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Displaced Fairytales
Captured Crimes
A chaotic thief.
An organized prince.
And a bargain that forced them together.
Auria needed a safe place to hide from soldiers---she did not expect to find refuge in the fae realm with a bear.
Bylur only wanted to save his kingdom, but when a solution to his curse appeared, he had to take advantage of it.
Now Auria's lawless tendencies threaten to destroy everything Bylur has worked for while his traitorous heart falls for her unorthodox loyalty. How can he create the structure to save his people while still protecting her, her strange value system, and the unpredictable maelstrom that follows in her wake?
Torn from one fairytale and trapped in the Displaced Fairytales is a multi-author fairy tale retelling series of standalone stories from your favorite no-spice fantasy romance authors, perfect for adult and young adult readers.
Captured Crimes is a wildy reimagined Goldilocks meets the Norse East of the Sun, West of the Moon story with cozy, no-spice fantasy romance, a marriage of convenience, magic, fae, life and death stakes, and a collection of crimes to charm your heart.
An organized prince.
And a bargain that forced them together.
Auria needed a safe place to hide from soldiers---she did not expect to find refuge in the fae realm with a bear.
Bylur only wanted to save his kingdom, but when a solution to his curse appeared, he had to take advantage of it.
Now Auria's lawless tendencies threaten to destroy everything Bylur has worked for while his traitorous heart falls for her unorthodox loyalty. How can he create the structure to save his people while still protecting her, her strange value system, and the unpredictable maelstrom that follows in her wake?
Torn from one fairytale and trapped in the Displaced Fairytales is a multi-author fairy tale retelling series of standalone stories from your favorite no-spice fantasy romance authors, perfect for adult and young adult readers.
Captured Crimes is a wildy reimagined Goldilocks meets the Norse East of the Sun, West of the Moon story with cozy, no-spice fantasy romance, a marriage of convenience, magic, fae, life and death stakes, and a collection of crimes to charm your heart.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
15 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Anabelle Raven
16 books86 followersI write no-spice romantasy with adult main characters, heart-pounding fantasy adventure, and sweet love stories!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 22, 2026
ARC Review - Captured Crimes by Anabelle Raven.
This was one of the books in the Displaced Fairytale series - A Goldilocks mention but not anything you can imagine without reading.
This was such a sweet story, I loved everything about it. The humor, the very cute animals and just overall a book that makes you feel happy.
Auria was a great FMC, she did what she had to do to survive from a young age. Despite her struggles and immense fears, she was brave and had so much love and affection in her heart.
Bylur is one of those characters that every female wants! The “touch her and meet shadow daddy” kind of guy. The protector who tries to resist falling in love and at the same time trying to get rid of a dreaded curse. I loved him in every aspect.
The story was sweet and easy to follow. The family and friends made along the way was heartwarming but you didn’t really know who to fully trust because someone was a traitor…
This is only the second book of Anabelle that I’ve read, but both 5 star reads! And actually both stories are linked in the same world. I will highly recommend to all clean fairytale readers to read both books Falling for the Crystal Fae and Captures Crimes.
This was one of the books in the Displaced Fairytale series - A Goldilocks mention but not anything you can imagine without reading.
This was such a sweet story, I loved everything about it. The humor, the very cute animals and just overall a book that makes you feel happy.
Auria was a great FMC, she did what she had to do to survive from a young age. Despite her struggles and immense fears, she was brave and had so much love and affection in her heart.
Bylur is one of those characters that every female wants! The “touch her and meet shadow daddy” kind of guy. The protector who tries to resist falling in love and at the same time trying to get rid of a dreaded curse. I loved him in every aspect.
The story was sweet and easy to follow. The family and friends made along the way was heartwarming but you didn’t really know who to fully trust because someone was a traitor…
This is only the second book of Anabelle that I’ve read, but both 5 star reads! And actually both stories are linked in the same world. I will highly recommend to all clean fairytale readers to read both books Falling for the Crystal Fae and Captures Crimes.
March 28, 2026
4.5 stars
Awesome read!
Huge fan of East of the Sun, West of the Moon stories. This one was fantastic! Goldilocks meets the bear... but not the bear you're thinking.
Awesome read!
Huge fan of East of the Sun, West of the Moon stories. This one was fantastic! Goldilocks meets the bear... but not the bear you're thinking.
March 26, 2026
4.25⭐️ This was actually the sweetest book ever, and for sure my favorite in this series.
I really enjoyed the story and thought the two fairytales fit well together. I’m very unfamiliar with his fairytale, but I loved researching and learning about it. For the most part it is pretty fast paced. It kind of lulls a bit in the middle but that didn’t bother me.
I really loved these characters. They were so sweet, and I loved that they were so kind to each other. It’s nice to have these marriage of convenience books where they actually get along and like each other. I do wish we got a little more personality from Bylur. He seemed a bit one dimensional. But I still loved him nonetheless.
One thing that really bugged me was when she finally sees his face she says nothing about the way that he looks. Not that he’s handsome, the color of his hair, how tall he was. She did say he had blue eyes. But really, the only reason I know what he looks like is because of the front cover. That’s just a petty annoyance from me I guess ha. That may not bother people.
Anyway, I mostly loved this because of our characters. They were just so darn cute, and I loved them. I also loved the side characters, and I am totally hoping they get their own stories. They have to at this point. You can’t allude to a romance and not give it to us…
Read if you enjoy:
- Dual POV
- Shadow ‘daddy’ (hate that word but can’t think of anything else)
- Many ‘My wife’ moments
- Forced proximity
- Fairytales
- Goldilocks
- East of the Sun and West of the Moon
- Marriage of convenience
- Clean romance
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
I really enjoyed the story and thought the two fairytales fit well together. I’m very unfamiliar with his fairytale, but I loved researching and learning about it. For the most part it is pretty fast paced. It kind of lulls a bit in the middle but that didn’t bother me.
I really loved these characters. They were so sweet, and I loved that they were so kind to each other. It’s nice to have these marriage of convenience books where they actually get along and like each other. I do wish we got a little more personality from Bylur. He seemed a bit one dimensional. But I still loved him nonetheless.
One thing that really bugged me was when she finally sees his face she says nothing about the way that he looks. Not that he’s handsome, the color of his hair, how tall he was. She did say he had blue eyes. But really, the only reason I know what he looks like is because of the front cover. That’s just a petty annoyance from me I guess ha. That may not bother people.
Anyway, I mostly loved this because of our characters. They were just so darn cute, and I loved them. I also loved the side characters, and I am totally hoping they get their own stories. They have to at this point. You can’t allude to a romance and not give it to us…
Read if you enjoy:
- Dual POV
- Shadow ‘daddy’ (hate that word but can’t think of anything else)
- Many ‘My wife’ moments
- Forced proximity
- Fairytales
- Goldilocks
- East of the Sun and West of the Moon
- Marriage of convenience
- Clean romance
Content 💋:
- Kisses only
- No language
April 17, 2026
Positives: I love this book so much!! If I didn't already adore Anabelle Raven's books, this book would immediately earn her a permanent spot on my favorite authors list. The magic, the intrigue, the romance, all of it wraps together in the most perfect way to deliver the most beautiful and fantabulous work of art ever!
The Marriage of Convenience in this one is deliciously divine. It hits all the right spots. The main characters are absolutely perfect for this story and each other, I love her quirkiness and all their interactions. I love how he is considerate towards her while still being a badass. I LOOOVE the ending too. Sorry not spoiling it for you XD. I also loved that the miscommunication trope was handled super well. Both main characters are so amazing.
This book is phenomenal, you seriously NEED to read this one. I finished it in 2 days.
Negatives: No. This book is an absolute masterpiece.
Content:
Romance: Oh my word yes!!! Its so cute!! Just kisses and holding.
Cussing: None
Magic: Yes
Violence: Yes. There are some fights. There are injuries, but they are not gory.
I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
The Marriage of Convenience in this one is deliciously divine. It hits all the right spots. The main characters are absolutely perfect for this story and each other, I love her quirkiness and all their interactions. I love how he is considerate towards her while still being a badass. I LOOOVE the ending too. Sorry not spoiling it for you XD. I also loved that the miscommunication trope was handled super well. Both main characters are so amazing.
This book is phenomenal, you seriously NEED to read this one. I finished it in 2 days.
Negatives: No. This book is an absolute masterpiece.
Content:
Romance: Oh my word yes!!! Its so cute!! Just kisses and holding.
Cussing: None
Magic: Yes
Violence: Yes. There are some fights. There are injuries, but they are not gory.
I received an ARC from the author. All thoughts in this review are my own.
May 4, 2026
2 stars ⭐️ Clean Fiction - Fairytale Retelling (with magic)
When I first heard about this series and the concept of mixing fairytales, this book’s idea of doing a mash-up between “Goldilocks” and “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” made me so curious—it seemed like those two together could work so well! This book also had elements of “The Snow Queen” added in, so it was basically a triple-mash-up of fairytales.
I struggled at times focusing on this story and I’m not sure if it was a me-thing or if it was because a lot of the fae stuff. Some of information about the fae is loosely shared at the beginning, but then there’s a lot that also not explained. Plus a ton of characters with strange names. So all of that became confusing and hard for me to keep up with—but I think it could have been that way because it felt like sudden information for Auria too.
I thought it was funny how much Auria loved bread—I mean, same, girl—but I was expecting porridge to be mentioned at least once. 😂 He was incredibly sappy in his POV towards her for a fae that everyone fears. It was a little much because it just felt so strange and cheesy. 😅 I didn’t quite feel either of their feelings/romance towards the other, so it felt a little lackluster and cringey at times. (I’ve noted this before with other male leads by this author, however, so I’m starting to think it’s her MMC style.) I did like his values and making sure he married the girl who he would have to share a bed with to break his curse. Obviously, this is a clean fiction book, but male leads with morals like that should always be commended. 👏🏻🙂↕️
I’m not really a fan of the whole “shadow magic” fantasy concept, so had I known that going in, I probably would have passed on this book. I find it a little questionable as it usually shows shadows/darkness as positive/romanticizing it and while Auria is scared of the dark because of past trauma, the shadows help her...which is a little iffy in my opinion. 😅
Because I didn’t feel super connected to the characters of their romance, I would say I liked the concept of this book more than the execution. That said, it wasn’t bad; just not the kind of characters or plot-line I prefer to read about, personally.
The author shares this at the beginning of the book, which I thought was helpful, so I will list it, but still share my normal content details below:
Potential Triggers:
- Traumatic, brief memories of kidnapping and child abuse
- Memories of loss of family members Death, torture, imprisonment, injured pet
Romance Spice Level: Low: PG (non-descriptive kisses, sweet embraces & touches, references to a married couple sleeping in the same bed)
Violence & other themes: PG-13
Main Contentent-
Magic-
Seeing magic (including shadow magic), feeling magic (through vows/promises), & going through magical portals (up to a handful of sentences); Magic is also used to heal injuries (both to Auria and her pet bird); All fae have a special family of magic (usually genetic) such as ice, fire, lights, shadows, plants, etc.
Bylur was cursed into a bear-like creature and has to share a bed with a woman for a year to break the curse; Bylur has shadow magic and moon magic, plus can heal others (all are seen on-page); Bylur’s shadows can kill someone or be soft (Auria sees both and touches the shadows as well); After some events, Bylur is able to feel Auria’s emotions through his magic and *Spoilers* .
Many mentions of magic, shadow magic, portals, faes and elves using their magic for good or ill intent, & magical items (called artifacts); Mentions of magical vows & bonds (including ones that cause a magical tattoo to appear); Mentions of magical creatures; Mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of carrying demons (nightmares/one’s past).
Language + Attitudes-
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, but in-world fantasy phrases like “stars”, “shadows burn me”, “shadow-kissing”, and “shadows and monsters” are said.
While faes (including Bylur) cannot lie, Auria often lies (or comes up with stories) and Bylur wishes for her not to lie to him (which she tries to do, but he calls her out on feigning ignorance being lying as well); Auria justifies her lying because she starts to feel guilt over them because Bylur didn’t like them, but does lie for necessity to keep from being killed towards the end.
Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Auria faces prejudice from faes and elves who think they are better than humans (mentions of this as well).
Negative/Dangerous-
Being threatened and threatened with torture (including being choked), Being attacked, Being grabbed, Being smacked and hit, Being held at knife-point, Waking through fire, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (up to a few sentences); Nightmares.
Seeing deaths, someone murdered, & the bodies (up to a couple sentences).
When she was young, Auria was taken in as a slave to the elf queen and tortured with magic, because of this, she has nightmares of that time and the pain she faced & also is fearful of soldiers (up to a few sentences).
Auria is a thief (due to necessity) and has stolen often to survive; She also ‘accidentally’ steals from others due to the habit of it and Bylur helps her with stopping.
Auria’s pet bird is injured a couple times (but healed with fae magic).
Many mentions of thieves, stealing, stolen items, & thefts; Mentions of wars/battles, fighting, assassinations, murders, & deaths (including of parents); Mentions of cruelty to children (by an elf queen); Mentions of criminals & crimes; Mentions of torture, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (including Auria being tortured with magic prior to the book starting & some guards enjoying harming others); Mentions of nightmares; Mentions of prisons/cells & arrests; Mentions of poisons; A few mentions of (implied) alcohol, drinking, & drunks; A couple mentions of a missing person; A couple mentions of tattoos (that appear when a magical vow is taken); A mention of jealousy.
Romance/Sexual-
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
7 hand/fingers/wrists kisses,
5 hair/head/forehead kisses,
5 kisses lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Butterflies, Nearness, Smelling, & Noticing (including his chest, up to a few sentences).
To break the curse placed on him, Bylur has to share a bed with a woman for a year without her seeing his face, but he made it where he has to marry her first (as he will not invite a woman in her his bed without marrying her); Auria agrees to marry him and he promises not to touch her; They share a bed multiple times during the book, later falling asleep holding the other (starts because of her nightmares and continues; up to a few sentences).
Married fae are more devoted to each other due to a magical oath, but single fae have nothing that forces them to behave with honor.
A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A couple mentions of flirts & flirting; A couple mentions of crushes & blushes.
When I first heard about this series and the concept of mixing fairytales, this book’s idea of doing a mash-up between “Goldilocks” and “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” made me so curious—it seemed like those two together could work so well! This book also had elements of “The Snow Queen” added in, so it was basically a triple-mash-up of fairytales.
I struggled at times focusing on this story and I’m not sure if it was a me-thing or if it was because a lot of the fae stuff. Some of information about the fae is loosely shared at the beginning, but then there’s a lot that also not explained. Plus a ton of characters with strange names. So all of that became confusing and hard for me to keep up with—but I think it could have been that way because it felt like sudden information for Auria too.
I thought it was funny how much Auria loved bread—I mean, same, girl—but I was expecting porridge to be mentioned at least once. 😂 He was incredibly sappy in his POV towards her for a fae that everyone fears. It was a little much because it just felt so strange and cheesy. 😅 I didn’t quite feel either of their feelings/romance towards the other, so it felt a little lackluster and cringey at times. (I’ve noted this before with other male leads by this author, however, so I’m starting to think it’s her MMC style.) I did like his values and making sure he married the girl who he would have to share a bed with to break his curse. Obviously, this is a clean fiction book, but male leads with morals like that should always be commended. 👏🏻🙂↕️
I’m not really a fan of the whole “shadow magic” fantasy concept, so had I known that going in, I probably would have passed on this book. I find it a little questionable as it usually shows shadows/darkness as positive/romanticizing it and while Auria is scared of the dark because of past trauma, the shadows help her...which is a little iffy in my opinion. 😅
Because I didn’t feel super connected to the characters of their romance, I would say I liked the concept of this book more than the execution. That said, it wasn’t bad; just not the kind of characters or plot-line I prefer to read about, personally.
The author shares this at the beginning of the book, which I thought was helpful, so I will list it, but still share my normal content details below:
Potential Triggers:
- Traumatic, brief memories of kidnapping and child abuse
- Memories of loss of family members Death, torture, imprisonment, injured pet
Romance Spice Level: Low: PG (non-descriptive kisses, sweet embraces & touches, references to a married couple sleeping in the same bed)
Violence & other themes: PG-13
Main Contentent-
Magic-
Seeing magic (including shadow magic), feeling magic (through vows/promises), & going through magical portals (up to a handful of sentences); Magic is also used to heal injuries (both to Auria and her pet bird); All fae have a special family of magic (usually genetic) such as ice, fire, lights, shadows, plants, etc.
Bylur was cursed into a bear-like creature and has to share a bed with a woman for a year to break the curse; Bylur has shadow magic and moon magic, plus can heal others (all are seen on-page); Bylur’s shadows can kill someone or be soft (Auria sees both and touches the shadows as well); After some events, Bylur is able to feel Auria’s emotions through his magic and *Spoilers* .
Many mentions of magic, shadow magic, portals, faes and elves using their magic for good or ill intent, & magical items (called artifacts); Mentions of magical vows & bonds (including ones that cause a magical tattoo to appear); Mentions of magical creatures; Mentions of luck & being lucky; A mention of carrying demons (nightmares/one’s past).
Language + Attitudes-
No language stronger than ‘stupid’, but in-world fantasy phrases like “stars”, “shadows burn me”, “shadow-kissing”, and “shadows and monsters” are said.
While faes (including Bylur) cannot lie, Auria often lies (or comes up with stories) and Bylur wishes for her not to lie to him (which she tries to do, but he calls her out on feigning ignorance being lying as well); Auria justifies her lying because she starts to feel guilt over them because Bylur didn’t like them, but does lie for necessity to keep from being killed towards the end.
Eye rolling & Sarcasm.
Auria faces prejudice from faes and elves who think they are better than humans (mentions of this as well).
Negative/Dangerous-
Being threatened and threatened with torture (including being choked), Being attacked, Being grabbed, Being smacked and hit, Being held at knife-point, Waking through fire, Pain, Injuries, & Blood/Bleeding (up to a few sentences); Nightmares.
Seeing deaths, someone murdered, & the bodies (up to a couple sentences).
When she was young, Auria was taken in as a slave to the elf queen and tortured with magic, because of this, she has nightmares of that time and the pain she faced & also is fearful of soldiers (up to a few sentences).
Auria is a thief (due to necessity) and has stolen often to survive; She also ‘accidentally’ steals from others due to the habit of it and Bylur helps her with stopping.
Auria’s pet bird is injured a couple times (but healed with fae magic).
Many mentions of thieves, stealing, stolen items, & thefts; Mentions of wars/battles, fighting, assassinations, murders, & deaths (including of parents); Mentions of cruelty to children (by an elf queen); Mentions of criminals & crimes; Mentions of torture, pain, injuries, & blood/bleeding (including Auria being tortured with magic prior to the book starting & some guards enjoying harming others); Mentions of nightmares; Mentions of prisons/cells & arrests; Mentions of poisons; A few mentions of (implied) alcohol, drinking, & drunks; A couple mentions of a missing person; A couple mentions of tattoos (that appear when a magical vow is taken); A mention of jealousy.
Romance/Sexual-
1 fingers-to-lips touch,
7 hand/fingers/wrists kisses,
5 hair/head/forehead kisses,
5 kisses lasting a sentence,
2 kisses lasting a couple sentences,
Wanting to kiss (up to a couple sentences).
Touches, Embraces, Dancing, Hand holding, Warmth, Butterflies, Nearness, Smelling, & Noticing (including his chest, up to a few sentences).
To break the curse placed on him, Bylur has to share a bed with a woman for a year without her seeing his face, but he made it where he has to marry her first (as he will not invite a woman in her his bed without marrying her); Auria agrees to marry him and he promises not to touch her; They share a bed multiple times during the book, later falling asleep holding the other (starts because of her nightmares and continues; up to a few sentences).
Married fae are more devoted to each other due to a magical oath, but single fae have nothing that forces them to behave with honor.
A few mentions of kisses & kissing; A couple mentions of flirts & flirting; A couple mentions of crushes & blushes.
April 24, 2026
I couldn't put this story down. I loved every moment with these characters and the sweetest romance. This has become my favorite of the series so far.
Did Not Finish
April 27, 2026DNF @ pg 69
I just couldn’t get into it.
I just couldn’t get into it.
March 27, 2026
Genre: Portal fantasy, fairytale retelling [of the Norse version of East of the Sun, West of the Moon; and Goldilocks]
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, touch her and die, they save each other, animal companion
Setting: Fae realm
Writing style: Dual POV, 1st person, past tense
Tone: Lightly suspenseful, heartfelt
Character- or plot-driven: Both
Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 mouth kiss mildly described over a few paragraphs
• 1 mouth kiss minimally described, 3 barely described
• 1 non-described mouth kiss with “I’d rather kiss those fears away”
• 1 implied mouth kiss
• Man pulls wife up against his chest, and she feels a thrill despite his “light tunic”
• 4 head kisses barely described, 1 one paragraph and 1 after scooping her u; 1 with zero descriptio
• 5 hand/knuckle kisses, 1 barest description, 4 without description
• 1 kiss on fingers, zero description; 1 wrist kiss
• Man expresses desire to kiss his wife, as he lays a cheek against hers
• 1 thought of kissing, barest description
• 1 desire to kiss wife’s head
• 1 instance of man rubbing circles on wife’s back, another rubbing it with his thumb
• 1 instance of stroking her cheek, minimally described
• 1 instance of running thumb over her lips
• 1 instance of running thumb across jaw, 1 across knuckles
• 1 instance of husband and wife cradling each other’s face, 1 paragraph; 1 instance of him cradling her face and resting his forehead against hers
*See caveat below
Sensitive aspect: Woman thinks of husband’s chest as “perfectly sculpted”
Favorite aspects of the book:
• The protagonists’ relationship
• Auria’s immense courage
• Bylar’s selflessness and his dedication toward Auria from the moment he agrees to protect her
Of the three books I’ve read so far, this is the most straightforward interpretation of the series premise. The cottage setting for Goldilocks mainly serves as a conduit to bring the character into the world of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Because the female protagonist has spent so many years stealing to survive, it takes time for her to recover from that trauma response.
In all versions of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, the prince cannot tell his wife why she must not look at his face. I appreciated that this retelling does not follow that convention, even though the choice that leads to the fateful moment annoyed me. The male protagonist insists that the instant gratification of the risk they took is worth the loss of a long-term relationship, a narrative choice that made the outcome more frustrating than tragic.
Two things stood out to me while reading, one pertaining to Auria, and one a broader lesson. Auria models a deeply grounded form of courage. Her circumstances have kept her in a near-constant state of fear, one she actively works against every day. Her constant refrain “don’t fear” is not an admonishment but a way of keeping her head clear despite fear being very much present. It’s about not acting out of fear or letting it control her to the point that it prevents her from surviving. This strength shows perhaps most admirably when she faces people she has wronged, risking their anger and hatred because she knows integrity demands it. As terrified as she is, she steels herself, prioritizing doing what is right over her own comfort or the favor of others.
The lesson is less front and center but just as significant. Actions that are wrong in most circumstances can be correct in others. In addition to stealing, Auria has to unlearn the habit of lying that once helped her survive dangerous situations. People’s reactions to her lies understandably create a sense of shame, but the story makes an important distinction between lying as a general rule and lying as a necessity. No one should be comfortable with lying, but neither should they feel shame in situations where it is required for survival. Understanding nuance, rather than relying on rigid rules, is key to determining right and wrong.
Favorite Quotations:
• Did bears have eyebrows? This one definitely had raised ridges above his eyes that knit together in an expression I could easily picture on a confused puppy, which was wild because this bear was so huge it would scare a puppy from a hundred feet away.
• My heartbeat lunged for the ceiling[.]
• Bylur’s even tone was incredible, like a balancing point on a weird see-saw where my run-on mouth and Dedalus’s perma-anger were the far ends.
(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Tropes: Marriage of convenience, touch her and die, they save each other, animal companion
Setting: Fae realm
Writing style: Dual POV, 1st person, past tense
Tone: Lightly suspenseful, heartfelt
Character- or plot-driven: Both
Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 mouth kiss mildly described over a few paragraphs
• 1 mouth kiss minimally described, 3 barely described
• 1 non-described mouth kiss with “I’d rather kiss those fears away”
• 1 implied mouth kiss
• Man pulls wife up against his chest, and she feels a thrill despite his “light tunic”
• 4 head kisses barely described, 1 one paragraph and 1 after scooping her u; 1 with zero descriptio
• 5 hand/knuckle kisses, 1 barest description, 4 without description
• 1 kiss on fingers, zero description; 1 wrist kiss
• Man expresses desire to kiss his wife, as he lays a cheek against hers
• 1 thought of kissing, barest description
• 1 desire to kiss wife’s head
• 1 instance of man rubbing circles on wife’s back, another rubbing it with his thumb
• 1 instance of stroking her cheek, minimally described
• 1 instance of running thumb over her lips
• 1 instance of running thumb across jaw, 1 across knuckles
• 1 instance of husband and wife cradling each other’s face, 1 paragraph; 1 instance of him cradling her face and resting his forehead against hers
*See caveat below
Sensitive aspect: Woman thinks of husband’s chest as “perfectly sculpted”
Favorite aspects of the book:
• The protagonists’ relationship
• Auria’s immense courage
• Bylar’s selflessness and his dedication toward Auria from the moment he agrees to protect her
Of the three books I’ve read so far, this is the most straightforward interpretation of the series premise. The cottage setting for Goldilocks mainly serves as a conduit to bring the character into the world of East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Because the female protagonist has spent so many years stealing to survive, it takes time for her to recover from that trauma response.
In all versions of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, the prince cannot tell his wife why she must not look at his face. I appreciated that this retelling does not follow that convention, even though the choice that leads to the fateful moment annoyed me. The male protagonist insists that the instant gratification of the risk they took is worth the loss of a long-term relationship, a narrative choice that made the outcome more frustrating than tragic.
Two things stood out to me while reading, one pertaining to Auria, and one a broader lesson. Auria models a deeply grounded form of courage. Her circumstances have kept her in a near-constant state of fear, one she actively works against every day. Her constant refrain “don’t fear” is not an admonishment but a way of keeping her head clear despite fear being very much present. It’s about not acting out of fear or letting it control her to the point that it prevents her from surviving. This strength shows perhaps most admirably when she faces people she has wronged, risking their anger and hatred because she knows integrity demands it. As terrified as she is, she steels herself, prioritizing doing what is right over her own comfort or the favor of others.
The lesson is less front and center but just as significant. Actions that are wrong in most circumstances can be correct in others. In addition to stealing, Auria has to unlearn the habit of lying that once helped her survive dangerous situations. People’s reactions to her lies understandably create a sense of shame, but the story makes an important distinction between lying as a general rule and lying as a necessity. No one should be comfortable with lying, but neither should they feel shame in situations where it is required for survival. Understanding nuance, rather than relying on rigid rules, is key to determining right and wrong.
Favorite Quotations:
• Did bears have eyebrows? This one definitely had raised ridges above his eyes that knit together in an expression I could easily picture on a confused puppy, which was wild because this bear was so huge it would scare a puppy from a hundred feet away.
• My heartbeat lunged for the ceiling[.]
• Bylur’s even tone was incredible, like a balancing point on a weird see-saw where my run-on mouth and Dedalus’s perma-anger were the far ends.
(I received a free ARC of this book from the author and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
April 16, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 stars
Captured Crimes by Anabelle Raven
📚 Genre: Romantasy
❤️ Intimacy: Sweet & Wholesome (kisses only)
🙊 Language: Mild
⚠️ Maturity: Mature YA / Adult
✨ Vibes: Fast-paced, magical, cozy romantasy with protective MMC energy
My Thoughts
Okay, this one was just FUN.
Like from the very beginning, it jumps RIGHT in and doesn’t waste any time, and I loved that. No slow setup, no heavy world-building to push through… you’re immediately in the story, the tension, the curse, the marriage… all of it.
And honestly? That made this such an easy, enjoyable read.
Also… this is a one bed, married-from-the-start, “my wife” situation… while still being completely PG (not like closed door... legit just kisses). Which feels like a rare and beautiful combination 😂
Let’s talk about Bylor
Bylor is giving ✨shadow daddy vibes✨… but in the most wholesome way (yes… it’s possible 😂)
He’s protective, honorable, and steady in a way that I really appreciated. Even when given opportunities to take the easier path, he refuses to manipulate or force anything, even when it would literally solve everything for him. He is self-controlled, methodical, and honorable in the best way. So, when that control snaps (for whatever reason--but mostly in his protectiveness towards Auria) I DIE!
And the way he cared for Auria?? I loved him.
Auria + Character Thoughts
I loved the *idea* of Auria so much.
A human thief who’s had to survive on her own, doesn’t trust easily, and is learning how to let someone in for the first time? I’m immediately invested.
But this is where I felt the pacing a little. Because this is a standalone romantasy (which I actually love), everything moves FAST, including character development. There were moments where Auria’s thoughts and actions didn’t fully line up yet, and it made her feel a little inconsistent to me. I found myself unsure how she would respond in certain situations... and not in a good way. It felt that the author knew who she wanted Auria to be at the beginning of the story. And who she wanted her to be at the end of the story... the middle of her getting there felt clunky to me. It felt like her growth and emotional shifts happened a little too quickly at times, and I just wanted a bit more time for that to fully develop. This isn't meant to be a "literary critique" at all. I only mention it because it impacted how I was able to immerse myself in the story.
What I Loved
This book has so many little moments that made it really enjoyable:
🥰 the “my wife” energy throughout
🥰 the way his shadows interact with her 😭
🥰 the snuggly bear
🥰 Rat
🥰 North Wind
🥰 the touches that held SOOOO MUCH!
And honestly, I LOVE that this is a romantasy that doesn’t require a huge time commitment. That alone makes it such an easy recommendation.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was such a fun, fast-paced romantasy that still delivered on the romance in a really satisfying way, especially for a sweet, clean read.
It’s not perfect, and I do think the pacing impacted the way I was able to fully immerse myself in it a bit… but I still enjoyed it so much.
If you’re someone who loves romantasy but doesn’t always want to commit to a long series, this is such a great option.
Captured Crimes by Anabelle Raven
📚 Genre: Romantasy
❤️ Intimacy: Sweet & Wholesome (kisses only)
🙊 Language: Mild
⚠️ Maturity: Mature YA / Adult
✨ Vibes: Fast-paced, magical, cozy romantasy with protective MMC energy
My Thoughts
Okay, this one was just FUN.
Like from the very beginning, it jumps RIGHT in and doesn’t waste any time, and I loved that. No slow setup, no heavy world-building to push through… you’re immediately in the story, the tension, the curse, the marriage… all of it.
And honestly? That made this such an easy, enjoyable read.
Also… this is a one bed, married-from-the-start, “my wife” situation… while still being completely PG (not like closed door... legit just kisses). Which feels like a rare and beautiful combination 😂
Let’s talk about Bylor
Bylor is giving ✨shadow daddy vibes✨… but in the most wholesome way (yes… it’s possible 😂)
He’s protective, honorable, and steady in a way that I really appreciated. Even when given opportunities to take the easier path, he refuses to manipulate or force anything, even when it would literally solve everything for him. He is self-controlled, methodical, and honorable in the best way. So, when that control snaps (for whatever reason--but mostly in his protectiveness towards Auria) I DIE!
And the way he cared for Auria?? I loved him.
Auria + Character Thoughts
I loved the *idea* of Auria so much.
A human thief who’s had to survive on her own, doesn’t trust easily, and is learning how to let someone in for the first time? I’m immediately invested.
But this is where I felt the pacing a little. Because this is a standalone romantasy (which I actually love), everything moves FAST, including character development. There were moments where Auria’s thoughts and actions didn’t fully line up yet, and it made her feel a little inconsistent to me. I found myself unsure how she would respond in certain situations... and not in a good way. It felt that the author knew who she wanted Auria to be at the beginning of the story. And who she wanted her to be at the end of the story... the middle of her getting there felt clunky to me. It felt like her growth and emotional shifts happened a little too quickly at times, and I just wanted a bit more time for that to fully develop. This isn't meant to be a "literary critique" at all. I only mention it because it impacted how I was able to immerse myself in the story.
What I Loved
This book has so many little moments that made it really enjoyable:
🥰 the “my wife” energy throughout
🥰 the way his shadows interact with her 😭
🥰 the snuggly bear
🥰 Rat
🥰 North Wind
🥰 the touches that held SOOOO MUCH!
And honestly, I LOVE that this is a romantasy that doesn’t require a huge time commitment. That alone makes it such an easy recommendation.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this was such a fun, fast-paced romantasy that still delivered on the romance in a really satisfying way, especially for a sweet, clean read.
It’s not perfect, and I do think the pacing impacted the way I was able to fully immerse myself in it a bit… but I still enjoyed it so much.
If you’re someone who loves romantasy but doesn’t always want to commit to a long series, this is such a great option.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another EXCEPTIONAL book by Anabelle Raven! After reading Radira and the Human from the multi-author anthology Meetings & Mayhem, I was extremely curious about the fae world, a new land and species Anabelle introduced. While the fae world is set in the same world as the elves and human world, it is mostly separate and only possible to get to through a portal. I loved this, as we get to explore a completely new and different world with a different species and magical system. Even though we don't get to see the previous characters from Elves & Legends, I love how Auria (the FMC in this book) is originally from Terrarinmarin before going through the portal and ending up in the fae world. I loved getting to hear mentions about the cursed prince of Hemlit (Callista and the Elf) and I am super curious as to the missing "Autumn princess" mentioned in this book (Anabelle mentioned that this Autumn princess eventually married an elf in Hemlit, and that her story is hinted in Callista and the Elf. I'll definitely have to go back and re-read that - I can't remember it very much anymore....).
Okay, that was more of a backstory into this book. So, let's get down to the actual review! To start off, I just want to say that this book had it all! A great plot, great world-building, great relationships, great character development, great romance, and more! I love our main characters, Auria and Bylur so much. I'm also so happy because we get to see Bylur's story! I was extremely curious about him after he materialised briefly from the shadows in Falling for the Crystal Fae. Bylur is definitely one of my favourite MMCs. He is so sweet, gentle, and kind, but also fierce, protective, and extremely powerful. I admire his honour in wanting to marry Auria first before sleeping together. (Note: there is absolutely no spice or anything inappropriate involved. As this is a retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, the FMC sleeping with the MMC is an integral part of the story and how to break the curse. Night-times were barely present in the book, as most of it takes place during the day, and Bylur and Auria only shared the same bed. There was nothing untoward or inappropriate at all.)
Next, Auria! Auria was so sweet and adorable! I love how she is a little ball of chaos who suddenly swooped into Bylur's life and changed everything! Her tendency to steal things like bread and jewellery was an integral part of her character from her many years as a thief, and I love how Bylur was patient with her even after she stole a bunch of stuff from the nobles. His encouragement and support led her to become a better person and reform, giving her the courage to stand up and give back everything she previously stole.
The side characters were great too and added another layer of depth to the story. I loved all of the side characters: Ivodar, Dearan, Dedalus, Brielle, Orla, and, of course, Auria's pet cockatoo, Rat. I really hope each of them will get their own stories eventually (well, maybe not Rat...although I am curious as to how he ended up with Auria and how he found the portal...).
Overall, this book was a fantastic blend of Goldilocks and East of the Sun, West of the Moon! I can't wait to see what Anabelle writes next!
Okay, that was more of a backstory into this book. So, let's get down to the actual review! To start off, I just want to say that this book had it all! A great plot, great world-building, great relationships, great character development, great romance, and more! I love our main characters, Auria and Bylur so much. I'm also so happy because we get to see Bylur's story! I was extremely curious about him after he materialised briefly from the shadows in Falling for the Crystal Fae. Bylur is definitely one of my favourite MMCs. He is so sweet, gentle, and kind, but also fierce, protective, and extremely powerful. I admire his honour in wanting to marry Auria first before sleeping together. (Note: there is absolutely no spice or anything inappropriate involved. As this is a retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, the FMC sleeping with the MMC is an integral part of the story and how to break the curse. Night-times were barely present in the book, as most of it takes place during the day, and Bylur and Auria only shared the same bed. There was nothing untoward or inappropriate at all.)
Next, Auria! Auria was so sweet and adorable! I love how she is a little ball of chaos who suddenly swooped into Bylur's life and changed everything! Her tendency to steal things like bread and jewellery was an integral part of her character from her many years as a thief, and I love how Bylur was patient with her even after she stole a bunch of stuff from the nobles. His encouragement and support led her to become a better person and reform, giving her the courage to stand up and give back everything she previously stole.
The side characters were great too and added another layer of depth to the story. I loved all of the side characters: Ivodar, Dearan, Dedalus, Brielle, Orla, and, of course, Auria's pet cockatoo, Rat. I really hope each of them will get their own stories eventually (well, maybe not Rat...although I am curious as to how he ended up with Auria and how he found the portal...).
Overall, this book was a fantastic blend of Goldilocks and East of the Sun, West of the Moon! I can't wait to see what Anabelle writes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review, I HAD to after reading it to offer my honest, voluntary impression of it!
Anabelle has written a delightful, heartwarming story of a human girl trying to survive among Elves who punish her for stealing food to survive when they won’t give her work. After stealing a loaf of bread she runs and finds an abandoned cottage and her bird pecks the painting on the wall and a hole opens and she realizes it’s a portal and with soldiers pursuing her she steps into the portal and finds herself in the Fae realm. There her life changes for the better but to get that happily ever after she must try and break the curse the prince is under and when that fails she must confront the queen of the neighboring kingdom to challenge her for Bylur!
You’ll love the feisty Auria as she struggles after being on the streets for 14 years to not be a thief anymore and finding love and acceptance from some Fae and scorn from others.
This story of both Auria and Bylur learning to trust each other and allowing each other to see them as they are is the highest form of trust one can give to another- to be fully exposed and hope the other won’t destroy the trust you place in them.
Bylur is under a curse and though Auria does all she can to abide by the conditions, a incident occurs and the curse maker comes for him. Now Auria must journey to her kingdom to fight her to get Bylur back to her and his kingdom!
I loved this story and the trust that evolves when a girl who doesn’t trust anyone starts to learn trust and makes friends as well and then steps up to do what others say can not be done!
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story with no spice but one which you will readily relate to and enjoy, then get this book!
I guarantee you won’t be disappointed! I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book to one and all! When circumstances change people can and do change and their strength of character shines through when they attempt the impossible but succeed because they have a secret the other person knows nothing about besides the love they have for each other!
Anabelle has written a delightful, heartwarming story of a human girl trying to survive among Elves who punish her for stealing food to survive when they won’t give her work. After stealing a loaf of bread she runs and finds an abandoned cottage and her bird pecks the painting on the wall and a hole opens and she realizes it’s a portal and with soldiers pursuing her she steps into the portal and finds herself in the Fae realm. There her life changes for the better but to get that happily ever after she must try and break the curse the prince is under and when that fails she must confront the queen of the neighboring kingdom to challenge her for Bylur!
You’ll love the feisty Auria as she struggles after being on the streets for 14 years to not be a thief anymore and finding love and acceptance from some Fae and scorn from others.
This story of both Auria and Bylur learning to trust each other and allowing each other to see them as they are is the highest form of trust one can give to another- to be fully exposed and hope the other won’t destroy the trust you place in them.
Bylur is under a curse and though Auria does all she can to abide by the conditions, a incident occurs and the curse maker comes for him. Now Auria must journey to her kingdom to fight her to get Bylur back to her and his kingdom!
I loved this story and the trust that evolves when a girl who doesn’t trust anyone starts to learn trust and makes friends as well and then steps up to do what others say can not be done!
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story with no spice but one which you will readily relate to and enjoy, then get this book!
I guarantee you won’t be disappointed! I wholeheartedly and enthusiastically recommend this book to one and all! When circumstances change people can and do change and their strength of character shines through when they attempt the impossible but succeed because they have a secret the other person knows nothing about besides the love they have for each other!
March 30, 2026
Anabelle did it again! Another absolutely flawless five star read! She is hands down one of my favorite authors. When I pick up one of her books, I know I am going to love it and it will not disappoint.
The cast of characters in this story was amazing! Anabelle creates such likable characters, flaws and all. I think my favorite character was Ivador and I hope we get to see him again in future books (because I sense a series with some things that were happening between the side characters and the epilogue...and I CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE).
Auria is a suprirsingly likable heroine. I saw some people say they were frustrated with her, but I don't understand why. She I am usually hard on FMCs because I feel like they get a free pass too often (from both authors and readers) and I loved her character! Anabelle does a wonderful job of balancing femininity and strength. Auria is smart, sweet, strong, and brave.
Bylur, oh my goodness! I absolutely loved him. What an absolute gem. If you love a strong, intelligent, protective MMC, this is the book for you. There are so many sweet and swoony moments. I would love to rant about them, but I don't want to give anything away.
My poor friend. I must have driven her nuts messaging her about this story while I was reading it (I pestered my family as well). It was just SOO good I HAD to talk about it.
This is my favorite book of the year so far. 100/5 stars, perfection.
I received an ARC, but read the story on KU. All thoughts are my own. ♥
This is just a side note, I absolutely love that Anabelle writes with adult characters. As an adult who wants to read no spice romantasy, it gets kind of old reading YA books all of the time. Not that there is anything wrong with YA, but it's nice to read about characters older than 20 in my fairytale retellings. So if you are looking for amazing romantasy stories with adult characters, you should definitely check out her books.
The cast of characters in this story was amazing! Anabelle creates such likable characters, flaws and all. I think my favorite character was Ivador and I hope we get to see him again in future books (because I sense a series with some things that were happening between the side characters and the epilogue...and I CANNOT WAIT FOR MORE).
Auria is a suprirsingly likable heroine. I saw some people say they were frustrated with her, but I don't understand why. She I am usually hard on FMCs because I feel like they get a free pass too often (from both authors and readers) and I loved her character! Anabelle does a wonderful job of balancing femininity and strength. Auria is smart, sweet, strong, and brave.
Bylur, oh my goodness! I absolutely loved him. What an absolute gem. If you love a strong, intelligent, protective MMC, this is the book for you. There are so many sweet and swoony moments. I would love to rant about them, but I don't want to give anything away.
My poor friend. I must have driven her nuts messaging her about this story while I was reading it (I pestered my family as well). It was just SOO good I HAD to talk about it.
This is my favorite book of the year so far. 100/5 stars, perfection.
I received an ARC, but read the story on KU. All thoughts are my own. ♥
This is just a side note, I absolutely love that Anabelle writes with adult characters. As an adult who wants to read no spice romantasy, it gets kind of old reading YA books all of the time. Not that there is anything wrong with YA, but it's nice to read about characters older than 20 in my fairytale retellings. So if you are looking for amazing romantasy stories with adult characters, you should definitely check out her books.
May 5, 2026
Captured Crimes is the sixth book in the Displaced Fairytales multiauthor series where a character is torn from one fairy tale and finds themselves in another one. This one is a mashup between Goldilocks and East of the Sun, West of the Moon with an adorable animal companion.
I would say the focus is more on the latter fairy tale and the hints to Goldilocks are splattered here and there even though I have to admit that I thought at first it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling… Oops -.-
Fun fact - I’m not familiar with East of the Sun, West of the Moon and just recently realized that I have read at least 3 retellings of this specific fairy tale mistaking it for a Beauty and the Beast reimagination. So of course I read a short version of the original and now a lot of things in these retellings makes so much more sense. ;)
I really enjoyed this marriage of convenience story between Auria, who has been struggling her whole life but is extremely resilient and has never lost her spark, and Bylur who is more restrained (which makes sense with his backstory) but very protective.
This is a fast paced romance that made me laugh and smile. I especially enjoyed that Auria found her place not only with Bylur but also in this new realm with new friends and how selfless and honorable Bylur behaved.
Definitely recommend this sweet romance if you enjoy blended fairy tales, portal fantasy and marriage of convenience stories. This one was adorable and so much fun! I will catch up on Annabelle Raven’s Elves & Legends series, since I have really enjoyed this book and Falling for the Crystal Fae, which is tied to this one, but part of another multiauthor series.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
I would say the focus is more on the latter fairy tale and the hints to Goldilocks are splattered here and there even though I have to admit that I thought at first it was a Beauty and the Beast retelling… Oops -.-
Fun fact - I’m not familiar with East of the Sun, West of the Moon and just recently realized that I have read at least 3 retellings of this specific fairy tale mistaking it for a Beauty and the Beast reimagination. So of course I read a short version of the original and now a lot of things in these retellings makes so much more sense. ;)
I really enjoyed this marriage of convenience story between Auria, who has been struggling her whole life but is extremely resilient and has never lost her spark, and Bylur who is more restrained (which makes sense with his backstory) but very protective.
This is a fast paced romance that made me laugh and smile. I especially enjoyed that Auria found her place not only with Bylur but also in this new realm with new friends and how selfless and honorable Bylur behaved.
Definitely recommend this sweet romance if you enjoy blended fairy tales, portal fantasy and marriage of convenience stories. This one was adorable and so much fun! I will catch up on Annabelle Raven’s Elves & Legends series, since I have really enjoyed this book and Falling for the Crystal Fae, which is tied to this one, but part of another multiauthor series.
* Thank you to the author for letting me read an advanced copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me start off by saying that The Displaced Fairytales multi-author series is AMAZING! I’m having a hard time choosing a favorite. Nay, it’s impossible. Anyways, ‘East of the Sun, West of the Moon’ has long been a favorite fairytale on mine. Captured Crimes by Anabelle Raven is a beautiful rendition of the tale, mixed with Goldilocks. I loved every moment!!!
Auria and Bylur are both fun and sweet together. Their marriage early on is one of my favorite aspects. I love how Auria is always in some sort of trouble and Bylur is always there to bail her out. There were times when I was thinking “why are you doing that?” before remembering that she was a street thief in the past. It gave her character and her growth was fantastic. Bylur’s protective nature made me want to *girly squeal*! The way that the unveiling (is that the right word?) happened was fantastic and a nice difference from the fairytale. It showcased Aurias’ loyalty and trust. On a side note, who doesn’t need a cockatoo friend? I loved him!
The story itself is full of courtly politics (nothing like our world today. Yuck). There is intrigue and suspicion and a fight for power. I had fun trying to guess who the culprit was. I’ve really liked diving into Raven’s Fae stories. They’ve added on amazingly to her world of elves. I CANNOT WAIT for the next Fae story!
Thank you to Anabelle Raven for an ARC of Captured Crimes! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 1.5 (light kissing)
Language: clean
Faith-Elements: None
Auria and Bylur are both fun and sweet together. Their marriage early on is one of my favorite aspects. I love how Auria is always in some sort of trouble and Bylur is always there to bail her out. There were times when I was thinking “why are you doing that?” before remembering that she was a street thief in the past. It gave her character and her growth was fantastic. Bylur’s protective nature made me want to *girly squeal*! The way that the unveiling (is that the right word?) happened was fantastic and a nice difference from the fairytale. It showcased Aurias’ loyalty and trust. On a side note, who doesn’t need a cockatoo friend? I loved him!
The story itself is full of courtly politics (nothing like our world today. Yuck). There is intrigue and suspicion and a fight for power. I had fun trying to guess who the culprit was. I’ve really liked diving into Raven’s Fae stories. They’ve added on amazingly to her world of elves. I CANNOT WAIT for the next Fae story!
Thank you to Anabelle Raven for an ARC of Captured Crimes! All opinions are my own.
No-Spice Rating: 1.5 (light kissing)
Language: clean
Faith-Elements: None
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fun story. A thief running for her life stumbles into a talking bear and pleads for protection. He asks a steep price for that protection and she agrees with no idea what she's walking into.
The fairytales of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and East of the Sun, West of the Moon are seamlessly combined into this unique story.
I loved Auria's quirk of stealing things, not out of greed, but out of innocent curiosity and self-preservation. After a life on the streets, stealing became a habit, but once she lands in a position of wealth, Bylur helps her learn that she doesn't need to steal anymore. It was sweet to see her apologize to those she stole from and return all the trinkets.
I also enjoyed seeing Auria and Bylur interact while Bylur was in his bear form. It was sweet to see him be so protective of her. But when he wasn't in his bear form, she wasn't allowed to look at his face or he would be sent to an evil queen. The chemistry between them was so good that it was completely believable that Auria had such a hard time not looking.
I was not looking forward to the moment when she would accidentally see because I, of course, didn't want anything bad to happen to them. However, I did enjoy seeing Auria so determined to rescue him, and the whole debacle didn't last too long. Seeing them overcome such a difficult obstacle gave them a much more deserved happy ending.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The fairytales of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and East of the Sun, West of the Moon are seamlessly combined into this unique story.
I loved Auria's quirk of stealing things, not out of greed, but out of innocent curiosity and self-preservation. After a life on the streets, stealing became a habit, but once she lands in a position of wealth, Bylur helps her learn that she doesn't need to steal anymore. It was sweet to see her apologize to those she stole from and return all the trinkets.
I also enjoyed seeing Auria and Bylur interact while Bylur was in his bear form. It was sweet to see him be so protective of her. But when he wasn't in his bear form, she wasn't allowed to look at his face or he would be sent to an evil queen. The chemistry between them was so good that it was completely believable that Auria had such a hard time not looking.
I was not looking forward to the moment when she would accidentally see because I, of course, didn't want anything bad to happen to them. However, I did enjoy seeing Auria so determined to rescue him, and the whole debacle didn't last too long. Seeing them overcome such a difficult obstacle gave them a much more deserved happy ending.
Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Warnings: PTSD from being captured and child abuse, thievery, lying, torture, imprisonment, death
This was an amazing retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, with elements of Goldilocks! I was very emotional throughout most of the story, and really felt for Auria. I enjoyed watching Bylur and Auria start to trust one another, learn to love each other, and how they wanted so badly to keep their promises. Auria finding her place in a new realm, with actual friends, was so heartwarming. Learning about her past was heartbreaking, but seeing her rely on a loyal pet through it all (who caused a little mischief) was touching. I also appreciated the gentle, protective side that Bylur showed with his humbleness.
Auria was in trouble for lying and stealing again, but thankfully her parrot, Rat, found a hidden portal in an abandoned cottage. In a new realm, running from elf soldiers, she finds a cursed fae who needs to strike a bargain. Becoming Bylur's wife to break his curse seems like the least Auria could do for him saving her.
As they learn to navigate the boundaries of the curse, will they gain each other's trust and hearts?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
This was an amazing retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon, with elements of Goldilocks! I was very emotional throughout most of the story, and really felt for Auria. I enjoyed watching Bylur and Auria start to trust one another, learn to love each other, and how they wanted so badly to keep their promises. Auria finding her place in a new realm, with actual friends, was so heartwarming. Learning about her past was heartbreaking, but seeing her rely on a loyal pet through it all (who caused a little mischief) was touching. I also appreciated the gentle, protective side that Bylur showed with his humbleness.
Auria was in trouble for lying and stealing again, but thankfully her parrot, Rat, found a hidden portal in an abandoned cottage. In a new realm, running from elf soldiers, she finds a cursed fae who needs to strike a bargain. Becoming Bylur's wife to break his curse seems like the least Auria could do for him saving her.
As they learn to navigate the boundaries of the curse, will they gain each other's trust and hearts?
I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2026
4.5 stars
This book took me a little bit to get into it, but once I did, I was gripped. This no spice romantic fantasy is a fairytale retelling mashup between Goldilocks and East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Neither are ones that I’ve read much of and it was interesting to see those aspects filter into the book.
Auria is a thief on the run. When she stumbles upon Bylur (who is fae but is currently in his cursed form as a bear), as she’s running from elf soldiers, she pleads for his help. After he saves her she willingly enters into a marriage of convenience with him in order to help him try to break his curse. Back in his kingdom, where he almost has the status of King, there is some political intrigue afoot and things are dangerous at times.
I enjoyed the fast paced nature of this book and the way that these two grew closer without her ever seeing his uncursed fae form. It was fun to see connections pop up with her other books. I’m definitely looking forward to more stories set in this world. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
CW: Attempted Murder, Murder
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This book took me a little bit to get into it, but once I did, I was gripped. This no spice romantic fantasy is a fairytale retelling mashup between Goldilocks and East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Neither are ones that I’ve read much of and it was interesting to see those aspects filter into the book.
Auria is a thief on the run. When she stumbles upon Bylur (who is fae but is currently in his cursed form as a bear), as she’s running from elf soldiers, she pleads for his help. After he saves her she willingly enters into a marriage of convenience with him in order to help him try to break his curse. Back in his kingdom, where he almost has the status of King, there is some political intrigue afoot and things are dangerous at times.
I enjoyed the fast paced nature of this book and the way that these two grew closer without her ever seeing his uncursed fae form. It was fun to see connections pop up with her other books. I’m definitely looking forward to more stories set in this world. The romance is just kisses, intimacy level 1. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
CW: Attempted Murder, Murder
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 29, 2026
I cannot believe that this author has a book in all three that the other series that are releasing in the first half of 2026!
When I first saw Goldilocks mixed with EotSWotM I thought to myself that this is the most bonkers combination ever!
But somehow, this author made it work…. and not just work but actually be really really good.
Goldilocks, being a thief made so much sense, but it also set her up for being grateful for all of the wealth that Bylur could give her as well as put her in a position to happily accept a sudden arranged marriage
I love the side characters! Dedalus is hilariously grumpy and I really want him to have his own book in the future.
Bylur this is so kind and genuine, and truly wants the best for his kingdom. I especially love the tie in with the Falling for the Crystal Fae which I had read first
When we get to see the consequences of the snow, queens actions, and how Bylur is attempting to fix it
I really just loved everything about this book!
The only thing I could do without is the last epilogue because I don’t feel like she needed to make amends for having to steal to stay alive, but I’m hoping that the story of Hemlit suddenly getting a dump of wealth is somewhere in the author’s other books
When I first saw Goldilocks mixed with EotSWotM I thought to myself that this is the most bonkers combination ever!
But somehow, this author made it work…. and not just work but actually be really really good.
Goldilocks, being a thief made so much sense, but it also set her up for being grateful for all of the wealth that Bylur could give her as well as put her in a position to happily accept a sudden arranged marriage
I love the side characters! Dedalus is hilariously grumpy and I really want him to have his own book in the future.
Bylur this is so kind and genuine, and truly wants the best for his kingdom. I especially love the tie in with the Falling for the Crystal Fae which I had read first
When we get to see the consequences of the snow, queens actions, and how Bylur is attempting to fix it
I really just loved everything about this book!
The only thing I could do without is the last epilogue because I don’t feel like she needed to make amends for having to steal to stay alive, but I’m hoping that the story of Hemlit suddenly getting a dump of wealth is somewhere in the author’s other books
April 17, 2026
Ohmylanta! That was SUCH an adorable read!
Bylur and Auria are PERFECTION together.
Lemme share a swoon worthy quote:
“He pressed a kiss into the hair on the top of my head, surrounding me in a warm feeling of perfect bliss.” 😭😭😭😭
And the fact that Auria held demons- and all Bylur wanted to do was help with them - gaaaah. I felt all the emotions.
““Would that I could enter your mind and slay the demons you’ve carried all these years.” ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Isn’t that something all of us that struggle with something wish for? In God. In someone else to help share that burden.
And the strength Auria faces when something terrible happens:
““No, it’s not lying. Fear tends to make people flee or freeze, but you don’t run or panic. You never let fear rule you. You stare it down and fight back. I adore your strength, and I intend to fight with you for the rest of our lives.””
The strength- it was inspiring.
This was a clean fae/human story. There is talk of a marriage bed, but Bylur is very respectful and even though they married to break a curse, he never crossed a line and it is represented beautifully in the book. Kisses only.
Will definitely read more from Anabelle Raven!
Also, I loved RAT! Lol
Bylur and Auria are PERFECTION together.
Lemme share a swoon worthy quote:
“He pressed a kiss into the hair on the top of my head, surrounding me in a warm feeling of perfect bliss.” 😭😭😭😭
And the fact that Auria held demons- and all Bylur wanted to do was help with them - gaaaah. I felt all the emotions.
““Would that I could enter your mind and slay the demons you’ve carried all these years.” ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Isn’t that something all of us that struggle with something wish for? In God. In someone else to help share that burden.
And the strength Auria faces when something terrible happens:
““No, it’s not lying. Fear tends to make people flee or freeze, but you don’t run or panic. You never let fear rule you. You stare it down and fight back. I adore your strength, and I intend to fight with you for the rest of our lives.””
The strength- it was inspiring.
This was a clean fae/human story. There is talk of a marriage bed, but Bylur is very respectful and even though they married to break a curse, he never crossed a line and it is represented beautifully in the book. Kisses only.
Will definitely read more from Anabelle Raven!
Also, I loved RAT! Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2026
I loved Auria and Bylur's story! This book would make a great movie. (I don't think this is a spoiler because it starts near the beginning, although it isn't mentioned in the blurb, so don't read if you don't like ANY kind of spoilers) - I would love to see this book made into a movie where we don't get to see Bylur's face until Auria does. The only downside to this is that I'd love to see his face when he realizes Auria is closing her eyes to protect him the first time. So many poignant moments in this book!
A couple of things about this book reminded me of other books I like. So if you like these books you'll like this one! Snapdragon by Sarah Beran for the protective, brooding, not-king hero; A Forest of Stolen Memories by Callie Thomas for a couple different reasons. It even reminded me a bit of Mara Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. I love the themes of sacrificial or heroic love as well as the marriage of convenience and falling in love while already married.
I was confused about what fairytale was being mashed up with East of the Sun West of the Moon. The blurb says Goldilocks which I would never have guessed!
A couple of things about this book reminded me of other books I like. So if you like these books you'll like this one! Snapdragon by Sarah Beran for the protective, brooding, not-king hero; A Forest of Stolen Memories by Callie Thomas for a couple different reasons. It even reminded me a bit of Mara Daughter of the Nile by Eloise Jarvis McGraw. I love the themes of sacrificial or heroic love as well as the marriage of convenience and falling in love while already married.
I was confused about what fairytale was being mashed up with East of the Sun West of the Moon. The blurb says Goldilocks which I would never have guessed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing!
As usual from this author this book was amazing! I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. I really adored the FMC and MMC. Coming from two different worlds, one being human and the other fae, they had to figure out how to work out their relationship and save each other. I enjoyed the world that was created by the author and it was easy to follow and be immersed in.
I really appreciated the FMC, Auria, and her ability to feel fear but not let it conquer her. That is such an admirable, commendable quality. She truly overcame so many fears to be able to do the things she did in the story. The MMC, Bylur, is also a very good character, loyal, unflinching, and willing to tear down the world for her if needed.
This is a dual POV, no spice, displaced fairy tale that is part of a multi author series. It is a stand alone book but has characters with connections to the other author's books. It is not necessary to read any other book in the MAS series or the author's other books to enjoy and understand this book.
As usual from this author this book was amazing! I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. I really adored the FMC and MMC. Coming from two different worlds, one being human and the other fae, they had to figure out how to work out their relationship and save each other. I enjoyed the world that was created by the author and it was easy to follow and be immersed in.
I really appreciated the FMC, Auria, and her ability to feel fear but not let it conquer her. That is such an admirable, commendable quality. She truly overcame so many fears to be able to do the things she did in the story. The MMC, Bylur, is also a very good character, loyal, unflinching, and willing to tear down the world for her if needed.
This is a dual POV, no spice, displaced fairy tale that is part of a multi author series. It is a stand alone book but has characters with connections to the other author's books. It is not necessary to read any other book in the MAS series or the author's other books to enjoy and understand this book.
March 27, 2026
This is an ARC review.
I absolutely loved this book! It had everything. Magic, a little mystery, political intrigue as a kingdom that has been ruled by a monarchy is trying to set up a council of representatives but some involved are opposed to the idea, a marriage of convenience. I could go on but I think you get the picture.
It’s hard to pick a favorite out of the two main characters. They both are so good. Auria is quite the thief with a genuine concern for those she cares about. Shes clever and has learned to talk her way out of things…and somehow talk her way right back into them again.
Meanwhile Bylur is an overprotective caring guy. He is a benevolent ruler (you know as long as you don’t hurt or insult anyone he genuinely cares for.)
I think my favorite parts of the book were their letters to each other due to the fact she cannot look at his face for a year because of a curse.
I absolutely loved this book! It had everything. Magic, a little mystery, political intrigue as a kingdom that has been ruled by a monarchy is trying to set up a council of representatives but some involved are opposed to the idea, a marriage of convenience. I could go on but I think you get the picture.
It’s hard to pick a favorite out of the two main characters. They both are so good. Auria is quite the thief with a genuine concern for those she cares about. Shes clever and has learned to talk her way out of things…and somehow talk her way right back into them again.
Meanwhile Bylur is an overprotective caring guy. He is a benevolent ruler (you know as long as you don’t hurt or insult anyone he genuinely cares for.)
I think my favorite parts of the book were their letters to each other due to the fact she cannot look at his face for a year because of a curse.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love all books that have anything to do with East of the Sun, West of the Moon. This is a fantastic mashup of that book plus Goldilocks.
Auria is a human that has had to steal to survive. The elves that have captured her in the past are after her again. When she tries to give them the slip she goes through a portal and meets Bylur a dyrakongur, which is a polar bear with a unicorn horn, who is also fae. He saves her from the elves and in return she chooses to help break his curse by marrying him.
Bylur is a very powerful Lord from Umbran House, who was cursed by Queen Dariena.
Bylur and Auria might be my new favorite couple. They strengthen each other and compliment each other in beautiful ways.
I absolutely loved this book.
Thank you to Anabelle Raven for the opportunity to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
Auria is a human that has had to steal to survive. The elves that have captured her in the past are after her again. When she tries to give them the slip she goes through a portal and meets Bylur a dyrakongur, which is a polar bear with a unicorn horn, who is also fae. He saves her from the elves and in return she chooses to help break his curse by marrying him.
Bylur is a very powerful Lord from Umbran House, who was cursed by Queen Dariena.
Bylur and Auria might be my new favorite couple. They strengthen each other and compliment each other in beautiful ways.
I absolutely loved this book.
Thank you to Anabelle Raven for the opportunity to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2026
Playful, Creative, and Gripping
Captured Crimes is a cozy retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon and Goldilocks. It involves a marriage at the beginning in an attempt to save them both but which also puts them in even more danger. I had a lot of fun learning about the world of the far while watching the chaotic talkative loyal Auria and the organized powerful dutiful Bylur grow both individually and together.
The story is delightfully told from both perspectives and contains a small amount of PG violence, no swearing, and clean no spice romance. This book can be fully read and enjoyed on its own. There are also other books in the world to enjoy. I was in the mood for something sweet and cozy and Captured Crimes fit that bill perfectly.
Captured Crimes is a cozy retelling of East of the Sun, West of the Moon and Goldilocks. It involves a marriage at the beginning in an attempt to save them both but which also puts them in even more danger. I had a lot of fun learning about the world of the far while watching the chaotic talkative loyal Auria and the organized powerful dutiful Bylur grow both individually and together.
The story is delightfully told from both perspectives and contains a small amount of PG violence, no swearing, and clean no spice romance. This book can be fully read and enjoyed on its own. There are also other books in the world to enjoy. I was in the mood for something sweet and cozy and Captured Crimes fit that bill perfectly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a fun and delightful re-telling, primarily of 'East of the Sun, West of the Moon' with a little influence from 'Golidlocks and the Three Bears' as well. The writing draws you in right from the very start and all the twists and turns keep you reading to see what will happen next. The romance is sweet and light and Auria is a wonderful, strong yet flawed character who is so much fun to read about. This is a stand alone, but there are subtle links to some of Ms. Ravens other books for keen fans to look out for. It is a thoroughly enchanting read.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Goldilocks brushes against East of the Sun, West of the Moon in this absolutely delightful and heartwarming take on the fairytale.
This twist on the tale is different from any I've read so far, and I adored it. The FMC and MMC are so attentive and kind. Even when they both make mistakes, they aren't defensive, and the love blossoms in such a sweet way. It made the story feel warm, sincere, and refreshing.
The nods to Goldilocks are subtle, but they add such a fun bit of whimsy, and I loved seeing how those elements were woven in.
This is my new favorite, semi-cozy version of the story, and I am dying to have more books for other characters we meet in this book!
This twist on the tale is different from any I've read so far, and I adored it. The FMC and MMC are so attentive and kind. Even when they both make mistakes, they aren't defensive, and the love blossoms in such a sweet way. It made the story feel warm, sincere, and refreshing.
The nods to Goldilocks are subtle, but they add such a fun bit of whimsy, and I loved seeing how those elements were woven in.
This is my new favorite, semi-cozy version of the story, and I am dying to have more books for other characters we meet in this book!
March 31, 2026
Goldilocks & East of the Sun, West of the Moon Mashup—5 stars.
I love Auria! She is so unsophisticated and tries so hard to be a good person; she makes me laugh at all the scrapes she gets into. Bylur calls her “the most beautiful chaos” he has ever encountered. Auria’s story is one of sweet redemption. She didn’t really want to be a thief, but stole for her own survival. Bylur is a king in every way that truly matters, even if it’s not really his title. This was such a sweet story, I had to slow my reading in order to savor it and spend more time with Auria. I received an ARC copy from the author.
I love Auria! She is so unsophisticated and tries so hard to be a good person; she makes me laugh at all the scrapes she gets into. Bylur calls her “the most beautiful chaos” he has ever encountered. Auria’s story is one of sweet redemption. She didn’t really want to be a thief, but stole for her own survival. Bylur is a king in every way that truly matters, even if it’s not really his title. This was such a sweet story, I had to slow my reading in order to savor it and spend more time with Auria. I received an ARC copy from the author.
April 13, 2026
I will now read anything from Anabelle Raven. I have loved reading her books! And the fae world she has created in these last two books is great. I already can’t wait to read the next standalone set in this world.
I loved how relatable Auria was as a character! She was genuinely flawed but had a beautiful determination to better herself for the sake of others. Bylur is just a cinnamon roll even though he is mega powerful and feared by mostly everyone in his court. He really was a softie towards Auria the whole time and it was sweet and refreshing. Loved this and flew through it, such a fun easy read! I found myself laughing the whole way through too which was great!
I loved how relatable Auria was as a character! She was genuinely flawed but had a beautiful determination to better herself for the sake of others. Bylur is just a cinnamon roll even though he is mega powerful and feared by mostly everyone in his court. He really was a softie towards Auria the whole time and it was sweet and refreshing. Loved this and flew through it, such a fun easy read! I found myself laughing the whole way through too which was great!
April 18, 2026
When an organized prince enters a marriage of convenience with a chaotic thief, things get pretty interesting pretty quickly!
Really loved this one! I haven't seen many East of the Sun, West of the Moon retellings and I think marriage of convience was the perfect way to go! And then Bylur wasn't a bear too much of the time which I also liked becuase then it felt like the relationship was actually with Bylur the man (well, fae) you know? Really this is exactly how I would want a retelling of this story to go! Loved it all round and would definitely recommend! Eager for more stories in the fae realm!
Genre: Fairytale retelling
Standalone in Displaced Fairytales
Favorite character: Dearan (side character)
Favorite scene: the epilogues
Really loved this one! I haven't seen many East of the Sun, West of the Moon retellings and I think marriage of convience was the perfect way to go! And then Bylur wasn't a bear too much of the time which I also liked becuase then it felt like the relationship was actually with Bylur the man (well, fae) you know? Really this is exactly how I would want a retelling of this story to go! Loved it all round and would definitely recommend! Eager for more stories in the fae realm!
Genre: Fairytale retelling
Standalone in Displaced Fairytales
Favorite character: Dearan (side character)
Favorite scene: the epilogues
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story had so much in it, it kicks off with Auria running and trying to find a safe place. She just so happens to stumble into Bylur who is in bear form. Bylur has been cursed, but despite this his goal is to help Auria, after he somewhat tricked her into helping him attempt to break his curse.
I loved watching these two fall in love with each other. There are such sweet moments between them, even when they are trying to learn about each other and at points disagreeing.
Anabelle had me staying up way too late to finish reading this book and I don’t regret it one bit.
I loved watching these two fall in love with each other. There are such sweet moments between them, even when they are trying to learn about each other and at points disagreeing.
Anabelle had me staying up way too late to finish reading this book and I don’t regret it one bit.
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