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The Secrets of Everlight
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20 copies available
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A thief turned spy must unravel an assassination plot against the fae prince by disguising herself as a princess competing for his heart in this entrancing romantasy by USA Today bestselling author Julie Hall.
For nineteen years, Rowan has fought to first scavenging for scraps after being cast out of the orphanage, then trapped in a ten-year contract with a corrupt master. She longs for freedom but spends her days stealing trinkets from the highborn to pay off her servitude.
When a mysterious fae buys out her contract, Rowan jumps at the chance to escape. But his promise of freedom comes with a uncover the assassin targeting Prince Dryden of the Ember Kingdom. To succeed, she must disguise herself as a princess, for the would-be killer hides among the royals vying for the prince’s heart and, more importantly, his hand in marriage.
Thrown into a world of silks and finery, Rowan has mere weeks to learn to play the part of a princess before hunting the killer. Sneaking through gilded halls and eavesdropping come naturally, but the bonds she forms with the other princesses—and the prince’s growing attention—are complications she never saw coming.
When whispers of enemies beyond the kingdom surface, Rowan realizes her mission may be bigger than she imagined. Yet every stolen glance with Dryden rips her apart and draws her closer to the one distraction she cannot desire. Desire that could shatter not only her chance at freedom but the kingdom itself.
For nineteen years, Rowan has fought to first scavenging for scraps after being cast out of the orphanage, then trapped in a ten-year contract with a corrupt master. She longs for freedom but spends her days stealing trinkets from the highborn to pay off her servitude.
When a mysterious fae buys out her contract, Rowan jumps at the chance to escape. But his promise of freedom comes with a uncover the assassin targeting Prince Dryden of the Ember Kingdom. To succeed, she must disguise herself as a princess, for the would-be killer hides among the royals vying for the prince’s heart and, more importantly, his hand in marriage.
Thrown into a world of silks and finery, Rowan has mere weeks to learn to play the part of a princess before hunting the killer. Sneaking through gilded halls and eavesdropping come naturally, but the bonds she forms with the other princesses—and the prince’s growing attention—are complications she never saw coming.
When whispers of enemies beyond the kingdom surface, Rowan realizes her mission may be bigger than she imagined. Yet every stolen glance with Dryden rips her apart and draws her closer to the one distraction she cannot desire. Desire that could shatter not only her chance at freedom but the kingdom itself.
496 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 6, 2026
About the author
Julie Hall
24 books1,470 followersJulie Hall is a USA Today bestselling, 11x award-winning author.
She writes YA paranormal / fantasy novels, loves doodles, and drinks Red Bull, but not necessarily in that order. Julie's daughter says that her super power is sleeping all day and writing all night... and well, she wouldn't be wrong.
Julie currently lives in Colorado with her four favorite people - her husband, daughter, and two fur babies.
Website: www.JulieHallAuthor.com
Newsletter: www.JulieHallAuthor.com/newsletter
Julie's Fan Club: www.fb.com/groups/juliehall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.hall....
She writes YA paranormal / fantasy novels, loves doodles, and drinks Red Bull, but not necessarily in that order. Julie's daughter says that her super power is sleeping all day and writing all night... and well, she wouldn't be wrong.
Julie currently lives in Colorado with her four favorite people - her husband, daughter, and two fur babies.
Website: www.JulieHallAuthor.com
Newsletter: www.JulieHallAuthor.com/newsletter
Julie's Fan Club: www.fb.com/groups/juliehall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julie.hall....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 27, 2026
I loved every second of this book. I could not put it down, and it will definitely be added to my list of all time favorites.
The entire world was enchanting. I felt completely transported into this kingdom, and every detail made it feel so magical. The illustrations throughout the book are absolutely gorgeous.
I fell in love with Rowan from page one. She is fierce, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. She has been through so much, and I adored her character.
And the prince… I loved him. He is caring, protective, and so attentive. One of my favorite scenes was when he was injured and Rowan was taking care of him. Even then, he noticed that she had a small injury and wanted to make sure she was taken care of too. The gentleness and tenderness in the way he spoke to her completely melted my heart.
And the banter between these two—oh my gosh! I loved every single interaction between them. Their teasing and chemistry were absolutely perfect and made me smile the entire time.
I don’t even have words for their relationship. Julie really knows how to pull on your heartstrings. I laughed, I cried, and this book truly touched me. And that ending… I already can’t wait for book two! This is a must read!
The entire world was enchanting. I felt completely transported into this kingdom, and every detail made it feel so magical. The illustrations throughout the book are absolutely gorgeous.
I fell in love with Rowan from page one. She is fierce, loyal, and fiercely protective of the people she loves. She has been through so much, and I adored her character.
And the prince… I loved him. He is caring, protective, and so attentive. One of my favorite scenes was when he was injured and Rowan was taking care of him. Even then, he noticed that she had a small injury and wanted to make sure she was taken care of too. The gentleness and tenderness in the way he spoke to her completely melted my heart.
And the banter between these two—oh my gosh! I loved every single interaction between them. Their teasing and chemistry were absolutely perfect and made me smile the entire time.
I don’t even have words for their relationship. Julie really knows how to pull on your heartstrings. I laughed, I cried, and this book truly touched me. And that ending… I already can’t wait for book two! This is a must read!
June 18, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for this eArc!
5 ⭐️
This book sucked me in by the end of the first chapter. The banter between characters had me captivated and at times laughing out loud. The writing was descriptive, but not in a way that felt like overkill. I could truly picture the events in my head which isn’t always the easiest for me.
If you love the social season of Bridgerton, but wish one of the ladies was trying to assassinate a prince for political gain, plus a sprinkle of looming magic and otherworlders potentially coming for attack, you’ve found it baby! Plus a FMC who is an expert thief turned spy whose “urges” can at times throw her off? Chefs kiss. And don’t even get me started on the yearning.
This book was full of action and twists and turns, some of which I saw coming and others that I truly did not. I think that was something that was so exciting, I found myself excitedly waiting to see if I was right about a hunch I had, then audibly gasping and being totally thrown off (in the best way) by something else that happened.
This is going to definitely be a new favorite for me and I cannot wait to see where this series goes!!
5 ⭐️
This book sucked me in by the end of the first chapter. The banter between characters had me captivated and at times laughing out loud. The writing was descriptive, but not in a way that felt like overkill. I could truly picture the events in my head which isn’t always the easiest for me.
If you love the social season of Bridgerton, but wish one of the ladies was trying to assassinate a prince for political gain, plus a sprinkle of looming magic and otherworlders potentially coming for attack, you’ve found it baby! Plus a FMC who is an expert thief turned spy whose “urges” can at times throw her off? Chefs kiss. And don’t even get me started on the yearning.
This book was full of action and twists and turns, some of which I saw coming and others that I truly did not. I think that was something that was so exciting, I found myself excitedly waiting to see if I was right about a hunch I had, then audibly gasping and being totally thrown off (in the best way) by something else that happened.
This is going to definitely be a new favorite for me and I cannot wait to see where this series goes!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If slow burn romantasy, marriage competitions, forbidden attraction, hidden powers, a thief FMC, forced proximity, fae court shenanigans, a love triangle with a twist, and SHE saves him sounds like your kind of book, then The Secrets of Everlight needs to be on your TBR. And if that list alone doesn't convince you to give this one a try, are you even a romantasy lover?
The world building here is done pretty doggone well, in my opinion. We get enough to understand the world we're living in without being overwhelmed by mass amounts of information. We meet our FMC, Rowan, in Everlight. Everlight is one of the most modern cities of the Ember Kingdom, which is the mightiest fae nation in Vaeloria, but the streets can still be rough. Magic is nearly gone except for a handful of powerful objects, and there are threats lurking beyond the fae kingdoms in the form of vampires and werewolves known as otherworlders. We also get glimpses of other fae kingdoms through the various princesses competing for the prince's hand. This world definitely has room to grow, and I can't wait to see what else is in store.
The story follows Rowan, a street thief who is trained to become Princess Greer in order to uncover a plot against the prince during a marriage competition. Also, can we talk about marriage competitions for a second? Should I be tired of them by now? Maybe. Am I? Not even a little bit. Anyhow, that's really all I'm willing to say about the plot because I don't want to spoil a thing. Trust me when I say uncovering all of this book's secrets for yourself is part of the fun. It certainly was for me.
Rowan is fairly young, nineteen if I remember correctly, but she's reasonably mature, capable, and has absolutely no problem kicking bums and taking names. But she isn't the only star of the show. This book has so. Many. Good. Characters. You'll love some, loathe some, and feel completely conflicted about others. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent amongst the pages with them.
The romance is pretty tame in terms of spice, but don't let that fool you. The romantic tension is definitely palpable. The kisses were satisfying, and I was all in with the romance.
The plot kept me engaged throughout. I'd call it more medium-paced for most of the book, but once I hit the final twenty-five percent? Whew. The pace takes off, and I could not read fast enough. In fact, I may need to go back and reread a few sections because I'm pretty sure I was speed reading just to find out what happened next.
But we need to talk, Julie Hall. Are you really going to leave a sister hanging like that? I may or may not have screamed at my Kindle when I realized I was on the last page. Desperate doesn't even begin to cover how badly I need the next book.
Needless to say, I think this is another winner from Julie Hall, and it might just be your next romantasy obsession. I mean, I might be speaking from personal experience here.
5/5 stars. No notes.
The world building here is done pretty doggone well, in my opinion. We get enough to understand the world we're living in without being overwhelmed by mass amounts of information. We meet our FMC, Rowan, in Everlight. Everlight is one of the most modern cities of the Ember Kingdom, which is the mightiest fae nation in Vaeloria, but the streets can still be rough. Magic is nearly gone except for a handful of powerful objects, and there are threats lurking beyond the fae kingdoms in the form of vampires and werewolves known as otherworlders. We also get glimpses of other fae kingdoms through the various princesses competing for the prince's hand. This world definitely has room to grow, and I can't wait to see what else is in store.
The story follows Rowan, a street thief who is trained to become Princess Greer in order to uncover a plot against the prince during a marriage competition. Also, can we talk about marriage competitions for a second? Should I be tired of them by now? Maybe. Am I? Not even a little bit. Anyhow, that's really all I'm willing to say about the plot because I don't want to spoil a thing. Trust me when I say uncovering all of this book's secrets for yourself is part of the fun. It certainly was for me.
Rowan is fairly young, nineteen if I remember correctly, but she's reasonably mature, capable, and has absolutely no problem kicking bums and taking names. But she isn't the only star of the show. This book has so. Many. Good. Characters. You'll love some, loathe some, and feel completely conflicted about others. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent amongst the pages with them.
The romance is pretty tame in terms of spice, but don't let that fool you. The romantic tension is definitely palpable. The kisses were satisfying, and I was all in with the romance.
The plot kept me engaged throughout. I'd call it more medium-paced for most of the book, but once I hit the final twenty-five percent? Whew. The pace takes off, and I could not read fast enough. In fact, I may need to go back and reread a few sections because I'm pretty sure I was speed reading just to find out what happened next.
But we need to talk, Julie Hall. Are you really going to leave a sister hanging like that? I may or may not have screamed at my Kindle when I realized I was on the last page. Desperate doesn't even begin to cover how badly I need the next book.
Needless to say, I think this is another winner from Julie Hall, and it might just be your next romantasy obsession. I mean, I might be speaking from personal experience here.
5/5 stars. No notes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Secrets of Everlight was an absolute delight and one of my favorite fantasy romances of the year! As someone who loves trying to predict every twist, reveal, and ending, I can confidently say that Julie Hall completely outsmarted me. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, she pulled the rug out from under me and kept me guessing until the very end. ✨
Rowan, an orphan who has spent her entire life surviving on the streets, is a talented thief trapped in a decade long fae contract in exchange for food. When a mysterious fae purchases her contract, her life changes overnight. Suddenly, she is thrust into a glittering world of royalty, intrigue, and danger, where she must pose as a princess from a neighboring kingdom.
With several princesses gathered to compete for the heart of the king's younger brother, Prince Dryden, the court seems like the setting for a fairytale. But beneath the gowns, balls, and royal charm lurks a deadly threat. Rowan is tasked with uncovering the identity of a killer hiding among the princesses, a mission that could finally earn her the freedom she has dreamed of her entire life.
I absolutely adored Rowan. She was fierce, intelligent, courageous, and endlessly resourceful. Her determination to survive, combined with her sharp wit and humor, made her impossible not to root for. She is the kind of heroine who feels both powerful and relatable, and I loved watching her fight for both freedom and the chance at something more.
And the romance? I was hooked. Whether it was Rowan's chemistry with Bram or her growing connection with Prince Dryden, I was completely invested. The relationships felt authentic, heartfelt, and full of emotional depth. Watching Rowan experience genuine care and connection for the first time made every romantic moment hit that much harder.
If you love:
✨ Fae courts and magic
✨ The Bachelor style competition vibes
✨ Bridgerton inspired royal drama
✨ Undercover identities and court intrigue
✨ Witty banter
✨ Slow burn romance
✨ A heroine who saves the guy
...then you need to pick up this book immediately!
That ending had me immediately needing book two in my hands, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Secrets of Everlight was an absolute delight and one of my favorite fantasy romances of the year! As someone who loves trying to predict every twist, reveal, and ending, I can confidently say that Julie Hall completely outsmarted me. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, she pulled the rug out from under me and kept me guessing until the very end. ✨
Rowan, an orphan who has spent her entire life surviving on the streets, is a talented thief trapped in a decade long fae contract in exchange for food. When a mysterious fae purchases her contract, her life changes overnight. Suddenly, she is thrust into a glittering world of royalty, intrigue, and danger, where she must pose as a princess from a neighboring kingdom.
With several princesses gathered to compete for the heart of the king's younger brother, Prince Dryden, the court seems like the setting for a fairytale. But beneath the gowns, balls, and royal charm lurks a deadly threat. Rowan is tasked with uncovering the identity of a killer hiding among the princesses, a mission that could finally earn her the freedom she has dreamed of her entire life.
I absolutely adored Rowan. She was fierce, intelligent, courageous, and endlessly resourceful. Her determination to survive, combined with her sharp wit and humor, made her impossible not to root for. She is the kind of heroine who feels both powerful and relatable, and I loved watching her fight for both freedom and the chance at something more.
And the romance? I was hooked. Whether it was Rowan's chemistry with Bram or her growing connection with Prince Dryden, I was completely invested. The relationships felt authentic, heartfelt, and full of emotional depth. Watching Rowan experience genuine care and connection for the first time made every romantic moment hit that much harder.
If you love:
✨ Fae courts and magic
✨ The Bachelor style competition vibes
✨ Bridgerton inspired royal drama
✨ Undercover identities and court intrigue
✨ Witty banter
✨ Slow burn romance
✨ A heroine who saves the guy
...then you need to pick up this book immediately!
That ending had me immediately needing book two in my hands, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book (thank you!), and overall, it was an incredibly fun and engaging read that kept me invested from beginning to end.
The story follows a thief whose indentured servant contract is purchased by a mysterious upper-class benefactor. She is then tasked with impersonating a princess during the prince's courting season in order to uncover who is trying to assassinate him. It's a fantastic setup that immediately creates tension and high stakes. Between the hidden identities, court politics, competing princesses, and ongoing investigation, there was always something pulling the story forward.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the balance between the mystery and the romance. Neither felt like it existed solely to serve the other. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, with enough twists and revelations to keep me guessing, while the relationship between the FMC and MMC developed in a way that felt believable and earned. The tension between them was particularly well done. There was one scene that genuinely gave me goosebumps because of how effectively the emotional and romantic tension had been built over the course of the story.
The worldbuilding also struck a nice balance. The story is firmly centered on the immediate mystery and the characters, but there are hints of a much larger world beyond the court. The history between the fae, vampires, and werewolves, along with the magical barrier separating the fae from the rest of the supernatural world, adds depth without overwhelming the central plot. As the story progresses, those larger conflicts begin to intersect with the events unfolding at court, creating the sense that the stakes extend far beyond the prince's courting season.
Although the book ends with a cliffhanger, I never felt frustrated by it because the primary storyline of this installment reaches a satisfying conclusion. Instead of feeling unfinished, it left me excited to see where the series goes next and how the larger conflicts hinted at throughout the novel will develop.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining blend of fantasy, mystery, court intrigue, and romance. If you enjoy hidden identities, political maneuvering, compelling romantic tension, and fae-centered fantasy, this is definitely worth picking up. I'll be eagerly waiting for the next book. Really excellent!
The story follows a thief whose indentured servant contract is purchased by a mysterious upper-class benefactor. She is then tasked with impersonating a princess during the prince's courting season in order to uncover who is trying to assassinate him. It's a fantastic setup that immediately creates tension and high stakes. Between the hidden identities, court politics, competing princesses, and ongoing investigation, there was always something pulling the story forward.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the balance between the mystery and the romance. Neither felt like it existed solely to serve the other. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, with enough twists and revelations to keep me guessing, while the relationship between the FMC and MMC developed in a way that felt believable and earned. The tension between them was particularly well done. There was one scene that genuinely gave me goosebumps because of how effectively the emotional and romantic tension had been built over the course of the story.
The worldbuilding also struck a nice balance. The story is firmly centered on the immediate mystery and the characters, but there are hints of a much larger world beyond the court. The history between the fae, vampires, and werewolves, along with the magical barrier separating the fae from the rest of the supernatural world, adds depth without overwhelming the central plot. As the story progresses, those larger conflicts begin to intersect with the events unfolding at court, creating the sense that the stakes extend far beyond the prince's courting season.
Although the book ends with a cliffhanger, I never felt frustrated by it because the primary storyline of this installment reaches a satisfying conclusion. Instead of feeling unfinished, it left me excited to see where the series goes next and how the larger conflicts hinted at throughout the novel will develop.
Overall, this was a highly entertaining blend of fantasy, mystery, court intrigue, and romance. If you enjoy hidden identities, political maneuvering, compelling romantic tension, and fae-centered fantasy, this is definitely worth picking up. I'll be eagerly waiting for the next book. Really excellent!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you netgalley and berkley for the arc
The Secrets of Everlight • Julie Hall
One phrase: thief girl goes undercover princess 👑🗡️
A thief turned spy pretending to be a princess so she can uncover an assassin at a fae court?
Say less. I’m listening.
The Secrets of Everlight has such a fun romantasy setup. Rowan has spent most of her life fighting to survive, first as an orphan and then under a cruel contract that keeps her stealing for someone else’s gain. All she wants is freedom, but when a mysterious fae buys out her contract, that freedom comes with a very dangerous price.
Find the assassin targeting Prince Dryden.
The catch? The killer is hiding among the royal women competing for his hand, which means Rowan has to trade survival scraps and stolen trinkets for silks, finery, etiquette, court politics, and pretending she belongs in a world built to expose her.
And honestly? I love that.
Rowan sounds like exactly the kind of FMC I root for. Scrappy, smart, observant, and used to relying on herself. Sneaking around, listening at doors, and reading people comes naturally to her, but pretending to be a princess while catching feelings for the prince she is supposed to be protecting? That is where things get deliciously messy.
I’m also obsessed with the fact that the other princesses may become actual connections instead of just rivals. Give me court intrigue, assassination plots, complicated friendships, and stolen glances with a fae prince who absolutely should be off limits.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
👑 undercover princess
🗡️ thief turned spy
🧚 fae prince
🔎 assassination plot
💞 forbidden attraction
🏰 royal court intrigue
👀 secret identity
✨ forced proximity
🫶 unexpected friendships
🔥 slow burn tension
⚔️ enemies beyond the kingdom
💫 fighting for freedom
📚 Read this if you like:
Fae romantasy, royal competitions, hidden identity chaos, spies in glittering courts, clever FMCs, dangerous missions, and romances where the assignment gets complicated because feelings rudely show up.
This sounds magical, twisty, romantic, and full of courtly chaos.
#TheSecretsOfEverlight #JulieHall #RomantasyBooks #FaeRomance #BookReview
The Secrets of Everlight • Julie Hall
One phrase: thief girl goes undercover princess 👑🗡️
A thief turned spy pretending to be a princess so she can uncover an assassin at a fae court?
Say less. I’m listening.
The Secrets of Everlight has such a fun romantasy setup. Rowan has spent most of her life fighting to survive, first as an orphan and then under a cruel contract that keeps her stealing for someone else’s gain. All she wants is freedom, but when a mysterious fae buys out her contract, that freedom comes with a very dangerous price.
Find the assassin targeting Prince Dryden.
The catch? The killer is hiding among the royal women competing for his hand, which means Rowan has to trade survival scraps and stolen trinkets for silks, finery, etiquette, court politics, and pretending she belongs in a world built to expose her.
And honestly? I love that.
Rowan sounds like exactly the kind of FMC I root for. Scrappy, smart, observant, and used to relying on herself. Sneaking around, listening at doors, and reading people comes naturally to her, but pretending to be a princess while catching feelings for the prince she is supposed to be protecting? That is where things get deliciously messy.
I’m also obsessed with the fact that the other princesses may become actual connections instead of just rivals. Give me court intrigue, assassination plots, complicated friendships, and stolen glances with a fae prince who absolutely should be off limits.
✨ Tropes and vibes:
👑 undercover princess
🗡️ thief turned spy
🧚 fae prince
🔎 assassination plot
💞 forbidden attraction
🏰 royal court intrigue
👀 secret identity
✨ forced proximity
🫶 unexpected friendships
🔥 slow burn tension
⚔️ enemies beyond the kingdom
💫 fighting for freedom
📚 Read this if you like:
Fae romantasy, royal competitions, hidden identity chaos, spies in glittering courts, clever FMCs, dangerous missions, and romances where the assignment gets complicated because feelings rudely show up.
This sounds magical, twisty, romantic, and full of courtly chaos.
#TheSecretsOfEverlight #JulieHall #RomantasyBooks #FaeRomance #BookReview
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Early ARC Read From Netgalley & Berkley Publishing Group
Tropes: Romantasy, Slow Burn, Hidden Identity, Political Intrigue, Forced Proximity, Assassin Mystery, Fae/Vampires/Werewolves, Marriage Competition, Forbidden Attraction, She Saves Him, Cliffhanger
Quotes: "Where courtship is a game, deception is survival, and desire is deadlier than the sharpest blade."
Review No Spoilers: Book Review (No Spoilers)
This fantasy romance delivers a compelling blend of court intrigue, espionage, and slow burn romance set in a beautifully imagined fae world. The story follows Rowan, a street thief whose desperate fight for freedom takes an unexpected turn when she’s recruited to become a royal spy. Tasked with posing as a princess in a marriage competition to uncover an assassination plot, Rowan is thrown into a world of glittering courts, deadly secrets, and dangerous political games.
Rowan is an easy heroine to root for. Her resilience, resourcefulness, and sharp instincts make her a standout protagonist, and watching her navigate the unfamiliar world of nobility while hiding her true identity creates constant tension. The romance develops gradually, with plenty of chemistry and emotional conflict as feelings grow between Rowan and Prince Dryden despite the lies keeping them apart.
The court politics, hidden agendas, and mystery surrounding the assassination keep the pacing engaging, while the friendships Rowan forms with the other competitors add surprising warmth and depth. As the story unfolds, the stakes expand beyond a single murder plot, introducing larger threats that promise an even bigger adventure ahead.
With rich world-building, memorable characters, strong found-family elements, and a satisfying mix of romance, suspense, and political intrigue, this is an enjoyable read for fans of fae fantasy, hidden identities, royal competitions, and slow-burn romance. It offers an exciting start to a series while leaving plenty of intrigue for what’s to come.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Tropes: Romantasy, Slow Burn, Hidden Identity, Political Intrigue, Forced Proximity, Assassin Mystery, Fae/Vampires/Werewolves, Marriage Competition, Forbidden Attraction, She Saves Him, Cliffhanger
Quotes: "Where courtship is a game, deception is survival, and desire is deadlier than the sharpest blade."
Review No Spoilers: Book Review (No Spoilers)
This fantasy romance delivers a compelling blend of court intrigue, espionage, and slow burn romance set in a beautifully imagined fae world. The story follows Rowan, a street thief whose desperate fight for freedom takes an unexpected turn when she’s recruited to become a royal spy. Tasked with posing as a princess in a marriage competition to uncover an assassination plot, Rowan is thrown into a world of glittering courts, deadly secrets, and dangerous political games.
Rowan is an easy heroine to root for. Her resilience, resourcefulness, and sharp instincts make her a standout protagonist, and watching her navigate the unfamiliar world of nobility while hiding her true identity creates constant tension. The romance develops gradually, with plenty of chemistry and emotional conflict as feelings grow between Rowan and Prince Dryden despite the lies keeping them apart.
The court politics, hidden agendas, and mystery surrounding the assassination keep the pacing engaging, while the friendships Rowan forms with the other competitors add surprising warmth and depth. As the story unfolds, the stakes expand beyond a single murder plot, introducing larger threats that promise an even bigger adventure ahead.
With rich world-building, memorable characters, strong found-family elements, and a satisfying mix of romance, suspense, and political intrigue, this is an enjoyable read for fans of fae fantasy, hidden identities, royal competitions, and slow-burn romance. It offers an exciting start to a series while leaving plenty of intrigue for what’s to come.
Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was one of those books where every time I had to put it down, I was thinking about when I could pick it back up again. I was completely hooked.
I loved the characters, the romance, the banter, and especially the pacing. The story kept moving without ever feeling rushed, and I found myself deeply invested in both the plot and the relationships.
My only minor complaint was a choice near the ending involving the main character hiding her feelings. It felt a little unnecessary and leaned into a trope I'm not usually a fan of. But honestly? It was such a small part of an otherwise fantastic reading experience that it didn't change my rating at all.
If you enjoy the drama of Bridgerton and the competition elements of The Bachelor, but with fae, magic, and higher stakes, there's a good chance you'll love this.
This was an easy 5-star read for me, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
~Review by Negar
I loved the characters, the romance, the banter, and especially the pacing. The story kept moving without ever feeling rushed, and I found myself deeply invested in both the plot and the relationships.
My only minor complaint was a choice near the ending involving the main character hiding her feelings. It felt a little unnecessary and leaned into a trope I'm not usually a fan of. But honestly? It was such a small part of an otherwise fantastic reading experience that it didn't change my rating at all.
If you enjoy the drama of Bridgerton and the competition elements of The Bachelor, but with fae, magic, and higher stakes, there's a good chance you'll love this.
This was an easy 5-star read for me, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
~Review by Negar
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've read everything that Julie has written, so when given the chance to read this book early, i didn't walk, i ran.
This book grabbed my attention from the first page. I honestly did not want to put this book down. When i did, it was in the back of my mind. I kept wondering what was going to happen next and just when i thought i had it predicted, i was shocked at the reveal.
This story might be in the romantasy genre, but the romance isn't the main story plot. At one point i was wondering who the main love interest was going to be. I mean, this is a story about a trained thief, a girl who grew up an orphan and someone who spent her entire life trying not to be noticed. Now she's impersonating a princess who is supposed to be trying to win the prince's hand in marriage! So, that definitely means she's going to be falling in love with the prince? Maybe not?
This book did end on a cliffhanger, but it was more of a setup that leads into the next book. This story is complete. Now onto answering all the things forshadowed. Will be looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
This book grabbed my attention from the first page. I honestly did not want to put this book down. When i did, it was in the back of my mind. I kept wondering what was going to happen next and just when i thought i had it predicted, i was shocked at the reveal.
This story might be in the romantasy genre, but the romance isn't the main story plot. At one point i was wondering who the main love interest was going to be. I mean, this is a story about a trained thief, a girl who grew up an orphan and someone who spent her entire life trying not to be noticed. Now she's impersonating a princess who is supposed to be trying to win the prince's hand in marriage! So, that definitely means she's going to be falling in love with the prince? Maybe not?
This book did end on a cliffhanger, but it was more of a setup that leads into the next book. This story is complete. Now onto answering all the things forshadowed. Will be looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s Bridgerton with fae but make it The Bachelor.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Rowan is a thief girl living on the streets who gets roped into a plan to stop the assassination of the prince by going undercover as a princess in a Bachelor-esque competition to marry the prince. This is meant to be an adult romantasy but read more YA than actual YA books.
I have to be honest here I am sorrrrry. It started off strong but then the story became extremely predictable and boring. It felt like a template of “fae YA romantasy” that you’ve read many times before. I skimmed the ending because I just could not care anymore. It also included one of my biggest pet peeves - when a big reveal you are waiting for (because it is obvious but you think it might just be revealed in a very exciting way) is done in the most boring, meaningless way possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Rowan is a thief girl living on the streets who gets roped into a plan to stop the assassination of the prince by going undercover as a princess in a Bachelor-esque competition to marry the prince. This is meant to be an adult romantasy but read more YA than actual YA books.
I have to be honest here I am sorrrrry. It started off strong but then the story became extremely predictable and boring. It felt like a template of “fae YA romantasy” that you’ve read many times before. I skimmed the ending because I just could not care anymore. It also included one of my biggest pet peeves - when a big reveal you are waiting for (because it is obvious but you think it might just be revealed in a very exciting way) is done in the most boring, meaningless way possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secrets of Everlight by Julie Hall is the best book I’ve read in 2026! This was a book that I didn’t want to put down from the first chapter until the last. I loved Rowan and Prince Dryden. The interaction between the two was genuine which makes for a great reading experience. It had me smiling, laughing, sad and crying all at some point while reading.
I love the first page of the book that says “To those who once dreamed of being princesses but found their strength in becoming warriors”. It’s a good introduction to Rowan’s story before it’s even begun. There are characters you will fall in love with and some you’ll despise. There’s magic, a love story, betrayal, and heart break. It’s the perfect book for this genre. Julie Hall has a new fan in me.
Thank you to Julie Hall, Net Galley, ACE, and Penguin Random House For the ARC.
I love the first page of the book that says “To those who once dreamed of being princesses but found their strength in becoming warriors”. It’s a good introduction to Rowan’s story before it’s even begun. There are characters you will fall in love with and some you’ll despise. There’s magic, a love story, betrayal, and heart break. It’s the perfect book for this genre. Julie Hall has a new fan in me.
Thank you to Julie Hall, Net Galley, ACE, and Penguin Random House For the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A thief pretending to be a princess to catch an assassin at a fae court? Yep... this was a lot of fun.
The Secrets of Everlight follows Rowan, a thief who finally has a chance at freedom—if she can successfully pose as a princess and uncover who's trying to kill Prince Dryden.
I loved watching Rowan navigate a world she clearly didn't belong in. She's clever, resourceful, and easy to root for. The mix of court intrigue, secret identities, and forbidden romance kept the pages turning, and I especially enjoyed that the other princesses became more than just rivals.
If you're looking for a romantasy with fae, political intrigue, a slow-burn romance, and a heroine who survives on grit and determination, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#TheSecretsofEverlight #NetGalley
The Secrets of Everlight follows Rowan, a thief who finally has a chance at freedom—if she can successfully pose as a princess and uncover who's trying to kill Prince Dryden.
I loved watching Rowan navigate a world she clearly didn't belong in. She's clever, resourceful, and easy to root for. The mix of court intrigue, secret identities, and forbidden romance kept the pages turning, and I especially enjoyed that the other princesses became more than just rivals.
If you're looking for a romantasy with fae, political intrigue, a slow-burn romance, and a heroine who survives on grit and determination, this one is worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
#TheSecretsofEverlight #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Secrets of Everlight was everything I want in a romantasy. Julie Hall created a captivating world filled with magic, political intrigue, danger, and just the right amount of mystery. I was invested in Rowan’s journey from the very first chapter, and watching her navigate hidden truths, impossible choices, and growing feelings kept me turning the pages.
The pacing was excellent, the plot twists were surprising without feeling forced, and the romance was a perfect slow burn that left me wanting more. The supporting characters added depth to the story, and the world-building was immersive without being overwhelming.
If you enjoy fae, secrets, court politics, strong heroines, and romance woven into an epic fantasy adventure, this is definitely one to pick up. That ending has me counting down the days until the next book!
The pacing was excellent, the plot twists were surprising without feeling forced, and the romance was a perfect slow burn that left me wanting more. The supporting characters added depth to the story, and the world-building was immersive without being overwhelming.
If you enjoy fae, secrets, court politics, strong heroines, and romance woven into an epic fantasy adventure, this is definitely one to pick up. That ending has me counting down the days until the next book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an engrossing urban fantasy book with great characters and wonderful world building. It would easily be a 5-star read, except for one detail that knocked it down a star for me.
Content & Cleanliness Note: For those who prefer to know what they're getting into, this is a clean read: Romance: No sex scenes at all. Just kissing. Language: Very mild. There is exactly one traditional swear word in the entire book. (Two, if you count a certain British slang term).
Why it lost a star: It ends on a cliffhanger. Just as you think everything is wrapping up and you are picturing a HEA ending, there’s a plot twist, leaving you dangling.
I received an early copy of this book from the author, but the review and opinions are entirely my own
Content & Cleanliness Note: For those who prefer to know what they're getting into, this is a clean read: Romance: No sex scenes at all. Just kissing. Language: Very mild. There is exactly one traditional swear word in the entire book. (Two, if you count a certain British slang term).
Why it lost a star: It ends on a cliffhanger. Just as you think everything is wrapping up and you are picturing a HEA ending, there’s a plot twist, leaving you dangling.
I received an early copy of this book from the author, but the review and opinions are entirely my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'll be honest, every book that Julie has written I've picked up and found I couldn't put it down. She really knows how to grab a reader at the beginning of a book and from there she just doesn't stop. I was running through this book so quickly I had to make myself slow down so it wouldn't end so soon.
This was an extremely fun read about a girl who has been a thief her entire life and at long last finds herself in luxury parading as a princess. During her masquerading she's looking for a female villain and through it all forges the first real friendships she's ever had. The ending honestly had me all in my feelings and I'm not over it. Please release book two tomorrow.
Such a great read and not extremely heavy on the world building which was exactly what I was looking for!
This was an extremely fun read about a girl who has been a thief her entire life and at long last finds herself in luxury parading as a princess. During her masquerading she's looking for a female villain and through it all forges the first real friendships she's ever had. The ending honestly had me all in my feelings and I'm not over it. Please release book two tomorrow.
Such a great read and not extremely heavy on the world building which was exactly what I was looking for!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Julie Hall has officially pulled me out of my book slump with The Secrets of Everlight! The story started off strong, and kept building. Our FMC, Rowan, is a thief who grew up in the slums. Indentured to a mysterious fae named Neo, Rowan is fighting for her freedom. Find the assassin targeting the prince and she will be released. The catch? She has to pretend to be a princess to do it.
I fell in love with Rowan, Prince Dryden, and even Olette and Bram, and absolutely can’t wait to continue their stories in the next book. The Secrets of Everlight is easily a 5 star read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC.
I fell in love with Rowan, Prince Dryden, and even Olette and Bram, and absolutely can’t wait to continue their stories in the next book. The Secrets of Everlight is easily a 5 star read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh my heart!
This was amazing. I absolutely devoured it. The Selection meets ACOTAR with beautiful color illustrations interspersed through the book.
I loved the characters and there was plenty of action to keep the book well paced even through balls and parties.
I will say that some of the foreshadowing was a bit heavy handed, but there were definitely a few plot twists that I did not see coming.
And oh my goodness the ending. #ARCProblems but book 2 is really far away.
Highly recommended.
This was amazing. I absolutely devoured it. The Selection meets ACOTAR with beautiful color illustrations interspersed through the book.
I loved the characters and there was plenty of action to keep the book well paced even through balls and parties.
I will say that some of the foreshadowing was a bit heavy handed, but there were definitely a few plot twists that I did not see coming.
And oh my goodness the ending. #ARCProblems but book 2 is really far away.
Highly recommended.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Julie for an ARC of this beautiful book
Review of an advanced copy received by Netgalley.
So good! Definitely gonna be a favorite series of mine, for sure!
While there were a couple of things that annoyed me throughout the story and I wish they were done a bit better, this book still had my attention the entire time. I would've binged it in one sitting but my eyeballs wouldn't let me. 😂
Absolutely loved the MMC. New top book boyfriend.
Can't wait for book two!
Review of an advanced copy received by Netgalley.
So good! Definitely gonna be a favorite series of mine, for sure!
While there were a couple of things that annoyed me throughout the story and I wish they were done a bit better, this book still had my attention the entire time. I would've binged it in one sitting but my eyeballs wouldn't let me. 😂
Absolutely loved the MMC. New top book boyfriend.
Can't wait for book two!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received fromn NetGalley
thank you netgalley and berkley for the arc
I enjoyed this book so much that I almost stayed up all night to finish it. This book is one of the best fantasy novels that I have read this year. I loved all of the characters, and Rowan and Neo worked so well together.
I will say there are some twists that really did surprise me, but once I read them I saw the strategic foreshadowing and character development. I will be awaiting the next book anxiously.
thank you netgalley and berkley for the arc
I enjoyed this book so much that I almost stayed up all night to finish it. This book is one of the best fantasy novels that I have read this year. I loved all of the characters, and Rowan and Neo worked so well together.
I will say there are some twists that really did surprise me, but once I read them I saw the strategic foreshadowing and character development. I will be awaiting the next book anxiously.
Review of advance copy received from Author
One of the very best of 2026! Seriously - kept me engaged, entertained, and emotionally involved. I laughed. I loved. I cried. Rowan is determined yet vulnerable. Dryden is strong yet confused. Together they are a forceful team no one ignores.
Throughout I found myself completely fooled by the twists...sometimes in a good way, other times - well, my tablet is still in one piece.
✔ World building
✔ Character development
✔ Werewolves, vampires, shifters, magic
✔ Strong villains
✔ Twists & turns
✔ Longing
✔ Cliff hanger - give me the next book soon!!!!
Throughout I found myself completely fooled by the twists...sometimes in a good way, other times - well, my tablet is still in one piece.
✔ World building
✔ Character development
✔ Werewolves, vampires, shifters, magic
✔ Strong villains
✔ Twists & turns
✔ Longing
✔ Cliff hanger - give me the next book soon!!!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Berkely, and Netgalley for this eARC.
Julie Hall what a fantastic book! I loved the humor that was sprinkled throughout, there were several times I was giggling in this book. There's a mystery to solve so the FMC is in a marriage competition so this book had more to it then budding attraction brewing between her and two MMCs. She develops some friendships along the way. There's some action, some plot twists, some politics but the ending rips your heart out and then leaves it on that proverbial cliff!
Julie Hall what a fantastic book! I loved the humor that was sprinkled throughout, there were several times I was giggling in this book. There's a mystery to solve so the FMC is in a marriage competition so this book had more to it then budding attraction brewing between her and two MMCs. She develops some friendships along the way. There's some action, some plot twists, some politics but the ending rips your heart out and then leaves it on that proverbial cliff!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rowan is a strong female that only wants her freedom. Being tasked with finding an assassin she poses in a contest for the hand in marriage to Dryden. This book is full of action and suspense that kept me hooked. I love the worlds that Julie creates and eat up everything she writes and this book was no different. I love the characters and the softening of Rowans heart. I highly recommend the read it is well worth it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book made me anxious! I couldn't put it down! I had to know what was gonna happen. Great story! Love the MMC and the FMC was let's just say she was pretty awesome! I definitely cant wait to see what happens in the next book! A great read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I could not put this book down. It grabbed me from the first paragraph and pulled me into the story. The MMC and FMC banner is amazing. I can not wait for her to write the next book.Julie Hall is one of my favorite authors.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I could not put it down! Most books it is a struggle to stay focused if there are other distractions but I found myself opening this book again and again over other options. I highly recommend this slow burn fantasy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was so lucky to receive you the ARC of this wonderful book. It has everything I look for in a book and pulled me out of my reading slump!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book kept me reading all the way through. As usual Julie Hall has well developed characters that tell the story and the plot does not meander. Is in my reread stack.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Absolutely amazing! I adored this fantasy book and the new world Julie has created. I eagerly await the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is packed with excitement! I stayed up all night just to finish it! It's got everything. Romance, danger, mystery, action and it's thrilling! Definitely recommended to my bestie!
June 23, 2026
This is an exciting fantasy about Rowan, a lowly thief trying to earn her freedom, who gets trapped in royal politics. Prince Dryden is both charming and a jerk. Turns out he’s got big secrets and bigger feelings. I really hope to see more of his guard Bram.
My favorite tropes were secret identities, she’s pretending to be a princess, royal marriage competition, and lost magic. There are lots of twists, surprises, and double crosses. This book was all about the fae but the werewolves are on the scene and vampires aren’t far behind. I’m excited for the next book!
My favorite tropes were secret identities, she’s pretending to be a princess, royal marriage competition, and lost magic. There are lots of twists, surprises, and double crosses. This book was all about the fae but the werewolves are on the scene and vampires aren’t far behind. I’m excited for the next book!
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