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The Hand and the Heart #2
The Thief and the Traitor Bride
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26A ruthless spy. A deadly mission. A thief who could ruin it all.
The Thief and the Traitor Bride is a standalone romantic fantasy set in the world of the Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling novel The Second Death of Locke.
Nore Gordon is a woman of many talents: she can speak a variety of languages, disguise herself in plain sight, and has made a name for herself as a successful wine merchant. But unbeknownst to those closest to her, it is all a front for Nore's true role as the favoured spy of the Lindle crown.
Tasked with infiltrating enemy lands in search of a powerful relic, Nore is forced to engage the services of a great thief. Unfortunately, the only person for the job is her estranged husband Caspian. Both Nore and Caspian bear the scars of the disastrous end of their marriage, but if they are to survive their deadly new assignment, they must pose as a happily married couple to avoid detection.
As danger closes in, Nore finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit-and though Caspian is at the centre of it all, she may not hate him as much as she once did. But Caspian has betrayed her before, and trust can be far more deadly than deception.
The Thief and the Traitor Bride is a standalone romantic fantasy set in the world of the Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling novel The Second Death of Locke.
Nore Gordon is a woman of many talents: she can speak a variety of languages, disguise herself in plain sight, and has made a name for herself as a successful wine merchant. But unbeknownst to those closest to her, it is all a front for Nore's true role as the favoured spy of the Lindle crown.
Tasked with infiltrating enemy lands in search of a powerful relic, Nore is forced to engage the services of a great thief. Unfortunately, the only person for the job is her estranged husband Caspian. Both Nore and Caspian bear the scars of the disastrous end of their marriage, but if they are to survive their deadly new assignment, they must pose as a happily married couple to avoid detection.
As danger closes in, Nore finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit-and though Caspian is at the centre of it all, she may not hate him as much as she once did. But Caspian has betrayed her before, and trust can be far more deadly than deception.
592 pages, Paperback
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
V.L. Bovalino
5 books793 followersV.L. Bovalino is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and now lives in the UK. She loves obscure academic facts, folklore, and oversized sweaters. Find her on online as @toribovalino.
She also writes books for young adults as Tori Bovalino.
She also writes books for young adults as Tori Bovalino.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 28, 2026
thank you SO MUCH to netgalley for providing this arc!! i just about squealed when it landed in my inbox
i absolutely adored being back in this world - the second death of locke was one of my absolute favourite books of last year, and two of the main reasons i adored it so much were the unique magic system, and v. l. bovalino’s writing. i can safely say that both of those carried through to this book - the atmosphere was wonderfully crafted, the storyline was interesting, the writing was gorgeous, and the magic continued to be incredibly interesting. the romance was also incredibly sweet and felt very real to me, similar to the romance in the first book. i will say i got lost a few times in this one - you need a pretty extensive understanding of all of the territories and alliances for this plot to make sense, so it’s not a quick read by any means, but still incredibly enjoyable. if you loved the first book, you are almost guaranteed to adore this one too!!
i absolutely adored being back in this world - the second death of locke was one of my absolute favourite books of last year, and two of the main reasons i adored it so much were the unique magic system, and v. l. bovalino’s writing. i can safely say that both of those carried through to this book - the atmosphere was wonderfully crafted, the storyline was interesting, the writing was gorgeous, and the magic continued to be incredibly interesting. the romance was also incredibly sweet and felt very real to me, similar to the romance in the first book. i will say i got lost a few times in this one - you need a pretty extensive understanding of all of the territories and alliances for this plot to make sense, so it’s not a quick read by any means, but still incredibly enjoyable. if you loved the first book, you are almost guaranteed to adore this one too!!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
what if we mr. and mrs. smith’d while on a spy mission to a mysterious island of great power….and got further enlisted into greykier found family antics
greymaryse the woman that you are (grey kier crumbs fueled me here)
from “kill him to spare me the torment” to “i love your tricks. i love your lies”
In her second Hand & the Heart novel, V.L. Bovalino says bring back the yearning and makes it a second chance between a spy and the thief she married, then betrayed. The Thief and the Traitor Bride returns us to the world of The Second Death of Locke, one reeling in the aftermath of return and resurrection. Estranged spouses reunite for a mission that could grant them a boon—if they can separate their heart's truest desires. V.L Bovalino asks what if we Mr. and Mrs. Smith’d while on a spy mission to a mysterious island of great power and rediscovered the love that was still there while being in cahoots with one another. Scars—both tangible and unseen, knives to the throat, one reluctant cat with a tendency to dole out violence, angsty letters, and untenable alliances dot the landscape of this second installment. This novel is a clever dance, a sly interrogation of loyalty and desire, freedom and servitude. V.L Bovalino’s talents for gripping, gritty fantasy is revitalized with The Thief and the Traitor Bride. Where magic is the utmost power and the price of keeping it ever costly. Fantasy has never landed to such a degree as it has with The Hand and the Heart series and yearning is reinvented in V.L. Bovalino’s hands.
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy.
Bookstagram | Blog
greymaryse the woman that you are (grey kier crumbs fueled me here)
from “kill him to spare me the torment” to “i love your tricks. i love your lies”
In her second Hand & the Heart novel, V.L. Bovalino says bring back the yearning and makes it a second chance between a spy and the thief she married, then betrayed. The Thief and the Traitor Bride returns us to the world of The Second Death of Locke, one reeling in the aftermath of return and resurrection. Estranged spouses reunite for a mission that could grant them a boon—if they can separate their heart's truest desires. V.L Bovalino asks what if we Mr. and Mrs. Smith’d while on a spy mission to a mysterious island of great power and rediscovered the love that was still there while being in cahoots with one another. Scars—both tangible and unseen, knives to the throat, one reluctant cat with a tendency to dole out violence, angsty letters, and untenable alliances dot the landscape of this second installment. This novel is a clever dance, a sly interrogation of loyalty and desire, freedom and servitude. V.L Bovalino’s talents for gripping, gritty fantasy is revitalized with The Thief and the Traitor Bride. Where magic is the utmost power and the price of keeping it ever costly. Fantasy has never landed to such a degree as it has with The Hand and the Heart series and yearning is reinvented in V.L. Bovalino’s hands.
thank you to edelweiss and the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy.
Bookstagram | Blog
Want to Read
June 12, 2026I AM BEYOND GRATEFUL FOR THIS ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Forever Grand Central Publishing and the author for sending me an early ARC!
Publication date: September 29, 2026
Many thanks to NetGalley, Forever Grand Central Publishing and the author for sending me an early ARC!
Publication date: September 29, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We're 2/2 on the book covers 😍
The Thief and the Traitor Bride is being marketed as a standalone, but it's worth clarifying that while we follow a new couple, it remains firmly connected to the same world. Original characters from the first book are reintroduced later in the story, and the way the author brought the two casts together was the most interesting part.
At first, this second installment read more like a historical fiction. The FMC is 30+ which is always a bonus in romantasy, but I don't necessarily think she carried herself like a woman of that age.
Because the source of the couple's conflict is withheld for hundreds of pages, their "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic lacks emotional weight. We don't understand why they hate each other, so it's difficult to invest in their relationship.
If you gave The Death of Locke a glowing 5-star review, you'll probably enjoy this one as well. But if you found the first book underwhelming, the sequel will feel even more lackluster.
Thank you to Netgalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and the author for this eARC.
The Thief and the Traitor Bride is being marketed as a standalone, but it's worth clarifying that while we follow a new couple, it remains firmly connected to the same world. Original characters from the first book are reintroduced later in the story, and the way the author brought the two casts together was the most interesting part.
At first, this second installment read more like a historical fiction. The FMC is 30+ which is always a bonus in romantasy, but I don't necessarily think she carried herself like a woman of that age.
Because the source of the couple's conflict is withheld for hundreds of pages, their "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic lacks emotional weight. We don't understand why they hate each other, so it's difficult to invest in their relationship.
If you gave The Death of Locke a glowing 5-star review, you'll probably enjoy this one as well. But if you found the first book underwhelming, the sequel will feel even more lackluster.
Thank you to Netgalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and the author for this eARC.
July 22, 2025
The way this will skip to the front of my TBR as soon as I get my hands on it
Want to Read
October 22, 2025I went to a book event and she confirmed it’s coming in September 2026 and the fmc is a spy 👀 also can I just say what a lovely person she is???
About to scream. It’s confirmed that it’s in the same world but features new main characters, I need it 😭 the mc are nore and caspian
About to scream. It’s confirmed that it’s in the same world but features new main characters, I need it 😭 the mc are nore and caspian
May 29, 2026
I've been looking forward to this book for quite a while so when it appeared in my inbox I was so thrilled.
I do have to give V.L. Bovalino props for keeping the magic system and the atmosphere from book one, still key and present in this book. Although it wasn't the most interesting plot at first, I'll be honest I found myself struggling to attach myself to Nore & Caspian since I loved Grey and Keir so much, but once I really got into the story I found myself attached especially to Nore.
Nore & Caspian have such an interesting relationship. They matched each other in the most wonderful way, and although there was secrets & issues they were working through I found myself loving their dynamic.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
I do have to give V.L. Bovalino props for keeping the magic system and the atmosphere from book one, still key and present in this book. Although it wasn't the most interesting plot at first, I'll be honest I found myself struggling to attach myself to Nore & Caspian since I loved Grey and Keir so much, but once I really got into the story I found myself attached especially to Nore.
Nore & Caspian have such an interesting relationship. They matched each other in the most wonderful way, and although there was secrets & issues they were working through I found myself loving their dynamic.
I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Want to Read
December 12, 2025i’m seated. the bookstore employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s “not september yet” but i’m simply too seated.
Want to Read
March 12, 2026WE HAVE A TITLE!!!!! These covers really do it for me. absolutely in love.
I hope this fills the void that The Second Death of Locke has left me with :' )
I hope this fills the void that The Second Death of Locke has left me with :' )
June 20, 2026
if you love “I hate him to death but I love her to death” then this is for you
phenomenal no words I LIVE FOR THE TENSION AND YEARNING
I cried I laughed I loved I need more
phenomenal no words I LIVE FOR THE TENSION AND YEARNING
I cried I laughed I loved I need more
![Profile Image for Saskia [University era].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1781978693i/149946010._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
Want to Read
March 15, 2026THE COVER WOWOWOW
second chance romance between a spy and a thief
i cant wait to read this omg
second chance romance between a spy and a thief
i cant wait to read this omg
Want to Read
December 12, 2025Locke wasnt as good as I had hoped, but THIS sounds incredible !!
July 6, 2026
One of the book releases I’ve been looking forward to the most!! Thank you so much, Forever and Netgalley, for sending me an ARC.
This second standalone book in the series was a good read, but unfortunately, it didn’t really stand out for me (I’m the first to admit I’m sooo disappointed).
I loved The Second Death of Locke and couldn’t wait to return to this rich universe.
Let’s start with the positives:
- The book was objectively good; I still love the author’s writing and the characters she creates—and especially the romantic relationships she portrays. This is a strong second-chance romance; her story grabbed my heart, destroyed and repaired it in the best possible way.
- I cried A LOT. Seriously, Caspian and Nore’s relationship, the past they shared, and the wounds their reunion reopened, it was SO good; I loved reading their story.
- We also get to see characters from The Second Death of Locke again, and I was so happy to see them (my Shaylas).
- We learn more about the different kingdoms we got a glimpse of in the first standalone novel and that’s cool
- The dialogue is well-crafted
What I didn’t like so much:
- I found the book too long; the first part is great, but then the rythme slows and I thought i lacked action and fights!! It’s about spies and thieves, so I was expecting a few more moments of tension and conflict… although I have to say: the espionage aspect is very realistic in this book (but I wanted a little more James Bond, if I may say so)
- I was left wanting more from the resolution of the romance; I felt it was rushed to make way for the conclusion of the main plot.
- I didn't connect as much with the secondary characters introduced in this volume or with the group dynamics (but to be fair, that's to be expected—the dynamics are very different from those in the first volume).
Also, I’m not sure you can call it a standalone; honestly, the plot is very closely tied to The Second Death of Locke, you can’t read The Thief and the traitor Bride without a good understanding of the plot from the first book. I feel like it’s more like a book series with a common plot, one where you follow different couples in each book.
To conclude, I did enjoy the book (and I cried a lot), but I didn't like it as much as The Second Death of Locke, much to my disappointment.
This second standalone book in the series was a good read, but unfortunately, it didn’t really stand out for me (I’m the first to admit I’m sooo disappointed).
I loved The Second Death of Locke and couldn’t wait to return to this rich universe.
Let’s start with the positives:
- The book was objectively good; I still love the author’s writing and the characters she creates—and especially the romantic relationships she portrays. This is a strong second-chance romance; her story grabbed my heart, destroyed and repaired it in the best possible way.
- I cried A LOT. Seriously, Caspian and Nore’s relationship, the past they shared, and the wounds their reunion reopened, it was SO good; I loved reading their story.
- We also get to see characters from The Second Death of Locke again, and I was so happy to see them (my Shaylas).
- We learn more about the different kingdoms we got a glimpse of in the first standalone novel and that’s cool
- The dialogue is well-crafted
What I didn’t like so much:
- I found the book too long; the first part is great, but then the rythme slows and I thought i lacked action and fights!! It’s about spies and thieves, so I was expecting a few more moments of tension and conflict… although I have to say: the espionage aspect is very realistic in this book (but I wanted a little more James Bond, if I may say so)
- I was left wanting more from the resolution of the romance; I felt it was rushed to make way for the conclusion of the main plot.
- I didn't connect as much with the secondary characters introduced in this volume or with the group dynamics (but to be fair, that's to be expected—the dynamics are very different from those in the first volume).
Also, I’m not sure you can call it a standalone; honestly, the plot is very closely tied to The Second Death of Locke, you can’t read The Thief and the traitor Bride without a good understanding of the plot from the first book. I feel like it’s more like a book series with a common plot, one where you follow different couples in each book.
To conclude, I did enjoy the book (and I cried a lot), but I didn't like it as much as The Second Death of Locke, much to my disappointment.
Want to Read
April 29, 2026The cover looks gorgeous and I can’t wait to read it, though I really need to finish Book 1 first.
July 12, 2026
A fantastic sequel that cements this as one of the best fantasy series out there.
I was lucky enough to get a copy of the proof at an author event and hugged it all the way home.
This series means a lot to me and this book was the perfect sequel to The Second Death of Locke. And that's how I recommend you read it; as a sequel even though it is billed as a standalone in the same world.
The magic system was expanded, and the lore of the world was given to us in greater detail, cementing this series as one of the best fantasies I've read in a long time.
We follow two new characters, Nore who is a spy and Caspian who is a renowned thief; both were married until they found out each other's secrets and things got stabby. The yearning for me wasn't as strong as the first one, but the chemistry was off the charts, the plot was one full of twists and turns that had me reading until the early hours of the morning.
I wait impatiently for the third in the series!
I was lucky enough to get a copy of the proof at an author event and hugged it all the way home.
This series means a lot to me and this book was the perfect sequel to The Second Death of Locke. And that's how I recommend you read it; as a sequel even though it is billed as a standalone in the same world.
The magic system was expanded, and the lore of the world was given to us in greater detail, cementing this series as one of the best fantasies I've read in a long time.
We follow two new characters, Nore who is a spy and Caspian who is a renowned thief; both were married until they found out each other's secrets and things got stabby. The yearning for me wasn't as strong as the first one, but the chemistry was off the charts, the plot was one full of twists and turns that had me reading until the early hours of the morning.
I wait impatiently for the third in the series!
July 12, 2026
The Thief and the Traitor Bride is the perfect follow up to The Second Death of Locke.
In TTATB, we return to the same world as TSDOL, but the worldbuilding dives deeper into other magic systems and governments of nearby countries. (While The Hand and the Heart series is marketed as interconnected standalones, I have to respectfully disagree and would encourage you to read this series in order.) The lore in this world builds upon itself, and I love that we pick up after the events of the first book to check on some of our faves. Outside of the epilogue, it's rare to see the aftermath of what comes next in the story, so I'm glad we got a bit more after book one's HEA. 👀
This time we're following a separated husband (Cas) and wife (Nore) duo, and their love story unfolds in flashbacks as we learn how they fell in love and how everything fell apart. Second-chance romance is usually not my thing, but just like with friends-to-lovers in TSDOL, V.L. Bovalino made me eat my words with my preconceived notions about certain tropes. The way Bovalino writes about love is devastating. It’s like she reaches inside, grabs that secret spot where you can physically feel a crush, and twists as you read her words. How dare you! (Please do it again.)
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the eARC; I screamed internally when the widget hit my inbox! ❤️🔥
In TTATB, we return to the same world as TSDOL, but the worldbuilding dives deeper into other magic systems and governments of nearby countries. (While The Hand and the Heart series is marketed as interconnected standalones, I have to respectfully disagree and would encourage you to read this series in order.) The lore in this world builds upon itself, and I love that we pick up after the events of the first book to check on some of our faves. Outside of the epilogue, it's rare to see the aftermath of what comes next in the story, so I'm glad we got a bit more after book one's HEA. 👀
This time we're following a separated husband (Cas) and wife (Nore) duo, and their love story unfolds in flashbacks as we learn how they fell in love and how everything fell apart. Second-chance romance is usually not my thing, but just like with friends-to-lovers in TSDOL, V.L. Bovalino made me eat my words with my preconceived notions about certain tropes. The way Bovalino writes about love is devastating. It’s like she reaches inside, grabs that secret spot where you can physically feel a crush, and twists as you read her words. How dare you! (Please do it again.)
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the eARC; I screamed internally when the widget hit my inbox! ❤️🔥
June 12, 2026
The way I screamed when this showed up in my inbox is a testament to how excited I was this book!! The Second Death of Locke was one of my favorite books from 2025, so I had exceedingly high expectations for this one. I definitely recommend it if you enjoyed Bovalino’s writing but just be aware that this storyline is quite different from Kier and Grey’s story! It delivered in a lot of ways, but I felt it lacked some of the magic I felt in The Second Death of Locke. Perhaps I’m just forever chasing that high? It’s a hard one to beat.
It has a ton of things that work and especially appeal to me on paper: a delicious second chance romance, spy and espionage networks, enemies to lovers, cameos from beloved characters, and an fmc in her thirties. All things I love! And these things were fun and worked well, but I did find myself struggling with the pacing and just overall wanting more action. I also found it hard to initially connect to Nore and Caspian, as they had an established relationship. It took a fair chunk of the book for it to really develop, and while I had fun with it, I was hoping for some of the yearning we got from Grey and Kier. I know, I’m forever comparing the two, but can you blame me??
While this is a standalone in an interconnected series, I wholeheartedly believe that The Second Death of Locke should be read before this!! There was a ton of info dumping on various lands in this world, and I struggled with some of that even though I read book one. Lots of amazing world building, but it felt a bit heavy at times.
Overall a very fun read. It had me giggling and kicking my feet at 1 am when I should have been asleep, so a win’s a win. 💪
3.75/5 (so close to being four but damn that pacing ugh)
It has a ton of things that work and especially appeal to me on paper: a delicious second chance romance, spy and espionage networks, enemies to lovers, cameos from beloved characters, and an fmc in her thirties. All things I love! And these things were fun and worked well, but I did find myself struggling with the pacing and just overall wanting more action. I also found it hard to initially connect to Nore and Caspian, as they had an established relationship. It took a fair chunk of the book for it to really develop, and while I had fun with it, I was hoping for some of the yearning we got from Grey and Kier. I know, I’m forever comparing the two, but can you blame me??
While this is a standalone in an interconnected series, I wholeheartedly believe that The Second Death of Locke should be read before this!! There was a ton of info dumping on various lands in this world, and I struggled with some of that even though I read book one. Lots of amazing world building, but it felt a bit heavy at times.
Overall a very fun read. It had me giggling and kicking my feet at 1 am when I should have been asleep, so a win’s a win. 💪
3.75/5 (so close to being four but damn that pacing ugh)
June 10, 2026
Thank you so much Netgalley and Forever!
I can safely say that this series is in my top favorites. It has everything I could ask for—yearning, angst, an incredible magic system that just keeps getting more interesting, and unforgettable characters. Did I mention yearning?! Listen, the yearning in both the first and now this one is done so incredibly well. V.L. Bovalino spoils us and has set my new standard for yearning!
The story begins after Nore and Cas’ marriage ends in betrayal and years of separation have passed. They are forced back together again and made to act the part of married couple to complete a mission. The story unfolds through several POV from the past and from the present. This is done very well. I honestly never had a dull moment in this book. Between the backstory, and the rekindling of their relationship, it was hard to put this book down!
I absolutely loved and wanted to shake Nore and Cas so much. The amount of yearning and anger between them was so perfectly balanced and realistic! And Cas was beyond amazing. That man has so many facets to him. Did I mention he is a dancer?!
This story is several years after the first book, and we do get to experience Locke and her band of loyal friends again, which made me so happy. Seeing these previously loved characters through new eyes, brought further depth. Especially seeing them from such devious eyes as those of a thief and a spy.
The magic system is also further explored and honestly might be one of my favorite magic systems. Each country has their own kind of magic and how their citizens are able to access it. It was beyond interesting!
I really hope there is more exploration of the magic systems and I really cannot wait to see where this world takes us next!
I can safely say that this series is in my top favorites. It has everything I could ask for—yearning, angst, an incredible magic system that just keeps getting more interesting, and unforgettable characters. Did I mention yearning?! Listen, the yearning in both the first and now this one is done so incredibly well. V.L. Bovalino spoils us and has set my new standard for yearning!
The story begins after Nore and Cas’ marriage ends in betrayal and years of separation have passed. They are forced back together again and made to act the part of married couple to complete a mission. The story unfolds through several POV from the past and from the present. This is done very well. I honestly never had a dull moment in this book. Between the backstory, and the rekindling of their relationship, it was hard to put this book down!
I absolutely loved and wanted to shake Nore and Cas so much. The amount of yearning and anger between them was so perfectly balanced and realistic! And Cas was beyond amazing. That man has so many facets to him. Did I mention he is a dancer?!
This story is several years after the first book, and we do get to experience Locke and her band of loyal friends again, which made me so happy. Seeing these previously loved characters through new eyes, brought further depth. Especially seeing them from such devious eyes as those of a thief and a spy.
The magic system is also further explored and honestly might be one of my favorite magic systems. Each country has their own kind of magic and how their citizens are able to access it. It was beyond interesting!
I really hope there is more exploration of the magic systems and I really cannot wait to see where this world takes us next!
soft-dnf
July 11, 2026soft dnf @ 24%
right book, wrong time 😔 the downside of being such a huge mood reader is that i know i’m gonna love this if i read it at the right time (which is definitely not now) so i’m putting it aside for now and i’ll come back to it as soon as i feel like i’m in the right mood
right book, wrong time 😔 the downside of being such a huge mood reader is that i know i’m gonna love this if i read it at the right time (which is definitely not now) so i’m putting it aside for now and i’ll come back to it as soon as i feel like i’m in the right mood
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marketed as a new standalone story, V.L. Bovalino’s The Thief and the Traitor Bride is a fascinating book conceptually that has multiple identities just like Nore and Caspian. Featuring new main characters, a different romance trope, new magical system rules, and more, this book is a brand‑new story in a familiar world that is expanding in scale and complexity. Despite its new tale and characters with different careers in the high fantasy setting, this book is very much spinoff sequel to the Second Death of Locke, or at least a narrative epilogue after the previous book’s open‑ended conclusion. Expertly crafted, beautifully written, and featuring perhaps even better character development compared to the previous entry, The Thief and the Traitor Bride is an ambitious slow‑burn fantasy romance epic. (On Goodreads, a 4.5 star rating rounded up)
Highlights:
☕︎ Ambitious plotted story full of complex scheming, hidden agendas, undercover spying, and political conflict. Builds on and fully utilizes the worldbuilding previously introduced for a high/historical fantasy story with epic elements.
☕︎ Excellent character writing, development, and romance. Second-chance romance trope is expertly used and interwoven with the book’s main fantasy story. Nore and Caspian have strong chemistry and their scrappy and independent personalities are refreshingly different vs Gray and Kier.
☕︎ Serves as both a new story in a familiar world as well as a much‑needed epilogue to the first book’s ending. Cleanly ties up nearly every existing loose end while improving on many of the first book’s weaker aspects.
Considerations:
-Compared to its predecessor, this book leans more heavily toward high/historical fantasy romance genres, only skirting the romantasy label. Slow pacing and a meandering second quarter requires patience until the story and context start to click at the halfway mark.
–Despite being advertised as a standalone entry, the Second Death of Locke is almost a required read in order to fully appreciate and understand this book. Readers going in blind will likely be bored or confused if this book is read without prior context.
Before getting into the review of the book itself, I know quite a few people are desperate to know if this book gives any closure to Grey and Kier, as the first book ends on a dramatic and rather open‑ended note. I can happily report that The Thief and the Traitor Bride definitely follows up on how they’re doing, surprisingly far more than you would expect given the book’s synopsis. That important PSA aside, and also related to this review’s opening point, The Thief and the Traitor Bride is a very ambitious book that takes on a lot of different topics and goals as an important entry in the series while also needing to tell a satisfying story that can stand on its own. I previously enjoyed the Second Death of Locke but had reviewed that the ending felt rushed, and its open‑ended, somber last note wouldn’t be every reader’s cup of tea. I also enjoyed the romance but found it repetitive at times or constraining the scope of the story, the book uncertain whether to commit to the high epic fantasy it was hinting toward or sticking to safer, more comfortable romantasy beats.
Right off the bat, this book makes a clear choice, feeling considerably more high‑fantasy‑heavy and upping the level of detail considerably. Unlike the first book that took place entirely in Idistra, mostly within two nations plus the Island of Locke, this one spans multiple continents, and the politics are far more expansive. From an Instagram post before the first book was even published, Bovalino shared that the map with a ship in the corner was imagined having characters from the second book on board, as well as a medallion detail and references to the mainland continent where Sela studied abroad in Lindell. This second book takes the reader to a Lindell port of call where estranged and separated spouses Nore and Caspian have ties that sit quite literally off the map. Bovalino has done extensive worldbuilding in this book, with each nation having distinct magic systems, cultures, and political structures.
While Grey and Kier’s story was largely on the ground, through trenches and battlefields, Nore and Caspian’s spans multiple continents and nations and involves a substantial amount of history and politics, very much traditional epic fantasy worldbuilding. The politics and figures pulling the strings behind Nore and Caspian’s missions in Idistra, their rough upbringings and conflict, and the future of Idistra’s magic attributed to the recently resurrected Island of Locke are very solid, full of unexpected twists, and definitely make this book worth picking up even for non‑romantasy readers. The scale of the series and interconnected nature of every loose thread from the first book is expanded and refined here.
For fantasy romance and romantasy readers, there’s also a lot to like. While Grey and Kier’s romance largely followed the childhood‑friends‑to‑lovers trope, Bovalino completely switches things up with Nore and Caspian. While on paper their relationship seems like a standard second‑chance romance and betrayed/jaded enemies‑to‑lovers arc, Bovalino’s strong plotting and character writing elevate the material substantially. Whether they’re enemies, allies, captor x prisoner, or something in between, the two have great chemistry, with this book having even more conflicted pining than the first one.
Most of that can be attributed to the excellent character development of both main characters, Nore in particular. Initially an individualistic and ambivalent lone wolf who’s all business for her own survival, her character growth, caring about others, the nations, and simply doing the right thing, is beautifully handled. As older characters than the romantasy norm, the story follows their relationship as teens through adulthood, both together and apart, which provides rich narrative material to work with. Their estranged separation, unexpected reunion, and unorthodox work partnership with conflicted feelings are done wonderfully.
Both Nore and Caspian have ties to Lindell, but unlike the first book’s protagonist, they are far more removed from their residence, particularly Caspian. Nore being a spy and Caspian a thief leads to different types of action and development from the first book’s more standard knight‑and‑mage combat; this one involves far more mystery and investigative work vs. battles, which is a unique narrative flavor. For those who found the first book heavy with national honor, responsibilities, and rigid structure, this book goes in a completely different direction, which helps it stand out. Of note, this book continues the first book’s strength of having great diversity, particularly with queer representation which is a consistent highlight in Bovalino’s work.
I touched on this briefly already, but another aspect this book gets right is balancing its own story within the context of the series as well as building off the first book’s ending. While Nore and Caspian are brand‑new characters whose stories and lives are self‑contained to this book, the background behind their personal missions and the timeline of events overlap and connect with the Second Death of Locke. Taking place several years after the end of the first book, many of this one’s mysteries involving the unstable magic in Idistra and the “Tyrant Queen” are huge narrative hooks, and while the story isn’t necessarily poor early on, it truly finds its momentum once Nore and Caspian sail to Idistra and the Isle of Locke.
After Grey’s ascent as Queen and the return of the destroyed island, this book answers the question of what comes next, how the other nations have reacted to its return, and the overall fragility of the magic system and sense of peace. This book balances its own story with rounding out the loose ends of the first book well, and those who have read the first book will be rewarded with insightful and interesting second perspectives from a character ignorant of Grey and Kier’s previous adventures.
While this book can technically be read on its own or perhaps out of order, I think the marketing of this book as a standalone story is a mistake given how many details would be missed if read blindly, not to mention the context of the majority of the back half of the book. While Bovalino takes time to reintroduce concepts that readers new to the series may be unfamiliar with such as the well and mage magic system, the history of the Locke being destroyed, and the power vacuum and scrambled succession that followed, it’s simply not enough to bring them up to speed. This story is also dense and very complex, one that can easily confuse casual or romantasy readers unaccustomed to political‑heavy high fantasy narratives. Without reading the first book, this book will be exponentially more confusing and difficult to follow. I had read the ARC for the first book over a year ago; on multiple occasions I found myself wishing I had skimmed through or reread parts of the first book as I felt I was missing details, references, and not being able to reflect on how returning characters have aged or changed over time, particularly the soldiers in the first book now adjusted to political and domestic life on Locke. Some of this book’s best moments involve quiet scenes with the Queen, which can’t be appreciated without experiencing Grey’s previous struggles and devotion to her people.
While the worldbuilding, character writing, and plotting in this book are very strong, improving on some of the weaker areas of the first book, its ambitious goals are perhaps the book’s biggest consideration and potential drawback for prospective readers. Compared to the first book, this one is considerably more political and heavier on international relations and information trading per Nore’s skillset. I consider this to be a highlight, as I felt the first book underutilized its own world and high fantasy elements, but it gives the book a noticeably more careful and methodical feel. As complex, twisty, and unexpected as this book’s plot can be, it’s very dense, which can it less appealing and accessible for casual readers.
Compared to the first book’s five‑hundred‑page count, this one comes in at well over six hundred pages, and at times you can really feel its length. Involving spy work and thievery, this book has fewer traditional action scenes and is more mystery‑based, which is a nice change of pace but can feel quite different from the first book most notably in its sense of pace and scale. The detailed history and worldbuilding are great for epic and high fantasy readers but may be less well‑received by readers preferring more romance.
This book accomplishes a lot with its story, and objectively it’s very well done and polished, yet the story can still feel a bit slow. While the content itself is generally interesting or included for worldbuilding purposes, much of the book’s second part felt like tangential filler, failing to keep up with the book’s strong start and romantic‑angst‑filled voyage to Idistra. The book’s romantasy‑flavored content feels the weakest and most typical in this section, on top of Nore and Caspian’s investigations lacking compelling developments.
Additionally, I personally found the new characters Gail and Terlo to be somewhat forgettable and less interesting compared to Nore and Caspian or the side characters in the first book, their introductions and main appearances coinciding with the slowest and driest part of the story. I would’ve preferred it if this section was abbreviated, with more time spent on Locke instead as it has stronger hooks especially for returning readers. For those only interested in the fantasy romance, I can also see many being frustrated with how slow the romance progresses, despite it always being in the background and being a major contributing character motivation throughout the book. Nore and Caspian’s relationship dynamics and growth are excellent, and the ending feels fully earned after the long and rocky journey they go on, but this is obviously a poor fit for those who prefer spice‑heavy and “fun” romance‑forward romantasy books; the thirsty gazes, pining, and Caspian’s temptations are chef’s kiss, though.
Ambitious in its conception and juggling its new characters’ stories while building off the previous entry’s ending, this book is largely a success. Regardless of story is doing, Bovalino’s writing is consistently excellent, pairing great plotting with her elegant and dramatic prose considerably more refined than the vast majority of romantasy books out there. Better yet, this book is much more of a direct sequel to the first book than advertised and one that many readers are desperate for, presented in a unique and refreshing way via new character perspectives. For those who might’ve been disappointed or turned off by the Second Death of Locke’s condensed or open‑ended conclusion, rest assured that this one ends on a more decisive note that’s not only more satisfying but also more cohesive and complete, with all major plot threads accounted for. Though the book’s grand scale and length can be trickier to follow and keep up with compared to most of its more casual and straightforward fantasy romance peers, The Thief and the Traitor Bride is a very well‑written book worth picking up for returning fans and new readers alike, just make sure to read the first book first.
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
Highlights:
☕︎ Ambitious plotted story full of complex scheming, hidden agendas, undercover spying, and political conflict. Builds on and fully utilizes the worldbuilding previously introduced for a high/historical fantasy story with epic elements.
☕︎ Excellent character writing, development, and romance. Second-chance romance trope is expertly used and interwoven with the book’s main fantasy story. Nore and Caspian have strong chemistry and their scrappy and independent personalities are refreshingly different vs Gray and Kier.
☕︎ Serves as both a new story in a familiar world as well as a much‑needed epilogue to the first book’s ending. Cleanly ties up nearly every existing loose end while improving on many of the first book’s weaker aspects.
Considerations:
-Compared to its predecessor, this book leans more heavily toward high/historical fantasy romance genres, only skirting the romantasy label. Slow pacing and a meandering second quarter requires patience until the story and context start to click at the halfway mark.
–Despite being advertised as a standalone entry, the Second Death of Locke is almost a required read in order to fully appreciate and understand this book. Readers going in blind will likely be bored or confused if this book is read without prior context.
Before getting into the review of the book itself, I know quite a few people are desperate to know if this book gives any closure to Grey and Kier, as the first book ends on a dramatic and rather open‑ended note. I can happily report that The Thief and the Traitor Bride definitely follows up on how they’re doing, surprisingly far more than you would expect given the book’s synopsis. That important PSA aside, and also related to this review’s opening point, The Thief and the Traitor Bride is a very ambitious book that takes on a lot of different topics and goals as an important entry in the series while also needing to tell a satisfying story that can stand on its own. I previously enjoyed the Second Death of Locke but had reviewed that the ending felt rushed, and its open‑ended, somber last note wouldn’t be every reader’s cup of tea. I also enjoyed the romance but found it repetitive at times or constraining the scope of the story, the book uncertain whether to commit to the high epic fantasy it was hinting toward or sticking to safer, more comfortable romantasy beats.
Right off the bat, this book makes a clear choice, feeling considerably more high‑fantasy‑heavy and upping the level of detail considerably. Unlike the first book that took place entirely in Idistra, mostly within two nations plus the Island of Locke, this one spans multiple continents, and the politics are far more expansive. From an Instagram post before the first book was even published, Bovalino shared that the map with a ship in the corner was imagined having characters from the second book on board, as well as a medallion detail and references to the mainland continent where Sela studied abroad in Lindell. This second book takes the reader to a Lindell port of call where estranged and separated spouses Nore and Caspian have ties that sit quite literally off the map. Bovalino has done extensive worldbuilding in this book, with each nation having distinct magic systems, cultures, and political structures.
While Grey and Kier’s story was largely on the ground, through trenches and battlefields, Nore and Caspian’s spans multiple continents and nations and involves a substantial amount of history and politics, very much traditional epic fantasy worldbuilding. The politics and figures pulling the strings behind Nore and Caspian’s missions in Idistra, their rough upbringings and conflict, and the future of Idistra’s magic attributed to the recently resurrected Island of Locke are very solid, full of unexpected twists, and definitely make this book worth picking up even for non‑romantasy readers. The scale of the series and interconnected nature of every loose thread from the first book is expanded and refined here.
For fantasy romance and romantasy readers, there’s also a lot to like. While Grey and Kier’s romance largely followed the childhood‑friends‑to‑lovers trope, Bovalino completely switches things up with Nore and Caspian. While on paper their relationship seems like a standard second‑chance romance and betrayed/jaded enemies‑to‑lovers arc, Bovalino’s strong plotting and character writing elevate the material substantially. Whether they’re enemies, allies, captor x prisoner, or something in between, the two have great chemistry, with this book having even more conflicted pining than the first one.
Most of that can be attributed to the excellent character development of both main characters, Nore in particular. Initially an individualistic and ambivalent lone wolf who’s all business for her own survival, her character growth, caring about others, the nations, and simply doing the right thing, is beautifully handled. As older characters than the romantasy norm, the story follows their relationship as teens through adulthood, both together and apart, which provides rich narrative material to work with. Their estranged separation, unexpected reunion, and unorthodox work partnership with conflicted feelings are done wonderfully.
Both Nore and Caspian have ties to Lindell, but unlike the first book’s protagonist, they are far more removed from their residence, particularly Caspian. Nore being a spy and Caspian a thief leads to different types of action and development from the first book’s more standard knight‑and‑mage combat; this one involves far more mystery and investigative work vs. battles, which is a unique narrative flavor. For those who found the first book heavy with national honor, responsibilities, and rigid structure, this book goes in a completely different direction, which helps it stand out. Of note, this book continues the first book’s strength of having great diversity, particularly with queer representation which is a consistent highlight in Bovalino’s work.
I touched on this briefly already, but another aspect this book gets right is balancing its own story within the context of the series as well as building off the first book’s ending. While Nore and Caspian are brand‑new characters whose stories and lives are self‑contained to this book, the background behind their personal missions and the timeline of events overlap and connect with the Second Death of Locke. Taking place several years after the end of the first book, many of this one’s mysteries involving the unstable magic in Idistra and the “Tyrant Queen” are huge narrative hooks, and while the story isn’t necessarily poor early on, it truly finds its momentum once Nore and Caspian sail to Idistra and the Isle of Locke.
After Grey’s ascent as Queen and the return of the destroyed island, this book answers the question of what comes next, how the other nations have reacted to its return, and the overall fragility of the magic system and sense of peace. This book balances its own story with rounding out the loose ends of the first book well, and those who have read the first book will be rewarded with insightful and interesting second perspectives from a character ignorant of Grey and Kier’s previous adventures.
While this book can technically be read on its own or perhaps out of order, I think the marketing of this book as a standalone story is a mistake given how many details would be missed if read blindly, not to mention the context of the majority of the back half of the book. While Bovalino takes time to reintroduce concepts that readers new to the series may be unfamiliar with such as the well and mage magic system, the history of the Locke being destroyed, and the power vacuum and scrambled succession that followed, it’s simply not enough to bring them up to speed. This story is also dense and very complex, one that can easily confuse casual or romantasy readers unaccustomed to political‑heavy high fantasy narratives. Without reading the first book, this book will be exponentially more confusing and difficult to follow. I had read the ARC for the first book over a year ago; on multiple occasions I found myself wishing I had skimmed through or reread parts of the first book as I felt I was missing details, references, and not being able to reflect on how returning characters have aged or changed over time, particularly the soldiers in the first book now adjusted to political and domestic life on Locke. Some of this book’s best moments involve quiet scenes with the Queen, which can’t be appreciated without experiencing Grey’s previous struggles and devotion to her people.
While the worldbuilding, character writing, and plotting in this book are very strong, improving on some of the weaker areas of the first book, its ambitious goals are perhaps the book’s biggest consideration and potential drawback for prospective readers. Compared to the first book, this one is considerably more political and heavier on international relations and information trading per Nore’s skillset. I consider this to be a highlight, as I felt the first book underutilized its own world and high fantasy elements, but it gives the book a noticeably more careful and methodical feel. As complex, twisty, and unexpected as this book’s plot can be, it’s very dense, which can it less appealing and accessible for casual readers.
Compared to the first book’s five‑hundred‑page count, this one comes in at well over six hundred pages, and at times you can really feel its length. Involving spy work and thievery, this book has fewer traditional action scenes and is more mystery‑based, which is a nice change of pace but can feel quite different from the first book most notably in its sense of pace and scale. The detailed history and worldbuilding are great for epic and high fantasy readers but may be less well‑received by readers preferring more romance.
This book accomplishes a lot with its story, and objectively it’s very well done and polished, yet the story can still feel a bit slow. While the content itself is generally interesting or included for worldbuilding purposes, much of the book’s second part felt like tangential filler, failing to keep up with the book’s strong start and romantic‑angst‑filled voyage to Idistra. The book’s romantasy‑flavored content feels the weakest and most typical in this section, on top of Nore and Caspian’s investigations lacking compelling developments.
Additionally, I personally found the new characters Gail and Terlo to be somewhat forgettable and less interesting compared to Nore and Caspian or the side characters in the first book, their introductions and main appearances coinciding with the slowest and driest part of the story. I would’ve preferred it if this section was abbreviated, with more time spent on Locke instead as it has stronger hooks especially for returning readers. For those only interested in the fantasy romance, I can also see many being frustrated with how slow the romance progresses, despite it always being in the background and being a major contributing character motivation throughout the book. Nore and Caspian’s relationship dynamics and growth are excellent, and the ending feels fully earned after the long and rocky journey they go on, but this is obviously a poor fit for those who prefer spice‑heavy and “fun” romance‑forward romantasy books; the thirsty gazes, pining, and Caspian’s temptations are chef’s kiss, though.
Ambitious in its conception and juggling its new characters’ stories while building off the previous entry’s ending, this book is largely a success. Regardless of story is doing, Bovalino’s writing is consistently excellent, pairing great plotting with her elegant and dramatic prose considerably more refined than the vast majority of romantasy books out there. Better yet, this book is much more of a direct sequel to the first book than advertised and one that many readers are desperate for, presented in a unique and refreshing way via new character perspectives. For those who might’ve been disappointed or turned off by the Second Death of Locke’s condensed or open‑ended conclusion, rest assured that this one ends on a more decisive note that’s not only more satisfying but also more cohesive and complete, with all major plot threads accounted for. Though the book’s grand scale and length can be trickier to follow and keep up with compared to most of its more casual and straightforward fantasy romance peers, The Thief and the Traitor Bride is a very well‑written book worth picking up for returning fans and new readers alike, just make sure to read the first book first.
This review is based on a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy provided by Forever, an imprint of Grand Central Publishing
*For more reviews, book lists and reading updates, check out my blog TheBookGrind!
Want to Read
April 1, 2026ok so tell me why this book literally goes over everything i love in a fantasy... with a guy named caspian. CHRONICLES OF NARNIA WE'RE SO BACK BABY
arc-tbr
October 29, 2025i'm so excited for THE HAND AND THE HEART book two!!! ⚔️
𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗩. 𝗟. 𝗕𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼'𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 & 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 -
→ the MMC is named Caspian and the FMC is named Nore
→ ❝“no one knows we’re married and we’re not even really together anymore but now we have to interact” might be my favorite second chance romance microtrope❞ second chance romance and secret relationship might be a trope
→ ❝If ebeneezer scrooge was a hot, bitter spy with a hot, evil ex❞ so maybe spy romance?
𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗩. 𝗟. 𝗕𝗼𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗼'𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 & 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 -
→ the MMC is named Caspian and the FMC is named Nore
→ ❝“no one knows we’re married and we’re not even really together anymore but now we have to interact” might be my favorite second chance romance microtrope❞ second chance romance and secret relationship might be a trope
→ ❝If ebeneezer scrooge was a hot, bitter spy with a hot, evil ex❞ so maybe spy romance?
Want to Read
January 1, 2026i am shit-pantsingly excited for this book to come out
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so much, The Thief and the Traitor Bride and NetGalley for the chance to read this book early in exchange of an honest review.
Nore Gordon is a brilliant woman. She can speak many languages, disguises herself in plain sight, she's a successful wine merchant and...she's a spy for the Lindle crown. Tasked with infiltrating enemy lands in search of a dangerous relic, Nore is forced to partner with a brilliant thief. Unfortunately, this this is her husband, Cas, who, years ago, betrayed her, stabbed her and left for dead. Now they have to fake an happy marriage as a cover story, while investigating this artifact. As danger closes in, Nore finds herself involved in a web of lies and deceit and, to complicate more, her feelings for Cas aren't of hatred anymore. Cas has betrayed once. Can she trust him again?
The thief and the traitor bride is the second standalone romantic fantasy set in the brilliant world created by V.L Bovalino and, after The second death of Locke, I couldn't wait to read more about this world.
The thief and the traitor bride is set, at first, in Nettlepool, in Lindan, where Nore Gordon, as main character, is a brilliant wine merchant, a successful spy and and heartbroken wife, even though she built her life trying to forget the past. Now, years after the accident that left her and Cas estranged and apart, they are forced to join forces and help the Lindle's crown by retreiving a powerful artifact. With this book V.L. Bovalino expands the world created in the first book and introducing and explaining better new kinds of magic systems, like the one on Lindan, focused on calculations, not wells and mages. It was intriguing reading more about different systems of magic, their limits and abilities, like amalgamates, who have the power to move between more systems and to use them.
Nore is a very intriguing character. She's fierce, stubborn and very smart and willing to do anything in her power to finish her mission. But once on Locke, once looking for the artifact and learning more about the mission, Nore is forced to confront herself with new truths and realities. Not only her feelings for Cas, but also, what it means to succeed in her own mission, what it means for her to go back to her previous life.
The yearning between Nore and Cas permeates the entire book. A strained relationship, filled with pain, betrayals, secrets and lies, made, also, by bickering and bantering, nostalgia and love.
Through flashbacks and letters, the reader is able to know more about their pasts together and what happened that push them far from each other, Nore's life and education, her love and losses, her determination and fierceness.
I loved their relationship and I love how, in a book of 600 pages, Nore and Cas starts as "enemies" and they slowly find their way back to each other, through honesty and no more lies and deceptions from both part.
This book has an high dose of romance, yearning, bickering and love, but it's also mixed with politics and spying. After missing Locke, I was over the moon when the book moves its attention from Nettlepool and brings it back on the Isle of Locke, Locke and her found family, now seen through the eyes of Nore and Cas. It was so weird and brilliant, getting to know them through their POVs. The tyrant queen and the Viper. (Poor my beloved children)
I loved reading about how much Nore and Cas grow and become more and more true to themselves, protecting, loving and saving each other. As in The second life of Locke, the plotting, the setting and the characterization are truly amazing and the reader is able to see Locke through different eyes. I loved seeing how the found family expanded with new members and I loved Locke so much, she's my favourite character and reading about her relationship with Kier made me swoon like always.
Also, Locke and Nore are brilliant together. I loved their brains and power and their bond.
Through politics, new magic system, a love born years ago and never waned, spies and intrigues, assassination attempts and suitor with no chance to marry Locke, since my baby is already committed and very much in love with Keir, thanks, this book is absolutely perfect and I couldn't stop reading it, when I got the earc. I had to devoured it. So good and so recommended.
Nore Gordon is a brilliant woman. She can speak many languages, disguises herself in plain sight, she's a successful wine merchant and...she's a spy for the Lindle crown. Tasked with infiltrating enemy lands in search of a dangerous relic, Nore is forced to partner with a brilliant thief. Unfortunately, this this is her husband, Cas, who, years ago, betrayed her, stabbed her and left for dead. Now they have to fake an happy marriage as a cover story, while investigating this artifact. As danger closes in, Nore finds herself involved in a web of lies and deceit and, to complicate more, her feelings for Cas aren't of hatred anymore. Cas has betrayed once. Can she trust him again?
The thief and the traitor bride is the second standalone romantic fantasy set in the brilliant world created by V.L Bovalino and, after The second death of Locke, I couldn't wait to read more about this world.
The thief and the traitor bride is set, at first, in Nettlepool, in Lindan, where Nore Gordon, as main character, is a brilliant wine merchant, a successful spy and and heartbroken wife, even though she built her life trying to forget the past. Now, years after the accident that left her and Cas estranged and apart, they are forced to join forces and help the Lindle's crown by retreiving a powerful artifact. With this book V.L. Bovalino expands the world created in the first book and introducing and explaining better new kinds of magic systems, like the one on Lindan, focused on calculations, not wells and mages. It was intriguing reading more about different systems of magic, their limits and abilities, like amalgamates, who have the power to move between more systems and to use them.
Nore is a very intriguing character. She's fierce, stubborn and very smart and willing to do anything in her power to finish her mission. But once on Locke, once looking for the artifact and learning more about the mission, Nore is forced to confront herself with new truths and realities. Not only her feelings for Cas, but also, what it means to succeed in her own mission, what it means for her to go back to her previous life.
The yearning between Nore and Cas permeates the entire book. A strained relationship, filled with pain, betrayals, secrets and lies, made, also, by bickering and bantering, nostalgia and love.
Through flashbacks and letters, the reader is able to know more about their pasts together and what happened that push them far from each other, Nore's life and education, her love and losses, her determination and fierceness.
I loved their relationship and I love how, in a book of 600 pages, Nore and Cas starts as "enemies" and they slowly find their way back to each other, through honesty and no more lies and deceptions from both part.
This book has an high dose of romance, yearning, bickering and love, but it's also mixed with politics and spying. After missing Locke, I was over the moon when the book moves its attention from Nettlepool and brings it back on the Isle of Locke, Locke and her found family, now seen through the eyes of Nore and Cas. It was so weird and brilliant, getting to know them through their POVs. The tyrant queen and the Viper. (Poor my beloved children)
I loved reading about how much Nore and Cas grow and become more and more true to themselves, protecting, loving and saving each other. As in The second life of Locke, the plotting, the setting and the characterization are truly amazing and the reader is able to see Locke through different eyes. I loved seeing how the found family expanded with new members and I loved Locke so much, she's my favourite character and reading about her relationship with Kier made me swoon like always.
Also, Locke and Nore are brilliant together. I loved their brains and power and their bond.
Through politics, new magic system, a love born years ago and never waned, spies and intrigues, assassination attempts and suitor with no chance to marry Locke, since my baby is already committed and very much in love with Keir, thanks, this book is absolutely perfect and I couldn't stop reading it, when I got the earc. I had to devoured it. So good and so recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you SO SO MUCH to Forever for the gifted eARC of this book!!! I screamed when I got the email in my inbox with that lovely little widget.
I’m still mentally digesting this book since finishing it this past weekend, but lets at least start laying out some thoughts.
The Second Death of Locke was one of my top reads for 2025, and I *still* cannot stop talking about it. So you know that I absolutely LOVED falling back into this world that Tori has written, and getting to explore more of this world beyond the borders of Idistra. I was ecstatic at seeing some familiar faces return on page as well!
And while I adored TSDOL, I'm not certain that The Thief & the Traitor Bride worked quite as well for me - at least not in its current stage, and as a digital copy. At this point I 100% know I will need a re-read with a physical copy, as I can much more easily digest a story via physical format and am more likely to enjoy it, for whatever reason. So expect this review to be updated a few times in the coming year, especially once I get my hands on my preordered final copy and read it again.
(Or, maybe the fact that I ALREADY want to read it again, which is something that I NEVER typically want to do, just goes to show how much I actually enjoyed the book, and I just know my brain wasn't fully ready for it the first time around.)
I think part of what worked so well for me in TSDOL was the overall tone of the book, which mixed the seriousness and hardcore yearning with this epic quest and perfectly timed humor throughout. The group dynamic between Kier, Locke, and their traveling companions was just SO good, and the chemistry between Grey and Kier from nearly the beginning was pretty much addictive.
In TTATTB, the tone overall tends to be a bit more serious, with lower levels of yearning (because the lovers are currently in their enemies/estranged stage) and humor (at least to me), and also focuses primarily on Nore and Caspian for most of the book. You do have other characters that play important roles, but they don't feel quite as integrated? into the story as the likes of Eron, Ola, Brit, and Sela? That might not be the right word. Integral? Anyways, I also miss the humorous quips and snark that we get from TSDOL, which personally felt like it was lacking here in TTATTB.
I also found the first part of this book to be dense in world-building, which makes sense because we are initially set in Lindan, which was not really featured in TSDOL - however, where I was starting to get a bit lost and confused was with the Lindle magic system and how it was explained. It seems to be more akin to math equations than the Idistran system, but the initial explanations (because there were a few) felt a bit overly-complicated and too scientific in their wording. There was actually a really good description of it maybe ~66% of the way into the book, that might have been better served being included sooner in the book somehow, to allow the reader to focus on our two MCs and not as much on the magic system at play here.
All of this aside - once we get past the world-building, and across the sea back into Idistra - I fell HARD into this story and really started to thoroughly enjoy it. Honestly I think it was partially because we get Grey and Kier and others back on page. I found myself thinking that I had missed them so much, and they injected some of the humor that I felt was missing from the first half of the book into the story.
The plot itself is really intriguing, this initial quest that just turns into SO much more than what either MC was expecting. Tori once again really knocked it out of the park with how she wove all these threads of plot together to keep the reader guessing as to how all of this could possibly wrap up at the end of the book. There were so many lovely intricacies that were threaded through Nore and Caspian's histories, both shared and separate, and some of the plot twists and the schemes that get revealed are just SO damn good. And the end was just so perfectly fitting a conclusion not just to TTATTB, but also to TSDOL.
I know this is a three book series (so far?) and despite some of the struggles I had initially with this particular book, I'm still really excited to see where Tori takes us readers to next in this wonderful world.
I’m still mentally digesting this book since finishing it this past weekend, but lets at least start laying out some thoughts.
The Second Death of Locke was one of my top reads for 2025, and I *still* cannot stop talking about it. So you know that I absolutely LOVED falling back into this world that Tori has written, and getting to explore more of this world beyond the borders of Idistra. I was ecstatic at seeing some familiar faces return on page as well!
And while I adored TSDOL, I'm not certain that The Thief & the Traitor Bride worked quite as well for me - at least not in its current stage, and as a digital copy. At this point I 100% know I will need a re-read with a physical copy, as I can much more easily digest a story via physical format and am more likely to enjoy it, for whatever reason. So expect this review to be updated a few times in the coming year, especially once I get my hands on my preordered final copy and read it again.
(Or, maybe the fact that I ALREADY want to read it again, which is something that I NEVER typically want to do, just goes to show how much I actually enjoyed the book, and I just know my brain wasn't fully ready for it the first time around.)
I think part of what worked so well for me in TSDOL was the overall tone of the book, which mixed the seriousness and hardcore yearning with this epic quest and perfectly timed humor throughout. The group dynamic between Kier, Locke, and their traveling companions was just SO good, and the chemistry between Grey and Kier from nearly the beginning was pretty much addictive.
In TTATTB, the tone overall tends to be a bit more serious, with lower levels of yearning (because the lovers are currently in their enemies/estranged stage) and humor (at least to me), and also focuses primarily on Nore and Caspian for most of the book. You do have other characters that play important roles, but they don't feel quite as integrated? into the story as the likes of Eron, Ola, Brit, and Sela? That might not be the right word. Integral? Anyways, I also miss the humorous quips and snark that we get from TSDOL, which personally felt like it was lacking here in TTATTB.
I also found the first part of this book to be dense in world-building, which makes sense because we are initially set in Lindan, which was not really featured in TSDOL - however, where I was starting to get a bit lost and confused was with the Lindle magic system and how it was explained. It seems to be more akin to math equations than the Idistran system, but the initial explanations (because there were a few) felt a bit overly-complicated and too scientific in their wording. There was actually a really good description of it maybe ~66% of the way into the book, that might have been better served being included sooner in the book somehow, to allow the reader to focus on our two MCs and not as much on the magic system at play here.
All of this aside - once we get past the world-building, and across the sea back into Idistra - I fell HARD into this story and really started to thoroughly enjoy it. Honestly I think it was partially because we get Grey and Kier and others back on page. I found myself thinking that I had missed them so much, and they injected some of the humor that I felt was missing from the first half of the book into the story.
The plot itself is really intriguing, this initial quest that just turns into SO much more than what either MC was expecting. Tori once again really knocked it out of the park with how she wove all these threads of plot together to keep the reader guessing as to how all of this could possibly wrap up at the end of the book. There were so many lovely intricacies that were threaded through Nore and Caspian's histories, both shared and separate, and some of the plot twists and the schemes that get revealed are just SO damn good. And the end was just so perfectly fitting a conclusion not just to TTATTB, but also to TSDOL.
I know this is a three book series (so far?) and despite some of the struggles I had initially with this particular book, I'm still really excited to see where Tori takes us readers to next in this wonderful world.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nore Gordon is the natural daughter of a younger noble son, unrecognized formally but contracted to work for her aunt, Celestine de Roullier, Duchess of Arlowe. Code name Finch, she carries out clandestine missions and spies for the Duchess while maintaining a front of running a successful wine import and export business. For weeks, she's been close to catching a mysterious thief, a thief who turns out to be none other than her estranged, traitorous husband. Caspian Khari has unique traits that make him a perfect thief, and now the Duchess wants Caspian to steal an artifact from Locke, and wants Nore to gather intel and keep an eye on her untrustworthy husband.
The Second Death of Locke was one of my top 10 books of 2025, and The Thief and the Traitor Bride is at least as good! I love what VL Bovalino is able to do in balancing romance and fantasy, where the fantasy and plot elements reinforce the romantic elements. We are introduced to a new couple as our central romance, and on the surface Nore and Cas couldn't be further from Kier and Grey. They are married, but it was a marriage of the folly of youth, filled with passion and ripe for betrayal. Nore hates Cas with every fiber of her being, and yet we as readers suspect that Cas has never given up on his bride. It's a second chance romance where it's easy to see how their relationship faltered, and where we are desperate to see them sort their differences.
The expansion of the magic system is a lot of fun, because the boundaries of lands change the ways in which magic can be used. In Idistra, where we spent The Second Death of Locke, magic is drawn from wells, people who hold reservoirs of power, and used by mages for everything from simple magic of magelights to more powerful magic, but relying on two people to make the magic work. In Lindle, where Nore is from, magic is more like an equation, independent but complicated. Nore is only capable of functioning in the Lindle system, but Caspian is able to use magic in multiple systems, a skill he improved through his thieving. We learn more about the magic on Locke as well, and this time we are seeing it from an outsiders perspective, built on the rumors that reach Lindan and the Duchess's spy network.
Bovalino plays a bit with perspective and perception in this one. We remain in Nore's POV through the book, but as is typical in a second chance we see the present timeline and an earlier timeline. Somehow though, as readers, we know exactly what Caspian is feeling - he wears his heart for Nore on his sleeve, even if Nore doesn't believe it's true. Even more though, because we've expanded beyond the shores of Idistra, we are seeing information about Locke from a fully outside perspective. As readers who spent a full book with Grey, we suspect that some what we are hearing isn't the fully story, but we also are led to wonder how much has changed in the two years since the ending of the last book. We meet a large cast of characters from different nations, all of whom have different opinions on how to fix the goings-on in Locke, and we stay in Nore's head as she processes all of this through the book.
I love all of the layers in Thief, but ultimately, I'm in it for the romance. I love a second chance like this, especially when we have a POV character who is too stubborn to admit to having feelings. Nore's feeling of betrayal is valid, but as we learn from Caspian through the book, his reasons are just as valid. The push and pull of emotions between Nore and Cas is so different from Grey and Kier, yet the palpable yearning is still present. In a second chance, I need to be convinced that the reason for the breakup was legitimate (it very much was), and that the chance at redemption is plausible (beyond all doubt)!
This was absolutely worth dropping everything and reading it as soon as the widget hit my inbox. Like Nore and Cas, I had the push and pull of wanting to devour the book and wanting to delay gratification as long as possible. While our primary characters are new and the romance stands alone, the book as a whole is served better by reading The Second Death of Locke first. You'll get much more of an impact if you do.
Thank you Forever for an eARC. The Thief and the Traitor Bride is out 9/29/2026.
The Second Death of Locke was one of my top 10 books of 2025, and The Thief and the Traitor Bride is at least as good! I love what VL Bovalino is able to do in balancing romance and fantasy, where the fantasy and plot elements reinforce the romantic elements. We are introduced to a new couple as our central romance, and on the surface Nore and Cas couldn't be further from Kier and Grey. They are married, but it was a marriage of the folly of youth, filled with passion and ripe for betrayal. Nore hates Cas with every fiber of her being, and yet we as readers suspect that Cas has never given up on his bride. It's a second chance romance where it's easy to see how their relationship faltered, and where we are desperate to see them sort their differences.
The expansion of the magic system is a lot of fun, because the boundaries of lands change the ways in which magic can be used. In Idistra, where we spent The Second Death of Locke, magic is drawn from wells, people who hold reservoirs of power, and used by mages for everything from simple magic of magelights to more powerful magic, but relying on two people to make the magic work. In Lindle, where Nore is from, magic is more like an equation, independent but complicated. Nore is only capable of functioning in the Lindle system, but Caspian is able to use magic in multiple systems, a skill he improved through his thieving. We learn more about the magic on Locke as well, and this time we are seeing it from an outsiders perspective, built on the rumors that reach Lindan and the Duchess's spy network.
Bovalino plays a bit with perspective and perception in this one. We remain in Nore's POV through the book, but as is typical in a second chance we see the present timeline and an earlier timeline. Somehow though, as readers, we know exactly what Caspian is feeling - he wears his heart for Nore on his sleeve, even if Nore doesn't believe it's true. Even more though, because we've expanded beyond the shores of Idistra, we are seeing information about Locke from a fully outside perspective. As readers who spent a full book with Grey, we suspect that some what we are hearing isn't the fully story, but we also are led to wonder how much has changed in the two years since the ending of the last book. We meet a large cast of characters from different nations, all of whom have different opinions on how to fix the goings-on in Locke, and we stay in Nore's head as she processes all of this through the book.
I love all of the layers in Thief, but ultimately, I'm in it for the romance. I love a second chance like this, especially when we have a POV character who is too stubborn to admit to having feelings. Nore's feeling of betrayal is valid, but as we learn from Caspian through the book, his reasons are just as valid. The push and pull of emotions between Nore and Cas is so different from Grey and Kier, yet the palpable yearning is still present. In a second chance, I need to be convinced that the reason for the breakup was legitimate (it very much was), and that the chance at redemption is plausible (beyond all doubt)!
This was absolutely worth dropping everything and reading it as soon as the widget hit my inbox. Like Nore and Cas, I had the push and pull of wanting to devour the book and wanting to delay gratification as long as possible. While our primary characters are new and the romance stands alone, the book as a whole is served better by reading The Second Death of Locke first. You'll get much more of an impact if you do.
Thank you Forever for an eARC. The Thief and the Traitor Bride is out 9/29/2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Would I lie to you?”
“A thousand times, yes.”
Nore Gordan is a talented woman - well educated, a successful wine merchant, and most importantly: a spy for the Lindle crown. Forced to travel with her estranged husband, Caspian, to retrieve a dangerous relic, all while posing as a happy couple to avoid detection, Nore is forced to reckon with the disastrous end of their marriage, and what it may cost her to trust Cas again.
I absolutely loved The Second Death of Locke, but I loved The Thief and the Traitor Bride more. Bovalino has such a way with characters and their interactions; every emotion is felt so deeply and genuinely. Like TSDoL, there is endless yearning, but the flavor of it is different here. In a previous review, I described Gray and Kier as “romantic, rather than a romance” because it felt like from the first chapter to the last word, they were in a committed love with each other. Sure, there were struggles, but I never doubted that they loved each other. Nore and Caspian, however, are not that. In their past as a married couple, they were so happy, so in love, and their deceptions concerning their professions as a spy and thief respectively, tainted that. Though they yearn for the connection and ease they once had, they struggle against the feelings of betrayal, fear that the other would do it again, or agonize that they will never earn forgiveness. Despite the pain, it’s like they can’t help but fall into the other. They bicker, they flirt, and above all, yearn. The narrative is entirely permeated with their yearning, but the characters make a strong effort to bury it. It’s painful, it’s delicious, it’s perfect. I couldn’t get enough.
These emotional struggles were perfectly paired with the plot. Though a bit slow (in a good way), Bovalino paired Nore and Caspian scheming in the present day with flashbacks to their past. As we unravel the past, we also build up a web of plans in the present. The complement of Nore and Caspian’s professions being out in the open as they fall back in love allows them to see a new side of the other that was never a part of their original relationship. It also serves to strongly differentiate their romance from Gray/Kier’s, who had very different struggles in their relationship. We also see a big difference in the lack of an ensemble. This book spends much more time focusing on the main two characters, Nore and Cas, who don’t have a found family with them, as we did in TSDoL. I wasn’t bothered by the change as it made sense, narratively, for two distrusting spies to not have that initially, but it might be more jarring if both books were read in sequence.
Behind Nore and Caspian coming back to each other, we get an amazing fantasy story that really expands on the world we were introduced to in The Second Death of Locke. In Lindle, a mathematics-based magic system is used and everyone is capable of learning it. We also learn about amalgamates, people who are able to use magic systems from multiple countries. Politically, through Nore’s work as a spy, we see how the events of TSDoL impacted international relations and how the fallout impacts the island of Locke. Looking at the events through the eyes of others, particularly foreigners, gives the world so much more depth and really expands on how the final book in the trilogy could grow the world further. We also see more of the characters from TSDoL than I was expecting. As much as I absolutely loved connecting with those characters and that world again, it functions a lot more like a direct sequel to TSDoL with a new POV, rather than being an “interconnected standalone”. I will say, I absolutely loved how Bovalino connected the two storylines and I am incredibly excited to potentially see everyone again in book 3.
Overall, I loved how many new layers to the world we got, that the push and pull between Nore and Cas felt more fraught - justifying what kept them apart, and how brilliantly satisfying it was when they decided that their love was worth it. Chef’s kiss, no notes - and absolutely worth reading the moment the eARC dropped into my inbox.
✨ 5 stars! ✨
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for providing an ARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
“A thousand times, yes.”
Nore Gordan is a talented woman - well educated, a successful wine merchant, and most importantly: a spy for the Lindle crown. Forced to travel with her estranged husband, Caspian, to retrieve a dangerous relic, all while posing as a happy couple to avoid detection, Nore is forced to reckon with the disastrous end of their marriage, and what it may cost her to trust Cas again.
I absolutely loved The Second Death of Locke, but I loved The Thief and the Traitor Bride more. Bovalino has such a way with characters and their interactions; every emotion is felt so deeply and genuinely. Like TSDoL, there is endless yearning, but the flavor of it is different here. In a previous review, I described Gray and Kier as “romantic, rather than a romance” because it felt like from the first chapter to the last word, they were in a committed love with each other. Sure, there were struggles, but I never doubted that they loved each other. Nore and Caspian, however, are not that. In their past as a married couple, they were so happy, so in love, and their deceptions concerning their professions as a spy and thief respectively, tainted that. Though they yearn for the connection and ease they once had, they struggle against the feelings of betrayal, fear that the other would do it again, or agonize that they will never earn forgiveness. Despite the pain, it’s like they can’t help but fall into the other. They bicker, they flirt, and above all, yearn. The narrative is entirely permeated with their yearning, but the characters make a strong effort to bury it. It’s painful, it’s delicious, it’s perfect. I couldn’t get enough.
These emotional struggles were perfectly paired with the plot. Though a bit slow (in a good way), Bovalino paired Nore and Caspian scheming in the present day with flashbacks to their past. As we unravel the past, we also build up a web of plans in the present. The complement of Nore and Caspian’s professions being out in the open as they fall back in love allows them to see a new side of the other that was never a part of their original relationship. It also serves to strongly differentiate their romance from Gray/Kier’s, who had very different struggles in their relationship. We also see a big difference in the lack of an ensemble. This book spends much more time focusing on the main two characters, Nore and Cas, who don’t have a found family with them, as we did in TSDoL. I wasn’t bothered by the change as it made sense, narratively, for two distrusting spies to not have that initially, but it might be more jarring if both books were read in sequence.
Behind Nore and Caspian coming back to each other, we get an amazing fantasy story that really expands on the world we were introduced to in The Second Death of Locke. In Lindle, a mathematics-based magic system is used and everyone is capable of learning it. We also learn about amalgamates, people who are able to use magic systems from multiple countries. Politically, through Nore’s work as a spy, we see how the events of TSDoL impacted international relations and how the fallout impacts the island of Locke. Looking at the events through the eyes of others, particularly foreigners, gives the world so much more depth and really expands on how the final book in the trilogy could grow the world further. We also see more of the characters from TSDoL than I was expecting. As much as I absolutely loved connecting with those characters and that world again, it functions a lot more like a direct sequel to TSDoL with a new POV, rather than being an “interconnected standalone”. I will say, I absolutely loved how Bovalino connected the two storylines and I am incredibly excited to potentially see everyone again in book 3.
Overall, I loved how many new layers to the world we got, that the push and pull between Nore and Cas felt more fraught - justifying what kept them apart, and how brilliantly satisfying it was when they decided that their love was worth it. Chef’s kiss, no notes - and absolutely worth reading the moment the eARC dropped into my inbox.
✨ 5 stars! ✨
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for providing an ARC. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ 5 stars | second chance romance | forced proximity | deadly quest | fantasy adventure perfection ✨
I genuinely did not think this series could get any better!
After completely falling in love with The Second Death of Locke, I was really looking forward to this book and had sky high expectations, and somehow, it exceeded every single one of them! Truly, this book took everything I loved about the first novel and amplified it. More adventure, more tension, more danger, more romance, and one of the most engaging fantasy quests I’ve read in a long time. I will shout from the rooftops just how talented V.L. Bovalino is!
Nore and Caspian’s journey was amazing and I was so enthralled with them from the very beginning to the very end. This book is constantly moving! There is always something happening, another obstacle to overcome, another mystery to unravel, another danger lurking around the corner. The quest itself was such a cool concept, and I loved how it gave the story this nonstop sense of momentum. Every time I thought the characters had finally caught a break, something else would happen. The entire book felt exciting and exhilarating and impossible to put down.
And the stakes! I loved that there were real consequences throughout the story. The danger was tangible, the mission felt important, and I was completely invested in seeing how everything would play out. It’s the kind of fantasy adventure that reminded me why quests are such a beloved staple of the genre in the first place, and I think a thing that often goes missing in romantasy because it regularly favors the romance over the adventure, which I sorely miss.
Of course, the heart of the story is Nore and Caspian and I adore them, just as much as Grey and Kier.
I also love those complicated relationships, and these two absolutely were just that. The history between them added so much depth and I loved the second chance aspect. The hurt, the resentment, the lingering feelings they both desperately wanted to ignore were all creating this delicious tension and I was so intrigued by them and where it would go. They were endlessly entertaining! And the chemistry was just so good, but I have learned that V.L. Bovalino is just really good at that.
I so appreciated getting to revisit this world and see familiar faces from The Second Death of Locke. Returning to a world I have already fallen in love with is such a special feeling, and every appearance from beloved characters made me ridiculously happy. It felt like coming home!
The cover is also absolutely stunning. It perfectly captures the vibe of the story and might be one of my favorite fantasy romance covers I have seen recently. It has that Game of Thrones, Sansa and Arya Stark vibe to it and I really love it. This book was just SO good in every way and I cannot wait for the third installment!
🗡️ Second chance romance
🗡️ Estranged spouses forced to work together
🗡️ High stakes fantasy quest
🗡️ Nonstop action and adventure
🗡️ Fantastic chemistry and tension
🗡️ Familiar faces from book one
🗡️ Gorgeous worldbuilding and storytelling
🗡️ A cover worthy of framing on my wall
I adored The Second Death of Locke, but somehow this book may have stolen my heart even more! I loved every minute of this addictive adventure and I am certain you will too!
Thank you to NetGalley, V.L. Bovalino, and Forever for the eARC of this book.
I genuinely did not think this series could get any better!
After completely falling in love with The Second Death of Locke, I was really looking forward to this book and had sky high expectations, and somehow, it exceeded every single one of them! Truly, this book took everything I loved about the first novel and amplified it. More adventure, more tension, more danger, more romance, and one of the most engaging fantasy quests I’ve read in a long time. I will shout from the rooftops just how talented V.L. Bovalino is!
Nore and Caspian’s journey was amazing and I was so enthralled with them from the very beginning to the very end. This book is constantly moving! There is always something happening, another obstacle to overcome, another mystery to unravel, another danger lurking around the corner. The quest itself was such a cool concept, and I loved how it gave the story this nonstop sense of momentum. Every time I thought the characters had finally caught a break, something else would happen. The entire book felt exciting and exhilarating and impossible to put down.
And the stakes! I loved that there were real consequences throughout the story. The danger was tangible, the mission felt important, and I was completely invested in seeing how everything would play out. It’s the kind of fantasy adventure that reminded me why quests are such a beloved staple of the genre in the first place, and I think a thing that often goes missing in romantasy because it regularly favors the romance over the adventure, which I sorely miss.
Of course, the heart of the story is Nore and Caspian and I adore them, just as much as Grey and Kier.
I also love those complicated relationships, and these two absolutely were just that. The history between them added so much depth and I loved the second chance aspect. The hurt, the resentment, the lingering feelings they both desperately wanted to ignore were all creating this delicious tension and I was so intrigued by them and where it would go. They were endlessly entertaining! And the chemistry was just so good, but I have learned that V.L. Bovalino is just really good at that.
I so appreciated getting to revisit this world and see familiar faces from The Second Death of Locke. Returning to a world I have already fallen in love with is such a special feeling, and every appearance from beloved characters made me ridiculously happy. It felt like coming home!
The cover is also absolutely stunning. It perfectly captures the vibe of the story and might be one of my favorite fantasy romance covers I have seen recently. It has that Game of Thrones, Sansa and Arya Stark vibe to it and I really love it. This book was just SO good in every way and I cannot wait for the third installment!
🗡️ Second chance romance
🗡️ Estranged spouses forced to work together
🗡️ High stakes fantasy quest
🗡️ Nonstop action and adventure
🗡️ Fantastic chemistry and tension
🗡️ Familiar faces from book one
🗡️ Gorgeous worldbuilding and storytelling
🗡️ A cover worthy of framing on my wall
I adored The Second Death of Locke, but somehow this book may have stolen my heart even more! I loved every minute of this addictive adventure and I am certain you will too!
Thank you to NetGalley, V.L. Bovalino, and Forever for the eARC of this book.
June 18, 2026
🗡️✨ The Thief and the Traitor Bride by V. L. Bovalino ✨🗡️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📅 Publication Date: September 29, 2026
🏢 Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever
First of all—thank you SO much to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC. I genuinely about squealed when this landed in my inbox 😭🖤
I’ve been incredibly excited to return to this world ever since The Second Death of Locke, and while this story is quite different in tone and focus, it still carries so much of what I loved about Bovalino’s writing.
The atmosphere? Absolutely stunning.
The writing? Genuinely beautiful and immersive.
The magic system? Still one of the most unique and compelling parts of this series.
There’s something about the way V. L. Bovalino builds her worlds that just sticks with you—everything feels layered, intentional, and emotionally rich.
This installment follows Nore and Caspian, and while I’ll admit it took me a little time to warm up to them (partly because I was very attached to Grey and Kier), I eventually found myself really invested in their dynamic. Their relationship is complicated, shaped by history, secrets, and tension, but there’s also a tenderness there that slowly unfolds in a really satisfying way.
I especially loved seeing how their connection evolved over time rather than being instantly resolved—it felt grounded and believable, even when things got messy.
That said, this is not a fast or light read. The world is dense, the political and territorial information is extensive, and there were definitely moments where I had to slow down and reorient myself. It’s the kind of book that asks you to sit with it rather than race through it.
And I’ll be honest—I did find myself occasionally wishing for the same level of emotional intensity and yearning that I felt in the first book. I think I went in with very high expectations because The Second Death of Locke was such a standout for me.
Still, there is so much to love here: espionage, second-chance tension, intricate worldbuilding, returning characters, and a deeply atmospheric tone that fans of the first book will absolutely appreciate.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🗡️ Interconnected fantasy world
✨ Complex political alliances
🗡️ Second chance romance
✨ Spy/espionage elements
🗡️ Slow-burn emotional tension
✨ Intricate magic system
🗡️ Returning characters
✨ Atmospheric, lyrical writing
Overall, this was a rich, immersive return to a world I already love, with a slower-burn story that rewards patience and attention.
And yes… I was absolutely giggling and kicking my feet at 2:45AM reading it 😭🖤
Thank you again to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📅 Publication Date: September 29, 2026
🏢 Publisher: Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever
First of all—thank you SO much to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC. I genuinely about squealed when this landed in my inbox 😭🖤
I’ve been incredibly excited to return to this world ever since The Second Death of Locke, and while this story is quite different in tone and focus, it still carries so much of what I loved about Bovalino’s writing.
The atmosphere? Absolutely stunning.
The writing? Genuinely beautiful and immersive.
The magic system? Still one of the most unique and compelling parts of this series.
There’s something about the way V. L. Bovalino builds her worlds that just sticks with you—everything feels layered, intentional, and emotionally rich.
This installment follows Nore and Caspian, and while I’ll admit it took me a little time to warm up to them (partly because I was very attached to Grey and Kier), I eventually found myself really invested in their dynamic. Their relationship is complicated, shaped by history, secrets, and tension, but there’s also a tenderness there that slowly unfolds in a really satisfying way.
I especially loved seeing how their connection evolved over time rather than being instantly resolved—it felt grounded and believable, even when things got messy.
That said, this is not a fast or light read. The world is dense, the political and territorial information is extensive, and there were definitely moments where I had to slow down and reorient myself. It’s the kind of book that asks you to sit with it rather than race through it.
And I’ll be honest—I did find myself occasionally wishing for the same level of emotional intensity and yearning that I felt in the first book. I think I went in with very high expectations because The Second Death of Locke was such a standout for me.
Still, there is so much to love here: espionage, second-chance tension, intricate worldbuilding, returning characters, and a deeply atmospheric tone that fans of the first book will absolutely appreciate.
✨ What to Expect ✨
🗡️ Interconnected fantasy world
✨ Complex political alliances
🗡️ Second chance romance
✨ Spy/espionage elements
🗡️ Slow-burn emotional tension
✨ Intricate magic system
🗡️ Returning characters
✨ Atmospheric, lyrical writing
Overall, this was a rich, immersive return to a world I already love, with a slower-burn story that rewards patience and attention.
And yes… I was absolutely giggling and kicking my feet at 2:45AM reading it 😭🖤
Thank you again to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I didn't know what to expect from this second book in the interconnected Hand & the Heart trilogy, but after LOVING and evangelizing the first book since it came out i was ravenous to read this and incredibly grateful to Forever for the early copy.
To be honest I assumed that we would get glimpses of Grey & Kier in this book but that it would largely stand separate from the first book. that is absolutely not the case. While the first book is a complete story Thief and the Traitor Bride takes a thread from Locke and intimately weaves it into an overarching story. This already has me excited to see what Bovalino has in store for the third book, and the ways in which she will enrich and broaden the world we're in.
While Grey and Kier are integral to the overarching plot of Thief and the Traitor Bride it is absolutely Nore and Caspian's story. Nore and Caspian marry in the throes of youthful optimism and folly, and for a number of years manage to live in passionate if duplicitous bliss. Years following Caspian's betrayal Nore is forced to work with him on a new mission and face the past and the truths she's long hidden from.
Like in Locke Bovalino manages to perfectly balance the romance and fantasy for me as a reader, the romance and the tension of it are perfect mirrors to the stakes of the mission they are on. I loved the antagonism between Nore and Caspian, and the affection it inadequately tries to mask. Bovalino also does an exceptional job of making Caspian's feelings clear to the reader though we are seeing them through Nore's biased eyes.
This was a slow start for me, as it felt much denser in terms of world building and politics than Locke was in the beginning. And Nore's spy work meant there were a lot of political threads and people to keep track of that I wanted to be sure i was following. Once the mission really gets underway though it was off to the races pacing wise for me and i was loathe to have to put the book down. There are a lot of twists and turns in this, many that I anticipated (in a satisfying way) with the betrayals and machinations taking the reader on a roller coaster ride.
I can't wait to read this again knowing how everything turns out so i can find the seeds along the way.
Thank you again to Forever for the early copy.
To be honest I assumed that we would get glimpses of Grey & Kier in this book but that it would largely stand separate from the first book. that is absolutely not the case. While the first book is a complete story Thief and the Traitor Bride takes a thread from Locke and intimately weaves it into an overarching story. This already has me excited to see what Bovalino has in store for the third book, and the ways in which she will enrich and broaden the world we're in.
While Grey and Kier are integral to the overarching plot of Thief and the Traitor Bride it is absolutely Nore and Caspian's story. Nore and Caspian marry in the throes of youthful optimism and folly, and for a number of years manage to live in passionate if duplicitous bliss. Years following Caspian's betrayal Nore is forced to work with him on a new mission and face the past and the truths she's long hidden from.
Like in Locke Bovalino manages to perfectly balance the romance and fantasy for me as a reader, the romance and the tension of it are perfect mirrors to the stakes of the mission they are on. I loved the antagonism between Nore and Caspian, and the affection it inadequately tries to mask. Bovalino also does an exceptional job of making Caspian's feelings clear to the reader though we are seeing them through Nore's biased eyes.
This was a slow start for me, as it felt much denser in terms of world building and politics than Locke was in the beginning. And Nore's spy work meant there were a lot of political threads and people to keep track of that I wanted to be sure i was following. Once the mission really gets underway though it was off to the races pacing wise for me and i was loathe to have to put the book down. There are a lot of twists and turns in this, many that I anticipated (in a satisfying way) with the betrayals and machinations taking the reader on a roller coaster ride.
I can't wait to read this again knowing how everything turns out so i can find the seeds along the way.
Thank you again to Forever for the early copy.
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