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Unsurvivable Love Duet #1
The Emperor's Enemy
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26When the hunter is hunted… who becomes prey?
The Emperor’s Enemy is an addictive true enemies-to-lovers dark romantasy with a heroine who doesn’t need saving, an enemy she can’t escape, and a war neither of them plans to lose.
Welcome to the Unsurvivable Love Duet, the all-new series by Jasmine Mas, bestselling author of Blood of Hercules.
Zora Ravenal didn’t join the Crimson Army to be a hero. She joined to destroy the empire.
A skilled hunter hardened by loss with a concerning capacity for stubbornness, Zora claws her way into becoming a Knight Mage: the Commonwealth’s deadliest defense against the Empire’s storm magic and her people’s only hope.
It almost works.
Now she’s stuck in a war she can’t walk away from, hiding dangerous secrets, and shoved into very close quarters with the one man she should never be alone with.
He’s a Royal Mage with a body count, a temper, and an unsettling obsession… with her.
Now they’re partners.
Sort of.
If “partners” means being forced to train together, trust each other with their lives, and somehow not kill each other in the process.
But the Royal Mage isn’t just dangerous—he’s paying attention. And the longer they’re forced to remain in each other’s orbit, the more twisted everything becomes. Who’s hunting who?
Perfect if you love:
• True enemies-to-lovers
• Sarcastic banter
• A spicy slow burn
• Touch her and die
• Female rage
• A shocking twist you will NOT see coming
The Emperor’s Enemy is an addictive true enemies-to-lovers dark romantasy with a heroine who doesn’t need saving, an enemy she can’t escape, and a war neither of them plans to lose.
Welcome to the Unsurvivable Love Duet, the all-new series by Jasmine Mas, bestselling author of Blood of Hercules.
Zora Ravenal didn’t join the Crimson Army to be a hero. She joined to destroy the empire.
A skilled hunter hardened by loss with a concerning capacity for stubbornness, Zora claws her way into becoming a Knight Mage: the Commonwealth’s deadliest defense against the Empire’s storm magic and her people’s only hope.
It almost works.
Now she’s stuck in a war she can’t walk away from, hiding dangerous secrets, and shoved into very close quarters with the one man she should never be alone with.
He’s a Royal Mage with a body count, a temper, and an unsettling obsession… with her.
Now they’re partners.
Sort of.
If “partners” means being forced to train together, trust each other with their lives, and somehow not kill each other in the process.
But the Royal Mage isn’t just dangerous—he’s paying attention. And the longer they’re forced to remain in each other’s orbit, the more twisted everything becomes. Who’s hunting who?
Perfect if you love:
• True enemies-to-lovers
• Sarcastic banter
• A spicy slow burn
• Touch her and die
• Female rage
• A shocking twist you will NOT see coming
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 15, 2026
About the author
Jasmine Mas
12 books11.7k followersJASMINE MAS is a New York Times bestselling author of fantasy romance. Her books have been translated into over 20 languages. She has a degree in ancient Greco-Roman classical studies from Georgetown University who spends all her free time writing about strong women in magical worlds. She loves connecting with readers on TikTok and Instagram at @jasminemasbooks.
Join her newsletter at blog.jasminemasbooks.com for early access and perks. Her website is jasminemasbooks.com
Join her newsletter at blog.jasminemasbooks.com for early access and perks. Her website is jasminemasbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
Want to Read
January 29, 2026I NEED THIS NOW
July 9, 2026
A wicked man, a lucky lucky girl, and an owl walk into a bar(rack)…
At the start I was a little nervous that this was just going to be Psycho Shifters/ Blood of Hercules in a different font, but I am very happy to report this is NOT the case.
We do get to see the author’s writing style shine though — which is why I loved her previous books. There is a very strong willed expressive FMC, and we also have a hilarious animal side kick with the best one liners. But the rest is unique.
We have TRUE enemies to lovers — a few fatal attempts actually. And YEARRRRRNING. Dear lorddd. It feels like the slowest slow burn because I couldn’t wait, the anticipation was intense. Each page I flipped I hoped they’d get sweaty if ya know what I mean.
The story had a perfect blend of mystery where the FMC (and the reader) are in the dark, and only discovering things in time. I didn’t expect any of the twists, but that may be due to the fact I was so focused on the attraction and interactions instead of the world building aspect.
The banter and hate flirting are *chef’s kiss*
It’s hard to say if I enjoyed the back and forth more, or Squire’s commentary (helpful)
I read an ARC from the publisher, but these are my honest thoughts and reactions. It’s definitely one of my top reads this year, and I’m already dreaming about the next book.
At the start I was a little nervous that this was just going to be Psycho Shifters/ Blood of Hercules in a different font, but I am very happy to report this is NOT the case.
We do get to see the author’s writing style shine though — which is why I loved her previous books. There is a very strong willed expressive FMC, and we also have a hilarious animal side kick with the best one liners. But the rest is unique.
We have TRUE enemies to lovers — a few fatal attempts actually. And YEARRRRRNING. Dear lorddd. It feels like the slowest slow burn because I couldn’t wait, the anticipation was intense. Each page I flipped I hoped they’d get sweaty if ya know what I mean.
The story had a perfect blend of mystery where the FMC (and the reader) are in the dark, and only discovering things in time. I didn’t expect any of the twists, but that may be due to the fact I was so focused on the attraction and interactions instead of the world building aspect.
The banter and hate flirting are *chef’s kiss*
It’s hard to say if I enjoyed the back and forth more, or Squire’s commentary (helpful)
I read an ARC from the publisher, but these are my honest thoughts and reactions. It’s definitely one of my top reads this year, and I’m already dreaming about the next book.
remind-me-once-out
March 13, 2026Medusa? Is this thou?
Read
March 10, 2026Edit 3/10/2026: So she changed the blurb, and now it's clear that this will be a throuple romance. Thank god, if she was going to make this monogamous, I was going to cry a river of tears. Also, what kind of name for an assassin is Tarantula?
I'm confused about whether the romance in this book is a throuple (MFM, MMF), a reverse harem, or just monogamous.
I know its likely either monogamous or a throuple romance. Because the special edition and art inside the special edition only includes the emperor and the main character, but the blurb talks about the emperor guy sending an assassin called the tarantula to get her, and maybe she's also going to end up with the assassin as well?
All in all, we already have enough 2 people relationship books, and I'm begging for this to not be another.
I'm confused about whether the romance in this book is a throuple (MFM, MMF), a reverse harem, or just monogamous.
I know its likely either monogamous or a throuple romance. Because the special edition and art inside the special edition only includes the emperor and the main character, but the blurb talks about the emperor guy sending an assassin called the tarantula to get her, and maybe she's also going to end up with the assassin as well?
All in all, we already have enough 2 people relationship books, and I'm begging for this to not be another.
Currently Reading
June 28, 2026I WOULD LITERALLY SELL MY SOUL FOR AN ARC. IM NOT EVEN PLAYING RN
just read the first two chapters and all I can say is...........how AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT TILL SEPTEMBER FOR THIS JFSKHJSJHGJHJHGJSH
I was so SUCKED IN from the get-go, and couldn't look away from the screen at all. each chapter ended off on a mini cliffhanger, leaving me wanting more each time. We were thrown right into the action right from the start, and my heart was beating so quick.
this is also giving a very very fresh world building & magic system, with the Royal Mages and Wielders; along with an interesting take on magical deadly trials!
I'm loving the FMC already, she's giving broody, witty, snarky, and her plot is also very intriguing, I can't wait to learn more!!!!!!!
and the MMC? a spider-man-in human form-ish? AND HIS NAME IS TARANTULA. what a hottie.
they already hate each other so much from the moment they met, and I just know that the enemies to lovers will EAT SO HARD.
1. she punched his face first thing, and his reply was "Harder" 2. she stabbed him in the gut because she thought he was flirting with her, and HE SMILED.
JFSLJKLKGJDLJLKGJDLDG WOW
just read the first two chapters and all I can say is...........how AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT TILL SEPTEMBER FOR THIS JFSKHJSJHGJHJHGJSH
I was so SUCKED IN from the get-go, and couldn't look away from the screen at all. each chapter ended off on a mini cliffhanger, leaving me wanting more each time. We were thrown right into the action right from the start, and my heart was beating so quick.
this is also giving a very very fresh world building & magic system, with the Royal Mages and Wielders; along with an interesting take on magical deadly trials!
I'm loving the FMC already, she's giving broody, witty, snarky, and her plot is also very intriguing, I can't wait to learn more!!!!!!!
and the MMC? a spider-man-in human form-ish? AND HIS NAME IS TARANTULA. what a hottie.
they already hate each other so much from the moment they met, and I just know that the enemies to lovers will EAT SO HARD.
1. she punched his face first thing, and his reply was "Harder" 2. she stabbed him in the gut because she thought he was flirting with her, and HE SMILED.
JFSLJKLKGJDLJLKGJDLDG WOW
Want to Read
January 28, 2026New dark and unhinged romantasy from Jasmine Mas? Yes, please!
July 3, 2026
Holy sh*t was this good.
Do you like your men bloody, slutty, and pathetic?
Do you support wrongs against men?
Do you live for men who are feral, who are deeply, ferociously obsessed?
Do you yearn for true, deep, passionate enemies to lovers?
Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on The Emperor’s Enemy.
I loved Blood of Hercules. Jasmine Mas’s writing has always struck the perfect balance of hilarious, campy, smart, and heartfelt. All of that is here, only somehow, impossibly, even better.
Zora is the epitome of a idealist out to save the world, someone with a true moral compass and deep-seeded sense of purpose. Skeptical of men, protective of her loved ones. Self-sacrificing but in a way that never feels foolish. Brilliant and bold and powerful and yet still, somehow, so human.
With Tarantula (yes, this spidery MMC is named Tarantula), she meets her match it someone who maybe likes her power over him a bit too much. I can not possibly stress enough how well the psycho simp archetype works here. If you have not read a pathetic, down bad, feral, slutty MMC before oh boy, are you in for a treat.
Also:
🦉 The absolute PERFECT animal familiar. Squire had some of the absolute best lines. Jasmine Mas’s animals are so elite
⛈️ A magic system and world that feels so original—it was giving the perfect bit of SciFi/Mad Max
💧 Old English dialogue from the MMC that may seem silly at first but omg the way it eventually hits—pure, perfect camp
⚔️ Friends that positively shine, in all their screen time
❄️ All the best tropes: forced proximity, only one bed/
horse, “mine,” “who did this to you?!”
🔥 Spice that trulyyyy feeds you
🍴 Fork based violence (somehow a sign of my favorite books, apparently)
🐎 Plot twists that WORK, even if you’ll see several of them coming
I could go on and on. There isn’t another book I can think of, quite like this one. Please preorder it, I fear you need it.
10/10, Jasmine Mas. I can not WAIT for the sequel.
Thank you, HTP / MIRA for the eARC!
Do you like your men bloody, slutty, and pathetic?
Do you support wrongs against men?
Do you live for men who are feral, who are deeply, ferociously obsessed?
Do you yearn for true, deep, passionate enemies to lovers?
Run, don’t walk, to get your hands on The Emperor’s Enemy.
I loved Blood of Hercules. Jasmine Mas’s writing has always struck the perfect balance of hilarious, campy, smart, and heartfelt. All of that is here, only somehow, impossibly, even better.
Zora is the epitome of a idealist out to save the world, someone with a true moral compass and deep-seeded sense of purpose. Skeptical of men, protective of her loved ones. Self-sacrificing but in a way that never feels foolish. Brilliant and bold and powerful and yet still, somehow, so human.
With Tarantula (yes, this spidery MMC is named Tarantula), she meets her match it someone who maybe likes her power over him a bit too much. I can not possibly stress enough how well the psycho simp archetype works here. If you have not read a pathetic, down bad, feral, slutty MMC before oh boy, are you in for a treat.
Also:
🦉 The absolute PERFECT animal familiar. Squire had some of the absolute best lines. Jasmine Mas’s animals are so elite
⛈️ A magic system and world that feels so original—it was giving the perfect bit of SciFi/Mad Max
💧 Old English dialogue from the MMC that may seem silly at first but omg the way it eventually hits—pure, perfect camp
⚔️ Friends that positively shine, in all their screen time
❄️ All the best tropes: forced proximity, only one bed/
horse, “mine,” “who did this to you?!”
🔥 Spice that trulyyyy feeds you
🍴 Fork based violence (somehow a sign of my favorite books, apparently)
🐎 Plot twists that WORK, even if you’ll see several of them coming
I could go on and on. There isn’t another book I can think of, quite like this one. Please preorder it, I fear you need it.
10/10, Jasmine Mas. I can not WAIT for the sequel.
Thank you, HTP / MIRA for the eARC!
July 6, 2026
Uhhh wow okay this was something. Definitely not the something I was expecting. I liked Villains of Lore so I was very excited for this.
This kind of gave me irresistible urge to fall for your enemy vibes. Even down to the chapter titles. Which I feel like it’s of those you books you either like it or you don’t. In this case I felt like this was trying too hard to hit all the tropes so I didn’t end up enjoying it. The characters recited things over in the dialogue in parentheses to reiterate their feelings which kind of took me out of the moment (not helpful). That as a reader we were reminded over and over how funny and angry and sarcastic (sarcastic see I was sarcastic) the characters were that the story became muddled. At times I felt like maybe I was missing something almost like I was reading a fan fiction without knowing the previous fandom at all.
I couldn’t get a good sense of the world building, magic system or why there was a war. There were helicopters, magic, snowboarding, old English phrases, swords and dragons. It was chaotic, there wasn’t really a plot but things were happening and we need to care. The archaic language felt jarring and weird to me. Im not sure why it was added but I personally didn’t think it add anything important to the story plot besides maybe helping you remember they were from a different area. See they are different, obviously they talk funny (haha they talk funny). I usually enjoy banter and internal monologue but this felt so internal that it felt like there were only two characters in the entire story. It was a very much tell you not show you story. Also the timeline felt super disjointed by the end I kind of understood everything but at the same time it just felt like I didn’t care because even the characters didn’t seem to care either. Everyone was as just like yeah sure that makes total sense yeahhh go for it, no questions asked I’ll just be here where you left me, in this plot hole for when you get back.
The characters were interesting. The chemistry and romance was okayish. I still don’t feel like we got to know them very well yet. It felt like mostly characteristics and bullet points. I was waiting for the walls to break down in this book so we could really get to know and see what each character was really about. Maybe in future books we will get to know them better but it was all kind of thrown at us at the very end. I liked Squire the best. Any time there is an animal companion they are usually my favorite.
Over all this book felt like it could have been condensed into the last 1/4 of the book. Or maybe started in a different direction. I will say the ending had a major twist but honestly after the ending I don’t see me wanting to read the next book. This is a real enemies to uhh enemies (lovers) story and I personally don’t care for a specific action that Zora committed at the end. So I can’t see myself wanting to read about her trying to reconcile and I don’t think the love interest should want to either. I think she made her self clear and the love interest should take the hint they are enemies and stay enemies forever.
Huge thank you to HTP Hive for the eARC
This kind of gave me irresistible urge to fall for your enemy vibes. Even down to the chapter titles. Which I feel like it’s of those you books you either like it or you don’t. In this case I felt like this was trying too hard to hit all the tropes so I didn’t end up enjoying it. The characters recited things over in the dialogue in parentheses to reiterate their feelings which kind of took me out of the moment (not helpful). That as a reader we were reminded over and over how funny and angry and sarcastic (sarcastic see I was sarcastic) the characters were that the story became muddled. At times I felt like maybe I was missing something almost like I was reading a fan fiction without knowing the previous fandom at all.
I couldn’t get a good sense of the world building, magic system or why there was a war. There were helicopters, magic, snowboarding, old English phrases, swords and dragons. It was chaotic, there wasn’t really a plot but things were happening and we need to care. The archaic language felt jarring and weird to me. Im not sure why it was added but I personally didn’t think it add anything important to the story plot besides maybe helping you remember they were from a different area. See they are different, obviously they talk funny (haha they talk funny). I usually enjoy banter and internal monologue but this felt so internal that it felt like there were only two characters in the entire story. It was a very much tell you not show you story. Also the timeline felt super disjointed by the end I kind of understood everything but at the same time it just felt like I didn’t care because even the characters didn’t seem to care either. Everyone was as just like yeah sure that makes total sense yeahhh go for it, no questions asked I’ll just be here where you left me, in this plot hole for when you get back.
The characters were interesting. The chemistry and romance was okayish. I still don’t feel like we got to know them very well yet. It felt like mostly characteristics and bullet points. I was waiting for the walls to break down in this book so we could really get to know and see what each character was really about. Maybe in future books we will get to know them better but it was all kind of thrown at us at the very end. I liked Squire the best. Any time there is an animal companion they are usually my favorite.
Over all this book felt like it could have been condensed into the last 1/4 of the book. Or maybe started in a different direction. I will say the ending had a major twist but honestly after the ending I don’t see me wanting to read the next book. This is a real enemies to uhh enemies (lovers) story and I personally don’t care for a specific action that Zora committed at the end. So I can’t see myself wanting to read about her trying to reconcile and I don’t think the love interest should want to either. I think she made her self clear and the love interest should take the hint they are enemies and stay enemies forever.
Huge thank you to HTP Hive for the eARC
wishlist
March 6, 2026GIMME
July 8, 2026
Thank you HTP and The Hive for this glorious eARC!
I don’t know what Jasmine Mas puts in these books, but at this point I’d like it injected directly into my veins.
Every single time I tell myself I’ll pace myself. Every single time I fail spectacularly.
The Emperor’s Enemy had me in an absolute chokehold from page one. I have never highlighted a book this much in my life. I swear every other page has a highlight because the writing is just THAT good. The humor. The tension. The heartbreak. The dialogue. I wanted to underline basically the entire book.
And can we PLEASE talk about Squire??
The cutest freaking owl companion to ever exist. I would die for that tiny feathered menace. Jasmine, if you’re reading this… I am formally requesting a Squire novella. This is not a want. It’s a need.
The tension between Zora and her infuriatingly irresistible enemy had me absolutely LOSING MY MIND. Every interaction was electric. The banter? Off the charts. The chemistry? Painfully delicious. I spent the entire book internally screaming, “JUST GIVE IN ALREADY!”
Zora is exactly the kind of heroine I love—fierce, stubborn, capable, and absolutely unwilling to let anyone save her. Watching these two circle each other while trying not to kill each other (or kiss each other) was exquisite torture.
And then…
THAT. ENDING.
Excuse me???
Who do I send my therapy bill to? Because I have several emotional damages to report. I’m going to need approximately 3–5 business days to process what just happened, and even then I don’t think I’ll be okay.
Jasmine Mas has done it again. She somehow writes books that are hilarious, devastating, ridiculously romantic, and completely impossible to put down. I’m officially addicted.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be staring at a wall until book two arrives.
I don’t know what Jasmine Mas puts in these books, but at this point I’d like it injected directly into my veins.
Every single time I tell myself I’ll pace myself. Every single time I fail spectacularly.
The Emperor’s Enemy had me in an absolute chokehold from page one. I have never highlighted a book this much in my life. I swear every other page has a highlight because the writing is just THAT good. The humor. The tension. The heartbreak. The dialogue. I wanted to underline basically the entire book.
And can we PLEASE talk about Squire??
The cutest freaking owl companion to ever exist. I would die for that tiny feathered menace. Jasmine, if you’re reading this… I am formally requesting a Squire novella. This is not a want. It’s a need.
The tension between Zora and her infuriatingly irresistible enemy had me absolutely LOSING MY MIND. Every interaction was electric. The banter? Off the charts. The chemistry? Painfully delicious. I spent the entire book internally screaming, “JUST GIVE IN ALREADY!”
Zora is exactly the kind of heroine I love—fierce, stubborn, capable, and absolutely unwilling to let anyone save her. Watching these two circle each other while trying not to kill each other (or kiss each other) was exquisite torture.
And then…
THAT. ENDING.
Excuse me???
Who do I send my therapy bill to? Because I have several emotional damages to report. I’m going to need approximately 3–5 business days to process what just happened, and even then I don’t think I’ll be okay.
Jasmine Mas has done it again. She somehow writes books that are hilarious, devastating, ridiculously romantic, and completely impossible to put down. I’m officially addicted.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be staring at a wall until book two arrives.
July 3, 2026
*Review after reading ARC from publisher*
This might be my favorite Mas book to date, the characters are SO emotionally complex that I truly never knew their next moves. The TWIST?!?! Excuse me?? And I’m sorry but Tarantula has been given the title #1 yearning male of all time, he has no boundaries and I loved it 🥹 our girl Zora will be added to the list of most badass FMCs to date, wicked smart and loyal to a fault. I had SUCH a good time and could not put this down. Recommend x a million and cannot wait for the next!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
This might be my favorite Mas book to date, the characters are SO emotionally complex that I truly never knew their next moves. The TWIST?!?! Excuse me?? And I’m sorry but Tarantula has been given the title #1 yearning male of all time, he has no boundaries and I loved it 🥹 our girl Zora will be added to the list of most badass FMCs to date, wicked smart and loyal to a fault. I had SUCH a good time and could not put this down. Recommend x a million and cannot wait for the next!!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
July 6, 2026
“I beg thee, take mercy on a yearning man, princess.”
😭
😭
Want to Read
January 29, 2026Was I fan of the writing for Blood of Hercules? Nope. Did I read the last 200 pages in one sitting because I couldn't put it down? Also, yes. So, I bought Bonds of Hercules, but have yet to read it. But i SWORE that i wouldn't read anything else by Mas because I didn't enjoy the way she wrote.... but I saw this and read the blurb & I'M IMMEDIATELY FOAMING AT THE MOUTH FOR IT.
July 7, 2026
“𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪 . . . 𝙙𝙞𝙙 𝙣𝙤𝙩 . . . 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙬 𝙖 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙚.” “𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙄 𝙘𝙖𝙣’𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙄 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧? 𝙄𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙖 𝙬𝙚𝙖𝙥𝙤𝙣?” 𝙃𝙚 𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙠𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙡𝙤𝙬𝙡𝙮. “𝙄 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙢.” “𝙄 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙜𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡, 𝙥𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙥𝙞𝙜.”
I will not stop thinking about this book ANYTIME soon!!! I am head over heels obsessed and this is why Jasmine Mas is an autobuy author for me.
The modern-medieval world is so unique and well built, I feel like that really sets this romantasy apart from other books. None of this felt repetitive or cookie cutter.
There were so many breadcrumbs with lots of theorizing opportunities which of course gives me life, and I can’t wait to highlight and tab the physical book!!
The quick witted humor will always be a favorite part of her stories. Zora is more serious than Alexis and Sadie were but she still comes out with fantastic banter and she has the best, funniest animal sidekick EVER!!
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧,” 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙨 (𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙛𝙪𝙡?).
The banter between Zora and Tarantula is absolutely top tier, and this is true enemies to lovers and I ate.it.up. This may be the best I have ever read.
If you love possessive MMCs…you will LOVE Tarantula. He’s perfect and I love him, red flags and all. But unfortunately @kindleandmagic has dibs.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙨, “𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙.”
Thank you SO much to Jasmine Mas, The Hive, HTP Books, and Read Mira for the eARC! This book is just absolute perfection and it’s my favorite JM book yet! I must give Thee 6 stars.
I will not stop thinking about this book ANYTIME soon!!! I am head over heels obsessed and this is why Jasmine Mas is an autobuy author for me.
The modern-medieval world is so unique and well built, I feel like that really sets this romantasy apart from other books. None of this felt repetitive or cookie cutter.
There were so many breadcrumbs with lots of theorizing opportunities which of course gives me life, and I can’t wait to highlight and tab the physical book!!
The quick witted humor will always be a favorite part of her stories. Zora is more serious than Alexis and Sadie were but she still comes out with fantastic banter and she has the best, funniest animal sidekick EVER!!
“𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧,” 𝙎𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙜𝙨 (𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙛𝙪𝙡?).
The banter between Zora and Tarantula is absolutely top tier, and this is true enemies to lovers and I ate.it.up. This may be the best I have ever read.
If you love possessive MMCs…you will LOVE Tarantula. He’s perfect and I love him, red flags and all. But unfortunately @kindleandmagic has dibs.
“𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣,” 𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙞𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙨, “𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙙.”
Thank you SO much to Jasmine Mas, The Hive, HTP Books, and Read Mira for the eARC! This book is just absolute perfection and it’s my favorite JM book yet! I must give Thee 6 stars.
July 7, 2026
“No one else will do. I exist in agony….Mg obsession is burning me alive.”
OKAY YES. Safe to say, anything Jasmine writes, I will absolutely read it. Stayed up late to finish reading this, and then tossed and turned all night thinking about it. The concept of this is extremely cool. I won’t lie, the first 10% confused me as to what setting this was one—modern times or medieval? But once I kept going….the pieces started to fall into place.
Zora Ravenal is officially on my top list of FMC’s. The character is the epitome of strength & resilience. Her dry, sarcastic humor? Had me cackling non stop. Obsessed. Now…throw in the most dangerous mage to the emperor—Tarantula? COME ONNNNNN. I AM DOWN BADDDDD FOR THIS MAN. Character secrets had me spiraling, the plot twists were twistin’, and the TENSION….all the stars. I’ll be thinking about that fun plot twist for a longggggg time.
OKAY YES. Safe to say, anything Jasmine writes, I will absolutely read it. Stayed up late to finish reading this, and then tossed and turned all night thinking about it. The concept of this is extremely cool. I won’t lie, the first 10% confused me as to what setting this was one—modern times or medieval? But once I kept going….the pieces started to fall into place.
Zora Ravenal is officially on my top list of FMC’s. The character is the epitome of strength & resilience. Her dry, sarcastic humor? Had me cackling non stop. Obsessed. Now…throw in the most dangerous mage to the emperor—Tarantula? COME ONNNNNN. I AM DOWN BADDDDD FOR THIS MAN. Character secrets had me spiraling, the plot twists were twistin’, and the TENSION….all the stars. I’ll be thinking about that fun plot twist for a longggggg time.
Want to Read
January 29, 2026🚨 PSA: another Jasmine Mas release. I’m hoping this is as delightfully unhinged as her ‘Blood of Hercules’ series.
Read
June 17, 2026Just read the first two chapters and I'm so excited for the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 ⭐️ “Yes—I am a fool for thee. If thou need warmth, I shall set myself aflame… If thou art injured, I shall open up my vein… If thou need to feel powerful, I shall let myself be electrocuted.”
First and foremost, Tarantula… I fear this man has genuinely altered my brain chemistry. I don’t think I’ve ever read an MMC quite like him. The fact that he speaks entirely in thee and thou somehow made every single line ten times better. He is completely, utterly obsessed with Zora and I ate up every second of it. This man does not hide how he feels, and I loved that. He wasn’t trying to play games or pretend he didn’t want her, he simply said exactly what was on his mind, which made their dialogue some of my favourite I’ve read this year.
From the very first chapter I was hooked. This is such a unique blend of urban fantasy and military fantasy with dragons, elemental magic, snowy landscapes and pilots, and somehow it all works together perfectly. The world felt completely immersive and I loved how different it was from a lot of fantasy I’ve read recently.
The chemistry between Zora and Tarantula was absolutely incredible. It’s enemies to lovers, but it almost feels like enemies who are already completely consumed by one another. The tension was unreal and every interaction had me giggling. One minute they’re threatening each other, the next he’s casually destroying an entire building with his powers while keeping his hand on her thigh. Safe to say… I was obsessed.
Zora was such a fantastic FMC. She was capable, stubborn and strong, and considering everything she believed about Tarantula at the beginning, I completely understood why she kept him at arm’s length. Watching that relationship slowly evolve felt so rewarding, especially because there was genuine history and conflict between them.
I also loved the friendships throughout the book, especially the twins. But I have to give a special mention to Zora’s squire because every single scene absolutely melted my heart. Every time there was danger and that little owl was involved, I swear I wanted to cry. It was genuinely one of the cutest parts of the whole book.
The world-building was another huge highlight. I loved the military setting mixed with fantasy, the dragons, the elemental powers and the snowy atmosphere. Fantasy set in winter always has me in a chokehold and this completely delivered. Everything felt fresh and unique without ever becoming confusing.
I also loved how unpredictable this story was. I genuinely didn’t see those revelations coming at all. Every time I thought I’d figured something out, another twist completely blindsided me. And then… when Tarantula’s POV finally appeared towards the end? I was literally cheering. After spending almost the entire book desperate to know what was going on inside his head, finally getting his perspective somehow made me love him even more.
This is the first book in a duet and after THAT ending I need book two immediately.
✩ “I wake up thinking about thee. I go to bed thinking about thee… I spend my days thinking about how I shall ruin your life. And yet thou beat me to it—thou ruined mine first.”
✩ ”‘Thou art not my enemy, syxzal. Thou art mine to worship.’”
✩ “Zora Ravenal might be the most consternating woman in all Antichthon, but she was my consternation. Mine.”
✩ ”‘Do thou know?’ he panted. ‘Thou art the ideal—the most perfect person to ever exist… No one is like thee, and no one could ever match your fire.’”
✩ ”‘There is no corner of Antichthon where thou could hide from me. I shall find thee every single time. Your fate is already decided.’ I’d tasted her fate—our fate—that day when I licked her blood off my lips.”
✩ “She was my cult because I was born to worship Zora Ravenal… I was going to ruin the world so I could watch her try to save it.”
✩ ”‘Just so thou know… I will let thee do anything thou want to me, body or soul, for the rest of my life.’”
✩ Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the eARC ✩
First and foremost, Tarantula… I fear this man has genuinely altered my brain chemistry. I don’t think I’ve ever read an MMC quite like him. The fact that he speaks entirely in thee and thou somehow made every single line ten times better. He is completely, utterly obsessed with Zora and I ate up every second of it. This man does not hide how he feels, and I loved that. He wasn’t trying to play games or pretend he didn’t want her, he simply said exactly what was on his mind, which made their dialogue some of my favourite I’ve read this year.
From the very first chapter I was hooked. This is such a unique blend of urban fantasy and military fantasy with dragons, elemental magic, snowy landscapes and pilots, and somehow it all works together perfectly. The world felt completely immersive and I loved how different it was from a lot of fantasy I’ve read recently.
The chemistry between Zora and Tarantula was absolutely incredible. It’s enemies to lovers, but it almost feels like enemies who are already completely consumed by one another. The tension was unreal and every interaction had me giggling. One minute they’re threatening each other, the next he’s casually destroying an entire building with his powers while keeping his hand on her thigh. Safe to say… I was obsessed.
Zora was such a fantastic FMC. She was capable, stubborn and strong, and considering everything she believed about Tarantula at the beginning, I completely understood why she kept him at arm’s length. Watching that relationship slowly evolve felt so rewarding, especially because there was genuine history and conflict between them.
I also loved the friendships throughout the book, especially the twins. But I have to give a special mention to Zora’s squire because every single scene absolutely melted my heart. Every time there was danger and that little owl was involved, I swear I wanted to cry. It was genuinely one of the cutest parts of the whole book.
The world-building was another huge highlight. I loved the military setting mixed with fantasy, the dragons, the elemental powers and the snowy atmosphere. Fantasy set in winter always has me in a chokehold and this completely delivered. Everything felt fresh and unique without ever becoming confusing.
I also loved how unpredictable this story was. I genuinely didn’t see those revelations coming at all. Every time I thought I’d figured something out, another twist completely blindsided me. And then… when Tarantula’s POV finally appeared towards the end? I was literally cheering. After spending almost the entire book desperate to know what was going on inside his head, finally getting his perspective somehow made me love him even more.
This is the first book in a duet and after THAT ending I need book two immediately.
✩ “I wake up thinking about thee. I go to bed thinking about thee… I spend my days thinking about how I shall ruin your life. And yet thou beat me to it—thou ruined mine first.”
✩ ”‘Thou art not my enemy, syxzal. Thou art mine to worship.’”
✩ “Zora Ravenal might be the most consternating woman in all Antichthon, but she was my consternation. Mine.”
✩ ”‘Do thou know?’ he panted. ‘Thou art the ideal—the most perfect person to ever exist… No one is like thee, and no one could ever match your fire.’”
✩ ”‘There is no corner of Antichthon where thou could hide from me. I shall find thee every single time. Your fate is already decided.’ I’d tasted her fate—our fate—that day when I licked her blood off my lips.”
✩ “She was my cult because I was born to worship Zora Ravenal… I was going to ruin the world so I could watch her try to save it.”
✩ ”‘Just so thou know… I will let thee do anything thou want to me, body or soul, for the rest of my life.’”
✩ Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the eARC ✩
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Are you not entertained?!?! I Sure was! Buckle up because The Emperor’s Enemy by Jasmine Mas is an absolutely wild ride, and I ate up every minute of it.
I have to start by saying I love Jasmine Mas. I was completely obsessed with both the Cruel Shifterverse and Villains of Lore series, so I went into this one with high expectations. Thankfully, she absolutely delivered.
If you love true enemies to lovers, this is the book for you. And I mean true enemies. The hatred between these characters runs so deep that it almost feels impossible to imagine them finding any common ground. Every interaction is charged with resentment, defiance, and an undeniable attraction that neither of them wants to acknowledge. The tension is palpable, intoxicating, and impossible to look away from.
The banter between Zora and Tarantula was one of my favorite parts of the entire story. Their constant back and forth, the childish tit for tat arguments, and the strangely dark humor hit just right. It truly brings to light the overwhelming tension between the two. Watching these powerful and completely unhinged people verbally spar while trying to outmaneuver each other was so much fun to witness.
The forced proximity only raises the stakes, and the chemistry between them practically ignites every scene they shares. I’m talking literal heat, like melt the walls and let it all burn kind of energy. Wowza. Jasmine Mas has such a unique way of writing attraction. The use of scent throughout the story added another fascinating layer to their dynamic, making every interaction feel even more primal and raw.
Zora is on a mission for revenge, joining the Crimson Army to destroy the Empire and everyone responsible for her suffering, especially the Emperor and the terrifying Tarantula. As she uncovers more about herself and the limitless magic she possesses, the story continually raises the stakes. Her inner monologue was absolutely fascinating to listen to. A woman on a mission, navigating the perils of a sarcastic inner voice while trying to simultaneously motivate herself to take down an empire. Did I mention she has a charming and hilarious animal sidekick, an owl named Squire? Loved this addition to the story.
Tarantula himself is a fascinating character, almost godlike in power and capable of unimaginable horrors, yet somehow every scene with him left me wanting more. How I could hate a character so much an be undoubtedly attracted to them at the same time was is wild.
One of the things I appreciate most about Jasmine Mas is her willingness to create completely unrestrained characters. They’re dangerous, chaotic, morally complex, and often legit diabolical. That unpredictability and volatility turned me into a moth to the flame, unable to look away… and I love that feeling!
The ending! Oh snap! What a wild turn of events. The twists were shocking, and the dragon scene made my jaw hit the floor. I also loved watching the relationship evolve from pure hatred into something far more complicated. Seeing those moments where the instinct to protect began to clash with their desire to destroy one another created such an interesting emotional conflict. And not just for the characters… as a reader this book made me feel so many things.
This story is jam packed with danger, limitless magic, unforgettable banter, and excruciating tension. The Emperor’s Enemy was everything I was hoping it would be and more. A bit of a slap across the face that I liked! Lol! Just like Tarantula. I want more!
Thank you to the author Jasmine Mas, HTP Books and The Hive for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts are my own.
I have to start by saying I love Jasmine Mas. I was completely obsessed with both the Cruel Shifterverse and Villains of Lore series, so I went into this one with high expectations. Thankfully, she absolutely delivered.
If you love true enemies to lovers, this is the book for you. And I mean true enemies. The hatred between these characters runs so deep that it almost feels impossible to imagine them finding any common ground. Every interaction is charged with resentment, defiance, and an undeniable attraction that neither of them wants to acknowledge. The tension is palpable, intoxicating, and impossible to look away from.
The banter between Zora and Tarantula was one of my favorite parts of the entire story. Their constant back and forth, the childish tit for tat arguments, and the strangely dark humor hit just right. It truly brings to light the overwhelming tension between the two. Watching these powerful and completely unhinged people verbally spar while trying to outmaneuver each other was so much fun to witness.
The forced proximity only raises the stakes, and the chemistry between them practically ignites every scene they shares. I’m talking literal heat, like melt the walls and let it all burn kind of energy. Wowza. Jasmine Mas has such a unique way of writing attraction. The use of scent throughout the story added another fascinating layer to their dynamic, making every interaction feel even more primal and raw.
Zora is on a mission for revenge, joining the Crimson Army to destroy the Empire and everyone responsible for her suffering, especially the Emperor and the terrifying Tarantula. As she uncovers more about herself and the limitless magic she possesses, the story continually raises the stakes. Her inner monologue was absolutely fascinating to listen to. A woman on a mission, navigating the perils of a sarcastic inner voice while trying to simultaneously motivate herself to take down an empire. Did I mention she has a charming and hilarious animal sidekick, an owl named Squire? Loved this addition to the story.
Tarantula himself is a fascinating character, almost godlike in power and capable of unimaginable horrors, yet somehow every scene with him left me wanting more. How I could hate a character so much an be undoubtedly attracted to them at the same time was is wild.
One of the things I appreciate most about Jasmine Mas is her willingness to create completely unrestrained characters. They’re dangerous, chaotic, morally complex, and often legit diabolical. That unpredictability and volatility turned me into a moth to the flame, unable to look away… and I love that feeling!
The ending! Oh snap! What a wild turn of events. The twists were shocking, and the dragon scene made my jaw hit the floor. I also loved watching the relationship evolve from pure hatred into something far more complicated. Seeing those moments where the instinct to protect began to clash with their desire to destroy one another created such an interesting emotional conflict. And not just for the characters… as a reader this book made me feel so many things.
This story is jam packed with danger, limitless magic, unforgettable banter, and excruciating tension. The Emperor’s Enemy was everything I was hoping it would be and more. A bit of a slap across the face that I liked! Lol! Just like Tarantula. I want more!
Thank you to the author Jasmine Mas, HTP Books and The Hive for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐️
1.25 🌶
--This is a dark fantasy romance and contains graphic death, electrocution, and excessive violence. For example, a man is stabbed multiple times . . . but beware, he might secretly enjoy it.--
The Emperor's Enemy by Jasmine Mas was a fun, crazy, and chaotic ride of WTF is going on here! I was highlighting things like crazy trying to piece together the clues and I did manage to figure out a lot of it, but I DID NOT see that ending coming!
What's inside:
- True Enemies to Lovers
- Deadly Magical Creatures
- Snarky Owl Companion
- Forced Proximity
- He Trains Her
- Banter!!
- Dragons
- One Horse
- Slow Burn Tension to Spice
- Who Did This to You
- Touch Her and Die
- Dual Timeline
- Female Rage
- Plot Twists
--My fist slammed into his cheek before he could react, knuckles splitting against his mask, but I barely registered the new wave of pain. All my senses were focused on the evil. “Harder,” he said coldly.
Rule of survival: Always attack first.--
Oooooh she hates him! She hates him with a burning passion and would love nothing more than to see him dead. Zora Ravenal is a tough FMC that doesn't need saving, and she joined the Crimson Army to destroy the empire that has been crushing and killing her people; including her best friend. When she is forced to work with Tarantula, an enemy mage that she captured, she has to find a way to complete her quest without choosing to kill him first. And..Tarantula seems to have an unhinged obsession with her that just makes her hate him even more.
--Fear gained teeth as he squeezed my neck, not hard enough to hurt but hard enough to make a point. “Thou will have to do far worse than that . . . my Ravenal.”
I plan to. Don’t worry. The quest hovered in my mind’s eye, never far from my thoughts. “I just stabbed you,” I said, feeling numb. “And I’m not your anything.”
“Thou art just flirting with me. Also, thou dost protest . . . too much,” he taunted with humor.
“I stabbed you,” I repeated. Because he should have been upset. No man could be this delusional. Right?--
The TENSION! The HATRED! She stabs him, electrocutes him using a shock collar, spits on him, and this man just keeps coming back for more. The push-pull between them is full of fire, and of course he is HOT, evil, and bit a unhinged. The girl that wants to save the world is forced to "partner" with a piece of the evil she is intent on destroying. The more she stabs and hurts him, the more he wants her for himself. The more time they spend together, the more things get twisted between them. And... the more I was cackling at the banter and obsessed with finding out how this would play out.
--He pushed me backward so I was flush against the wall. “Do not strike me,” he said. I slapped him again. His jaw dropped as he gaped down at me. Nice, I can see my fingerprints. Our chests bumped. My nipples were hard, and the friction sent sparks down to my core. I’m just cold, that’s it. Nothing else is happening here.--
The ending... what?! The closing line FLOORED ME! I had figured out a few of the twists ahead of time, but THAT I did not see coming! Waiting for the next book is going to be torture because I HAVE to know how this is going to play out!
If you are a Jasmine Mas fan and you loved the Blood of Hercules duet, then you are absolutely going to want to read this when it releases September 15th. Buckle up buttercup, and prepare for a wild ride that is steamy, chaotic, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Netgalley for an eARC of this book.
1.25 🌶
--This is a dark fantasy romance and contains graphic death, electrocution, and excessive violence. For example, a man is stabbed multiple times . . . but beware, he might secretly enjoy it.--
The Emperor's Enemy by Jasmine Mas was a fun, crazy, and chaotic ride of WTF is going on here! I was highlighting things like crazy trying to piece together the clues and I did manage to figure out a lot of it, but I DID NOT see that ending coming!
What's inside:
- True Enemies to Lovers
- Deadly Magical Creatures
- Snarky Owl Companion
- Forced Proximity
- He Trains Her
- Banter!!
- Dragons
- One Horse
- Slow Burn Tension to Spice
- Who Did This to You
- Touch Her and Die
- Dual Timeline
- Female Rage
- Plot Twists
--My fist slammed into his cheek before he could react, knuckles splitting against his mask, but I barely registered the new wave of pain. All my senses were focused on the evil. “Harder,” he said coldly.
Rule of survival: Always attack first.--
Oooooh she hates him! She hates him with a burning passion and would love nothing more than to see him dead. Zora Ravenal is a tough FMC that doesn't need saving, and she joined the Crimson Army to destroy the empire that has been crushing and killing her people; including her best friend. When she is forced to work with Tarantula, an enemy mage that she captured, she has to find a way to complete her quest without choosing to kill him first. And..Tarantula seems to have an unhinged obsession with her that just makes her hate him even more.
--Fear gained teeth as he squeezed my neck, not hard enough to hurt but hard enough to make a point. “Thou will have to do far worse than that . . . my Ravenal.”
I plan to. Don’t worry. The quest hovered in my mind’s eye, never far from my thoughts. “I just stabbed you,” I said, feeling numb. “And I’m not your anything.”
“Thou art just flirting with me. Also, thou dost protest . . . too much,” he taunted with humor.
“I stabbed you,” I repeated. Because he should have been upset. No man could be this delusional. Right?--
The TENSION! The HATRED! She stabs him, electrocutes him using a shock collar, spits on him, and this man just keeps coming back for more. The push-pull between them is full of fire, and of course he is HOT, evil, and bit a unhinged. The girl that wants to save the world is forced to "partner" with a piece of the evil she is intent on destroying. The more she stabs and hurts him, the more he wants her for himself. The more time they spend together, the more things get twisted between them. And... the more I was cackling at the banter and obsessed with finding out how this would play out.
--He pushed me backward so I was flush against the wall. “Do not strike me,” he said. I slapped him again. His jaw dropped as he gaped down at me. Nice, I can see my fingerprints. Our chests bumped. My nipples were hard, and the friction sent sparks down to my core. I’m just cold, that’s it. Nothing else is happening here.--
The ending... what?! The closing line FLOORED ME! I had figured out a few of the twists ahead of time, but THAT I did not see coming! Waiting for the next book is going to be torture because I HAVE to know how this is going to play out!
If you are a Jasmine Mas fan and you loved the Blood of Hercules duet, then you are absolutely going to want to read this when it releases September 15th. Buckle up buttercup, and prepare for a wild ride that is steamy, chaotic, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA, and Netgalley for an eARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The practice of naming storms after women is rooted in bigotry. This book is dedicated to taking the power back."
We started this book SO strong and it never let up. This one made me feel all the feels. I already love Jasmine Mass's writing style and humor, but this might be my favorite of hers yet. Her FMCs are always witty, strong, and smart, but they still love so fiercely, and Zora is no exception. And can we talk about the animal companions she always gives her MMCs? Squire had my whole heart this time. Their bond and friendship genuinely made the book for me.
I was enthralled from page one. By 11% in, I already knew this was going to be one of my top reads of the year, and that is saying a lot since I've read over 90 books in 2026 so far.
If you know me, you know I am always hunting for that obsessive, possessive MMC who will burn the world down for his woman. Tarantula did not just talk about it, he actually did it, and he does not take the word "mine" lightly. This man was so down bad for Zora it was almost unhinged, actually he was indeed unhinged lol and I was living for every second of it.
Quick heads up that this is a dark fantasy romance, so if you love dark themes, this book is calling your name. Zora uses a magical necklace to electrocute Tarantula for fun, and he loves it. She could genuinely do no wrong in his eyes, and he enjoyed every second of his own torture. It was also so refreshing to get a virgin MMC with an absolutely filthy mouth.
I lived for Zora's Rules of Survival. One of my favorites was "have a terrifying amount of fun," and honestly that energy carried the whole book. There were so many lines that made me laugh out loud, like her whole take on spiders being the spawn of monsters and not real animals, and her comparing kissing Tarantula to kissing a deployed missile since they both exploded, her metaphorically and him literally because she'd just killed him.
I had my theories about the main plot and the mystery behind everything going on, and it felt so satisfying to be proven right. But even knowing pieces of it, the ending still got me. The twists, the turns, that final gut punch. This was a true enemies to lovers that somehow becomes enemies to... well, you'll have to read it to find out.
I also loved the use of archaic language throughout. It gave the book such a unique feel that you honestly do not see much in romantasy anymore. The storm powers, the political intrigue, and the spice were all so well balanced. Add in the meddling gods stirring the pot behind the scenes and you have a recipe for absolute chaos in the best way. I genuinely loved everything about this book. It took me about 5 to 6 hours to read because I could not put it down, and I already cannot wait to get my hands on book 2.
Thank you so much to Jasmine Mas's team, Harper Collins, and Netgalley for this ARC. What a gift.
"The practice of naming storms after women is rooted in bigotry. This book is dedicated to taking the power back."
We started this book SO strong and it never let up. This one made me feel all the feels. I already love Jasmine Mass's writing style and humor, but this might be my favorite of hers yet. Her FMCs are always witty, strong, and smart, but they still love so fiercely, and Zora is no exception. And can we talk about the animal companions she always gives her MMCs? Squire had my whole heart this time. Their bond and friendship genuinely made the book for me.
I was enthralled from page one. By 11% in, I already knew this was going to be one of my top reads of the year, and that is saying a lot since I've read over 90 books in 2026 so far.
If you know me, you know I am always hunting for that obsessive, possessive MMC who will burn the world down for his woman. Tarantula did not just talk about it, he actually did it, and he does not take the word "mine" lightly. This man was so down bad for Zora it was almost unhinged, actually he was indeed unhinged lol and I was living for every second of it.
Quick heads up that this is a dark fantasy romance, so if you love dark themes, this book is calling your name. Zora uses a magical necklace to electrocute Tarantula for fun, and he loves it. She could genuinely do no wrong in his eyes, and he enjoyed every second of his own torture. It was also so refreshing to get a virgin MMC with an absolutely filthy mouth.
I lived for Zora's Rules of Survival. One of my favorites was "have a terrifying amount of fun," and honestly that energy carried the whole book. There were so many lines that made me laugh out loud, like her whole take on spiders being the spawn of monsters and not real animals, and her comparing kissing Tarantula to kissing a deployed missile since they both exploded, her metaphorically and him literally because she'd just killed him.
I had my theories about the main plot and the mystery behind everything going on, and it felt so satisfying to be proven right. But even knowing pieces of it, the ending still got me. The twists, the turns, that final gut punch. This was a true enemies to lovers that somehow becomes enemies to... well, you'll have to read it to find out.
I also loved the use of archaic language throughout. It gave the book such a unique feel that you honestly do not see much in romantasy anymore. The storm powers, the political intrigue, and the spice were all so well balanced. Add in the meddling gods stirring the pot behind the scenes and you have a recipe for absolute chaos in the best way. I genuinely loved everything about this book. It took me about 5 to 6 hours to read because I could not put it down, and I already cannot wait to get my hands on book 2.
Thank you so much to Jasmine Mas's team, Harper Collins, and Netgalley for this ARC. What a gift.
July 4, 2026
Oh my god I may never recover from this book.
I read this in less than 9 hours. Cover to cover. I couldn’t stop. My poor husband thinks I’ve abandoned him. (Honestly I did because good LORD this man)
Okay I literally was KICKING MY FEET at the banter and tension in this. Our MMC is literally SO psychotic and I absolutely live for his insanity. She literally shocks him with a SHOCK COLLAR and this man loves it. Like he is deranged and unhinged and I could not get enough. Also the fact that we got some of his POV at the end was perfect because this entire book I was dying to know what was going on in his head, so a little insight was delicious and made me fall in love with him even more.
I was legitimately not ready for how much this consumed me.
Also can I just TALK ABOUT ZORA FOR A SECOND? She is unreal. She’s not your average FMC let me tell you. This woman is a BAD ASS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT. I was honestly blindsided by how clever and cunning she is.
Also this is important! Squire is EVERYTHING. Hands down my favorite part of this book. I am obsessed with everything about this book, let me be clear. But Squire absolutely made this for me. The commentary from our sweet sassy pygmy owl is the BEST. The ultimate ride or die - just here for a good time. But will also shout profanities at your enemy while you’re punch him in the face. *chef’s kiss* perfection. 🔥
The last sentence of this book has me shattered and obsessing over Tarantula (🫣) ALL OVER AGAIN. When you get there PLEASE FREAK OUT WITH ME BECAUSE WHAT 😍 (he’s so cute in the most unhinged way I love it so much)
The plot in this was so wild, I don’t want to give anything away but the world building was insane, and the plot had me constantly on the edge of my seat because I had no idea what chaos they would get into next.
Painful slow burn where he falls immediately and she hates him so the tension is out of this world 🥵
Elemental magic 🌊
Animal familiar 🦉
Forced proximity 🗡️
Touch her and perish ☠️ (literally)
One horse (bc he physically places her on his horse with him 🤭) 🐎
They kiss while freefalling (iykyk) 🪂
He loves to eat 👅
Slutty little lip bite (from him🥵) 🫦
• “Never speak her name on your lips again, or I shall rip off your face.”
• “What if I yearn to consume her whole and I cannot . . . avoid the dangerous inclinations? This hunger is devastating, a constant ache—the darkest of compulsions.”
• “There has never been a woman in all Antichthon as cruel and lovely.”
• “Lift your hips a little higher, my valiant Knight.” I did as he requested. “That’s my lionheart,” he praised.
• “Yes—I am a fool for thee. If thou need warmth, I shall set myself aflame . . . If thou art injured, I shall open up my vein . . . If thou need to feel powerful, I shall let myself be electrocuted and stabbed for months on end. Anything and everything, all of it, I do for your satisfaction.”
I read this in less than 9 hours. Cover to cover. I couldn’t stop. My poor husband thinks I’ve abandoned him. (Honestly I did because good LORD this man)
Okay I literally was KICKING MY FEET at the banter and tension in this. Our MMC is literally SO psychotic and I absolutely live for his insanity. She literally shocks him with a SHOCK COLLAR and this man loves it. Like he is deranged and unhinged and I could not get enough. Also the fact that we got some of his POV at the end was perfect because this entire book I was dying to know what was going on in his head, so a little insight was delicious and made me fall in love with him even more.
I was legitimately not ready for how much this consumed me.
Also can I just TALK ABOUT ZORA FOR A SECOND? She is unreal. She’s not your average FMC let me tell you. This woman is a BAD ASS TO THE FULLEST EXTENT. I was honestly blindsided by how clever and cunning she is.
Also this is important! Squire is EVERYTHING. Hands down my favorite part of this book. I am obsessed with everything about this book, let me be clear. But Squire absolutely made this for me. The commentary from our sweet sassy pygmy owl is the BEST. The ultimate ride or die - just here for a good time. But will also shout profanities at your enemy while you’re punch him in the face. *chef’s kiss* perfection. 🔥
The last sentence of this book has me shattered and obsessing over Tarantula (🫣) ALL OVER AGAIN. When you get there PLEASE FREAK OUT WITH ME BECAUSE WHAT 😍 (he’s so cute in the most unhinged way I love it so much)
The plot in this was so wild, I don’t want to give anything away but the world building was insane, and the plot had me constantly on the edge of my seat because I had no idea what chaos they would get into next.
Painful slow burn where he falls immediately and she hates him so the tension is out of this world 🥵
Elemental magic 🌊
Animal familiar 🦉
Forced proximity 🗡️
Touch her and perish ☠️ (literally)
One horse (bc he physically places her on his horse with him 🤭) 🐎
They kiss while freefalling (iykyk) 🪂
He loves to eat 👅
Slutty little lip bite (from him🥵) 🫦
• “Never speak her name on your lips again, or I shall rip off your face.”
• “What if I yearn to consume her whole and I cannot . . . avoid the dangerous inclinations? This hunger is devastating, a constant ache—the darkest of compulsions.”
• “There has never been a woman in all Antichthon as cruel and lovely.”
• “Lift your hips a little higher, my valiant Knight.” I did as he requested. “That’s my lionheart,” he praised.
• “Yes—I am a fool for thee. If thou need warmth, I shall set myself aflame . . . If thou art injured, I shall open up my vein . . . If thou need to feel powerful, I shall let myself be electrocuted and stabbed for months on end. Anything and everything, all of it, I do for your satisfaction.”
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
From the bottom of my heart I would like to say thank you to HTP Books, HTP Hive, Jasmine Mas and NetGalley for the ARC copy of The Emperor's Enemy.
Since hearing about the new story from Jasmine Mas I knew it was going to be an anticipated read for this year, and let me tell you I was NOT disappointed.
Seriously: RUN, don't walk to get your hands on The Emperor's Enemy.
"The practice of naming storms after women is rooted in bigotry. This book is dedicated to taking the power back."
From this dedication, I knew I was going to be utterly and hopelessly enthralled by this book. I'll be talking about it until the second comes out and even after that. I know I've already recommended it to a few of my friends because I need more people to talk to about The Emperor's Enemy.
I knew I loved her writing style after reading her Villains of Lore series- humour, love, heartbreak and the way she delivers it is so smart. It has readers hooked right from the start. But I find in this book she's turned it up a notch and I'm LIVING for it. I seriously couldn't get enough of the story and the characters.
Zora is willing to do whatever it takes in order to protect those she loves. She wants to make the world a better place and it comes from her deep-seated sense of purpose. But she's also so emotionally complex that you're actually never sure of her next move.
Tarantula on the other hand causes her to meet her match. He revels in the fact that she has the power over him and he's not afraid to show it. He's not here to play games or pretend that he wasn't here for her and her alone. Tarantula says exactly what is on his mind and he's not afraid to. The absolute feral yearning he has for Zora does not go unnoticed by anyone. "His face spells treachery, his mouth spills filth, and his eyes promise retribution." I absolutely think he is one of my most favourite MMCs of 2026.
The rules of survival that are sprinkled throughout the book give us glimpses into how Zora handles the challenges thrown at her. "Enjoy the adrenaline rush" and "have a terrifying amount of fun" are just a few of my favourites- I think most things I highlighted from the book are these.
The world building is absolutely fantastic and I just ate it up. I could not get enough of the glimpses of different parts of the world along with the wide array of characters we were introduced to. The magic systems and classes along with all the political intrigue were so well balanced throughout this whole book. The friendships that blossom between Zora, Axel and Ella throughout the story had me laughing out loud more than once.
And an honourable mention to Squire who absolutely made the comedic relief in this book. I need more of Squire always and forever. "Oh no, the spider whore."
I do not know how I'll recover from this book, it's going to be sticking with me for a while.
I'm feral for book two now that I've had the pleasure of ARC reading book one.
Since hearing about the new story from Jasmine Mas I knew it was going to be an anticipated read for this year, and let me tell you I was NOT disappointed.
Seriously: RUN, don't walk to get your hands on The Emperor's Enemy.
"The practice of naming storms after women is rooted in bigotry. This book is dedicated to taking the power back."
From this dedication, I knew I was going to be utterly and hopelessly enthralled by this book. I'll be talking about it until the second comes out and even after that. I know I've already recommended it to a few of my friends because I need more people to talk to about The Emperor's Enemy.
I knew I loved her writing style after reading her Villains of Lore series- humour, love, heartbreak and the way she delivers it is so smart. It has readers hooked right from the start. But I find in this book she's turned it up a notch and I'm LIVING for it. I seriously couldn't get enough of the story and the characters.
Zora is willing to do whatever it takes in order to protect those she loves. She wants to make the world a better place and it comes from her deep-seated sense of purpose. But she's also so emotionally complex that you're actually never sure of her next move.
Tarantula on the other hand causes her to meet her match. He revels in the fact that she has the power over him and he's not afraid to show it. He's not here to play games or pretend that he wasn't here for her and her alone. Tarantula says exactly what is on his mind and he's not afraid to. The absolute feral yearning he has for Zora does not go unnoticed by anyone. "His face spells treachery, his mouth spills filth, and his eyes promise retribution." I absolutely think he is one of my most favourite MMCs of 2026.
The rules of survival that are sprinkled throughout the book give us glimpses into how Zora handles the challenges thrown at her. "Enjoy the adrenaline rush" and "have a terrifying amount of fun" are just a few of my favourites- I think most things I highlighted from the book are these.
The world building is absolutely fantastic and I just ate it up. I could not get enough of the glimpses of different parts of the world along with the wide array of characters we were introduced to. The magic systems and classes along with all the political intrigue were so well balanced throughout this whole book. The friendships that blossom between Zora, Axel and Ella throughout the story had me laughing out loud more than once.
And an honourable mention to Squire who absolutely made the comedic relief in this book. I need more of Squire always and forever. "Oh no, the spider whore."
I do not know how I'll recover from this book, it's going to be sticking with me for a while.
I'm feral for book two now that I've had the pleasure of ARC reading book one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“The practice of naming storms after women is rooted in bigotry.”
My first Jasmine Mas book and what a start with that dedication.
So from the first chapter - hello what is this dune sci-fi vibes?? It feels like we get tossed in the middle of the story à la sins of the zodiac.
Rule of survival: practice existential audacity.
The Marshall is an absolute bitch, so much so that she reads like a cartoon villain and has zero credibility in her actions. Not to mention her “plan” of winning the war was so poor I rolled my eyes all the way to the back of my head. Luckily, Squire, the talking owl with no filter, had managed to offset some of the irritation I felt with this particular character, call it a trade off. Not a fan of self proclaimed all knowing older women putting down everyone around them with a sense of urgency and secrecy that makes little sense.
Tarantula, the Royal mage. “How unhinged do you want your MMC to be?” “Yes”. Between the first impression, the way he speaks (thou and thee and I’m anxiously here for this) and his general insanity, man could have easily belonged in any dark romance book and likely easily taken over the entire plot. His relationship with Zora is extremely unhinged at best, terribly confusing and their interactions are the epitome of ridiculousness. Never in my life have I been more confused and yes, I am using that absolute purposefully. I feel like I’m reading a deranged version of Zodiac Academy.
As much as I enjoyed the banter and frankly the over the topness of the relationship development, this book didn’t have a lot of plot. By 60% the only real story were the flashbacks that explained why we got dumped mid events to begin with. The forced proximity was honestly a little nonsensical because I don’t understand what logic would make someone think it’s a good idea to make your most valued military asset share a room with a barely contained, considered one of the most dangerous creatures in the world “prisoner”.
“Men loved to blame women for their evil, like it would absolve them.”
My favorite quote of the book you ask? Well it’s “spider slut” ofc. Squire the talking in truly had some of the best one liners and while the entire thing had a humorous tone, none could match his.
And then we get to the last 50 pages. And there goes everything I’ve said previously out the window because a lot does start to make sense. But my issue is, I really dislike where the bulk of a story is in the last chapters. However, I will definitely be reading the next one, are you kidding me? I absolutely can not pass up a delusional, zero self awareness, completely insane MMC.
4/5!
My first Jasmine Mas book and what a start with that dedication.
So from the first chapter - hello what is this dune sci-fi vibes?? It feels like we get tossed in the middle of the story à la sins of the zodiac.
Rule of survival: practice existential audacity.
The Marshall is an absolute bitch, so much so that she reads like a cartoon villain and has zero credibility in her actions. Not to mention her “plan” of winning the war was so poor I rolled my eyes all the way to the back of my head. Luckily, Squire, the talking owl with no filter, had managed to offset some of the irritation I felt with this particular character, call it a trade off. Not a fan of self proclaimed all knowing older women putting down everyone around them with a sense of urgency and secrecy that makes little sense.
Tarantula, the Royal mage. “How unhinged do you want your MMC to be?” “Yes”. Between the first impression, the way he speaks (thou and thee and I’m anxiously here for this) and his general insanity, man could have easily belonged in any dark romance book and likely easily taken over the entire plot. His relationship with Zora is extremely unhinged at best, terribly confusing and their interactions are the epitome of ridiculousness. Never in my life have I been more confused and yes, I am using that absolute purposefully. I feel like I’m reading a deranged version of Zodiac Academy.
As much as I enjoyed the banter and frankly the over the topness of the relationship development, this book didn’t have a lot of plot. By 60% the only real story were the flashbacks that explained why we got dumped mid events to begin with. The forced proximity was honestly a little nonsensical because I don’t understand what logic would make someone think it’s a good idea to make your most valued military asset share a room with a barely contained, considered one of the most dangerous creatures in the world “prisoner”.
“Men loved to blame women for their evil, like it would absolve them.”
My favorite quote of the book you ask? Well it’s “spider slut” ofc. Squire the talking in truly had some of the best one liners and while the entire thing had a humorous tone, none could match his.
And then we get to the last 50 pages. And there goes everything I’ve said previously out the window because a lot does start to make sense. But my issue is, I really dislike where the bulk of a story is in the last chapters. However, I will definitely be reading the next one, are you kidding me? I absolutely can not pass up a delusional, zero self awareness, completely insane MMC.
4/5!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖ARC Review📖
INFINITE ⭐'s/5
I just want to say, thank you SO much Jasmine Mas, and HTP Books for the early digital copy of this magnificent book. I'm beyond grateful.
A hunter forced into proximity with the enemy? Yes, PLEASE.
The heroine, Zora Ravenal is officially my idol. She's fierce and unyielding, and propelled by a mission that has carved itself into her very bones. Her humor is also top notch. Her journey from hunter to Knight Mage is a psychological unraveling, a confrontation with the cost of vengeance, and her entire character is quite literally a testament to the kind of female rage that refuses to be softened for anyone's comfort.
Tarantula, the Royal Mage... volatile, lethal, and obsessive. His attention feels like both a threat and a gravitational pull.
And their dynamic...? Is the 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 form of true enemies-to-lovers. Mas writes their tension with surgical precision, every training session, every clash of magic, every moment of forced cooperation tightening the emotional noose until you’re breathless. The banter is sharp, the slow burn is excruciating, and the “touch her and die” energy radiates off the page like heat. And when that twist Jasmine mentions hits you? The one you won't see coming? My jaw was on the floor.
I love Jasmine Mas books. She is and always will be one of my top favorite authors. This book was an incredible experience; a story of war blended in romance and psychological labyrinth. I L.O.V.E.D. it so much that it is now indefinitely embedded in my soul. This story consumed me in the best possible way, every chapter had me in a chokehold. It's just one of those books where you live, and breathe inside of it.
P.S. Can I have a Squire? Prettyyyy please? "𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰, 𝘴𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳." ~𝘚𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦
Some of my favorite lines... (obviously not all of them).
"𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥," 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘩𝘭𝘺."
"𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵," 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘺."
"...𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴. 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘡𝘰𝘳𝘢."
Top Tropes:
- True Enemies-to-Lovers
- Female Rage
- Touch Her and Die.
INFINITE ⭐'s/5
I just want to say, thank you SO much Jasmine Mas, and HTP Books for the early digital copy of this magnificent book. I'm beyond grateful.
A hunter forced into proximity with the enemy? Yes, PLEASE.
The heroine, Zora Ravenal is officially my idol. She's fierce and unyielding, and propelled by a mission that has carved itself into her very bones. Her humor is also top notch. Her journey from hunter to Knight Mage is a psychological unraveling, a confrontation with the cost of vengeance, and her entire character is quite literally a testament to the kind of female rage that refuses to be softened for anyone's comfort.
Tarantula, the Royal Mage... volatile, lethal, and obsessive. His attention feels like both a threat and a gravitational pull.
And their dynamic...? Is the 𝘱𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 form of true enemies-to-lovers. Mas writes their tension with surgical precision, every training session, every clash of magic, every moment of forced cooperation tightening the emotional noose until you’re breathless. The banter is sharp, the slow burn is excruciating, and the “touch her and die” energy radiates off the page like heat. And when that twist Jasmine mentions hits you? The one you won't see coming? My jaw was on the floor.
I love Jasmine Mas books. She is and always will be one of my top favorite authors. This book was an incredible experience; a story of war blended in romance and psychological labyrinth. I L.O.V.E.D. it so much that it is now indefinitely embedded in my soul. This story consumed me in the best possible way, every chapter had me in a chokehold. It's just one of those books where you live, and breathe inside of it.
P.S. Can I have a Squire? Prettyyyy please? "𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰, 𝘴𝘭𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳." ~𝘚𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦
Some of my favorite lines... (obviously not all of them).
"𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥," 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘩𝘭𝘺."
"𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵," 𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘺."
"...𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘴𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴. 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘩𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘡𝘰𝘳𝘢."
Top Tropes:
- True Enemies-to-Lovers
- Female Rage
- Touch Her and Die.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you SO MUCH Jasmine for giving me my very first opportunity at an ARC! I burned through this book. It’s fitting that once again you are the reason I’ve been pulled from my reading slump. I refused to read anything while working on my Masters, saw you put out an opportunity for and ARC, who am I to say no to destiny?! (Much like our man Sazha)
Definitely different from previous books there’s no reverse harem and there’s fae? I’m shooketh. However, in classic J. Mas fashion, we have our adorably cute familiar, a badass/strong/independent/witty/always comes-out-on-top FMC, and the absolute pies de resistance: a completely obsessed, morally grey, sexy, overly powerful but complete simp of a MMC.
Ugh let’s just dive into some of my favorite quotes:
“”The Spider whore,” Squire sang solemnly (helpful). Then added “Slut” (too much).” — I’m laff!!!!
“Tarantula smiled, and his canines were sharp. Predatory. Curls framed his mask, swirling with falling petals. He was like one of Marge’s oil paintings— the type you stoop in front of for hours. His appearance seduced the primordial subconscious.” — the imagery I got with this one, if I was an artist I’d draw it.
“Mentally tormenting men is surprisingly enjoyable.” —yes, yes it is.
“I belong to no man” —this is why you’re my favorite author.
“I was going to ruin the world so I could watch her try to save it” — ok I lied, THIS is why you’re my favorite author.
Here’s my qualms and why I had to knock it a star. I just can’t get it worked through my mind that I’m reading a book where the main character speaks like he’s from the Middle Ages, we’re riding dragons BUT we snowboard and have helicopters BBUUUUTTTT we don’t have cameras? We have to paint our images for the news? Yeah…. Idk just threw me out of the story a bit.
All said and done, I loved! I swore I would stop my glutton for punishment by starting unfinished series, but for you my dear, I’ll break my pact. It was such a fun read. Unpopular opinion: I’m so happy we have a blonde MMC. Huge fan. Tattoos? HUGE fan. Sexy diamond collar. (Did I mention I’m a fan of your work?)
Keep it up, can’t wait till the next one.
Definitely different from previous books there’s no reverse harem and there’s fae? I’m shooketh. However, in classic J. Mas fashion, we have our adorably cute familiar, a badass/strong/independent/witty/always comes-out-on-top FMC, and the absolute pies de resistance: a completely obsessed, morally grey, sexy, overly powerful but complete simp of a MMC.
Ugh let’s just dive into some of my favorite quotes:
“”The Spider whore,” Squire sang solemnly (helpful). Then added “Slut” (too much).” — I’m laff!!!!
“Tarantula smiled, and his canines were sharp. Predatory. Curls framed his mask, swirling with falling petals. He was like one of Marge’s oil paintings— the type you stoop in front of for hours. His appearance seduced the primordial subconscious.” — the imagery I got with this one, if I was an artist I’d draw it.
“Mentally tormenting men is surprisingly enjoyable.” —yes, yes it is.
“I belong to no man” —this is why you’re my favorite author.
“I was going to ruin the world so I could watch her try to save it” — ok I lied, THIS is why you’re my favorite author.
Here’s my qualms and why I had to knock it a star. I just can’t get it worked through my mind that I’m reading a book where the main character speaks like he’s from the Middle Ages, we’re riding dragons BUT we snowboard and have helicopters BBUUUUTTTT we don’t have cameras? We have to paint our images for the news? Yeah…. Idk just threw me out of the story a bit.
All said and done, I loved! I swore I would stop my glutton for punishment by starting unfinished series, but for you my dear, I’ll break my pact. It was such a fun read. Unpopular opinion: I’m so happy we have a blonde MMC. Huge fan. Tattoos? HUGE fan. Sexy diamond collar. (Did I mention I’m a fan of your work?)
Keep it up, can’t wait till the next one.
July 9, 2026
The Emperors Enemy was a wild ride that I simply cannot get out of my mind. While the beginning of the story didn't flow into the plot quite the way I wanted it to, the pacing and sheer willpower of the FMC quickly swept me away on an unputdownable journey. Zora was a powerhouse who gave no quarter and refused to back down from seeing through her goals. One thing that I absolutely love about the way Jasmine Mas writes is that her characters have zero filter and their interior monologues are always elite entertainment. Zora was no exception to this and seeing her morality shine through in every other aspect really through into sharp relief her deep rooted hatred of Tarantula and the Empire. Her relationship to her animal companion, Squire the owl, was precious and added so much personality to the story. His lines and her reactions to them (helpful, not helpful,) were the perfect amount of comedic relief in otherwise serious situations. I loved his character so much.
The dynamic between Zora and Tarantula initially had me slightly confused, as I wasn't sure why a prisoner was intentionally granted so many liberties, but I trusted the process and am so happy I did.. Zoras fear and distrust of sharing a room felt perfectly reasonable and I can't say that I blame her for her fondness for the shock collar, although it did seem completely out of character for her. I can't immediately think of any other enemies to lovers dynamics that hit quite this hard. The way that Tarantula simped for Zora, who literally could not care less what he thought and inflicted pain on him at any available opportunity, was absolutely perfect. I crave a man who yearns, and Tarantulas bone-deep obsession with Zora made the culmination of their desire absolutely explosive.
The plot twists throughout the story were incredibly well thought out and I loved that so many breadcrumbs throughout the story came together into that absolutely diabolical ending. I am quite literally still reeling from the shock of finishing and absolutely cannot wait to find out what happens next.
The Emperors Enemy is a must read for anyone looking for:
True Enemies to Lovers
Hilarious animal sidekicks
Yearning, no-holds-barred obsession from the MMC
Excellent Found Family relationships
Political intrigue that will keep you guessing until the very last page
The dynamic between Zora and Tarantula initially had me slightly confused, as I wasn't sure why a prisoner was intentionally granted so many liberties, but I trusted the process and am so happy I did.. Zoras fear and distrust of sharing a room felt perfectly reasonable and I can't say that I blame her for her fondness for the shock collar, although it did seem completely out of character for her. I can't immediately think of any other enemies to lovers dynamics that hit quite this hard. The way that Tarantula simped for Zora, who literally could not care less what he thought and inflicted pain on him at any available opportunity, was absolutely perfect. I crave a man who yearns, and Tarantulas bone-deep obsession with Zora made the culmination of their desire absolutely explosive.
The plot twists throughout the story were incredibly well thought out and I loved that so many breadcrumbs throughout the story came together into that absolutely diabolical ending. I am quite literally still reeling from the shock of finishing and absolutely cannot wait to find out what happens next.
The Emperors Enemy is a must read for anyone looking for:
True Enemies to Lovers
Hilarious animal sidekicks
Yearning, no-holds-barred obsession from the MMC
Excellent Found Family relationships
Political intrigue that will keep you guessing until the very last page
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jasmine has done it again. This book took me on a giant rollercoaster. There were times I was tearing up, laughing, screaming, gasping, fist-pumping the air, and even had a few moments where I wanted to throw my device across the room.
The relationship between Tarantula and Zora will have you at the edge of your seat. This duo is not for the faint of heart. We have two equally strong-willed, unyielding main characters.
Zora is feisty, hard-headed, and a don’t-take-shit-from-anyone type of girl, but she also has a sweet side for the people she loves. She is on a mission, and NOTHING, I repeat, NOTHING is going to stand in her way. Yes, take this literally, she is stubborn as a mule and has the heart of a warrior.
Tarantula is psychotic, vicious, proper (in a sense), and posh. Even with his very unique personality, there are scenes that make you think, Damn, he is H.O.T., then other times you're like, I want to punch you in the face.
There is a scene where Zora has to do something for Tarantula but doesn’t. When you read the scene, you will know what I am talking about, but I literally spoke out loud while chuckling, "YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT TO HIM, GIRL. YOU REALLY STUCK TO YOUR GUNS!"
Besides the main characters, my favourite character is Zora's sidekick. Literally every moment with him was pure comedy. I absolutely ADORED him.
AND HOLY SHIT, the last 15%-ish of the book left me gobsmacked. Like, WOW. I was blown away. I totally thought it was going in another direction, but HOT DAMN, that was one way to end a book.
Cries while waiting for the next book.
Thank you again HTP Books & Jasmine for selecting me as an ARC reader 💕
The relationship between Tarantula and Zora will have you at the edge of your seat. This duo is not for the faint of heart. We have two equally strong-willed, unyielding main characters.
Zora is feisty, hard-headed, and a don’t-take-shit-from-anyone type of girl, but she also has a sweet side for the people she loves. She is on a mission, and NOTHING, I repeat, NOTHING is going to stand in her way. Yes, take this literally, she is stubborn as a mule and has the heart of a warrior.
Rule of survival: Have a terrifying amount of fun
Tarantula is psychotic, vicious, proper (in a sense), and posh. Even with his very unique personality, there are scenes that make you think, Damn, he is H.O.T., then other times you're like, I want to punch you in the face.
I yearn for thee to press that knife against my flesh while….
There is a scene where Zora has to do something for Tarantula but doesn’t. When you read the scene, you will know what I am talking about, but I literally spoke out loud while chuckling, "YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT TO HIM, GIRL. YOU REALLY STUCK TO YOUR GUNS!"
Besides the main characters, my favourite character is Zora's sidekick. Literally every moment with him was pure comedy. I absolutely ADORED him.
Spider whore
AND HOLY SHIT, the last 15%-ish of the book left me gobsmacked. Like, WOW. I was blown away. I totally thought it was going in another direction, but HOT DAMN, that was one way to end a book.
Cries while waiting for the next book.
Thank you again HTP Books & Jasmine for selecting me as an ARC reader 💕
July 3, 2026
Thank you so much to Jasmine Mas and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was an absolute pleasure to read, and now I’ll be impatiently waiting for book two like the rest of us.
4.75 ⭐️
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars is because I feel like Zora was missing just a little bit of the unhinged Jasmine Mas FMC energy I’ve come to expect. She’s still great, I just missed that extra sprinkle of feral, but fully expect the feral to be full force in book 2.
Now let’s discuss the real reason we’re here.
Tarantula.
Jasmine Mas looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Here’s a blonde man who’s pathetic, emotionally unstable, catastrophically obsessed, and yearning so hard he could power the national grid.”
As a recovered-but-never-really-recovered Draco fanfic girlie…
Thank you for your service.
Bring back blonde men.
Bring back pathetic men.
Bring back MMCs who spend 90% of the book one inconvenience away from a complete psychological collapse because they’re so painfully, embarrassingly down bad.
This is the representation I’ve been asking for.
The beginning did have me questioning whether I’d accidentally started on chapter 12 because Jasmine absolutely launches you into the deep end with no floaties. I trusted the process, and thankfully the process delivered. Watching all the pieces fall into place was incredibly satisfying.
I guessed one of the major twists before the reveal, but instead of making it less exciting, it just made me feel like Charlie Day standing in front of the conspiracy board screaming, “I KNEW IT.” And then Jasmine immediately reminded me I actually knew nothing because there was an even bigger game being played.
Anyway.
Being an ARC reader is psychological warfare because this book isn’t even out yet and somehow I’m already clawing at the walls for book two.
Jasmine Mas… respectfully…
What am I supposed to do with myself until then?
4.75 ⭐️
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars is because I feel like Zora was missing just a little bit of the unhinged Jasmine Mas FMC energy I’ve come to expect. She’s still great, I just missed that extra sprinkle of feral, but fully expect the feral to be full force in book 2.
Now let’s discuss the real reason we’re here.
Tarantula.
Jasmine Mas looked me dead in the eyes and said, “Here’s a blonde man who’s pathetic, emotionally unstable, catastrophically obsessed, and yearning so hard he could power the national grid.”
As a recovered-but-never-really-recovered Draco fanfic girlie…
Thank you for your service.
Bring back blonde men.
Bring back pathetic men.
Bring back MMCs who spend 90% of the book one inconvenience away from a complete psychological collapse because they’re so painfully, embarrassingly down bad.
This is the representation I’ve been asking for.
The beginning did have me questioning whether I’d accidentally started on chapter 12 because Jasmine absolutely launches you into the deep end with no floaties. I trusted the process, and thankfully the process delivered. Watching all the pieces fall into place was incredibly satisfying.
I guessed one of the major twists before the reveal, but instead of making it less exciting, it just made me feel like Charlie Day standing in front of the conspiracy board screaming, “I KNEW IT.” And then Jasmine immediately reminded me I actually knew nothing because there was an even bigger game being played.
Anyway.
Being an ARC reader is psychological warfare because this book isn’t even out yet and somehow I’m already clawing at the walls for book two.
Jasmine Mas… respectfully…
What am I supposed to do with myself until then?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jasmine has done it again. This book took me on a giant rollercoaster. There were times I was tearing up, laughing, screaming, gasping, fist-pumping the air, and even had a few moments where I wanted to throw my device across the room.
The relationship between Tarantula and Zora will have you at the edge of your seat. This duo is not for the faint of heart. We have two equally strong-willed, unyielding main characters.
Zora is feisty, hard-headed, and a don’t-take-shit-from-anyone type of girl, but she also has a sweet side for the people she loves. She is on a mission, and NOTHING, I repeat, NOTHING is going to stand in her way. Yes, take this literally, she is stubborn as a mule and has the heart of a warrior.
Tarantula is psychotic, vicious, proper (in a sense), and posh. Even with his very unique personality, there are scenes that make you think, Damn, he is H.O.T., then other times you're like, I want to punch you in the face.
There is a scene where Zora has to do something for Tarantula but doesn’t. When you read the scene, you will know what I am talking about, but I literally spoke out loud while chuckling, "YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT TO HIM, GIRL. YOU REALLY STUCK TO YOUR GUNS!"
Besides the main characters, my favourite character is Zora's sidekick. Literally every moment with him was pure comedy. I absolutely ADORED him.
AND HOLY SHIT, the last 15%-ish of the book left me gobsmacked. Like, WOW. I was blown away. I totally thought it was going in another direction, but HOT DAMN, that was one way to end a book.
Cries while waiting for the next book.
Thank you again HTP Books & Jasmine for selecting me as an ARC reader 💕
The relationship between Tarantula and Zora will have you at the edge of your seat. This duo is not for the faint of heart. We have two equally strong-willed, unyielding main characters.
Zora is feisty, hard-headed, and a don’t-take-shit-from-anyone type of girl, but she also has a sweet side for the people she loves. She is on a mission, and NOTHING, I repeat, NOTHING is going to stand in her way. Yes, take this literally, she is stubborn as a mule and has the heart of a warrior.
Rule of survival: Have a terrifying amount of fun
Tarantula is psychotic, vicious, proper (in a sense), and posh. Even with his very unique personality, there are scenes that make you think, Damn, he is H.O.T., then other times you're like, I want to punch you in the face.
I yearn for thee to press that knife against my flesh while….
There is a scene where Zora has to do something for Tarantula but doesn’t. When you read the scene, you will know what I am talking about, but I literally spoke out loud while chuckling, "YOU DID NOT JUST DO THAT TO HIM, GIRL. YOU REALLY STUCK TO YOUR GUNS!"
Besides the main characters, my favourite character is Zora's sidekick. Literally every moment with him was pure comedy. I absolutely ADORED him.
Spider whore
AND HOLY SHIT, the last 15%-ish of the book left me gobsmacked. Like, WOW. I was blown away. I totally thought it was going in another direction, but HOT DAMN, that was one way to end a book.
Cries while waiting for the next book.
Thank you again HTP Books & Jasmine for selecting me as an ARC reader 💕
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