What do you think?
Court of Midsummer Mayhem #3
Dance of Nothing
Fated mates with her childhood nemesis.
From the moment Beatrice found a home at the Great Library in the Court of Knowledge, Benedict, the arrogant son of a fae lord, has been her nemesis. Now, all she wants is to secure the open assistant librarian spot and fully solidify her place in the fae court once and for all.
Benedict has spent the past few months as a prisoner. Now that the war between the courts has ended, he is allowed to return home. Yet even his freedom is conditional on a vow he would rather not make, forbidding him from telling the secrets that jeopardize his court and the Great Library. He left himself one loophole, but he must track down the most elusive fae in the Fae the Wild Fae Primrose.
When a Midsummer Revel brings Benedict and Beatrice together and reveals that they are fated mates, Beatrice is determined to find a way out of the binding, no matter what it takes. Benedict is just as determined to change her mind. As misunderstandings abound, will these fated mates save the Great Library and fall in love or will their history tear them apart forever?
A no spice cozy fae romantasy, loosely inspired by Much Ado About Nothing!
From the moment Beatrice found a home at the Great Library in the Court of Knowledge, Benedict, the arrogant son of a fae lord, has been her nemesis. Now, all she wants is to secure the open assistant librarian spot and fully solidify her place in the fae court once and for all.
Benedict has spent the past few months as a prisoner. Now that the war between the courts has ended, he is allowed to return home. Yet even his freedom is conditional on a vow he would rather not make, forbidding him from telling the secrets that jeopardize his court and the Great Library. He left himself one loophole, but he must track down the most elusive fae in the Fae the Wild Fae Primrose.
When a Midsummer Revel brings Benedict and Beatrice together and reveals that they are fated mates, Beatrice is determined to find a way out of the binding, no matter what it takes. Benedict is just as determined to change her mind. As misunderstandings abound, will these fated mates save the Great Library and fall in love or will their history tear them apart forever?
A no spice cozy fae romantasy, loosely inspired by Much Ado About Nothing!
202 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2026
About the author
Tara Grayce
36 books885 followersBorn and raised in Michigan, I enjoy traveling to new adventures that inspire my writing.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
Growing up, I read just about every book I could get my hands on, especially fantasy. I currently write YA fantasy and romantic fantasy filled with lots of humor, spunky and tough leading ladies, and broken heroes.
When I am not writing, I enjoy spending time with my chocolate lab, Miss Kisses.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 21, 2026
Sweet, cute, and heroic
I enjoyed the references to Shakespeare and Orczy in this fun, original romance with a side of danger. A semi-sentient library, magical pockets and houses, and a deeper theme of human dignity with a realistic enemies-to-lovers scenario made this an easy and entertaining read.
I enjoyed the references to Shakespeare and Orczy in this fun, original romance with a side of danger. A semi-sentient library, magical pockets and houses, and a deeper theme of human dignity with a realistic enemies-to-lovers scenario made this an easy and entertaining read.
August 14, 2026
Love, love, love! An intricate tale bringing the Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing to the fae realm with both comedy and swooniness. The hat tip to Daisy, Val, and Harm was also fun to see. I hope some day we will see the end of Claudius and his cronies.
July 2, 2026
great continuation of the series
I think this book was a great continuation of the series, with both romance elements and links to the larger plot. My only point of consternation is that I want confirmation on which Shakespearean play it links to!
I think this book was a great continuation of the series, with both romance elements and links to the larger plot. My only point of consternation is that I want confirmation on which Shakespearean play it links to!
July 25, 2026
A fun play on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, featuring human Beatrice, the youngest of Meg’s siblings and Benedict, the fae boy who has been her nemesis since they were children.
Beatrice is the last of Meg’s siblings yet unmarried, and while she is now eighteen and legally allowed to join in the fae realm revels to find a potential mate, she isn’t ready to be tied down just yet. Her first goal is to advance from her apprentice librarian position to assistant librarian, therefore being allowed her own home and independence while allowing Basil and Meg privacy for their ever-growing family.
So when her first revel finds a fated mate binding tying her to Benedict, the man who teased and tormented her with cruel pranks all these years, she is determined to find a loophole to sever the ties before it becomes permanent. But Benedict, newly freed from being a prisoner of war in the neighboring court of Revels, seems a far cry from who he once was… in fact if she didn’t know any better, he seemed almost sincere in his apologies for his previously bad behavior.
Surely a leopard can’t really change its spots… or can he? She certainly can’t help noticing that flutter in her stomach whenever he’s looking her way.
But Benedict has a secret- one he has only the faintest hope of being able to share. His release included a promise that he could only tell one person of a plot to destroy the false peace between these two courts… and that person is only the Wild Fae Primrose. But he has no idea who the Primrose truly is, though he does believe that Beatrice or a member of her family may know the identity of someone who can find him an audience with the elusive Primrose.
How can Benedict keep Beatrice safe from traitors within their own court when he is unable to tell her what’s really going on? Benedict will do whatever it takes to protect the court of Knowledge and the Great Library, even if it means losing the one woman he could ever truly love.
Beatrice has been a bit of an unknown to us until now, given how much younger she is than the rest of her siblings. We’ve had bits of her here and there, and her ongoing struggles with Benedict as a child have come up multiple times before now, but this is truly the first we’ve spent time with either and read a story from their POV. I went in ready to loathe Benedict, but he’s rather someone to sympathize with from nearly the opening chapter.
Watching the two as they dance around their situation and obvious attraction for one another is what pulled me in at first, and the witty banter will keep you entertained throughout. The fact that this is recognizably Shakespearean influenced and yet ties very well into the author’s original world is just the icing on the cake, and this is easily my favorite book in the series to-date.
Bonus, I wasn’t sure the author would continue the series now that Meg’s family are all married/paired up, but the inclusion of a few well-known names from the Bard’s work had me keeping my fingers crossed…. and, yes, the author has confirmed her next book in the series will likely release 2027 and will cover some of our supporting characters taking on Romeo and Juliet for inspiration, which is perfect, given that the newest loving characters are from courts on opposite sides of this fae war.
Beatrice is the last of Meg’s siblings yet unmarried, and while she is now eighteen and legally allowed to join in the fae realm revels to find a potential mate, she isn’t ready to be tied down just yet. Her first goal is to advance from her apprentice librarian position to assistant librarian, therefore being allowed her own home and independence while allowing Basil and Meg privacy for their ever-growing family.
So when her first revel finds a fated mate binding tying her to Benedict, the man who teased and tormented her with cruel pranks all these years, she is determined to find a loophole to sever the ties before it becomes permanent. But Benedict, newly freed from being a prisoner of war in the neighboring court of Revels, seems a far cry from who he once was… in fact if she didn’t know any better, he seemed almost sincere in his apologies for his previously bad behavior.
Surely a leopard can’t really change its spots… or can he? She certainly can’t help noticing that flutter in her stomach whenever he’s looking her way.
But Benedict has a secret- one he has only the faintest hope of being able to share. His release included a promise that he could only tell one person of a plot to destroy the false peace between these two courts… and that person is only the Wild Fae Primrose. But he has no idea who the Primrose truly is, though he does believe that Beatrice or a member of her family may know the identity of someone who can find him an audience with the elusive Primrose.
How can Benedict keep Beatrice safe from traitors within their own court when he is unable to tell her what’s really going on? Benedict will do whatever it takes to protect the court of Knowledge and the Great Library, even if it means losing the one woman he could ever truly love.
Beatrice has been a bit of an unknown to us until now, given how much younger she is than the rest of her siblings. We’ve had bits of her here and there, and her ongoing struggles with Benedict as a child have come up multiple times before now, but this is truly the first we’ve spent time with either and read a story from their POV. I went in ready to loathe Benedict, but he’s rather someone to sympathize with from nearly the opening chapter.
Watching the two as they dance around their situation and obvious attraction for one another is what pulled me in at first, and the witty banter will keep you entertained throughout. The fact that this is recognizably Shakespearean influenced and yet ties very well into the author’s original world is just the icing on the cake, and this is easily my favorite book in the series to-date.
Bonus, I wasn’t sure the author would continue the series now that Meg’s family are all married/paired up, but the inclusion of a few well-known names from the Bard’s work had me keeping my fingers crossed…. and, yes, the author has confirmed her next book in the series will likely release 2027 and will cover some of our supporting characters taking on Romeo and Juliet for inspiration, which is perfect, given that the newest loving characters are from courts on opposite sides of this fae war.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The latter half of this book was a bit of fun, which brings it up an extra star, but the first half was mind numbing. The repetitive writing was probably the worst offender.
A nice portion of this book's 200 pages were spent on people summarizing the events of the other books and the roles various characters played in those books, regardless of their importance on the present plot.
Benedict was tortured in the dungeons by illusions of rats and spiders, among other things. What those other things were, don't ask me. We're only ever told about the rats and spiders. Repeatedly.
Benedict tormented Beatrice when they were young, or so we are told at least once every chapter. He put slugs in her pockets and spiders in her hair. These are the only examples of the terrible torments ever given.
By the way, Benedict is handsome, often "infuriatingly" so. If you forget, don't worry. Beatrice will be sure to remind you. Every. Time. She sees him.
Idk if I'll continue this series. At this point, I'm only in it for Lord Cauvlyn's redemption arc, and these last two books hinder my trust that that will be handled well or brought to a satisfying conclusion.
I pre-ordered this book and got it early in the mail, but I'm not an ARC reader for it or anything, at least as far as I was made aware. All opinions are completely my own.
A nice portion of this book's 200 pages were spent on people summarizing the events of the other books and the roles various characters played in those books, regardless of their importance on the present plot.
Benedict was tortured in the dungeons by illusions of rats and spiders, among other things. What those other things were, don't ask me. We're only ever told about the rats and spiders. Repeatedly.
Benedict tormented Beatrice when they were young, or so we are told at least once every chapter. He put slugs in her pockets and spiders in her hair. These are the only examples of the terrible torments ever given.
By the way, Benedict is handsome, often "infuriatingly" so. If you forget, don't worry. Beatrice will be sure to remind you. Every. Time. She sees him.
Idk if I'll continue this series. At this point, I'm only in it for Lord Cauvlyn's redemption arc, and these last two books hinder my trust that that will be handled well or brought to a satisfying conclusion.
I pre-ordered this book and got it early in the mail, but I'm not an ARC reader for it or anything, at least as far as I was made aware. All opinions are completely my own.
June 20, 2026
Absolutely wonderful
I’ve been waiting for this book, and it was worth the wait. Now all of Meg’s siblings have found their spouses and have had their stories told. Admittedly I know very little about Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, but like the other books in this series, as I fully expected I would, I loved the characters, plot, and world. It's a romantic comedy but with the extra plot gravity that fits with the tone of other books in this series. Beatrice and Benedict are the epitome of childhood enemies to adulthood lovers. Their relationship was a constant push and pull yet they both matured and grew together as the story progressed, making them a wonderful couple. The way the book ties to the first book’s Wild Fae Primrose while ending the war from the previous book made me so happy. Despite the shorter length compared to the previous books in the series, the story felt complete to me. Lord Chauvlin is really making me curious, and I hope we’ll eventually get his story.
The book is clean in language and no spice. I would highly recommend this book to readers looking for a quick read with compelling characters and plot, who also enjoy romantic comedies with stakes. Readers will likely want to have read earlier books in this series to avoid spoilers and gain maximum enjoyment of the world and cameos.
I’ve been waiting for this book, and it was worth the wait. Now all of Meg’s siblings have found their spouses and have had their stories told. Admittedly I know very little about Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, but like the other books in this series, as I fully expected I would, I loved the characters, plot, and world. It's a romantic comedy but with the extra plot gravity that fits with the tone of other books in this series. Beatrice and Benedict are the epitome of childhood enemies to adulthood lovers. Their relationship was a constant push and pull yet they both matured and grew together as the story progressed, making them a wonderful couple. The way the book ties to the first book’s Wild Fae Primrose while ending the war from the previous book made me so happy. Despite the shorter length compared to the previous books in the series, the story felt complete to me. Lord Chauvlin is really making me curious, and I hope we’ll eventually get his story.
The book is clean in language and no spice. I would highly recommend this book to readers looking for a quick read with compelling characters and plot, who also enjoy romantic comedies with stakes. Readers will likely want to have read earlier books in this series to avoid spoilers and gain maximum enjoyment of the world and cameos.
June 20, 2026
The pain of not being able to demonstrate growth
The first part of this book was so massively frustrating, cause since we were in his head, we knew he'd grown, matured, and wasn't human hating at all. But not being able to demonstrate that at all to Beatrice was just heartbreaking. I felt soooooo bad for him. But everything came together in the end for happy endings all around, like I knew they would. So amazing that Basil is the next head librarian. I mean, he needed to be, but it happened, yay. I still remember his and Meg's book best, despite how long it's been since I've read it, though I remember Brigid and Munch pretty well, too. I've forgotten the twins though. And I just adore how the courts are all characterized with Shakespeare.
The first part of this book was so massively frustrating, cause since we were in his head, we knew he'd grown, matured, and wasn't human hating at all. But not being able to demonstrate that at all to Beatrice was just heartbreaking. I felt soooooo bad for him. But everything came together in the end for happy endings all around, like I knew they would. So amazing that Basil is the next head librarian. I mean, he needed to be, but it happened, yay. I still remember his and Meg's book best, despite how long it's been since I've read it, though I remember Brigid and Munch pretty well, too. I've forgotten the twins though. And I just adore how the courts are all characterized with Shakespeare.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Tara Grayce's books and Much Ado About Nothing is my favorite of Shakespeare's comedies, so I was extremely excited to be able to pre-order Dance of Nothing and read it a little ahead of the official release date!
This book was exactly what I'd hoped for. All the witty banter from the original play is here, but the book is also distinctly its own thing and fits into Grayce's established fae world perfectly. I particularly loved this portrayal of Benedict and how he grew from childhood nemesis to dashing hero.
This book was exactly what I'd hoped for. All the witty banter from the original play is here, but the book is also distinctly its own thing and fits into Grayce's established fae world perfectly. I particularly loved this portrayal of Benedict and how he grew from childhood nemesis to dashing hero.
July 16, 2026
Humor, peril, and fates mates - a great book 4
I love the midsummer Mayhem series! This book is no exception. It’s humorous, especially with the library and its various cast of characters. The MC Beatrice wants to be promoted and so does her childhood nemesis, Benedict. They bicker, they get entangled, they work together. I loved how they introduced the thing he was seeking, and why. When a new head librarian will be chosen, we get some involvement from Basil and the family, with whom Beatrice lives. Overall, it was a very entertaining story.
I love the midsummer Mayhem series! This book is no exception. It’s humorous, especially with the library and its various cast of characters. The MC Beatrice wants to be promoted and so does her childhood nemesis, Benedict. They bicker, they get entangled, they work together. I loved how they introduced the thing he was seeking, and why. When a new head librarian will be chosen, we get some involvement from Basil and the family, with whom Beatrice lives. Overall, it was a very entertaining story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book! Beatrice and Benedict make sparks fly as they engage in witty banter and of course, fae trickery. I really loved how Benedict was humbled and this is his redemption story. Then Beatrice doing her best to prove herself and grow out of her siblings' shadows--it was perfect. The whole curse and fated bindings made an intriguing layer that was just fantastic. I read this book in one sitting, it was so good.
July 2, 2026
I decided to binge the series now that (I thought it was finished), but it's not. This is not a completed series. However, it doesn't end with a traditional cliffhanger. The story ends. But there are a ton of questions that I'm sure Tara will wrap up in the last book.
This is Meg's last sisters story, Beatrice. The banter between her and Benedict was amazing! I laughed so hard!! Such a sweet story!
This is Meg's last sisters story, Beatrice. The banter between her and Benedict was amazing! I laughed so hard!! Such a sweet story!
July 7, 2026
Tara Grayce is such a delight with her take on Shakespearean plays like this one, very loosely based on Much Ado About Nothing.
Beatrice and her childhood nemesis Benedict go from enemies to fated mates. You get to try to save The Great Library, bookworms, magic pockets, banter, pranks, and much more.
Court of Midsummer Mayhem is such a fun series to read. I missed Puck, but he was probably causing trouble elsewhere. 5 stars.
Beatrice and her childhood nemesis Benedict go from enemies to fated mates. You get to try to save The Great Library, bookworms, magic pockets, banter, pranks, and much more.
Court of Midsummer Mayhem is such a fun series to read. I missed Puck, but he was probably causing trouble elsewhere. 5 stars.
June 20, 2026
fated mates
This is hands down, the best fated mates book I’ve ever read. Most of the time I can’t stand the trope, because the characters seem forced to “be in love”, but Tara Grayce gives her characters a choice! I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just leave it at that. I love this series and this was a perfect continuation of the series. I can’t wait for the next one!
This is hands down, the best fated mates book I’ve ever read. Most of the time I can’t stand the trope, because the characters seem forced to “be in love”, but Tara Grayce gives her characters a choice! I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just leave it at that. I love this series and this was a perfect continuation of the series. I can’t wait for the next one!
July 1, 2026
Such a fun adventure!
Tara Grayce does it again, by bringing her wonderfully, humor-filled take on this version of Much Ado About Nothing! I loved getting to watch Beatrice and Benedict go from enemies to fated mates! Their banter is so fun, as are all the pranks they play! Watching their friendship develop was very well done. And I can’t wait to see them again in later installments!
Tara Grayce does it again, by bringing her wonderfully, humor-filled take on this version of Much Ado About Nothing! I loved getting to watch Beatrice and Benedict go from enemies to fated mates! Their banter is so fun, as are all the pranks they play! Watching their friendship develop was very well done. And I can’t wait to see them again in later installments!
September 8, 2026
Midsummer mayhem
Benedict had tormented Beatrice as a child but during his imprisonment and torture he rethought his life and regretted his meanness. Beatrice was horrified when the library declared that they were fated mates. However all was not as it seemed. Fun clean read with a HEA
Benedict had tormented Beatrice as a child but during his imprisonment and torture he rethought his life and regretted his meanness. Beatrice was horrified when the library declared that they were fated mates. However all was not as it seemed. Fun clean read with a HEA
June 26, 2026
I really loved reading this wonderful book! I loved the characters and the plot! I had a hard time putting this wonderful book down! I am really looking forward to reading the next book in this wonderful series!
August 22, 2026
always fun!
Ok I love Tara Grace and I love Shakespeare so mashing them together is just a hoot. This series touches on all my favorites from his plays while adding a modern day fairy tale feel. Read & have fun!
Ok I love Tara Grace and I love Shakespeare so mashing them together is just a hoot. This series touches on all my favorites from his plays while adding a modern day fairy tale feel. Read & have fun!
June 20, 2026
Great book!
I’ve been looking forward to this book, and I loved reading it! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I’ve been looking forward to this book, and I loved reading it! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
June 21, 2026
A family of librarians
Love how the last of the family finds her way and we get insight into how all of them are doing. I have really enjoyed the journey!
Love how the last of the family finds her way and we get insight into how all of them are doing. I have really enjoyed the journey!
July 2, 2026
Love the Shakespeare references, the characters, and the world. Imo, it's a brilliant mix of the cruel fae and their bargains, but also a bunch of solid, green flag characters.
July 18, 2026
frienemys
Interesting storyline. Great characters. Clean. Emotional. This is a series but can stand alone. This writer can always be counted on to deliver great reading.
Interesting storyline. Great characters. Clean. Emotional. This is a series but can stand alone. This writer can always be counted on to deliver great reading.
August 17, 2026
A great story
I loved this enemies to mates story. It was a wonderful twist and a great read from one of my favorite authors.
I loved this enemies to mates story. It was a wonderful twist and a great read from one of my favorite authors.
September 6, 2026
A fun re-read! I like the audio just as much as when I read it as an ebook.
October 3, 2026
Another great book in this series. I loved the romance between Benedict and Beatrice. And I loved the inclusion of all the familiar characters from the previous books. Can’t wait for the next story.
July 16, 2026
I realize that Court of Midsummer Mayhem is far from Grayce’s most popular series, however, it is possibly my favorite series by her. I absolutely loved this enemies to lovers and seeing Beatrice find her HEA after all her family has been through. The beauty of adding the revel and a dashing rescue mission was so well done. I’m sad that it seems this series may be coming to an end now that the family have found their HEAs but I think it will forever remain one of my top ten with the incredible retellings of classics that you rarely see in a fantastical setting. I also love how Grayce managed to have cameos from most the CoMM characters and especially, the bookwyrms of the Great Library!
July 2, 2026
Did not disappoint! I love all the world building and it's consistenty in the series. We got to see Daisy the dog for a small moment. And I really hope Chauvlyn gets a redemption arc before the end of the series!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews