Wicked Is My Curse: Wicked Fae Realms: Book 5

by L.A. McGinnis

Three sworn enemies.
One hundred years of betrayal.
A prophecy inked in blood.

Assassin. Executioner. Traitor. Lyrae Antares has worn many masks to keep herself alive.

Under Queen Anaria, she finally found her place—as Dreadwatch General and the queen’s most trusted blade—until the Royal Seer foresees a threat rising from the Shadowlands, where an ancient prince rules from a fortress of mist and bone.

They call him the Dark Prince of the Shadowlands.

And no one leaves his realm alive.

No one…except Ryland Storme—the mercurial career criminal who broke Lyrae’s heart and left a scar that never healed. To cross the Shadowlands, Lyrae must join forces with Ryland and Varian Kronos, the bounty hunter whose treachery sentenced Lyrae’s only sister to the executioner’s blade.

Sent to collect three dangerous Fae relics, forced to collaborate with the two men who betrayed her, Lyra discovers the prince isn’t the deadliest threat they face.

And falling for her nemesis definitely wasn't part of the plan.

**Wicked Is My Curse is a standalone Wicked Fae Realms novel, and part of a dark, steamy Fae romantasy series featuring enemies to lovers tension, forced proximity, hot villains you you’ll fall in love with, OTT possessive MMCs, and morally gray men.

Genres: Enemies To Lovers, Fae

470 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 26, 2026

About the author

Fueled by black coffee, ice cream and bad nineties music, L.A. McGinnis spends her days writing best-selling steamy fantasies filled with damaged heroes who long to be whole and smart, authentic heroines. A life-long fascination with storytelling inspired her to weave these contemporary tales of legendary fated mates where the princess never needs rescuing, but sometimes the hero does.

Reviews

[DesN2004 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that we got Lyrae's story, the men didn't disappoint either! This was an unexpected treat in the series. You meet Lyrae in previous books and to get to see the story keep flowing in a different point of view and love story is amazing! The world building is fantastic. This book has you on your toes from the start and is full of action and steam. Hard to pick a favorite out of the men and always glad we dont have to. I would actually like to see another future view of where everyone ends up and how things are going, so I will keep my fingers crossed. Maybe we will get Ariel's story, she seems like a firecracker. Love this author, series, and this book!! I pre-order all her books as they never disappoint and I am always looking forward to more.

I received an ARC of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for selecting me as an ARC reader. Wicked is my curse was a perfect, easy to read romantasy that follows Lyrae, Ryland, and Varian. Lyrae and Varian had been best friends since childhood while Lyrae and Ryland had been lovers 100 years ago. The story begins with the three of them plus Lyrae’s sister on a heist gone wrong. It ends badly and 100 years later, Lyrae thinks her sister is dead and that Ryland and Varian betrayed her. They show up to help Lyrae, now commander of the Dreadwatch army, with a new mission, find the Triume (3 magical artifacts) and bring them back to her for safeguarding. On their journey, truths surface and old feelings resurface.

Wicked is my curse has second chance romance which I love, however, it didn’t feel angsty enough. I would’ve liked more tension building between the characters, and maybe a little more drawn out. There also was an instance of insta lust that came out of nowhere that I didn’t love but also didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the book. That’s just my personal preference.

Besides that, I enjoyed the plot and the writing. It was fairly simple and easy to follow and there weren’t any major twists and turns. Sometimes you just need a good straightforward romantasy. This is a standalone that has other interconnected books, which I haven’t read but would absolutely recommend based on my enjoyment of this one.

[Amanda Ballou · Rating 5 out of 5]

And now I’ve added the whole series to my TBR. While this book is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone, and wow was it good!

I’m officially obsessed with Lyrae and her men. The growth of these characters was fantastically done. For all they have lived through, they stay true to themselves and stand for the better good.

Enemies to lovers ✔️
Found family ✔️
One bed ✔️
Why choose ✔️

If L.A. writes it, I’m gonna read it!

[neeshreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5

One thing I wasn’t expecting was to get Lyrae’s story! I blew through books 1-4 of this series knowing a standalone was in the works, and while you don’t need the others in this series to read Wicked Is My Curse, I definitely recommend reading them because they are FANTASTIC & set the stage for this one! And with Lyrae’s story? The impossible occurred…McGinnis got me to TRUST someone I 100% did not, had me falling in LOVE with the rumored “villain”, and all the while making me FEEL for every single one of the MCs because the trauma everyone has experienced at the hands of the real villains had me ready to ride into battle so heads could roll!

💀Enemies to Lovers
🖤Why Choose?
👑Forbidden Love
💀Forced Proximity
🖤Morally Gray Protective Heroes
👑Smart, Determined & Stabby Heroine
💀Second Chance
🖤Only One Bed
👑Touch Her & 💀 Vibes
💀Heists, Curses, Ancient Relics & Prophecies
🖤Standalone Story

Lyrae has been known by many names. Thief. Assassin. Executioner. Traitor to the King. Commander. Right Hand of the Queen. She’s done whatever it takes to stay alive, and under Queen Anaria’s rule, she’s finally found her place – Dreadwatch General and the queen’s most trusted blade. But, the Royal Seer has a vision of a threat in the Shadowlands that could destroy the peace that has been built.

The Dark Prince of the Shadowlands rules from a fortress of mist and bone, and those who enter his realm, never leave alive…unless your names are Ryland Storme and Varian Kronos. Ryland is the thief who broke Lyrae’s heart and Varian is the bounty hunter responsible for Lyrae's sister’s execution. Lyrae has felt 100 years of abandonment and betrayal, and now must team up with the two men she wants to end in order to save the world.

And falling for the men she despises isn’t part of the plan.

Lyrae pulled at my heartstrings in ways I didn’t know were possible. Her found family made her otherwise miserable life enjoyable and when a heist goes wrong, everything she loved was ripped away. Lyrae did unfathomable things to survive, losing herself in the process. Now, working towards redemption and hating herself less, Lyrae has to team up with the men who betrayed her…but did they really?

Having to confront her past, Lyrae wasn’t prepared for all the truths that came to light, and she’s riding a fine line between loathing and love – Ryland and Varian aren’t making it easy on her. These two men? Delicious. Seeing their beloved in the flesh after 100 years? They know Lyrae’s ready to stab them based on the glint in her eye, but they also will assume any risk and punishment Lyrae deems fit because it’s always been her for them – they never stopped loving her.

These tortured heroes find a temporary truce to do the impossible on their dangerous quest, and along the way? Cue: injuries needing cared for, one bed, and enough spicy tension you can cut with a butter knife. Then up the ante with a hot prince who isn’t what he seems, redemption, and some HOT AF groveling (because real men grovel even if they didn’t actually need to)?! WHEW! I couldn't get enough!

Do yourself a favor and start this series!

[Victoria Golby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great addition to the Wicked Realms series

This is a great new story following on from the "Wicked Realms" series, set three years after the end of "Vicious is my Throne" and another wonderful why choose, dark fantasy romance.

In this we get Lyrae's story, with some great men who really made me smile. She was previously an assassin, executioner, traitor and killer for the old kings, but under Anaria she's become Commander of the Dreadwatch and stands at her side to protect her. But when the seer Torin gets a vision she's sent to find the Dark Prince in the Shadowlands who might be responsible for the death of six of her best soldiers. The only problem is she's being guided by two men she thought were dead and that she'd hoped she'd never see again.

Ryland and Varian were Lyrae's childhood friends; Varian was her best friend and Ryland her lover, and they'd been thieves together until they were caught and the men had both betrayed her. But getting through the barrier and travelling through the dangerous realm together brings back feelings that both men thought they would never have again. And then everything flips (including their mission) when we meet Kaden Rooke, who's been alone for years, and the banter between him and Lyrae from the start is wonderful.

Overall a brilliant dark fantasy with plenty of vengeance, betrayal, action, shared bed RH romance, fated mates, found family, danger, secrets, Fae, shifters, old magic, battles, some great twists, spice and plenty of banter. The main characters are really well written, all with their own backstories (some linked, some tragic), and coming together with wonderful chemistry between them (there's caring, love and spice ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥). It was also great seeing the characters I've grown to love in this series again.

I couldn't put this down and would strongly recommend the whole series; LA McGinnis has created a brilliant world in these books. I particularly liked the end, seeing Tavion, Raziel and Zor together (with some great banter and the hint of more to come).

❤️‍🔥Reverse harem paranormal romantasy (MFM+M)
❤️‍🔥Enemies to lovers
❤️‍🔥He falls first
❤️‍🔥Second chance
❤️‍🔥Forced proximity
❤️‍🔥Ancient curses/prophecy/magic
☠️THAYD vibes
❤️‍🔥HEA

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely blew me away! This author writes spellbinding series and I can’t get through them fast enough. This was no exception. I loved it so much! Lyrae Antares is in for the shock of her life when her Queen gives her a job and in walk two ghosts from her past. While she’s plotting their demise she is told that they will be her guides on a mission to save the kingdom. She has been alone so long, done horrible things and it all started with these two. But she will do anything for her Queen and as the commander of her Dreadwatch, she has. She will finish this mission and then give these two traitors what they deserve. She will keep an eye on them but not trust them, she’s not willing to loose her found family and here two are charlatans. She will wait and watch and there will be no friendly banter as they seem to want. How dare they try and how dare they be alive especially when her sister is not and it’s their fault! She has grieved and hated them for 100 years, she’s not willing to stop now.
She has to work with them for the sake of the kingdom but at the first sign of their true colors she won’t hesitate to dispatch them. Even if things may not have been as she was told by the evil Oracle. Ryland and Varian are equally shocked to see Lyrae, they were both madly in love with her and have grieved her as well. Evil came between them misunderstandings and mysterious magic they need to stop. Can they convince her they’re not the devils she believes? Only these two can get her into the shadow realm and she’ll do anything for her Queen. She was on the wrong side for too long and has done too many things to mess up the only peace she’s found. But once she meets Rooke, she’s not so sure of her mission. The evil that holds the realm captive along with the Dark Prince is not who she thought he was. Ancient relics, blood magic, a bloodline stretching back to the very beginning and an evil that wants to destroy the world will come after them. Can these unlikely villains turned hero break a curse and save them all? Will they survive to live the lives they should have had and find the love they lost or will the evil stalking them all succeed?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lara Loves Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this enemies to lovers, reverse harem fantasy featuring dangerous adventures, a maniacal villain, a handsome dark prince, a protective rake, a ‘knight in shining armor’ and a bada$$ FMC. It was so satisfying to get Lyrae’s story and to return to the Wicked Fae Realms!

My Synopsis:
Lyrae, the Commander of the Dreadwatch, is tasked with escorting two ‘experts’ to the mysterious Shadowlands to kill the Prince of Darkness and take the powerful and dangerous triune of artifacts, so they can’t be used to harm the newly created and thriving kingdom of Valarian. Unfortunately, the two experts are the same two who left her behind to avoid the gallows a hundred years ago, and she will not rest until she puts a knife into them, even if their presence stirs up old feelings, and she has sworn to her queen not to harm them.

My Thoughts:

I just can’t with these men! I would not be able to choose one of them myself. Ryland Storme is all dominating male and this man’s talents in the bedroom left me weak in the knees. Varion is the best friend and comforting love everyone wants in their lives and his devotion to Lyrae melted my heart. The Dark Prince, Rooke, has a heartbreaking backstory and his loneliness makes me want to smother him in a huge bear hug. The three of them make the perfect men to support the fierce yet tender broken heart and spirit of Lyrae. And the group spice scenes, were just 🧑‍🍳🔥💋!!

As always, L.A. McGinnis does not let up on the twists and the suspense, so I turned each page prepared for impending doom or betrayal—and she doesn’t disappoint. I am now addicted to her particular talent at torturing her readers with moments of emotional wreckage, not to mention her talent for writing characters with depth and heart wrenching trauma. If you love spice that deepens the story, emotional connection with characters and a dark, romantasy that delivers all the things, then do not hesitate to add this and The Wicked Fae Realms to your TBR!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am grateful for the early copy from the author.

[Bogi Gergely · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, I got to know one of the most vicious and badass FMCs of my life. Lyrae Antares is a character who is likable, funny, and completely relatable from her first line to her last. In fact, I just want to be as cool as her. 🫡

I read this book without having read anything else by the author before, and everything was completely understandable.

It's so well written that you don't feel like you're missing anything, but/and it makes you curious about the previous parts.

This definitely won't be the last book I read by this author!

The plot is fast-paced, and I would have loved to read it in one sitting. (But I have a job and responsibilities 🫣)

There were parts that I would have liked to see drawn out more (especially the spice, which I didn't understand why it happened "so soon"), but as the story unfolded, everything fell into place and I realised that it couldn't have been written any better.

All the characters are well developed, and it's enjoyable to read from their perspectives. The relationship wasn't forced; there was chemistry between them.

The last MMC's joining the team could have been explained a little better from the other MMCs' perspectives; I felt like they accepted the situation a little too quickly.

Overall, I can't recommend a better book at the moment: if you like feisty, funny FMCs, three different MMCs, one of whom even begs on his knees, without ⚔️ which I'm not so fond of, while saving the world, in a single standalone.

So grab the book and read it because you'll have a great time doing so, I guarantee it.

I would also like to thank L.A. McGinis for the opportunity to read this in ARC format for free, and to share my honest opinion about it.

[Dyam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts on Wicked Is My Curse (Wicked Fae Realm #5). This book pulled me in faster than I expected. By now I know what this series does well — dark fae energy, tension you can practically taste, and characters who make questionable decisions but somehow make me root for them anyway — and Wicked Is My Curse definitely delivers on all of that.
From page one, the drama is dialed up to eleven. The world feels bigger and more dangerous, and the characters actually grow through it instead of just reacting. The fae out here are being chaotic, morally questionable, and aggressively attractive — as usual . The tension? Immaculate. The angst? Chef’s kiss. The number of times I yelled “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT” at the characters? Embarrassingly high.
I found myself torn between wanting to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere and wanting to race ahead to see what kind of trouble everyone was about to fall into next. The pacing is tight, the twists land, and the ending left me excited for what’s coming next without feeling like I’d been robbed of closure.
If you like dark fae chaos, sharp-edged romance, and stories that make you feel unhinged in the best way, this book will absolutely deliver. Consider me entertained, emotionally compromised, and already preparing myself for whatever fresh torment the next installment brings.
As the author noted on Book Sirens, reading the other 4 books in the series was not necessary but I think, reading them would enhance the experience.
Thank you to BookSirens and the authors for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Goth Gone Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the first book in this series, and many others by the author, and this one has a distinctly different vibe that I really enjoyed.

As the author noted on Book Sirens, where I received a copy to voluntarily review, reading the other 4 books in the series was not necessary. I think it would enhance the experience, as being able to submerge myself into a book world for so many volumes is a delight.

It's a Fae world, with characters telling stories from a decade ago, yet still fresh and young enough to have multiple rounds at a go in bed.

Did I mention sensual, open minded relationships in this world, with no crossed swords in this volume?

I appreciate the slow burn romance, but even more that it's not in lieu of a plot. The world and characters are fully realized, with multiple POV chapters, each voice distinct. I can visualize every scene, to the point of having to reorient myself back to the real world when I'm unfortunately torn away from the pages.

Since I only read the first book in the series previously, Lyrae is very different than she was portrayed there - I definitely want to go back and read her evolution through books 2-4.

With the final chapter, I'm looking forward to more in this series to expound on other characters as this one does for Lyrae and her males. (Deliberately not adding names to not spoil anything!)

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mei · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicked Is My Curse is the fifth book in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. Characters from earlier books do appear, so having read the previous installment will enhance the experience.

As the blurb reveals, Lyrae was betrayed a century ago by two men who once meant everything to her. Now she has to work with them to collect relics. You can feel the tension between the three of them as they navigate through their journey. That tension only gets more complicated when a third love interest enters the mix.👀 Watching Lyrae juggle old wounds, unresolved feelings, and this new connection makes the dynamic between all four of them even more compelling.

Overall, this book delivers a great mix of tension, chemistry, and adventure. Lyrae does seem to forgive Ryland and Varian a little faster than I expected, but since this works as a standalone, I get why the story moves at that pace. The shifting dynamics between her and all three men kept me hooked from start to finish. If you enjoy paranormal romance with complicated relationships and a heroine who refuses to back down, this installment is definitely worth picking up.

Genre: Romantasy

Tropes:
MFMMM
Strong female lead
Enemies to lovers
Forced proximity
Betrayal, heartbreak
OTT possessive males

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked is My Curse comes in hot 🥵 between Lyrae and Ryland, with Varian in love with her, but placed in best friend status. The job they’re on goes sideway, everything—absolutely EVERYTHING—goes bad. They’re separated, each given a differing version of events designed to isolate, make them hate and mistrust. They find each other a hundred years later, it does not go well. Soon, cracks are discovered in the tales they were told … Blood is spilled. Alliances questioned. Battles fought. There isn’t a lot I feel I can share here without spilling plot I feel is crucial to remain under wraps until it’s read, but this is one epic read. The battles/fights, spice scenes, emotional push and pulls, everything is so dang good!

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Ryland
✨Varian
✨Rooke
FMC:
✨Lyrae
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Book 5 of Wicked Fae Realms series
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉reverse harem fae romantasy
👉enemies to lovers
👉second chance
👉forced proximity
👉touch her and ☠️
👉ancient curses/prophecy
👉he falls first
👉found family
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
💥death
💥betrayal, betrayed lovers, trust issues
Burn Speed:
✨fast
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
✨MFM
✨MFM+M

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit in this series. I literally had to read it cover to cover in one sitting. I love the way Ms McGinnis weaves the storyline, drawing you in, wanting to know what happens next. She always makes the lead female character strong, who will stand toe to toe with the men who are drawn to her. In this case, Lyrae has a history with two of the men. A good history until it turned bad, and if she has her own way, they will not see the next day. But she has to abide by her Queen's wishes and not harm them while they help her hunt down the Truine. She didn't promise, though, that once it's done, they'd be safe from her!

But how come she wants to stab them, but at the same time pull them to her and let them devour her? Plus lets not throw in the Prince, who makes her feel the same. This is a headache she could certainly do without.

The book is action-packed, funny, and steamy. It leaves me with a question, though; is there another in the series? And if so, how long do I have to wait for it to be released, because I think that will be a laugh a minute, if a certain character is involved!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elle ✨ | Queen of Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies-to-lovers where the enemies actually matter.

Wicked Is My Curse is dark, tense, and emotionally charged. Lyrae Antares is a phenomenal FMC—angry, intelligent, and unwilling to soften herself for anyone. Being forced into close quarters with the men who betrayed her creates constant friction, desire, and pain.

The romance is slow-burn, the spice is open-door, and the morally grey MMCs are walking red flags I willingly followed into danger. Add fae courts, relics, curses, and prophecy, and this book checked every box for me.

Five stars, no hesitation.




ARC received. Sanity sacrificed. Review written under the influence of morally grey men.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrae Antares 100 years to stew in her anger and rage for two men shy trusted until they betrayed her Ryland and Varien she loved and trusted them she thought them dead torture, battle and a cruel King she's killed to survive then she battled for her new Queen now her Queen asks her to work with two men she can't wait to hurt all in tge name of vengeance she just needs them to lead her threw the Shadowlands to defeat the Prince of Darkness and find a treasure before her new world ends but once she gets to Everfrost she discovers things aren't as she thinks and Kaden Rook needs her help to defeat a common enemy. Ryland and Varien never thought they would see Lyrae now they will make things write but there not the only ones whose in love with Lyrae and even if they succeed Lyrae's new Queen may not like knowing there's someone who is more powerful then her. I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Wicked Is My Curse (Wicked Fae Realms, Book 5)

“𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘥, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘯, 𝘓𝘺𝘳𝘢𝘦...”

After deep betrayal, Lyrae has donned many faces and performed unspeakable acts to survive. After one hundred years of stewing in anger and working towards redemption, can she reconcile her past to help save her kingdom with the men who ruined and betrayed her?

This is a standalone within the Wicked Fae Realms series and can be read independently.

Tropes:
👀Multi POV
💞Why choose
⛔️Enemies to lovers
🫂Forced proximity
🩶Morally grey MCs
🏰Fae courts
📜Heists, curses & prophecies
🌶️: Open door

This story packs in all the feels! Lyrae finally found a place and home within the Valarian court but lost pieces of herself in the years following the failed heist. Now, Lyrae, Ryland, and Varian embark on a perilous quest to defeat the Dark Prince of the Shadowlands.

But they must process and reconcile all the anguish in the time that has passed—shame for the things they did to survive, deep regrets, and warring emotions as truths come to light.

Vacillating between longing and loathing, these tortured heroes find themselves at a crossroads. Will their paths converge or be severed forever?

I loved the dynamic between Lyrae and multiple MMCs that are the best blend of possessive, protective, and morally grey!

From hot groveling, second chances, and new beginnings, Wicked Is My Curse is a story of redemption and revenge wrapped up in a deliciously angsty and steamy romance. I cannot wait to read the first four books in this series!

Huge thanks to the author for the review copy opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul-gripping, pulse-pounding action and utterly enthralling

A incredibly good addiction to The Wicked fae Realms series, this one a standalone that follows Lyrae's story.
How she came from a street rat to Queen Anaria's most trusted commander.
Forced to go in a high stakes mission with her ex best friend and the ex lover that she thought, betrayed and abandoned her 100 years ago.
But,in the unmistakable style of LA McGinnis, the story is way more complex,with so many turns and twists that kept me hooked until the perfect ending.
Not going to resume because it's too good to spoil the fun,just going to add that the banter, the clash of wills, the chemistry is explosive and left me on the edge all along the book.
Beautifully written, perfectly balanced and absolutely unputdownable
Highly recomend!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to try to tell you the plot of this book. You need to experience it for yourself. I'll just say that there are some old friends and some new ones. Anaria, Tavion, Zorander, Raziel, Tristan (as well as Torin, Zephryn, Simon, and Cosimo) make appearances. But the star is Lyrae Antares, former assassin to the Shadow King, turned into a deadly weapon by the Oracle, now commander of the Dreadwatch Guard. She will be joined by two former friends, now hated enemies, Ryland Storme and Valarian Kronos, for a mission to the Shadowlands. Here she will meet Kaden Rooke, the so-called Prince of Shadows, needless to say he is not at all what she was expecting.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.

[Bookish Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a satisfying read! Lyrae gets her own spotlight!Seeing her step into her own story after becoming Commander of the Guard was everything I hoped for and more, and her men were perfection. I loved watching her strength, heart, and leadership take center stage after meeting her in the first part of the series. And honestly? If Ariel ever gets her own story, I’ll be first in line to read it. I sometimes got confused between the use of Kaden and Rooke because they sound like two first names. Same character and such a heartbreakingly wonderful story line! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Anna Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this so badly—and in some parts, I really did. I loved the MC’s tenacity, the friendships, and the sense of adventure.

Where this book fell dramatically flat for me was the MMCs. I found myself suffering from whiplash: they felt one way, then suddenly changed with little grounding. I especially wanted to love Val, but he ended up feeling the least fleshed out.

That said, this author is a strong writer, and that’s very clear. If you’re after a fast-paced, emotionally gritty, hard-truth romance, you may very well love this—even if it wasn’t for me.

[Raina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth book of the series. The books connect but are also written as a standalone. Lyrae is the star and main FMC of the story. She faces lies and betrayals. She has become a strong willed woman that is also a feared commander. Soon her past is thrown in her path. To save her world she will have to face it and face who she is. The story is filled with action and danger at every turn. The surprises are non stop as well. This is a why choose so expect plenty of heat. An amazing story that will have you reading just one more chapter and not stopping.

[Kerry Batchelor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series I have read, and it is great as a stand alone book. However, I will be reading the rest of the series to get some more of the back story!
This book follows Lyrae, her best friend, an old flame and a new shadow prince as the main characters. Lyrae is definitely a fierce, independent woman, who can hold her own and demands respect. Going into the Shadowlands to face the darkness behind the wards, but the mission didn't go as expected. A great story and refreshing to have a male virgin, rather than the typical female virgin too

[Sandra Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book had it all, betrayal, assasins, a cool magic system and a dark prince who our main character is tasked to kill. Of course nothing ever goes as planned, our FMC is teamed up with the 2 men she trusted the most in her youth but betrayed her and left her alone to live a very hard life. now they are here and she has to not kill them until after she accomplishes her goal. the action in this book is top tear like all of L.A.'s books and her males are always so dreamy. this is an MFMM RH, its spicy and the story is very good. 4.5 stars

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED this book. I hadn't read any of the other books but I had no problem getting into this. I do wish she hadn't forgiven them as quickly but it makes up for it in the rest of the book.

I was a little confused by Anaria's love life situation but it could just be me misunderstanding. I do wish there had been more romance towards the end of the book

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rachel Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a captivating read!
I was quickly pulled into Lyrae's story. It was filled with adventure, action, danger, and secrets.
In addition there were emotional moments, laughter, some healing and love.
The spicy scenes were perfect. I think the relationships between Lyrae and each guy were genuine. They all provided something different to the whole dynamic.
Lyrae was such a strong FMC. She was smart and confident.

[T.M. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked Is My Curse: Wicked Fae Realms: Book 5
by L.A. McGinnis
My Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Tammy - Book Nook Nuts

REVIEW
The final book in this series and wow...
Lyrae is a strong willed woman, one who will protect those she loves with everything she has. She has grown deeply as the right hand of Queen Anaria. Now she is shoved back into work with those men who tore her heart open. Can she do it?

Action is nonstop in this story, and the heat is off the charts.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I have not read any of the other books in this series. This book can be read as a stand alone book. I was hooked from the beginning of this book. There is a lot of action and steamy scenes between the characters of this book. I would go back and read the other books in this series to find out how these characters got to where they are now. Highly recommend this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Megan Key-Holliday · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of adventure and finding some inner healing. I enjoyed this read. Lyrae is a force to be reckoned with. All of the main characters have faced horrible things in their pasts that molded them into the hardened beings that they are. This second chance, enemies to lovers adventure was fun, and the epilogue was a lovely touch.

[valley_girl_36 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the interconnected world of fae. This book holds all the elements I look for in a good romatasy. There is action, tension and hot spice in a whychoose dynamic. I don’t give spoilers but I do say I enjoy this author work and this book is no exception, well worth picking it up. It is a standalone but in a connected world so maybe even start at the beginning.

[Angela L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This is Lyrae's story, and let me say it soo good. L A. got me last year with another of her series and this one is now going on my need to read list. The characters and story are so good. We have enemies to lovers, why choose!!! It's just ~chef's kiss~ I can't wait to pick up the other books and read more.