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Fated to the Emberjack: A Fated Mates Monster Romance
I freed the monster in my basement. In return, he kidnapped me.
He had the nerve to say he was saving my life. The real reason? He knew I was his soulmate the second I walked into his prison.
As much as I want to call him insane, my own magic is siding with the pumpkin man. It’s been a destructive wrecking ball since I met him, a tempest that only his hands on my body can tame.
He needs to survive seven rigged trials to take back his throne, and our fated connection has just painted a target on both our backs.
He’s the monster, and I’m the witch his people want to burn. Our fated bond might be the spark that reignites an old purge, but it’s also the only thing strong enough to drag a dying realm back from the brink.
And if his enemies come for us, they’ll learn exactly what a monster prince and his witch will do to hold onto each other.
Fated to the Emberjack is a steamy standalone monster romance where a witch and a tortured pumpkin prince must fight a corrupt court and survive deadly trials to claim their destiny.
If you love romantasy with “touch her and die” heroes, fated mates, forced proximity, and a unique magic system where intimacy is survival, you’ll devour this tale of a witch and the pumpkin prince who will burn the world for her.
He had the nerve to say he was saving my life. The real reason? He knew I was his soulmate the second I walked into his prison.
As much as I want to call him insane, my own magic is siding with the pumpkin man. It’s been a destructive wrecking ball since I met him, a tempest that only his hands on my body can tame.
He needs to survive seven rigged trials to take back his throne, and our fated connection has just painted a target on both our backs.
He’s the monster, and I’m the witch his people want to burn. Our fated bond might be the spark that reignites an old purge, but it’s also the only thing strong enough to drag a dying realm back from the brink.
And if his enemies come for us, they’ll learn exactly what a monster prince and his witch will do to hold onto each other.
Fated to the Emberjack is a steamy standalone monster romance where a witch and a tortured pumpkin prince must fight a corrupt court and survive deadly trials to claim their destiny.
If you love romantasy with “touch her and die” heroes, fated mates, forced proximity, and a unique magic system where intimacy is survival, you’ll devour this tale of a witch and the pumpkin prince who will burn the world for her.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2026
34 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Selina Bevan
3 books18 followersSelina Bevan is a British paranormal romance author who writes delicious heroes and captivating worlds, delving deep into the magic and love, with witches, deities, and a spectrum of supernatural beings finding their soulmates in the most unexpected places.
She is a chai tea addict who loves a good gig and finding new alt-rock music when mindlessly scrolling Instagram at night.
Selina writes MF and RH/Why Choose romances with strong-willed but flawed British heroines.
She is a chai tea addict who loves a good gig and finding new alt-rock music when mindlessly scrolling Instagram at night.
Selina writes MF and RH/Why Choose romances with strong-willed but flawed British heroines.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 22, 2026
This story is soooo good!!! Captivating right from the start!
Cozy, spooky, spicy and adventurous; run don’t walk to this book release! 🎃
I’m obsessed and telling all my friends to get this book when it releases!!
It was exciting, passionate and so adventurous and just beautiful, obsessed with the autumn 🍂 vibes!
Cozy, spooky, spicy and adventurous; run don’t walk to this book release! 🎃
I’m obsessed and telling all my friends to get this book when it releases!!
It was exciting, passionate and so adventurous and just beautiful, obsessed with the autumn 🍂 vibes!
January 16, 2026
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fated to the EmberJack is feral, magical, and gloriously unhinged in the way the best paranormal romances are. From the moment she frees the monster in her basement (because of course she does), this story barrels forward with fate, fire, and a bond that refuses to be ignored—even when it absolutely should be.
The dynamic between the witch and the so-called pumpkin man is electric. He’s not just a monster; he’s a fallen prince with a throne to reclaim and trials designed to kill him. She’s powerful, stubborn, and discovering that her magic has a mind of its own—and that it recognizes him as home. Their fated connection feels primal and unavoidable, less like destiny whispered sweetly and more like destiny grabbing you by the throat and saying run with me or burn.
What really elevates this book is the balance between romance and stakes. The trials are brutal, the world feels old and angry, and the threat of persecution hangs heavy over every choice they make. The idea that love itself could reignite an ancient purge adds a delicious layer of danger, making their devotion feel earned rather than convenient.
If you love monster romance, witchy heroines, fated mates, and stories where the couple would absolutely burn the world down to save each other, Fated to The EmberJack is a dark, addictive read that leans into its chaos and comes out blazing. 🔥🎃🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fated to the EmberJack is feral, magical, and gloriously unhinged in the way the best paranormal romances are. From the moment she frees the monster in her basement (because of course she does), this story barrels forward with fate, fire, and a bond that refuses to be ignored—even when it absolutely should be.
The dynamic between the witch and the so-called pumpkin man is electric. He’s not just a monster; he’s a fallen prince with a throne to reclaim and trials designed to kill him. She’s powerful, stubborn, and discovering that her magic has a mind of its own—and that it recognizes him as home. Their fated connection feels primal and unavoidable, less like destiny whispered sweetly and more like destiny grabbing you by the throat and saying run with me or burn.
What really elevates this book is the balance between romance and stakes. The trials are brutal, the world feels old and angry, and the threat of persecution hangs heavy over every choice they make. The idea that love itself could reignite an ancient purge adds a delicious layer of danger, making their devotion feel earned rather than convenient.
If you love monster romance, witchy heroines, fated mates, and stories where the couple would absolutely burn the world down to save each other, Fated to The EmberJack is a dark, addictive read that leans into its chaos and comes out blazing. 🔥🎃🖤
March 4, 2026
Rating: 4.5/5
I was not really sure what to expect going into this story (monster romance is usually not my go to genre), but I LOVED every second of it. The pacing, the banter, the trials, the court politics...all of it.
I loved Callan and Lowri. How they could be so good at heart when the people who raised them....were not. From Lowri not reaching out to the Council to Callan pulling her through the portal to protect her from the very same Council. And then everything they did for each other when presented in front of Callan's manipulative uncle, the court, and the trials.
Everything was perfect. I felt like I was there with them experiencing all of their emotions, from betrayal to fear to joy. From monsters to magic to trials to court politics to betrayals to love...this has it all.
I was not really sure what to expect going into this story (monster romance is usually not my go to genre), but I LOVED every second of it. The pacing, the banter, the trials, the court politics...all of it.
I loved Callan and Lowri. How they could be so good at heart when the people who raised them....were not. From Lowri not reaching out to the Council to Callan pulling her through the portal to protect her from the very same Council. And then everything they did for each other when presented in front of Callan's manipulative uncle, the court, and the trials.
Everything was perfect. I felt like I was there with them experiencing all of their emotions, from betrayal to fear to joy. From monsters to magic to trials to court politics to betrayals to love...this has it all.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.2/5
Fated to the Emberjack is a really unique story with lovable characters that you grow really invested in.
In all honesty, I was a little hesitant about reading a story where one of the main characters (in a romance, no less) has a jack-o-lantern head. I know, I should be more open-minded because so many writers are talented enough to pull that off, and Selina Bevan is one of those writers.
Callan is a great character and is written so well that the whole "pumpkin head" thing became a non-issue within just a few chapters. He's brave and tormented, but not so much that he's angsty - he uses his past to strengthen his future and his commitment to Lowri. And Lowri is a really likable character. She's determined to do the right thing no matter the harm it may cause her, which makes her a pure, selfless hero.
The relationship between Callan and Lowri is epic. I like that they're bonded by a magic larger than themselves and it makes the beginning of their relationship progress very quickly, but not in a way that feels rushed. There's justification for why they feel so strongly about one another and why they care about each other's safety, so it just makes you root for them. I mention again: I was concerned about the pumpkin head thing during love scenes. Bevan does a really good job of using magic to make the scene flow naturally and not become awkward at all, despite the two very different beings involved.
The plot is well-rounded and interesting. The constant threat of the witch council as well as the inclusion of the trials of worthiness give this an ACOTAR/Hunger Games type feel, without it lasting too long or overpowering the essence of the book, which is ultimately the relationship between Callan and Lowri.
The ending is satisfying, but still leaves room for a potential sequel if Bevan ever wants to revisit this story, which I would be happy about. I really loved the characters and the story is so well-written that I can't really find any major flaws with it. I have some minor questions about the witch council, but that's really scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy and I am writing this review willingly.
Fated to the Emberjack is a really unique story with lovable characters that you grow really invested in.
In all honesty, I was a little hesitant about reading a story where one of the main characters (in a romance, no less) has a jack-o-lantern head. I know, I should be more open-minded because so many writers are talented enough to pull that off, and Selina Bevan is one of those writers.
Callan is a great character and is written so well that the whole "pumpkin head" thing became a non-issue within just a few chapters. He's brave and tormented, but not so much that he's angsty - he uses his past to strengthen his future and his commitment to Lowri. And Lowri is a really likable character. She's determined to do the right thing no matter the harm it may cause her, which makes her a pure, selfless hero.
The relationship between Callan and Lowri is epic. I like that they're bonded by a magic larger than themselves and it makes the beginning of their relationship progress very quickly, but not in a way that feels rushed. There's justification for why they feel so strongly about one another and why they care about each other's safety, so it just makes you root for them. I mention again: I was concerned about the pumpkin head thing during love scenes. Bevan does a really good job of using magic to make the scene flow naturally and not become awkward at all, despite the two very different beings involved.
The plot is well-rounded and interesting. The constant threat of the witch council as well as the inclusion of the trials of worthiness give this an ACOTAR/Hunger Games type feel, without it lasting too long or overpowering the essence of the book, which is ultimately the relationship between Callan and Lowri.
The ending is satisfying, but still leaves room for a potential sequel if Bevan ever wants to revisit this story, which I would be happy about. I really loved the characters and the story is so well-written that I can't really find any major flaws with it. I have some minor questions about the witch council, but that's really scraping the bottom of the barrel.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced reader copy and I am writing this review willingly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I came for the monster romance… and did not expect to love this as much as I did.
Going in, I honestly thought this would be a spicy little novella. Instead, we get a fully fleshed-out novel with rich worldbuilding and strong, engaging characters.
Our FMC Lowri: is an apothecary witch, and our MMC Callan is… well… a pumpkin-headed monster 🤭. An EmberJack and Hollowborn. They come from two different worlds, connected by a magical portal that only opens on Halloween. Each side has been fed nightmarish stories about the other, meant to turn them into enemies, but both MCs see through the propaganda.
Before you know it (right alongside Lowri), you’re whisked away to a magical Autumn Court filled with dissent, political intrigue, plotting, and deadly trials. At the heart of it all is a fated romance that’s forbidden by law.
The MCs face constant adversity, but what really stood out to me was how they support and choose each other every step of the way. Add in spice, tension, and a wonderfully cozy-dark autumn atmosphere, and this book truly has it all. 🍂🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️
Going in, I honestly thought this would be a spicy little novella. Instead, we get a fully fleshed-out novel with rich worldbuilding and strong, engaging characters.
Our FMC Lowri: is an apothecary witch, and our MMC Callan is… well… a pumpkin-headed monster 🤭. An EmberJack and Hollowborn. They come from two different worlds, connected by a magical portal that only opens on Halloween. Each side has been fed nightmarish stories about the other, meant to turn them into enemies, but both MCs see through the propaganda.
Before you know it (right alongside Lowri), you’re whisked away to a magical Autumn Court filled with dissent, political intrigue, plotting, and deadly trials. At the heart of it all is a fated romance that’s forbidden by law.
The MCs face constant adversity, but what really stood out to me was how they support and choose each other every step of the way. Add in spice, tension, and a wonderfully cozy-dark autumn atmosphere, and this book truly has it all. 🍂🔥🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this as an ACR, and this was my voluntary review.
Fated to the Ember Jack is a monster romance, and this was my first foray into that kind of romance. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and to be honest, it took my brain a bit to rewire—lol—and picture a pumpkin instead of a man. However, there’s no denying this story is good.
The worldbuilding was fun, and I loved the writing style. I could almost smell the cinnamon and see the autumn colours bleeding into the sky. I loved both MCs; they’re each a shade of grey, and their maturity genuinely surprised me throughout the story.
If you’re unsure, like me, about monster romance but are intrigued by the idea of an Ember Jack, I’m here to assure you that at its heart, this is a well-done romance with a dash of politics. If you’re unsure about the spice, it’s easy to skip over and still enjoy the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read, even though it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Halloween has never been so sweet.
Fated to the Ember Jack is a monster romance, and this was my first foray into that kind of romance. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and to be honest, it took my brain a bit to rewire—lol—and picture a pumpkin instead of a man. However, there’s no denying this story is good.
The worldbuilding was fun, and I loved the writing style. I could almost smell the cinnamon and see the autumn colours bleeding into the sky. I loved both MCs; they’re each a shade of grey, and their maturity genuinely surprised me throughout the story.
If you’re unsure, like me, about monster romance but are intrigued by the idea of an Ember Jack, I’m here to assure you that at its heart, this is a well-done romance with a dash of politics. If you’re unsure about the spice, it’s easy to skip over and still enjoy the story.
Overall, I really enjoyed this read, even though it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Halloween has never been so sweet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
@Selina Bevan 's Fated to the Emberjack
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’ve ever watched The Nightmare Before Christmas and thought, "This needs more spice and a witch," Fated to the Emberjack is the book for you! 🎃✨
This new romantasy delivers a unique pairing: a Green Witch and a Pumpkin Head King fighting to save his homeland. The world-building gave me major Tim Burton vibes, especially with the Autumn Court and a Winter Court filled with Krampus-like creatures.
I really enjoyed the character growth here. The MMC has to unlearn everything he was taught, and watching him evolve alongside the trials to prove his worthiness was satisfying. We get the "Fated Mates" trope right away (instant connection once they hit that portal!), and the chemistry hits a solid medium heat.
A fun, atmospheric read perfect for spooky season lovers!
#Romantasy #BookReview #SpicyBooks #MonsterRomance #FatedMates
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
If you’ve ever watched The Nightmare Before Christmas and thought, "This needs more spice and a witch," Fated to the Emberjack is the book for you! 🎃✨
This new romantasy delivers a unique pairing: a Green Witch and a Pumpkin Head King fighting to save his homeland. The world-building gave me major Tim Burton vibes, especially with the Autumn Court and a Winter Court filled with Krampus-like creatures.
I really enjoyed the character growth here. The MMC has to unlearn everything he was taught, and watching him evolve alongside the trials to prove his worthiness was satisfying. We get the "Fated Mates" trope right away (instant connection once they hit that portal!), and the chemistry hits a solid medium heat.
A fun, atmospheric read perfect for spooky season lovers!
#Romantasy #BookReview #SpicyBooks #MonsterRomance #FatedMates
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first time reading anything by Selina Bevan and it won't be the last. This book caught my attention because of its uniqueness, you don't typically hear about mythically creatures outside of witches, dragons, mermaids, and werewolves so when the title featured an emberjack (think headless horseman with his jack o lantern head) I immediately wanted to read it. Now because this isn't a common mythical creature, I did not know what to expect going into this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
In this book you will find a unique world and magic system, along with fated mates, torture, revenge, trials, murder and betrayal that stretch back generations, and a love that can reshape an entire kingdom. I ended up really enjoying this book and was so pleasantly surprised. It was well written and the plot kept me entertained along with the romance and the uniqueness of the intimacy between two different species!
I will absolutely be reading from this author again!
In this book you will find a unique world and magic system, along with fated mates, torture, revenge, trials, murder and betrayal that stretch back generations, and a love that can reshape an entire kingdom. I ended up really enjoying this book and was so pleasantly surprised. It was well written and the plot kept me entertained along with the romance and the uniqueness of the intimacy between two different species!
I will absolutely be reading from this author again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love me some monster smut! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this one I have never read this authors work before. It’s like Monster Romance meets Romantasy. It was brilliantly written the writers style just seemed to flow easily and the world she built was captivating even enthralling. The MCs are perfection and the dynamics and chemistry between them is chefs kiss. The pace was on the adventurous side as we were lead through the trials and tribulations and I loved how the MC had each others back throughout. The allure of the cozy autumn environment was very inviting I will definitely be recommending all of the book club girls to add this to their fall TBRs. That would be my one negative take away I wish I read this book in November instead of January.
February 13, 2026
Fated to the Emberjack is a paranormal monster romance that leans heavily into the “fated mates” trope while delivering a dark, atmospheric setting and a very intense central relationship. If you’re a fan of broody, dangerous non-human love interests and high-heat romance, this book definitely commits to that vibe.
Overall, Fated to the Emberjack is a fast-paced, passionate monster romance with strong fated-mates energy and unapologetically explicit scenes. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy dominant, inhuman love interests, primal bond tropes, and romance that fully embraces its dark fantasy sensuality
Overall, Fated to the Emberjack is a fast-paced, passionate monster romance with strong fated-mates energy and unapologetically explicit scenes. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy dominant, inhuman love interests, primal bond tropes, and romance that fully embraces its dark fantasy sensuality
February 28, 2026
Incredible story about an Emberjack that is captured and tortured in a basement cell for 50 years until one witch stumbles upon him and decides no one deserves his fate even if it goes against everything she has ever been taught.
This book is filled with magic, court intrigue, dangerous monsters, a kingdom on the brink of destruction, and a very spicy romance!
I know this is listed as a standalone book but this is me not so secretly hoping that the author writes more books about the other courts in the realm so we can have more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is filled with magic, court intrigue, dangerous monsters, a kingdom on the brink of destruction, and a very spicy romance!
I know this is listed as a standalone book but this is me not so secretly hoping that the author writes more books about the other courts in the realm so we can have more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2026
When worlds collide and enemies become allies. This book really is a fantasy for all that has it all. The betrayal of the unknown and the trials of near death experiences undercover spies and corrupt councils. Who would’ve thought a pumpkin head man would be the hot MMC that you would dream of. And of course a badass witch FMC shop steps up to her new role like a true queen and always fights back and holds her ground. It’s intense and spicy and traitorous and action packed and funny and I absolutely loved it.
February 20, 2026
Lowri and Callan are the perfect power couple in this exciting adventure. The monster everyone was scared of isn't so scary once you get to know him. Rowri knew, deep down, that it was the case and helped him escape the basement. That was a great plot twist when we finally learned who he really was! The scenes and details were on point as if I was a part of their crew, figuring out what happened all those years. I hope there is more to come in the world, maybe more secrets will unfold! Excellent job!
January 29, 2026
Absolutely loved this book! It’s one of those books you would give anything to read for the first time again.
The world building and the unique elements that the author puts is truly amazing! Make sure you give yourself enough free time because this book will hold you captive until you’re through.
A man who thinks himself a monster but is only gentle with his witch. We all love us a protective monster daddy😜
The world building and the unique elements that the author puts is truly amazing! Make sure you give yourself enough free time because this book will hold you captive until you’re through.
A man who thinks himself a monster but is only gentle with his witch. We all love us a protective monster daddy😜
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the opportunity to read this as an ARC. Well written and creative, I really enjoyed the world brought to life and the super unique botany. Very keen to see more of this world and the other courts!
There is just enough action, romance, fantasy and politics that I think most people would enjoy reading this one. Definitely a lighter dip into the "monster romance" motif
There is just enough action, romance, fantasy and politics that I think most people would enjoy reading this one. Definitely a lighter dip into the "monster romance" motif
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such an amazing read that I had a hard time putting it down. I absolutely devoured it and I'm really hoping that the author comes out with more books but about the different courts. That would be amazing 😍
January 30, 2026
This story was a really fun time! Lowri is so kind but also a badass! The relationship between Lowri and Callan was great! I want to learn so much more about the world and the history of the world. Hopefully there are plans to continue building this world because I would love that!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a perfect blend of plot and romance! Witches, Monsters, Mysterious Bonds, Court Politics, Magic, and Trials all perfectly wrapped together made this book such a fun read. I couldn't put it down. It's definitely worth adding to your Monster Romance tbr.
February 15, 2026
A spicy, sweet, sucked-me-right-in story that set me aflame! I love a good paranormal/monster romance and this one hit all the right moods for me. Great story, awesome characters and the heat was HIGH. Perfect!
February 23, 2026
This book was wonderful. Super heavy on the spice with a nice plot. The connection between the characters was great. A very well put together story.
Unhinged monster romance with a fun new world. I look forward to reading more books from this world.
Unhinged monster romance with a fun new world. I look forward to reading more books from this world.
February 24, 2026
The magic system in this book was fantastic. Enemies to lovers, monster and witch. Secrets,lies,political intrigue. An unlikely romance that is destined to save two worlds. I really enjoyed this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I wish I had this book back in October. It is the perfect fall read. I absolutely loved it!!!
February 13, 2026
This book is amazing and I just love the characters and how you grow to love them.
February 15, 2026
Magical spooky unhinged and spicy. Really enjoyed this book. Monster man. Must read for a good time
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews