Cast Off

Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms #2

by Enola M. Douglas

An arranged marriage.
A fragile alliance.
A love neither thought possible.

Omega Princess JingYi of Xûen-Sarai has always lived in the shadows—unseen, unwanted, valued only for her skill as a healer. When she’s sent to marry a powerful Alpha lord in a distant kingdom, she sees it as an escape. A chance to reclaim her dignity.

Alpha Lord Alexander Wulfbane expects a flawless bride to restore his disgraced House—but the Omega who arrives is nothing like he imagined. The moment their eyes meet, disappointment lingers, and their fragile alliance begins to fray.

But beyond the cold marriage bed and strained diplomacy, a darker plot is brewing. Across the realm, Omegas are vanishing—and whispers of a forbidden substance threaten to destabilize the Nine Kingdoms. To survive, JingYi and Alexander must become more than a political match.

She’s not the bride he wants.
And she never asks him to be her hero.
But when the storm comes, they’ll have to choose—
stand together, or be swept away.

Cast Off is an Omegaverse fantasy romance. It is Book Two in Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms—a series of interconnected stories, each following different main characters or pairings, all bound by a shared world and a central conflict. This book can be read on its own—but Whisked Away (Book 1) offers deeper context and emotional resonance within the overarching plot.

Genres: Fantasy, Omegaverse, Romance, Erotica, Found Family

780 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2026

Reviews

[grace ᵕ̈ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you will read a book that carves a hole in your chest and leaves you both aching and wanting more. Reading Cast Off was exactly like this for me. I’ve been anticipating this one since I finished Whisked Away, and this book was truly everything and more.

Here we are cast off (pun intended) back into Issoirea—this time focusing on the wintery and rugged landscape of Tremore and the empire of Xûen-Sarai, where a great famine sweeps over the land while its emperor and wealthy live in luxury. A marriage is arranged between Lord Alexander Wulfbane, a lord of a disgraced House who’s trying to restore its honor, and princess JingYi, who is not what he expects… as disappointment arises, both Alexander and JingYi must work together to not only survive the political match neither of them wanted but unravel a deep-rooted conspiracy that ravages the land.

The arranged marriage trope in this book is so nuanced, and it is very easy to understand where both characters are coming from. I loved Alexander. I loved JingYi. Both characters stand on their own and together. This book is about finding yourself. It’s about inner beauty. It’s about second chances.

You will LOVE Cast Off if you love…
✔️arranged marriage trope
✔️healer fmc/warrior mmc
✔️beautiful worldbuilding
✔️A/B/O universe (in a high-fantasy setting)
✔️angst
✔️sloooooow burns
✔️groveling mmcs
✔️chronic pain rep
✔️conspiracies and plot twists

Thank you to Enola M. Douglas for the arc. What an honor it was to read this

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ok, so Enola Douglas is becoming an instant read author. This is only her second novel and it was…everything I dreamed it would be.

I really enjoyed Whisked Away, which was book one in this series. But Cast Off truly took the good foundation we were provided in book one and expanded on it. On top of that, we received one of the best slow burn romances I’ve read, ever.

JingYi and Alexander’s relationship is the slowest of burns. There’s a lot of pain and hardship, both from their pasts and also ones Alexander causes due to his own problems. But trust me, JingYi makes the man earn her love. I love a book about yearning and man oh man does this one have it.

Alexander and JingYi, outside of their relationship, are extremely well rounded characters. Both have their flaws and at the beginning, both of them have a lot of growth. But by the end, it’s well earned growth and I think their story of healing and finding love in the most unlikely places, truly was so beautiful and well done.

The overall plot that continues from book one is juicy and has so much mystery around it. I am so excited to see how it continues in book three (and I’m very happy ShunLi and Adelise are next in the line up. I’m fascinated by ShunLi as a character).

I highly recommend picking up Enola Douglas. I said this in my review for book one, but I think she’s a great introduction to those wanting to read the omegaverse but are intimidated by it. I also think why I love them so much, as someone who isn’t always big on omegaverse, is because it’s not the entire plot. Don’t get me wrong, it is important to the plot. But it is not the entire driving force and it complements the world and story Enola has clearly taken the time and care to create.

✨5 stars ✨

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Adult Omegaverse
Spice: 2/5🌶️

𝘞𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘖𝘧𝘧 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥-𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘐 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘵𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘺𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴.

The Catalog: F/M, physical disability rep, healer fmc x warrior mmc, arranged political marriage, slowww burn, traditional medicine and acupuncture, found family, political machinations, only one horse, inconvenient heat, mutual pining, duty v.s. desire, god-teir groveling, second chance

CW: xenophobia, racism, sexism, misogyny, kidnapping, ableism, physical violence, murder & death, corpse, blood

Synopsis: JingYi is the Xûen-Sarai Princess forced into the life of a servant healer due to her physical differences and the shadow of gossip. Alexander is the Alpha Lord of Blackwood-Veyrde that has spent his whole life seeking to restore honor to his house after his father was convicted of treason. When his King offers Alexander’s hand in marriage to JingYi as part of a political alliance, he believes this is chance to finally restore his house. However, his obsession with duty refuses to allow him to see past JingYi’s differences. Blind to her perfection and beauty, political dangers pull at their already fragile marriage until the thin threads snap.

Thoughts:
If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. I’ve had this ARC for a month and waited until the last second to read it because I knew that I wouldn’t want it to end.

Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms is one of the most incredible series I’ve ever read and I’ve been looking forward to continuing it since I turned the last page on book one, Whisked Away. Genuinely, Enola’s writing is my favorite of any author I’ve ever read. The way she explores characters makes you feel like you’ve known them your entire life, and her talent for imagery and description is otherworldly. I cannot even begin to express the levels of excitement, obsession, and gratefulness I feel about this series because there are simply no words. I can only beg you to give it a chance if you love fantasy romance or omegaverse. I promise, it is absolutely worth it.

As for Cast Off, specifically, where do I even start? Alexander and JingYi are incredible characters. They felt so real and their feelings were written in such a way that I ached with them, I cried with them, I smiled and laughed and cheered for them. JingYi is on a mission of self-discovery after years of abuse at the hands of her people. She is learning to bloom and understand that her strength and character are not impeded by her physical disability and birthmark, but amplified because she has preserved. Alexander is learning to balance duty and desire. He worries that JingYi cannot be the bride to restore his honor because of his duty to his people, so he is always on the precipice of throwing his feelings away in order to do what is expected.

They are both carved from politics and hardened by ostracism. Their love story is not easy, it is full of angst and personal reckonings, but wow is it powerfully transformative and emotional. Alexander’s pining and groveling are on a level that everyone deserves but few experience.

The landscapes and culture portrayed in this book are so rich and vibrant they felt tactile. Every page felt like a lived experience, something I would reach out and grab with my hands, or sink my teeth into. Enola paints such lovely pictures with her writing and I feel changed to see this world through her writing.

Lastly, the world that this series is set in is so well planned and plotted. Everything has meaning and everything comes full circle in such satisfying ways. The world building is intuitive and easy to dive into, while being dynamic and gripping in a way that feels addictive. I’ll be brutally honest, omegaverse is rarely given this level of care, and my heart feels so full that Enola has gifted this genre her gift.

I adored seeing characters from book one. It made me so emotional to see the ways a single person’s actions can cause ripples through the lives of many.

I could continue to sing my praises for this series like a wolf howling at the moon, but you’ll just have to take my word for it and take a leap of faith. The Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms will catch you, shred your heart to pieces, then build you back up with vibrant lands and unforgettable characters.

[Erin | the.gremlin.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast Off by Enola M. Douglas is a beautifully written high-fantasy omegaverse with a profound emotional depth that’s heart-wrenching and deeply moving on a guttural level.

Yes, she’s thick, and I may have instinctively rebelled against the idea of 770 page omegaverse. But that version of me was a fool and I’m so glad I let myself dive headfirst into this emotionally charged adventure of trauma, self-discovery and growth. There wasn’t a single moment of filler. Every page held purpose — every character’s voice unique and intentional. I loved it.

Cast off releases July 10th and is book two in the Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms — a set of interconnected standalones that takes place in a shared world with a looming & escalating central dark conflict that’s more sinister than I’d originally expected.

Romance readers that enjoy high fantasy, omegaverse (hierarchy/caste designations), arranged marriage, disgraced/outcast MMC, healer FMC, exiled/outcast princess, immersive & expansive world building, chronic pain rep, trauma & healing and slow burn to light open door spice should add this series to their TBR!

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

story 6 ⭐️
spice 1🌶️


Cast off by Enola M. Douglas is book 2 of the Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms. I truly recommend reading Wisked Away before diving into this one, as you will see our beloved characters from the first book here, and maybe some not-so-loved…

Enola's writing has a way of crawling into your heart and making a permanent nest there; princess JingYi will pull on every heartstring and, like a true strong FMC, will heal even scars you knew you had. While she is the daughter of an emperor, she is not treated as a princess; she is a healer and a server. Her arranged married with Alexander will kick off the story, casting us off into these beautiful new places.

Both of the characters stand on their own and together. Their relationship is truly a story of growth, acceptance, hardship and most importantly, love. The way this man crawls back to her…. All I'll say is if I'm not loved like that, I don't want it! This story is about inner beauty, self-discovery and second chances.

Thank you, Enola, for trusting me with your Arc. This is such a special story to my heart!

[Grimoires and Chill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grateful to have received an ARC copy of this book!

This was one of my highly anticipated reads for this year and it did not disappoint.
Coming off the back of Whisked Away, I wasn't sure what to expect with the main storyline moving to a new set of MCS, but I can easily say, JingYi and Alexander are one of my favourite pairings!

The story is set within the world of the Nine Kingdoms, and for me was giving Apothecary Diaries x Zuko vibes. Which I absolutely loved! The world building in this series is unparallel. Having read a plethora of romantasy books, you reach a point where world building bounces between the spectrum of monotonous or over the top excessive, where it becomes heavy on the 'show' aspect of writing. This book however, fits into the rare niche, where there's a beautiful balance between a variety of descriptive language and necessary information to comprehend a scene/situation/backstory, etc, that it allows you to become immersed within the story.

JingYi is the throwaway Princess living with a physical disability under her tyrant father's rule. I love that her disability wasn't brushed over, but didn't make her feeble or self-loathing. We get her inner thoughts, much of what is a reflection of others words and actions against her, but not once does she give up. It's refreshing to see the acknowledgement of a disability, but no attempt to sugar coat its existence. To see how a character perseveres and adapts to show strength within their own right, especially as a FMC, without 'fixing' her disability or becoming a sword wielding warrior in a matter of chapters. IYKYK. I truly loved how the author did not seek to find a 'cure' or 'fix' for JingYi. What resonated with me most with JingYi was how she linked her self-worth to how useful she could be or how best she could serve others. Always observing and looking for ways to make the lives of others easier, but never being the one to be looked out for.
Call it eldest daughter PTSD, but finding yourself again after you learn to unpack all the caretaking bs that has been thrust upon you is no easy feat. So whilst I did scream at some of her decisions towards the end of the book, I know it was absolutely necessary for her character's growth.

Alexander is a MMC you want to initially shake in the beginning, but you can also understand where he's coming from. Very much the Zuko vibes I mentioned earlier: restore my family honour and all that. He makes some truly frustrating decisions, but his grovelling to rectify his mistakes makes up for it. How he takes the time to immerse himself within her culture to learn the language and customs, and then ultimately the gift he commissions for JingYi - perfection.

"You annulled our marriage to set me free. I am that free man. And my first free choice... is you. I love you. I choose you - not as duty, restitution or strategy. I choose you as the only woman I see. The only future I want. The only soul that is my home." - Alexander

"Everything beautiful that's happened to me began the moment you walked into my life." - Alexander

"I told him flaw is what makes it singular. Proof of its journey, a story written in its heart. It catches the light in a way perfection never could. It is what makes it breathtakingly beautiful." - Alexander

Overarching, the story is set within the omegaverse, and we get a bit more of the initial mystery laid out from book one explored and unpacked. Within all of this, there is the constant grappling of sexism and overall shit treatment of women, regardless of caste. There is depth to all the nuances explored and at times, the conflict of decisions that aren't as clean cut as they appear.

The world was full of men who failed the women in their lives. But here and there, in the quiet spaces, were men who had tried.

JingYi herself has endured so much, but does not loose her gentleness. She shows bravery in ways that aren't immediately obvious. Truly one of the best written FMCs I've read in a long time!

"There's nothing you can do to me that hasn't already been done before. You are not special. You're just the latest in a long line of men who thought they could beat me into submission." - JingYi

Gripping plot, well written spice, complex characters who fight for one another, disability rep, women supporting women, arranged marriage, alpha x omega, and found family, all wrapped up in a delicious slow burn!
Eagerly awaiting the next instalment!!

[Couby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of an advanced reader copy provided by the author. This review is completely voluntary and honest.

Never have I been left so speechless after reading a book. This book was so raw and genuine, the emotions hit right into your gut and then needles their way further, seeding itself into your soul.

Cast off is an omegaverse that follows JingYi, a highborn omega born to the emperor that has been cast aside due to her looks. She’s been treated as a slave her entire life until she was called to be married off to a foreign Alpha as a bartering chip. Alexander was expecting a perfect omega wife to help restore his family’s reputation, not a crippled princess who will only bring further shame to his family name. But as nefarious forces are threatening omegas across the realms, Alexander and JingYi learn to trust each other, love each other, and to choose each other again and again.

I’ve been trying to read more Chinese inspired books lately to be more in touch with my own culture so I had to jump on this one when I realized it was set in a Chinese dynasty setting! We get a glimpse into the horrors of the back palace harems during that time period. The lengths concubines would go through to ensure their children remain on top, to remain in power, and to keep the emperor’s favour. It reminds me of all the c-dramas that I’ve watched but depicted with much more honesty and brutality.

JingYi’s character reminds me of Maomao from apothecary diaries because she’s also an apothecary, but also the resilience that she embodies. JingYi has such a quiet strength about her that she really shows whenever she’s healing someone. Despite being raised to believe she’s a worthless piece of nothing, she is full of self doubt and doesn’t believe anyone can genuinely love her. But in those moments when she’s focused on her medicine, something she’s confident in, her strength shines through. She’s sure of herself, won’t let others question her ability, and stand up for herself. I loved seeing her slowly find that strength in her daily life as she learns to let others love her.

I also love Alexander’s character. He’s noble, righteous, and everything you’d want a Lord to be. Except underneath it all, he also has something to prove. He needs to win back the favour of the kingdom for his father’s crimes that brought dishonour to his family name. We see these two sides of him war against each other when he sees JingYi’s face for the first time. He’s been so kind and respectful to her, feels pity for the way she’s treated by her own maids, and was protective of her the second they met. But the darker side of him thinks JingYi was sent to mock him, that he’s so desperate, he’d take anyone as a wife. The best part is, he’s surrounded by loyal people who knows who he is at heart and they hold him accountable to stay honourable and to not hurt JingYi. Also, random side note, but I love that Alexander wields an axe and not a sword. We love an MMC who uses a different weapon 😌

This book was a whopping 600+ pages but it did not feel that long at all while I was reading it. I was so sucked in the entire time, I just kept flipping the pages because I had to know what would happen next. And before I knew it, the book ended. That’s how I know when a book is good! I actually went into this thinking that the pace would be slow, maybe many paragraphs of world-building, and overall just lots of info dumping. How surprised I was when there was none of that!

Because this was my first omegaverse, I did some research on what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this book was not filled with pages of lustful emotions between the MCs. Instead, it explored themes of trust, consent, and giving the one you love the choice to choose themselves over you. As the saying goes, you can’t love someone else until you learn to love yourself.

Overall, this was a fantastic read and definitely one I would recommend if you’re looking for a book that challenges normalized societal expectations, that makes you question right from wrong, and that makes you wonder what love really is.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.

How do I even explain this book without giving too much away, but also explain the beauty of it?

Let’s start off with the two main characters. We are introduced to JingYi and Alexander as they enter into a arranged marriage, describing them as the balance (year of the Raven and Year of the Wolf), and how they are perfect for each other. As the reader, you’d think it’s maybe something only said to make it sound like they are a “perfect match” for the love story aspect. It’s not uncommon when it comes to a romance that the two main leads are “perfect” for the other. But this is not the case. JingYi and Alexander grow and develop as individuals throughout the story, and as you watch them come into themselves and their self discoveries, you truly see that they are indeed so well balanced for each other. It’s like watching the puzzle pieces come together piece by piece as you read the story. The way the author interwove their developments and budding romance is so well written, it gave me such satisfaction as I saw it all coming together. Wow, it was so amazing to read.

Watching JingYi’s journey as she goes from silent, obedient, and trying to survive, to finding her voice and inner strength and showing it, was so beautiful. Her strength didn’t come from swords, training or battle fields, but from words, her intellect, her knowledge of herbs, and her observation of people and how she connected with them. I cheered for her, I cried for her, I wanted to sit and have a cup of herbal tea with her. I was so happy and proud of how far she came from the start of the book to the end. Such a beautiful and well written character.

I also fell in love and was so proud of Alexander’s development, from how he first treated her, to coming to some inner realizations and turmoils (his expectations he put on himself and his House regarding having a certain type of bride), to his own personal growth when he realizes that JingYi is a person and how he begins to truly see her, and not just her appearance or disability or what others may think of her as his wife in court. I loved how after a time when he started to really see her, he let her go to make her own choices, to do what she needed to do for herself, while then taking the time to focus on himself, to better himself, for her! Absolutely loved that.

I LOVED how we got cameos of characters from the first book, Whisked Away! Since the story is in the same timeline, and with the situation regarding the kidnapping of Omega’s, the overlap makes sense, and it was so cool seeing where previous beloved characters are at currently and their contribution to the storyline. It was amazing, I was so giddy seeing them all again.

I think the best part of the overall storyline, is that when there was a conflict, it was resolved swiftly. None of this waiting around for 10-15 chapters while the characters avoided talking to each other, or some other things got in the way before finally circling back and coming to a resolution. I thoroughly enjoyed how the author would present a situation, issue or conflict, and within a few chapters it was either discussed (as proper adults by the way, as they should), and sorted out, before moving onto the next issue (usually part of either character development or the main plot). Because of this, the story flowed so well, and didn’t leave me in that “ugh, when will they finally talk about it and move on!” state that usually happens in most books. There was no whining, no grovelling, no secrets, only some typical misunderstandings and mistakes or bad decisions made. But the characters would discuss their choices, their reasonings, why they did the things they did or had certain thoughts and beliefs. 5/5 for actually being adults and talking to each other. It made the story so much more enjoyable to read.

Overall, I loved this book, I would definitely read it again and recommend it.

[Ivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d been anticipating Cast Off like many others, from the moment I turned the last page of the debut, I kept wondering what Enola would do next in this world. I pre-ordered it the day it was announced.
And when Enola announced her ARC, I signed up so fast hoping that my name would be chosen. I received the email to let me know I was chosen And then I opened it, downloaded, and didn’t stop.

Where Whisked Away snuck up on me with quiet heartbreak, Cast Off carved a deeper space inside my chest. JingYi’s story is one of those that stays with you. A princess who was never allowed to feel like one. She is marked, unseen, treated more like a servant than royalty. The way she carries her pain, her birthmark, her limp, and still chooses healing, still chooses kindness… it hit me in the best way. There’s a profound loneliness in her that felt achingly real, the kind that makes you reflect on every time you’ve felt invisible in your own life. The Dedication, her opening line about silence.. it all resonated.
I wasn’t sure about Alexander at first. He’s exactly the kind of alpha who frustrates you on the page (and you’ll want to shake him), but his slow, stumbling realization of what he has in her, the yearning, the groveling that follows… it’s earned. Their arranged marriage starts rocky and complicated, but watching it transform into something tender and true is deeply satisfying. The way they learn to truly see each other carries the same emotional weight that made the first book special.
The cameos from Whisked Away hit harder than I expected. Seeing those characters woven into this story, not just waving from the sidelines but actively part of it, made me tear up more than once. It felt like coming home to old friends while falling in love with new ones.
And then there’s Conrad. That boy stole a piece of my heart. His mirth, his instinct, his loyalty! He’s a bright spot of warmth and humor in a story that doesn’t shy away from heavier themes. I found myself smiling through tears whenever he was on the page.
The world of the Nine Kingdoms keeps expanding in the most immersive way. The cultural differences, the political tension, the rugged landscapes of Tremore against the intricate courts of Xûen-Sarai, you feel the cold wind, taste the food, sense the weight of old grudges and fragile alliances. The writing is still that perfect balance of beautiful and effortless. Nothing ever feels overwritten. The hurt, the comfort, the slow burn, the moments of desire all feel intentional and human.
I sat with this book for a long time after finishing it too. Maybe even longer than the first. There’s something about Enola’s stories that lingers in the gentlest, most powerful way. They’re not just romantasy, they’re about being seen, about healing what’s been broken, about finding home in people and places that choose you back.
This is only her second novel. Second. And I’m already convinced Enola M. Douglas is going to be one of those authors whose books I’ll pre-order without question, no matter what she writes next.
If you loved Whisked Away, or if you’re even a little curious about a story that blends political intrigue, deep character growth, and a romance that feels earned in every quiet glance and hard-won touch, give Cast Off a chance. It has heart. And sometimes that’s exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

[Angela Ila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books entertain you.

Some books stay with you.

Cast Off did both.

I absolutely loved this story.

One of my favorite things was how beautifully it ties back to Whisked Away. Those little connections had me grinning because they rewarded readers of Book 1 without taking anything away from this story. It felt like stepping back into a world I already loved while getting to experience it from an entirely new perspective.

JingYi completely stole my heart.

She has spent so much of her life surviving—hiding pieces of herself, enduring judgment, carrying pain that most people never saw. Watching her slowly reclaim herself was one of the most beautiful character journeys I’ve read in a long time.

“Today, she didn’t mask it. She didn’t try to smooth her gait into something it could never be. The ache was her rhythm. The limp was the road she had walked to get here, written in the language of her body.”

That might be one of my favorite passages in the entire book.

This isn’t just a romance. It’s a story about healing. Healing from trauma. Healing from betrayal. Healing from believing you’re somehow less because of what other people decided you were. JingYi heals people with her gifts, but the most incredible healing happens inside her own heart.

And Alexander…

Listen.

He frustrated me. 😂

He was proud. He was arrogant. He was blind to so much. But what I appreciated was that his growth wasn’t instant. He had to confront his own flaws, challenge everything he thought he knew, and realize that the woman standing in front of him wasn’t someone who had deceived him—she had simply been surviving.

That realization changed everything.

Even more importantly… JingYi wasn’t forced back into his life.

She chose him.

That made all the difference for me.

Their relationship didn’t feel built on obligation or duty. It felt earned.

There were so many moments that made my heart ache, but there were just as many that made me smile—especially watching the people who underestimated JingYi because of her appearance realize exactly who she had become. That was incredibly satisfying.

I also loved seeing familiar threads from Whisked Away woven throughout this story. Those little details made the world feel so much bigger and richer, and every callback had me remembering pieces of Book 1 with a huge smile.

And can we talk about the writing for a second?

There were so many lines that made me stop reading just to appreciate them. One of my favorites was:

“I don’t need gold or grandeur. Only a place to breathe.”

Simple.

Heartbreaking.

Perfect.

If you enjoy fantasy romance with arranged marriage, redemption that actually feels earned, incredible character growth, emotional healing, and a heroine whose quiet strength becomes impossible to ignore, I cannot recommend Cast Off enough.

This wasn’t just a love story.

It was the story of a woman learning that surviving isn’t the same as living… and finally giving herself permission to do both.

Thank you so much for trusting me with this ARC. It was such a privilege to return to this world, and I already can’t wait to see where the Nine Kingdoms takes us next.

[Jacqueline Pleli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only just discovered Enola M. Douglas recently, and after falling completely in love with Whisked Away, I’ll be honest. I was nervous going into book two. The first book delivered so well. The world building, the character development, characters with actual self-reflection and introspection and growth and real, relatable human moments. The bar was high.

Cast Off did not disappoint.

Built on the same rich world, with threads of familiar characters woven through, this book opens up two entirely new regions of the Nine Kingdoms, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. The world just keeps expanding in the best possible way.

Jing Yi is an incredible protagonist. You’re introduced to her as the shadow of a human she’s been raised to be, a kingdom that values facades, grandeur and beauty while its people suffer. She has experienced nothing but cruelty, even from her own mother, over something she cannot control: a birthmark on her face. Pitted against her own siblings, unseen and undervalued in every space she has ever known. And yet she chooses to heal. She chooses to grow. Her resentment is real and earned, but she doesn’t let it make her cruel. It’s not a woe-is-me pity party. This is a woman capable of learning, of changing, of becoming, and watching that unfold is genuinely powerful.

What makes her arc so profound is the journey from being in a place that only ever diminished her, to being thrust into a community that not only needs her skills and talents but values them, and looks beyond her appearance entirely. That shift is everything. The message woven through this book about feeling unseen in the wrong circumstances, and finding where you truly belong, where you are valued and treasured, hit me deeply. One place’s expectations of you do not determine your worth. And finding somewhere that lets you be fully yourself, that looks beyond your flaws and offers love and hope, that’s the heart of this story.

Then there’s Lord Alexander Wolfbane. He came into this arrangement open, willing, even excited, and then he faltered when faced with her perceived flaws. But here’s what I loved: he didn’t just disappear into villainy. He had to sit with himself. He had to grow. And he still chose to care for her, to know her. His arc earns it.

Navigating the weight of a world’s expectations while also finding your person, your home in another soul, is an incredibly difficult thing to write without it becoming cheesy or hollow. Enola M. Douglas captured this perfectly. I received an ARC for this book and I am so grateful, because this was a journey I enjoyed every single second of. I could not put it down. This series is immersive, emotionally intelligent, honest, and exactly the kind of fantasy romance I didn’t know I needed.

The twists and turns this book takes is incredible. Without giving spoilers I can say there are things you don’t see coming…

If you haven’t started this series yet, what are you doing?

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from author

oh my god that was incredible.

i started out intimidated by this book's 700 pages, but looked down at some point and realized i was 230 pages in. in one sitting??? the pacing was brilliant.

"cast off" is book 2 of a series that i was brand new to. enola m douglas (the author) promised it works as a standalone, and she handled that balance beautifully. book 1 has a totally different set of MCs. you're given just enough to understand where things left off and who these people are to each other; so newcomers like me can understand what's going on, and returning readers can rejoice when beloved characters finally reappear. it must be hard to pull that off, but wow.

"cast off" offers gorgeous prose that moves just fast enough to keep the book compelling, strong and efficient characterization, and a world so rich it's tempting me to go back and read book 1. (for the record, book 1 is a why-choose romance... which i don't typically love. but the prospect of seeing more of this world is making me reconsider.)

i could go on and on about the world. every kingdom doesn't just have its own climate and language; it has its own imports and exports, political machinery and class structures. you get to see the depth with jingyi's pov: technically royalty but raised working-class, she's largely shut out of the privileges that would have been typically afforded to her by birth. physically disabled and disfigured, you see how the different cultures react to her and how they shift their expectations.

the alternating close third POV (mostly jingyi and alexander, with occasional input from others) meant that i felt comfortable with both of them. their motives and shortcomings made sense, their dynamic was a rollercoaster ride i never wanted to get off of, and their romance... enola m douglas NAILED yearning. the smut scenes felt so tender i felt like my heart was going to burst. but what i really loved was that alexander actually learns. he starts out on the wrong foot, stumbling for a good long while before finding his rhythm, but eventually he makes the effort to meet jingyi where she is. this read as SO romantic to me. the usual shortcuts of making the MMC perfect right from the get-go are not present here. there's beauty in the mistakes, in learning and trying.

i suspected two of the twists but not the full extent of them, and was very glad to be surprised by the biggest one!

underneath it all, this is a book about acceptance. of other people, of what they can't control, of yourself. people show you who they are through their actions. they can change, and it's up to you to decide what to do with that.

(the only grievance i can think of is small: the word brocade appeared so many times it was almost distracting)

so ready for book 3!!! in the meantime, i'm not really a rereader but would absolutely go back to this again and again. beautiful work.

[Yoru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, Wow! I really loved it! 
I chose to apply for the ARC because the synopsis was really interesting and omg I wasn't disappointed! I loved the author's writings so much !! I read that book as a standalone, it was my first time reading this author, and lemme tell you, I'm immediately buying the first book of this series (* bought book1 before submitting this review, right after finishing this ARC of book2!*)!

I was immediately drawn to the story and the characters POVs and the worldbuilding was so intriguing and interesting! So refreshing also is the omegaverse setting. I've never before read a book with that setting, only manga/manhwa and there were m-m for most, but omg I loved it as a world setting in a book🤩🤩 and the plot behind it, still going to continue in the next book (and will soon discover how it started in book1) is so intriguingly well put! I'm loving everything so far! 

Ah. 

With the exception of 2 things. 

The first has to do with on which app/platform I read it. The maps font is waaaay too small for BookFunel where you can't zoom. Welp, my poor eyes😭😭 I'm so sad because maps in fantasy worlds are such a good ressources so i was sad I couldn't get the most of it. Maybe for time/edition, put a legend on the side of the maps with dots colored to associate it, and the legend will be with a bigger font? So like that, no need to zoom?

And the second thing was at the end and has to do with how I interpreted a sentence so, less general and more personal opinion lol
"Mercy for the useful, ruin for the wicked" 
.... 
Really????? Bcs the 3girls are USEFUL??? Lol please xD lemme laugh🤣🤨 

Anyways, that synopsis for the next book!!! Oohohohoh... I thought that the next book would be LinXin and a Tsaiqun-veyara Chieftain outcast, or maybe prince Thorir and Linxin, so in mostly other places like the 2 other books, with ShinLi and Adelyse story still going on but on the side (or as a complementary side story after the 3rd book) but not as main yk, but we are going back to the palace hypocrisy and intrigues on book3 with them as main!. I'm not super good with 100% of palace intrigues (like 40-50% like in this book2 I don't mind and it's pretty fun and interesting and the right amount of frustration, but more than that? The frustration takes over and it isn't much of a pleasure anymore.)
But I'll definitely give book3 a chance!!🤩

PS: Please give HaoRán a chance at HEA 😢my poor cutie babyyy


Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted book. #castoff #thenerdfam

ARC provided by TheNerdFam in exchange for an honest review

[Severine Bambang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you author (terima kasih banyak🙏) and The Nerd Fam for this eARC. This is my honest review and I did it voluntarily.

I love this book.
I finish it in one day.

This book is actually the second book. I haven't read the first book, but I can still understand the story. (After reading this book, I think this is one must be read series for period drama lovers).

The nuance reminds me so much of the Huan Zhu Ge Ge (a Taiwanese period drama) but with a larger world building and fantasy touch.

✅Period drama
✅Omegaverse
✅Political intrigue
✅Arranged marriage


JingYi is the daughter of Xuen's emperor.
But having the blood is not a guarantee for an easy life.
Raised as a servant, and trying to move her way out, she is determined to learn to be a physician's (attendant).
Being an Omega Princess, she was cast off to another kingdom for a political marriage.
She met Alexander, an Alpha lord trying to revive his family from ruin.

Jingyi, she is clearly intelligent. Simply honest.
Her survival mode is amazing.
Not your damsel in distress.
I could feel her pain, and I really want her to get her happiness.
(I nearly cried for her during the eavesdropping scene, because she must have been so hurt hearing all of that).

Alexander.
He watched the downfall of his family.
So I can understand why he is so protective toward his people and struggles to admit his feelings. He is so lucky to have loyal people on his side. He will be a completely different person if he doesn't have Yrenna, The Raeve family, Darrion, etc.
He knows how to be a leader, but he doesn't know how to be a man.

This book is written beautifully by the author.
She doesn't use flowery words but the phrases are so beautiful.

"Tears are precious. Do not waste them where cruelty may drink them"

"We all have oceans between us and the ones we love".

The world building is amazing, you could feel the culture difference between each kingdom, how it affects its people's way of thinking.
And the author really takes care of her side and minor characters. She gave them their own background story (not all of them of course because it will be too long), but it makes me want to knows them better.

But there is one thing that tickles me.
It is a little bit strange when a character could easily meet so many royals (and nobility) by accident for such a vast world building.
I understand if the world is based on some period drama where the intrigue is between the king, nobility within one kingdom. But since this series covers 9 nine kingdoms, it seems too much of "coincidence" 😅

[Brianna Farnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

Let me preface this by saying, I have never read an omega-verse before! I did not know what to expect but I was ready for pretty much anything. What I wasn’t prepared for was an emotionally resonant story that evoked joy, sorrow, anger, fear, and hope. Nor was I prepared for such a diverse and lush world. Enola Douglas does a wonderful job creating a world that feels immersive and lived-in by exploring cultural roots, values, and beliefs. Especially poignant for me was her inclusion of traditional Chinese medicine and ancient historical context. The world is even further fleshed out by the diverse cast of characters, including memorable side characters that both support the main characters and shine on their own.

JinYi (FMC) is a resourceful, compassionate, and intelligent healer who fights to carve her way into a world that is constantly trying to erase her. She diligently works to overcome her trauma, learn to trust, and learn to love herself. In her journey to prove her worth to others, she finds self-acceptance. Her story made me so emotional as I watched her wrestle with the ghosts of her past to ensure they didn’t cloud her future. To me, she is incredibly brave for allowing herself to continue to be soft, vulnerable, and compassionate when her past experiences emphasized the cruelty of humanity.

Alexander (MMC) is a strong, loyal, and stubborn Alpha male that doesn’t know what’s good for him even when it’s staring him in the face. I was so frustrated with him for most of this story! He falls victim to prejudice but he doesn’t let it get the better of him. The thing I loved the most about his storyline was that he fumbled things so terribly but (most of the time) he had good intentions. Where JinYi saw silence as a threat or a defense, Alexander sees it as a strength and tries to allow his actions to speak louder than his words, not realizing that all she needs is for him to say what he feels! But, when he FINALLY talks, man is it swoon worthy! I loved him because he owned up to his mistakes, took accountability, didn’t try to make excuses, and committed to earning back her trust.

While this is a romance, it is also so much more. There’s subterfuge, political scheming, complex family dynamics, found family, and self-realization. It also sets itself up for a much bigger pay off as the mystery begins to unravel.

Overall, Enola Douglas weaves a beautiful storyline about overcoming the past, healing from trauma, learning to trust, doing away with self-doubt and prejudice, seeking acceptance, and learning to forgive.

[Jojos_Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐦‍⬛“He was already watching her. He wasn’t even looking at her birthmark. What she saw in his eyes wasn’t pity or obligation—it was something else entirely. An ache. A yearning for closeness that mirrored her own.”🐺

Cast Off by Enola M. Douglas is my favorite read so far this year!

JingYi is an Omega princess and a healer who has lived a life of oppression and servitude. Alexander is an Alpha lord whose family was outcast in shame and is attempting to rebuild their legacy. Coming from different kingdoms, these two are thrust into an arranged political marriage and must decide whether their differences and prejudices will bring them together or tear them apart.

Enola’s writing style is absolutely beautiful. The way she makes you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the page and are experiencing the story firsthand is truly amazing. I loved these characters, even the side characters. They all had so much depth, and their backstories were so much fun to unravel. I also loved that they weren’t perfect. And the yearning!! 👏👏🫠

This was a slow burn that was most definitely worth the wait. If you love brushing fingers, longing glances, and delicious tension, then you need to read this book.

I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next in this series and to explore more of this world, its characters, and its map.

If you enjoy authors like Danielle L. Jensen and Diana Gabaldon, or even character-driven stories, immersive world-building, political intrigue, action-packed fight scenes, and lush sensory details that make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the page, then look no further, this is the series for you.

Genre: Fantasy Romance
Series: Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms - Book 2
Publication Date: July 10th 2026
Pages: 672
⭐: 5
🌶️: 2

Tropes:
* Arranged marriage
* Omegaverse
* Royalty
* Court Intrigue
* Forced Proximity
* Found Family
* Healer FMC / Warrior MMC
* Mutual pining
* Slow Burn
* Hurt/Comfort
* Touch her & Die
* Second Chance
* Chronic Pain/Disability Rep
* Interracial Marriage
* Yearning and Groveling

Included with Kindle Unlimited!

🚨⚠️This book has adult elements and is not suitable for all readers. Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading this book!⚠️🚨

#️⃣: #castoff #enolamdouglas #fantasyromance #bookreview

🗝️: | Fantasy Romamce | Romantasy Books | Omegaverse | Book Recommendations | Books Recs | Book Tropes | Book Review |

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

JingYi is Omega Princess but was raised as a servant, tossed aside by her father due to a stark birthmark on her cheek that cannot be hidden and an injury that caused her a permanent limp. Until, one day, a political alliance is made for an Omega Princess, and she is promised to Lord Alexander Wulfbane, shipped to a land she does not know, to a man she is afraid to hope will treat her kindly.

Alexander is desperate to restore his family's honour after decades of cruelty and shunning by the courts, though he has never seen her face, he knows that with a beautiful and perfect Omega Princess Bride, that future is within his grasp.

includes: arranged marriage, omegsaverse, healing, 25+ FMC, disability, redemption

What I liked:
- WHERE DO I START?!? This story was beautiful from start to end, it made me feel so much, so deeply, it pulled at my heart strings.
- The story managed to surprise me, it gave enough clues for some things to be discovered prior to reveals but also balanced it with unexpectedly beautiful character choices.
- It made me crave progress in the best way, the character arcs showed true growth and development. JingYi learning to put herself first and Alexander recognising his cruelty and working hard to rectify what he had done with hope but no expectations
- The inclusion and handling of a disability in this story was lovely, it was ever present, both central and not. It affected JingYi, her story, the people around her, but it wasn't who she was (as a fellow disabled girly, I very much appreciated this)
- JingYi and Alexander's 🌶️ time The way he adjusted support her by placing the pillows 🥹 the courtesy and care he took with reverence, seeing her, her needs and pleasure, not treating it as a burden but a privilege
- I loved the inclusion of ancient Chinese medical practices fused with the magic in Issoirea and science.

What I didn't like:
- I cannot think of a single thing I did not like or love about this story

Final thoughts
Would recommend
Would reread
Will be buying special edition if one comes out

Would read more by author, I want to go back to the first and continue the series

🌶️&1/2


Thank you so much to the author Enola M. Douglas for providing me with an ARC, and for writing this incredible story <3

[Eren Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even put into words the level of love I have not only for this story but the author. I've been in her DMs for both books and absolutely love talking with her and sharing my love and enjoyment through our messages.

Cast off is BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. There is so much that this story really has and it's done so wonderfully. JingYi has not had an easy life but she has not given up. She lost her place but found her calling being a healer and when she is suddenly given back her title and to be married to a foreign lord we really get to know more about her in not just the words she says but in her silences. I don't want to say to much on the characters themselves because they NEED to be experienced. JingYi though has become one of my FAVORITE FMCs. Watching her grow over the story was beautiful and is something that I will never forget.

Alexander is definitely an alpha. His family's name is tarnished, and he is wanting to fix what was broken. Watching his character develop was interesting and so amazing. Let's just say there's time's where he gained 100 points, then lost all his points, gained a point, lost a point but in the end? He definitely gained the points back and more.

Conrad deserves to be mentioned here. He's such a wholesome character. He's funny, he's smart, he's eager, and he's loyal. I think everyone will love Conrad. He's like 15 but oh boy you get attached to his character with his jokes and just overall personality.

This book does have cameos of other characters from Whisked Away. I'm not going to say all of who shows up though. But one thing this author did that I loved with it...... the cameos aren't just on page for a few moments, they aren't just a background ornamentation. They are still part of the story. While you can read this without having read Whisked Away.... I HIGHLY recommend reading it.

I laughed, I cried, I spent time with the sending messages. This book is so well done in it's message, it's moments, and it may be big but it is WORTH READING. There is beauty to be found in one's scars, as well as strength to be had. Beauty is on the inside. Don't ever let anyone make you think you deserve anything less than to be loved.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that I could not put down. I've been avoiding books over 400 pages like the plague for about a year now and accidentally signed up for this ARC without realizing the page count just based on the cover design and the blurb. I'm glad I did, it was 100% worth it. Even coming into the series without having read the 1st book, the world building was immaculate and vibey without being so overly descriptive that you're left bored to tears. There's a bit of extended prose here and there, but it's so beautiful and poetic and adds to the story really well.

The representation in this book was also fantastic. Our FMC had a physical disability that affected her gait and a skin blemish that affected her political standing in court (seriously, people be bothered by the dumbest things). She dealt with real issues in real ways and while she was strong on the outside, the author didn't use these things just as plot drivers but we also saw the real emotional side of things.

If you cannot handle 3rd act breakups or miscommunication tropes, this won't be the book for you, because the whole story is practically these two things skipping along together the whole time. But it works so well, if you can put aside your trope prejudices then you're in for a treat....because the pining and yearning are absolutely exquisite.

Regarding the spice, this is really where I reduced my star rating, and it's not by much because I'm not heartless. When it comes to Omegaverse I just expect there to be a whole lotta spice and this was on the tamer side. I'd give it 2/5 🌶️open door and explicit but not a lot of quantity given the page count. There's also no knots, which is disclaimed at the beginning of the book, but to me is a prerequisite for OV. That's just me LOL. But that disclaimer did not stop me from reading and therefore that's why there's only a half-star deduction, that's how much I enjoyed this book otherwise!!! And I am going to go back and read the 1st book and I look forward to reading the next in the series!

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast Off by Enola M. Douglas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There are books you enjoy, and then there are books that quietly settle into your heart and refuse to leave. Cast Off is one of those stories.

Ever since finishing Whisked Away, I've been impatiently waiting to return to the Nine Kingdoms, and this sequel reminded me exactly why I fell in love with Enola M. Douglas's writing. She has a remarkable way of crafting stories that feel just as emotionally powerful as they are fantastical.

💙 What to Expect
❄️ Arranged Marriage
🩺 Healer FMC × Warrior MMC
🐺 Omegaverse in a High Fantasy Setting
🖤 Slow Burn Romance
✨ Chronic Pain Representation
⚔️ Political Intrigue
❤️ Groveling MMC
🏰 Stunning World-Building

JingYi completely stole my heart. She's gentle without being weak, resilient without losing her kindness, and carries years of hurt while still choosing compassion. Her journey of learning that she deserves to be seen, loved, and valued was beautiful to witness.

Alexander didn't win me over immediately—and that's exactly why I loved his character arc. His mistakes have consequences, his growth feels authentic, and when he finally understands who JingYi truly is, every ounce of longing and groveling feels earned.

One of my favorite parts was seeing the world continue to expand. The political tension, cultural differences, and frozen landscapes made the Nine Kingdoms feel even richer than before. And getting to spend time with familiar faces from Whisked Away felt like catching up with old friends.

More than anything, Cast Off is a story about healing. It's about finding your voice after years of silence, discovering your worth, and realizing that love isn't about perfection—it's about choosing each other, again and again.

Enola M. Douglas has officially become an auto-buy author for me. If she writes it, I'll be reading it.

Thank you to Enola M. Douglas for the opportunity to read and review an ARC. Returning to the Nine Kingdoms was everything I hoped it would be.

[Ember P · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is seriously going to take me a couple of days to process everything that happened over the course of that book. It was everything I hoped for and some things I had never imagined. Both MCs had such depth of character and layers of traits they felt like real people. Alexander could be a strong and powerful leader, a tender and loving husband, but also stern and driven for success to the point of cruelty, JingYi was quiet and withdrawn as a survival strategy, gentle and kind to people of all standings, and not afraid to stand and fight against evil and abuse even to her own detriments. A political marriage is not expected to have love, but as they slowly learned to trust each other and see the traumas and betrayals from their pasts, they can see how similar they are, and how the distant hurts shaped the people they became. Alexander's drive to return the honor to his House leads him to make some very dubious and cruel decisions when he learns his new bride is not the flawless Omega he imagined and I hated him for those choices. But it allows JingYi to find herself, to realize that her worth was never in her looks, or even her skills of healing, but as a whole person with hopes and dreams that deserves love without restrictions. Their journey takes them across the Nine Kingdoms and into the heart of a dangerous conspiracy, the masterminds behind the Omega kidnappings are close at hand and betrayal will come from a source nobody was expecting. Even after a desperate rescue, Alexandra may have to let the one thing he has found he can't live without go, so she can finally heal the broken child that nobody wanted and learn the secrets of her own family. Can Alexander find a second chance with the women he was so quick to cast off, can they come together as man and wife not Lord and political bride, is the thing JingYi longing for across the ocean waiting to welcome her finally home? A beautifully written and intense book of love, healing and finding your family in the most unexpected places.

[Yippeekiyayreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This tale of resilience, strength, and perseverance showcased our human tendency to judge before understanding and dismiss rather than empathize. An endearing story of finding love by truly seeing someone, Cast Off is as heartbreaking as it is restorative.

We follow the FMC, JingYi, who suffers from a limp and has a birthmark on her cheek, causing her kingdom to engage in the worst type of abuses for those that do not fit within their standards of beauty. Shunned and treated as disposable, JingYi, has had to endure devastating atrocities. One day, she is brought forth by her father, the Emperor, to fulfill an arranged marriage to a distant kingdom. Upon arriving, veiled, she meets her new husband, a handsome Alpha who immediately cares for her and shows kindness in ways she has never experienced. That all changes when he lifts the veil on their wedding day and discovers her true appearance. With the issues surrounding his disgraced house, he believed he needed a flawless bride to help him restore his family to favor. Even bigger than his domestic concerns is the threat in his kingdom that looms over Omegas, with more and more vanishing. JingYi must survive in yet another environment that treats her less than she deserves and Alexander must learn that true beauty is beneath the surface.

This story had so many absolutely heart wrenching moments. JingYi is the most resilient FMC I think I have read thus far. Her resiliency and perseverance is incredible. Though she has silent allies, most of her journey is alone. Alexander is our flawed hero. He really has to fight against his own bias thoughts and actions. It lands him in serious trouble with our FMC and I think their organic love for each other is the most beautiful part of this story. His growth is significant and in the end it is he who must prove he is worthy of her. Such a beautiful love story. Highly recommend!

This book is for you if you enjoy the omegaverse, strong and graceful FMCs, yearning, will go to the ends of the earth for you MMCs, and tested love.

Happy Reading!

[Delfyne Gwenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast-off is one of those books that you'll never be able to put down because you crave to see them together. To see those past hurts smoothed out by the affection that blooms between the protagonists.

Both Alexander and JinYi are deeply human - it's one of Cast-off strenghts. They've both be been dealt a mean hand in the past.
Both strive to go on, even when the world crumbled around them.
They may both annoy you sometimes, too :) But that's alright, because you understand exactly why they react the way they do.
I enjoy my characters flawed, but not toxic. They both deliver on that account - a heart of gold, an edges to smooth away.

There is something deeply human in that discovery between two people that did not expect each other, but still find solace in that relationship.

As usual, the world building and political background are flawless. We've left the protagonist of Whisked Away in the desert to now tread along the nordic forests of the nine kingdoms, and the empire of the south. Every place has its traditions, its social cues and customs. Reading cast-off felt like roaming a brand new world, where every cliff, every hill, every village is a delight to discover.

It takes talent to seamlessly integrate such an intricate world into a romance. But Enola M Douglas has shown she is as skilled at building civilisations as she is at taking you by the hand, and bringing you along with her characters.

Perhaps it's her way with words, where every sentence lands and rattles you to the bone. Perhaps it's just her attention to detail, and that fierce intuition to expose just the right amount, so you can make out the rest instinctively.

At any rate, I'm quite ready for the next installements. Unfortunately, patience is not my forte. I may put the book down now, but Alexander and JinYi still live in my heart. And I won't forget all the others along the way - Conrad, but also The Princes and their princess from Whisked Away.

[Illys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the Nerd Fam for the gifted book.

I truly do not know how to put my emotions into words. I am obsessed with this world. I can’t cannot wait for the 3rd installment. This book isn’t even published yet and I wish book 3 was coming out tomorrow as well. I read this 750 page book in 1 day. I could not put it down.

I cried like 8 times and for different reasons. Anger, sadness, happiness it was a roller coaster. I didn’t think that the books could get better after book 1 but let me tell you that I knew this was a master piece since the first chapter. I fell in love with JingYi instantly. I wish the other books were about her and Alexander. I wish to know more of them. But I am not upset about the couple in book 3. I had an inkling it would be about them and I am so very excited to jump into this world.

I would also love for something to happen to these evil people. I am getting tired of them not getting EXACTLY what they deserve.

I could go on forever, but I do not want to spoil anything for anyone. I NEED you to experience this world, this couple and the people fully for yourself. I was frustrated and angry a lot but it was never at JingYi. I cannot remember the last time I loved a FMC 100% of the time. There is not an ounce of weakness in that woman. Even when she had to act meek she was so strong. The FMC went through unimaginable pain from the people that were supposed to love and cherish her.

You go through the story and you can’t fault either side. This was a story. It was beautifully written. It was captivating and you want to continue turning the page. I don’t want to stop.

I hope and pray that these books get picked up and get beautiful Special Editions. I love sprayed edges. I NEED it in my library. I will be buying my book trophy.

Thank you so much for writing this. I Will continue this journey! I hope to get the ARC for book 3.

Spice:🌶️
My real rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Gabby L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC from the author

Loved loved loved this story!

JingYi is an Omega princess who has never been treated the way her royal blood dictates she should be. She has been abused, bullied, mistreated, and made to act as a servant/healer. With a large birthmark on her face and a crippled leg, she is looked down on by essentially everyone in her kingdom. Suddenly, her father (the emperor) arranges a marriage for her to an Alpha lord, Alexander Wulfbane, from another kingdom. She sees this as an escape from her current situation, but little does she know, this Alpha lord has been misled about her "defects" and believes her to be flawless/perfect and with no birthmark/injured leg.

This perceived image of her is shattered on their wedding day, and they must navigate the rest of their marriage with this misunderstanding. To add to this stress, they must team up to solve the disappearances of Omegas from their lands. Add in misunderstandings, slow burn, groveling, and a hint of mystery/political intrigue, and you've got a fantastic story!

Firstly, the descriptions and details that the author goes into regarding the background cultures of this story are just amazing. I LOVED the developing relationship between JingYi and Alexander, especially with the arranged marriage trope. If you're wary of Omegaverse stories, this book does a pretty good job of not only handling it, but also using it as a plot point intertwined with the politics of the characters' kingdoms. JingYi as a character herself is such a strong icon of what it means to go through trauma and still come out stronger on the other side.

Overall, I loved this book, and I hope this series continues. There is a prior book in this series, but all the books in this series appear to be interconnected standalones, so you can read this one without needing to read the first one! I definitely recommend adding it to your TBR for this year.

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

How much emotional damage can one book cause?
😭 Apparently, 770 pages worth… and I’d happily suffer through it again!

I am still trying to process how this is only Enola M. Douglas’s SECOND story because the talent is unreal 🤯

🌿 “Where the wolf held the line, the raven watched from above.”

These characters are beautifully written, flawed, stubborn, and so easy to root for. The slow burn is a TRUE slow burn (and yes, it burns 🔥). The tension, yearning, angst, and groveling are everything you want from a romance that makes you wait for every little breakthrough!

🌿 “I send them because the thought of something happening to you— of not being there when it does— makes me feel like I can’t breathe.”

Watching JingYi and Alexander grow, heal, and find their way to each other was EVERYTHING. I mean… he spends weeks learning her language and culture just to understand her better. I’m sorry, but that level of effort? The yearning? The devotion? I was DONE!

🌿 “Everything beautiful that’s happened to me began the moment you walked into my life.”

The adventure, danger, romance, and amazing secondary characters were still everything I hoped for, but I was completely in awe of the world-building and the beautiful multicultural details that made this world feel so alive.

Consider me officially cast off into the Nine Kingdoms… and I don’t want to come back!

💫 Cast Off (Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms, 2) by Enola Douglas
Omegaverse Romantasy | Arranged Political Marriage | Warrior Alpha x Healer Omega (M/F) | Multicultural | Hurt/Comfort | Opposites Attract | Royalty/Court Intrigue | 780 pp | 5⭐

💫 Favorite Quote:
“He no longer clung to the conviction she would return simply because he showed up. He let go of the belief that love alone could be enough. Still, he stayed— to understand the soil that shaped her. To become someone who could tend to her roots, not pluck the flower.”

[Krista Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a tissue box ready and be prepared to be emotionally wrecked by the FMCs journey and all she has to endure, I haven’t cried this much over a book in forever but it wrecked me in the best way and made her ending all the more impactful.

You follow a new FMC, in the same world as the previous book, this time a princess who’s been cast out by her father the emperor and spent her life training to be a healer all because of a birth mark on her face and her eventual injury to her leg that causes her to limp. When one day she’s suddenly called to the palace and learns she’s been set on an arraigned marriage to a foreign alpha lord of a distant kingdom, her father requiring her to fulfill her duty as a omega and princess she hasn’t been in years. She sets out to this unknown place and tries her best to be what this alpha needs and heal his kingdom, but when his own reputation is in shambles due to his fathers mistakes, how can he accept a bride who isn’t perfect?

This book had my emotions absolutely all over the place. I just kept getting punched in the gut by everything the princess revealed, and every time the alpha lord let her down. I loved the way the author represented not only someone struggling with a disability and bullying from those around her but the way she mentally ended up in her own head a lot and struggled to see her own value and wanting to make up for her “shortcomings” even if the people around her didn’t see them as that. I loved the ARC the MMC made of slowly understating her struggles and gaining her trust (twice) and building a relationship of respect. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this story and more with the larger plot, plus see several of the other characters again! My rating 4.7/5!

Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own!

[Ashley Jurczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have no idea what Enola Douglas put into *Cast Off*, but I could not put this book down! From the very first page, I was completely hooked.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was the Omegaverse world Enola created. Each kingdom felt unique, with its own customs and culture, and I loved discovering the differences between them throughout the story. The world-building was immersive and added so much depth to the overall experience.

JingYi, our FMC, is a princess who has spent her life being treated more like a servant and healer because of a birth defect. I adored her character. While she starts out quiet and timid, she possesses an incredible inner strength and unwavering devotion to the things she believes in. Watching her grow, face her fears, and overcome her demons was one of the most rewarding parts of the story.

Alexander, the Alpha she is promised to, is a fierce warrior from a neighboring kingdom whose loyalty and devotion know no bounds. I loved watching their relationship develop naturally throughout the book. Their connection felt genuine, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.

Beyond the romance, the mystery surrounding the kidnapped Omegas was absolutely phenomenal. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and several of the twists completely caught me by surprise. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story took another unexpected turn.

*Cast Off* delivered everything I wanted—fantastic world-building, compelling characters, a beautiful romance, and an intriguing mystery. Enola Douglas has officially made me a fan, and I can't wait to read more of her work. Thankfully, I'm an ARC reader for her upcoming release!

✨ 5 stars. No notes. ✨

[Terri McCarrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast Off is the second book in an interconnected series. I read this one first, and will read Whisked Away next. I wanted to follow through on my commitment to the advanced review copy, although I've already purchased Whisked Away and it's happily waiting on my shelf for my pre-ordered Cast Off to arrive and join it!
First of all, this is my first read of Enola Douglas'. And WOW. Her voice and style of writing is absolutely captivating. I have the ability to speed read, and use it often in my books I'm reading. With this book, I found myself slowing down and absorbing every word. The lush descriptions of the world and the kingdoms in it, were an absolute treat to read. I felt privileged to be able to do so for this advanced copy. It's been a long time since I took my time with a book like this. I couldn't recommend her work more.
The omegaverse Douglas writes feels so different from many in this subgenre that I have read. It is plot heavy and doesn't rely on Omega/Alpha tropes as is often done. It is simply a fantasy romance with intrigue, danger, betrayal, loyalty and love, that happens to feature omegaverse characters. The gentleness and reverence with which she treats the MFM love story of the characters in the first novel was so refreshing. It had zero undertones of salaciousness and instead was used to call out the inequity in how normalized the use of rulers/leaders with many wives is treated as accepted, while MFM relationships are taboo. I can't wait to dive into that novel soon, because I can tell it will be beautiful and romantic.
These are large novels that require time to read and enjoy. Slow down, take your time, and be swept away into the Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms series. You won't regret it.

[Kelsey Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cast Off is an absolutely stunning continuation of Jewels of the Nine Kingdoms series, and it’s somehow even stronger and more emotionally mature than Whisked Away. I didn’t think this author could top book one, but this ARC proved me wrong in the best way.

This story is built on pain, resilience, and the slow, aching work of healing. The fmc’s history is devastating; her disability, birthmark, and the cultural expectations of her empire leave her stripped of status and safety. The author doesn’t soften or pull punches on her suffering; the depiction is raw, gut‑wrenching, and handled with a level of gravity that honors the reality of trauma without exploiting it.

The MMC is a noble, principled lord from a disgraced fiefdom…someone you expect to be perfect. Instead, he stumbles. Repeatedly. His mistakes are painful, sometimes infuriating, and always human. It is so real and makes you want to scream!

Watching these two flawed, well‑meaning people navigate an arranged marriage under immense societal pressure is one of the most compelling emotional journeys I’ve read in a long time. Their growth is extraordinary. Their story feels earned. And their healing (both individual and share) is what makes this book memorable- even more than the plot.

Beyond the romance, the humor lands, the side characters shine (I’m already predicting at least two spinoffs), and the ongoing mystery threads from book one are woven seamlessly with new intrigue.

A beautifully written, emotionally rich, character‑driven fantasy romance. Five stars, easily. I cannot wait for the next book!

Thank you to NerdFam for the generosity - the gift of this ARC was an absolute goddess send. In exchange for an honest review I’m so glad it’s a 5 star read!!