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The Steel of the Wicked Heart
I was under the Dusk King’s protection… until the Night Court proved it meant nothing.Kai left me behind in his perfectly guarded castle safe, contained, and more alone than ever.
Then I woke up bound, trapped, and deep in Night Court territory.
They didn’t ask questions.
They didn’t make threats.
They already knew what they wanted from me.
I wasn’t a prisoner.
I was a sacrifice.
Too bad for them… I don’t break that easily.
I escaped.
And when Kai found me, something between us had changed.
The way he looked at me like I was his to protect.
The way my body reacted like it already knew him.
Like whatever was pulling us together wasn’t something either of us could stop.
Now we’re racing back to the Dusk Court with enemies closing in, secrets unraveling, and a bond neither of us is ready to face because the moon is breaking.
Whatever is coming with it won’t just destroy kingdoms…
It will destroy us.
Read this fated mate, dark romance with a sassy Southern heroine and a vicious stoic king who killed for his throne and will kill for her. Perfect for readers who love touch her and die, grumpy sunshine, who did this to you, found family, and antagonists to lovers.
Then I woke up bound, trapped, and deep in Night Court territory.
They didn’t ask questions.
They didn’t make threats.
They already knew what they wanted from me.
I wasn’t a prisoner.
I was a sacrifice.
Too bad for them… I don’t break that easily.
I escaped.
And when Kai found me, something between us had changed.
The way he looked at me like I was his to protect.
The way my body reacted like it already knew him.
Like whatever was pulling us together wasn’t something either of us could stop.
Now we’re racing back to the Dusk Court with enemies closing in, secrets unraveling, and a bond neither of us is ready to face because the moon is breaking.
Whatever is coming with it won’t just destroy kingdoms…
It will destroy us.
Read this fated mate, dark romance with a sassy Southern heroine and a vicious stoic king who killed for his throne and will kill for her. Perfect for readers who love touch her and die, grumpy sunshine, who did this to you, found family, and antagonists to lovers.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
About the author
Jen L. Grey
108 books3,968 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author
Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.
My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.
I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.
I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
I am so pleased that you stopped by my page! Please feel free to follow or contact me at the following pages -
email - authorjenlgrey@gmail.com
website and newsletter - www.jenlgrey.com
bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-l...
amazon - amazon.com/author/jenlgrey
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorjenlgrey
facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/13863...
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twitter - https://www.twitter.com/authorjenlgrey
Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.
My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that's what I'm inclined to write.
I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I've lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.
I'm extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.
I am so pleased that you stopped by my page! Please feel free to follow or contact me at the following pages -
email - authorjenlgrey@gmail.com
website and newsletter - www.jenlgrey.com
bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jen-l...
amazon - amazon.com/author/jenlgrey
facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authorjenlgrey
facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/13863...
instagram - https://www.instagram.com/authorjenlgrey
twitter - https://www.twitter.com/authorjenlgrey
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 22, 2026
This is such a fun and easy going series. Hannah is hilarious, Kai is brooding, and I need Kai to stop being such a cranky ass so that Hannah will open up to him. We didn’t get much plot development in this but it was still a funny and light story that I devoured.
May 1, 2026
There was a traitor in the Dusk Cout. Hannah had been drugged, tightly bound and thrown over the back of a caribou. Cruelly dumped in a tent still bound and gagged until the Night General entered. She’d been brought to the Blood Basin to scarified as the last Aureline fae needed to finalize King Bram’s plan to destroy the Aurela, Dusk and Day Courts to bring them under his control.
So, the story continues as we begin…
A race against time, a battle against a man who would rule over all the land no matter the cost. A young woman hidden for years in a human world with no idea of who she was or the world she had been taken from. Returned to a world she never knew existed, she’d find herself at the center of a war, a conspiracy and a love that wouldn’t be bound. A King who fought for his people, against a pull of his mate until he couldn’t and against a mad man who was once a friend. Time was running out as the skies began to darken. The Aurela Court had been held in slumber, the Day Court gone and the Dusk Court had a traitor that won’t be found until too late.
There is action, danger, suspense, and mystery jam packed in this world of fae and shifters, there is love, friendship and villainy. And in the end Kai, King of the Dusk Court, will realize that Hannah is more than his mate, she may well be the key to saving their world. This is the second in a series by Jen L. Grey that brings us to a world so uniquely different from our own, whose characters we can connect with as we watch them face conflict, share friendship, love follow a journey that isn’t always easy. In this one she even gives us justice we don’t often get in our unreliable justice system, when Hannah faces a foe and gets retribution.
Jen L. Grey opens worlds we might never imagine, taking us on dangerous journeys in a world full of imagination all while sharing stories we can fall into again and again. This is the second book in the series and ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger. I highly recommend reading this series and can’t wait to see what she holds in store for the rest of this tale.
So, the story continues as we begin…
A race against time, a battle against a man who would rule over all the land no matter the cost. A young woman hidden for years in a human world with no idea of who she was or the world she had been taken from. Returned to a world she never knew existed, she’d find herself at the center of a war, a conspiracy and a love that wouldn’t be bound. A King who fought for his people, against a pull of his mate until he couldn’t and against a mad man who was once a friend. Time was running out as the skies began to darken. The Aurela Court had been held in slumber, the Day Court gone and the Dusk Court had a traitor that won’t be found until too late.
There is action, danger, suspense, and mystery jam packed in this world of fae and shifters, there is love, friendship and villainy. And in the end Kai, King of the Dusk Court, will realize that Hannah is more than his mate, she may well be the key to saving their world. This is the second in a series by Jen L. Grey that brings us to a world so uniquely different from our own, whose characters we can connect with as we watch them face conflict, share friendship, love follow a journey that isn’t always easy. In this one she even gives us justice we don’t often get in our unreliable justice system, when Hannah faces a foe and gets retribution.
Jen L. Grey opens worlds we might never imagine, taking us on dangerous journeys in a world full of imagination all while sharing stories we can fall into again and again. This is the second book in the series and ends on a nail-biting cliffhanger. I highly recommend reading this series and can’t wait to see what she holds in store for the rest of this tale.
May 11, 2026
Steel of the Wicked Heart picks right up where the previous book left off, with Hannah kidnapped. One thing I like about Hannah is that she's nothing if not resourceful. She was in a horrible situation, but she refused to give up. Hannah fights with wits, weapons, and a lot of snark. I like her snarky attitude, but hate her sheer stubbornness. There were too many times when that stubbornness could have cost her. Kai was less horrible this time around. Hannah is making him regret pretty much all of his life choices, and I mean that in more ways than one. Ha, ha! His attitude towards her has finally taken a turn, and it's about time because this slow burn was a little frigid. Pun intended. Ha!
I liked the plot of this book better than the first. There was more action and more danger. The underground maze was incredibly creepy, in ways I can't even begin to describe. It was a unique experience. Jen dropped some pretty decent clues, including what King Bram is really up to. But now I have questions. Who is the Night General? And the biggest question of all: what role does Hannah play in this? The cliffhanger was an incredible plot twist. What it means for the next book, I don't know, but I look forward to finding out.
I liked the plot of this book better than the first. There was more action and more danger. The underground maze was incredibly creepy, in ways I can't even begin to describe. It was a unique experience. Jen dropped some pretty decent clues, including what King Bram is really up to. But now I have questions. Who is the Night General? And the biggest question of all: what role does Hannah play in this? The cliffhanger was an incredible plot twist. What it means for the next book, I don't know, but I look forward to finding out.
May 15, 2026
Book two of the Fae Spark Trilogy picks up exactly where the first book ends. Hannah has been kidnapped by a traitor inside the court and turned over to the Night King’s general for sacrifice. Kai is frantic to rescue her and this starts a roller coaster ride towards a catastrophic cliff hanger.
I love Kai and Hannah but did get a little frustrated by the games they play, even though their bonds deepen through the book. Can they just be adults and have a conversation already? Despite this, the book does really expand the scope of the plot with lots of interesting developments and hints about Hannah’s true nature. The breathtaking solumbra eagle was a favorite of mine.
The secondary characters are well drawn and interesting. The enigmatic Night General is someone I really need to know more about. Ashren and Thea are still delightful as they dance around each other and try to keep their attraction hidden. The baddies get some of their due in a cringe-worthy scene where Hannah gets cut-throat and shows that she really knows how to hit a potential rapist where it hurts.
The cliffhanger is jaw-dropping and left me needing the next book, stat. I can’t wait to see where Jen L. Grey goes with the story! I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Kai and Hannah but did get a little frustrated by the games they play, even though their bonds deepen through the book. Can they just be adults and have a conversation already? Despite this, the book does really expand the scope of the plot with lots of interesting developments and hints about Hannah’s true nature. The breathtaking solumbra eagle was a favorite of mine.
The secondary characters are well drawn and interesting. The enigmatic Night General is someone I really need to know more about. Ashren and Thea are still delightful as they dance around each other and try to keep their attraction hidden. The baddies get some of their due in a cringe-worthy scene where Hannah gets cut-throat and shows that she really knows how to hit a potential rapist where it hurts.
The cliffhanger is jaw-dropping and left me needing the next book, stat. I can’t wait to see where Jen L. Grey goes with the story! I read an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2026
Picking up where the last book left off, Hannah has found herself kidnapped and on the way to the Night Court. They are keeping her alive…for now. But what could they want with her? But the last thing Hannah is is a victim. And she’ll save herself before letting anyone hurt her. Doesn’t mean someone isn’t coming after her though… Kai may be trying hard to push down the feelings that come with the mate bond, but it’s harder to justify why. For what he feels for Hannah is very strong. And he knows he will have to tell her soon what she is to him. But first, he needs to go after her. As the two of them fight their way home to the Dusk Court, they start to realize there is a lot more going on here than they realize. And can they stop it before it is too late? The story continues! Hannah is still a sassy strong heroine who won’t make anything for Kai. And I love it! She’s fearless and not afraid to stand up for herself. She’s definitely not afraid to pushback. And Kai has definitely found his match. But can he finally tell her what he feels toward her? Another crazy cliffhanger and I’m excited to see how this series ends!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2026
Kai and Hannah are back…
This one picks up right where book one left off. Of course I get this arc during a super insane week when all I want to do is read. I mean come on. Kai and Hannah’s banter is still top notch. Hannah does not like to be “placed on hold” and Kai is finally coming to terms with his feelings.
However, there is a traitor in the castle and the Dust court has multiple enemies in blind spots making it hard to keep Hannah safe and the Dusk court safe. Along with the many obstacles the land is going to throw at them during this book.
Like always Jen keeps you on the edge of your seat with each page you turn. I’m looking for to book 3 I need to know how they are getting out of that cliffhanger!
I received this as an arc for an honest review 🖤
This one picks up right where book one left off. Of course I get this arc during a super insane week when all I want to do is read. I mean come on. Kai and Hannah’s banter is still top notch. Hannah does not like to be “placed on hold” and Kai is finally coming to terms with his feelings.
However, there is a traitor in the castle and the Dust court has multiple enemies in blind spots making it hard to keep Hannah safe and the Dusk court safe. Along with the many obstacles the land is going to throw at them during this book.
Like always Jen keeps you on the edge of your seat with each page you turn. I’m looking for to book 3 I need to know how they are getting out of that cliffhanger!
I received this as an arc for an honest review 🖤
June 6, 2026
Disappointed
So much time wasted in the book. So many unnecessary things happening. The cave took way longer than needed. I swear all of Kais chapters were the exact same thing. Hannah started off fun and sassy in book 1. Book 2 she annoys me soo much. Just let her get sacrificed already. At this point I am no longer interested in the story because there really is none. In the first it seemed like the tree and the box were important but after the first chapter it was forgotten. The eagle seemed to know her but only showed up once and again gone. It seems like the author has a ton of lose ends to tie up which are going to be jammed into the last book essentially negating the need for book 2. Another useless filler book that didnt need to be written.
So much time wasted in the book. So many unnecessary things happening. The cave took way longer than needed. I swear all of Kais chapters were the exact same thing. Hannah started off fun and sassy in book 1. Book 2 she annoys me soo much. Just let her get sacrificed already. At this point I am no longer interested in the story because there really is none. In the first it seemed like the tree and the box were important but after the first chapter it was forgotten. The eagle seemed to know her but only showed up once and again gone. It seems like the author has a ton of lose ends to tie up which are going to be jammed into the last book essentially negating the need for book 2. Another useless filler book that didnt need to be written.
May 6, 2026
Kai and Hannah are back and oh boy do they have more of mess than the last. He is fighting the bond, she gets taken again, there is more danger, enemies, attacks, emotions, and more. This book takes you from one twist to next, and nothing is left to chance. These two and what they discover gives you more questions and a few answers but the emotions, action, and all the danger keeps you the edge, with and ending that will leave you hanging to the next. I so can't wait to to waht happens in the next.
May 6, 2026
I love Hannah and Kai. The thing I love the most about Hannah is that she does not wait for a man to rescue her. She does it on her own. After being kidnapped by the Night Court,, Hannah finds an unusual ally in their camp. This ally helped her get away and basically told her where to go and how to get there. Kai is still being an idiot and not telling her that they are mates. He seems to want to wait until everything is perfect before he can tell her which is probably never going to happen. I will definitely read the next book in a series.
May 6, 2026
Outstanding!!
Hannah and Kai have my undivided attention!!! The next book cannot get here fast enough, I truly am going to have this book in my head until it gets here!! The cliffhanger is !!!!!!!! How can we leave them there????? Definitely read the first book as you will need the info in that book for this one , then jump on over into this one, don’t wait!! I’ll be biting my nails until my preorder of the third book gets here …… definitely get this series!!
Hannah and Kai have my undivided attention!!! The next book cannot get here fast enough, I truly am going to have this book in my head until it gets here!! The cliffhanger is !!!!!!!! How can we leave them there????? Definitely read the first book as you will need the info in that book for this one , then jump on over into this one, don’t wait!! I’ll be biting my nails until my preorder of the third book gets here …… definitely get this series!!
May 27, 2026
Like the last one, the escape scenes were definitely the best. I think this author writes a prison break quite well. I found the book dragging a bit in the second half, and the scene with her cooking grilled cheese in the middle of the ball was pretty weird (they seemed to recognize the concept of toast but not grilled cheese? And it’s strange to pull out a bunch of skillets in the middle of a party)
May 29, 2026
Jen always our does herself each book. If you’re looking for a book to gobble up and characters to fall in love with, this is the book for you! Hannah and Kai do not disappoint, and the slow burn you get from each of Jen’s books are *chef’s kiss!* the imagination throughout this, the twists and turns you’re in for? A perfect pool read that allows you to escape the real world and fall into this space. I can’t believe I have to wait for the next one.
May 3, 2026
Holy Cliffhanger Batman!
Well, that was a fantastic middle book! Not a second of downtime and then a cliffhanger. Alas, the final book is not yet out and I must wait to complete my reading of the tale of Hannah and Kai.
Well, that was a fantastic middle book! Not a second of downtime and then a cliffhanger. Alas, the final book is not yet out and I must wait to complete my reading of the tale of Hannah and Kai.
May 7, 2026
Hold onto your bum! This is a fast paced second book that won’t disappoint. While the first book was good this one is even better. I highly recommend this series and am anxiously awaiting the final book.
May 7, 2026
The perfect moment never arrived
I. Couldn't put it down & don't know when the 3rd book will be available. I hate the wait. The story is still amazing & still find all of the characters delightful. Pls don't make me wait too long.
I. Couldn't put it down & don't know when the 3rd book will be available. I hate the wait. The story is still amazing & still find all of the characters delightful. Pls don't make me wait too long.
May 16, 2026
Lots of oh no moments and snappy dialogue
For pity’s sake, Kai just needs to stop his waffling and talk to Hannah! Pretty sure she is the breath of fresh air he needs. And what a cliffhanger! Never wanted time to go so fast!
For pity’s sake, Kai just needs to stop his waffling and talk to Hannah! Pretty sure she is the breath of fresh air he needs. And what a cliffhanger! Never wanted time to go so fast!
May 27, 2026
Slow Buuurnnn !
This series is excellent and I’ve been completely consumed. Quirky, funny, and oh so mysterious - ugh I can’t wait for the finale. It’s going to be a long couple f months.
This series is excellent and I’ve been completely consumed. Quirky, funny, and oh so mysterious - ugh I can’t wait for the finale. It’s going to be a long couple f months.
May 29, 2026
This “romance” makes me want to gag. Literally, as soon as they kissed I felt like I was reading two cousins kissing.
I was holding out hope the Night General was going to be the main romantic lead. But I can’t get through any more.
DNF 79%
I was holding out hope the Night General was going to be the main romantic lead. But I can’t get through any more.
DNF 79%
May 31, 2026
Awesome
I live the main characters and their friends, its a great story like the first book and can't wait for the last one.( hope it doesn't take to long) I would recommend to anyone, I gave it a five rating because its a good story
I live the main characters and their friends, its a great story like the first book and can't wait for the last one.( hope it doesn't take to long) I would recommend to anyone, I gave it a five rating because its a good story
June 3, 2026
Hannah and Kai have my undivided attention. Their story is so much fun quirky and exciting. Hannah isn't one to be left alone to be a sacrifice so she escapes and runs into Kai and something is different. Also that cliffhanger why I really need bk 3 soon to see how it is resolved.
June 16, 2026
AAAAHHHHHHH!
OMG! I thought there was at least another small paragraph but nope, nada, zilch, nothing…That cliffhanger is, is, so, so, I have no words. AHH!!
But anywho…I love Hanna’s “squirrel” moments and reminding herself to focus. She so easily distracted. ADHD a bit maybe. 😂
OMG! I thought there was at least another small paragraph but nope, nada, zilch, nothing…That cliffhanger is, is, so, so, I have no words. AHH!!
But anywho…I love Hanna’s “squirrel” moments and reminding herself to focus. She so easily distracted. ADHD a bit maybe. 😂
May 14, 2026
Oh no!
Jen, how can you do this to us? Your writing immersed me and just when you think Kai and Hannah will connect...boom! I cannot wait to read the next book.
Jen, how can you do this to us? Your writing immersed me and just when you think Kai and Hannah will connect...boom! I cannot wait to read the next book.
May 21, 2026
Very well written
This series is so good the characters are believable and well written.
And the story line just keeps you wanting more.
This series is so good the characters are believable and well written.
And the story line just keeps you wanting more.
June 19, 2026
Can't wait
I read the first two in 3 days. Loved them. Can't wait until August, it will be a long wait
I read the first two in 3 days. Loved them. Can't wait until August, it will be a long wait
July 11, 2026
Number 2 of the trilogy: fast-paced, funny, great characters, and lots of action.
July 12, 2026
I wish these books would be a little bit longer because I really like the characters. Still haven’t told her what she is to him and no spice is no fun lol
May 10, 2026
I really enjoyed the first book and I was excited to start reading this. Book two is even better than the first. It’s fast paced and I flew through this in one sitting it’s that good. Action, danger, suspense, slow burn fated mates and a traitor in their mist that I was screaming at.
Hannah is strong, sassy and definitely no damsel in distress which I love about her.
Kai stop taking the leaves! Lol
I have so many questions and I can’t wait for the next book to see how this all wraps up!
Hannah is strong, sassy and definitely no damsel in distress which I love about her.
Kai stop taking the leaves! Lol
I have so many questions and I can’t wait for the next book to see how this all wraps up!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews