isahn was easy going and SO loveable. I was worried the book was going to take a turn for the worse when Isahn had to leave, but seeing his and Hildy's relationship grow was so much fun and that whole plot line ended up exceeding expectations.
Something that I have to give Lakewood mad props for is the world of Duhra. In a day and age where most fantasy worlds feel like amalgamations of previous ones, this one is so fresh and original. The addition of the fae/pixies was fantastic, in addition to just getting a closer look at Domos. There were also so many little details that I really appreciated, like "beciss," which was hilarious and clever and I am going to start using in everyday life despite the fact that nobody will understand me.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The ending felt a little anticlimactic, but I'm still really looking forward to the next book (although it feels like a very long time to wait!). Thanks BookSirens for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Took me a minute to get into this one, not going to lie, but I am SOOOOO happy that I didn't give up! I read the previous 2 books (a duology set in the same world that's at least somewhat connected as one of the main characters knows the two main characters and more from the first duology), and ABSOLUTELY loved them. I can safely say after getting through the initial bit - basically once P George and co dragged the earl into their plans and all, things absolutely picked up and I COULD not put the book down, read everything after the first little bit there in one single setting, just finishing it at around 3:30am.
Gods I LOVE Princess Georgetta/Georgie/George/P George (and all of her found family, collected friends) and her new friend turned ally from the south. The personalities, the characters, the plot, it was all fantastic!
Loved how they had a different kind of magic than the elemental magics of the first duology, and LOVED that we get to briefly see some of the characters from those books appear at least at one point. Staridge sounds awesome and definitely would LOVE to see artwork featuring that if there's ever any SEs or something cause I imagine that along with a couple other places, some of the villas, the capitals, both of them, the bridge over the lake - there's some FANTASTICALY awesome sounding architecture that I definitely hope we get to see visually at some point.
Assuming that there will be a book 2 to this if my understanding is correct that it's going to be a series all in the same setting of duologies, and I VERY much cannot (or as Ean would say it, cannae) wait for book 2 - and I have my theories on at least some elements of the second one if so, but I am DEFINITELY eager to see what all else the plot will entail.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Princess George is determined to bring her father's atrocious reign to an end, but to do so, she needs to stay a step ahead of his schemes. When a trip to discover the king's favorite spies' agenda, she accidentally abducts a foreign earl. Lord Isahn is trying to determine what his sketchy uncle is up to, and instead finds himself captured and detained by a beautiful woman with the power to change what he sees and feels. He should be afraid, but instead he's intrigued, and he soon find himself in the center of a treasonous plot.
I loved both main characters so very much! George is extremely capable, but having grown up within her father's tyranny, she sometimes struggles with self doubt. She's got a strong moral code but often has to work within the horrors of her father's expectations to keep herself and others safe. Her resolute determination is inspiring, and as she learns to trust and love Isahn, she shows a softer side.
Isahn, is also extremely competent, but is also surprisingly easygoing. He could easily escape George's control, but as he figures out how to break through the mental abilities of his captors, his sense of curiosity keeps him solidly in the princess's control. As he learns more about George, he can't help but fall in love, and is willing to do whatever he can to help her.
Yet again, M.A. Lakewood writes an exceptionally well written fantasy romance with nuanced, fully developed characters. This book is a little darker and heavier than some of her previous books, but the real stakes and conflicts make for a wonderfully rich read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a magical, immersive story that proves she knows exactly how to balance heart, humor, and heavier themes.
Her writing style is light and witty, but it never shies away from meaningful topics. Princess Georgetta is determined to overthrow her cruel, unjust father, a king who has enslaved an entire species along with his own people for his own twisted gain. Along the way, she and her friends capture the Earl, Ishan, in a very unconventional first meeting that sets the tone for everything that follows.
What unfolds is a story filled with political intrigue, just the right amount of treason, enemies to lovers tension, and a strong found family element that really grounds the book. Georgie is the kind of princess I adore: stubborn, compassionate, and absolutely done with playing nice.
Georgie and Ishan are both forced through trials that test their loyalty, their beliefs, and each other, including a painful bout of amnesia that makes their journey back to one another even more satisfying. This book blends romance and rebellion beautifully, with characters who grow, question the systems around them, and choose who they want to be instead of who they’re told to be.
If you love enemies to lovers with political tension and found family vibes, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR.
If you’re after a wholesome romance with a green-flag MMC and a fiesty yet kind-hearted FMC, The Future Queen’s Captive might be for you. I’ll be honest, though—this isn’t usually my go-to genre. I tend to prefer darker romances with broken characters glueing themselves back together (yeah, I know how that sounds).
That said, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this story. The writing is easy to read without feeling flimsy, the story arc is satisfying, and even though it leans on the sweeter side, it still contains some darker elements (so check the trigger warnings if your someone wanting to avoid those elements)
The MMC was a standout for me—he’s just a sweetie. I don’t know why, but at times, he reminded me of Flynn from Tangled, and that honestly made me love him more. Overall, this was a fun read, the length felt just right, and the romance was spot-on perfection.
Isahn one of the protagonist finds himself imprisoned by Princess Georgie, but what begins as captivity transforms into a powerful alliance. As Isahn earns Georgie’s trust, they embark on a daring quest to overthrow her tyrannical father, whose cruel reign must be stopped. They form more than just an alliance the chemistry between the two chefs kiss.. Midway through the story, I was left in shock—it's incredible how far someone will go to keep love alive. Even the challenges of memory loss can't sever the bond between them. But the ending made me so happy. M.A. Lakewood’s writing continues to captivate me; I adore all her works, and this one is no exception. It's a thrilling blend of suspense, romance, destiny, and a touch of magic that keeps you captive to keep reading.
This book was a delight. A wholesome love story with great world building, a found family, unique magic, and a touch of political intrigue. The story is the main point, with the smut supporting it, which is what I prefer to read. There could have been just a tad more slow to the burn, but it didn’t detract from the storyline.
I would encourage you to check the triggers before reading as there are some scenes that are a bit on the darker side (this has a purpose and isn't written just to have a trigger or be exploitative).
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it helped me out of a reading slump.
I truly love how M.A Lakewood writes. It's can be funny, it can be steamy, it can make you feel giddy and she has a way to weave difficult topics into her stories. This one does not disappoint in her style. It does have hard themes so please checks your triggers.
Our FMC is Princess George and our MMC is Isahn an Earl who gets kidnapped by our FMC and her friends. In the process we see them grow closer and make plans to overthrow the tyrant of a king George has for a father.
This story is a slightly connected story to her books The Reluctant Queen and The Chaosweaver's Daughter.
This has the charming characters and ambience that one comes to expect from M.A Lakewood book. It stands alone with nice little tie-ins to the others books in the series, you get banter and and ever expanding world. George has a strong exterior mask hiding the kindest heart, pairing well with Isahn's driven supportive demeanor they make a believable dream team. TFQC has a set of characters that is set on bettering the world and if some steamy stuff happens along the way all the better. Heading into Domos for this installment adds Roman vibes and helps flesh out the map of Durha. Can't wait to see where we end up next!
I did get this book as an arc read but these are my honest thoughts. This book was amazing! I loved the character growth and the HEA. I don’t typically like when the mmc and fmc get separated but this was written in a way that kept it engaging and still amazing to read. The past king was awful and I am so glad they were able to deal with him. Some of the words that were used to describe things were a little confusing at times, but honestly I loved the change in culture and learning about it! I definitely recommend this book, just be wary it is a darker story so check the trigger warnings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed the extension on the world from the previous duology.
I could definitely see the Mediterranean influence in the setting, and there are different magics explored and darker themes than the last books.
George has a loving found family who will do anything for her, including plot to overthrow the rule of her tyrant father.
I would have liked more build up to the stalking/kidnapping to get more of an idea of the characters, and a bit more of a slow burn to have more tension, but I did enjoy the story.
I adore Princess George and Lord Isahn so much! Their banter and their relationship is just so beautiful and fun. I love that she takes no shit, but Isahn keeps her calm and level.
Also, I love their little family of friends they have throughout the story! Truly a found family, and they all have really great personalities for different reasons.
If you love great plot and character stories, I highly recommend grabbing this! It’s so rare to find magical romances like this one, and I enjoyed every second of reading this.
I often read books that are romance with a side of adventure, but this felt more like an adventure story with a side of romance. I liked the imaginary world the story operates within, the many different types of magic and characters it held. Kudos to the author for weaving those elements into the romantic scenes, which was quite creative.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first book in the series. It is a fantasty romance story.
The FMC is a princess but also the leader of a rebellion. She kidnaps an Earl by mistake, but he finds himself captivated by her and wants to help her cause. Spending time together makes an attraction grown between them. Will they get a HEA in the end.
I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Brilliant read! This was such an enthralling story, I was captivated from the start and loved all the twists and turns of the tale. George was such a compelling personality, she had so many responsibilities on her shoulders and, after what she had endured as a child, she could have easily become just like her father but she chose another way and I loved that. Isahn was so full of golden retriever energy and I loved how quickly he came to care for George, together they were perfection.
As always the perfect combination of silly, serious, spice, action, emotions Ms. Lakewood! I absolutely love Ishan and “George” . All the characters are written perfectly with their Quirks. Such a good book! I laughter, I cried, I was shocked and so much more while reading this story! Thank you for sharing it!!!!
I had such a great time getting to read this book! I love P. Georgie and Ishan’s chemistry, it was a tidal wave. I really enjoyed learning about each of their magic along with Georgie’s friends.
I couldn’t put this book down and can’t wait to come back to this lovely world M.A. Lakewood has created!
I really enjoyed The Future Queen’s Captive. The tension between the characters kept me hooked, and I found myself reacting to their push-and-pull the whole time. It was emotional, engaging, and left me wanting to see what happens next. Definitely a fun read!
I absolutely couldnt put this book down after receiving an ARC copy from the amazing MA Lakewood. The leads FQC Georgie and Isahn are so well done. The chemistry the banter and the magic are all put togther so well. This book is full of spice and magic and world building galore. If you love Romantasy magic and political intrigue this is the book for you.