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The Tides Of Xanthia

Not yet published
Expected 16 Apr 26
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Fans of Fourth Wing, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Quicksilver, and Phantasma...meet Alianna and Rionan.

Rionan, the immortal Lord of Western Xanthia, is fleeing a realm consumed by civil war. Betrayed by a corrupt Lord bent on conquest, his people face annihilation unless he uncovers an ancient, hidden solution. His desperate search for answers leads him into Alianna’s world, where interest leads to obsession.

Alianna craves a life beyond her quiet routines. She seeks purpose, connection, and to do something that matters. Little does she know that when she finds a handsome stranger washed up on the sand, she is set on a path that will change her life forever.

What begins as an irresistible attraction quickly deepens. As enemies close in and the fate of Xanthia hangs by a thread, Alianna and Rionan race to uncover the knowledge that could save his realm.

Loving an immortal Lord is intoxicating. Will Alianna find the purpose she is searching for - or will this path cost her everything?

A high-stakes adult romantasy novel.
Contains explicit content.

Trigger warnings for sexual content, descriptions of war and death, explicit language, false identity.


Popular tropes and

Whirlwind romance High stakes Hidden identity Powerful Lord from another realm He's obsessed with her Otherworldly civil war Spicy chapters Normal, human female main character Main characters are described as late twenties - early thirties

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication April 16, 2026

8 people are currently reading
27 people want to read

About the author

Evelyn Briar

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Hannah.
13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 18, 2026
I consider myself so lucky to be a beta reader for ToX.
Alianna is the most relatable heroine and Rionan is the unproblematic mmc of our dreams.
The first half of the book is heavily involved in building their relationship organically and realistically and the world building grows around the couple, so lovers of strong romances in a high fantasy/romantasy setting will love this!
The wonderful supporting characters (especially Shadow!!!!), fascinating worlds to explore and compelling villains really have me so excited for the second instalment!
Thankyou to the author for allowing me a sneak peek!
14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 18, 2026
The Tides of Xanthia is a whirlwind romantasy with a super relatable FMC. Long lost heirs and assassins seem to feature in a lot of books now, and it makes a refreshing change to have a "normal" FMC, as well as "properly adult" MCs (not 16 - 21 year olds).
The final chapters were unrushed as well as visual.
The world is built outwards along with the couple's relationship, and the book is left open for a second instalment.
Fans of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and Quicksilver are sure to like this.
Spice level: 3/4 out of 5, 3 detailed spice chapters as well as plenty of sexual tension and other paragraphs which allude to things or aren't quite as graphic.
2 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2026
I’ve just finished The Tides of Xanthia and I already need book two.

Like many romantasy novels, it takes a little time to settle into the world and characters — but honestly, that just made the payoff even better. Around the 30% mark I was completely hooked and desperate to know what would happen next, and by the final 60% I genuinely couldn’t put it down.

Alianna is such a relatable main character — she has a normal life, works in a coffee shop and has a dog — which made the story even better. Her journey felt real, and I found myself completely invested in her choices rooting for her and Rionan from the start.

The romance and spice are perfectly balanced: the spicy moments are well written, add depth to the story, and never feel overdone or out of place. They fit naturally into the narrative which was good.

The ending wraps up the story in a really satisfying way while also setting up the next book beautifully. I closed the book with so many questions, theories, and an overwhelming need to know what happens next.

I read The Tides of Xanthia as an ARC copy — thank you so much for the opportunity, Evelyn. If you’re a romantasy lover looking for a story that pulls you in and refuses to let go, this is absolutely one to add to your TBR. You can preorder it now on Amazon.
3 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 30, 2026
Received this book from the author as I am on the Arc team.

Fantastic, well paced, engaging story line, the romance and yearning was amazing and frustrating at points which just added to the story, the spice when we got there was 😋🤤🔥
The way Rionan loved Alianna was everything we book girlies want and more.
The way it ended was 😫😫 and I can't wait for the second book!!!
3 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 8, 2026
Thank you Evelyn Briar for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

He is looking for a way to save his realm. She is expecting a simple summer fling. What follows is a whirlwind romance.

The Tides of Xanthia is easy to read, it never dulls. It has all the right ingredients; a magical soul-bond, a relatable human FMC, a MMC who falls hard, hidden identity, an otherworldly civil war, a cute dog, and of course there is spice! All those ingredients are evened out perfectly, nothing was too much or too little.

What I really liked is how the story takes place in both the human realm as well as in the magical realm of Xanthia. It somehow made it all feel more realistic. (Or should that it makes me dream about it being real?). Rionan's and Alianna's romance starts out very cutesy, and as it deepens you can really feel how torn Rionan is between this new found love and having to find the solution for saving his realm and to leave.

I fell in love with the relationship between Rionan and Alianna. I fell in love with Shadow, because well.. I just love dogs. But I also just fell in love with magical, big, strong men who have tiny hearts. Ulreah, Thallax. I just want to give them all a big hug.

And waaah, that ending just leaves me craving book 2. I need to know how this will all unfold. How it will affect... well.. everything.

I truly recommend the Tides of Xanthia if you like a cute, spicy romantasy with high stakes.
The Tides of Xanthia releases April 16th and is available for pre-order now!
6 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 10, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Author

4⭐️

A whirlwind romance between the MCs Alinana and Rionan. A solid read and an easy to follow writing style from this author.

From the very first pages, this story pulls you in and doesn’t let go. The pacing was spot-on for me, it draws you deeper into the world without feeling rushed or slow. The magic system is simple enough to be accessible but still offers plenty of intrigue.

It’s refreshing not to be bogged down by overly complicated rules—just enough to make it feel real and engaging.

I’m invested in Alianna and Rionan’s story, who doesn't love a MMC who loves on his woman🤭 and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them next. Definitely a book worth diving into if you’re looking for something well-paced, with just the right amount of magic, heart and romance.
Profile Image for ChokeholdByFiction .
168 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 7, 2026
✨️ ARC Review ✨️
This was a solid read and I really liked the premise. The magic system is simple but still interesting, and it sets up a world that I want to know more about. I do wish there had been a bit more worldbuilding, but I’m hoping book two expands the setting and gives us more depth as the story grows. 😊
The romance between the MCs was sweet. Definitely a bit on the insta-love side, but I still enjoyed it. And the spice? Hot, but not shoved down your throat constantly. It was well balanced.
A small downside for me was the dialogue at times. The conversations didn’t always flow naturally and occasionally felt a bit childish.
But that ending? Both heartbreaking and so damn exciting. I’m absolutely curious to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Jessica.
100 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 26, 2026
Arc Review

I was lucky enough to be part of the street team for this book.

It took a moment to gel with the writing style and I think that is because I was expecting the usual names I had to figure out how to pronounce and lore that I had to write a reference note for! Once I realised that wasn't the case, I let out a sigh of relief and I settled in!

​The Tides of Xanthia is a charming, breezy fantasy that feels like a Hallmark movie with a magical twist. If you are looking for a comfort read that has heart, fast-paced chemistry, a devoted hero to both his world and his girl, with a smidge of political maneuvering that keeps the stakes high, this is a perfect choice.

Rionan, our male lead, is a genuine nice guy! His golden retriever energy is a breath of fresh air, and it is clear from the start that he will become obsessed with Alianna which I just love. Watching his total devotion to her grow was easily the highlight of the book.

Alianna is a relatable human-world barista (with the most adorable dog named Shadow!). What I found most unique about her was her reaction to the "secret identity" trope. When she discovers Rionan hasn't been entirely truthful about his name or origins, she chooses empathy and open communication. It was refreshing to see a heroine who gives the lead a chance to explain rather than leaning into unnecessary conflict.

I particularly loved the take on the fated mates trope here. Instead of it being a rigid, forced destiny, their bond is rooted in their emotions and shared connection. It makes their "insta-love" feel more like a deep, soul-level connection.

The romance features some great steamy moments that felt well-integrated. The spice is HOT but does not overshadow the plot

The story is fast paced and grips you in a way that will keep you reading, leading up to a cliffhanger that will have you completely shocked and itching for book 2!
Profile Image for Krisztina Fodor.
5 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 25, 2026
I was kindly gifted an advanced reader copy of this book by the author before publication.

The Tides of Xanthia is truly a slow-burn romantasy that will make you crave more.

We meet our MMC, Rionan, from another realm at the beginning of the story, and get a glimpse into his world, ravaged by war.
In a desperate attempt, to find a solution to end the war, his powers whisk him away into the human world.
This is where we meet our FMC, Alianna, a young woman in her late 20s, living her everyday life wanting more out of it.
They cross each other's paths, and as they say: the rest is histroy
As we get to know the characters and their story, we witness Alianna & Rionan's friendship blossoming into a sensual, electrifying relationship ( insert spicy scenes here).

In the 2nd half of the book we are transported back to Rionan's world, where Aliana's character really comes to life and becomes the heroine of the story.
The world building of Xanthia is really well executed, with magical creatures and a simple, easy to understand magic system that flows through the whole realm.

Now, the story leaves us with a cliffhanger and I will need book 2 asap so that I can get answers to my questions...
I am also hoping to see more of our side characters in the next instalment.

This is an absolute 5☆ read from me.
The story flowed really well, the characters and world building was excellent, and the spicy scenes were 👌👌👌, I'd say somewhere around 3/4, depending on your level of tolerance.
Profile Image for Gee.
6 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 23, 2026
ARC review

Like with any book it took me a couple of chapters to get into the writing flow, the storyline and the characters within these pages. But once there I found myself bliss within the cosy romance that starts off at the beginning, which isn't always the case. We had our main MFC Alianna that could of been any one of us & she was relatable! 🙌🏽. Then a sweet yet powerful MMC Rionan that was as they say a 'golden retriever' kinda guy. We got to get to know these characters and see the connection between them grow & blossom. Living with them in their little bubble for a time. But when the tides turn and we are transported to his realm, this is where the fantasy side really kicks in and we are thrusted (along with Ali) into the chaos and the world he lives in. Thats where it really comes to life! The beauty of his world, the magic system which is intriguing without being complicated, more characters that you get meet and just want to be friend yourself. Plus the ending.. oh I honestly could of just thrown my kindle 😂 

It was a refreshing take to a romantasy but with still having all the bits you like within a romantasy and I'm certainly intrigued with where book 2 is going to take us. 
Profile Image for Ashley - ReadingGamer.
83 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 29, 2026
"I am not sure I have found what Xanthia needs. I know now that I have found what I need. I love you, Alianna."

✨ Book Review — The Tides of Xanthia by Evelyn Briar ✨
⭐ Rating: 5 / 5

📖 Spoiler-free summary:
When immortal lord Rionan flees his realm, on the brink of collapse, his search for a way to save his people leads him to Alianna - a woman longing for purpose beyond her quiet life. What begins as chance quickly turns into attraction, and a race against time as Rionan knows enemies are closing in. With Xanthia’s fate hanging in the balance, love and duty collide in a story of devotion, sacrifice, and impossible choices.

💭 My thoughts:

This book was AMAZING - I loved every second of it. Rionan and Alianna were absolutely made for each other. Watching their romance bloom felt natural, emotional, and beautifully written, and the spice was fantastic 🌶️

I especially loved Rionan’s internal struggle between his heart - Alianna - and his duty to save his realm and his people. That tension felt real and grounded the romance in something bigger, which made every decision hit harder.

The ending was phenomenal - with genuinely emotional moments - and I am already counting down the days until book two. I didn’t want this story to end!

📅 Release date: April 16th
Add this to your TBR immediately - it’s fantastically written, immersive, and an absolute delight to read. I cannot recommend it enough. 🖤🌊
Profile Image for Holly.
5 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
ARC review
Alianna is such a sweet soul — a good friend, a devoted dog mum, and honestly the kind of heroine you root for from page one. Her dynamic with Tasha is warm and believable, giving the story a grounded emotional core even as the magic ramps up.

This book blends romance, comedy, fantasy, and magic in a way that feels effortless. The magical system is easy to understand without ever feeling simple, and the worldbuilding is rich with war, shifting realms, and a loyal dog called Shadow.

I found myself enjoying it more and more as I went, with Chapter 5 being the moment everything really clicked for me. The vibes reminded me of Good Spirits, Heavenly Bodies, and even a touch of ACOTAR — that same mix of whimsy, tension, and emotional pull.

And if you’re thirsty for drama, magic, or slow‑burn tension… consider yourself quenched.

The ending leaves you on an exciting cliffhanger that practically demands the next book. I’m already impatient for it.
4 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 31, 2026
✨️ARC Review✨️

I devoured this book! I read it all in one day, I was hooked!

The beautiful relationship between Rionan and Alianna - it was well paced, spicy in parts but not in a cringey way, and not so in your face you get sick of reading about it, it was perfectly balanced and naturally placed.

I really enjoyed the story of Rionan and what he was trying to achieve, the difference between realms and reading more about Xanthia (I won't spoil it by saying more).

A heartbreaking story, filled with love, sorrow and tension. I can't wait to continue this story when book 2 comes out.
2 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 29, 2026
review 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What a treat to be given an ARC from author @evelynbriarauthor. A fabulous writer & an even kinder human.
Our story starts with our FMC in a bit of a rut in a fictional seaside town, quickly escalating to meeting our magical MMC. From there things move fast- the world building & magic system is easy to understand- which I definitely appreciate...& the ending. Oh the ending!! When is book 2 out?! 🤣🤣 Rush to preorder your copy now!!
Profile Image for Stacy H..
82 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 12, 2026
4.5⭐️/2🌶️
A tale of a realm in chaos with a corrupt lord. A tale of a savior who does everything he can, ready to sacrifice himself, just to save his people and his world. A tale of dramatic revelations, unforetold power, and a love that crosses realms. A tale of acceptance, bravery, and pain. This story will leave you in a book hangover while at the same time dreaming up theories with your friends of what it all means and what will happen next.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙩𝙪𝙥:
Rionan is Lord of the West of Xanthia, and he is fighting the Lord of the East, Rannirr. Recognizing he’s about to lose, Rionan gathers all his power from the land and its well inside himself to keep it safe and flees — to a realm occupied by humans.

Alianna lives close to the beach, and upon her daily walk with her dog, Shadow, they discover an unconscious male. She immediately calls 911 and follows the ambulance to the hospital. Hours later, upon Rionan waking up and completely unharmed, they part ways… or so they thought.

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙩:
For some unknown reason, Rionan’s power brought him to this realm, and he needs to find out why here while also finding a solution to stopping the Lord of the East before he can return to Xanthia. However, he keeps bumping into Alianna, and so he starts to think maybe she is a piece to the puzzle. This whirlwind romance starts as a cute Hallmark-esk romance, but its twists and turns will keep you on your toes!

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚:
Their strange connection is one neither of them understands at the beginning. Being drawn to her like a moth to a flame, Rionan wants to worship her body, prove how glorious she is, until his name is the only thing that she remembers. With Alianna, Rionan feels alive, hopeful, and not alone. Alianna feels stuck in her mundane routine and decides to have a summer fling with Rionan. But will she be able to say goodbye when it’s time to leave? Will she discover Rionan’s hidden identity?

𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
This civil war is giving Rionan a choice: his realm, or Alianna. Who will win? Who will die? How much pain can one heart hold? The longing, the heartbreak, the sacrifice — Come along for a ride with twists and turns and a romance for the ages.
Profile Image for Jordan Riddell.
13 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 19, 2026
The Tides of Xanthia by Evelyn Briar is one of those stories that grips you from the word GO. I stayed up until 3am to finish it - it left me speechless. What a story - an incredible experience all round!

This book is a whirlwind Romantasy that had me enamoured from the very first chapter! With the otherworldly civil war going on, the stakes are high and so much is at risk; the story perfectly blends heartfelt romance with that epic fantasy tension! ✨

At the heart of this story is the FMC, Alianna - A character who truly comes into her own over the course of the book. The way in which she finds her confidence throughout is beautifully written; her evolution feels empowering and earned (which it 100% is!) ♥️

Her relationship with Rionan is a top contender as one of my favourite parts of the book. What had started as a beautifully genuine friendship quickly shifts into something more - a bond I wish everyone could experience! Together as a team, they work to solve the ever-imminent troubles of his world. The side characters are all brilliantly written and I felt like I knew them on a personal AND physical level.

Evelyn has given us the opportunity to view this window into another realm: filled with loss, love, lies and insights that have added that much more depth of emotion than I’ve seen within recent reads. And don’t worry!! There is SPICE 🌶️ I would rate spice levels at about a 3 or 4 / 5, depending on reader tolerance 🫡 With 3 detailed spice scenes, it’s the perfect amount to compliment the romance without overwhelming the plot - by the way, it was otherworldly 🤪

Overall, The Tides of Xanthia is a captivating story filled with heart, tension, and unforgettable characters. If you love fantasy worlds, high stakes, and a whole lotta love, this book is definitely one to watch out for!!💫📖
2 reviews
dnf
February 7, 2026
I received this book as an ARC and unfortunately did not end up being able to finish it, therefore I don't think I'm able to give it a star rating. I ended up reading about 1/3 of the way through.

I did like the relationship between the main character, Ali, and her best friend, Natasha. I thought Ali was quite a relatable character- a woman in her 20s seeking meaning and community. I like a lot of the scenes in the cafe, I thought they were funny and really gave a sense of what Ali's everyday life was like in this seaside town. I also really liked Rionan's powers. It's really interesting to have a somewhat sentient power that speaks to you but doesn't always make sense.

I struggled with the inconsistency in the writing, particularly the dialogue. Sometimes the dialogue was charming and funny (I enjoyed the text conversations), and other times it felt like characters were not speaking in a way normal humans would speak (Rionan gets a pass on this). There were a couple continuity errors that made it difficult to imagine exactly how scenes were taking place. I also thought that the pace of the novel didn't match the urgency established in the Prologue.

I think another reviewer described it best when they said that this felt like a Hallmark movie. I think the author would write strong romance plots and could see a lot of their skills working for a pure feel-good romance or rom-com.
Profile Image for Bianca.
76 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 3, 2026
After receiving this ARC from the author I read the book in 3 days. It was so beautifully written, with main characters that were relatable with real world problems, as well as fantasy world problems. The book is based in the real world in a place called Porthan, filled with beaches and cafe’s and just small town vibes. The book moves onto an otherworldly place called Xanthia and this place just sounds heavenly.

The main characters Ali and Rionan are that epic couple that keep you turning the page with plenty of funny moments and tense times that just keep the reader attuned. My favourite side character had to be Shadow though he was the epic match maker after all.

The book will have others and does end with the reader wishing there were a few more chapters but that’s the fun of a fantasy novel you are left wanting more.

I thoroughly felt that while reading the book I was there, the descriptions of locations and the scenery I could picture easily. I loved being introduced to new characters throughout the entire novel and overall it’s one of my favourite reads of this year.

Grab yourself a pre-order now!

Profile Image for Vicki Freezer.
83 reviews3 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
Firstly this is def 3.5 stars, and i really wish goodreads would let us do partial stars, because it doesn't deserved 3 stars, but it's also not a full four for me.

This had promise, and I really enjoyed the premise of the book, it sounded so interesting, and I liked it, i just felt that it fell a little short for me. I felt like we needed a little more worldbuilding. It was also a little bit of an odd mixture. I felt like the story/characters/development moved to quickly, and yet, the story moved slowly at the same time.

Rionan has escaped his war-torn country, in hopes of finding a solution to help stop the tide of darkness, and he embarks on a love story instead, like there is just no sense of urgency to find out why he's there, and how he's going to save Xanthia.

The relationship between both MMC/FMC was a little insta love, but honestly, I don't mind that, and I did enjoy their relationship and how they progressed and stuff.

I mean i finished this in one sitting, i had fun with it, i enjoyed it, and that ending was good as well, i just, wanted a little more.
Profile Image for Maya K.
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 9, 2026
The Tides of Xanthia is a romantasy I would describe as a good time,
The first half of the book gave me rom-com, Hallmark movie vibes, lots of banter, flirty romance made me smile while the second half of the book was action packed, fast paced, kept me guessing.

The writing was simple, easy to understand, nothing heavy like in world building fantasy books even with this story taking place in both the mortal world and the magical realm it was easy to digest.

The FMC was relatable and the MMC gave ‘touch her and you die’ vibes, who doesn’t love that in a book boyfriend or a real life one? 

The spice levels were passionate and romantic and I loved the usage of the phrase ‘soul bonded’ instead of ‘fated mates’ which is used a lot in romantasy books these days imo

The story ends on a cliffhanger leaving the reader guessing as to what might happen next so I look forward to reading the second book in this series.

Thank you to the author for selecting me to be an ARC reader in exchange for my honest review 
Profile Image for Holly (Hollys Tea & Books).
38 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
Thank you to the author for making me part of the review team and gifting me an ARC of Tides of Xanthia.

Tides of Xanthia tells the story of Alianna and Rionan and their quest to save Rionan's home. The book explored romance, adventure, magic, friendship and heroism throughout.

I enjoyed the relationship between Alianna and her friend, Natasha, and how this gave warmth to the first half of the book. It felt realistic and I liked the way their friendship introduced the characters and brought banter and humour to the beginning of the book.

I did feel the build up to the second half was a little long but did allow for the relationship between Alianna and Rionan to be built up. It may also be my impatience showing as I wanted to know what would happen next! The cliffhanger at the end has set up the story to continue in book 2, which promises to be full of more magic and adventure, and potentially come heartache.
Profile Image for Caryl Ann.
52 reviews4 followers
February 4, 2026
🤯🌊 Well… I did NOT expect Tides of Xanthia to sweep me away like this.

Fantasy / romantasy is usually sooo out of my comfort zone (I went in slightly nervous, not gonna lie 😅) but wow… this is genuinely one of the best books I’ve read. Ever.

I absolutely loved it. The mix of real world setting with Rionan coming from another realm made it feel grounded but still magical, perfect for fantasy newbies like me.

Alianna & Rionan? Yep. Fully invested. Rooting for them HARD 🥹✨

No spoilers because you deserve the ride… but let’s just say that ending?! I nearly launched my Kindle at the wall. Actual emotional damage 😂

Now I’m sitting here like:

👉 Book hangover ✔️
👉 Emotional attachment ✔️
👉 Desperate for book 2 ✔️

Huge thank you to Evelyn for the ARC, I know it’s not out until April, but respectfully… I need the sequel immediately please. My sanity depends on it 😌📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (and honestly, I’d give more if I could)
2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 12, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book, and honestly? I had a good time with it.

First of all, can we get a round of applause for a fantasy romance featuring a relatable FMC not in her teens!

The romance—because this was not a slow burn. No, they jumped right in, (even if it happened a bit fast,but who doesn't love a bond?) and I respect the efficiency. The chemistry was immediate, the tension was clear, and the story didn’t spend half the book pretending we didn’t all know where it was going. It was refreshing and kept the pacing strong.

Story-wise, it was engaging and easy to disappear into. At times, the plot beats felt a little familiar or “basic” in the sense that you could see certain twists coming—but honestly? Sometimes that’s not a bad thing. It made the book feel comfortable and fun rather than exhausting.

Overall, this was a fast, entertaining read with strong romantic energy, solid worldbuilding, and a grown relatable women main character -this one delivers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 2, 2026
An enjoyable debut from the author. I’d describe it as “cosy romantasy”, kind of like if Laurie Gilmore meets fantasy.

It was interesting to havethe MMC be the one whom traveled to a different world and be out of place for a change. This had kind of Enchanted vibes. I like the chapters in Xanthia more, perhaps because they are more typical romantasy.

It has a lot of the tropes you would expect from the genre and they were well delivered. The only thing I would have liked more is if it took a little longer for Ali to trust Rionan before falling in love with him and being happy to transport to a different realm, leaving behind her friend, dog and whole life to head into a war she knew nothing about.

Great cliffhanger ending, intrigued to know what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jess Winton.
16 reviews1 follower
February 4, 2026
I had the absolute luxury of being on the street team plus get an ARC read for this book.
This book was an absolute whirlwind! I honestly adored Alianna and Rionan so much, their relationship was extremely cutesy and melted me.

This book really does have it all.
- Hidden Identity
- “Normal” Human FMC
- Otherworldly Civil War
- Whirlwind Romance
- Magical Soul Bond
- Powerful MMC
- He’s Obsessed with her

Rionan struggle in having to choose between his duties as a Lord or his love for Alianna was especially heartbreaking and not something he was expecting.

Now if we discuss what happened near the end?! I’ve still not forgiven the author for my aching heart. I honestly had no idea how the ending was going to go and I’m glad for that. I am already ITCHING for book 2
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for viki edwards.
20 reviews1 follower
February 1, 2026
The story of Xanthia is a tough one, with a lonc and mysterious past. A rollercoaster of emotion from start to finish. A Lord of a fantasy realm, and a woman who works in a coffee shop, no way they could meet right? Well, think again! They were fated to meet in a race against time to save Xanthia.
Beautifully written from start to finish, its hard not to feel a connection to the characters. With love, loss and adventure throughout. This book took me on a journey that I cannot wait to continue in future.
Profile Image for Katie Jane.
8 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
January 22, 2026
I was very kindly gifted a copy of this book by the author, and I'm so grateful for this.

I had to sit with this book after finishing it. I feel a bit lost not coming home to read it.
It has everything you could want: action, adventure, romance (with spice), a beautiful realm (that I want to live in), and a faithful furry companion!

I was engrossed and obsessed and could not get enough.
My only complaint is that I need more. More of Xanthia, Alianna and Rionan.
2 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2026
📖 The Tides of Xanthia by Evelyn Briar 🌹

✨ARC REVIEW✨

This book is an enjoyable easy read. It’s well paced, the writing is good and the characters are relatable. The image of a magic Lord enjoying mimosas did give me a chuckle though lol.
There is A LOT of the frustration and yearning that we all love and a MMC torn between his duty and his heart. I felt the ending really elevated the story alongside the characters own stories, and I can say I’m intrigued at where that goes in Book 2!!
Profile Image for Heather Deffley.
85 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 12, 2026
What a read, I loved it, couldn't put it down and it had me laughing and crying! I didn't realise this was part of a series, which is my bad and it does finish on a cliff hanger, though its not horrendous I am impatiently waiting to get my hands on book two.

Loved the story, the spice, the characters just everything about it. Honestly add this to your TBR, you wont be disappointed.

Evelyn's books are must reads for me, that says a lot!
Profile Image for all booked up .
28 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 1, 2026
3⭐️
This definitely has the potential to be a 5 star series, however for me the first book sat more at 3 stars.
The romance moved a little too quickly and the story/fantasy element a little too slowly. Though this is my personal preference!

I did love the relatable ages of characters as opposed to having an 17/18 year old FMC.
Grateful for the ARC copy and looking forward to book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

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