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An Alliance of Ash and Jade
Not yet published
Expected 25 Aug 26Four Challenges. Three Clans. Two Enemies. One Winner
Jade is desperate to win her father’s affection and her place among her clan. If she can win the Crown Challenges and appoint her brother the next heir apparent, her place in her father’s heart will be assured. But she can’t do it alone, so she agrees to an alliance with the cruel and devastatingly handsome Sky Prince—whom she has every intention of double crossing.
Ash is cursed. No powers. No wings. Without his magic, he cannot win the Crown Challenges to ascend the throne. His only recourse is a bold vow to kill the curse-caster. And wedding her will provide just the opportunity he needs. But just as Ash is ready to end his curse once and for all, an assassin attacks, and Jade saves his life. Now bound to a blood debt, he cannot kill her, nor remove his curse. Caught in the purgatory of betrayal and a fight to the death to win the Challenges, Ash has no choice but to trust the beguiling girl he’s now forced to protect.
As they battle to attain the crown, they’ll have to work together to beat the other contestants, and fight their growing, forbidden attraction. All while remembering that their tenuous alliance ends with the Challenges, and that their marriage is a sham. But something wicked hides in the shadows; forgotten secrets that threaten the very existence of the empire. Only by joining forces do Jade and Ash have any hope of overcoming the evil rising in the darkness...but even that might not be enough.
Jade is desperate to win her father’s affection and her place among her clan. If she can win the Crown Challenges and appoint her brother the next heir apparent, her place in her father’s heart will be assured. But she can’t do it alone, so she agrees to an alliance with the cruel and devastatingly handsome Sky Prince—whom she has every intention of double crossing.
Ash is cursed. No powers. No wings. Without his magic, he cannot win the Crown Challenges to ascend the throne. His only recourse is a bold vow to kill the curse-caster. And wedding her will provide just the opportunity he needs. But just as Ash is ready to end his curse once and for all, an assassin attacks, and Jade saves his life. Now bound to a blood debt, he cannot kill her, nor remove his curse. Caught in the purgatory of betrayal and a fight to the death to win the Challenges, Ash has no choice but to trust the beguiling girl he’s now forced to protect.
As they battle to attain the crown, they’ll have to work together to beat the other contestants, and fight their growing, forbidden attraction. All while remembering that their tenuous alliance ends with the Challenges, and that their marriage is a sham. But something wicked hides in the shadows; forgotten secrets that threaten the very existence of the empire. Only by joining forces do Jade and Ash have any hope of overcoming the evil rising in the darkness...but even that might not be enough.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 25, 2026
About the author
A.J. Skelly
40 books172 followersAJ Skelly (also writing as April J. Skelly) is an author, reader, and lover of all things fantasy, medieval, and fairy-tale-romance. And werewolves. She has a serious soft spot for them. As an avid life-long reader and a former high school English teacher, she's always been fascinated with the written word. She lives with her husband, children, and many imaginary friends who often find their way into her stories. They all drink copious amounts of tea together and stay up reading far later than they should.
You can read more of her short stories at www.ajskelly.com.
You can read more of her short stories at www.ajskelly.com.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 6, 2025
*I received and early copy for endorsement*
A refreshing and exciting new adventure, An Alliance of Ash and Jade doesn't disappoint when it comes to electrifying chemistry and deadly tournaments. Skelly does excellent work at balancing humor, loss, love, and accepting oneself through fast-paced rhetoric and story-telling. With elemental themes and deadly oaths, this new novel is one you won't want to put down!
A refreshing and exciting new adventure, An Alliance of Ash and Jade doesn't disappoint when it comes to electrifying chemistry and deadly tournaments. Skelly does excellent work at balancing humor, loss, love, and accepting oneself through fast-paced rhetoric and story-telling. With elemental themes and deadly oaths, this new novel is one you won't want to put down!
June 2, 2026
Y'all, being allowed to read books in advance to their wide release is an honor and a privilege. It also means I only have a select few fellows I can rant and rave to without publicly spilling spoilers, and that might not be quite so great?! Because this book has stuff to rant and rave about! (Rest assured, this is a spoiler-free zone)
I loved it. It's got a fascinating world with an inspired-culture mash that I fell for instantly. The Sky Clan is an Asian-fusion high in the mountains, while the Earth Clan feels very Gaelic, and the Water Clan gave my Atlantean vibes. They all worked together in such a way that it blended naturally into a completely believable world with legends and culture and fantastical magic. I was utterly delighted.
The characters are just as darling, moody and spirited with an enemies-to-lovers romance that is fierce on both swings. There was much cackling at the forced proximity, the awkwardness as the hatred born of lies melted under the heat of truth into attraction. The pretty girl. The hunky muscles. Oh, I cackled so much! And fanned myself, because a few moments get a bit heated (nothing inappropriate, though! It's totally safe, for those readers sensitive to 'spice' levels. The kissing is just more passionate than I usually read, but I knew that going in.)
It only took me two days to wolf this down because the writing was to engaging, the characters so compelling, and the story itself is layered. The empire is in the brink of collapse, with rival clans vying for terrible power and the future of all is on the line. But so are the hearts of the characters. Rejection. Shame. Responsibility. Expectation. Longing. Betrayal. Rage. Desperation. Nobility. Honor. Compassion. Sacrifice. Painful pasts and complicated emotions clash as Ash and Jade go through the motions of their respective positions, but greater and grander things than human ambition are in motion. It's not just a story about saving the world and the couple getting together. It's about the inherent value of life. Of love without condition. Of identity based on more than position. Of choices, their consequences, and the hope and work of healing. Of intentions for evil being used instead to the good of both individuals and ultimately the world as a whole.
There are deep and abiding truths woven throughout the epic and fantastical adventure, and I appreciated that! All in all, we laughed, we cried, we kicked butt and ate candied haws. It was great.
I loved it. It's got a fascinating world with an inspired-culture mash that I fell for instantly. The Sky Clan is an Asian-fusion high in the mountains, while the Earth Clan feels very Gaelic, and the Water Clan gave my Atlantean vibes. They all worked together in such a way that it blended naturally into a completely believable world with legends and culture and fantastical magic. I was utterly delighted.
The characters are just as darling, moody and spirited with an enemies-to-lovers romance that is fierce on both swings. There was much cackling at the forced proximity, the awkwardness as the hatred born of lies melted under the heat of truth into attraction. The pretty girl. The hunky muscles. Oh, I cackled so much! And fanned myself, because a few moments get a bit heated (nothing inappropriate, though! It's totally safe, for those readers sensitive to 'spice' levels. The kissing is just more passionate than I usually read, but I knew that going in.)
It only took me two days to wolf this down because the writing was to engaging, the characters so compelling, and the story itself is layered. The empire is in the brink of collapse, with rival clans vying for terrible power and the future of all is on the line. But so are the hearts of the characters. Rejection. Shame. Responsibility. Expectation. Longing. Betrayal. Rage. Desperation. Nobility. Honor. Compassion. Sacrifice. Painful pasts and complicated emotions clash as Ash and Jade go through the motions of their respective positions, but greater and grander things than human ambition are in motion. It's not just a story about saving the world and the couple getting together. It's about the inherent value of life. Of love without condition. Of identity based on more than position. Of choices, their consequences, and the hope and work of healing. Of intentions for evil being used instead to the good of both individuals and ultimately the world as a whole.
There are deep and abiding truths woven throughout the epic and fantastical adventure, and I appreciated that! All in all, we laughed, we cried, we kicked butt and ate candied haws. It was great.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There are lots of fun elements in this story, not the least the title one can fully appreciate only after having read it, and a unique, captivating world. And while I did enjoy it, and Jade and Ash were pretty well-rounded characters, the rest of the cast were a bit flat and the overall plot a bit stunted, especially for the length of the book.
While my attention was captured right of the bat, the beginning was a bit bogged down with the characters thoughts and feelings - which were a bit repetitive - and I wished that more of that page time was dedicated to Ash and Jade interacting and showing us how they felt about each while the world was unveiled, rather than just their thoughts about the upcoming tournament and their marriage alliance.
I did really enjoy the ending, and really appreciated how Skelly made Ash the leader and the protector, and Jade - who had just as important and difficult of a role - in more of a supporting role. I can’t tell you how tired I am of books pushing a narrative that men and women are no different, when anyone with siblings can tell you that’s a lie.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
SPOILERY THINGS BELOW
The one thing I really disliked was how the Oracle, a being of light and good, actively used evil things to bring about the right future. In the story, she’s kind-of like a god-figure, and God has nothing to do with evil - He doesn’t use it, He doesn’t make deals with it, nothing like that - yet the Oracle partners with a character to curse Ash. Coupled with the use of the Storm Hag to defeat the shadows, rather than requesting the Oracle’s help, in the battle, and both things left me with a bad taste because stories affect how we see the world, and misrepresentation of God and His character is never a good thing.
While my attention was captured right of the bat, the beginning was a bit bogged down with the characters thoughts and feelings - which were a bit repetitive - and I wished that more of that page time was dedicated to Ash and Jade interacting and showing us how they felt about each while the world was unveiled, rather than just their thoughts about the upcoming tournament and their marriage alliance.
I did really enjoy the ending, and really appreciated how Skelly made Ash the leader and the protector, and Jade - who had just as important and difficult of a role - in more of a supporting role. I can’t tell you how tired I am of books pushing a narrative that men and women are no different, when anyone with siblings can tell you that’s a lie.
I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
SPOILERY THINGS BELOW
The one thing I really disliked was how the Oracle, a being of light and good, actively used evil things to bring about the right future. In the story, she’s kind-of like a god-figure, and God has nothing to do with evil - He doesn’t use it, He doesn’t make deals with it, nothing like that - yet the Oracle partners with a character to curse Ash. Coupled with the use of the Storm Hag to defeat the shadows, rather than requesting the Oracle’s help, in the battle, and both things left me with a bad taste because stories affect how we see the world, and misrepresentation of God and His character is never a good thing.
May 26, 2026
An Alliance of Ash and Jade is a stand alone adult fantasy that blends the marriage of convenience trope with enemies to lovers: She enters the marriage alliance for an edge on the upcoming challenges that are part of crowning the next Emperor of All. He enters the marriage alliance for means to seek vengeance for the curse he believes she cast. Yet over time and with shared grief and hurt, feelings shift. But they’re from two different clans with two different goals—and their relationship has a set date to end.
I cannot gush over my favorite parts like I want to without spoilers but I will say the second challenge…!!!!
I must commend how wonderfully the author is able to dive into the backstories of the MCs and give them emotional connection for true feelings to develop. It’s just a really good love story with amazing world building. I truly, truly enjoyed this book (and stayed up way too late one night to finish it!)
A must read for fans of Rune by Victoria McCombs and Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan!
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*CONTENT NOTE: There is a pretty intense makeout scene BUT there is no on-page s*x. Still, with the one steamy scene (they are married) and some innuendo/references throughout, this is definitely a book for adults only—even so, adult clean romance readers should, as always, practice discernment in what description level of physical intimacy they’re comfortable with.
**I received an ARC but am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I cannot gush over my favorite parts like I want to without spoilers but I will say the second challenge…!!!!
I must commend how wonderfully the author is able to dive into the backstories of the MCs and give them emotional connection for true feelings to develop. It’s just a really good love story with amazing world building. I truly, truly enjoyed this book (and stayed up way too late one night to finish it!)
A must read for fans of Rune by Victoria McCombs and Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan!
—————————
*CONTENT NOTE: There is a pretty intense makeout scene BUT there is no on-page s*x. Still, with the one steamy scene (they are married) and some innuendo/references throughout, this is definitely a book for adults only—even so, adult clean romance readers should, as always, practice discernment in what description level of physical intimacy they’re comfortable with.
**I received an ARC but am leaving an honest review of my own volition. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The beginning of the book felt a little disjointed, but i'm glad I continued reading. The story develops into a beautiful love story with twists that I did not see coming. The world building was pretty interesting and was easy to follow.
The plot was at times predictable but there were definitely twists I was not expecting. I feel the author succeeded in having a pace that didn't drag but revealed things in a way that didn't feel rushed.
The competition trials were interesting and had their own uniqueness but they felt a little glossed over at times.
The romance starts out with a marriage or convenience and it was interesting to see the mmc Ash have to come to terms with what he expected and what was reality. The growth the fmc Jade went through was impactful. I liked that the romance didn't feel rushed, but developed from reluctant allies to friends to more. The characters have time to learn about each other, and it didn't feel superficial.
Overall, the story was moderately paced with good world building, well rounded main characters and slow burn romance. I wish we were able to learn a little bit more about the world as a whole and more of the history, and a bit more of the other characters but Jade and Ash's story was wrapped up nicely.
I received an arc copy and all thoughts are my own.
The plot was at times predictable but there were definitely twists I was not expecting. I feel the author succeeded in having a pace that didn't drag but revealed things in a way that didn't feel rushed.
The competition trials were interesting and had their own uniqueness but they felt a little glossed over at times.
The romance starts out with a marriage or convenience and it was interesting to see the mmc Ash have to come to terms with what he expected and what was reality. The growth the fmc Jade went through was impactful. I liked that the romance didn't feel rushed, but developed from reluctant allies to friends to more. The characters have time to learn about each other, and it didn't feel superficial.
Overall, the story was moderately paced with good world building, well rounded main characters and slow burn romance. I wish we were able to learn a little bit more about the world as a whole and more of the history, and a bit more of the other characters but Jade and Ash's story was wrapped up nicely.
I received an arc copy and all thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The summary: I loved the story and the characters! There was a lightness to this book, even with the stakes and the tension, that made it an easy read. And I would definitely re-read it!
The good: I loved the two main characters, Ash and Jade, and how passionate they both were about protecting those they cared about. I really enjoy a book where the characters marry for a purpose and grow together throughout the book from enemies to friends to eventually more, and seeing Ash and Jade go on that journey together was really satisfying. I loved how both Ash and Jade gradually took more responsibility and agency in their lives and learn to make their own choices. Also, the world had a really unique combination of cultures, and it was fun to see them collide.
The okay: The beginning was a little harder to follow, but after a couple of chapters the story really gripped me, and I didn't have any trouble enjoying the rest of the plot. The book's world and magic are full of lore and history, but I wish we could have gone into them deeper.
I received an ARC of this book. These are my own thoughts!
The good: I loved the two main characters, Ash and Jade, and how passionate they both were about protecting those they cared about. I really enjoy a book where the characters marry for a purpose and grow together throughout the book from enemies to friends to eventually more, and seeing Ash and Jade go on that journey together was really satisfying. I loved how both Ash and Jade gradually took more responsibility and agency in their lives and learn to make their own choices. Also, the world had a really unique combination of cultures, and it was fun to see them collide.
The okay: The beginning was a little harder to follow, but after a couple of chapters the story really gripped me, and I didn't have any trouble enjoying the rest of the plot. The book's world and magic are full of lore and history, but I wish we could have gone into them deeper.
I received an ARC of this book. These are my own thoughts!
April 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this no spice romantic fantasy and didn’t want to put it down! It sucked me in from page one and didn’t let up. A marriage of convenience where one of the parties wants to kill the other? Phenomenal. I loved the enemies to sweethearts moments with these royals, only one bed, a curse, a fox shifter, challenges, and magic.
Ash’s wings have been bound by a curse and he blames his new wife. Together they compete in challenges to determine who will be the next emperor of their world. These challenges are harrowing (hello Hunger Games vibes) and they leave you breathless. Twists and turns, murder, loss, and grief: these pages hold so much!
This is my new favorite book by this author and I cannot wait to read more! The romance is fade-to-black (with some steamy make out scenes) in marriage, intimacy level 3.
TW: Death, Loss of Loved One, Grief
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Ash’s wings have been bound by a curse and he blames his new wife. Together they compete in challenges to determine who will be the next emperor of their world. These challenges are harrowing (hello Hunger Games vibes) and they leave you breathless. Twists and turns, murder, loss, and grief: these pages hold so much!
This is my new favorite book by this author and I cannot wait to read more! The romance is fade-to-black (with some steamy make out scenes) in marriage, intimacy level 3.
TW: Death, Loss of Loved One, Grief
I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I greatly enjoyed this book. The action and tension pulled me in and kept me enthralled throughout the story. I especially loved Jade and Ash's love story and how it progressed, it felt natural and not at all like they hated each other and then suddenly fell in love for no good reason. There were even valid reasons for their hatred and opinions of each other. I loved the world-building and wish there had been more of the world in the story. I'm so curious about so much of the world and felt like some of it wasn't explained or explored. All in all, I'll definitely be returning to this story.
*I received an early review copy for my honest opinion.
*I received an early review copy for my honest opinion.
April 9, 2026
I received an early copy and I loved it. It is a rollercoaster of emotions, a new fascinating world and two people who hate each other but are thrown together in a marriage to save their world.
Very well character building and growth and a devasting betrayal. Awesome story!!!!
Very well character building and growth and a devasting betrayal. Awesome story!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such an incredible story from start to finish. I loved every moment. The beautiful way the characters grew closer together and learned to trust each other was *chefs kiss* perfection.
The twists had me twisting, and the turns had me turning. It had spectacular pacing and wonderful moments of humor that will have you laughing out loud.
I'm so thrilled I got to read this fabulous book early. I recommend it!
Thank you so much for an early copy, the review and thoughts are my own.
The twists had me twisting, and the turns had me turning. It had spectacular pacing and wonderful moments of humor that will have you laughing out loud.
I'm so thrilled I got to read this fabulous book early. I recommend it!
Thank you so much for an early copy, the review and thoughts are my own.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews