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Rise of the Wounded Dove
Princess Layla Eradellian survived captivity, war, and the kind of heartbreak that never fully heals. Yet her court still expects her to sit still, look pretty, and keep her mouth shut with war on the horizon. But Layla is done pretending. They forget she didn’t survive by being obedient.
Prince Kain Drakaren was born to break rules, not enforce them. He swore he wanted nothing to do with thrones or politics. Yet he can’t seem to stay away from a sharp-tongued, blade-wielding princess who makes him want to fight harder than he ever has.
She is his weakness.
He is her temptation.
And war is the worst possible time to crave each other.
But when Layla’s fire calls to him, Kain answers with taunts, with teeth, and every wicked promise he’s never dared desire before.
The realm is rotting.
Gods are stirring.
Desire is becoming the one thing that might ruin everything.
And this wounded dove is about to rise and ravage anyone who stands in her way.
Prince Kain Drakaren was born to break rules, not enforce them. He swore he wanted nothing to do with thrones or politics. Yet he can’t seem to stay away from a sharp-tongued, blade-wielding princess who makes him want to fight harder than he ever has.
She is his weakness.
He is her temptation.
And war is the worst possible time to crave each other.
But when Layla’s fire calls to him, Kain answers with taunts, with teeth, and every wicked promise he’s never dared desire before.
The realm is rotting.
Gods are stirring.
Desire is becoming the one thing that might ruin everything.
And this wounded dove is about to rise and ravage anyone who stands in her way.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2026
4 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was able to read this book in just two days. would have been one if my kids would let me read that long. I loved the watching Laylas growth in this book and how her relationship with her sisters grew. the author did a great job keeping the story moving. it didnt drag even when they were stuck in negotiation. the story still progressed well. it was nice to see her fight what her place was vs what she needed to do for her kingdom. I think there was enough spice but still very plot driven. I really liked the 2nd book in this series!
February 1, 2026
I LOVE Rise of the Wounded Dove! Alexia Gray’s writing is so vivid I can see everything happening in front of me, and the dialogue is chef’s kiss. Watching Layla work through her trauma and come out stronger was amazing. Layla and Kain’s banter just keeps getting better and better, funny, flirty, and full of spark. The gods and goddesses added so much depth, and the spice is just right, hot but not over the top. I cannot recommend this enough!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
5⭐️
Less than 24 hours is all it took for me to fall in love with this story and the characters all over again. The triumph, the banter, the love that knows no bounds, and duty above all. But the amount of healing done in this book by our FMC has my heart igniting with her ❤️
The ending was unexpected, enchanting and so beautiful. But did it ever leave me needing more.
I cannot wait for book 3! Thank you so so much Alexia for the arc. I hope to continue this journey with Layla soon 🤞🏼
Less than 24 hours is all it took for me to fall in love with this story and the characters all over again. The triumph, the banter, the love that knows no bounds, and duty above all. But the amount of healing done in this book by our FMC has my heart igniting with her ❤️
The ending was unexpected, enchanting and so beautiful. But did it ever leave me needing more.
I cannot wait for book 3! Thank you so so much Alexia for the arc. I hope to continue this journey with Layla soon 🤞🏼
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Rise of the Wounded Dove" was a true delight to read— the sequel to Alexia Gray's "Love of the Bladed Dove." Another 5 star book! I LOVE a book that engulfs my emotions while I read.
AND, I NEED to know what is going to happen next, after that ending?!?! How are things going to play out?! I cannot wait to read the next book!
From chapter to chapter the words brought up true emotion in me. I found myself smiling from ear to ear, crying under the covers, getting sweaty from spicy scenes, relating to characters, and never wanting to put the book down.
A romantasy war book about love and choice, birthright and destiny, and living loud to become what you were born to be.
I am totally enveloped in the characters development and growth. I am so exited for the next book to see it continue!
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Favorite quotes:
"The spark flared bright and steady, marking her as one who would one day stand at the turning points of the world."
"He had seen warriors bleed bright and die bold. He had known women who could cut a man down with a smile. But he had never seen strength look like her’s. Not loud. Not demanding. Something quieter. Stubborn. Enduring. A kind of strength he could not fight or outpace, one that stood steady even when she trembled."
"If she needed to fall apart, she could do it here. If she needed to hide, he would be the place she hid. And when she was ready, he would help her rise again."
"You made him more than a blade, you made him a man.”
"He had seen men die in a hundred ways, but nothing had prepared him for the kind of sacrifice that did not look like glory. It looked like love."
"She needed comfort. The kind only a sister could give. A presence that asked for nothing. That required no strength, no explanations. Just breathing. Just being."
"She knew too well that some walls only rose higher if touched."
"She was not a princess waiting to be placed like a pawn on her mother’s board. She was a leader now. She had commanded. She had bled. She had survived. And she would be heard."
"The scribes took their notes from the mouths of men while the queen, crowned and radiant in the firelight, stood ignored at the head of her own table."
"She was going to change the world. He knew it in his bones."
"Call me that again,” he murmured, taunting and sure, “and I’ll show you just how breathy my first name can sound on your lips.”
“Dove, they’ve caged you in lace and manners and convinced you it’s iron.”
“You’re playing a long game in a world that’s already burning. You can’t afford to whisper at men who won’t listen when the walls start to fall.”
“But we also fight because survival isn’t something you wait for someone else to hand you. You take it. You bleed for it. You guard it with teeth bared.”
“Come find me if you have another nightmare,”
"This was new. Speaking without shrinking. Without apologizing for the space her words took."
“Men who need to stake claims are afraid of what they can’t control,” he said quietly. “That’s why you think you own her. But you don’t. You’re just standing in her way.”
“Those who are silent,” she said softly, “are often the most dangerous at the table. Like a viper, Your Majesty. You never hear it before it strikes.”.
“I see no problem with a woman leading an army, only a problem with a kingdom too foolish to let her.”
"Gods, she was radiant. Not adorned by titles or lifted by permission. She stood as she was, commanding simply by existing."
“Trust yourself, little one. Trust what burns inside you. You have felt it, that pull, that fire that tells you that you were meant for more. This is your chance.”
“I’ll be whatever you need me to be, Dove,” he said quietly, the words no longer a tease but a vow. His voice dropped, rough and certain. “Friend. Sinner. Salvation.”
"Lead. Choose. Love."
AND, I NEED to know what is going to happen next, after that ending?!?! How are things going to play out?! I cannot wait to read the next book!
From chapter to chapter the words brought up true emotion in me. I found myself smiling from ear to ear, crying under the covers, getting sweaty from spicy scenes, relating to characters, and never wanting to put the book down.
A romantasy war book about love and choice, birthright and destiny, and living loud to become what you were born to be.
I am totally enveloped in the characters development and growth. I am so exited for the next book to see it continue!
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-
-
-
Favorite quotes:
"The spark flared bright and steady, marking her as one who would one day stand at the turning points of the world."
"He had seen warriors bleed bright and die bold. He had known women who could cut a man down with a smile. But he had never seen strength look like her’s. Not loud. Not demanding. Something quieter. Stubborn. Enduring. A kind of strength he could not fight or outpace, one that stood steady even when she trembled."
"If she needed to fall apart, she could do it here. If she needed to hide, he would be the place she hid. And when she was ready, he would help her rise again."
"You made him more than a blade, you made him a man.”
"He had seen men die in a hundred ways, but nothing had prepared him for the kind of sacrifice that did not look like glory. It looked like love."
"She needed comfort. The kind only a sister could give. A presence that asked for nothing. That required no strength, no explanations. Just breathing. Just being."
"She knew too well that some walls only rose higher if touched."
"She was not a princess waiting to be placed like a pawn on her mother’s board. She was a leader now. She had commanded. She had bled. She had survived. And she would be heard."
"The scribes took their notes from the mouths of men while the queen, crowned and radiant in the firelight, stood ignored at the head of her own table."
"She was going to change the world. He knew it in his bones."
"Call me that again,” he murmured, taunting and sure, “and I’ll show you just how breathy my first name can sound on your lips.”
“Dove, they’ve caged you in lace and manners and convinced you it’s iron.”
“You’re playing a long game in a world that’s already burning. You can’t afford to whisper at men who won’t listen when the walls start to fall.”
“But we also fight because survival isn’t something you wait for someone else to hand you. You take it. You bleed for it. You guard it with teeth bared.”
“Come find me if you have another nightmare,”
"This was new. Speaking without shrinking. Without apologizing for the space her words took."
“Men who need to stake claims are afraid of what they can’t control,” he said quietly. “That’s why you think you own her. But you don’t. You’re just standing in her way.”
“Those who are silent,” she said softly, “are often the most dangerous at the table. Like a viper, Your Majesty. You never hear it before it strikes.”.
“I see no problem with a woman leading an army, only a problem with a kingdom too foolish to let her.”
"Gods, she was radiant. Not adorned by titles or lifted by permission. She stood as she was, commanding simply by existing."
“Trust yourself, little one. Trust what burns inside you. You have felt it, that pull, that fire that tells you that you were meant for more. This is your chance.”
“I’ll be whatever you need me to be, Dove,” he said quietly, the words no longer a tease but a vow. His voice dropped, rough and certain. “Friend. Sinner. Salvation.”
"Lead. Choose. Love."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
I applied to be an ARC reader for this story before I knew anything about the series, or the previous story in book one, Love of the Bladed Dove by Alexia Gray. I spent time reading the first book, and I was initially excited about the set up of our strong FMC who rescues her sisters and mother and leads the charge to take back her kingdom after her father has passed. That book sadly didn’t live up to my initial excitement and you can see my review about it if you’d like. However, I’d seen enough of a strong FMC and a decent enough ending to see what Alexia Gray had in store for us in book two, Rise of the Wounded Dove.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t live up to even my (admittedly) low expectations. We lose one of the MMCs at the end of the first book and book two picks up a month later, but then immediately goes back to give us insight into what happened in that month. I’m not sure why the author chose to do this. It didn’t add anything to the story. They could’ve just picked up the story where we left off, especially since the sneak peek at 30-days forward didn’t really set up anything shocking or revelatory. All we see in the first ~30% of the story, which is when I chose to DNF giving this the 1* rating, is our fierce FMC from book one, Layla, being forced by her patriarchal society to become less - less strong, less outspoken, less trained (something her father was insistent on when he was alive), and less independent so she can have the heir for the kingdom and the new king. We see Kain, our MMC, trying to draw the “bladed dove” from book one out in her, but it’s too little, too late as she’s decided that her best way to rise to be a queen is to be demure and quiet. Meanwhile, there’s a new, darker threat (that distinctly resembles a threat from a very popular dragon romantasy book) that’s now been thrown in out of nowhere and it made very little sense in the context of book one and the ongoing story for book two other than to manufacture tension and a reason for Kain to return to Layla in Graystonia.
It was at this point that I decided to DNF the story. I’d been struggling through the first ~130 pages for several days (which is rare for me) and after my earlier struggles with book one I just felt that this story didn’t have enough to keep my interest. What interest I’d had with our FMC was gone. I didn’t particularly want to see any outcome of what’s happening in the realm, between the kingdoms or between our FMC and MMC romantically. Despite the rising sexual tension between the main characters, there’s nothing of note within the first 30% of the story so I’ve rated it 0 peppers although that may change later in the story.
I’ll be honest, I was really disappointed with both these books. This was my first time reading anything by this author and only my second ARC, but based on this experience I don’t plan to read anything further by Alexia Gray unless it came highly recommended by a trusted source. I found the plot and character development significantly lacking and it feels like the writer pumped out something that would earn them a designation as an author by self-publishing and making a few pennies as people read it on Kindle Unlimited. I hope they’re able to further develop future stories through critique groups and the editing process because they had a kernel of a good idea that was not cultivated into a satisfying read.
Unfortunately, the story didn’t live up to even my (admittedly) low expectations. We lose one of the MMCs at the end of the first book and book two picks up a month later, but then immediately goes back to give us insight into what happened in that month. I’m not sure why the author chose to do this. It didn’t add anything to the story. They could’ve just picked up the story where we left off, especially since the sneak peek at 30-days forward didn’t really set up anything shocking or revelatory. All we see in the first ~30% of the story, which is when I chose to DNF giving this the 1* rating, is our fierce FMC from book one, Layla, being forced by her patriarchal society to become less - less strong, less outspoken, less trained (something her father was insistent on when he was alive), and less independent so she can have the heir for the kingdom and the new king. We see Kain, our MMC, trying to draw the “bladed dove” from book one out in her, but it’s too little, too late as she’s decided that her best way to rise to be a queen is to be demure and quiet. Meanwhile, there’s a new, darker threat (that distinctly resembles a threat from a very popular dragon romantasy book) that’s now been thrown in out of nowhere and it made very little sense in the context of book one and the ongoing story for book two other than to manufacture tension and a reason for Kain to return to Layla in Graystonia.
It was at this point that I decided to DNF the story. I’d been struggling through the first ~130 pages for several days (which is rare for me) and after my earlier struggles with book one I just felt that this story didn’t have enough to keep my interest. What interest I’d had with our FMC was gone. I didn’t particularly want to see any outcome of what’s happening in the realm, between the kingdoms or between our FMC and MMC romantically. Despite the rising sexual tension between the main characters, there’s nothing of note within the first 30% of the story so I’ve rated it 0 peppers although that may change later in the story.
I’ll be honest, I was really disappointed with both these books. This was my first time reading anything by this author and only my second ARC, but based on this experience I don’t plan to read anything further by Alexia Gray unless it came highly recommended by a trusted source. I found the plot and character development significantly lacking and it feels like the writer pumped out something that would earn them a designation as an author by self-publishing and making a few pennies as people read it on Kindle Unlimited. I hope they’re able to further develop future stories through critique groups and the editing process because they had a kernel of a good idea that was not cultivated into a satisfying read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Here is my review for Book 2: Rise of the Wounded Dove by author Alexia Gray and all I can say is that I am absolutely OBSESSED✨! I am so grateful to read and review this breathtaking book!
From the very first chapters, I was completely pulled into this world and into Layla’s journey. Watching her navigate expectations while holding onto her hope and strength was so powerful and inspiring 👑🕊️
I also LOVED the romance in this book. The way the love story slowly takes shape, built on trust, belief, and emotional depth, had me glued to the pages 🩷. The tension, the longing, and the way the characters support one another? PERFECT.
Layla’s bond with her sisters, Ciana and Aerilynn, only growing stronger and deeper? I adored that so much. I truly loved seeing their connection grow and deepen 🥹💙.
Now… the spice 😮🔥🔥! Let’s just say the tension and passion were done SO well, and impossible to put down 😉. And when things get intense, they get INTENSE in the best way possible.
Honestly, I loved every part of this book and can’t stop thinking about it. If there’s more to come in this world, I will absolutely be there 📖✨ Thank you so much for trusting me with this ARC 💖.
From the very first chapters, I was completely pulled into this world and into Layla’s journey. Watching her navigate expectations while holding onto her hope and strength was so powerful and inspiring 👑🕊️
I also LOVED the romance in this book. The way the love story slowly takes shape, built on trust, belief, and emotional depth, had me glued to the pages 🩷. The tension, the longing, and the way the characters support one another? PERFECT.
Layla’s bond with her sisters, Ciana and Aerilynn, only growing stronger and deeper? I adored that so much. I truly loved seeing their connection grow and deepen 🥹💙.
Now… the spice 😮🔥🔥! Let’s just say the tension and passion were done SO well, and impossible to put down 😉. And when things get intense, they get INTENSE in the best way possible.
Honestly, I loved every part of this book and can’t stop thinking about it. If there’s more to come in this world, I will absolutely be there 📖✨ Thank you so much for trusting me with this ARC 💖.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It is a talent to tell a story in a way that paints such a vivid picture. This story sent me into the pages. I was there in the room as Layla demanded to be heard, I was a private spectator to Layla and Kain’s delightful banter. I felt every raw emotion, deflated with her each time a man told her where her place was, followed by the rage fueled by a man’s audacity.
The pacing, the plot, the character growth. 👏 Break free of those chains & change history, girl! You can’t help but root for Layla. Because as a woman, in one way or another, we’ve stood in her shoes.
I cannot tell you if the writing is perfect or her grammar is spot on, but I can tell you that this author is a story teller. And I cannot wait to read anything else she publishes.
The pacing, the plot, the character growth. 👏 Break free of those chains & change history, girl! You can’t help but root for Layla. Because as a woman, in one way or another, we’ve stood in her shoes.
I cannot tell you if the writing is perfect or her grammar is spot on, but I can tell you that this author is a story teller. And I cannot wait to read anything else she publishes.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I rated book 1 in this series 3 stars and while I wish I could do a 3.5 or 3.75 for this one, 4 stars is where I landed.
Like I knew she would, Alexia has already improved so much as an author and I really enjoyed this story. This book did not have the pacing issues of the first book and the yearning and tension was delicious. And like any new author there’s still room to grow!
Where the first book gave us a love triangle of sorts, this one gave us the angst of forbidden love. I was in it hook line and sinker. Part of that may have been because this story centered around my favorite of the love interests from book one!!
I can’t wait to see where book 3 takes us. I’m already stressed about it.
Like I knew she would, Alexia has already improved so much as an author and I really enjoyed this story. This book did not have the pacing issues of the first book and the yearning and tension was delicious. And like any new author there’s still room to grow!
Where the first book gave us a love triangle of sorts, this one gave us the angst of forbidden love. I was in it hook line and sinker. Part of that may have been because this story centered around my favorite of the love interests from book one!!
I can’t wait to see where book 3 takes us. I’m already stressed about it.
January 28, 2026
Thank you so much to Alexia Gray for sharing an early copy of Rise of the Wounded Dove with me! It was an amazing sequel to Love of the Bladed Dove and I fell in love with the characters all over again. The chemistry between Layla and Kain is to die for and I absolutely devoured this book. I can’t stop thinking about the ending and cannot wait to see where the story goes next! The artwork throughout the book is also absolutely phenomenal. If you love Romantasy books that includes a strong fmc, a morally grey mmc, amazing character development, witty banter, and some spice I could not recommend this series more!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As an ARC reader, I loved this continuation of the story. The slow burn buildup was immaculate and every interaction and moment of tension felt deliberate and delicious. I finally got the closure I desperately needed from book one while somehow still being left wanting more. The suspense carries just as hard in this installment and the tension between the main characters is intense in the best way. The main character energy is still absolutely fire and once again the men have me sweating. I closed this book already counting down to book three because I need it now. Highly recommend if you love being fully invested, slightly stressed, and completely obsessed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book so much! I couldn’t put it down!
The author does such a great job with the world building and character development.
The chemistry and banter between Layla and Kain is perfection.
The spice was chef’s kiss
I loved Layla’s character growth in this book, as well as the connection she has with her sister’s
The cliffhanger at the end was totally unexpected and I cannot wait until the next book comes out!
The author has such a beautiful way of writing!
This is definitely a 5 star read for me!
The author does such a great job with the world building and character development.
The chemistry and banter between Layla and Kain is perfection.
The spice was chef’s kiss
I loved Layla’s character growth in this book, as well as the connection she has with her sister’s
The cliffhanger at the end was totally unexpected and I cannot wait until the next book comes out!
The author has such a beautiful way of writing!
This is definitely a 5 star read for me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow!!!! I absolutely fell in love with Layla. Her and Kain found a place in my heart to take up permanent residence. Her strength to stay silent, and his constant support, all until the time was right. Queen Okteria and her respect for Layla as a woman and a leader. I really want Ryker to have a story, as I truly believe he is just a product of his environment. This entire series has my heart. My only complaint is that I WANT MORE!!!!! That ending...I need to know!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
When I say this book is everything I wanted, in fact needed, and more. Layla inspired fire in my own veins, and steel in my own will. She is strategic, passionate, loyal, and ever adapting to the-albeit stupid at times-hurdles that her own kingdom has relentlessly caged her with. Ryker surprised, Kain challenged, and Ciana and Aerilynn healed something in ne. And that twist at the end? Deliciously devious yet again Alexia. Beautifully done, and I cannot wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
How can I be both satisfied AND wanting more?? This book accomplishes just that. The Rise of the Wounded Dove was the perfect continuation of the story of Princess Layla and her fight to save her kingdom. An excellent balance of fantasy, plot, and spice. And just like with her first Drakaren novel, Alexia Gray left me on the edge of my seat waiting eagerly for the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
On the edge of my seat! A slow burn that kept me coming back. Had that jaw dropping- “I knew it” moment - if you know you know! So thankful the author is a bada** and had book two out so fast! Learning to love to read again. An amazing read and loving the story and character development. It’s all in the title, truly a RISE of our DOVE!
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!! I finished book one in about three days and book two carried that same momentum! I normally find the politics of romantasy books to be fairly boring and my eyes tend to glaze over, but the way those parts are written here are still so engaging. I also loved learning more about the various gods in this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Phenomenal Book left me wanting more can’t wait for book 3 slightly obsessed .. the spice was on point the characters are delectable .. it gets intense at times one the edge of your seat and is beautifully written definitely unputdownable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
AHHHH I could not put this book down, I absolutely loved it. Being able to watch Layla’s growth, and seeing her relationships develop with her sisters and Kain made me love her so much more. I cannot wait to see what will happen next, and how she will continue to grow.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The first book was a page turner for me and when I was able to get my hands on book 2 i was ready to fill in the blanks on what happened in doves love life. A good mix of war, love and a woman biting her tongue until the time is right if there ever is truly a right time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is so well written! I love these characters! I love their character development, the banter, all of it! I feel like some sequels fall short but this did not! Will recommend to anyone !
February 17, 2026
Really enjoyed this second book! Just like the first book I couldn't put it down.
Loved the character growth in this book!
Definitely a must read!!
Loved the character growth in this book!
Definitely a must read!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews